Celestial · Grimore

Greetings one and all. I have another art related annoucement. I just recently finished another art composition and I'd like to hear some feedback considering I know my color/shading skills are a bit rusty and I can most definately tell. I tend to tweak the piece a bit more before I let it alone. You can find the piece here:
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/33668048/

I went to apply at Cold Stone Creamery on 2nd and Pike today and I asked for the manager like a good little girl and all and I spoke with him briefly. He asked me about my hours and I said I could pretty much work any day at anytime except on Weds and Thurs. He told me to come back Wednesday and talk with Kathy about getting me so hours. To me that is an English translation to, "By the way, you got the job congrats"! SO I AM SO HAPPY! I want to go party now! I want to go to a rave and kick some ass showing off my dance style! I want to do a lot! WOO! My first real paying job!

Now for something a bit more on a nicer note. If you haven't heard of Lordi the band from Finland yet, then check them out soon! Their totally awesome! There like one of those over the top bands from the 80s who are dressed in zombie and demon-like fashion. Most of what I've heard by them is in English so no worries about needing to know too much Finish. They also seem to cater to the High School outcast sort of crowd and they certainly don't care! Lordi is certainly awesome and dare I say it, better then Gwar! I'm not a Gwar fan myself, but I think that Lordi kicks much more ass then them. They are currently entered in this years Eurovision competition. Hard Rock Hallelujah is their entry. Here is a link to the video so you can check them out, do it! DO IT NOW!

Finland's Eurovision Entry for 2006:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdItwaLrv1U&search=Lordi%20Hard%20Rock%20Hallelujah%20Eurovision

I've really had it up to here *pulls her hand up to the level of her throat* with guys hitting on me. It really aggravates and annoys me terribly. True enough I am single again, but I didn't wish to have to state that just yet. However, due to some recent and old events/stories I think I'll just be lying about my status of singality and or togetherness unless I am speaking directly to a close friend or I'm interested in someone. This is just getting flippin ridiculous. I am -NOT- your dream woman, I want to state that now! True; I am a rarity and you don't find someone with quite the same interests as myself, but I am -NOT- the only one of my kind and if you had the patients you'd see that. Stop being so shallow and only caring about yourselves and your dicks (I've got a story for that one to). Show the ladies you actually genuinely care about them.
*Sighs* As for the stories, here is what's up. Besides having a very recent revelation thanks to a very special someone, who I shant name at this point in time, and several messages later, I've made some important decisions in my life as of late. Recently, I finally decided to check my messages on Okcupid and myspace and what do I find? People trying to hit me up for a date or something. Yes; I know myspace is notorious for it, but honestly I can smell it if you're insinuating it and I certainly don't appreciate it, unless your asking to go out for coffee sometime then to me that's different. Any who, a few of the messages said something to the extent of, "I wouldn't be interested in being -FRIENDs- because I'm interested in having something serious". Okay, one; thank you for being honest. Two; that's just plain stupidity. You don't tell a girl that! That's asking for trouble. Girls should want people who care about them, their thoughts, feelings, etc. And guys should care about those things and not care so much about getting laid. The right person will come in due time, be patient and wait. I just get sick of getting hit on like I said and it's because of these sorts of guys that I feel one day I may turn completely cold and bitter. I honestly don't want that. I love being the way I am and I'd hate to think about myself becoming that which I hate. So ladies, take care and take heart to my advice and you -TOO- boys!

A while back a friend of mine went on an angry rant about how they hated smokers and felt they were terrible people, especially for the fact that they would disregard the health of their friends, loved ones, and themselves. Now I'm not saying -WHO- ranted about this so if they give themselves away in a comment to this, I didn't do it. *grins*
However I did feel that this was an important subject matter to look at and analyze from a not so -RASH- point of view. (Not trying to be mean honestly.) Now I used to live in the country. Now you might be thinking, "So how is it you formerly living in the country has anything to do with this subject matter," well I'll tell you if you'll just be patient. Out of all my friends I had back in Shelton only one of them, I recall, smoked. I still care for him dearly, because he has done me no wrong, he's always been a good friend, and he also understands why I must leave him when he decides to smoke. However, if I were to judge a man solely on the fact that they smoked that would be inconsiderate of me. Sure I don't like smoking and I don't want to smoke. All my friends know this and they respect it. I respect their freedoms and they respect mine. Just because a person smokes doesn't mean they are bad at heart or soul. A man should only be judged by the content of their character as Martin Luther King once said. So, people who smoke have some disregard for their health, guess what, they made that choice. Choice is a mental decision made by our brains. Choice is a freedom. By now all smokers should know what the risky and lethal affects from smoking are. So let's not treat them like their total fucking idiots. (Pardon my French.) Remember earlier when I mentioned something about living in the country and that I knew one or ran into very few people who smoked? Well when I moved to the city that changed big time. Nearly all the students I met at the Art Institute of Seattle smoke. It was a bit of shock for me. I didn't realize how many city people smoke and it is a bit appalling to me I must confess. But you know what, some of those students I made friends out of. Why might you ask? Because I judged them by the content of their character not on the sole fact that they smoked. To me smoking is not quite that large of an issue. When I do hang out with my friends who smoke I don't tend to keep the conversations too long, because I understand I need to look after my health if my friend will not be courteous to do the same in return even for just themselves. In a way some people might think this proves smokers aren't the best of friends’ maybe they are, and maybe they are not. But obviously to me, my health is not technically their responsibility; it is mine as is their own health to themselves. With all the ads out there that give the straight up facts about what's in cigarettes, you think that might be enough to get people to quit, but it still is not doing the trick. As I said, people don't care and they'll do what they want, why; because it is a free country. But don't be irrational and not allow a person the benefit of the doubt that they can prove themselves to be a worthy and valued friend of yours. We may lose them early because of the poor choices they decided to make but all human beings deserve love (and I apologize ahead of time if I am soundly too -FLIPPIN- saintly). Human beings deserve to feel love at least at some point in their life. They can teach you something about life or maybe yourself and you could maybe even teach them a lesson or two. However what I say is don't deny them this right, because in the same sense -PREJUDICE- can be just as bad as smoking.

Throughout my game play of Castlevania: Curse of Darkness, I found it to be a most interesting game. The Devil forgemaster (s) was/is an interesting concept, however, innocent devils are not. Symphony of the Night had devil familiars which aided Alucard, if Castlevania fans remember correctly. The game play was fairly nice and smooth and having to backtrack through the game every now and again for something was not a total bore or as difficult. Difficult in the sense -THAT- chest box you couldn't get to before, now you can thanks to your innocent devils. Speaking of the innocent devils, they proved to be quite useful assets in the game considering Hector did not feel as strong as our normal protagonist Belmont does. I felt much stronger and as Leon Belmont from Castlevania: Lament of Innocence trekking through a dark enchanted castle. So Hector's power housing needed to be slightly adjusted and the devils possibly needed to be toned down in power. For me the music took some adjusting to, but I soon found myself wanting to go back to Julia's shop in the mountains so I could just listen to Baljhet Mountains head nodding music. The music overall was not bad and every Castlevania that comes out should have its own signature music. It is like a signature of that game aside from story.
And that's what gets me. It seems every Castlevania fan doesn't want change, but the same old thing. Some of you may recall how Symphony of the Night is still heralded as one of -THE- best Castlevania's to date. Gamers complaints about the 3-D Castlevania's consist of music, no side scrolling, and the list goes on. This disturbs me though. Everyone knows things will change and -HAVE- to change. There is no way of stopping the progress of creation and life, except by killing and/or destroying it. However even then you're making a change. Whether that change is for the better or worse is another story. Come on guys, Symphony was good -GRANTED-, but not every new Castlevania can be like Symphony. If you want a Symphony clone, make one using RPG Maker or something instead of complaining about it. It might be shitty, but hey, it's the way you want it. Or you could just break down and play it again. They don't call it replay value for nothing. Stop bitching, stop wining and let Konami gives us something new to taste and savor.

"SCE has secured the patent for a new disc technology that, if used, would not allow the PS3 to read used games for that platform. The technology was invented by Kutaragi himself, as well as two others

Details regarding the patent are featured here: http://www.ipdl.ncipi.go.jp/homepg.ipdl

It is indicated specifically that the technology is to prevent the use of used as well as pirated software

The technology involves actually rendering a authentication code originally encrypted on the game disk unreadable to other machines once the disk it is used

This would mean that Net-based and other such games will not be the only ones to be affected by the technology

Naturally third software developers would embrace this technology, and it would ensure sales of the inevitable "Best series" for the PS3, but used games shops would be put out of business if the PS3 were to become the primary platform in the next generation

While information regarding the patent does not specify outright that the technology will be used in the PS3, Kutaragi has gone on record saying that copy management is absolutely necessary in order to endure that no "Napsters" of the game industry create problems in the future."

This little excerpt is compliments from the myspace video game forums. I just ran into and thought I'd have a look. I know there is a link above with supposedly information on the patent, but Sony has to think about the good and the bad that may come from making this patent a final decision. The PS3 isn't finished just yet, so don't panic yet folks and try and buy yourselves and XBox 360. To my the 360 is nothing but a rushed project that could have been better and might have actually rivaled the PS3 in power and performance, but I don't know if Microsoft thought that through. Yes; that does sound like an opinion and it is, but it was also based on observations made through gaming magazines and not just the PS2 or whatever mag that is the total SONY fan-base. I don't see how third software developers would embrace such an idea. Are not the third software developers affected by the used game market as well? (My knowledge is not extensive on this but if someone knows please comment and clarify.) Also as they said, used game shops may be put out of business and that would totally suck. I know I heard someone who worked at a used game shop say, "Great! That means less games for me to count," but that could also mean the end of video game related jobs next to game testing and actually going into the field of developing games for the masses. As you can tell I was appalled by this person's comment. I would kill to work in a used game store and inventory isn't too bad as long as you have the patients for it. That's the rant! Hope to hear comments from some of you!

So, I found a possible way to help me make a bit of money just off to the side, considering you guys make suggestions to me about what I can make and put up in my store to better it and whether or not the word of it gets 'Spread' so to speak. I set up an account on Spreadshirt.com after I made and bought a shirt of my own design. So my friends, spread the word to my other friends who I haven't been able to be in contact with and well...anyone else you think would find my items amusing. Here is the link:

http://newmoon.spreadshirt.com

Don't be afraid to ask for specific commission, just make sure they are not copyright infringing.

This was the persuasive essay I wrote for my English Composition class based on an earlier topic of mine. I hope some of you enjoy the reading. I shall provide my sources at the bottom as well as special thanks. Just as a side note, the formatting is a bit screwed so that is why you might not be able to identify five paragraphs.

People who have open minds are usually easy to get along with in conversation. However, when someone has a closed mind it tends to make things quite difficult because they cannot see both sides. Religion, for instance, is a very touchy subject. If someone were trying to convey to a devout Christian how Christianity was similar to other religions, that is about the same as holding a steak in front of a lion and expecting them not to pounce and take it, with the probability of the person getting their arm eaten off. Spirituality is what someone is passionate about but it does not have to be religiously based. Religion is just a label that people use to give it some kind of substance in society. Spirituality is thinking outside of the box, finding a person's mystical identity, and realizing that there are similarities between the world's religions.

If someone were to take beliefs from all different types of religions or philosophies they would encounter quite a few problems. These individuals would not be able to express this individuality loud or proud without getting themselves into heated religious debates. In addition there would be a struggle with the rules that devout followers believe one must follow in order to even hold any of their philosophies or principles. However, what people don't realize is that beliefs are just ideals and philosophies. Ideals and philosophies have no bounds, therefore if someone were to believe in reincarnation, but was not a devout Christian but believed in a higher power they could, because it is a belief.

When it comes to someone who holds multiple beliefs and philosophies from similar religions, there is confusion because they try and look for where they belong or fit in. They escape labels. When an organized group of people who have similar principles, beliefs, philosophies and traditions come together, they tend to blend those organized religious groups and give them names such as Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, and so on. With a person who feels their beliefs are individualistic, they tend to feel they cannot be put into a category, collective, or organized religious group. In other words they cannot be defined so they are simply spiritual individualists. But some people believe that all organized groups, even if they are not large and consist of one person, must be labeled because that is how the world works.

Labels though are just another way for people to show hold or power over something because they can define it. They can give it a name and know what it is. Religions, organized groups, and collectives are not unique though just because they have a label. Actually in truth many of the religions are quite similar. Back in the days of the Roman Empire, countries were being overtaken and its people converted to blend in with that Empire's lifestyle. These people being overtaken eventually wanted to become a part of this new Empire, authority figure, or higher power. They essentially wanted to become like their captors so they began to intermingle their beliefs, philosophies, and cultures. Slowly their religions became quite similar to their captors and then no longer proved to be unique as it once was. A good example are the Hebrews who migrated eventually to Egypt around eighteen hundred B.C. History will speak of how the Hebrew people's beliefs, Christianity in this case, was unique because of it is monotheistic teachings. The Hebrews were influenced by many cultures, especially after the Roman Empire declared Christianity as its state religion around three hundred-eighty one A.D. The British Isles were originally Pagan, but eventually Christianity spread and the once largely believed religion was crushed under the weight of this new found belief system. However in order to convert Pagans to Christianity, the Christians incorporated a number of the Pagan holidays into their own, such as Sunday which is suppose to be the Pagan holy day to worship the sun. Why use Christianity as an example? Because Christianity is one of the largest, believed, and followed religions in the world. In this day and age, there are many religious groups, some of which take things to the extreme. These people believe themselves to be some God's true chosen people and as a result there is much hostility toward minorities, genders, morals and more. These groups are known as religious extremists. People might believe that religion is about loving thy neighbors and treating others as they would like to be treated, but not everyone tends to follow what they preach. There have been reports of hate crimes and violent acts committed in the name of god and purification of religious blood over the course of many centuries. Is it simply a name that gives a religion this much power, the people, or fear? The world has to change and it will change, but because these people will not think outside the box, problems such as these will continue to arise.

Most people do not like to question the origin of their beliefs, how their beliefs came about, or what influenced them. It's all about the word of God. Ironically enough, the Bible was written by mortal mans' hands who believed they heard god conversing with them. Spirituality is truly defined by what people hold near and dear as far as their beliefs, philosophies, traditions, and on. If someone decides to take the beliefs from multiple religions and hold them near and dear and it makes them happy, who is to say they cannot? The people who accept a religion at face value and take it for what it is without question? No one religion is correct and the fact of the matter is many if not all are similar in some fashion, because of religions integration of stories and beliefs. In the Bible there is a quote that says, 1 Thessalonians 5, 21, "Test everything. Hold onto the good." That quote in pure essence might as well say, "Find what makes thyself truly happy. Do not take everything at face value, but find something that works". People need to be open to change, new ideals, and perspectives. Without them progress cannot be made nor can any compromises between others be reached.

Sources:
Cross-Crossland. Ms. Croft-Crossland's Standard World History. 2001. 14 Oct.2005
http://home.cfl.rr.com/crossland/index.html
A nomadic people - http://home.cfl.rr.com/crossland/AncientCivilizations/Middle_East_Civilizations/Hebrews/hebrews.html
Wikipedia. 18 Oct. 2005. 14 Oct. 2005
Christianity becomes a state religion - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Christianity#Christianity_becomes_a_state_religion

Wikipedia. 18 Oct. 2005. 14 Oct. 2005
Early Christian era and Vikings - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ireland
Short, Rabbi Mike. WHEN DID SUNDAY BECOME THE SABBATH. 20 Oct 2005.
It quite clear that Sunday is a Pagan Holiday - http://www.mayimhayim.org/Rabbi Mike/Sabbath article.htm
L.E.A.R.N. 2005. 21 Oct 2005.
An Ugly Turn - http://www.adl.org/learn/Ext_US/Christian_Identity.asp?LEARN_Cat=Extremism&LEARN_SubCat=Extremism_in_America&xpicked=4&item=Christian_ID

L.E.A.R.N. 2005. 21 Oct 2005.
Phineas Priest - http://www.adl.org/hate_symbols/Phineas.asp

About. 2005. 22 Oct 2005.
Christianity and Violence - http://atheism.about.com/library/FAQs/christian/blfaq_viol_index.htm

Special Thanks:
To my close history buff friend Zac. What would I do without you? *nuggy, hugs, and kisses*
Also an original and additional special thanks to my boyfriend Lucas for encouraging the enthusiasm and passion that drove me to write this essay as well as some historical information that he provided me earlier with. *Big hugs and *wink* special kisses* For you dear, love you. *wink*

First off, no; I am not trying to be offensive. Secondly this is about homosexual, bisexual, Lesbians, etc defense.
In todays society, especially in the United States, it is a difficult task coming out and saying who one is and what they are. I feel sorry for these people because it can be quite hard and trying. There is always that fear one may be beaten up for what they are. Even straight people who support homosexuals, lesbians, bisexuals, etc.. have to worry about people wishing to do harm to them as well.
I'm not sure if Xenophobia would be the correct term here, but boy are people certainly afraid of this sexual movement. Fear is not the only thing driving this machine, but the fact that many find it wrong and incorrect.
"Marriage is between a man and woman. Only a man and a woman can love and share an eternal bond". All I have to say to that is that is a load of B.S. All a relationship really needs is love between two people. If one is a person that believes love knows no bounds, they by the stars these people should be allowed to love and in peace.
I find it ridiculous that many people dislike homosexuals, but when someone gets on the subjects of lesbians and bisexuals (sometimes) everything changes. "OMG that's -SO- hot! I wouldn't mind a little girl on girl action." That really disgusts me and I feel it is horribly unfair to single at least one group like that and say it's okay or even give it some lead way. Homosexuals, lesbians, bisexuals, etc are people to. I am aware how cliche sounding that is, but it is true.
If you really want to be down right rude, ask any religious body who is against homosexuals, lesbians, bisexuals, etc about why they are here. They will most likely reply that it is the devils work or some such. I don't know if Lucifer can really create human form, I thought that was Gods job. After all, we are all supposedly made in his likeness. Maybe God decided to have a sense of humor and throw something new into the mix because he/she/it was bored, ever think of that?! Course not, more then likely they have not, because it all leads back to the fact no one ever questions their religion and its "RULES".

Also this sort of thing happens to be an imbalance of chemicals in the human genes. People really can't help what they are, it's whether they choose to embrace it. That is the true question. I feel it is better to accept what one is then to go on and deny it for the rest of ones life. Having that kind of internal struggle is not worth the perfect society outlook of man + woman = real love.

Love is love and no one can fight that and people will find ways to overcome what suppresses them.

[[[WARNING! MY REAL CLOSE FRIENDS AND SO ON. THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO YOU SO DON'T WORRY. ALSO I KNOW THERE IS A CERTAIN SOMEONE WHO MIGHT BELIEVE THIS APPLIES TO THEM, IT DOES NOT. HOWEVER, I DO ADVISE ANY GUYS TO READ THE FOLLOWING.]]]

Alright, I have a rant this time mostly about me. Personally I don't want to make this rant, but I gotta rant about it unfortunately for me. With a beautiful outgoing friendly lady like myself life can be a difficult thing. I love making new friends. I like to keep many people close because I love showing my love for others quite a bit. I may not be able to give presents every year at Christmas to my friends and every family member I have, but I bring them laughter, happiness, and so much more. *laughs* I think that is why they let it slide. *winks* The problem is most of my friends consist of guys/men/etc...I've been meeting quite a few males over the last few weeks due to the internet. Surprisingly enough, some of these guys actually live in Seattle. Now here is where things tend to get complicated. These guys, some of which, have never met quite a unique geek/goth/gamer chick/something else/who lives close/etc like myself before. I sometimes tend to think that because I am single and because I am so "awesomely cool" to them, they auto default to, "I gotta try and get this girl to be mine". Guys, please stop and think about that decision/choice for one second. Think about the girl, especially me, and how it will affect them! Honestly, the way you build a good strong relationship is by first having a strong friendship to go off on. Least I believe the best relationships come from friendships. These guys don't realize how much pain this puts a girl through with the first goal thought being, "I gotta make her mine". I feel like I can't become close and have friends at all. I have been greatly lacking in the friends department as of lately, because of this problem for one. Secondly, not many people at the school actually talk to me except in classes. Even still, I have few friends here in Seattle. So please do me a favor and put, "Friend first," in the very front of your mind. Know there is a probability that maybe what you dream of and would like to happen could be possibly, but don't force yourself on this girl for one or any for that matter. Secondly, friendship first. I need as many friends as I can get since conversations are a bit dull due to the few number of people I do know. That's my advice and my rant. Goodnight folks!

No; I did not write this. This was actually written by a guy who seems to understand girls pretty well, because he has had quite a bit of experience with them. However I will say this, this is pretty damn accurate so all you -DUMBASSES- who think treating a girl like shit is cool, listen up and learn something why don't you! (P.S. I know some women like to be abused but I believe for the great majority they don't. They just aren't used to be being treated with respect since most guys are not that respectful of women. Note: MY FRIENDS PLEASE DON'T THINK ANY OF THIS APPLIES TO YOU! IT DOESN'T! The above comments, not whats down below.)

1. Whatever you do, don't just show up at their house...they run around in their underwear just like we do.

2. DON'T CHEAT ON THEM. It may seem foolproof, but girls tell each other everything about everything. Trust me, they WILL find out and you will be screwed

3. Beware of every single male relative and all guy friends. Any of them would kick your ass at the drop of a hat, and a lot of them wouldn't even wait for the damn hat.

4. NEVER miss an opportunity to tell them they're beautiful.

5. DON'T refuse to kiss in front of your friends. If they laugh at you, it's because they're jealous.

6. If they slap you hard, you deserved it.

7. Don't be afraid to touch them if you want to. If they're going out with you in the first place, it's because they like being in your arms.

8. If you don't sleep with them, DO NOT tell your friends that you did.

8.5 If you DO sleep with them, DON'T tell your friends that you did.

9. You can be dirty minded in private, really...most of them are not offended by it...

10. Not all of them eat like birds, a lot of them can eat like whales.

11. Most of them don't mind paying half of everything, but they do discuss these things with their friends. Realize that if you make your girlfriend pay half all the time, everyone will know about it and your friends will know you're a pussy..

11.5 Do you honestly need all your money that much? Be a man, pay all the time!

12. Every girl should eventually get three things from her guy- a stuffed animal, ONE OF HIS SWEATSHIRTS, and a really PRETTY RING. Even if it's not a serious relationship.

13. Make sure she gets home safely as often as you can. If you're dropping her off, walk her to the door. If you aren't dropping her off, call to be sure she's home safely.

14. If a guy is bothering her, it is your right to beat the shit out of him.

15. If you're talking to a female friend of yours, PULL YOUR girlfriend closer.

16. NEVER, ever slap her, even if it's just in a joking way. Even if she swats you first, and says, "Oh, you're so dumb" or something, never make any gestures back.

17. Go to a chick flick once in a while. She doesn't care whether you enjoy it or not, it just matters that you went.

18. You're dead meat if you can't get along with their pets, parents, and best friends. Be prince charming to their friends, Mr. Polite to their parents, and make sure to be nice to their animals.

19. Don't flirt with their moms...that's just freaky.

20. Don't be freaked out by PMS. It's not gross, and it really does make them feel like shit, so be understanding.

21. If you don't like the way they drive, you do it.

22. If you're officially dating, and you're introducing her to your friends, you'd better damn well introduce her as your girlfriend.

23. Don't stress where you go for every date. They really only want to be with you.

24. If they complain that something hurts, rub it for them without being asked.

25. Girls are fragile. Even if you're play fighting/wrestling, be very gentle.

26. Memorize their god damn birthdays. You forget her birthday and you're basically screwed for life.

27. Don't marinade the cologne, but smell good.

28. Don't give her something stupid for her birthday or Christmas or Valentine's day. It doesn't have to be expensive, but it has to be meaningful.

29. If you think the relationship isn't going to last, don't wait to find out. It will only hurt her more if you draw it out.

30. After you've been dating for a while, realize that they really have started to trust you. When you have a girlfriend who truly trusts you, you have a lot more responsibility, privilege and control than you would think. Be careful with it, most guys would kill for that kind of power, and it can be lost in a nanosecond.

(If you have read this and you are a girl, then some of these things are actually really true...am I right?! And if you read this and you are a guy, then these are like the mother fuckin best tips you could ever get!)

In poetry there are all sorts of forms, styles, rhyme schemes one can use and/or come up with on their own. A friend of mine mentioned he hated free-verse poems and that this person he quoted once said, "free verse is like a song with no direction". When people first begin in music, I'll use guitar for example; they tend to look through their books or try and teach themselves how to play their instrument. Guitarist have the free will to experiment with their instrument and fairly easily. There in lies the point though, everyone wants to experiment with something they enjoy. They don't always want to go by the rules, because I believe it is in human tendency to wish to be rebellious at times. To say free-verse is a song with no direction seems a bit off. If you look at songs written for music, the lyrics don't always rhyme and as far as I can remember, they don't always have the same rhythm. However the point again here is that lyrics composed for music are closely related to free-verse and people love the poems, especially when they are put in musical form. So poems don't absolutely have to rhyme or follow a pattern to be loved by many.

In the beginning of the War most people protested it because they felt we had no right to be in another country that had nothing to do with us. Now I see protesters out still protesting that the U.S. should still be out of Iraq. People who believe themselves patriotic will say, "Those who protest the war have no patriotism," which is such bull crap. I can't lie, I don't have a lot of patriotism for my country because most of our forefathers ideals have been lost due to poor choices of candidates for president, corruption, and so forth. An ideal can't be pure for ever after all, but those who are pure of heart who carry the ideal may be less swayed by corruption. Anyways, the real point for this rant is to say, "Hey"! I believe most people protest the war now because they want their, friends, family, and loved ones back. Is that so much to ask? It's not that they have no spirit or patriotism for their country, but it's their family, friends, and loved ones out there and this war has gone on long enough. It really isn't much of a war anymore, more like another excuse to waste expenses. Our news we get on the war is always negative yet our president tells us we are prevailing, standing strong, and being firm. Personally I still think he is full of bullshit and would love to see him impeached, but -THAT- isn't happening anytime soon unless someone took over all the air waves and transmitted a message about all the down sides to Bush's presidency. Oh well, least he can't be voted into office again. I know I rambled a bit I do apologize, but why not ramble a bit since there is so much that does tie into the subject of our war in Iraq.

I remember when I went to Bumpershoot someone brought to my attention that supposedly there is no good and evil. There is no Black and White etc. I find this certainly hard to believe. What do you call someone who murders another? A malicious act or something to that extent. What about someone who rapes another? How do we refer to such an act? Terrible, evil, etc... There has to be a good and a bad, there has to be a Black and White otherwise these acts and words no longer have meaning in our society. Some people tend to sway more toward good as do some to evil. All of us are capable of both good and evil acts, we have to have this balance because it is what makes us who we are. However when someone seems pure evil, does it not seem appropriate to refer to them as pure evil or something else? People can lean more toward one side over the other and be considered evil, good, loyal, malicious and so forth.

One thing that makes life easy for us to communicate with others is when they have an open mind. When someone has a closed mind it tends to make things quite difficult and they may not realize this mistake. I try to keep a pretty open mind. I know it isn't always easy for me to be able to have a deep and thoughtful conversation about my spiritual beliefs and theories that go with many of those beliefs with others, because one; not many have open minds. Secondly; those people may very well be people I do not trust and the list of reasons could go on. I don't know how many of you realize, but not any real one religion is unique. Most of our religions borrow ideas from others. Stop and think about it sometime. Cultures were being taken into other societies because there were cultures back in the day that wanted to dominate over others. In order to do this they had to convert the natives within their new found territories and such. In order to better fit in some of those natives that were being converted may have adopted the beliefs of that culture into their religion. Christianity is a highly good example. The halos angels have that happens to be an Egyptian trait. If you see certain images of the Sun god "Ra" you can see a halo behind him. The pitch fork the devil has, that is the trident of Poseidon. Same with the Satyr legs that the devil has, those are something out of Greek mythology. Some of the churches who tried to convert Pagans to Christianity incorporated many of the Pagan holy days and such.
Most people don't like to question the origins of their religion though or how it even came about. It's all about that it is the -WORD- of god or some such. Hello, the bible was written by mortal mens' hands'. In the bible there is a line that says something to the extent of, "Take what is good" and the rest of the message basically says put aside the rest that would interfere.
The thing that brought this rant to my attention was the fact I was over at my friends dorm room talking with her about random subjects. Eventually we wound up on beliefs. One of the guys there decided to interject into our conversation and begin interrogating me about my beliefs. I told him I believed in a higher power and I believed in Lucifer (the existence of both thank you) though my alignment leaned more towered the higher power (god if you will). I had made some mention of how I did or do every now and then dabble in magic and he said, "Who so you were a Pagan before," I said no. *sweatdrops* I'm sorry but if people have to automatically stereotype my beliefs based on existing ones that is ridiculous. He didn't understand how I could believe what I did or how I even could, because in a way it is a bit contradictory. True; however it also depends if your a good little boy/girl and follow the rules of those religions/beliefs to the letter, which it sounded like he did or believed in. I simply said to him obviously he just doesn't understand and that he probably never will because he cannot feel this inner sense of peace and calm I do. I am a much happier person now that I have found this spiritual part of myself.

Special thanks to my friend Zac for his nearly infinite knowledge of history and Religion!
Also special thanks to Lucas for his historical input as well.

This is rant part 2 to Fashion and Fad if you could not tell. I'm a person who loves victorian styled clothes. I have very particular tastes in clothes. My pet peeve though is the cost for my clothes though. Now it isn't my fault that these clothing stories charge megabucks for the style or type of clothing I like. It is the companies fault. When they buy their shipments from the warehouse, the corporations are charged so much for their shipments. Then it is up to the stores/companies to figure out how much they will charge for their merchandise to make a nice profit for themselves. So most of the clothes I like are highly expensive, but is that my fault, no. It is the companies fault because that is the price they decided on. With stores such as Hot Topic. Those are the only places I can really find my Victorian styled clothing. I am sure if Hot Topic had another goth clothing store trying to compete with them, they might lower their prices, but they don't, at least not here in Washington State. So some of us, if we are stupid enough, are paying five dollars for one pair of latex gloves. -THAT- is a ridiculous price when you can get them for less then that at like a Wal*Mart. I really wish we could mend some of the greed within our society. I don't think it will ever happen nor do I believe that companies want to lose all their precious money just by attempting to be honest and cut the consumer a break. They are essentially consumers themselves! How ironic our society is.

Just Gwen with another rant, brought to you by a friend of mine who reminded me I still need to do this rant. *grins*

I don't know about you, but of the Massive Multi-player Online Games I have played I get horribly annoyed after a good long time of level grinding. I can't recall how many times in World of Warcraft (WoW) that bothered me. Everyone went on the assumption that my class could take care of themselves. Well it doesn't help if the hunter is a mutual fighter and likes to be in the heat of combat with their pet. Besides, my pet wasn't strong enough to always take on the massive hordes I took on. When I was finally level 31 I tried to find people to do a quest with me and of course what happens, no one seems to be doing that part of the quest or do not wish to provide assistance. I tried to solo the mission and found I definitely couldn't do it unless I rethought my strategy a bit. The last straw for me though was the level grinding. The fact I had to earn my way just to be on par with the creatures inside (the place where my quest was), that really sucks. Even games such as Linage 2: Blood Chronicles and games such as Final Fantasy 11 could eliminate level grinding and there by make it more fun and interesting as far as play goes. Most online games should be more like City of Heros'. You earn abilities, that is your experience, however you still seem to have a decent edge that you don't always get your ass handed to you. I don't know what it would take to get game companies to change this, but I hope they do it sometime soon.

Once again I was told I was not mature enough for someone. I tell you nothing hurts more then hearing that from someone you care about, but hey; shit happens. So I starting contemplating and got the idea to compare maturity and perfection. Now that seems like an odd concept, but if you knew the people I do, you might be pondering the same thing. People who think they are perfect beings usually are not and are most likely assholes to boot. Similarly, people who believe themselves mature are sometimes -NOT- though they may believe they are. People talk about me needing maturity, but all I see is that because I am young I am still exploring and the true maturity that I can possibly gain is knowing myself (a friend of mine suggested that idea and I think he was on to something) . I wish I could elaborate more on this, but it really is that simple for me to say. So until the next time, adios!

I just got to thinking recently about fashion. I did not quite question the matter till last sunday when I was out with my mother at the mall. I said to her, "Mom, I just don't get it. Why does fashion matter? It makes no sense". She of course came up with something reminiscent of, "because that's the way it's been". I'm sorry but I seriously don't buy it. Fashion has no real purpose other then the fact to help us be more individualist, however; some people don't take on that true essence of fashion and instead they mimic. I believe they mimic because they feel they have no sense of creativity to make their clothes individualist. Then again it could be they just don't care what they wear and go with -WHATEVER-. Does not matter if it is popular or not, it's comfortable and that's all that matters and that is a pretty good outlook as well, but people who try and wear what is trendy just disgust me. They honestly think they will make more friends by being trendy? Yeah right, wake up people! How many of those "trendy-friends" of yours going to hold up when you're in a bind? In a word fashion is shallow. It causes more worry and hurt then good. Now I know this sounds, to a degree, contradictory. I suppose that is because in a way it is meant that way. I tend to contradict myself at times and this is just another good example. I definitely have a sense of fashion, but it is my -OWN- sense of fashion. I don't re-lie on the celebrities or anyone else to tell me whats hot and whats not, nor should anyone else really, but they continue to do so anyway.

And that's my rant for the day folks!