Nathan

[FONT="Arial"][quote name='ChibiHorsewoman][color=#9933ff']I try... but dammit all to Hell (which hasn't been removed from the dictionary yet) if those sins aren't so addictive. A lot of them get stuck in my head and I just think about them all day.[/color][/quote]Pick up a regular dictionary and you can have all the sins you want. =P Anyway, it's a junior dictionary so other than to find a few of the choices odd, I don't see a problem at all. Still removing sin... I can't help but laugh a little at that one. I can just imagine a kid telling their parents they're wrong since sin isn't in the dictionary. [/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"]Pretty much everything I might have said has been covered already. My only sentiment at this point is that I feel sorry for the kids. One can only imagine how [I]interesting[/I] their upbringing is going to be with parents like that. [/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"]Woah.... o_O Thank you everyone. I don't really know what to say other than I promise to do my best for Crystia. [/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"]It seems I have yet to start a thread in this place so... I'll start with what I was browsing through this morning. An article on how many Americans are cutting back on their holiday spending this year, even if the current economic situation isn't hitting them too hard. If you're curious about it, the article can be found [URL="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28075751/"][U]here[/U][/URL]. Now since it might be interesting to see how this has impacted people's lives, I'll get the ball rolling. For myself, my holiday spending this year won't be cut back for reasons I'm not going to go into here. But if you put that aside, I've always been a bit reserved with my spending since I invested in purchasing a home a few years ago. Now the current crisis didn't bother me any since buying well within your means and not being stupid enough to get a variable mortgage rate does wonders. However, I do know people who in spite of the current economic slump, are still spending just as recklessly now, if not more, than they did last year. It feels like a desperate attempt to pretend nothing is wrong when I hear them talking about the items they have bought and trips they are planning on taking this holiday season. In addition to that I've even read an article in the newspaper by someone saying they were tentatively predicting the recession could be over as soon as June of next year. I don't know about the rest of you, but I don't believe that for a moment. So I intend to keep holding back on my spending. What about the rest of you? Has it made a huge difference this season or not?[/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"]Okay, I've been playing this and enjoying it. I especially like how it's had more cut scenes than Tales of Symphonia ever did. Since those kind of things are nice in my opinion. And the story though a bit odd, has been interesting enough to keep me going. I like the voice acting and the over all story so far is entertaining. Now I just got past the part where the next section [spoiler]falls after the mines did.[/spoiler]I'm curious about one thing and that is, am I the only one who thought the animation for the [spoiler]war breaking out was awful? It was a mix of 3-D with the ships and crummy animation of the fighting.[/spoiler] I don't know about all of you, but I would have rather had no cut scene than that disaster. It was awful. I hope that's the only one like that. Can anyone enlighten me on that aspect? Anyway, back to playing the game. I got a copy of the anime episodes that are out so far and I want to stay far enough ahead so watching that doesn't spoil the plot for me.[/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"]I haven't made any set plans yet. Getting time off from my job isn't a simple matter. I already got Thanksgiving off so I imagine that I will be working on Christmas day. Getting the holiday off is usually a trade sort of deal. You get one, you don't get the other. Since someone has to work, we never close, ever. Someone has to be available 24/7. I'll still do stuff with friends, but I doubt I'll have time to do stuff with my family, the same for New Years as well. My time off will be on the 29th and the 30th. Right in the middle of the two holidays. [/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"][quote name='Epitome][size=1] Now, I'm not sure if this is against the rules of OB but I was wondering if anyone could possibly give me their D2 and D2: LOD keys or give me some information about whether or not Blizzard will replace them. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.[/size][/QUOTE]I don't know about the rules, but giving away your key to someone else does create the dilemma of them not being able to use it for the online and multi-player mode. My understanding is only one account per code can be created, so if someone's really into that, they're unlikely to fork over their key. I'm not into it a lot, but I do log into the battle.net from time to time so I wouldn't give my keys out to anyone.[QUOTE=Nessaja']Also, why is it that no place seems to sell old PC games? I've been looking for the old Unreal Tournament for a while now, but with no luck.[/quote]It's not that hard to find it. You just have to look around at places other than local stores. It's possible that Amazon has what you want: [URL="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_vg?url=search-alias%3Dvideogames&field-keywords=unreal+tournament&x=0&y=0"][U]Unreal Tournament[/U][/URL][QUOTE=Epitome][size=1]Just so you know Nassaja, you can go to the Blizzard Website, [url]www.blizzard.com[/url], and go to the store and download the game from there as long as you have a CD-Key. That's what I am trying to do because the only way you can download it from the website is if you have an official D2 and/or D2: LoD Key.[/size][/QUOTE]You can also follow this route as well if you have the necessary stuff to mail in to Blizzard: [URL="http://us.blizzard.com/support/article.xml?articleId=20639&categoryId=2616&parentCategoryId=&pageNumber=1"][U]Key Replacement[/U][/URL] Anyway, hopefully that helps. [/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"]This one is fun. [CENTER][IMG]http://punditkitchen.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/political-pictures-big3-perhaps.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER][/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"]Heh, this one is perfect. =P [CENTER][IMG]http://images.icanhascheezburger.com/completestore/2008/11/28/128723328127625004.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Uh oh... [CENTER][IMG]http://images.icanhascheezburger.com/completestore/2008/11/29/128724981241092754.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER][/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"]So we're on to Star Wars are we? Very well, I can do that. =P [CENTER][IMG]http://images.icanhascheezburger.com/completestore/2008/11/19/128715725435262485.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] And another one just to wrap it up with. [CENTER][IMG]http://roflrazzi.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/darth-vader-lord-vader-demands-an-explanation.jpg?w=500&h=401[/IMG][/CENTER][/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"][quote name='ChibiHorsewoman][color=#9933ff]Oh I wasn't worried that they'd do anything to her. I was thinking more along the lines of them saying things to her about you that you would rather they just leave unsaid. Like how my boyfriend knows about some dumb thing I did when I was like ten thanks to my mom because I let them talk to eachother. Plus the alcohol is a natural vocal lubricant.[/color][/QUOTE]I know. But the reasoning is the same, dumb things or not I'm not really worried about that. I don't have a problem with her knowing some of the stupid things I did as a kid. Because I was, just a kid, that and she already knows about how my brothers and I thought it would be a bright idea to start a bonfire in one of the older barns. A fire that resulted in burning the entire building down. =P [QUOTE=ChibiHorsewoman][color=#9933ff']Trust me any family as sane as they can be can still manage to emberass you. Okay so most of you probably don't have a (former) mother-in-law who got herself pissed (drunk) at your wedding reception or a grandma (may she rest in peace) who engages in pro-life demonstrations and tells people how terrible it is that Muslims don't know about Jesus. But everyone has family who will inadvertantly emberass them at one point or another. So just nod and claim that you're adopted and it'll all be over soon.[/color][/quote]Of course, that's why they're family. They know just what to say or do to embarrass you. I guess I didn't convey that right, I want the visit to be a nice experience for her, I'm already use to my family's paticular brand of wackiness. Anyway, I think that about covers it really. [/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"][quote name='TimeChaser]I mean, I knew that Richard's father [spoiler']was already dead at the start of the book, and hadn't he had Richard memorize the entire Book of Counted Shadows when he was a boy?[/spoiler][/quote]He did. So the entire back history of how that happened and why is pretty much gone. Like a great many other things since some of my friends are still watching it just so they can pick it apart. Last weeks episode was pretty pathetic as well. But I'm done spelling out why this adaptation is horrible. [/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"][QUOTE=TimeChaser]I haven't seen any of the episodes yet, and I don't even think it's being carried on any channels in our area, because a scan of this weekend's TV guide drew a blank. I could download them, but I'm not even sure I would bother with it if it's as bad as everyone says it is.[/QUOTE]You're not missing anything trust me. This could take a while but, to give you a general idea, and I?m assuming that you?ve read the book? It was obvious from the beginning that it wasn?t going to be the same at all. First glaring contradiction, one of the [spoiler]four members of the quad escapes instead of dying[/spoiler] They of course then go and talk to Richard?s brother on account of his position and conveniently the survivor has [spoiler]Richard?s bone necklace since he grabed it when shoved over the edge during the fight.[/spoiler] Oh and let?s not forget that Richard didn?t run into those trees with the thorns since lo and behold [spoiler]his father isn?t dead and Richard is living with him, so he is bitten by a vine that acts like a snake and injects something into his palm (at the end of the fight with the quad) instead of the thorn on the back of his palm that he had encountered before he even saw Kahlan.[/spoiler] Then this [spoiler]quad member convinces the council that Richard is being put under a spell by a witch (Kahlan) and they go looking for her by heading to Richard?s father who is alive.[/spoiler] Kahlan then uses the wisp in order [spoiler]find the great wizard Zed. Richard doesn?t go with her since he thinks Zed is some crazy old man instead of a friend. Richard goes to see his father and only leaves when the others show up looking for him. Richard then shows up later at Zed's place and he uses magic to save the day and remove the venom from his hand where the snake vine bit him. [/spoiler] I think you can see where I?m going with this, one melodramatic deal after another. Kahlan demands that he tell her where the seeker is so she can and I kid you not [spoiler]give him the book of counted shadows which Richard can read by simply looking at it since he?s the ?true seeker?. I'm sure I don't need to remind you that the book was destroyed long before Kahlan showed up. [/spoiler] Now Richard in this TV joke show is a complete idiot and refuses to believe what he?s been told [spoiler]that he?s the seeker, so he leaves and arrives at his father?s house just in time to hear his dying words that he?s not his true son. Naturally he has the book since that makes it easier for them to pull a stupid stunt in the show. He then battles with the quad member who killed his father and the ?book? conveniently falls into the quad member?s hands (stupid stunt I was alluding to a moment ago).[/spoiler] Apparently that?s their true goal, to find Kahlan and get that from her before she can give it to a seeker. A little while later the others find Richard and of course go after the [spoiler]quad member who got the book. They are accosted by the villagers and the wisp (who is still alive) blocks an arrow in order to save the ?one true seeker?[/spoiler] They even spend a moment where Kahlan has a little memorial since the [spoiler]wisp gave up her life for the seeker.[/spoiler] What?s really sad is that I?m only giving you the highlights here, watching that premiere was just painful since it was so utterly stupid the way they handled it. They even had a so called magic ceremony to name the seeker with showy graphics and lightening coming out of the sky. At one point [spoiler]Zed saves Kahlan and Richard from a Gar using wizards fire.[/spoiler] Seriously... wtf? Now I?m sure you remember the barrier between the two lands right? Apparently in this it?s not quite the same thing at all. The [spoiler]quad member kidnaps the border guardian Chase?s daughter and uses her as a hostage to get information on how he can get around the barrier. He takes her to that bone woman who gives him the nightstone. Richard and the others go there seeking Chase's help only to find out what happened. Oh and let's not forget that Richard manages to save the day and kill a Gar while saving Chase?s daughter a little later on.[/spoiler] Never mind the fact that most of what I?ve listed so far never happened in the book, by now I'm sure you've seen that other than names and hints at events in the book, they're just making it up however they see fit. Switch back to Lord Rahl, who was cast as a brunette instead of blonde? just a tiny thing but kind of messes him up really. He orders [spoiler]his wizards to attack the barrier, using catapults to hurl fire to take it down.[/spoiler] Now considering what the border really is? that was just pure BS. For one thing [spoiler]it takes several days to cross and it's the underworld not some magical barrier that can be brought down.[/spoiler] And the way the wrapped it up? where Richard and Kahlan manage to catch up with the one who [spoiler]stole the book of counted shadows. It was at the border, just as the attacks brought a part down, allowing a group of soldiers to come through where they were located.[/spoiler] Oh how terribly convenient. And Richard somehow manages to tap into [spoiler]the dance of death which he won?t even learn about until in the second book, in order to stop the small force that comes through. Oh and naturally he burns the book in a dramatic gesture to keep it from falling into enemy hands.[/spoiler] [I]*rolls eyes*[/I] So having read that? I think you can see why people are so disgusted by what they did. They literally turned it into a melodramatic soap opera. They altered the characters personalities in a manner that turned them into someone else. Richard was never that stupid in the first book and a lot of what I mentioned of course didn?t happen either. For all intents, it's not even the same story anymore. It's a watered down altered [I]waste[/I] of a show. I really hope the author gave away too much creative license instead of actually agreeing to that drivel they're airing. [/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"][quote name='ChibiHorsewoman][color=#9933ff']Now if it was a dart board with either Bush or Cheney's face on it (or maybe something cool and interchangable like that) I'd be all over something like that.[/color][/quote]Now that would be fun. Playing darts with something like that would be amusing. Might even be worth the money spent to buy the silly thing. [/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"][QUOTE=ChibiHorsewoman][color=#9933ff]Just hide anything that could be used as incriminating evidence and try to get your family to avoid alcohol at all costs. Also make sure that your girlfriend isn't alone with any family memebers who would say anything less than favourable about you. If that doesn't work become an orphan.[/color][/QUOTE]Oh... lol It's not that kind of being excited/nervous. My family doesn't drink and I'm not worried about her being alone with any of them. She's more than capable of taking care of herself (and I'm not just saying that since she's a member here). It's more a case of well, just wondering how they'll get along. That and I don't usually bring someone along when I do get to go home. I do have a pretty sane family though, well as sane as any family can get. =P Thanks for the advice just the same.[/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"]I like jogging to stay in shape. When it's warm out I'll jog outside but most of the time I use a treadmill that I bought a few years ago. I usually make sure I get a good workout three to four times a week. I also love to go hiking when I can. I've tried skiing but I hate getting cold so I don't go very often. Usually when friends drag me along and that's about it. [/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"]I managed to get time off from work so I'll be driving home Wednesday afternoon and then returning on Saturday. I tried to get the whole weekend off but oh well, at least I got the main days off. I didn't manage to get last year off so going to see my family will be nice. What makes this year special is my girlfriend is going with me. I'm both excited and nervous about her meeting my parents and siblings. [/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"]Disappointment doesn't even cover what they did with this. It was a non-stop [I]WTF are they doing[/I] the entire time. I was expecting somethings to be different but this just took the cake. Other than the absolute bare bones of the storyline it was completely altered and not in a good way. It's not even the same story anymore, at all. One of my friends, who is watching the disaster just so he can rip it apart, has told me a bit about the following episodes. Not only are they pulling aspects out of the other books too, but they're being twisted in the same manner as those in the first book. I wouldn't have minded some minor alterations, but ones that made it look like a cheesy, melodramatic fantasy show are unforgivable. I think the only way one could like this is if they [I]haven't[/I] read the books. And even then, it's poorly done. Anyway, I don't plan on watching anymore of it. It was just too pathetic really. [/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"]Only natural that they'd leave themselves off the list. lol [CENTER][IMG]http://images.icanhascheezburger.com/completestore/2008/11/18/128715473783628965.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER][/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"]Well since we are on basement cat... do not follow. [CENTER][IMG]http://images.icanhascheezburger.com/completestore/2008/11/14/128711910716752523.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] If you followed... [CENTER][IMG]http://images.icanhascheezburger.com/completestore/2008/11/14/128711796883595084.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Too late. =P[/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"][quote name='Katakidoushi]Why would I focus on the road to get there? How has focusing on the road to get there ever brought about change? I'm aware of the road to get there, but I want to look past that road and try to make a difference, not accept that this is going to be a long and complicated process and twiddle my thumbs. [/QUOTE]Why would you think skipping an aspect of how legislation is done is somehow twitting one's thumbs? Looking past the road as you put it doesn't change the fact that you still have to [I]travel [/I]on it to get to your destination. There is no shortcut that lets one group bypass another, even these laws banning gay marriage had to go through a process just to be put up for a vote.[QUOTE=Katakidoushi]We need to see the finish line and the recognition of civil rights to ever make a change in this country. [/QUOTE]Seeing it doesn't equal automatically getting there. Seeing it only means you know where you want to be when you finish. You have your goal in mind. I'm pretty sure everyone here sees that just fine, just as they also see that there is no easy way to get there. [QUOTE=Katakidoushi'] I believe the only way to achieve those rights is to look past the struggle, recognize the struggle... but look past it, and demand equality now.[/quote]Instant gratification never works, ever. Everyone in here sees this except you. So far everyone wants the same thing, the reversal of these laws that ban gay marriage. Seems kind of pointless to argue with people who want the same thing just because they aren't 'demanding' equal rights immediately. When those who have tried the quick path that[I] doesn't exist[/I] throw up their hands in disgust and walk away, those who have the patience to battle the system will be the ones to 'make a difference' in the long run.[/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"]As much as I was enjoying [B]Portal[/B], I've put it aside to toy with [B]Tales of the Abyss[/B] since I acquired a copy of the game. I saw a used one for sale at the game store the other day and figured that if Tales of Symphonia was fun, then this one would also be fun. So far that assumption has been correct. I am not that far into it, but enough that I'd love to shove Luke over a cliff, without a parachute I might add. Oh and enough to determine that Jade is fast becoming my favorite out of the crew so far. Another definite plus in it's favor is how it has less of a chibi look than Tales of Symphonia did. I hadn't realized how much I didn't like that until I played this game in the Tales series where it doesn't have it. [/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"]Ironically all these laws that states have been passing to ban gay marriage are doing is essentially shooting themselves in the foot. By allowing their fears of someone different having rights be put into actual law (to deny them those rights), they are indirectly proving that a concession[I] is[/I] necessary. The more they fight it (gays having the same rights as straight individuals), the more they prove that protection against such intolerance is needed. [/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"]This certainly seems like it could be him. [CENTER][B]Allamorph[/B] [IMG]http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/funny-pictures-basement-cat-summons-the-undead.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] And since this seems to be true of any site I've visited... (minus the farmer bit of course). [CENTER][B]Oldies[/B] [IMG]http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/funny-pictures-farmer-cat-thinks-back-on-the-old-days.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] [/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"]While we're on that note Darren... [CENTER][IMG]http://images.icanhascheezburger.com/completestore/2008/11/10/128708381845295626.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] And just cause it seems to be so true. [CENTER][IMG]http://graphjam.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/population.gif[/IMG][/CENTER][/FONT]