Hey guys, just logged back in. Thanks Harmonex and TGL! No problem, just glad someone saw and remembered. 

Amen Easy Streets, MySpace is a horrible Globalist machine that seeks to enslave us and consume our bodily fluids!

Thanks for the advice.

Since you will be teaching yourself something the main concern you should have is if you can discipline yourself enough to really dig into it. I'm not saying you're lazy or anything, but with something so complex as learning a new language you will have to have the appropriate drive and motivation or you might find yourself a little bored with the whole prospect. You'll also need the time and money. Learning a new language can get somewhat expensive. I would also like to learn Japanese some day, but I can't right now because I do not have any of the aspects I just listed. I've gotten a very faint "feel" for it by watching some of my anime's exclusively in Japanese because the dubs don't sound as good. It would undoubtedly be easier if I could get into a course that teaches it. They do teach Chinese at the institution I attend, but it's a 7:30 class and I am not an early bird.

Perhaps after college I'll give it a little more effort. Anyway, if you really have the patience, you'll get farther than I have. Try to view this as an interesting challenge and you will find that it can be fun. Don't let any aspect of it get on top of you, either. If you're in charge of what you're doing you will have an easier time getting it done.

Thanks for the advice particulary. It seems like a hard lesson although someone told me they learnt Japanese, well, conversational Japanese within 9 months or so. However, the rest, such as the writing and what have you, took a good year or so to get the hang of. I wouldn't mind learning it ultimately and it would be something fun but I am looking for a language that will be beneficial to my time and if Japanese is one of those, then obviously I will be wanting to do something with it. But still, thanks for the suggestion.

Also, Violet and Flash Kid, thanks. I have checked Violet's website and I'll be sure to use that for reference if I decide to jump into it.

Anyway have an opinion about zee Rosetta Stone?

Welcome all you Brits! Flood in, flood in. 

Well, I was speaking to someone I know the other day and I was at a loss on what I could do to develop more hobbies and interests. So he suggested a number of things I should do and just try to develop more interests, wether it be gardening, walking, languages, etc. So, I thought to myself, "Well, I've always fancied learning Japanese but I've never felt that confident".

So, I'm thinking of taking the steps and learning it as a hobby. Now I'm not one of these Manga folks, "OMG! JAPAN! GOTTA GO, NOW!", I just want to learn a good portion of the language where it is usable and have fun doing it at the same time. The Euro languages such as French, German, Spanish, etc aren't really anything I'd be particulary interested in doing (I still need to fully learn Americanised English, too! )

Well, I've heard that the Rosetta Stone series is good for learning the language because it helps teach one the "natural way". However, for folks with experiance in Japan (I am looking at Vi and Daisensei for any advice) what would be my best way of going about it?

Japanese is a complex language from what I understand with three seperate languages. That's virtually like English, traditional Welsh, Irish and Celtic stuffed into one.

I've also read a good dictionary would be useful to use whilst learning, too. Now, I don't live near any places offering Japanese as a lesson (they concentrate on the Euro languages, probably because the EU agenda) so any links to decent material and tips on how I could begin would be excellent.

Should I pick up Rosetta Stone? And what would be a good dictionary to begin? Can I learn Japanese on my own or would I struggle without somebody?

Thanks for the help.

I, for one, welcome our new Googlebot Masters. 

I think it will go something like this: http://www.flashmtvs.com/ArtistD_da_chip_munkz_chipmunkz_wit_attitude.shtml  (Warning: Bad language & cartoon violence)

I.....well, I am not watching that Chipmonk film! Actually, that could be a new punishment from Princess Vi.

"SEND THEM TO WATCH CHEESY CHIPMONK FILMS ON CHIPMONK ISLAND!"

I have to disagree with the idea of everything having to be created by a higher intelligence. That way of thinking is a result of our (human's) huge ego as intelligent thinkers. We like to think that the only NEW things we see exist because we created them. We create because we are intelligent. So, then where did all this other stuff (like trees, animals, mountains, planets and super-novas) come from?  I guess someone else made it! Someone very intelligent and far more superior. We called that "someone" God.

And the funny thing is that we like to believe that God created us in His image. Is that not the most selfish thing you ever heard? What if God was a turkey?

Well, perhaps that is "nature" for something to "create"? I can't just believe things "naturally form" without something starting something off. I have two parents, as do most people. Dogs have two parents and so do Cats. So would it not be acceptable for an intelligence or a being such as God to create? Otherwise.....it is hard to explain where everything really comes from and the "Big Bang Theory" I am sceptical of, too.

["What is life?"]

Perhaps the most fundamental question here would be "What is life?". Talking about death is, in my humble opinion, same as talking about shadow. Actually shadow itself doesn't exist, it's the absence of the light. Then one must ask itself "What is light?"  to have a chance to understand shadow.
My suggestion is: think about the nature of the life. I guess you could reach farther than thinking only in death. 

That is indeed true Daisensei, there are so many questions and it is hard to it all. Science pulls one way, religion the other. However, I believe that when individuals do not have enough to occupy their minds and do not experiance "life" as fully as others, then the question of death appears.....

But really, "what is life"?

The scientists say we are strings of data.

The religious say God created us.

I happen to believe in possibly both although lean pretty much to the religious side. And, as I have said myself today, "to create a child, you need both a man and a woman. To create a computer or machine, you need scientists/engineers/technicians what have you. But, I do not "believe" things just happen naturally. You need something to create something, so thus there is still a use for God in this day and age."

It's true though. I can see God laying down the seeds of life upon the Earth and then things either being "created" or naturally evolving but technically, it has been "created".

If you ask me, religion itself is based on the fear of death because religion typically promises life after death. This seems to be important to people. As you put it, to cease existing isn't really something to look forward to after one has died. I've given some thought to this while taking some long walks in the country when I have nothing better to mull over. Once upon a time, I was a super Christian. Now I don't mean your typical zealot, mind you. I was indeed a special kind. Totally cool for Christ. Then one day I wasn't. I decided to cool off and make my own beliefs about certain things because I'm sure anyone with a slight familiarity with the Bible knows that there are some plot inconsistencies. While I could share quite a bit about some of my “theories”, I'll limit it to this specific topic.

A while back I heard someone say that they believed that when people died, they go to the god they worship. On the other hand when it comes to Christianity, you'll have people saying that if you don't worship God, you'll get fried. Somehow I find this hard to believe. I think the most important thing God tried to get across, particularly through Jesus, was the fact that you should do good. You may not always be rewarded for it, but you just have to do good. After all, the more good there is, the better off all of us are. This notion isn't feasible given societies diversity, so you must try and make an impact in your own life under your own conditions. Follow the rules. Don't be a jerk. Honor the virtues. Ignore the Old Testament. Except for maybe Proverbs.

Many other religions will encourage the same positive upbeat lifestyle. I'm inclined to believe that there is a singular God who awards people based on the good they do. Hell is a reality, but it is probably only reserved for the truly corrupt. I do not like to think about hell all that much as my notions toward it are not entirely refined. Don't go crazy and do anything stupid and you should be fine. I think the average person would have to try really hard to deserve that kind of punishment. Above all else, I believe life does continue after death in some form and I've narrowed it down to four possibilities I will list in order of personal preference. This assumes that you have ended your life with a good and healthy soul. In all of these scenario's you retain your current personality.

1 – Instead of going to Heaven, you are sent to a sub-world apart from a main one based on where you would want to spend the rest of eternity in. There is a God and there are still challenges to keep your life interesting.

2 – Heaven itself. Highly reminiscent of life on Earth with improved living conditions, no need for gas, and an infinite supply of fresh water. There is a God and challenges keep your life interesting.

3 – Reincarnation. Whoops, none of this matters! Seriously, though. Your soul is recycled into another body with no prior memories of your past. At least not until someone figures out how to crack it.

4 – Hell. Either your free thinking with religion damns you to an eternity of torture, God's standards are too high, or you picked the wrong religion. Ultra fail.

It's best to believe in something to comfort your fear on this issue. And if there is nothing left at the end of life, then you won't know it because you'll be dead and nobody will be any the wiser.

Those are my thoughts. Feel free to pick them apart or counter my argument. I'm not very competitive or touchy when it comes to stuff like this and I too would like to expand on the possibilities.

Thanks for the reply and you do indeed have some good interesting points. It is like the mechanic at my Dad's shop told me, "He believes in reincarnation and if there is nothing after death, it would be better to die believing in something to comfort your mind." However, I have been paying quite a bit of attention to Ghost sightings and EVP recordings which could possibly mean souls trapped in some kind of "Purgatory".

Perhaps if we do not fulfill what we are destined to do or lead a "so-so" life, we get put into this state of "limbo" where contact with the current living is possible.

But still, it is a scary fear although I would rather prefer to believe in something than just simply "cease to exist". In regards aswell to suicide and people that take their lives, I read an interesting article my somebody that said life has many experiances to offer and trying to get in as much of it as you can is indeed worthwhile.

After this body dies, we come back again and do a completely new life. Sounds simple enough. Or we're placed in a room with an infinite amount of HANDS FLYING AT YOU!

That has quite an interest in the scientific community and I believe children have been able to "recall" memories or identify birthmarks on someone that they remember in another life.....totally unexplainable in a "rational" point of view.

Considering the space and time, it is indeed possible we reincarnate. Perhaps we could also live in the past or move on from this time in reincarnation?

Also, I bet Adolf Hitler, for his crimes, is sat in that VERY room with the infinite amount of HANDS FLYING AT YOU!

......Also, those hands are kind of relaxing.....

I was wondering but is there anyone here that believes in "Life After Death"? To be honest, I am torn between the Christian faith, the possibility of reincarnation and the studies of EVP (Electronic Voice Pheonomenon) and other reportings and sightings of strange activity which cannot most of the time be explained.

And of course.....the lingering fear of "life" just dissapearing after "death" and nothing is in existance afterwards also does scare me. As much as I may dislike the world and life in alot of aspects, the fear or belief of just.....nothingness......scares me to be honest.

The ability to never be able to see, smell, here, breathe, everything would be gone.

But, considering the evidence, especially in supernatural activity, reincarnation and EVP, I am in belief that there is something "more" to death than what the popular Atheist and Humanist ideas are.

So, what does everyone else think in regards to this subject? Does it frighten anyone? And do you believe in the possibility of there being "something else"?

Nice picture my good sir! I must agree with TGL:Radio Ga Ga though but still, very nice!

i've just checked it, he wont like it, cos its a forum, ah well

Ah well, you win some, you lose some. Thanks anyway. 

Sure, no worries, we can use the longest thread. Also, it's been about......I think 20 or so around here.

o_o....that game would be good 4 my friend, who is a politcally correct person xD

Well, if he is interested, feel free although we aren't politically correct hounds, I must admit. 

I apologise for creating a seperate thread (nevermind my first!) but I thought it would get more attention than listing it in the "what websites do you visit thread?".

Anyway, as I am sure some of you have become aware by reading my posts, I am involved in political roleplaying games. Now, I am currently a member of one called "Global Politics". It is a realistically game where you can play the leader of any nation and of course develop the economy, roleplay in politics and what have you. Plus, alot of the on there are polite indeed.

Whilst my life on Edoropolis is seperate from Glopo and of course, the game is already pretty popular at the moment anyway, I thought I would atleast link the forum to anyone on Edoropolis that may be interested in joining or perhaps want to have a look around anyway.

And once again, this isn't huge advertising and I have not been asked to do this. I thought I would for any interested members in politics, roleplaying or economics that are not aware of Glopo.

My apologies if this is not allowed, I was not aware.

Here is the link anyway, for those interested: http://www.glopol.net/glopol/

Anyway, let us get back to our SPC/KNT activities. 

Ladies and Gentlemen!

Mario has attempted to infiltrate our hearts as children and turn us into......"Marioists!"

I say never! Never must we allow "Marioism" to infiltrate our free gaming world!

If "Marioism" takes off, we will *ALL* be forced to grow big moustaches, stomp on mushrooms and take out our King and Queen in the name of the "people!"

Hehe, just my Anti-Marioism rhetoric for fun.

1) Classical Mussic (Such as Mozart and Handel)
2) 60s - 90s Tunes (They had a bit more "personality" to them)
3) Computer Game Tunes
4) National Anthems
5) The KNT Theme Song! And other KNT Songs.....

I haven't listed one particular group because I can listen to any one song and like it yet dislike the rest of the band. I prefer the tune more so than the lyrics, to be honest.

The United States of SCOUSE-LAND, Liverpool

Ah, Liverpool. Never been that way myself. I also do live near Nottinghamshire. So, what is like up in Liverpool these days? In the Midlands, it's alright.....been pretty warm today.

Well, I have not yet experianced any dreams on SPC/KNT but I have had some interesting dreams, I must say......although I do not think sharing them at this time I would be that confident in doing.