James

[color=royalblue]It's very hard to punish a person adequately, when they have a mental disorder (particularly an intelligence disorder). Having said that, I don't agree with the death penalty at all. It is truly something that belongs in the middle ages -- so I guess that my response to the idea of "letting off" mentally disabled people would be that alternative punishments should be considered.[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by DarkOrderKnight [/i] [B]James, your mind is just too closed. Your not willing to accept any new ideas. You [i]say[/i] that your conclusion might change when you hear another side of the argument but through all the dabates I've seen you participate in on the Boards you have always stuck with your orginal opinion on a certain topic. [/quote][/b] [color=royalblue]Actually, my mind is really open. But you see, I'm not a very gullible person. It's not a matter of being unwilling to accept new ideas, it's an issue of being able to accept the ideas that hold some credence. When someone posts something about the moon landing not being true, of [i]course[/i] I'm going to take a hard line. Just the same as if someone told me that they had fairies in their garden. I'm always willing to accept new ideas, on the condition that those ideas are factually true. If you follow this conspiracy theory through to its natural conclusion, you can see that we are entering a place where we really shouldn't be -- silly, pointless paranoia.[/color][quote][b] I am willing to hear any idea. [/quote][/b] [color=royalblue]As am I. :) I'm willing to [i]hear[/i] an idea. Even if it's completely airy-fairy. Doesn't mean I'll necessarily be gullible enough to believe [i]anything[/i] I'm told.[/color][quote][b] How do we know that the shuttle did nothing but orbit the Earth when it blasted off? We don't. How do we know that those pictures are for real? We don't. Every single thing about the Moon Landing could have been faked. On the other hand, the whole thing could have been real. No one is going to know for sure untill the Governments of the world become completely truthful with their people. Since we all know that that is never going to happen, I guess that we will never know for sure. [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]And this is the kind of attitude that I personally think is totally nonconstructive. What reason could the various Goverments involved have for lying to us? I mean, do you possibly understand how paranoid this concept is? I could go on and on about the [i]ample[/i] proof of the moon landing, but what's the point? I mean, honestly. If you're going to be gullible enough to believe some insane conspiracy theory, then there isn't much hope for you.[/color]

[color=royalblue]Delian, I think that you and Justin are actually agreeing somewhat. On a basic level, you both agree that an atrocity of any sort is unacceptable. No matter who it is committed by. And if we take that reasoning and underly all our opinions with it...I think that at least, we are all on the same page in some basic way. Erm, I hope that made sense. lol o_O[/color]

[color=royalblue]I must say, Delian...I can definitely see your point of view in this post. We have family friends who are from Croatia and they were telling us about various things that happened during the war. It can be quite horrific, to learn of things that you would not otherwise know. I definitely believe that the international community is far too tolerant of Israel's position, even though I personally do not agree with the terrorism coming from [i]some[/i] parts of the Palestinean side.[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Justin [/i] [B]Having an opinion is fine. It's great, actually. So long as it's an educated and well-thought opinion. If you have no idea what's going on, and no idea how what you are saying may affect others, you have no business stating your position. [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]I agree completely. :)[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by wrist cutter [/i] [B] And see, this is why most people don't debate with you. [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]I'm quite happy to debate issues. The thing is, I obviously get passionate about an issue where someone is debating an objectively foolish point of view. Now, I know that you are an intelligent person and so, I know that within reason, if you see evidence and arguments that you find to be logical...you are going to be more likely to see another angle on the whole discussion. Sometimes I debate with people and I see their point of view...and that changes my own conclusion. So I am not generally stubborn about [i]everything[/i] (people who actually know me can attest to that), but I [i]am[/i] stubborn when I'm trying to defend common logic (in this case, maintain a level head when there is even the suggestion of something foolish). So in that sense, I think most people can understand why I'm stubborn on some issues.[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by wrist cutter [/i] [B] No, multiple shadows = multiple light sources is fact. You can't deny that more than one shadow means there is more than one light source, that is a fact. [/quote][/b] [color=royalblue]So one light source cannot create multiple shadows? What on earth do you think happens with sunlight hitting earth? That argument is moot.[/color][quote][b] That last, sarcastic sentence is what makes me mad. I'm not Fox Mulder - I don't even believe in aliens or most paranormal things. I don't believe the government is out to "get us" or that we are being watched or anything. I am just slightly suspicious about this one event in history, for reasons I believe to be somewhat valid. Again - if someone asked me, do you believe we landed on the moon, my response would be "Yes, though I am a bit suspicious". What you fail to realize is that you're just as stubborn as everyone else here. You can't change our minds; but nobody is able to change yours, either. [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]And what you fail to realize, is that my comments were not entirely directed at you. I was referring specifically to those who believe, as a statement of fact, that the moon landing didn't happen. I am well aware of your stance on the issue. And hell yes, I'm incredibly stubborn on this issue -- just as I'm stubborn when I say that the sky is blue and that the Earth is round.[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Juuthena [/i] [B]but here's one thing, why is bush aiming for all the poor, yet far away countries? if cuba was farther away would he be aiming for them too? *sigh* and another thing, I agree with gotenks on the people sticking up for their rights, but the cold war? it worked? I really am against war. If were ruling any kind of country, I'd do my best to try and prevent war, even if it takes some hard work in peace talks. That's what clinton did. and with that, isreal is more friendly to our country. maybe if we tried to do that, there wouldn't be as much terrorism. but... as long as there's people, there will never be peace. [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]Why is Bush aiming for the poor, far away countries? Were you born yesterday? Afghanistan was a breeding ground for terrorism. And now, the nation is just about to have its very first democratic elections in some twenty years. You can't possibly even begin to tell me that what the USA and its allies did in Afghanistan was wrong. The cold war [i]did[/i] "work", in the sense that the Soviet Union is now Russia...and is now democratic (though still reasonably corrupt). And that Cuba comment is just silly. Do you think he just sits at his desk and says "Ohh, they are so far away...so let's bomb 'em!". That's just stupid. Countries are involved for a [i]reason[/i] -- if Bush just went after nations because they were far away...well...that would be insanity. lol I definitely think that you are an idealist and not a realist. It's fine to have ideals, as long as you understand how the world works. It's all very well to say "let's have peace talks", but if somone has a gun to your head, do you [i]really[/i] think you can have peace talks then? I am really beginning to understand why Justin and others are disagreeing with you so much. [/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by wrist cutter [/i] [B]'No basis in fact' you say, James? As I recall, most all of it was based on fact (like the shadows thing posted already).[/quote][/b] [color=royalblue]The "shadows thing" was not based on fact. It is [i]exactly[/i] like the "man on mars" thing. Someone looks at the image and draws something from it, others say "yeah, I see it too!!!!" and so on. To say that the moon landing didn't happen is so laughable that it's almost unbelieveable.[/color][quote][b] You bring up good points on how it's probably just a "silly paranoia" - but there are also good points on how it could be true, and there are strong people on either side (as you have shown us). It's not really fair to call it complete idiocy.[/quote][/b] [color=royalblue]Incorrect. There are absolutely [i]zero[/i] factual points relating to it simply "not happening". It's ludicrous and it's completely fair to call it complete idiocy. There are only so many issues where I can say "Yeah, you have a point" or whatever. This is not one of them. This is honestly the stuff that religious cultism is made of.[/color][quote][b] Yes, chances are good we really did land on the moon, for the reasons you said. But all the things pointed out make it seem like an impossibility - it makes sense to be open to more ideas on the topic, if you ask me.[/quote][/b] [color=royalblue]Of course we landed on the moon. It's very easy, if you know relatively little about space technology (or the moon landing itself) to say that it "seems like an impossibility". And that is one thing that annoys me about it. People who are 100% unqualified listen to quack "scientists" and believe every piece of garbage they say about the moon landing never happening, yet these same people refuse to listen to the overwhelming evidence and information from [i]qualified[/i] and experienced science on the very same issue. It is absolutely mind blowing that there could even be a question about this issue. As I said, if I were an astronaut and I were reading this, I'd be pretty pissed that a few lay individuals can dismiss a piece of history as easily as picking their nose. It's just mindblowing.[/color][quote][b] I won't say we definitely didn't land on the moon, but I also won't say otherwise. Why is it we haven't been on the moon since 1969, anyway? What with technology improving, you'd think it'd be getting easier every day. [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]Because the trip to the moon was merely an issue of "can we or can't we". We have had absolutely no need to travel to the moon since then -- most of NASA's technology and finances have been used for satellite technology and research that would lead eventually to man landing on Mars. I guess that, when we eventually land on Mars, you won't believe that either? :rolleyes: Ugh, I probably shouldn't keep posting here...there is no way I can change the mind of ANY people who would actually [i]believe[/i] something so utterly foolish.[/color]

[color=royalblue]I didn't read all your posts, but the "hatred" of North Korea (or moreover, its dictatorship) is very legitimate. A few years back, North Korea fired a medium range ballistic missile, which flew over Japan (causing Japan to immediately trigger a state of alert -- Japan thought it was under attack) and then finally crashed into the ocean just east of the Japanese coastline. You can imagine how angry NK's neighbours were. Here you have a country that is actively testing missiles and firing them [i]right over[/i] its neighbours without any regard for people's safety. As far as I'm concerned, the faster they get Kim Il Sung out of power, the better...[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Char! [/i] [B][color=teal][size=1]C'mon James, you're saying that it's not even [i]possible?[/i] I was intrigued by the facts suppoting the belief that we didn't go to the moon. As more and more issues were brought up, I found it more and more easy to believe that it [i]was[/i] all a hoax. [/color][/size] [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]No, it's not possible. It's utter rubbish. It's like saying that the sky isn't really blue and that someone used blue gas to make it blue -- it's really green...we [i]all[/i] know that. -_- It's very easy to bring up points of reference to confuse people on an issue like this -- but in reality, it's all absolutely ridiculous and has no basis in fact. If it had been proven that we hadn't landed on the moon, then I [i]think[/i] it would be common knowledge by now. The idea that it is some massive conspiracy is about as foolish and paranoid as saying that the Government is using scanners in supermarkets to plot every little movement in our lives. I mean, c'mon. lol There were many countries involved in the Apollo 11 project (including Australia -- ever seen the movie, The Dish?). So I suppose the entire Australian space agency is lying too? And all the scientists who actually made sure that they were receiving transmissions from the orbiter? And the Government entered into it and was totally fooled? Come on people, you're insulting your own intelligence if you give ANY credence to this rubbish. The issues I brought up are really minor -- there is also the issue of the many innovations that came about through the Apollo 11 program. This is why I'm not a conspiracy theorist -- it tends to suck people in that have a leaning to this foolish paranoid type of mindset. I can understand why someone with an inbuilt paranoia or religious fanatacism might believe something like this; but this moon landing conspiracy stuff is EXACTLY the same as all those moronic (and sometimes harmful) rumors about September 11. Furthermore, it's just plain disrespectful to those who put so much effort and work into the program. If I'd put most of my profressional career into achieving such a feat, I'd be [i]very[/i] dissappointed to see a group of lay people (who wouldn't necessarily know a NASA landing vehicle from their own butt) trying to somehow say that my work was for nothing. Phew. lol Sorry about that -- I just get really pissed at blatant idiocy and the whole "pack" mentality in general.[/color]

[IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/OAWLOGO.jpg[/IMG] [b]Background[/b] [i]The world of Gaia faces impending turmoil. The Chancellor of Verdun has ordered a rapid expansion of the nation's military powers, including the construction of the world's first long-range military silo. These developments are troubling to Verdun's southern neighbour, Oleron. The peaceful land of Oleron is based on the use of magic and swordsmanship; not on the use of cannons or guns. The Oleronean Guild of Power (the governing body in Oleron) has called a Grand Assembly, inviting the leaders of Gaia's other two populated nations: Esperna and Almaran. As the representatives arrive in Oleron's capital of Meridion, a large explosion rocks the eastern sector of the city. It seems that someone isn't interested in peace -- the people of Oleron strongly suspect that Verdun was behind the attack, but there are some who suspect that greater forces are manipulating Verdun behind the scenes...[/i] [b]The World of Gaia[/b] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Gaia_Map.jpg[/IMG] The world of Gaia is made up of [b]seven[/b] continents. Of those seven continents, [b]four[/b] are populated by a specific race of beings. The map above uses colour coding to demonstrate where each race's territory lies. As you can see, Verdun is home to the Hume, Oleron is home to the Elves, Almaran is home to the Halbreed and Esperna is home to the Quart. In the map above, the colored icons represent [b]capital cities[/b] and [b]important geographical locations[/b]. Specific towns and buildings are represented by numbers, which are listed at the bottom. Each number and its corresponding structure/city/town is also colour coded, to demonstrate which race it belongs to. [b]Sign Up[/b] [b]Select Character[/b] Selecting a character is pretty simple. But you'll need to read carefully, just to ensure that you choose wisely. Below, you will find a complete list of possible characters to use in the RPG. Each individual character is given a number. In the select character field, all you need to do is type the number of the character you want. If someone else has selected a character that you want to use, you will need to find another. Only one model per participant. Once you have chosen the model of how your character will appear, you simply need to fill out the following fields: [b]CHAR. NUMBER: NAME: AGE: LOCATION:[/b] And now, I'll introduce you to the various races: [b]Elf[/b] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Female_Elves.jpg[/IMG] [size=1]Female Elves[/size] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Male_Elves.jpg[/IMG] [size=1]Male Elves[/size] The Elfin race occupies the nation of Oleron. Elves are generally considered to be the most noble creatures in the world. They are highly knowledgable and their society prides itself on knowledge and wisdom. Elves tend to focus on non-mechanical weaponry. That is, they utilize everything from daggers and swords to lances and ninja stars. All of their weaponry is hand-made and in some cases, elves add magical qualities to their weapons. In general, elves carry two light weapons -- one in each hand. They do not carry guns, pistols or any other kind of automatic weaponry. Elves are moderately powerful when it comes to magic ability. And in general, elfin magic is based on the dark arts (offensive magic). [b]Hume[/b] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Female_Hume.jpg[/IMG] [size=1]Female Hume[/size] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Male_Hume.jpg[/IMG] [size=1]Male Hume[/size] The Hume are the wealthiest and most technologically advanced race on the planet. They occupy the nation of Verdun, to the north of Oleron. Throughout history, Hume were perhaps closest to Elves in terms of their society. But in recent decades, the Hume have moved beyond Elves in terms of technology and society -- the Hume capital of Vin Kartia is the largest and most polluted city on Gaia. The continual technological advancement has come at a price; the hume have completely forgotten magic. They no longer practice magic of any kind within the borders of Verdun and recently, it has become illegal to practice any kind of magic at all. Those who practice magic are sent to Solace Prison, a prison which already contains thousands of people from all over Gaia. Hume generally use some sort of automatic weapon -- a pistol, a rifle, a shotgun or even a high-energy laser weapon. Due to the fact that Hume weaponry is the most powerful in the world of Gaia, hume generally only carry one weapon. [b]Halbreed[/b] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Male_Halbreed.jpg[/IMG] [size=1]Male Halbreed[/size] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Female_Halbreed.jpg[/IMG] [size=1]Female Halbreed[/size] The Halbreed are an ancient race. They occupy the nation of Almaran. Halbreed are actually a mixed race; they are half Hume, half animal. The combination is a unique one, because it gives the Halbreed much more sensitive hearing, vision and sense of smell. In some cases, it also allows Halbreed to control wild animals through a form of hypnosis. Halbreed are fairly peaceful but are often reluctant to accept outsiders. They prefer to deal with their own kind whenever possible. Halbreed weaponry is fairly simplistic, consisting of basic swords, knives and clubs. However, what they lose in weaponry they make up for in physical attributes. Halbreed are the physically strongest race in the world in Gaia. They can run the fastest, jump the highest and they even have the ability to camouflage with natural surroundings. Like Hume, Halbreed can only carry one weapon at a time. [b]Quart[/b] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Female_Quart.jpg[/IMG] [size=1]Female Quart[/size] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Male_Quart.jpg[/IMG] [size=1]Male Quart[/size] The Quart are a race which inhabits the western continent of Esperna. Quart appear very short and look very young. However, they posess the longest lifespan of any creature in the world of Gaia. Some Quart have been known to live for more than 500 years -- Quart do not age on the outside and therefore, it can be very difficult to tell exactly how old a Quart male or female actually is. The Quart are tribal people who live in villages which sit amongst the branches of enormous trees. They are physically the weakest of any race on Gaia, however, they posess very powerful magic abilities. In general, Quart utilize powerful white magic (which can be either defensive or offensive). Due to their magical power, the Quart actually have a great deal of control over the planet -- they are considered to be the guardians of the natural balance. Quart do not carry any weapons. They use magic, which does not require weaponry. [b]Other sign up fields include:[/b] [b]Bio/history: Personality: Weapon/s: Items (up to five can be carried): White Magic Spells: (used by Quart only) Black Magic Spells: (used by Quart and Elf) Ability 1: (any race can use abilities -- however, the abilities should be related to what that race can realistically do [ie: Halbreed might have a "sense" ability]) Ability 2:[/b] I'll post my sign up soon. [size=1]EDIT: I just noticed that two models have the same number. If you want to use a character which shares a number with another character, just say in the character number field what the race and sex of the model is.[/size] [b]I'm using character number 50 -- it's reserved. :)[/b]

[color=royalblue]I recommend that you read our Rules page. Simply click on the "Rules" button on the OtakuBoards tool bar up the top. That will give you all the information you require. :)[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by The Elite DBZ [/i] [B][B]LOL! I doubt that pleased them.... So, in a sense we can all be glad that they did it, as we have new and improved boards? It's funny how some things work out...[/B] [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]Yeah, it's definitely a case of "what goes around, comes around"...or something like that. Their aim was to totally ruin/destroy our community. But they did two opposite things: they alienated themselves (they thought it'd be funny, but instead, everyone else in the forums basically dislikes what they did and is frustrated by it) and they also served to prompt Adam and I to launch v3. So really...it was a total backfire. And that is why I have [i]no[/i] problem with people bringing it up again. It's always funny to talk about the situation with v2...[/color]

[i]As the sun rose the next morning, the city of Glorethroth was bathed in its warm glow. Karu sat up in bed and looked out his window. He had a direct view of a large cobblestone street, which passed his house and led directly into the town center. He blinked and pushed the two halves of the window open on their hinges. Outside, he could see a large group of Elfin workmen walking along the street, holding large signs in their hands. The steady stream of workers didn't seem to end; they just kept coming. Some of them were mumbling to each other and others were chanting in tandem. Karu looked up at some of the banners. One of them was bright yellow with black elfin calligraphy on it, reading: [b]ELVES DESERVE BETTER SAFETY CONDITIONS![/B] Just behind that sign was another: [b]NEXT TIME YOU SEND YOUR HUSBAND OFF TO WORK, HE MAY NOT RETURN![/B] Karu was puzzled. He had no idea what the workers were protesting about. Today was the day when he and Mara were due to leave the house. But before he did that, Karu wanted to learn more about this protest (which was becoming increasingly loud as the minutes passed). Karu hopped off his bed and put on the nearest clothing. He took some basic items and stuffed them into his pockets. And then, he tiptoed down the hallway and out the front door, toward the town center...[/i]

[color=royalblue]Erm, of course this is not true. And neither is the "moon landing conspiracy" which frankly, only ignorant people believe. The moon landing [i]did[/i] happen and there were no landings on the moon [i]prior[/i] to 1969. Just look at that "face on mars" picture a few years back. NASA viewed the same structure from a different angle in orbit and it was simply a mountainous region on the surface...it was just by chance that it looked like a face originally. Seriously, people who make up all these rumors must really have boring lives...this crap is the same as all those dumb 9/11 rumors. It's all rubbish.[/color]

[color=royalblue]It's kind of surprising that there are so many rumors about how OtakuBoards "went down". It was pretty basic, actually. Somehow, thimoc/Shinji got a hold of Adam's password. They then proceeded to hand out the password to a few others...and they made others Admins...and basically, they screwed the entire site up by mass spamming. Myself and a few others managed to clean it up and shut down the site, to protect it from "hacking", but in the end, Adam and I decided that it would be better to just delete the whole thing and start again in a more secure environment -- OB v3 was the result: it was the first OB to run on Virtual Bulletin software. I hope that clears up any of the silly rumors. ;) To this day, I think the so-called hackers actually did us a huge favor. Without them, we'd probably still have our old UBB and we'd probably only be on v3. Thanks to them, we are now on v5 and are running perhaps the best boards software we've ever had. :)[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Desbreko [/i] [B][color=indigo]Has anyone heard anything about a keyboard for the GCN being released? It seems like it'd be kind of necessary, if you're going to be talking to other people in the game. Actually, I did hear something about a GCN controller/keyboard being made, come to think of it... It was a keyboard with the GCN buttons and handles on the ends, or something like that... I think that'd be cool, but I haven't heard anything about it for a few months.[/color] [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]Yep! ASCII has developed a keyboard/controller for GCN. I read a review of it on IGN and it looks [i]really[/i] cool! It's basically a small keyboard with each half of the controller on either end of the board. It does sound fiddly, but it's actually really ergonomic. You can be playing your game and sit the controller in your lap to type a message -- the keyboard also contains all these special shortcut buttons for use in online games. It's the best console keyboard I've seen before -- compact, yet really functional. In Japan, it will be packaged in with PSO: Episode 1 & 2. :)[/color]

[color=royalblue]The thing is, a lot of people complained that they'd be in the middle of the game and suffer from a disconnection. The GameCube beta not only runs with even [i]less[/i] lag, but also has far less connection issues. So for those who had the original Dreamcast version, I think they will be pleased to know that they can play this new version with relatively few issues.[/color]

[color=royalblue]Hm, 32.4% pure. o_O I answered no to quite a few of those questions too...weird. lol[/color]

[color=royalblue]Actually, Nintendo will be releasing a first party broadband adapter and dial up modem for GameCube later this year. When you purchase Phantasy Star Online, you'll also need to pick up an official Nintendo BB Adapter/Modem. So, Nintendo will produce the peripheral while SEGA will provide the actual online services and infrastructure. The Japanese BETA was very easy to connect with and ran incredibly well, despite only using dial up at the time. So I don't think you're going to see any problems with this game, in terms of actually getting it online.[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Raven131 [/i] [B]Wow I never thought there were that many! Thats alot. But why would someone make an account if they don't intend to use it? Kinda dumb [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]I think most people sign up with the intention of posting...but they post maybe once or twice and then they get bored...or lose interest, or find something else to do. Some people sign up and just simply forget to post here. It happens -- I know I've joined boards where I've posted once or twice and become bored with the place. In fact, OtakuBoards is only one of two boards that I ever regularly post at. Just shows how great our community must be. ;)[/color]

[color=royalblue]Actually, our old record was around 3,600 members. However, we now have more active members than we've ever had before. And that's the more important number. :)[/color]

[color=royalblue]Are you talking about me or Seph? I don't live in Europe. But yes, the game was free there...and so far, SEGA has said nothing about pay-to-play charges in the USA.[/color]

[color=royalblue]Well, the story issue is funny. The Zelda stories aren't really related at all. They [i]do[/i] often contradict each other...and the only ones that directly connect (in recent memory) are the OoT and MM stories. The others really bear no relation..it's much like an "alternative story" system...and I believe Nintendo itself has briefly commented that the stories don't necessarily tie in with one another (as this would also limit the possibilities with gameplay as well).[/color]