Gavin

[SIZE=1]Interesting, most interesting. Personally I think OtakuBoards has the kinds of forums and members that were meant to exist on the Internet, rather than the intellectually-devoid spam that have been mockingly called replies on other boards. The very fact that the vast majority of OB members use some variety of spellchecker before making a post that actually consists of an intelligent opinion. While we may be described as Elitists, I would personally take it as being a symbol of honour that some brainless amoeba barely able to form a word as long as Elitist would scorn a person for forming a constructive response on a forum. OtakuBoards is the best run forums I have ever had the pleasure of coming across, which sadly does make us a community apart. But even if OB is one of a handful of boards where members are actually willing to post intelligently we should be grateful there are a handful of them.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Interesting, most interesting. For anyone who wants to read about the whole event, Wiki has been kind enough to create an [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jyllands-Posten_Muhammad_cartoons]article[/url]. Personally I'm appalled that this kind of anti-Islamic artistry could not only be created in a European country, but be exported, reprinted and even expanded upon by other nations in Europe. Regardless of the reasoning behind these images, the grievously insulting nature they posses should have been enough to prevent them from ever being printed, and simply hiding behind a freedom of press shield is simply unacceptable. That said it appears as if the paper has since apologised for the images and that the situation has gone past the worst of things. [/SIZE] [QUOTE=Retribution][size=1]It goes without saying that this is extremely sick. I really thought that Europe was more open-minded than America, but I suppose not. I have yet to see or hear of an American newspaper publishing something as racist as that about those from the Middle East. Denmark really should grow up a bit -- and that's coming from an [i]American[/i] (heh).[/size][/QUOTE] [SIZE=1]I should point out to you Retri that unlike the Unites States, the European Union is not a political entity, and thus blaming the entirety of Europe for these callous images is in fact an error on your part. That said Europe like the United States varies from state to state in it's relative conservatism.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Interesting, most interesting. [/size][CENTER][B]Boromir, Captain of the White Tower[/B][/CENTER][size=1] Standing 6'4", the Captain-General of Minas Tirith towered over his younger brother Faramir. Boromir was the greatest warrior in the White Tower, perhaps the greatest warrior of Men in all of Middle Earth. His stature was tall and stalwart, his face reflected his noble birth, he was proud, gallant and feared no man, beast of abomination of the Dark Lord. Yet as the brothers sat mounted upon their great steeds, Boromir could not help but feel torn, their father Denethor II, Steward of Gondor had chosen the elder to attend the gathering of the Elf-lord Elrond in Rivendell. Boromir did not doubt his brother, but Osgiliath would be the breaking point in the defences of the White Tower, if it was lost then the evil that habited Minas Morgul and beyond would be free to attack Minas Tirith directly. "[B]You seemed troubled brother.[/B]" The comment brought a smile to Boromir?s often stern face, Faramir was as wise as their father, and could see into the hearts of men as easily as one might stare into a pool of water, there was little the elder brother could hide. "[B]I am concerned Faramir that this journey may prove to be the foundation upon which a great evil will be wrought, an evil that even the sons of the House of Húrin will be unable to avert.[/B]" He raised his hand to his chin, stroking the auburn beard that would in time streak with grey and eventually turn white, inevitably Boromir, son of Denethor would be Steward and he would be charged with safeguarding the lands and peoples of Gondor... until the return of the King. Inwardly he chuckled, not in a thousand years had an heir of Isildur come to claim sovereignty of the twin kingdoms of Elendil, and Boromir could not help but doubt whether anyone should ever come to claim them. Inside he often wrestled with his conscience as to whether or not the Stewards should simply assert their own claim to Gondor, they too were of the high blood of Numenor... "[B]You worry too much Boromir, this may simply be a meeting called to reaffirm old alliances.[/B]" Faramir patted his brother?s back in an effort to bring the grim Captain?s face into some semblance of cheer. "[B]Perhaps you are right brother, it may simply be a chance for the Elves to feel in concert with the kingdoms of Men. Perhaps they have even found an heir of Isildur and seek a great escort for his return to the east.[/B]" This time Boromir did indeed chuckle out loud at the sentiment but Faramir merely stared towards the horizon, deep in thought. "[B]Whatever the nature of this assembly Faramir I shall not discover it?s purpose if I do not depart. The journey shall be long, perhaps hazardous, even before I reach Edoras.[/B] His brother?s gaze into the horizon was broken, long had he known that Boromir admired and was perhaps even enamoured by Lady Eowyn of Rohan. Their father long wished his elder son to take a wife, but Boromir like King Earnur before him, delighted chiefly in combat and was slow to choose his bride. "[B]Give my regards to King Theoden... and Lady Eowyn[/B]" Faramir now joined un what would be only his brother?s brief merriment, for Boromir valued strength and honour more than he valued lore, music and joy. He would be a strong and just ruler one day, and while he loved his father despite his melancholy Boromir modelled himself off stories of his grandfather Ecthelion?s greatest advisor Thorongil. Nodding one final time to his beloved younger brother, Boromir shook the reigns of his steed and sped from the view of the White Tower, of Faramir and of his father...[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Interesting, most interesting. Well it seems this thread has changed from a debate on the concept of Freedom of Speech to a debate on whether or not burning a country's national flag should be legal. Personally I find the American constitutional right of Freedom of Speech to be a fascinating concept, that gives even those who would call for the destruction of the very nation they inhabit the right to voice their opinion, it just seems a very naive and wonderful liberty. On the subject of flag burning however I genuinely feel that destroying the symbol of a nation should be in some shape or form a criminal act, I don't understand why someone would knowingly destroy the emblem of their own country, although I do agree with Retri when he says there's a logical reason behind it. If an Irish person were to burn the Tricolour, the Irish national flag in my presence I must admit I would be hard pressed not to kick seven shades of shite out of that person for doing so. They're not protected by any form of freedom of expression, so they couldn't claim it was in their rights to do so, but the point is that they are desecrating something that God knows how many Irish men, several of my granduncles included, died to attain. It's not only an insult to everyone who died fighting against the then oppressive British Empire but to those people descended from them, and those people who appreciate their sacrifice. All that said I don't believe I've ever heard of any person from the Republic burning an the Tricolour, however such is all too common among Loyalist individuals in the North. Do I believe that people should have the right to freedom of speech ? To an extent. I'm not trying to cop-out of answering the question, but while I do support people's right to give their opinion of something without suffering undue consequences, I would be remised to agree to something that would allow racist groups of any denomination the right to spout their hate. Thus I agree to it only to an extent. Do I believe people should have the right to burn their national flag ? Absolutely not. For those of us who come from a country who won the right to have their own national flag instead of being part of some foreign empire, it is an insult to everyone who fought and died for that freedom. If you don't like the country, there's nothing keeping you there.[/SIZE]

[quote name='Retribution][size=1']I think that people thinking of a world government are biting off more than they can chew. Realistically, I see the European Union becoming one nation in another 100 or so years, as the cultures and languages are so intertwined due to the geographic locations of the countries.[/size][/quote] [SIZE=1]Honestly I think the EU would need to be completely revamped before it could become some kind of working continental government. What you have at the moment is a tangled ball of red tape governed by people who answer to nobody and cannot be removed without an awful lot of effort. Personally I would much rather see an open system where the representatives are elected by the people to some form of senate, after which a governing body of those members is created and from there, there is actually some semblance of work done without handing those responsibilities down to innumerable committees. The whole EU just needs to be streamlined and made a far more obvious and open organisation, if you?re elected you shouldn?t just disappear into some bureaucratic nook. Not to sound pessimistic, but one-hundred years to a complete European nation sounds a little sanguine, of course perhaps it?ll happen in less and I?m just being cynical. [/SIZE] [quote name='Retribution][size=1']I'd say a Representative Democracy, similar to that of the United States's government. It seems like a fair way to get everyone's input in a way that's proportionally fair -- why should Ireland have the same representation as China when China has far more people?[/size][/quote] [SIZE=1]You?re absolutely right, it couldn?t work on a principle whereby countries with greater populations have greater power, smaller countries like Ireland would simply withdraw. One nation, one vote is the obvious way to go.[/SIZE] [quote name='Retribution][size=1']It's a good idea to think about, no doubt. And what would the world language be, then? Basic?[/size][/quote] [SIZE=1]How about Terran ? Of course then we?d actually have to develop some global language that would be acceptable to the entire populous. Probably easier to just create a universal translator.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Interesting, most interesting. I honestly wasn't exactly sure what to expect from the title Trevor, however having read the first segment I must admit I'm rather hooked. OtakuBoards-based fan fiction often suffers from the fact that it doesn't have any realism to it, everything has a happy ending and nobody except the generically created bad-guys died, this is where Crimes of Hate and Mercy Killings are different, they do push the realism envelope and are well written enough to be compelling reads. I do look forward to the next chapter.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Like Mike said, why not ? [B]1. Pick a Band or Artist:[/B] Michael Jackson [B]2.Are you male or female:[/B] Man in the Mirror [B]3.Describe yourself:[/B] Smooth Criminal [B]4. How do some people feel about you:[/B] Thriller [B]5.Desscribe your ex-girlfriend:[/B] Dirty Diana [B]6.Describe your current girlfriend:[/B] You Rock My World [B]7.Describe where you want to be:[/B] Break of Dawn [B]8.Describe how you love:[/B] Don?t Stop ?Til You Get Enough [B]9.What would you ask if you had just one wish:[/B] One More Chance [B]10.Share a few words of wisdom:[/B] You Are Not Alone [B]11.Now say goodbye:[/B] Beat It[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Interesting, most interesting. I actually didn?t know what DDR stood for when I originally read the title, and now that I?ve fully comprehended the train of thought behind this I?m left thinking ?WTF ??. I don?t know, it just seems as if having people exercise by dancing as part of a videogame, never mind those of us who can?t dance and would grow irritated with this method of exercise very quickly, is a bit of a cop-out. I don?t know what the obesity problem in the States is like, much less West Virginia, and if this is a way to get children active and have them enjoy it then fair enough. But for those of us outside West Virginia, I think I?ll just stick to my routine of cycling, sit-ups and weightlifting to keep in shape.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Interesting, most interesting. There really is no other word than powerful to describe this, it's been said by three people before me and there just isn't any other word to use. Like Erik I do find that word offensive when it's used, because as you've pointed out it's just a word to personify hatred and oppression, and I really don't understand why it was brought back into use by the same people it was used to describe with such disgust. I mean it'd be like the Irish bringing the term Mick or Paddy back into use, when it was used to a way of describing us as ignorant, drunken, near savages. I really does make me feel sick when I think such a word was acknowledged as an acceptable term at one stage. If this were to be made into a documentary or short film man, you'd sweep Cannes. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Interesting, most interesting. Personally I think it's simply only a matter of time before we have a global government, after all we've gone from hunter-gatherer clans to individual nations, so it's inevitable that we'll eventually all rally under one banner, so to speak. I am for or against the idea ? Well honestly that would depend on the government itself, after all I come from a country of only four million people when there are cities in Europe that size and bigger, so on the one hand I'd be looking at a massive loss in voting power, after all one in four million is a far more valuable vote than one in six or more billion. On the pro side, as has already been said the idea of war between individual nations is taken off the table, unless you're talking about civil war which under a planetary government is actually a world war. You're also into the situation where divisions between people over benefits due to the size of one nation is gone to, as is case in the EU where the Germans and the French are looking for better deals and more control because they're bigger. You're also looking at a government where everyone is treated exactly the same regardless of where the live, which is something I'm sure any human being would be able to appreciate. How would this form of governance be conducted, with probably more than six billion people to govern it would simply be too difficult to get someone elected by a majority of the entire population. What might appeal to one hundred million people mightn't appeal to another hundred million, I really don't want to imagine the kind of logistics involved in something like that. Probably the best idea would be to have some form of senate, with each member elected per ten million or so people, you're still looking at about six hundred or so, but it makes a heck of a lot more sense than a voter population of six billion. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Let's have another go. [B]1. Pick a Band or Artist:[/B] Thin Lizzy [B]2.Are you male or female:[/B] Return of the Farmer's Son [B]3.Describe yourself:[/B] Soldier of Fortune [B]4. How do some people feel about you:[/B] Killer on the Loose [B]5.Desscribe your ex-girlfriend:[/B] Renegade [B]6.Describe your current girlfriend:[/B] She Knows [B]7.Describe where you want to be:[/B] Hollywood [B]8.Describe how you love:[/B] Wild One [B]9.What would you ask if you had just one wish:[/B] The Boys Are Back in Town [B]10.Share a few words of wisdom:[/B] Are you Ready [B]11.Now say goodbye:[/B] Me and the Boys Were Wondering How the Girls Are Getting Home Tonight[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Interesting, most interesting. It's weird but in the last few years the weather in Ireland has been getting progressively harder to predict. It's February now, which basically should mean a fair bit of rain and the odd cold spell, but generally we've had what I might describe as mildly pleasant weather, and I can't remember the last time we had rain. Hopefully that'll mean we'll get the same great summers we?ve been getting the last few years, but a great Irish summer is generally just a week or two of cloudless days with a gentle breeze and heat in the mid 20s, Celsius of course, perfect barbeque weather. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Interesting, most interesting. I've never seen Firefly Phil, but if it's half as good as this conversion then I'll have to try and catch an episode when I'm down under in the coming fortnight. Not to sound biased, but I quite enjoyed this new chapter, I could just picture my bar being taken straight out of Star Wars Episode IV, complete with it's kindly over-looked violence for the right price. Hopefully Corey and I should have a few more Star Buccaneers across the galaxy by the time Captain Blayze is finished. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]"[B]The single greatest reason why gay marriage should never be legalised in the Mushroom Kingdom.[/B]"[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Interesting, most interesting. That really was great, I kept reading through it wondering exactly how long you'd be able to keep getting new puns, and they just kept coming for over thirty-five minutes. It really is hard to believe that that conversation simply wasn't staged beforehand as the puns flow so well from one to the next. If anything like that should occur again Lore you have to promise to post it for us all to enjoy.[/SIZE]

[QUOTE=Charles]Why do people always say this phrase here? Interesting, [i]most [/i] interesting. Jesus H Christ, it sounds like bad dialogue from a kung fu movie. Thank goodness no one seems to say that in common conversation in real life. Sorry, I'm not trying to pick on you Gavin. Just--that--phrase. I rank it right up there with people signing their posts on my pet peeves list. [i]Interesting [/i]most [i]interesting. [/i]Gah.[/QUOTE] [SIZE=1]No offence taken Charles, when I read that though I honestly had to laugh as a lot of people genuinely won't admit how annoyed they are by those two little words, as interesting is repeated. It seems however given the length of time I've been used the phrase that people have just become accustomed to it, and as I've even observed in one or two threads, willing to use it themselves. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Interesting, most interesting. It's a pity that [B]Dead Like Me[/B] won't be continuing past it's second season as I rather enjoyed the show, it was just so different to anything else I'd seen before. I'll admit the plot to the show wasn't exactly groundbreaking, well actually the idea of seeing life through a grim reaper's eyes is pretty much untouched, but as plots go it wasn't exactly the most solid foundation. In a case where your base storyline doesn't change, i.e. that it entirely revolves around how crappy it is to be a reaper, then you need really great dialogue and thought provoking episode stories, in all honesty Dead Like Me didn't have either in the levels it required. Still a pity to see it go though.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Interesting, most interesting. [B]1. Pick a Band or Artist:[/B] Queen [B]2.Are you male or female:[/B] The Invisible Man [B]3.Describe yourself:[/B] Good Old Fashioned Loverboy [B]4. How do some people feel about you:[/B] The Miracle [B]5.Desscribe your ex-girlfriend:[/B] Radio Ga Ga [B]6.Describe your current girlfriend:[/B] I Was Born to Love You [B]7.Describe where you want to be:[/B] Seven Seas of Rhye [B]8.Describe how you love:[/B] A King of Magic [B]9.What would you ask if you had just one wish:[/B] I Want to Break Free [B]10.Share a few words of wisdom:[/B] These Are the Days of Our Lives [B]11.Now say goodbye:[/B] Don't Stop Me Now[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Interesting, most interesting. It's a fascinating idea, I had always thought nuclear fusion was still completely theoretical in nature but it would seem I was wrong. If this does actually work out exactly as planned, then all those giant oil companies had better pack their bags because fossil fuel is about to become a thing of the past. Still creating and maintaining those kinds of facilities is going to require massive investment, so it is conceivable that many of these corporations may simply going into partnership with prospective governments as investors. Investors aside, we may be looking at the next great leap in human technological development, as I recall matter/anti-matter annihilation technology is also moving from the drawing board to the lab.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Interesting, most interesting. On the one hand I'm very tempted to side with Jordan and say that people posting to say that Alex got what he deserved is insulting not only to him but to his friends as well, and I too considered Alex a good friend. But on the other I concede that Lady K is probably right in saying it's better to let sleeping dogs lie over this whole thing, because if we continue to thrash it out it's just going to turn nasty. All in all I think it's best to follow Lady K's advice, those of us who considered Alex a friend will miss him if his ban isn't overturned, and those who didn't like him will continue to think he got what was coming to him. Really it's just down to people's own feelings on the matter.[/SIZE]

[quote name='DeathKnight][color=crimson]If you guys want Green Team could imply/explicitly state that the enemies they are fighting from the same organization as Red's. Otherwise, I don't really plan to explain their presence there since [i]I can't come up with any reason that isn't cliche[/i'].[/color][/quote] [SIZE=1]Well as we already discussed over AIM Ken, I'd prefer if the enemies in Red and Green Teams' respective missions were not linked as I've already the ending pretty much planned out as to the reasons why Red Team's antagonists are here. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Red Team have now reached their last round of posts with a climactic finish and startling revelation to be revealed in the final post, tune in, or you'll miss out.[/SIZE] [QUOTE=Baron Samedi][size=1]Two things I'd like to mention to everyone. 1). Shy's post in the Arbiter. It is stunning, and even more importantly, is capable of completely changing the Legionnaires situation. Read it, it's good.[/size][/QUOTE] [SIZE=1]I agree with the sentiment completely, it's a great read and really does make you question exactly how the Legionnaires are regarded by the general public. Now so long as Red Team can keep our noses clean in London we should be able to restore some dignity to the besmirched unit, and prevent the entire world from being conquered, but good PR really should be the main objective right ?[/SIZE] [QUOTE=Baron Samedi][size=1]2). I'd like to commend Gavin on his most recent post in his mission thread. I just cannot wait for the next post... this is too interesting. A great twist, let's see how it turns out. [/size][/QUOTE] [SIZE=1]Thanks Josh, but there's no way in hell I'm taking all the credit for this, I've had a great team behind me all the way, from Raiha introducing us to our ?supposed enemy? in the third post, to Sam?s magic carpets in the post following, and let?s not forget the plain excellent characters of Tech and Era, without which we just wouldn?t have a team. I just took a few ideas introduced and weaved them all together. [/SIZE] [QUOTE=DDG][color=navy]Is the fact that both[/color] [b][color=green]Green Team[/color][/b] and [b][color=red]Red Team's[/color][/b] [color=navy]missions deal with people from alternate universes a coincidence or is there more going on here, hm? -DDG[/color][/QUOTE] [SIZE=1]Well if such is the case, seeing as I haven't actually read any of the new posts from the other teams then it's a complete fluke as I only got the idea for my most recent post in Red Team the day before yesterday, and wrote the entire thing and posted it yesterday. I'll have a look to see just how similar they are, as I genuinely didn't realise anyone else was tampering with the fabric of space time.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Interesting, most interesting. This has to be the funniest thing I've ever seen, it's just a pity that Owl Medley link doesn't seem to work as that's probably the funniest one of the entire lot. If not for Jordan I'd probably never have seen this so a sincere thank you to him for keeping my laughing for about ten minutes.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Interesting, most interesting. Well personally I think you should just tell your friend that you're concerned about them, if any friend of mine had the same concerns I'd be very happy that they cared enough to bring it to my attention. Even if they're unhappy about it in the beginning, they'll soon see you just had their own best interests at heart and consider you a better friend for it. Ah it seems the title question has already been answered...[/SIZE]

[QUOTE=Desbreko][color=#4B0082]I decided to look into this, since I remember there being a time when the "find all posts" thing would actually find [i]all[/i] of them. Pre-version 7, I think. Turns out there's an option to limit the number of search results the board will display, which was set at 200. Not seeing any harm in raising it, I set it to 100,000; basically, something high enough that it won't be cutting any off. So you'll again be able to see all of your posts ever made through the find all posts link. Have fun dredging up the past, however noobish it may be. :)[/color][/QUOTE] [SIZE=1]All hail Desbreko, restorer of the lost history of OtakuBoards.[/SIZE]