Sara

[color=#6699cc][url=http://artpad.art.com/?ijuzwb164gik]Swish![/url] (Read below for warning) [url=http://artpad.art.com/gallery/?ijuy12ttgtw]Picture [i]without[/i] blood, frustration, or joke. :) [/url] Warnings: [i]very[/i] long. I strongly recommend you watch it on a fast setting, because on slow it would take... a very long time. Also, there's some blood. It's humorous, but if that sort of thing bugs you, don't look, eh? Started lagging like mad the first time I tried to do the hair. Eventually gave up and added some stuff on a whim. (Hint: when the grey came out. :)) Fun, though. I don't want to tell you how long this took me. =/[/color]

[quote name='Pommiesmanga']sorry......[/quote][color=#6699cc]Please read our [url=http://www.otakuboards.com/rules.php?]rules[/url] before you continue posting. Songo999, the pencil tool is part of the paintbrush tool that you start out with--just adjust the size. Please read our rules (linked above) for an idea of what is considered spam here.[/color]

[QUOTE=Imi][SIZE=1]Lore, I see the point you're making and I know you can't judge someone purely by what it says about their name...I was merely stating something I had noticed with myself and with a couple of friends. I guess I wouldn't like to be judged purely on my name, either, but I've had a great interest in meanings and origins of names for a while now, not everyone reads the Baby Name Book out of boredom, haha.[/SIZE][/QUOTE][color=#6699cc]Oh, no. I totally [i]do[/i] read baby name books for fun. I love word origins, and name meanings are great. I just don't put any stock in the names having relevance to a person's personality (unless the person in question goes to Hogwarts...).[/color]

[quote name='Imi][SIZE=1']It is a known fact that names do share qualities with the person. While maybe not all the qualities, you'll be sure to pick up a couple. Ever heard the saying "What's in a name"?[/SIZE][/quote][color=#6699cc]Yeah. It's from [i]Romeo and Juliet[/i], and Juliet is pointing out how Romeo's name doesn't matter to her, or have any effect on her love or his personality. "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet," eh? Anyway, with things like photo frames that give characteristics about you... things like that just make broad generalisations. If you list off positive characteristcs, what comes to mind? Smart, funny, easygoing, creative...? Almost anyone can find positive traits in himself. Barring angsty teens, people are inclined to flatter themselves. I'd really like to see something listing all [i]negative[/i] traits that people would agree is all accurate. I would hate to be judged on the basis of my name.[/color]

[color=#6699cc]Deathbug, your link made me smile. :) And he's right, the decision took place a few weeks ago, and there has been a huge public outcry. I know that several of my state's legislators are working to draft a law that would limit eminent domain and protect property owners' rights. [quote name='Godel']Why should one property owner have the right to hold back the development of an entire community? If your house is in the way of progress and you're being offered a nice sum for it, it's really quite backwards to demand the government pay some ridiculous amount of dollars to wrap a road or school around it, as oppose to just through where it used to be.[/quote]In the case of a road or school, that has always been condoned. The recent Supreme Court decision allows local governments to seize land in order to sell it to (as in Morpheus's example) Chrysler. The main point being argued is that Eminent Domain is supposed to appropriate land for [i]public use.[/i] A new car factory is not accessible to the public--it is a privately owned facility. The company is getting the land, and the company is making a profit. There are really two reasons why people wouldn't sell their land: 1.) As Godel suggested, they're simply holding out for more money. 2.) They simply [i]do not wish to relocate.[/i] Again, as in Morpheus's example. [url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/09/26/60minutes/main575343.shtml]CBS article from homeowner's perspective.[/url][/color]

[color=#6699cc]Welcome to OB. We don't really allow 'introduction' threads here, but please feel free to read our [url=http://www.otakuboards.com/rules.php?]Rules[/url] and begin posting in existing threads! See you on the Boards. -Sara[/color]

[color=#6699cc][url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eminent_domain][b]Eminent Domain[/b][/url] (link goes to wiki)... ...refers to the power of a government to "take" (or "condemn") private property and appropriate for other use without consent of the owners. In the US, "just compensation" must be provided, and--until recently--the government must have a [i]public use[/i] in mind for the land it is taking. [b]Example[/b]: City government wants to expand a two-lane highway into a four-lane or six-lane highway. The people who own the land along the highway are offered money for their land, but constistantly refuse to sell. In this case, the city can use its power of eminent domain to simply [i]take the land[/i], without consent of the owner, as long as they pay what is determined to be "just compensation" in that situation. End result: the homeowners are out of their land, up some money (if involuntarily), and the the public has a new four-lane highway. This is okay, because new roads (as well as hospitals, military bases, railroads, schools, and public utilities) are in the Public Interest. All this is based on the Fifth Amendment to thhe US Consitution (it's not just about self-incrimination ;)), which states: [i]No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law;[b] nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.[/b][/i] Last month, the Supreme Court of the United Sates (in the case Kelo v. New London) ruled that "[b]Promoting economic development is a traditional and long-accepted function of government.[/b]" (Justice Stevens, majority opionion--5-4 ruling.) That might not mean much to you, but here's what it boils down to: Governments can use eminent domain to better a community. If they decide (and who can argue) that raising the tax base betters a community, they can seize [i]any land they want[/i] and sell it to private developers--for shopping malls, business parks, high-priced new housing developments. People can be--and are--losing their property to [i]private companies and businesses[/i], and this is condoned by the Supreme Court. [url=http://www.washtimes.com/national/20050624-120942-4179r.htm][i]Washington Times[/i] on on New London decision.[/url] [url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8331097/]MSNBC on the same[/url] [url=http://www.cnn.com/2005/LAW/06/23/scotus.property.ap/]Annnnd CNN.[/url] I would love to hear your thoughts on this decision.[/color]

[color=#6699cc]What I listen to (on DVD) depends what I'm doing. If I'm going to be giving the show my full attention, I'll usually listen to Japanese with subtitles. I can read what's on the screen, and it's fun to listen to another language. If I know I'm going to be distracted, or if I'm going to be taking screencaps, I listen to the dub. If I look away for two minutes and they're talking in English, I can still follow what's going on. And the subtitles don't get in the way of what pictures I'm trying to take. :)[/color]

[color=#6699cc]Hey there! Welcome to OtakuBoards. We've actually got a policy about "Hi, I'm new" threads--they don't really generate much discussion, so it's my job to close them. Don't let that deter you from posting, though. Read our Rules and FAQ (located on the sidebar to your left) and start posting. :)[/color]

[color=#6699ff]The element Phosphorus was discovered by an alchemist. He was hoping to find/create a "Philosopher's Stone," and believed he had done it. Do you want to know what he was doing? [spoiler]Boiling urine. Boiling over 60 gallons of urine until a few grams of... stuff... remained. Romantic.[/spoiler] [i]Oh[/i] yeah, sounds like the job for me. :)[/color]

[color=#6699cc]I am very cautious about tis thread. There are a few reasons for this, but I think the most important one to your unborn child is this: The vast majority of people here will recommend Japanese names from their favorite anime. You'd be much better off paging through a baby name book at your local bookstore. That being said, my recommendation is simply this: For your child's sake, don't "misspell" his or her name. A unique name may be good, but a name that will make the child spend his or her [i]entire life[/i] explaining that no, the name really [i]is[/i] spelled like that--not a good idea. It's Cassandra, not Kassandra. It's Zachary, not Tsakary. There are exceptions: Sara/Sarah are both common. Catherine and Katherine are both common. Shaun, Shawn, and Sean all work. Jon and John--fine. But if you'd like something with a different flavor, try looking at names from other languages--Russian, Spanish...yes, even Japanese. If you're desperate. ^_~ Anyway, for girls, flowers are generally safe. Rose, Violet and Daisy are recognisable as names, but there are less mundane names as well, from Azalea to Zinnia. (Amaranth, Hyacinth, Alyssum come to mind.)[/color]

[quote name='Lady Asphyxia][size=2][font=arial narrow]I've been learning German for several years now, myself, but my problem is not [i]really[/i] vocab at the moment. We've just covered the environment, which is such a specialised area it's really easy to pick up vocab about [i]Verschmutzung[/i] (Pollution) and Conservation. [/font'][/size][/quote][color=#6699cc]Oh, tee hee. About [i]die Verschmutzung[/i]: my German class last semester was the first one (ever) in which we did [b]not[/b] have a unit on the environment. However, there was a point toward the end of classes when the teacher asked us to brainstorm and make a list of stereotypically German things. [i]Bier, Kafka, Oktoberfest,[/i] techno, etc., etc. I said [i]Umwelt.[/i] The [i]entire class[/i] dissolved into laughter. It gladdens me to know that everyone learning German, everywhere has to go through the "save the world!" chapters. It's like one giant in-joke. :) And for some reason, it always makes me feel like I'm eight years old and reading [i]Ranger Rick[/i]. Conservation: [i]tres[/i] Nineties. Heh. (Kinda sad...) [/color]

[color=#6699cc]I am going to close this thread. For the reason why, please see the following threads from this week: [url]http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=48165[/url] [url]http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=48154[/url] [url]http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=48144[/url] [url]http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=48142[/url] [url]http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=48013[/url] Enjoy your stay at OtakuBoards. Please read our [url=http://www.otakuboards.com/rules.php?]rules[/url] before you continue posting.[/color]

[color=#6699cc]Welcome back to OtakuBoards. We no longer allow people to post threads announcing their (re)arrival, though. Just jump in and start posting again. :) Good to have you with us![/color]

[quote name='Bloodseeker']Mechanical orgasm girl [/quote][color=#6699cc]I have spent the last half hour trying to figure out whether or not this is a typo.[/color]

[color=#6699cc]I think it would be a lot of fun to dress like this--on occasion, heh. I've been toying with the idea of making myself an outfit (I doubt I would have the patience for two or more), just to wear every once in a while up at school. It's a big college; no one would bat an eye. And it would make me laugh, so that's always good.[/color]

[QUOTE=TheAmazingZLJ]Greetings and salutations! To those who don't know me, I used to visit under the alias 'TornSoul' a few years ago. Jeeze this place has changed quite a bit o_o Anyways, if you're still unsure who I am I'll just re-introduce myself, my name's Zach and I'm not too much on Anime anymore instead I'm very artistic and I enjoy gaming quite a bit.[/QUOTE][color=#6699cc]Hey, Zach. I don't know when you visited, but OtakuBoards discourages introduction (and reintroduction) threads now. They tend to clutter the Lounge and degenerate pretty quickly. Just jump in and start posting. :) Glad to have you with us![/color]

[quote name='XxXMiAka']such a powerful emotion! have u ever been in it?![/quote][color=#6699cc]Hey there, Miaka, and welcome to OtakuBoards. When you start a thread, please put a bit more into it than a one line statement--share an experience, tell a story, give some background to your question. There is already a thread about "powerful emotions" right now, which I think your thread could fall under. Because Renegade Minx replied so nicely, I am going to merge the threads instead of closing this one. Please be sure to read our [url=http://Otakuboards.com/rules.php?][b]rules[/b][/url] before you continue posting. Thanks![/color]

[color=#6699cc]During the school year I work in my dorm's cafeteria. Working at the place you eat 90% of your meals can be pretty rough (you get sick of the food in a fraction of the time!), but I love my boss, coworkers are generally decent, and I have to admit--the commute takes about forty seconds (and that's taking the stairs.) Scheduling is more flexible than a gold-medal gymnast, and it's really a great place to be. I'm signed up for two nights a week next semester, but I may pick up more--depending on whether I take a second job somewhere else. I'm thinking about applying for this cool pizza-parlor on campus. The pizza isn't really that great, but I love the atmosphere, and the front of the store is a huge garage door that they open on warm days. Reason enough! I don't have a job this summer. I was looking for one, but then my dad starting bugging me about it. Call me contrary, but if I get a job, I kinda want it to me my thing. Not his. Oh, well. We'll see (it would be nice to have money again, heh).[/color]

[QUOTE=sakurasuka][CENTER][SIZE=1] I love the 'golden grahm' layer... I wonder how they make that. It has the slightest hint of a brown sugar/honey taste to it. The only candy I like that isn't chocolate or some kind of chocolate bar would have to be Jolly Ranchers. If you've ever had one, you know what I mean.[/SIZE][/CENTER][/QUOTE][color=#6699cc][b]How do they CRAM all that GRAHAM?![/b] Ahem. When I was in first grade, my favorite candy in the world was Jolly Ranchers. It's like they've got twice as much flavor as they should, heh. Amazing. Anyone else ever wonder about all the "blue raspberry" candies that taste nothing like raspberry? Just an excuse to turn kids' mouths blue (but hey, who's complaining?) I always liked red candies because they made me feel like Snow White ("her lips like blood..."). [/color]

[color=#6699cc]Four and a half years ago, I was surfing the web, looking for Digimon fanart. (^_~) I came across [font=century gothic]the[b]Otaku[/b].com[/font], which (at the time) housed the impressive artworks of Miss GinnyLyn, Digimon Guru Extraordinaire. I sent her some fanmail, we talked a bit, she suggested I join [font=century gothic]Otaku[b]Boards[/b].[/font] Eventually, I did. We became good friends, and had some rockin' old times in the Digimon forum. It saddens me that most of the archives are gone. Ah, well. Everyone who remembers Ginny gets a handful of CCEBs. (Roxie, I'm looking at you.)[/color]

[color=#6699cc]It's interesting that negative emotions seem so much stronger than positive ones. I don't know about [i]ever[/i], but here are two very strong emotions I've had--one positive, one negative. One involves hanging out with my boyfriend, one goes back to--well, most of my life, heh. The first (possession/love, the positive one) just had to do with how happy I was to be with him after a morning of snuggling. It's a very wonderful feeling, to feel that (for all romantic purposes) you own/belong to someone. (And that the other party is also happy with that.) However, I'm sure I've provided Azure enough ammo to tease me for the next three [i]years[/i], so I'll stop there before things get any mushier. :p The second is the apprehension/terror/freeze-up/stagefright that happens just before you go onstage for the first time during a play. Once you say your first line, most of it evaporates (although it doesn't disappear entirely until after you've made your first exit and can collapse backstage for a few seconds), but the suspense building up until that first line--It's torture. Cruel, vicious, biting, twisting torture. You are a [i]clear path to the door[/i] away from running away and hiding outside in the parkinglot, half a bite of food away from being sick, one whisper away from screaming. You'd think, being in plays and skits my whole life, it would get better. Nope. Ah, well. [/color]

[color=#6699cc]I also really like Bit-O-Honeys. Honey candy, heheh. Yum! I got a big bag of those once, munched (well, chewed) on them for days. I'm also a fan of saltwater taffy--there's something wonderfully good (and heralding back to childhood) about eating chewy candies wrapped in waxed paper. Speaking of which, Tootsie Roll Pops. Oh, and Ring Pops! Anyone remember those? I only had a few as a kid, but I was always SO happy when I got one, because the commericials were always so tantalising. They really were messy, though--you tried to eat them, and you ended up with sticky slobber all over your hand. Push Pops were the same way--the whole contraption got wet and icky, heh. And did anyone else have the little things--just long strips of paper with colored sugar drops on them? They really weren't that good, but I'd get them at the corner drug store because they'd last forever. Yes. I was one of the lucky children who lived by a [i]corner drug store[/i]. Be jealous. Be oh-so-jealous.[/color]

[quote name='MistressRoxie][color=#9933ff']The last question I'd like to ask is, did everyone know about this and I'm the last one to find out? Please say no, or else I'll look like an idiot. I'm always the last one to know!!! *whines*[/color][/quote][color=#6699cc]Oh, Roxie. ^_^ No, I didn't know, although it made me smile. I always liked Alice. Poor girl. Dark Alucard, not only do you need to imporve your attitude, you need to improve your post quality. No need to be rude, you know.[/color]

[QUOTE=sakurasuka][CENTER][SIZE=1]I apologize, but I basically skimmed through most of the posts. After four or five, I just couldn't stand people bashing Christians anymore. You may call THEM sick (And they most certainly are!!!) but none of you have any right to put down my religion. This is most certainly a cult and should be investigated and shut down. *Shakes head at the utter ignorance in that quote*[/SIZE][/CENTER][/QUOTE][color=#6699CC]If you had read further, you would see that most of those subsequent posts did make a distinction between the group in question and Christians at large. (I'm not reproaching you, but letting you know that most of the people here are intelligent enough to realise that Love in Action's [i]Refuge[/i] camp does not represent the views of all Christians.) And I do understand how that angered you--being misrepresented (and having people believe that you fall under that misrepresentation) sucks. Zach (the boy whose blog was linked) apparently attended the two week camp, and is now attending the six-week "extension." What continues to... baffle me, really... is what I stated in my first post. I cannot believe that any youth would be sent to this camp [i]with his parents' consent[/i] or approval. The camp "treats" things such as drug abuse, promiscuity, and homosexuality. I'm not sure what to make of the fact that the three are lumped together.[/color]