James

[color=royalblue]It depends what you mean by lifelong dream. I mean, on a personal level...I want to be happy and take care of my family until I die. On a professional level, I want to change the face of interactive entertainment forever. Doesn't sound too realistic, but hell...it's a dream. :)[/color]

[color=royalblue]Ginny is exactly right. I personally don't blame America itself for being so isolated...largely because it has been a series of incremental historical issues that has lead to that isolation. And I tend to find myself defending America more than accusing it; afterall, as I've said before, America is responsible for producing so many great things. And it has contributed so positively to the world in a broad variety of ways. But still, we all have to realize that we can [i]never[/i] not know enough about the world, if that makes sense. America didn't deserve September 11 at all. Nobody deserves that. But perhaps this is a great opportunity to reevaluate all our long held positions on certain issues...and maybe now we can begin to proactively learn more about the various threats that we face.[/color]

[color=royalblue]I understand where you're coming from, Piro. But also, I think that every individual is different. If the media ignored September 11 and failed to provide any comfort or support, there would be people complaining about that aspect as well. And that's where freedom comes into the picture. You're free to disregard the media if you so choose. And those who perhaps want that extra comfort can seek it however they like. I imagine that if a family member of mine were killed in those attacks, it would be very difficult for me to see the constant repeats of those planes hitting the towers over and over. From that perspective, I think it's more traumatizing than positive. But having said that, I think that this is a great chance for the media to open its eyes and focus on a whole variety of related issues. Now more than ever, Americans are watching international news...and there is more of a media focus on the issue of terrorism and religious fundamentalism all over the world. And that's a good thing; it constantly reminds us not to be dismissive or complacent. And it also allows us to see how this issue came about...and why it's so important to deal with. These days I think it's really easy for people to just tune out and say "who cares?". I understand that this is not necessarily your point of view, but for many other people, they don't see a reason or a need to learn anything about these issues. And [i]that[/i] is one of the dangers. Intelligence, knowledge and information is most definitely the key in this situation. And in some cases, the media is in a good position to provide that (though as I mentioned with the towers...it's not always the case).[/color]

[color=royalblue]That's a nice, in-depth post...and you're right about why people should care about 9/11. And yes, the "war on terror" is not against [i]all[/i] terror groups. Only those that affect the United States. But nevertheless, I think we have to ask ourselves if a war with fundamentalist religious dogma is worthwhile. I believe that it is worthwhile on all fronts and for many reasons. Not just because of the militancy of certain organizations and the physical danger they pose, but also because of the misinformation and continual string of half-truths that are used to perpetuate the fundamentalism through the generations (ie: the various religious schools in Saudi Arabia for example).[/color]

[color=royalblue]I'd have to agree with Desbreko. The most memorable cutscene from an N64 game for me would have to be the Mario 64 ending. I guess that was mainly because it was the first ending for an N64 game that I'd ever seen...so perhaps that made it more memorable than other games. I also liked the music...and really enjoyed the rest of the ending sequence.[/color]

Mario, Link and Yoshi began running along the darkened corridor. They could hear the sound of voices echoing along the hallway. Finally, they saw the crowd of people that had been in the Mushroom Inn earlier. They appeared to be talking amongst themselves; some were stuttering and shrieking every so often. [color=coral][b]Madam Aroma:[/b] Whatever shall we do? We can't go anywhere now![/color] Madam Aroma was dabbing at her eyes with a silk handkerchief. [color=green][b]Link:[/b] What's wrong?[/color] The crowd parted into two groups. And immediately, Link noticed it; they had hit a dead end. [color=coral][b]Madam Aroma:[/b] Those Pirahna Plants are sure to catch us down here! We're like sitting ducks![/color] Link looked around. All he could see were candles lining the walls and a large blotch of paint on the wall at the end of the corridor. There didn't seem to be any doors or stairs anywhere. [color=seagreen][b]Yoshi:[/b] I'm hungry![/color] [color=red][b]Mario:[/b] You just ate a big pirahna plant![/color] [color=seagreen][b]Yoshi:[/b] Yea I know. My tummy is bubbling...I think I shouldn't have eaten it. :nervous: [/color][color=sienna][b]*burp!*[/color] [color=green]Link:[/b] Okay everyone...there has to be a way out of here! Where's the Inn Manager?[/color] [color=sienna][b]Inn Manager:[/b] I'm here! [/color] [color=green][b]Link:[/b] You told us that this corridor leads somewhere...but there are no doors or anything. Don't you know how to get out of here?[/color] The Inn Manager rubbed his 'shroom cap thoughtfully. [color=sienna][b]Inn Manager:[/b] I don't know...I'm sure there was a door down here somewhere![/color] [color=green][b]Link:[/b] Okay everyone...here's what we'll do. Everyone knock on the walls and pull the candles. Maybe there's a secret passage or something.[/color] Everybody nodded and began tapping the walls and pulling at the candle holders. Only Madam Aroma was left standing in the middle of the corridor, fanning herself with an ornate Hyrulian fan. She seemed horrified by the idea of actually [i]touching[/i] the grimey walls. Mario made his way back along the corridor. He was jumping up and down, punching the ceiling...trying to find a loose brick or trap door handle. But it was no use. After ten minutes of searching, nothing had been found. And nobody wanted to go [i]too[/i] far back, for fear that the pirahna plants would hear them. Mario looked around helplessly. And then he noticed something; the big blotch of paint on the rear wall. Why on earth would there be a blotch of paint on the wall all the way down here? He walked into the middle of the corridor and twisted FLUDD's handle, sending a forceful stream of water over his head, directly toward the rear wall. As soon as he did so, the paint began dripping down over the floor...dissolving on impact. Everybody in the hallway stopped and looked at what Mario was doing. He twisted the handle again to stop the water. And now it was more clear; a brick was missing from the wall. [color=red][b]Mario:[/b] Aha! Is this what we were looking for?[/color] Link approached the wall and examined the gap carefully. [color=green][b]Link:[/b] Hmmm...[/color] He removed his Goron Sword (which was longer and thinner than the Master Sword) and inserted it into the gap. For a moment, nothing happened. Link pushed the sword in further and moved it around, searching for some sort of trigger. And finally, they heard it; [color=red][i]SNAP![/i][/color] Link stepped away from the wall. The hallway started shaking a little, causing small pieces of dust and debris to fall down from the ceiling. Yoshi clutched Mario...Madam Aroma clutched her pearls...and the Inn Manager clutched his 'shroom cap. For a moment, they all thought the roof was going to collapse. But then, as suddenly as it had started, the rumbling stopped. The bricks at the end wall began shifting sideways. They were opening up...making a gap in the wall. There was only darkness beyond; nobody could see anything further. In fact, the hallway didn't even seem to continue past the opening. [color=green][b]Link:[/b] I don't understand...it's just black. There's nothing there...[/color] Link unsheathed his sword and carefully approached the black patch on the wall. And just as he got close... [color=orange][b][i]~Bloop bloop bloop!~[/i][/b][/color] A gigantic green pipe emerged from the black opening, hitting Link and sending him tumbling backwards into the crowd. Mario smiled. He had seen these things before. This was their way out. And in good time too; the sounds of pirahna plants could be heard echoing down the corridor. The plants had obviously found a way inside the trap door...this was their only way out. [color=red][b]Mario:[/b] Everyone walk into that pipe! It's our only way out of here![/color] [color=sienna][b]Inn Manager:[/b] But Mario...where will this take us? I don't know if I want to go in there...it looks cold and dark![/color] Mario glanced at the pipe again. [color=red][b]Mario:[/b] Er, well, this is not just your average transport pipe...it's a [i]warp pipe[/i]. [/color] [color=green][b]Link:[/b] A Warp Pipe?[/color] Mario nodded and adjusted his cap. [color=red][b]Mario:[/b] Yeah. That means...once you step in, you don't know where you'll go. I mean, it won't take you to the [i]next room[/i]...and usually it won't take you anywhere [i]nearby[/i]. We're talking major travel here..[/color] [color=seagreen][b]Yoshi:[/b] Oooo I love travel![/color] The entire crowd turned and looked at Yoshi. He didn't even notice; he was now too busy wrapping his tongue around his body, trying to make himself spin on the spot by quickly sucking it back into his mouth. [color=coral][b]Madam Aroma:[/b] But Mario...what if we end up in Raccoon City or something like that? We're Nintendo characters...we're not used to that kind of carnage and gore![/color] [color=red][b]Mario:[/b] Oh come now Madam Aroma...I'm sure this pipe could [i]never[/i] lead to a place like that. I've heard of cross platform gaming, but [i]that[/i] would be ridiculous![/color] This seemed to calm Madam Aroma somewhat, though she was still clutching her pearls to her chest. The roaring and rumbling noises coming from the other end of the corridor were getting louder now. They didn't have anymore time to waste. Mario stood at the mouth of the pipe and pointed to it. [color=red][b]Mario:[/b] Come [i]on[/i] everyone! Who knows, this pipe may lead to Delfino Island! Wouldn't you rather be there than [i]here[/i]?[/color] The Mushroom Inn patrons nodded and began lining up infront of the pipe, diving in one at a time (the behavior of the patrons somewhat reminded Mario of little characters that follow orders and do whatever their commander says...though he couldn't quite remember what they were called. Must have been a dream he'd had before). Finally, only four people were left. Mario, Link, Yoshi and Madam Aroma. Madam Aroma looked timidly into the pipe. [color=coral]Will you please go with me? I'm scared![/color] Link, Mario and Yoshi looked at each other. They all nodded and walked into the mouth of the pipe. Just as they did so, they saw a huge pirahna plant approaching from the darkness. [color=red][b]Mario:[/b] Quick! It probably won't take us to the same place as the pirahna plants...everyone group goes somewhere different! [i]Dive![/i][/color] Mario grabbed Madam Aroma's hand and dived forward onto his stomach into the pipe. Madam Aroma jumped on his back and held onto his hat, screaming loudly as they dissappeared into the void (her screams were most likely related to the fact that one of her expensive shoes had fallen off as Mario had dived forward). Yoshi held Link's hand as they approached the mouth of the pipe. [color=seagreen][b]Yoshi:[/b] :D This'll be fun![/color] [color=green][b]Link:[/b] :therock: [/color] And as the huge pirahna plant swung itself forward with an open mouth full of massive teeth, Yoshi and Link dashed into the pipe, having absolutely no idea where they'd end up...

[color=royalblue]I like to read horror...and I guess really any genre, but mostly horror and fantasy. I haven't read a book in a while though. Last book I read was a Stephen King book...I forget the title, but I will say that Mr. King is grossly overrated. lol Anyway, I also read a lot of media stuff...news, editorials...politics, economy, a little entertainment. It's usually a good time filler (though now I tend to find myself watching more news television rather than reading actual articles). I was thinking about buying Tom Clancy's latest book. Does anyone have any comments on it? Is it any good?[/color]

Mario and Link sat down at a small wooden table just near one of the Mushroom Inn's large windows. The Inn itself was a cosy little place, full of wooden furniture (with little mushrooms carved into each item), a warm fireplace in the corner and an old fashioned milk bar at the back of the room. Link picked up a menu and skimmed over it. There were many kinds of milk at Mushroom Inn; most was imported from the faraway land of Hyrule. And of course, imported milk was expensive. [color=green][b]Link:[/b] Hmm...thirty coins just for a bottle of strawberry milk?[/color] Mario frowned. He picked up the other menu with a gloved hand and read down the list: [font=monotype corsiva][size=5] [b]Welcome to Mushroom Inn Imported Milk (Standard Flavours)[/b] [color=royalblue]Vanilla[/color] (30 coins) [color=sienna]Chocolate[/color] (30 coins) [color=deeppink]Strawberry[/color] (30 coins) [b]Imported Milk (Exotic Flavours)[/b] [color=blue]Blueberry Crush[/color] (65 coins) [color=limegreen]Apple Blast[/color] (70 coins) [color=indigo]Mega Fruit[/color] (voted no. 1 by Green Dinosaur Magazine) (90 coins) [color=orange]Dr. Toad's[/color][color=tomato] Many Flavours[/color][color=red] Ice Cream & Syrup[/color] (130 coins) [b]Local Milk (Yucky Flavours)[/b] Mud Shake (10 coins) Bubbly & Boring (10 coins) Big Boo's Leftovers (6 coins) Rainbow Muck (4 coins)[/font][/size] Mario furrowed his brow. Everything was so expensive in the Mushroom Kingdom. Well, anything worthwhile anyway. As Mario and Link poured over their menus, a Toadish waiter approached and stood next to their table. He was holding a notepad in one hand with a pencil in the other. [color=sienna][b]Toad Waiter:[/b] Hey! You're Mario, aren't you? And...and...you're Link!!! What are you guys doing here?![/color] [color=green][b]Link:[/b] Well, we--[/color] [color=sienna][b]Toad Waiter:[/b] Oh well, who cares! You're both celebrities and protectors of the peace! Stay right there and I'll come back with a couple of Apple Blast Shakes for you![/color] The waiter awkwardly bowed and scuttled off into the rear kitchen. Mario's cheeks went red; he could hear the waiter excitedly informing the kitchen staff of the two celebrities. And within moments, both Link and Mario noticed several little faces popping out from behind the kitchen door. They'd pop into view and dissappear back into the kitchen again, followed by sounds of excited gasps and giggles. [color=green][b]Link:[/b] *sigh* Those waiters...they really need to find something else to spend their time on.[/color] Mario nodded. He looked around the Inn, which now appeared to be back to normal, despite the earlier disturbance with the pirahna plant. [color=red][b]Mario:[/b] So whattaya think that was all about before? That plant looked like it was sitting on raw cobblestones. How could it be alive without a pot of soil?[/color] Mario put his hand under his cap and scratched his head at the thought of it. [color=green][b]Link:[/b] Hmm...yeah, it beats me. I've never come across one of those things before. Though there are some pretty nasty plants back in Hyrule...[/color] Mario stroked his moustache thoughtfully. Link stared out the window, searching for some sort of logical answer. But soon, the peace was shattered... [color=sienna][b]Toad Waiter #2:[/b] Heyy!! You little green jerk! What do you think you're doing? You just spilled milk all over my new apron![/color] Mario and Link spun around and looked toward the Inn's entrance. Standing there with chocolate milk all over him was Yoshi. It appeared as though he'd bumped into one of the waiters. [color=green][b]Link:[/b] Who the devil is that?[/color] [color=red][b]Mario:[/b] That is Yoshi. Long, long story.[/color] Yoshi spotted Link and Mario almost immediately (consequently forgetting his immediate troubles) and sprinted over to their table. He pulled up a chair with his chubby green hand and sat down. [color=seagreen][b]Yoshi:[/b] Hey guys!! Whatcha doing here?![/color] Mario and Link looked at each other and then looked back at Yoshi. [color=red][b]Mario:[/b] We just came here for a drink. There was some trouble earlier involving a Pirahna Plant.[/color] Yoshi shrieked his own name excitedly, causing a nearby woman's glasses to crack. [color=seagreen][b]Yoshi:[/b] Ohh, well...so I guess you're having lots of adventures now? And I see you still have that yellow-water-spouty-thing. I thought you were going to get rid of that after our vacation?[/color] [color=red][b]Mario:[/b] No, no...I'm too attached to it.[/color] Yoshi nodded and twiddled his thumbs absently. Link was resting with his chin on his hand and Mario was tapping the edge of the table and looking up at the ceiling. Nobody knew what to say. Finally, after what seemed like forever, the Toadish Waiter emerged from the kitchen with Link and Mario's bottles of milk. He placed both bottles on the table. Mario and Link fished around in their pockets for coins and handed them to the waiter, who promptly bowed again. But just as he was about to leave, he stood still. He leaned over and looked out the large window to the nearby street. And suddenly, his jaw dropped. [color=green][b]Link:[/b] What is it?[/color] The waiter began shaking uncontrollably. He pointed toward the window but didn't say a word. Link, Mario and Yoshi immediately stood up and walked over to the window to see what he was looking at. And there they saw it; at least twenty or thirty enormous Pirahna Plants making their way along the cobblestone street. As they passed people's houses, they ate everything in sight; lawn furniture, mailboxes, garden gnomes, toad hats, garbage bins...anything in sight. By now, everyone in Mushroom Inn had worked out what was going on and were in a panic. [color=coral][b]Madam Aroma:[/b] Whatever shall we do?! They'll eat my precious pearls, the beasts![/color] The manager of Mushroom Inn emerged from behind the milk bar and pulled up a stool to it. He climbed up onto the stool and scrambled up onto the bartop, almost knocking a series of expensive plates onto the floor as he did so. [color=firebrick][b]Inn Manager:[/b] Everyone! May I have your attention please?[/color] The crowd fell silent and turned to watch the Manager. [color=firebrick][b]Inn Manager:[/b] It appears that there is a crisis occurring as we speak! If you go outside, you will surely be eaten by ravenous Pirahna Plants.[/color] [color=coral][b]Madam Aroma:[/b] Thank you for telling us the obvious, Mr. Obvious![/color] The manager frowned. [color=firebrick][b]Inn Manager:[/b] Please Madam...keep your pearls on. We don't have time to panic! I know a way out of here that doesn't include being eaten by Pirahna Plants.[/color] Madam Aroma clutched her pearls to her chest. Even the mention of the phrase "Pirahna Plants" made her cringe. [color=firebrick][b]Inn Manager:[/b] Underneath this very Inn is a large cellar, where I keep all of my imported milk. And in that cellar is a passageway that leads out of here. I don't know where it leads exactly, but I'd rather go down there than onto the dangerous streets![/color] Mario jumped up onto the bar next to the Inn Manager, causing him to almost fall off onto the floor. [color=red][b]Mario:[/b] Everyone, Link, Yoshi and I are here! We'll help you out...but please stay calm![/color] The room was silent, except for the sound of Yoshi giggling. [color=red][b]Mario:[/b] Yoshi, what is it?[/color] [color=seagreen][b]Yoshi:[/b] Hehehe...I saw two flies on the wall. they were having se--[/color] [color=red][b]Mario:[/b] Ssh! Enough! C'mon everyone...let'sa go![/color] The crowd cheered and followed Mario and Link into the kitchen at the rear of the Inn. At the very back of the kitchen was a small trap door. Everyone began lining up in a straight line, entering the trap door one by one. As they began doing so, they heard several loud crashes coming from the front of the Inn. [color=sienna][b]Toad Waiter:[/b] I've locked the front door, but they're bashing against it and trying to get in! We don't have much time![/color] Mario looked over at Link. [color=red][b]Mario:[/b] We may have to hold them off while everyone goes down into the cellar. [/color] Link nodded. [color=green][b]Link:[/b] Yeah...okay, let's do it![/color]

[color=royalblue]Those Japanese and their crazy magazines! ^_^ The lower shots of the cel-shaded version look very pretty indeed. :) I'm definitely going to keep an eye on this game.[/color]

[color=royalblue]Two issues about the IRA: 1) The IRA is not being willingly hosted by the Government of Ireland. (Unlike the Taliban and Al-Qaeda). 2) The IRA has been taking several steps over the past few months to disarm. Obviously the situation isn't perfect. But more violence in that situation would only flare things up again. When America says "we're going after terrorism", you have to bear in mind that the solution will not always be the same. Sometimes it'll take diplomacy...sometimes economic measures...and sometimes military measures. It just so happens that on this occasion, we've seen military measures against Al-Qaeda.[/color]

[color=royalblue]Oh my poor, unobservant Nuchlear. ^_^ I [i]have[/i] revealed that the avatars are down. And I also mentioned that custom avatars are now [i]standard[/i] for everyone (to discourage spamming). Try adding one yourself. ;)[/color]

[color=royalblue]You bring up a good point, Ginny. Cheating is always a problem with online games. However, as soon as you boot the game up...Square automatically sends a list of file updates to your PS2 HDD (hard disk drive). When cheating is discovered (or there is a bug...breach of rules etc), Square automatically updates the servers to cope with it. So, with any luck...Square will constantly watch over the game world and ensure that everything runs correctly. Cheaters will simply have their cheating abilities blocked with a constant stream of server updates/changes.[/color]

[color=royalblue]Well, you were asking who uses Otaku Chat. Might be a good opportunity for people to say what names they use on there or something. But there's no need to make it some kind of negative flaming session or whatever.[/color]

[color=royalblue]Agreed. Keep it on track everyone.[/color]

[color=royalblue]Ginny, I think that if FFXI ends up being profitable for Square...we'll be seeing more and more of these online games being released. Having said that, the potential for FFXI to be a long lasting game is very high. Not only can Square change the various settings and missions...but they can also add new items, weapons and even enemies. Really, the possibilities are limitless. I don't know if the game runs in real time or what (in terms of seasons or day/night patterns), but it's definitely an ongoing persistent world. It seems as though you won't need an hour of play each time to get something out of it. Half an hour here or there would probably be suitable as well.[/color]

[color=royalblue]Krillen, I was originally thinking of making an Animal Crossing forum. Clearly, if this game sells well enough...people all over the world will be chatting and trading over the Internet like this. So yeah, if you guys continue and if the discussion continues to grow with more people getting involved...I'll strongly consider it.[/color]

[color=royalblue]Ahh yes...going on a mindless rampage in GTAIII is so much fun. Sometimes I'd just play the game and explore. I'd try to find new places...or I'd try to find packages...or I'd just try to last as long as I can with a six star rating. It's the kind of game where you can really set your own challenges. And that makes it a lot of fun...you can really set your own limits. If I could add something else to GTAIII, I'd add three dimensional grass. I know it sounds simple...but I've seen it in some other games recently and I think it has potential. I mean, think about it. Mostly, if you start shooting and you shoot for long enough (even with just a sniper rifle), your wanted level immediately rises and the cops seem to know where you are. It's not very realistic. It would be great if you could lay in the grass somewhere...or hell, even in the branch of a tree. And from there, pick off targets without being seen. Of course, if you kept shooting you'd be seen...so it's not perfect of course. But still, I like the idea of having at least [i]some[/i] areas where you have a bit more freedom from the cops. That stealth aspect would be a great addition I think.[/color]

[color=royalblue]Hmm...I graduated high school in 2000. So my situation is kind of different now (I've been working since that time). When I was in my senior year, I was pretty popular...in the sense that I could walk up to any group of people and easily mix in with them. I was never someone who was known as ultra popular or anything...but I was just one of those people that everyone seemed to know and generally like. I guess I had some people who really didn't like me, but if I did, I didn't know who they were. I can really only think of one person who didn't like me...and he only didn't like me because he was felt threatened by me, I think. When I first started high school, my popularity was really average. I had a group of friends...and didn't mix much further than that. I guess that as you go through school, you can go one way or the other. You can get more and more popular just by taking different classes and getting to know more people...or you can get less popular for similar reasons. I think the same is true on the Internet. I remember looking at some OB members a year ago or more and thinking "what a weirdo". But now, I find myself liking some of those people. My impression of some people changes over time as I learn more about them... And of course, on the 'net, you have really annoying people too. Usually those people are just as annoying in real life. lol But I guess sometimes if you're unpopular in real life, the Internet is a way of making friends without being shy. The only drawback is that you might lose your self confidence even more...and become more shy in real life. I mean, more anti-social. So the Internet (in my opinion) can never make up for real life relationships. But it's still nice to have an online community. I've known some people on the Internet for such a long time...that I consider them a part of my life. And when I'm without the Internet, I miss it...not because of sites or anything, but because of some of the [i]people[/i] that I know and talk to regularly. [/color]

[color=royalblue]Okay, this is really making no sense at all now. There's not even any real discussion here...just people typing silly answer to silly questions.[/color]

[color=royalblue]As far as concerns go...well, I can understand the concern with lack of story, etc... However, there are a few things to note. First, you can play this game by yourself. There are [i]many[/i] NPCs (non-player characters) in this game...and when you talk to them, they will often give you certain quests to undertake. That alone will keep you going for months, simply because Square can always add/change these quests as time goes on. In some ways, the game is a constantly evolving universe. Second, I think the multiplayer aspect will really ADD to the game, rather than hindering it. Mainly because, we're not just talking about constant fights. We're talking about cooperative play. You can get a mission from a villager...and you and a few friends can go and take that quest. You can use your own strategies...and eventually fight the boss together. So, I think Square have tied it all together pretty well in that sense. Plus, Final Fantasy XII will NOT be primarily online. So even if you totally pass on FFXI, you can still enjoy XII without going online.[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Dragon Warrior [/i] [B]Oh no, James. It's nothing like Padded Party room. It's a thread where people can post their opinions on what to do in different unusual situations. Quite fun. [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]Hm, it seems pretty pointless to me. I'll be watching it with great interest.[/color]

[color=royalblue]Apparently over 4 million copies have already been reserved. :drunk: [/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Dragon Warrior [/i] [B] [B]Problem 4[/B] You just went to your mailbox, opened a letter and found out you won a brand new house. Curious, you go to see what you got. The people bring you to your new home. It turns out to be made up of bubblerap. They take you inside, lock the bubblerap doors, and look at you with an evil grin. They grab hold of zippers that appear at the top of their heads and pull down. The human suits were diguises for GNOMES! The gnomes surround you and take out electric toothbrushes. What do you do? [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue] What the hell is the point of this thread? This is starting to sound a lot like the Padded Room Party or something...a bit more structured, but essentially the same thing.[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Mnemolth [/i] [B] Just try to imagine the kind of hell you must be in when the only way you think you can express yourself is to hurt yourself. [/B][/QUOTE][color=royalblue] Oh believe me, I know what it's like. I'm just saying that [i]most[/i] people who threaten to commit suicide are people who are primarily doing it to seek attention from those around them. The desire to commit suicide is wholly different from actually doing it, also. If you feel that your life is not worth it...well, then you're obviously depressed. Most people don't make that jump and commit suicide. They either just remain depressed or they self-mutilate. But even then, they don't actually kill themselves. So yeah, I'm not trying to undercut the seriousness of suicide (especially the effect that it has on family and friends), I'm just saying that 90% of the people who talk about it constantly are people who are attention seekers and aren't interested in actually doing it.[/color]

[size=1]Hm, I want to continue Desbreko's post a bit...you'll see where I'm going with it. If it's not appropriate, please say so. Also, CWB...I love your original post. Very funny stuff. ^_^[/size] Link continued walking down the quiet road, which was dotted on either side by small 'shroom houses. After a few minutes, he had become so wrapped up in the tune he was playing that he didn't notice a small golden rabbit frantically hopping toward him via an alleyway to his right. And suddenly... [color=red][size=3]CRASH!![/size][/color] The rabbit ploughed straight into Link, knocking him into a nearby waste bin on the side of the road. The bin fell over (with Link still inside) and rolled into the next door neighbour's bin. And so it happened; bin after bin toppled over, spilling garbage onto the pavement. Link stood up and shook the rubbish off his clothing. He looked over at the rabbit angrily and picked it up by the ears. [color=green][b]Link:[/b] Just what do you think you're doing?[/color] [color=coral][b]Rabbit:[/b] Put me down!! I'm being chased by a mad man with a moustache!! [/color] Link didn't know what to think. He looked all around him. All he saw was the row of bins scattered over the pathway behind him. The nearest bin had spilled a big glob of pink and yellow paint all over the bricks. But he saw no "madman with a moustache" anywhere. [color=green][b]Link:[/b] Ugh...look at the mess you've made! Just look at that paint![/color] The rabbit stopped struggling and frowned. [color=coral][b]Rabbit:[/b] Fine, fine. I'm sorry. Please let me go?[/color] Link sighed. He wasn't the cruel type. He sat the rabbit down on the pavement and let go of his ears. [color=green][b]Link:[/b] There you go. Just don't cause anymore trouble, okay?[/color] The rabbit nodded and bounded in the opposite direction, over the hill and out of sight. Link dusted himself off some more and began searching around for his Ocarina. He had dropped it when the rabbit had knocked him into the wastebin. He knelt down near the bin and began searching through the rubbish. [color=green][b]Link:[/b] Aha! I foun-[/color][color=red] CRAASSH!![/color] Link was pushed head first into the wastebin a [i]second[/i] time. And not so far away, Link heard a loud "[color=royalblue]SPLASH![/color]". Whoever was chasing the rabbit must have slipped and dived right into the paint on the pathway. This time, Link wasn't taking any chances. He unsheathed his sword and pulled his head out of the wastebin. [color=green][b]Link:[/b] Okay...this time I'm not going to be so nice...[/color] Link approached the stranger on the pathway. He could see someone squirming around in the paint. They appeared to be searching for something. The stranger was wearing some sort of weird contraption on his back... [color=crimson][b]Mario:[/b] Mama-mia! Where's my hat?![/color] [color=green][b]Link:[/b] o_O;;[/color] Link looked down and saw a red cap sitting near his feet. He reached down and plucked it from the ground. [color=green][b]Link:[/b] Hey...here's your hat![/color] The stranger stopped squirming and stood up. He walked over to Link and took the cap with his gloved hand (which was dripping with the yellow paint). The stranger placed the cap carefully on his head. He looked a lot less aggrivated now. [color=green][b]Link:[/b] Hey! It's you, Mario! I didn't recognize you without your hat...[/color] [color=crimson][b]Mario:[/b] Yeah, I never feel complete without that thing! That rabbit...where'd he go?[/color] [color=green][b]Link:[/b] Um...he got away. Why were you chasing him?[/color] [color=crimson][b]Mario:[/b] He was laughing at my moustache.[/color] [color=green][b]Link:[/b] Oh...well um, it looks like you need to get cleaned up. Why don't you come with me to the Mushroom Inn? I'm sure we can get you cleaned up there and maybe I'll order you a glass of imported Lon-Lon Milk.[/color] Mario nodded enthusiastically. [color=crimson][b]Mario:[/b] Actually, I don't need to visit the Inn to get cleaned up. You could help me wash this paint off, you know.[/color] [color=green][b]Link:[/b] Oh?[/color] Mario nodded. He unstrapped the device on his back and handed it to Link. [color=crimson][b]Mario:[/b] Yeah, this here is FLUDD. Just strap him to your back and spray me with water. Then I'll be all clean.[/color] [color=green][b]Link:[/b] Okay, no problem. Clean is better than dirty any day![/color] Mario nodded in agreement. He stood in the middle of the path, stretched out his stubby little arms and squeezed his eyes shut. Link strapped the device to his back and aimed the nozzle directly at Mario. [color=green][b]Link:[/b] Er...how do I spray?[/color] Mario opened one eye. [color=crimson][b]Mario:[/b] Just twist the handle. It should work.[/color] Link nodded and twisted the handle. Immediately, FLUDD began to shake and almost instantly, a burst of cool blue water exploded above Link's head, engulfing Mario. Mario turned around so that his back was facing Link. He spat out some water and opened his eyes. [color=crimson][b]Mario:[/b] Ahh! Much better![/color] Link twisted the handle again and FLUDD immediately fell silent. He unstrapped the device and handed it back to Mario, who promptly strapped it onto himself once more. [color=green][b]Link:[/b] Oh, but now you're all wet.[/color] Mario nodded and smiled. [color=crimson][b]Mario:[/b] Yeah, but don't worry. I'll dry off by the time we reach the Inn.[/color] [color=green][b]Link:[/b] Okay, off we go.[/color] [color=crimson][b]Mario:[/b] Woo hoo![/color] Link turned and began walking down the path toward the Inn, which was visible in the distance. Mario switched FLUDD to "hover". Then he ran past Link, jumped up from the pavement and hovered over to the roof of a nearby house. [color=green][b]Link:[/b] Whoa, hey...what are you doing up there?![/color] [color=crimson][b]Mario:[/b] Let's make it fun! Let's race there![/color] Link smiled and crouched on the ground. [color=green][b]Link:[/b] Sure...on your marks...get set...GO![/color] [color=crimson][b]Mario:[/b] Woo! Yeah![/color] Link launched himself from the ground, leaving a trail of smoke and dust behind him. He stared forward intently, dashing across the pavement. Meanwhile, Mario was hopping from rooftop to rooftop, flipping and criss-crossing between chimneys. As the pair came nearer to the Mushroom Inn, Link saw a large groud gathered just outside. Link's eyes opened wide as he tried to stop, digging his heels into the ground. Mario, however, hadn't noticed the crowd. He was too busy feeling the wind rustle through his moustache. Just as he neared the last jump, he opened his eyes and cried out loud... [color=crimson][b]Mario:[/b] Whaaa!![/color] He tried to stop, but it was too late. He slid right off the rooftop toward the crowd. Just as he was about to fall into the crowd, he engaged FLUDD's hover sequence and managed to land on top of the building. Mario crawled up to the edge of the roof and looked over at the crowd below. An angry Madam Aroma was looking up at Mario, her clothes all wet. Mario's cheeks went red -- Madam Aroma was highly influential in the Mushroom Kingdom, despite being from the far away land of Termina. Mario hopped down from the roof and landed right next to Link. They were both wondering what the crowd was looking at...