elfpirate

[quote name='James][color=#b0251e']Guys, chill. You can debate without insulting one another. I don't even know why there is a particular need to "debate" -- wouldn't you be more interested in learning how each one of you comes up with a particular conclusion? By that I mean, perhaps we should try to understand the way others think, rather than getting into this back-and-forth situation.[/color][/quote][b]Yes, I [i]would[/i] prefer that... I simply felt the need to defend myself from an attack upon thoughts and beliefs that weren't even mine to begin with. [/b] [b]Please, [i]by all means, [/i]people- try to understand the way others think- and when they blatantly say" No, you've misunderstood me"- try to accept that you've misunderstood them, instead of tearing them a new ***hole and demanding that they admit that they meant something else...;) .[/b] [b][size=2]To Drix[/size]- okay, my apparently terrible communication skills aside, what I was getting at was simply that, as a Christian, when things get you down or you feel that life is just giving you a beating, you can take comfort in your faith, in your beliefs, and in your savior, right? Isn't it comforting to know that God has a plan for you and that He loves you? Isn't it true that you can lean on Him for comfort when you need it because He is the stronger one?[/b] [b]That was all that I was saying. No implications beyond that... no reading between the lines... I said what I meant... or, at least, I think I did...:D .[/b]

[QUOTE=wrist cutter]You implied it again. There are people who have no religion, so logically you can deduce that these people can cope on their own. Here's a quote of yours: "It is simply part of the human condition that some people need that particular crutch to lean on in order to get them through life." You're now relating those with religion to INJURED PEOPLE (with the phrase "crutch to lean on"). OF COURSE they're weaker if they need a crutch. You said it yourself, right there. If religion is just a tool used by people to cope with lives OF COURSE IT'S A FARCE! If it's part of the "human condition" as you say, then it's just some made up thing people use to feel good about themselves according to you. Religion has nothing to do with picking and choosing which one you think suits you or your lifestyle best. I meant faith in terms of Christianity. You clearly aren't a Christian. I can assume that from your post, unless everything you've said up to this point has been a lie. Intelligence had nothing to do with it. You were saying religion was a crutch for weak-willed people. Way to go, winner. Insult me and then outright tell me you're sinking to my level.[/QUOTE] [b][color=darkred]I didn't imply anything of the sort... and bravo for taking the quote out of context. I actually said that everyone has a crutch or vice- not just religious people... and it's a figure of speech-not an implication of weakness.[/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000][/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000]Didn't I already say that I never made a statement about religion being just a tool to help people cope? If something helps a person to cope, does that automatically make it simply a means to decieve oneself? I use music to help me cope sometimes- am I tricking myself into believing that playing music will calm my nerves? Or maybe-just maybe- does it truly calm me down? Hmmm... there's a brain scratcher for you, huh?[/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000][/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000]Since when is "the human condition" another way of saying "some made-up thing to make people feel good about themselves"? [/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000][/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000] And... don't say "according to you" when the crap you're spewing hasn't come from me. Thanks- I'd appreciate that...[/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000][/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000]No, you can't assume that I'm "clearly not a Christian" from my post. Well, let me clarify that...I guess you can assume whatever the hell you want, but that'd be your own ignorant choice.[/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000][/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000]"Intelligence had nothing to do with it"---Wow, you can say that again... because I never once said nor implied that religion was a crutch for weak-willed people- you came up with that one on your own...[/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000][/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000]Apparently, you didn't catch the humor in that last bit, eh? Oh, well... it makes it even funnier that you didn't... and that you acknowledge what level I had to sink to...[/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000][/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000]And as for the homosexual thing... I got it. I don't need an explanation... Did you actually think your ridiculous point had escaped me? If it had, would I have taken the time to insult your sensitivity, of all things, when you've made so much fodder for me outside of that little politically-correct tangent of yours? [/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000][/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000]Isn't there something else you'd rather defend... like, say, for instance, something that was actually under attack somehow?[/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000][/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000]I have no problem with religion. I really don't. And I don't think any less of religious people or any higher of non-religious people. [/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000][/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000]Why you've made these assumptions about me, I can only guess, because your arguments don't hold water and are non-sensical. All you've done is to tell me what you [i]believe[/i] I was implying and to make a floundering attempt to use my quotes to back up [i]your implications[/i] of [i]my[/i] (supposed) implications. Sounds like someone is using quotes as "the human condition"... er... I mean, to make themselves feel good about themself...[/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000][/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000]I really don't know how to make it any clearer that I wasn't implying weakness or farcity or anything negative about religious people or religion itself... but I guess I'll give it a try...[/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000][/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000][b][color=#8b0000]You. Are. Baseless. In. Your. Accusations. [/color][/b] [b]I. Wasn't. Implying. Anything. Negative. About. Religion. Or. Religious. People. [/b][/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000][/color][/b]

[quote name='maladjusted][color=darkslateblue] . What sort of stuff [i]does[/i'] make people change their minds about things? Has there ever really been a huge change for you in thinking or a change in your morals/thinking process? :whoops: [/color][/quote][b]First off, I agree that stunts like that only serve to create more tension, and do not change people's perpectives.[/b] [b]I think that the only thing that truly changes people's minds is new information that "speaks to the individual" on some level. If you can't relate information to your particular life, the information is useless and ends up having no power over your perspective.[/b] [b]The only huge change for me in thinking was my shift from a "make love, not war" pacifist mindset to a more realistic: (in my opinion)"there's a time and place for everything, even violence" type of mindset. [/b] [b]This came about for several reasons- the first being that I realised that the only way out of a violent situation was to employ violence... I used a knife on a guy that was attempting to rape me... it was the first time I had allowed myself to be violent in a situation like that, (or any other situation since gradeschool) and had suffered greatly, in the past, by way of pacifism ...but this time, saved myself with the use of extreme violence.[/b] [b]This new "violent-when-necessary" mindset was reinforced after I had my son and realised that if anyone ever tried to take him from me or to hurt him, I would feel entirely justified in employing any violence I deemed necessary to prevent it from happening (or to take revenge if I could not prevent it for some reason).[/b] [b]Other than that, I can't think of any really major changes in my perspective. Lots of smaller changes, but not a whole lot of major ones...[/b]

[QUOTE=wrist cutter]Since not everyone has a religion, this quote implies that those who have a religion use it in order to cope. It is not because of faith, no, it is just something they buy into it because they're gullible and weak-willed. What a load of crap. Not true at all. Ever hear of the Ten Commandments? People are very much responsible for their actions. Ever hear of repenting, either? This is an act of people begging forgiveness for what they've done. In order to do that they have to admit what they've done. How is this not personal responsibility? If anything, it is an atheist who is more likely to not take responsibility for their actions. After all they have no divine being to answer to so what would it matter to them? Again, categorizing all religious people as people who subconsciously know they're dealing with a made-up religion to help themselves because they're so weak. If you had any faith you'd realize it's not just a matter of "you know, I think I like Christianity. It makes me feel good. I guess I'm a Christian now." It's not like that at all. It isn't a matter of tricking yourself into believing something, which you imply. For some it is that way - but they are obviously not true Christians. What a load of ********. If you have no faith you have no room to speak about what it's like; you simply have no idea. What if I told a gay person how he should feel? I'd be banned for my insensitivity. Since I'm not gay I can't tell them what they're doing or why they're doing it. Yet people can constantly tell religious people this kind of crap. Screw you.[/QUOTE] [b][color=darkred]Alright, I'll ignore the fact that you are so arrogantly flaming me and *ahem* being an outright freakin' jerk... but let me clue you in to a few things, Wrist Cutter.[/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000][/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000]I wasn't implying that religious people have chosen a religious path solely in order to cope. Nor did I imply weakness or gullibility of any sort. I was stating that religion actually helps people to cope with the world around them. It's a basic observation. [/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000][/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000]Have I ever heard of the Ten Commandments? What are those? [/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000]Fool- does this not imply that these sins and virtues (of the Ten Commandments) are the influence of either a good deity or of an evil deity? I'm pretty damned certain that it states in the bible that satan is at the root of all evil, not man's free will... and that the will of man can be turned by evil and the man made to do evil deeds. [/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000][/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000]Without satan and God, there would be no good entity to steer man's will in the right direction, and no evil entity to steer him in the wrong direction- all that is left is the heart and the will of man. That is what I meant by "responsible for their own actions".[/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000][/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000]Ok- and again, you accuse me of implying that Christians are weak and you take it even further by claiming that I said that Christianity is a farse in and of itself.[/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000][/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000]I don't believe that I even said anything about Christianity in the first place. I'm pretty sure that I left it open-ended as "religions". I never implied that ANY religion was a farce...and I never implied anything about tricking oneself into believing anything.[/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000][/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000]"If you had any faith you'd realise..." What do you know about my faith? Perhaps, if you had any brains, you'd realise that you don't know me and it's therefore idiotic to make any assumptions about me. [/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000][/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000]And exactly when did I tell any religious person how they should feel? Feel whatever the hell you want- I don't give a ****... And how in the world did homosexuality get brought up? Where the hell were you going with that one? [/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000][/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000]I think that you were in such a hurry to be pissed off at someone that you read my post and saw only what you were hoping to see on this thread- not what I actually had written...simply so you could defend something that wasn't even being attacked to begin with. [/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000][/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000]And I said quite clearly that I did not think that religion was unintelligent... but maybe you missed that part...[/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000][/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000]Banned for insensitivity? How about for being an immature jerk that ends his posts with something like "Screw you."? Your degree of sensitivity is duly noted... jackass.[/color][/b]

[quote name='Morpheus']While the second one is absurd, the first one has a very simple explanation behind it: Skateboarders have a tendency to run into people. A lot. The businesses in the area don't want their customers being trampled, so they pass the law.[/quote] [b]I would agree with you on that one, if I'd ever seen a skateboarder run into a person... or if that was the case concerning the anti-skateboarding laws in this area... but it was the appearance of the skaters and the assumption that skaters are "rude and obnoxious little punks" that got the city council to pass the laws here. I was there when the law was brought to the council for consideration. I heard their reasoning, I petitioned, rallied, had all the local skaters attend the city council meetings and defend themselves and their sport (as well as suggest alternatives such as specifically zoned areas to skate). In the end, the prejudice of this narrow-minded community won over and we all got screwed. We aren't even supposed to skate the residential streets (no businesses there...) nor the abandoned concrete places where there are no people around for many blocks...[/b] [b]So I disregard that law entirely... I've decided that it's ridiculous, and I'd rather pay the fine than to uphold their moronic law.[/b]

[quote name='Dragonboym2][color=blue'] I'm algergic to pain. They use needles, and I've heard it hurts. I'm going to think about it. What do you guys think? [/color][/quote] [b]Uh... yeah, it hurts... but after about 10 seconds, the area usually goes numb, thanks to the brain's natural opiate effect, and it just feels like pressure and heat.[/b] [b]And about those needles- the furthest that they penetrate the skin should be about as deep as the thickness of a nickel- and that's at maximum.[/b] [b]If you're uncertain about getting a tattoo, I say [i][u]Wait Until You're Absolutely Sure. [/u][/i] [/b] [b]And even if you're sure, it's always a good idea to wait a few years and ask yourself again if the image you've chosen still has meaning for you... enough meaning to carry it with you to your grave. Yes, I said years. Too many young people end up getting really stupid, immature designs tattooed on themselves and regret it when they've grown up a little. It's not a small decision... you're married to your tattoos once you've got 'em... unless you have the loot and the intestinal fortitude to withstand the unbelievable pain of having it removed via laser surgery.[/b]

[quote name='Baron Samedi][size=1']Such as? You've given absolutely no indication of what level of the law you're talking about here. [/size][/quote] [b][color=darkred]Yeah, I know... I didn't want to color the conversation with specifics, because then everyone would begin arguing over the specific merits or pointlessness of certain laws, as I see a little bit of that going on already.[/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000][/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000]You want examples, though? Um... anti-skateboarding laws... and the law that claims that perpetually abused women are guilty of first-degree murder when they kill their abusers in self-defense (under the presumption that she must have planned to kill him the next time that he began beating her/raping her, etc... because there was an established pattern of abuse). [/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000][/color][/b] [b][color=#8b0000]There... a few examples of laws I don't agree with- the first one being one that I frequently break with a clear conscience, and the second one that I've been fighting to change for the last decade.[/color][/b]

[left][b][font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy]Rowan was up just before dawn's first light, her gear already in order. It hadn't taken her long to prepare, as her few remaining possessions all fit neatly into the old leather side satchel she wore close to her hip. Carefully tied to the bottom of the satchel was a sturdy bastard sword. Though it was a guarded treasure, she had never used it- and instead, preferred the custom twin blades that she wore across her back. These, she had forged for herself with the greatest of care and they suited her well. [/color][/size][/font][/b][/left] [color=navy] [/color] [b][font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy]A quick glance skyward told her that she must hurry if she was going to use the cover of darkness to veil her steps, as dawn was encroaching upon the horizon. Slowly and silently- lest her movement catch anyone's eye, she raised herself to her feet and strapped her satchel to her side. As a precaution, she reached over her shoulder and loosed the hilt of one of her blades from its scabbord, hoping that she would not have need of it this day. [/color][/size][/font][/b] [color=navy] [/color] [b][font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy]Like a shadow, she crept from her hiding place- a small niche in the wall of one of the filthy alleyways that cut through the heart of Tortuga like festering wounds that would not heal. She stole through the streets and alleys, as swift and as silent as a wraith in the darkness, and made her way across the wharf.[/color][/size][/font][/b] [color=navy] [/color] [color=navy] [/color] [left][font=Book Antiqua][b][size=1][color=navy]The fishmongers were already scattered here and there along the wharf, preparing their nets for the morning catch. Distracted by their work, they did not notice her passing in the shadows behind them. Rowan was glad of it, for the meager pocketbook of a fishmonger would be nicely padded if he were to catch her and turn her over to the crown.[/color][/size][/b][/font][/left] [color=navy] [/color] [b][font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy]Nearing the docks, Rowan's blood began to freeze, for the form of the gallows was clear even in the darkness. She had known that her path to the docks would take her past them, but she cursed herself now for not giving them a wider berth. Her chest began to tighten with terror and the blackest rage she had ever known coursed through her veins. Hatred, heartache and guilt consumed her...mingling with her memories. As she drew ever closer, her heart flooded with agony. She swallowed hard, past the lump in her throat, clutched the hilt of her bastard sword and sprinted past the gallows- with a fierce resolve to shut out the memories that they had conjured up within her.[/color][/size][/font][/b] [color=navy] [/color] [b][font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy]At last, she reached the docks and made her way quickly to where the Swift Mary was moored.[/color][/size][/font][/b] [color=navy] [/color] [left][b][font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy]It's graceful sillouette loomed over her, magnificent in the waxing glow of the dawn. Lazily, it swayed upon the whispering waves, moaning and creaking softly under its glorious bulk. An early morning mist rose from the water to skirt the vessel in a dewy fog.[/color][/size][/font][/b][/left] [color=navy] [/color] [b][font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy]Little more than a patch of darkness in the sillouette of the ship, Rowan had not seen the solitary figure that stood watch on the 'Mary's deck above her until a flicker of movement caught her eye. The figure was scanning the dock, searching for something- or [i]someone[/i]. He had not seen her.[/color][/size][/font][/b] [color=navy] [/color] [b][font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy]Rowan froze there, crouching in the shadow of the boat, her breath caught in her lungs. She watched the figure intently, preparing to bolt away into the shadows of the adjoining docks. Just as she was about to turn and flee, the figure caught sight of her. To her surprise, it was he who was startled and jumped back at the sight of her. [/color][/size][/font][/b] [color=navy] [/color] [b][font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy]"Ahoy! Who goes there?" he demanded, in a voice that betrayed his anxieties.[/color][/size][/font][/b] [color=navy] [/color] [b][font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy]Rowan nearly collapsed in relief, recognizing the voice to be that of old Biney. She stood up straight and called to him. "Tis I, matey, an' I've no' been followed... nor spied along me way, ye kin be sure o' thit..."[/color][/size][/font][/b] [color=navy] [/color] [font=Book Antiqua][b][size=1][color=navy]Biney let out a relieved sigh, followed by a quiet chuckle, but Rowan could tell that he was still tense, as he quickly bade her up the gangplank. [/color][/size][/b][/font] [color=navy] [/color] [left][font=Book Antiqua][b][size=1][color=navy]She knew that he was sticking his neck out for her- taking a considerable risk, smuggling her aboard like this, when the soldiers of the crown were so vigilently hunting for her. Biney would be hanged by her side at the gallows if he were caught aiding in her escape. A quick glance at the old man's face told her that Biney was well aware of the possibility, as well. She boarded swiftly and silently, neither of them daring to say another word until they were safely below decks.[/color][/size][/b][/font][/left] [color=navy] [/color] [font=Book Antiqua][b][size=1][color=navy]"Tis a strange fate indeed that I be smugglin' one o' Cap'n MacPherson's crew aboard" he said in a hoarse whisper. " MacPherson wis a fine fellow, a damned good pirate, an' a good friend, rest 'is soul." Biney's eyes fell upon the sword at Rowan's side and rested there for a moment before he continued. "Ye must be tip-top if 'e kept ye at 'is side fir so many a voyage, lassie. Indeed, fir a lass to win 'is favor an' 'is friendship is a feat in itsel'. As one o' 'is, I'll be expectin' th' best o' ye- don't be disgracin' 'is name, by God, or I'll keelhaul ye mesel'- whether ye be 'is matey or no' !" [/color][/size][/b][/font] [color=navy] [/color] [b][font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy]Biney's eyes fell again to the sword as he said this, and Rowan nodded in understanding. As MacPherson's only surviving crewmember, she now represented the entirety of his legacy, and her loyalty to her beloved captain would have been enough to prevent her from sullying his name- regardless of Biney's threat.[/color][/size][/font][/b] [color=navy] [/color] [font=Book Antiqua][color=navy][b][size=1]Biney shook his head solemnly, muttering "God rest 'is soul" and cursing, through his tightly clenched teeth, the "filthy blaggards" that "strung up th' bones" of "poor old MacPherson". [/size][/b][b][size=1]He told Rowan to stay below decks until the rest of the crew had signed the registrar and were aboard. W[/size][/b][b][size=1]hen the captain had a moment, Biney would send for her to make his acquaintance.[/size][/b][/color][/font] [color=navy] [/color] [color=navy] [/color] [color=navy] [/color] [b][font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy][i]L'Ollais hadn't liked the idea of her coming aboard without his seeing her first-hand. It was only on Biney's request and because of Rowan's particular predicament that he had reluctantly made the exception. He worried how a female would protect herself from the men aboard the Swift Mary.[/i][/color][/size][/font][/b] [color=navy] [/color] [font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy][b][i]"How can you call it 'sparing her' to bring a woman aboard a shipful of pirates?" he had asked Biney the night before. "Her virtues would not be spared after but one lonely month at sea with the men."[/i][/b][/color][/size][/font] [color=navy] [/color] [font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy][b][i]"No disrespect to ye, Cap'n, bit she's fresh off th' decks o' MacPherson's galleon, an' thit ship wis crawlin' with th' lowest o' depraved curs. No' only did she fare well with MacPherson's men, bit she 'as also managed to outlive them all- escapin' th' clutches o' th' Armada whin no' even MacPherson could spare himsel' a trip to th' gallows.[/i][/b][/color][/size][/font] [color=navy] [/color] [font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy][b][i]MacPherson wis a dear friend- if ye'll spare 'is last mate from 'er death in this port, I'd be much obliged an' consider it a personal favor."[/i][/b][/color][/size][/font] [color=navy] [/color] [i][font=Book Antiqua][color=navy][size=1][b]"Aye, Biney, I've heard that MacPherson's crew was a dangerous lot- full of cut-throats. I am curious to know how only one out o' an entire galleon o' bloodthirsty pirates was able to escape capture... an' even more so that it was the only female o' the lot. How could she escape when MacPherson could not? And I've heard it told that they actually had her in captivity, and that she somehow managed to escape their very clutches... and that is why they so fervently seek her. Tell me, Biney, how is it that she is not hanged with the rest of the men aboard MacPherson's ship? How did she escape?"[/b][/size] [/color][/font][/i] [color=navy] [/color] [font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy][b][i]"Thit is a detail we did no' go o'er, L'Ollais, bit if ye lit me take 'er aboard, ye kin ask 'er yirsel'..." Biney replied.[/i][/b][/color][/size][/font] [color=navy] [/color] [font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy][b][i]L'Ollais had sighed, smiling at his friend. "Alright, Biney, for you, I'll make the exception- though it puts us in a fair amount of danger to bring someone aboard who's got a gallows rope waiting for her at the other side o' the docks. Bring her to me as soon as we've got the rest o' the men aboard and as soon as we're sure that she's not been seen boarding the 'Mary. Don't put her name in the manifest, in case a nosy soldier takes it upon himself to have a look at it afore we raise sail." he had cautioned.[/i][/b][/color][/size][/font] [color=navy] [/color] [color=navy] [/color] [color=navy] [/color] [font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy][b]Biney's eyes fixed upon Rowan's in an intense stare, causing her to shift uncomfortably. "Remember, girl, thit yir new cap'n -an' mesel', mind ye- 'ave done ye a grand favor this morn', smugglin' ye aboard like this- bit don't be expectin' any more favors from here on out- we've been through enough trouble on yir account already..."[/b][/color][/size][/font] [color=navy] [/color] [font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy][b]With that, Biney hobbled away, leaving her alone, as he needed to tend to the gathering crowd upon the docks. [/b][/color][/size][/font] [color=navy] [/color] [b][font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy]Rowan breathed deeply the fragrance of the salt-parched wood of the cabin, sighing to herself as she took out her small, tattered journal and began scrawling her tiny letters across the pages.[/color][/size][/font][/b] [color=navy] [/color] [color=navy] [/color] [color=navy] [/color] [color=navy] [/color] [i][u][font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy][b]The Seventeenth Day of April[/b][/color][/size][/font][/u][/i] [left][i][u][font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy][b]in the year Sixteen Hundred and Sixty-Two[/b][/color][/size][/font][/u][/i][/left] [color=navy] [/color] [color=navy] [/color] [i][font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy][b]Th' fates 'ave decided to smile upon me, an' I'm finally aboard th' Swift Mary. Me cap'n es still by me side, me thenks, as et wis 'is name alone thit got me aboard afore th' rest o' th' crew wis to sign up. Et turns out thit th' old man- thit cripple, Biney- knew me beloved cap'n- they were mates even afore I 'ad me sea legs.[/b][/color][/size][/font][/i] [color=navy] [/color] [i][font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy][b]I met 'im last night- 'e wis standin' outside a pub, an' 'e wis 'avin' a word weth one o' th' sailors en port. I o'erheard 'is mention o' th' Swift Mary, an' thit she wis to be manned weth 'er crew by mid-morn. [/b][/color][/size][/font][/i] [color=navy] [/color] [i][font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy][b]I 'ad heard o' th' 'Mary- there wis talk o' her an' 'er cap'n, L'Ollais, all o'er Tortuga en th' last several days, so I took et upon mesel' to approach th' old cripple an' request 'is audience to hear me plight. [/b][/color][/size][/font][/i] [color=navy] [/color] [i][font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy][b]'E wis no' enterested en th' speech o' a young girl, to be sure, 'till I mentioned th' name o' me lost cap'n. A flash I saw en 'is eyes at th' name... an' 'e told me how he an' L'Ollais 'ad seen th' hangin' o' me dear cap'n... an' many o' me mates, as well. [/b][/color][/size][/font][/i] [color=navy] [/color] [b][color=navy][i][font=Book Antiqua][size=1]'E also said thit 'e 'ad recognized th' sword at me side as th' one thit MacPherson 'ad carried fir as long as 'e'd known 'im. 'E'd been thinkin' o' tekin' me 'ed fir 'avin' et...afore 'e realised thit et wi[/size][/font][/i][i][font=Book Antiqua][size=1]s no' ill-gotten, an' thit I wis one o' MacPherson's mates. [/size][/font][/i][/color][/b] [color=navy] [/color] [b][i][font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy]Eftir thit, 'e seemed to look at me weth new eyes, an' 'e swore thit 'e'd try to git L'Ollais to allow me aboard th' 'Mary...afore I met th' fate o' me cap'n an' crew.[/color][/size][/font][/i][/b] [color=navy] [/color] [b][color=navy][font=Book Antiqua][size=1][i]Still, I 'ad to pay th' old man to lit me aboard- an' no small sum, mind ye. Bit 'e did 'is part, an' I'm safely below decks where no one'll be lookin' fir me, as [/i][/size][/font][font=Book Antiqua][size=1][i]th' filthy shiteing Armada's been thirstin' to hang me carcass alongside me cap'n's an' those o' me sea-mates'[/i][/size][size=1][i] . They'll be watchin' th' docks thes morn, to be sure, as whispers o' a new pirate company settin' sail are floatin' 'round Tortuga... an' th' mention o' pirates will 'ave brought me face to th' fore o' their minds, sure as kin be. [/i][/size][/font][/color][/b] [color=navy] [/color] [b][font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy][i]As long as they don't mek enspection o' th' Swift Mary afore 'er sails are raised, I should be safely out o' port afore nightfall... an' out o' their reach. [/i][/color][/size][/font][/b] [color=navy] [/color] [left][font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy][i][b]L'Ollais 'as spared me a rope under me chin, an' I shall be forever endebted to 'im fir 'is kindness. [/b][/i][/color][/size][/font][/left] [color=navy] [/color] [font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy][i][b]Alas, how I should 've liked to walk th' ship an' see fir mesel' whit me new home es made of. I ded, however, tek note o' whit lettle I could, en th' dim light, as I came aboard. [/b][/i][/color][/size][/font] [color=navy] [/color] [font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy][i][b]Th' 'Mary seems a fit vessel- she's built fir speed, to be sure. Though she's less than half th' size o' MacPherson's Spanish galleon, she 'as enough guns to tek a ship o' thit size -an' would 'ave no trouble coming up alongside 'er, either. Sturdy built and sweft, even weth only th' one mast, I think I'll soon take a shine to me new home. [/b][/i][/color][/size][/font] [color=navy] [/color] [font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy][i][b]Me quarters are a mite smaller than whit I be accustomed to, bit they be pleasant an' built o' a fragrant cedar (I hope thit me bunk-mates are no' green. Th' scent o' th' cedar will no' tek care o' th' scent o' a green sailor's vomitin' up 'is grog whilst 'e finds 'is sea legs...).[/b][/i][/color][/size][/font] [color=navy] [/color] [b][i][font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy]Th' guns looked a bit rusty, bit en workin' order, nonetheless. I'll tell old Biney- or L'Ollais, whin I meet 'im- thit I kin 'ave 'em shinin' proudly wethen th' week... as I'm well-learned en th' working o' metals. I've come aboard as a gen'ral pirate, bit me specialty outside o' piracy es as a smithey, so I'll be responsible fir th' weapons aboard -to mek sure they be en th' tidiest condition... all o' 'er guns an' th' crew's personal arms, as well. [/color][/size][/font][/i][/b] [color=navy] [/color] [left][i][font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy][b]Th' 'Mary's guns will be th' finest on th' sea, an' 'er crew's weapons'll be th' deadliest- I'll see to thit.[/b][/color][/size][/font][/i][/left] [color=navy] [/color] [font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy][i][b]Oh, aye- me new crew- I'll be meetin' 'em shortly- an' me new cap'n, as well. [/b][/i][/color][/size][/font] [color=navy] [/color] [b][font=Book Antiqua][i][size=1][color=navy]I don't expect thit th' crew will be happy to 'ave me aboard, at first- as females are considered to be bad luck upon th' water, bit me merit as an experienced pirate should wen o'er their superstitions soon enough. [/color][/size][/i][/font][/b] [color=navy] [/color] [b][i][font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy]I expect thit I'll 'ave to mek an example o' th' first man who 'as a mind to spoil me feminine virtues. MacPherson's man es feedin' th' fishes fir et...th' scurvy knave! No' one o' me mates ever dared to lay an offendin' hand upon me person again- no' eftir thit... [/color][/size][/font][/i][/b] [color=navy] [/color] [left][i][font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy][b]Me new mates'll 'ave no respect fir me till I prove thit I'm no' a woman to be trifled with, an' none o' me mates from th' galleon are left to warn 'em...so they'll be learnin' th' hard way, methenks. [/b][/color][/size][/font][/i][/left] [color=navy] [/color] [i][font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy][b]I hope to git thit out o' th' way as soon as possible... better yir mates know whit stuff yir made of an' think ye ruthless than to 'ave to fight fir yir decency day en an' day out... I say... an' we'll be friends soon enough, I'm sure.[/b][/color][/size][/font][/i] [color=navy] [/color] [b][i][font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy]Fir now, I am most relieved to be aboard a ship once more, bit me loss weighs upon me soul, an' methenks I shall always be wishin' thit I were aboard th' galleon with MacPherson, no matter how good a cap'n L'Ollais es. [/color][/size][/font][/i][/b] [color=navy] [/color] [i][font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy][b]God forgive me fir no' bein' able to spare th' life o' me beloved cap'n... nor th' lives o' me maties, rest their souls... bit spare me from their fate![/b][/color][/size][/font][/i] [left][font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy]---------------------------------------------------------------------[/color][/size][/font][/left] [left][font=Book Antiqua][size=1][color=navy]Please PM me if you have a problem with any of my posts... :animeswea [/color][/size][/font][/left]

[quote name='dMage][color=darkgreen][font=Arial] While I do not agree with that part about religion being whole-heartedly ignorant or intelligent, I do think that religion is a sort of crutch, an answer and escape to some of humanities deepest and most roving secrets.[/font'][/color][/quote] [b]I said it was [i]neither[/i] ignorant nor intelligent. I don't know if you read my post correctly or not... but I don't want anyone to think I said anything about religion being a manifestation of ignorance- nor do I want to be quoted as saying it is entirely intelligent...[/b] [b]Sorry if I misunderstood why you quoted my post and your response to it... but I felt the need to clarify what I had actually said.[/b]

[b][size=1][color=darkslategray]I think I[i] technically[/i] belong to a couple other sites, but none of them is anywhere near as good as this one right here, so I haven't even visited the other ones since I found the OB. [/color][/size][/b] [b][size=1][color=darkslategray]Everything I was looking for is right here, and the people are great, so why bother going anywhere else, right?[/color][/size][/b]

[QUOTE=Morpheus] I don't want to make out with a hot girl with pictures all over her. It's like getting a bunch of pop-ups when you are really into something online. It crashes my computer.[/QUOTE] [b][color=darkred]You rock, Morpheus![/color][/b] [b][color=darkred][/color][/b] [b][color=darkred]That is by far the best response I think I'll get on this topic! Absolutely hi-larious. I'm going to have to share that with the rest of the artists down at the shop...I might have to put it in my signature, as well, when I finally get around to making one...:D [/color][/b]

[b]Sorry if the title was misleading- ha ha.[/b] [b]Here's the question:[/b] [b]Are you the kind of person that strictly adheres to the rules and to the expectations of society and authority figures -or are you the type of person that changes or altogether disregards the rules and expectations placed upon them?[/b] [b]Are those rules and expectations always right or are they simply guidelines that are there for consideration when choosing your behavior (but not necessarily the right way to act)?[/b] [b]I personally believe that many of the rules and expectations that are placed upon us as individuals are outdated, unethical, and sometimes just downright, ridiculously stupid.[/b] [b]Because of that, I admit, I am a frequent law-breaker (without remorse for the breaking of those laws...) and as far as expectations go, I pick and choose which I will abide by... (such as the gender role expectations- those can just die already...)[/b] [b]So I guess I'm naughty... or, perhaps... just too damned arrogant to follow the dictated rules...;) [/b] [b]Are you a socially-acceptable, law-abiding citizen, or do you claim a little more personal freedom than that? And are [i]all[/i] laws justified or is it acceptable to break some of them on occasion?[/b]

[QUOTE=James][color=#b0251e]My personal view? If I were with someone and they had a small tattoo on their lower back or their inner thigh, or on their arm or shoulderblade...sure, I wouldn't mind that. I think that might be quite nice. But if it was a huge tattoo covering their back, or arms, or legs? Er...well, I personally find that quite unattractive, no matter how great the art and quality of the tattoo. I [i]personally[/i] would tend to view it as a defacing of the body rather than an enhancement. [/color][/QUOTE][b]OK- but if the woman was extraordinarily beautiful (in your personal opinion) would a tattoo make her ugly? [/b] [b]I understand that everyone has personal preferences regarding body art, but I have a hard time believing that an otherwise beautiful woman can become ugly just because she has a tattoo.[/b] [b]Maybe I'm wrong, but I just can't see a tattoo being so defacing that the person's physical characteristics would change from gorgeous to hideous...[/b] [b]And I guess I should have pointed out that it was the double standard that offended me so badly- that the person was specifically referring to women with tattoos and not tattooed people in general- that women should not have tattoos as large or in the same places that men have them because on a woman, it's "unattractive".[/b]

[b][size=1]The biggest difference between the genders- or the biggest difference in how the genders are perceived in our society?[/size][/b] [b][size=1]Gender really is a societal thing. In our society, regardless of the equality movements, etc, the male is perceived as stronger, smarter, and more capable of defending and providing for his family and himself than is his female counterpart.[/size][/b] [b][size=1][/size][/b] [b][size=1]As for myself, I really don't think I can be placed in a specific gender role, as my personality is rather androgenous (if you go by the American gender stereotypes).[/size][/b] [b][size=1]I'm biologically female and my features and body language are [i]very[/i] feminine and womanly, but I do not fall into the female personality stereotype whatsoever.[/size][/b] [b][size=1]I never owned a Barbie doll (or any other dolls, for that matter) but played war, ninja, and pirate when I was growing up. Almost all of my toys were weapons and GI Joes.[/size][/b] [b][size=1]To this day, my mom buys me weapons at X-mas time...not "girlie" presents... (:D yay, mom!)[/size][/b] [b][size=1][/size][/b] [b][size=1]Being as aggressive and in love with the art of war and piracy is not typically associated with the female persuasion... (which I find astounding, as some of the best snipers, fighters, and pirates have been women).[/size][/b]

[b]Ok- this is one of those pointless threads, but I had to start it, because this was bothering me...[/b] [b]On another message board, the subject of tats and piercings was brought up, and someone said that "girls with tattoos are unattractive unless it's a small tattoo-like a tiny flower, etc...in an easily hidden area".[/b] [b]I was offended, both as a tattooed girl [i]and[/i] as a tattoo artist. [/b] [b]I think that tattoos are beautiful as long as they're professionally and artistically done... and I really don't think that they detract from beauty.[/b] [b]If a girl is beautiful to begin with, and she gets a beautiful piece of artwork added to her skin, how does that make her suddenly unattractive?[/b] [b]What are your opinions on girls with tattoos and if/how it affects their beauty?[/b]

[QUOTE=Sea Of Chaos666][QUOTE=elfpirate][b][font=Verdana][size=2]I am a perpetual insomniac[size=1]- I usually get about 2 or 3 hours of sleep/ night- [i]if [/i]I'm lucky. A lot of the time, I end up going for 4 or 5 days at a time without sleep. It hurts... and I can sympathize...[/size][/size][/font][/b] [QUOTE] That is how I am. Medication just makes the whole thing worse! And, it sucks during the day because I have to make so many trips and I think I'm gonna DIE... :animestun[/QUOTE] [b][color=darkred]Lol.... it's a bit scary when you have a lot of extremely important resposibilities and you're so tired that you're beginning to hallucinate... and meds do tend to make things much worse,[/color][/b] [b][color=darkred][/color][/b] [b][color=darkred]So sorry I don't have any advice for you- have you seen a Dr. about it yet?[/color][/b]

[b]I must first bear more chaos into this world, exact my vengeance upon the deserved, and make a name for myself in history- duh...;) [/b]

[b]People seem to need religion in order to cope with what's going on around them- to make sense of the things they don't understand and to offer comfort when faced with the trials of life.[/b] [b]Without a devine deity and an evil deity, people become more responsible for their own actions. I don't know if the majority of those religious people could deal with the fact that a person would simply choose to be evil without the influence of a "devil". Nor do I think that they could cope with the idea that this life is all that there is- when they die, there is no special place for them and no reward for making the "right" decisions in their life on earth.[/b] [b]Religion gives them the answers to the life questions that everyone asks (in some form or another).[/b] [b]And, yes, the ideals of nearly every religion are benevolent, but in every religion, there has been extreme "evil" perpetrated in the name of their god... by false representatives of the faith, mind you...[/b] [b]My conclusion- religion is neither ignorant nor intelligent. It is simply part of the human condition that some people need that particular crutch to lean on in order to get them through life.[/b] [b]Everyone has a vice to help them cope with life- religion is one of those vices.[/b]

[b][font=Verdana][size=1]I guess I'd want to be able [i]to manipulate all matter and to be able to manipulate time[/i]. [/size][/font][/b] [b][font=Verdana][size=1]I mean, if you could manipulate all matter, you could have every other power mentioned, because even energy is matter- you could shapeshift and throw fire and become invisible and bend light and all that good stuff...including flight and teleportation (and, although it's been theorized that time itself is also matter, I had to throw that one in, as well, just in case it's proved not to be the case).[/size][/font][/b] [b][font=Verdana][size=1][/size][/font][/b] [b][font=Verdana][size=1]Someone I know is obsessed with being able to do alchemy...like Ed Elric... but you could transmutate [i]anything [/i]if you could manipulate matter... you wouldn't be stuck being just a "flame alchemist" or a "metal alchemist"...[/size][/font][/b]

I think crying is just one form of expressing and expelling emotion- it's not good or bad. I don't remember the last time I cried... but I really wish I could, sometimes... I just can't anymore, so, instead, I spin my nunchucks or play music or skateboard or something to get the pent- up emotion out. Heh- I still haven't been able to cry for the last 3 of my friends who have passed on...

[b]I wouldn't want to condemn [i]anyone[/i] to be stuck on an island with the likes o' me... but I guess I'd have to say Drix. [/b] [b]Why? Because he's intelligent enough to keep my mind occupied, because he's a guy ( no offense, ladies, but I have a hard enough time getting along with females even when I'm [i]not [/i]stranded with one) and because I'd rather dehydrate to death with a fellow pirate than with a landlubber.:smirk: [/b] [b]edit[/b]: Regarding the first reason for choosing Drix- I'm just not going to say anything about his original post (about what he'd be [i]doing[/i] on that deserted island)...and...ahem...whether he'd actually keep my [i]mind[/i] occupied...hmmm... And maybe I'd be ok with Dragon Warrior... that way, I could die laughing...he's funny...tee hee...

[b][font=Verdana][size=2]I am a perpetual insomniac[size=1]- I usually get about 2 or 3 hours of sleep/ night- [i]if [/i]I'm lucky. A lot of the time, I end up going for 4 or 5 days at a time without sleep. It hurts... and I can sympathize...[/size][/size][/font][/b] [b][font=Verdana][size=1][/size][/font][/b] [b][font=Verdana][size=1]For a lot of people, that over-the-counter sleep medicine works great- or some melatonin supplements from the health food store. The problem with those is that when you run out, then your insomnia seems worse than before.[/size][/font][/b] [b][font=Verdana][size=1][/size][/font][/b] [b][font=Verdana][size=1]In Abnormal Psychology, we learned that the most effective way for an insomniac to put themself to sleep is for the person to lie down and basically chant things like "I am so comfortable and sleepy... my bed is soft and cozy and I'm falling asleep" or some crap like that. They say it works because you're suggesting it to yourself so much that your mind finally believes it and you'll fall asleep. [/size][/font][/b] [b][font=Verdana][size=1](It has never worked for me, but, hey- insomnia ain't my only problem, either ;) ). [/size][/font][/b] [b][font=Verdana][size=1][/size][/font][/b] [b][font=Verdana][size=1]It's worth a shot if it's only insomnia and not a symptom of another more serious psychological condition...[/size][/font][/b]

[b]Wow... either a lot of people are holding back the truth about their addictions, or the OB members are the cleanest group I've ever encountered... ha ha! Now I feel like the dirty addict on the middle school health videos... tee hee...[/b] [b]Okay... I'm not going to be entirely honest on this post, simply because there are minors on the boards, and I don't think it would be a good idea to openly discuss drug use where they can read all about it...but I suppose I can list a few of the more innocent addictions... well, at least, [i]legal[/i] addictions...[/b] [b]I'm addicted to learning- I seriously don't think my craving for knowledge will ever be satisfied.[/b] [b]I'm addicted to cigarettes- the horrible nasty things! [i]Blech![/i][/b] [b][/b] [b]Music, of course! I can't go for more than a day without picking up some kind of instrument or singing.[/b] [b]My nunchucks.[/b] [b]Adult Swim.[/b] [b]Those are my current addictions... the legal ones, anyhow...[/b]

[quote name='Black Moon'] I still sometimes put on thick eyeliner, put a big earing in one ear, and steal my dad's sword and go around, saying "Arrg!" ... .[/quote] [b][color=navy]I don't really understand your association between pirates and eyeliner... I'm a little confused by that, but I do know that the purpose of the gold earring was to pay off debts and/or burial fees if the pirate met a sudden demise... [/color][/b] [b][color=#000080][/color][/b] [b][color=#000080]The first "pirate" that I know of that was known for their eyeliner was Johnny Depp in POTC... so I don't really know if I'll ever think "makeup" or "eyeliner"when I think "pirates". Nope... missing teeth and sallow cheeks from the scurvy, permanant dirt and stench... remorseless, criminal types-yes... [/color][/b] [b][color=#000080][/color][/b] [b][color=#000080]I just can't see a real pirate standing there with a shaving mirror (on a rocking boat, no less) applying their eyeliner... it seems quite unlikely.[/color][/b] [b][color=#000080][/color][/b] [b][color=#000080]I'm not trying to be a jerk- I just don't know where the association comes from... unless it comes from Johnny Depp....:confused: [/color][/b]

[quote name='Blackjack][color=darkgreen][size=1] As I type I'm starting to realise this is likely to be mostly a male phenomenon as I can't imagine many girls playing pirate, but hey ho, here I go anyway.[/size'][/color][/quote] [b]Are you ever wrong about that, Blackjack. There are plenty of girls that played pirate and dreamed of becoming one.[/b] [b]I have always had an affinity for piracy and the sea... though I must agree with dMage about being a ninja. I guess I wanted to be both when I was a kid... (okay... I never really grew out of it, I admit).[/b] [b]Edit: Oh, my... I forgot GI Joe! I always played GI Joes... there are some seriously cool characters on that...[/b]