Charles

I have finished my journalism, art of writing and drawing finals, and I will finish out the semester with world masterpieces exam on Friday. The journalism final seemed fairly intimidating at first. It was [I]very[/I] thick. Considering that I had neglected to study as hard as I should have, I was a little nervous. But, I attended all of the classes, save one, so I had no problem answering almost every question and writing leads and such. Drawing was a pain. I went over my portfolio with my professor today and he thought that the female portrait that I did on Monday was my male senior citizen assignment! It wasn't a good start, lol. >_

Yes, I feel that if they include Link, there will be no Star Fox. Even if Link doesn't make it, Fox is a long shot, lol. Link wields a sword, and as Semjaza mentioned, he can possibly mesh with the artistic style. Fox, for the most part, uses a gun. I'm sure that they could equip him with the staff he used in StarFox Adventures, but his design is too childish for the game. Plus, I doubt that Namco wants to make the game too much like SSBM. O.o;;

Yes, as I've stated in my initial impressions of the game, the first thing I did was disable the trails effect. While it does lend a certain artistic perspective, capturing the tacky fluorescence of the period, it's too prevalent and distracting for my tastes. Plus, it tends to hide the game's improved resolution. On the contrary, I actually prefer to keep the effect enabled in Grand Theft Auto 3 because the game's brown and gray palette is too dull for my tastes sans trails.

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by NeoCactuar [/i] [B]No, that's compleately and utterly wrong. Many reasons. [/B][/QUOTE] Ouch. lol. Well, then perhaps she's simply the personification of Liberty City: Sexy, holding a martini, set against a vibrant orange sky, and clad in pink. It's very colorful and exotic, just like the time period and place the game takes place in. :whoops: [size=1]Heh, sorry, i wasn't in a good mood that day, and don't you mean the personification of Vice city - NeoC[/size]

Seph, I think that you're a bit confused. I wasn't comparing Soul Edge to Soul Calibur; I was comparing Soul Calibur 2 to Soul Calibur 1. lol. And yes, that picture proves that some of your most breaking news stories aren't on major video game sites or in publications, but right here at otakuboards. ^^;;

The only person who I have direct control over in the gift department is my brother. He can't really afford much, so I'll probably just snag the GameCube and PS2 monster cables from him. Well, that and a new watch. On the other hand, I got him a home entertainment system, so he shouldn't complain about my choices, lol.

The best way to tell her is to be honest with her and up front about your feelings. Don't dance around the issue, it'll only cause confusion and trouble. Meeting someone like that is a big step. Judging from your post, the two of you don't have a realistic chance of starting a real relationship. I mean, she lives far away, and you're fairly young to be juggling a long distance relationship. The most glaring aspect I've noticed is that you've yet to even meet one another in person. Before you two ever commit to spending a holiday together, I feel that it would be wise to see if you even enjoy spending time together in person. Just think about it. Rarely do two people agree to spend a holiday together after one date, lol.

[I]I think the thing I'll remember most is the taste. It's a full experience. Not only the taste of the fear, no. That's the appetizer. That's what makes you want it all the more. The thrill of taking someone's life... I can't explain it. It's like trying to explain the thrill of love, pointless emotion as it is. To know that... you have effected someone so powerfully, as to simply destory them. The power trip alone is worth it. The salty-sweet taste, o' the liquid as it slides down your throat... that's what I relish, personally. It's not even like a real liquid... it slowly coats your throat, going all the way down, so you keep tasting it. That also makes you hungry for more. The flesh, I've never been too much of a fan of. It's simply meat, sometimes the hair... it's so thick sometimes, it wreaks havoc on your digestive system. So unless I'm really hungry, I just stick with the blood. Of course, after every party, you have to clean up. I prefer arson, the entire building if possible. It only takes minutes to set up, and at night, the people aren't nearly as watchful anyways. Then all evidence disasppears... if you're lucky. No matter how good you think you are, one tiny mistake can send people after you. And that's when you have to turn the finely crafted art of murder into the... pedestrian act of genocide. Axle... I'm hunting for you tonight. Because we are one and the same. We're night creatures who have lost everything. You with your career, me with my mother. I know it sounds cliche, but I don't think I ever recovered from my mother's death. I know dear father was behind it. I'm not talking about Satan, no. I've grown up. I wish I were Satan's child. The power... but I digress. My father was Yakuza hitman Michael "Big Satan" Landis, an American who made it big in Japan. Heh... and to think, I've hated Americans so long, now I find out I'm half one... I don't know what I am anymore. But I have a feeling you do. This is not a request. Don't try to call the police... trust me, father's old contacts work just fine in North America. I will find you. And we will talk. I feel no need to sign this, you know damned well who I am. And I have a feeling you'll know where to find me. You know those type of people... well, we both know those type of people now. This should be interesting. I'm going to get something to eat. I'll be sure to save you the leftovers.[/I] (note stabbed into the side of Axle's car, with a small, basic dagger)

I liked NBA 2K3 a lot. It's probably a better simulation than Live due to the slower pacing. Basically, it plays much like NBA 2K2, but with the addition of midair adjustments and pivot moves. These additions don't necessarily provide the fluidity of EA's analog dribbling, but they are extremely useful. The franchise mode has also been expanded, and now gives Live a serious run for its money. Tack on the glitz of the ESPN presentation and incredible player models, and you've got yourself a bona fide Live-killer. In my opinion, the NBA 2K series has been sitting a the top of the hill since its emergence anyway. Although Live has made some serious strides towards reclaiming that spot, it can't quite topple 2K yet.

At daybreak, with the sun's first light, gray morning dissolved like a bad dream, leaving behind a raw breeze. Thin clouds hurried over thick brush, casting rippling pool shadows. Fallen twigs foamed through small puddles like bobbing ships. Sparkling hills, high and green, jutted up over the horizon followed by sterile rock-steep cliffs, an earthly bald spot. Samantha, having escaped the blackness of night, stalked through the brush. A large sword fastened to her back stirred restlessly, clanking an iron song. June's blue glow lead their way through misty hills and bogs. They had entered the Lost Forest. Sam's boots squished, squeaked and spit with every step. Frowning, she rested her sword against a nearby tree and sat on a sturdy log, brushed with moss, and gingerly removed her boots. A small stream of water cascaded from the Kokirian foot wear as she shook them upside-down and wrung them out like damp cloths. "[font=Kristen ITC][color=green]You don't suppose there are wolves around these parts[/font][/color]," she asked June conversationally, not a trace of concern apparent in her voice. The fairy's sparkling light began to dim as she remembered Sam writhing on the ground, her life spirit flickering. "[font=kristen ITC][color=green]I'm sorry--[size=1][I]so sorry[/font][/size][/I][/color], Samantha had echoed over and over again. As she grew weaker, she began to sound like a mouse trapped in a cloth sack, pitiful--muffled. A sensation of guilt swept over the fairy's body. Sometimes, she felt so helpless. [size=1][color=blue]"No, I don't suppose there are,[/size][/color]" June finally replied. Sam nodded, not entirely convinced, but slightly relieved as she struggled back into her boots. "[font=kristen ITC][color=green]This--darn---boot--won't---fit[/font][/color]," Samantha complained through a clenched jaw, trying to wrench her left boot on. [size=1][color=blue]"I'll see what I can do[/size][/color]," June sighed. Samantha tugged and pulled, tore and twisted, while June pushed and shoved underneath her foot. "[size=1][color=blue]I told--you--you--should have--brought a--spare pair[/size][/color]," June chastised, gritting her teeth. Nearby deer, who had been lapping up small pools of water, paused to enjoy the awkward display of cooperation. "[font=kristen ITC][color=green]On the count of three," Samantha encouraged, "[I]One...[size=3]two[/size]...[b][size=4]Three![/font][/b][/I][/size][/color] All at once, the petite Kokirian fell backwards, crashing into a pile of leaves, sending a flume of them into the air. They caught the breeze and floated back down to earth gently. June, on the other hand, had been catapulted into the forest, where she ricocheted from tree to tree, whizzing through the air like a stray bullet. Three spotted deer looked at one another amusedly, while a pair of birds resting on a nearby branch sang hysterically. A small foot sprang from the pile of the leaves and stood erect. Sam wiggled her toes and said in a small voice, "[color=green][font=kristen ITC]I think it's on now[/font][/color]."

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Sniglefager [/i] [B]All right you know what? That pic is TOTALLY fake. I mean, seriously, you couldn't fool anyone with that. [/B][/QUOTE] You don't say? I was sure that I would fool everyone with it. I guess that some people are just too smart for the likes of little old me though, lol.

Well, first and foremost, one must realize that a chain letter initiated by some bored children doesn't subject you to the hands of fate, lol. I've gotten numerous e-mails like that and deleted them. But, the magical cogs of fate didn't start grinding and damn me or anything. Even if a divine device such as fate existed, humans wouldn't be powerful enough to control it. That being said, I don't believe in fate. Life is chance. We choose our own paths and encounter people, circumstances and opportunities through pure chance. There's nothing predetermined about it. Although certain people are predisposition with unique gifts and talents and abilities, they're free to do with them as they see fit.

I've read mixed reviews. Nonetheless, I'm not sure if I'll see it or not. There have already been so many movies where two drastically different individuals switch bodies and see the world through each others' eyes. Furthermore, most of Rob Schneider's movies are strikingly similar. They all involve a normal person transforming into something totally outlandish and unbelievable under mysterious circumstances. We've already seen him as an "animal" and gigolo for crying out loud, lol. On the other hand, the premise of a young woman being placed into the ape-like body of Schneider is sure to present many entertaining situations. I've heard that a scene where she learns to pee standing up is particularly funny. It should also be entertaining to see how she deals with her love interests...

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Sephiroth [/i] [B]Yeah, the woman wearing the pink bikini is the one I am talking about [/B][/QUOTE] I'm fairly certain that the woman wearing the pink bikini is supposed to represent Mercedes...

Poor gifts usually come from my mother, lol. Every time I visit her, it's not with the intention of scoring big in the gift department. The last time my brother and I visited three years ago, which was incidentally a Christmas, we were treated to socks, tooth brushes, and the jewel in our Christmas crown, a "South Park" music CD. It was a little disappointing watching our younger brother and sister's pile of gifts grow, while we twiddled our thumbs and played with our tooth brushes, but it wasn't really surprising. That's the sad part, lol. We actually made out pretty well considering that the year before that, they actually took stuff that was lying around the house and put it under the tree for us. O.o;;

Quite honestly, I have never been impressed with Soul Calibur 2. It appears to be a rehash of its predecessor. The new characters, from what impressions I've read, are nothing more than reincarnations of older characters. With the emergence of strong competition in the genre, (i.e., Virtua Fighter 4, Tekken 4, Mortal Kombat Deadly Alliance, etc.) I'm hoping that Namco will be forced to overhaul the game. The same old mechanics and thin campaign mode just won't cut it any longer. In any case, I went deep undercover and risked my life to secure a screen shot of Spawn in Soul Calibur 2. Enjoy.

I doubt that I know enough about the industry to give a really tremendous response to this, but as I see it, the console industry is at a branching point. What Nintendo wishes to accomplish seems drastically different from what Microsoft and Sony are setting out to do. Thus, it's hard to actually acknowledge the existence of a console war. Everyone is going in different directions. To be sure, Nintendo isn't targeting the same audiences that Sony and Microsoft are. Anyone who has talked games with me knows how dissatisfied I am with Sony's tentative planning. As I last understand it, the company is becoming less focused on the actual Playstation 3 hardware, and more interested in the possibilities of the Cell microprocessor chip. Fukanaga has even stated that Sony would like to have an operating system installed in various home appliances that could run game programs. Hence, they plan to make the Playstation 3 a multifaceted entertainment hub rather than a stand-alone console. Microsoft's Homestation will also serve as a multifaceted entertainment hub, as it combines the capabilities of a Microsoft Ultimate TV, an Xbox, Windows Media player and a Microsoft WebTV. From my perspective, it appears as if Sony is concentrating too hard on what Microsoft is doing, similarly to how SEGA became too fixated on what Sony was doing when they entered the console war. Like SEGA, they are the king of the hill, the big game in town, but they see another huge company come along and try to directly compete with what they're doing. It's not quite fair to say that Sony's "following their lead" since they intended to explore the possibilities of home appliances with the PS2, but I just think it's ridiculous either way. It's just not console gaming. Nintendo seems to be the only company catering to pure gamers. I remember when Mr. Iwata claimed that Nintendo wouldn't be focusing entirely on developing new hardware, because games were beginning to reach their limits, and instead would focus on pushing the GameCube to its limits and focus on delivering quality software. I'm not very fond of this era of online gaming and entertainment hubs. It's just not console gaming in my eyes. By expanding into these areas, companies are alienating console gamers. We're different from PC gamers, lol. If you want to go online, get a personal computer.

[center][b][I]Walk with me through this valley I pray that you take my hand There is a storm brewing above me And below me nothing but quicksand The harder I try to get out The faster I seem to sink I have nothing else to hold on to As I fall to my knees and weep However once I stop my struggle Relax and begin to breathe Can I then see the possibilities Of climbing out with ease I eagerly accept the outstretched hand To which I turned to ask for help And let myself lean on He Who watched me while I wept With each step the ground feels stronger And the sky is beginning to clear Both my heart and soul feel lighter The moment you whispered I had nothing to fear...[/center][/I][/b] Sam rubbed her eyes, and groaned, wrapped in the ambiance of her forest surroundings. [I]Was it morning already[/I]? A thin veil of twilight vapor crept about the ground, it coiled around shivering tree trunks like a serpent. Swift flowing winds cradled the young girl's droopy head, coaxing her to rise. Night had fled the land, frightened by morning's righteous gaze. [size=1][I]C'mon, get up![/I][/size] June tugged at the young dreamer's sleeve, tearing her from the arms of sleep. [size=1][I]It's morning, it's morning, rise and shine! It's morning milady, it's morning, nightfall has come and gone![/size][/I] Samantha absently reached for her hat with heavy eyelids, aimlessly patting nearby ground. But, her blind hands found her left boot instead. Sighing, her fairy guardian removed the boot and zipped behind Sam. When she reappeared, it was over Sam's head. June fell and rose, straining under the weight of the floppy hat. With a tiny grunt, she dropped the cloth atop her friend's brow, a messy nest of tangled hair. [size=1][I]Now then, are we prepared? Shall we continue our journey? --Sam? --[b]Sam?[/b][/size] --[b][size=3]Sam?!![/size][/B][/I] Her hands on her hips, June blew a stray strand of hair from her eyes and pouted with frustration. Samantha's snoring scared a nearby flock of birds who, in turn, fluttered away. [I]How could this girl become a heroine, if she couldn't wake up?[/I] Last night's storm had caused the small Kokirian much anxiety. Sam would never admit it, but it had frightened her. The girl did not fear shadows, for shadows only meant there was a light shining somewhere near by. It was the [I][b]noise[/b][/I]. Trees had crackled and splintered as intense light streaked across the sky and touched earth. Torrents of mist and spray swelled in the wailing winds, finding its way into her eyes, nose, mouth and ears. Thunder boomed and popped like an explosive, it had wrenched numerous whimpers from Samantha. When she finally gave into sleep, darkness had almost melted away. Now, June darted back and forth. Yelling didn't stir her, noise could not reach the girl. Desperately, she buried her heel into Samantha's eyebrow and pulled at her eyelashes like window blinds. Her eyelids would not budge. Utterly exhausted, June sat atop Sam's head, her legs crossed, her chin resting in her palm. Two squirrels wrestled in a nearby pile of leaves, rustling the fallen vegetation. All at once, Samantha rose startled, sending June into a nearby puddle of mud. Grogginess had left her. "Who goes there," she started, clutching her boomerang.

Heh, a lot of people immediately dismiss school as a pain, but it's something I'm grateful for. So many people, whether it be for reasons of ethnicity, gender, or class, weren't allowed to have education in the past and the same holds true today to some extent. I mean, some people have risked their lives just to teach others to read and write. With that knowledge, I automatically respect education. I like it because it's there to make me a better person. It really teaches the fundamentals of life and so much more. I can understand despising homework and the tedious nature of school, but I try to overlook such things and see the bigger picture. School has lead me to meet some great people, and it's prepared me for life. I can't ask for much more than that.

This is very peculiar. :drunk: Usually, school boards subtract days from Easter break or extend the fourth semester to make up for snow days. Supposedly, the tentative school calendar factors in snow days. If none are used, you'll find that the school year will end a few days early in whatever month you are dismissed for summer break. I realize that students, like yourself, are angry over going to school over Christmas, but imagine how the teachers feel. The district is going to have one hell of a time getting staff to work on December 25th. Heh, if your county truly goes forward with this bizarre plan, it will be a disaster. When staff and students alike don't show up, (many have probably scheduled vacations in advance) it's not much of a make-up day, lol.

[b]Name:[/B] Samantha Lightheart [b]Fairy Name:[/b] June [b]Age:[/B] 12 [b]Race:[/b] Kokiri [b]Character Class:[/b] Knight [b]Gender:[/b] Female [b]Appearance:[/b] Short, orange hair hangs to her shoulders, peaking out from beneath her oversized hat. Like others in her village, Samantha dons a loose-fitting emerald green tunic. It's a little too big for her. After all, it was her brother's, but she'll grow into it. Underneath, Sam wears a comfortable shirt. It's her favorite color--green. Her tiny finger tips are visible, poking out from underneath the sleeves. A green, belt, hangs lazily from her waist, tiny pockets useful for carrying small items attached. Similarly to other Kokiri, she wears little in the way of leg wear. But, her legs don't get cold--her light-brown boots extend to her knees, their buckles clinking when she walks. On her back, is a surprisingly large sword named Unferth. It's golden hilt is beautiful, but the weapon is still too large for her to wield. So, she often times relies on the small, brown boomerang that hangs at her side. Her eyes are large, a dreamer's eyes. They often sparkle like little blue stars when she laughs. She's modest about her pointy ears, but June tells her they look nice. June is barely visible, just a blue light that shine's brightly when she's excited, angry or anxious, and dim when she's sad or tired. [b]Background/Bio:[/b] Sam spent her entire life in Kokiri. She always wondered what the rest of the world had to offer. Her brother Max, oftentimes left the village, speaking of marvelous new worlds, a magical kingdom known as Hyrule. Once the great Deku tree died, Max became determined to find a new tree for the village. Everyone told him it was impossible. Nonetheless, he embarked on a new adventure, seeking glory. Two years have passed, but he has yet to return. For a time, Sam would skip pebbles in Kokiri pond, hoping he had found what he was looking for. As time passed, she grew to become more adventurous, stubborn in her convictions. Despite her small frame, she aspires to be a famous knight and ignores constant teasing from other villagers. Fellow villagers quickly learned of her aspirations, noticed her progress. Some say that she has grown as skilled with a boomerang and wooden sword as her brother. But, she refuses to use such a sword any longer. Sam is determined to master Unferth. a gift from her brother. He told her that it came from the heavens, the moon and the stars. Although eager to write her name in stone, Sam remained reasonable for some time, listened to others' warnings about the treacherous world. For a time, she believed the harsh tales, decided to hold off her search for fame until she was satisfied with her progress as a warrior. When a wolf attacked Kokiri village and nearly killed Sam, her shame and anger pushed her forward. Sam decided that she had progressed as much as her surroundings would allow her to. If she wanted fame, she would need field experience. She deceived everyone in the village into thinking that she had lost her will to become a knight, only to sneak out one starry night. [b]Starting Location:[/b] A forest outside of Kakiriko village, in the Light World. [b]Primary Weapon:[/b] Unferth and a boomerang. [b]Items:[/b] Bomb bag, Boomerang, and a red potion. [b]Spells[/b]: None.

Unfortunately, since I'm a huge DragonBall Z addict, and because the game [I]does[/I] feature Mr. Satan, I will foolishly buy it. The mechanics obviously won't knock my socks off, but it'll be refreshing to play a game that's somewhat true to the series. Having looked at the cast of characters thoroughly, I'm quite sure that there are no rabbits, snakes, squirrels, or wolves to be found. So, it can't possibly be as terrible as the GameBoy Advance version. I'm a bit disappointed that flying isn't an awfully important feature in the game. According to what I've read, you can only take flight once you've been launched into the air. From that point on, there aren't any unique aerial moves, so the game is rather grounded. I guess it's still worth a try nonetheless.

The plot of the game revolves around the Georgian president. I haven't progressed too far into the game, but I'm sure I remember uncovering information regarding nuclear weaponry. It's nothing too original, lol. Now, I can assure those of you who are expecting a wealth of weapons, that you will be sorely disappointed. Thus far, I haven't used anything too extravagant. This isn't James Bond: Mr. Kiss Kiss, Boom Boom. To be sure, most of the game requires that you sneak in the shadows and dispose of the enemies swiftly and silently. [I]So[/I] for the most part, you will place enemies in a choke hold, drag them into the shadows, and deliver a blow to their head with your gun. Occasionally, you will be required to interrogate your enemies by pressing the "A" button, or you'll need to force them to operate a retinal scanner. I can't stress the importance of hiding your enemies well though. In MGS2, this feature was a novelty. In Splinter Cell, it's vital. If you don't hide your enemies well, alarms will be triggered, ending certain missions. The only weapons I've used so far, are a standard silenced pistol and a flash grenade. Of course, you still have the standard arsenal of kicks and punches as well, but the game is about strategy more than anything else. One area has you infiltrating a builing through the kitchen. You have the option of sneaking out of the room unnoticed, or throwing a glass bottle, thus distracting your enemies giving you the opportunity to slink over to the light switch. Once you flip it and slide the night vision goggles on, it becomes quite amusing hunting the sitting ducks. Perhaps you'll expand your arsenal later on, but because killing isn't encouraged in the game, I doubt it'll rival the likes of MGS 2 in that area. It's quite important to conserve bullets in order to take out surveillance cameras anyway.

Yeah, I don't really see a reason for separating fan fiction from poetry and literature either. Fan fiction material contains a lot of the general principles of poetry; it allows members to be creative and critique one another. Separating fan fiction and poetry would be the equivalent of giving banner and avatar requests their own unique areas. It's only one small element of the forum, so I don't think that it would stay afloat in a sub forum of its own. At least combined, the subjects make a pretty successful area of the boards. Fan fiction and the other subjects don't really get in way of one another, so it's not like the area is cluttered or anything. As Semjaza said, it would just take away discussion from the original forum...

I have to be realistic. I doubt that anyone has heard of this song, but "The Gambler" featuring Kenny Rogers and Wyclef Jean in a hip hop/country conglomeration is probably one of the worst songs of all time. [I]But[/I] I do find it hilarious. I know that I've been cursed with the giggles, so I'm not hard to please, but anyone should find it hilarious. Especially when the bass kicks in. Priceless. Another poor song is the Meow Mix them. You know? [I]Who wants chicken? Who wants liver? Meow Mix, Meow Mix, we deliver![/I] The lingo is so catchy that it irritates me. >_