Introduction Thread

[Black fist]

Cowboy bebop it's ed

[Sohym]

Ooooh... haven't seen the anime yet. Just a part of the manga. Looks nice tho'....

[h2orowe]

:watson: You haven't seen Cowboy Bebop yet? Zomgawrsh.

[Sohym]

Yeah, I'm anime-retarded... never had enough time/space on my computer to download lots of them >_< but now I should be able to, 'cause my new computer has a lot of space! (ok, not that much but still, it's a lot for me XD)

[h2orowe]

Get Cowboy Bebop ;D

[Sohym]

Yes Master ~

(now gimmer mah candies T_T)

[h2orowe]

Yes, you have served meh well.

[Black fist]

If you like comedy I suggest Excel saga.

[Sohym]

Hmmm... I'll have to take a look then. I do enjoy comedy ^___^ he he ~

[manrush]

Welcome back to OP9

[Sohym]

Thank you ~

[SoulPlay]

Hello Sohym!

[Sohym]

Hi ~ !

[Dargen]

Hello everyone, I finally joined here.
For a moment i thought someone forgot to check my registered account, took a while, my thanks to the one.

So I am Igor, 19 yr old, straight from Israel, Humble servant of the dragons :hat: , breeder of an Iguana, great watcher of animes and some other irrelevant stuff and as many i found this site (originally OP9) to be hilarious, Az been keeping me entertained quite well over the past 2 years, no doubt he is the man. Reading all his editorials just increased my interest to go to japan. Ive been to deferent places lived in deferent places but Japan is something else, Ive come to expect from japan to be a place with much dignity, respect and manners but Az revealed to me a world that blow my bubble. I guess it is foolish to think that anime can reflect the life in japan.

Well it took me a a while to join here as well, but now i am here.

[Jay]

Welcome aboard. Please keep all hands, feet, heads, tentacles and other assorted limbs and body parts inside the ride at all times. If you find yourself unable to do so, remember you undertake certain actions at your own discretion. If you discover your thread going off topic, just roll with it and everything will sort itself out. Or not.

Enjoy your ride.

[basha]

Greetings/salutations/etc

I'm Basha.

16 years old.

I live in a land down under, where the women glow and men plunder.

Like most geeky tweens, I used to think Japan was some super cool awesome land of wonderful. Then I actually read about the place, and discovered it was pretty ghey. Regardless, i'm still interested in Japan, Japanese and Az's work.

So yeah...

Hi.

sup?

[SoulPlay]

Hey Basha and Dargen! Welcome to the boards! I hope you have fun here!

[h20rowe]

Welcome to OP9 Basha and Igor!

[Duke Luke of Juke]

h-twenty-rowe? ;p
Imposters!

[manrush]

Who is this pretender they call h20rowe? And what has he done with Joey?

[h20rowe]

W-what!?
I think you need your eyes checked... :P

[manrush]

Oh, whoops. ;)

[Jay]

I live in a land down under, where the women glow and men plunder.

Can you feel, can you feel the thunder! You better run, you better take cover. ;)

Welcome along! :D

[BdarkangelbFujiko]

So I finally joined this thing? My real name is Bianca... And I live in Colorado. :)

I've moved around a ton, though. I've had a pretty interesting life. Uhm... I don't know what else to write? Uh, I'm Asian??? Lawl

[h2orowe]

Is this the same Asian Fujiko that I took a picture of for my damned friend Matt to be all like "zomgwin" for? :watson: If so, welcome. If not, welcome either way.

[manrush]

Welcome.

[SoulPlay]

Welcome!

[Myrsilus]

Who are you!?

[digable]

Should have done this awhile ago...

Came across OP9 because of my nostalgia for Japan. I lived there for three years (four years ago), and taught English. I met my wife there, who's Canadian and taught English also. Been married almost 5 years. We want to get back to Japan, but won't until the kids get older. I write both fiction and non-fiction, though the non-fiction is paying the bills at the moment. My real name is forgettable and has been a source of derision all my life. Just call me digable (as in planets).

[Spy]

Hello, decided to come back for a moment to see what's up. I'll probably check back in 3 weeks after I'm sure of what I'll be doing for a living situation. Any who, what's new?

[Jay]

!

Dude! I remember you!

Where the hell have you been?

[Spy]

I've been hiding in a small corner of New Jersey finishing up an Associates of Science. Or at least I think that's what I've been doing... (I'm still amazed it's been a year and 3 months since the last time I signed in and I didn't screw up on the password).

[Jay]

That long, huh? And you've been in Jersey all that time?

You poor bugger. :P

[Your Mom]

Hello. This is Your Mom.

Joey told me to come here, so I did. Because I'm cool like that. ;D

So, uh...

I'm a skinny white girl with glasses who likes to cosplay. I'm about to enter my sophomore year of college as a Japanese major. I'm what you might call a vanity vegan (though I do care about the animals and the world and stuff, too, I swear), and have been for well over four years now. Aside from cosplay, I enjoy baking, photography, socks (to what some consider a sickening degree), and casually stalking Masa.

Yoroshiku~ ;]

[h2orowe]

Psst, you have hot lips.

[Your Mom]

You'd know, wouldn't you? ;D

[h2orowe]

Shh, we can't let Masa know. =o

[Your Mom]

I think he might be onto us already. O:

[h2orowe]

I don't care! I don't care who knows! Our love should be shouted from the mountain top!

[Your Mom]

Love...?
;x
This, kids, is why you always take care to clearly specify the subject of your sentences.

[h2orowe]

Fine, our uncontrollable, undeniable lust for each other.

[manrush]

Welcome, newcomer, welcome.

[Your Mom]

Welcome, newcomer, welcome.
Thank you, thank you. ;D

[Mastiker]

Hello. This is Your Mom.

Joey told me to come here, so I did. Because I'm cool like that. ;D

So, uh...

I'm a skinny white girl with glasses who likes to cosplay. I'm about to enter my sophomore year of college as a Japanese major. I'm what you might call a vanity vegan (though I do care about the animals and the world and stuff, too, I swear), and have been for well over four years now. Aside from cosplay, I enjoy baking, photography, socks (to what some consider a sickening degree), and casually stalking Masa.

Yoroshiku~ ;]

I like you. You're like the female version of Joey, so it makes it not as gay if I were to announce my undying love for you.

BTW Joey, I still love you, even if I found another vagina to hump :D

[h2orowe]

;).

[Your Mom]

Awww. <3
Joey's awesome, so I'll take that as a huge compliment.
Thanks. ;D

[Mastiker]

Good >=3

[Duke Luke of Juke]

I like you. You're like the female version of Joey, so it makes it not as gay if I were to announce my undying love for you.
I don't get this comparison at all. :S

[Mastiker]

I don't get this comparison at all. :S

>=3 I made the connection in my head. The same head that went from the Opera to Taco Bell in three steps.

[rl*united]

Since I`m new to this forum I might as well type up an intro :)

I`m 19 years old (minus a month and a half) I live in Bulgaria and am soon to be college student in Medical Academy Sofia* in the area of medical pharmacy. That`s the boreing stuff. The cool part is in a few years time I`ll at least have the theoretical knowledge on how to mix my own LSD 8). lol

Interests: Japan and the japanese language. Music movies (includeing anime) pc games (...pre-2001 games are the only ones my laptop runs on it`s 32 mbs of integrated video**) and tennis table.

I`ve been reading Azrael`s blog for a few months now. My personal opinion is that it`s awesomeness and that Az-sensei should be writing a book about it.

*accepted officialy yesterday, filed my papers this morning :D

**wouldn`t wanna waste money and time on that anyways

[Sohym]

Welcome, rl*united! ^__^

[h2orowe]

how to mix my own LSD 8)

You just skipped passed the screening process. You're in.

[Swede]

18 year old guy living in Indiana, been studying Japanese for a little over four years now, starting college this coming week.

[Sohym]

Welcome, Swede. =3

[h2orowe]

Swede, you say? :watson: I'm 25% :3 anyway, welcome.

[Urameshi YuSooKey]

Hi everyone. I'm a 20 year old guy from Virginia, USA. I stumbled across Az's blog about 5 months ago and thought it was some really interesting stuff.

Glad to be apart of OP9. The verification thing took a while though.

[Sohym]

Yeah, it can take a week or so to get accepted and all. Anyway, welcome, Urameshi YuSooKey!

[Jay]

Glad to be apart of OP9.

Not yet, you haven't got past initiation yet.

[Nordri_dunkelalb]

Well Introduction you say?

Hm, I am a 25 jears old german White-collar worker who roves trough those mysticall Internets at night. One day I found the kancho Wiki entry wich refered me to Outpost nine I´ve read it all, found this forum considered it amusing and joined it... now I am here... :innocent:

[Sohym]

Welcome, Nordri_dunkelalb. I hope you'll have fun here. :D

[Urameshi YuSooKey]

Not yet, you haven't got past initiation yet.

There's an initiation? Very well. I can do it! :karate:

[vagrant]

Hey guys,
I thought I'd introduce myself...
I'm 20, from Australia, and study commerce and economics at university. ummm i like indie and progressive rock and i play the guitar and keys. love film, video games, anime, comics, reading..all that good stuff. I work at a coffee shop part-time.

I was told about the editorials by a friend, which subsequently brought me here...anyway, that's me pretty much.

=)

[h2orowe]

Welcome, sir/ma'am. How long have you been playing both instruments? In a band?

[vagrant]

i'm a dude by the way, =)
umm guitar for about 4-5 years, keys, just for a while....couple of months. As for my band, we mainly do covers, but some original stuff as well. Mainly wierd ambient stuff like ala The Mars Volta and Pink Floyd. Do you play??

[Saitou Hajime]

Welcome to the forum! I have a feeling you should change your interests, as "defecating graves" sounds quite unpleasant! Perhaps defacing is more your style.

[h2orowe]

I've been playing guitar for.. about 4 years now myself. I'm not too bad, can't shred or anything (although sometimes I can do decent solo type stuff if I'm just messing around). I sing, play a bit of bass (not very good at that but not horrible. Could hold my own as just rhythm instead of some crazy lead bass), a TINY bit of keyboards, harmonica, and drums. I'm in a band but basically all it is is me and the drummer improving for an hour or so at a time. Just playing whatever we feel like, haha. Sometimes we cover stuff :P sometimes we play things a couple times through, but we've never put anything down really. We have like two songs, but no lyrics for them, and one's just some joke-type song.

I love the Mars Volta btw, awesome band. I got into them right when De-loused came out, basically, but I haven't even heard any of their other stuff, sadly.

[vagrant]

Nope, I'm all about defecation; and I'm not changing for anyone!!
Yeah dude, I play the harmonica as well, just some old school bluesy stuff, ripping off Bob Dylan and Neil Young lol.
Yeah I love the Volta as well man, i first got into them through At the Drive-In (Omar and Cedric's band before MV). Have you heard MV's stuff off the Tremulant EP? You should check it out dude, some pretty cool songs.
As for their later stuff, they kinda deviate away from their more rocky stuff to really trippy ambient sounds. It's kinda wierd, but I like it a lot.

[boop]

Hullo

I am an idiot cursed with the knowledge of the existance of the so-called 'japanese language'. I liked the general structure of it when i first heard about it, but been stuck wasting far too much time going nowhere because I havn't had any authentic/legimate source to practice off of and test my skills against (with optional (but very much wanted) correction).

You might think everything i just said is a steaming pile of grade a bullshit, and honestly i have trouble believing myself as well, so feel free to ban my ass at your earliest avaliable convience.

[h2orowe]

I'll check out the stuff from the Tremulant EP. Any specific non-Deloused songs you suggest that I'd be able to find on youtube or anything? What are your favorite from Deloused, btw? My personal favorite was Televators. In fact, I'll listen to it right now. Also, Dylan and Young are pretty good. So, you're into folk as well? Do you listen to any Iron and Wine or Six Organs of Admittance? (Also, if you like the ambient stuff, check out the latter band I mentioned and Animal Collective in addition to that.)

IRT Boop. Welcome. :D

[sOkU]

Don't think I intro'd myself. I'mma 19 year old blasian kid from California.
Currently I'm missing my hometwn, Yokohama, like a beeyotch. :(

Oh yeah...I"m cool. :)

[vagrant]

What are your favorite from Deloused, btw? My personal favorite was Televators. In fact, I'll listen to it right now. Also, Dylan and Young are pretty good. So, you're into folk as well? Do you listen to any Iron and Wine or Six Organs of Admittance? (Also, if you like the ambient stuff, check out the latter band I mentioned and Animal Collective in addition to that.)

With regards to Deloused, I'd have to say Inertiatic ESP, Televators (damn good song), Eriatarka and Cicatraz ESP. I like pretty much all of the songs on there though, even those interlude-ish ones, because they just enhance the atmosphere.
yeah i like some folkish stuff, mainly the two said artists though. I haven't really listened to the bands you listed, but I'll definitely check them out dude.

[Citizen]

i like... progressive rock

What bands/genres/eras?

It's rare for anything in this thread to spark my interest. =3

Nice SF avatar, by the way. Although it took me a while to figure out exactly what it was.

[vagrant]

Well as far as prog rock goes (I like a shit load of other stuff as well, this is just what i try to emulate when i play guitar), I like Pink Floyd, the Pixies, Yes and Jethro Tull (from the earlier 70's and 80's period), and a little bit of Muse, At-the Drive In and the Volta from contemporary music.

I'm really into post-punkish music as well like Gang of Four, The Clash, The Cure, Joy Division...there's an ass load more, but those are the main stays i guess. Pretty keen on indie bands as well, and that whole electro movement.



It's rare for anything in this thread to spark my interest. =3

Nice SF avatar, by the way. Although it took me a while to figure out exactly what it was.

Well I'm glad it's sparking some sort of interest, lets me know what music you guys are into. Thanks about the avatar as well, SF is kick ass.

[Swede]

Thanks for the welcoming words.... I'm also 25% Swede btw, its basically just a nickname that caught on I suppose... but the only Swedish I speak comes from my Swedish Mood Cube *box of cookies for anyone who knows what the hell that is*

And vagrant, The Cure kicks ass.

[St. Wolfie]

Weaboo /b/tards? On my forum?

바보바보바보바보바보

[h2orowe]

संस्कृता वाक

[Gymnoge]

I've been reading Gaijinsmash for almost a year now and finally decided it was time to join the outpost. Az, I'm a big fan and really appreciate you lettings us into your world.
As for the introduction part, I'm a photojournalist forKALB (http://www.kalb.com) in Alexandria, La. I'm a part time Star Wars nerd, a PC hardware junkie, Game collector, and comic book fan.

Nice to meet everyone.

[ZaichikArky]

^welcome.

We don't seem to have a lot of new people who post often, so plz post often :D.

[Urameshi YuSooKey]

Let's welcome our newest member,Buy Salvia (http://www.outpostnine.com/forum/member.php?u=9920). May all your posts be profitable.
Hmmm..how do they keep getting through. :watson:

[h2orowe]

Now that's a member I can get excited about!

[Shnur]

I always figured introductions to be easier to digest in dot-point form, so here goes, my introduction in a neat and concise manner:

-Male
-20
-Australian
-University Student- Japanese major.
-Can speak a bit of Korean
-Is fluent in Pig Latin.
-Doesn't like fish or emos.

Compulsory Interesting Story:
While drunk along with a group of equally inebriated friends attempted to build a time machine out of an old microwave, a vacuum cleaner and some cardboard. Yes that really happened, no it didn't work. I guess because the cardboard was wet.

EDIT: Just noticed my join date haha. Must have forgotten about this place instantly after registering.

[RandomPasserby]

Hi, I'm just passing by.

EDIT: Just noticed my join date haha. Must have forgotten about this place instantly after registering.

[knivesc]

Hi D:!

-Malé
-10
-English not just Brittish mwah.
-Currently in College for a few years studying subjects that make me sleep sometimes :knockout:
-Had an interest in Japan for a good few years now & is planning to study Japanese at university
-Found GaijinSmash around half a year ago, and the forum a few months ago
-Decided to sign up because this seems like a harmonious place.



/random facts:

-Too lazy to cook.
-Likes cakes.
-has a bad sleeping pattern


All I can think of at the minute, feel free to ask me anything else within good reason :knockout:

[bluestars87]

Hey, new here. This looks like a really interesting place to hang out. Hope to talk to you all soon.

[ZaichikArky]

welcome. what part of CA are you from? Seems like the Bay Area. I'm from there :D. Santa Rosa more specifically... though for the last 4 years I was more in the south bay.

[bluestars87]

welcome. what part of CA are you from? Seems like the Bay Area. I'm from there :D. Santa Rosa more specifically... though for the last 4 years I was more in the south bay.
I'm from the bay area, yup. To be more specific, Mountain View. It's about 30 miles south of San Francisco.

[ZaichikArky]

Oh I've totally been to Mountain View many times. I have a friend who lives up there :D. We should hang out next time I'm up there ^_^

[dzee]

GajinSmash


what is gaijinsmash, why is everyone talking about it? :box:

[knivesc]

what is gaijinsmash, why is everyone talking about it? :box:

A Japanese stalker or something.

[Jay]

what is gaijinsmash, why is everyone talking about it? :box:

www.gaijinsmash.net

You really have been gone for a long time...

[dzee]

my internet crashed, i'm on a flaming laptop. i'm in the irc most times, does that count?

.. anyway, who really reads the editorials now? :blank:

[PopCulturePooka]

my internet crashed, i'm on a flaming laptop. i'm in the irc most times, does that count?

.. anyway, who really reads the editorials now? :blank:
Not me

[MNJetter]

I always figured introductions to be easier to digest in dot-point form, so here goes, my introduction in a neat and concise manner:
I didn't need to read past that to figure out that you were a student. :D

Welcome. Or welcome back. However you decide to look at it.

[dzee]

let us all put our hands together to welcome........

YARRR!

pushed here from the irc. :clap: :clap: :clap:

[whispering]

.. anyway, who really reads the editorials now? :blank:
I started reading them again when people started posting them to the forums...

[dzee]

:frypan: why y'all gotta keep raising counter examples against me ..

:mad:

[fredtory]

I'm new on this site but have been teaching for 4 years.
I have a year 5/6 class in Rome. Challenging kids, 100% non-English speaking background, lots of fights, little interest in learning and I love every minute!

I do enjoy reading about different school systems and teaching practises and condition and have found a lot of great ideas on this site previously.

Please visit my new music personal blogs at
my jazz blog (http://jazzzband.blogspot.com)
music ocean (http://music-ocean.blogspot.com)
blog with popular songs (http://e-musicnews.blogspot.com)
download electonic music (http://drumbassmusic.blogspot.com)
guitar lessons (http://cool-guitar-lessons.blogspot.com)

and please leave all your comments as this gives me support

Thanks,
Fred :)

[PopCulturePooka]

Welcome aboard fred.

We actually have a whole thread for introduction that people check out a lot, so I'm going to move the thread there.

[Sakari]

Yo-ho-ho everyone!

Been reading gaijinsmash for quite a while now, excellent stuff, so I though I would get involved with the community :) I myself am going to Japan in March, and plan to take loads of pictures and write loads!

Look forward to getting to know you all!

[h2orowe]

For a second, I thought you mentioned Battletoads in your post. Anyway, welcome aboard Sakari.

[ab5tr4kt]

Hello.

[Micah the Great]

I ordered Battletoads at GameStop yesterday. :)

[h2orowe]

Fuck yeah, Micah.

[Everdarke]

Hello, my name is Tomi. I'm a 19 year old guy from Finland. At moment I'm unemployed and waiting for january for my mandatory army service of 6 months to start. After that 6 months of pain and suffering is over, I will start my studies in university on computer science. :watson:

[h2orowe]

That's an epic avatar, Tomi.

[Everdarke]

Yes. Yes it is. Kefka is the baddest badass in the land of badasses.

[ZaichikArky]

^welcome, you already know that I think you're cool. In other word, you have moved up the latter to haet.

[Micah the Great]

** Did You Know? **brought to you by Micah the Great.
Yes... Kefka is an ultimate badass, but that last from of his can be killed in one turn by one character. Genji Glove + Offering + 2 strong weapons. (for me Edgar w/ Atma Weapon and Illumina.) That's 8 hits X 9,999 = 79,992. BAM! Right in the kisser. Not his fault tho, i still love his hate. :watson:

[Everdarke]

Each of Kefkas forms were way too easy imo. I defeated em all with just one group. Damn I feel like playing FF6 again...

[Citizen]

Every FF main end boss is way, way too easy to beat. Sephiroth, Necron, Chaos, Yu Yevon, Zeromus, etc. No reason to hold that against good ol' Kefka. =0

[Micah the Great]

Yeah, Sephiroth could easily be owned with w-summon KotR. I actually always thought Zeromus was pretty hard. At least harder. I never spent a lot of time leveling in 4 tho.

[Dresh]

Sephiroth was killed by a counter-attack.

[Micah the Great]

NO! Sephiroth choked to death on a cinnamon roll.

[h2orowe]

I didn't know THAT was Kefka. I've heard his name before, though. That's an epic looking boss, tbfh.

[Everdarke]

Out of all FF baddies, Ex-death is my least favourite. I mean what the hell. He is an evil _tree_ that tries to take over the world. And even the last fight with him was ridiculously easy. Other then that, FF5 was quite fun. :watson:

[Kusoyaro]

Hi, my name is Sunny. I'm 23 years old, and live in the Toronto area
I recently quit uni/college in my final year and am in the process of a career/lifestyle change
A pleasure meeting you all, I hope to have fun here

[Swede]

Welcome man. I would just recommend you stay away from The Room with Padded Walls if you are looking for a lifestyle change. ;)

[whispering]

Hi, my name is Sunny. I'm 23 years old, and live in the Toronto area
I recently quit uni/college in my final year and am in the process of a career/lifestyle change
A pleasure meeting you all, I hope to have fun here
Welcome ...back :)

[dzee]

Hi, my name is Sunny. I'm 23 years old, and live in the Toronto area
I recently quit uni/college in my final year and am in the process of a career/lifestyle change
A pleasure meeting you all, I hope to have fun here

hello again, my indie music friend :innocent:

[ZaichikArky]

Welcome man. I would just recommend you stay away from The Room with Padded Walls if you are looking for a lifestyle change. ;)

WTF is it with you being the only person here who makes me laugh XDD. But this n00b posted something equally as good. Let me try to find it...

It doesn't count as cheating if you paid for it

I can't decide between which is funnier, so I'm sticking both in my sig and getting rid of the taliban thing.

Also, I like your user name, Sunny.

[skate_mate]

This isn't so much an introduction as a reintroduction.

I haven't visited this forum in over a year I'm sure. But, the sweet little thing, it remembered my birthday and sent me an e-mailing wishing me a happy time today. Thank you, OP9 forum database. :-)

[h2orowe]

He says "You're welcome."

[TheWOLF]

So Yeah................. I've returned. my name is Corey For any of u who don't remember me.................

[h2orowe]

Oh snaps.

[Everdarke]

..........hello

[TheWOLF]

hi...

[qwert]

Hello, I am Orange. Nice to meet you. =)

[Urameshi YuSooKey]

Hello Orange. Nice to meet ya.

[Swede]

Y HELO THAR!

[ninipoo]

Yay! I can finally post now. Well, you can call me Nini! ive been reading az's blogs since sometime last year and finally plucked up the courage to join this forum. Oh and I'm from sydney, currently at my final year of high school! =o

nice to meet you all

[Shuft]

I... I kinda want to lick the deagle

[ninipoo]

I... I kinda want to lick the deagle

the what?

[Shuft]

google (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=deagle)
wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deagle)
urban dictionary (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=deagle)
ask (http://www.ask.com/web?q=deagle)

Al Gore is rolling in his grave right now.

[ninipoo]

Lol learn something new everyday? err its a plastic gun , so you enjoy the cold hard plastic =p

[Jay]

Shuft here enjoys hard things in his mouth. Pay no attention to him. :D

Welcome aboard, Nini! Please pay attention to all signage and remember to keep your hands, feet, tentacles and other assorted limbs inside the ride at all times. We are not responsible for your personal safety, so if you venture outside these walls, you're on your own, kiddo. Enjoy your time with us.

[Chuckles]

Jay, you make it too hard to resist some times.



Oh shit, I just did it too!

[Jay]

What's not to love?

[Shuft]

Shuft here enjoys hard things in his mouth. Pay no attention to him. :D

Welcome aboard, Nini! Please pay attention to all signage and remember to keep your hands, feet, tentacles and other assorted limbs inside the ride at all times. We are not responsible for your personal safety, so if you venture outside these walls, you're on your own, kiddo. Enjoy your time with us.
oh snap! It's on now.

[Samurai_Pooh]

forgot to introduce myself: long time lurker and reader of gaijin smash. Possibly going to be joining JET in a couple of years, but after reading some of the stuff here and on Az's blog, not so sure about it anymore.

[Swede]

WELCOME!

[aarathi]

Welcome to this wonderful forum. I am Bindu, new member of this site. I am from kerala, popularly known as God's own country. I am very happy to visit this site. Come on and enjoy by visiting this site.

[baby_pixie]

Well, hello. Like many ppl here, I'm a long-time lurker (let's say at least two years or so?) and finally decided to join because there was something I really wanted to reply to

...but I waited so long to be approved that I forgot what it was. Oops!

Wow, aarathi, I think it's cool you're from Kerala. I hear so much about it being the miracle state of India, it really seems like a good place to live.

[Everdarke]

Welcome to the forums guys!

[Caturday]

Sup?
I signed up after learning just how many of my friends knew about outpost nine. XD It was a fair amount. So, I'm now officially in the forums.

A little about myself:
I'm 21 and female (gamer female! El oh el!)
I use grammar.
I currently live in the southern US. In fact, I live so down south that Shreveport is considered "yankeeville". Do listen to anyone that tells you Tennessee is South. It snows there for Pete's sake! And "Deliverance" has got nothing on the crazies here in the Bayou.
While I do enjoy Anime, video games, and comics(oh, I'm sorry, "Graphic Novels"), I do believe in being up to date on the latest fashions and proving that such a love affair does not doom one to "nerdom".
I have a great sense of humor and I'm very laid back. However, I am not to be pushed around.

[Urameshi YuSooKey]

Yo. Welcome to the board Caturday.

We'll excuse you this time for posting a day late though. :D


Edit: nevermind, everyday is Caturday :hat:

[Mr. Edward]

I go by the name Mr. Edward. I joined this forum looking to chat with Magibon, but people tell me she isn't on this forum anymore, so I was like :duh:. Any ways I then was like depressed:meh:, and then I was like :boggled: whats wrong with me. Then I thought about it, and then I was like maybe I can just chill here until she gets back on this forum :liar:. Then I was like whats the chance of that. So now I am like over her so I don't care. :bang:

Anyways to my real introduction. I am a boy who is 17 years old. I live in Canada, and I enjoy reading things on the internet, and reading books like 1984. I also like to write short stories relating to cool ideas. I am an idea seeker, who searches everywhere for good intriguing story ideas. :watson: You can call me Detective Edward :). I enjoy drawing pictures dealing with what I wrote about. I listen to music. I like to jog inside the house, and my parents think I am crazy. People think I am shy, but I really am not. So thats about it.

[Mastiker]

I'm not whether I should be polite and say hello, or straightforward and tell you to go away.

So...

Hello. Please go away.

[NBL]

I didn't know this was here, because I'm blind and stupid, and will now take my lumps.

NBL, (not bloody likely), 20, male, Australia, foul tempered, wishes he was adorable and pleasant, manual laborer by night and service desk chirper by day ("Certainly, sir. Anything else? Of course, I'll fix that right up for you.") and soon-to-be-aircraftman to escape the possibility of university.

[Urameshi YuSooKey]

I go by the name Mr. Edward. I joined this forum looking to chat with Magibon, but people tell me she isn't on this forum anymore, so I was like :duh:.
Forget about her. She's a lost cause of teh internets.

You can call me Detective Edward :).
GTFO!!!

[Beowulf]

words
DO NOT FEED THE TROLL

[Denied]

....hey
ive finally got some time to actually join this place.
.....

[Kfisher]

....hey
ive finally got some time to actually join this place.
.....

Whassup. You have been accepted into op9. Rejoice.

[Urameshi YuSooKey]

Whassup. You have been accepted into op9. Rejoice.
Or rue this day like no other. :bwitch:

[Denied]

thanks.
i'll rue some other time, like if i ever get drunk and start peeing on moving trains.

[Riinuka]

So.. I'll post here again since I've been gone so long.

Um... Hello. *goes back to RWPW*

[Jay]

Hey, you've still got our conversation as your sig. That's wicked. :D

[Relentless]

i've been gone for.... almost exactly a year, maybe more. thought i'd re-introduce myself. and, uhhh, that's about it.

[Seth619]

ahoy! first time poster and long time lurker, and avid post reader since 2005 of gaijin smash when I was station in Yokosuka Japan.

didn't realize i made an account back in 06,

anyways... nice to meet you all!

[Haussmann]

Hello everyone.

I used to lurk around a bit in the past, and only decided to join the fray now. I am Russian-German and live in what used to be called Königsberg..

[Micah the Great]

I'm a gravy robber. Nice to meet you guys. Mmmmm... gravy.

[KAIZOKUx]

Hi everyone.

This is my first time on the forum but I've been reading Az for years.

I am a nineteen year old college student, majoring in Japanese and International business. My interests in the Japanese culture are a bit old school; I love anything to do with samurai (or anything from the Sengoku Period) and I don't have much care for manga and anime, unlike the rest of the Japanese majors at my school.

Just looking for some interesting people to talk to! See you on the forum.

-Alyssa

[japanat]

Hello everyone.

I used to lurk around a bit in the past, and only decided to join the fray now. I am Russian-German and live in what used to be called Königsberg..My grandfather was from just outside of Tilsit.

[akiachan]

Hello! My name is Alicia but on the internet I tend to use my pen name Akia Tomiyo. I'm currently a 17 year old who is about to be on summer vacation before entering her Senior year of high school. I'm what is called a "christian otaku". That is someone who believes in Jesus Christ as their lord and savior who is an anime/manga freak who makes wise choices.

My favorites:
Colors- red, black and violet
food- egg rolls
book- Uglies/Pretties/Specials/Extras

[Kfisher]

Hello! My name is Alicia but on the internet I tend to use my pen name Akia Tomiyo. I'm currently a 17 year old who is about to be on summer vacation before entering her Senior year of high school. I'm what is called a "christian otaku". That is someone who believes in Jesus Christ as their lord and savior who is an anime/manga freak who makes wise choices.

My favorites:
Colors- red, black and violet
food- egg rolls
book- Uglies/Pretties/Specials/Extras

We do not tolerate Bible believers here. Renounce your faith or we shall persecute you.









Lol just kidding, I'm a Christian too. It's good to see a fellow believer joinin' the forums. o:

Anyway, whassup akia-chan. Nice to have a new member around. Hope you feel at home here. We have cake. ;D

[akiachan]

We do not tolerate Bible believers here. Renounce your faith or we shall persecute you.









Lol just kidding, I'm a Christian too. It's good to see a fellow believer joinin' the forums. o:

Anyway, whassup akia-chan. Nice to have a new member around. Hope you feel at home here. We have cake. ;D
=0 You scared me for a second there! Is the cake confetti or german chocolate? and im glad to be greeted by a believer!

[Kfisher]

=0 You scared me for a second there! Is the cake confetti or german chocolate? and im glad to be greeted by a believer!

Lmao. I'd say German chocolate. ;o

[akiachan]

Lmao. I'd say German chocolate. ;o
Thats some good cake then :)

My mom made chocolate cake with mayonnaise once. It was oddly good.

[Saitou Hajime]

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

THE CAKE IS A LIE!

[akiachan]

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

THE CAKE IS A LIE!

How'd I know someone would do that!

[Kfisher]

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

THE CAKE IS A LIE!

Silence, infidel.

[Swede]

=0 You scared me for a second there! Is the cake confetti or german chocolate? and im glad to be greeted by a believer!

I'm a dirty heathen who locked most of your threads. Welcome.

[akiachan]

I'm a dirty heathen who locked most of your threads. Welcome.

I wouldn't call you a dirty heathen. You are just following what you're suppose to be doing and I respect that. For shessh-ness.

[MurphBurger]

I wouldn't call you a dirty heathen. You are just following what you're suppose to be doing and I respect that. For shessh-ness.

nope he's a dirty part-swede who somehow managed to gain powers not meant for him and he shant relinquish the POWER!

[Swede]

Actually, I'm a self-proclaimed dirty heathen, so no worries there. And Murph is right.

[dzee]

he's a dirty part-swede who somehow managed to gain powers not meant for him
so far so good. i approve of his powers and how they've been wielded in RWPW ;)

[akitaka]

:ahem:

[Swede]

so far so good. i approve of his powers and how they've been wielded in RWPW ;)

I love you too.

[akiachan]

I was warned that there are some iffy people here so its good

[Urameshi YuSooKey]

I was warned that there are some iffy people here so its good
Who told you about me? :box:

[akiachan]

Who told you about me? :box:
They didn't really say any names per say. Just that I'll get torn to shreads on this forum for being a newbie. Especialy if I post about religion. :clap:

[Urameshi YuSooKey]

They didn't really say any names per say. Just that I'll get torn to shreads on this forum for being a newbie. Especialy if I post about religion. :clap:
It's not that harsh here, usually. There are haters everywhere on the interwebs. We only oust the undesirables. :karate:

I'm not the tearing to shreds type. More of swift kick to the nads and get it over with type.

[akiachan]

It's not that harsh here, usually. There are haters everywhere on the interwebs. We only oust the undesirables. :karate:

I'm not the tearing to shreds type. More of swift kick to the nads and get it over with type.
Good to know :]

[Kyletherealninja]

Thankfully this forum is a bit less outright hostile to Christianity than I first expected. Still, I would recommend subtlety. People tend to take one's ideas more seriously if you're not always thought of as "that crazy Christian person."

Of course I don't participate in this forum to argue about Christianity in the first place, I don't really like internet debating myself (although it can be fun to read others') since it's time-consuming and fairly tedious, hence why I don't participate much in religious discussions here unless someone requests a piece of advice or something I can answer. Cheers. :)

[dzee]

:ahem:

yes, do you need your ego buttered up too ? :knockout:

[akitaka]

more like I-can't-believe-it's-not-buttered up.

word to the Fabio.
http://www.fabioifc.com/2007_STORIES/05-fabio021006_big1.jpg

[dzee]

my eyes are now bleeding fluently,



and tis all your fault :worried:

[akitaka]

that's just the awe and admiration sinking into your nervous system.

accept it with gratitude, woman >:-[

[dzee]

i most certainly will not, child :karate:

[akiachan]

0_0

*walks away slowly*

[dzee]

we adore you, really ;)

[akiachan]

we adore you, really ;)
Adore whom?

[h2orowe]

Me. Who else?

[dzee]

Adore whom?
u. i guess

[akitaka]

It's dzee-speak for "I've got my eye on you o_O".

[dzee]

TISN'T. :mad:


/kicks aki

[Kfisher]

TISN'T. :mad:


/kicks aki

You're in denial.

[h2orowe]

We're all in denial at some point in our lives. Me? I am right now. Over what? Over the fact that my beard has no entangled my body, slowly breaking each and every bone.

[akiachan]

TISN'T. :mad:


/kicks aki

:blank:

[shinraunit]

Wow, there hasn't been an actual introduction in this thread for awhile. Guess I'll fix that.

Greetings all,

I'm a 22/male from Mobile, Alabama. Remember that Air Force contract that's pissing Boeing, off? Yeah that's us.
I've been reading Azrael's articles since December 06, and, despite the constant warnings from him and others on this forum, am interested in working in Japan (see my post to the 'Jobs in Japan' thread).

other stuff...
Religion: don't really care.
Politics: libertarian
Occupation: finding an occupation
Eduation: BA in Psychology, history minor.
Interests: computer stuff, foreign languages, martial arts, bowling, motorcycling, video games, history, and, occassionally, writing about political absurdities in a satirical manner.

[dzee]

shinra unit ?

[shinraunit]

Yeah. Been using that handle for over 10 years.

[Candyvan Stan]

Question! How can you be a Bachelor of Arts in psychology? Over here, it's purely scientific. (I'd like to one day perhaps continue my study in the USA, maybe for my PhD or something. So I'd like to learn the most I can.)

(Edit: Nevermind, thank you Wikipedia.)

[mochyan]

Shinra, How's that degree in psychology working out for you?

[sapphireprima]

Hey!

I just graduated highschool. And I'm hoping to travel abroad or work at WDW sometime during my college years. Gaijin Smash is one of my favorite expat blogs, and I want to teach abroad someday. I think I'm going to major in creative writing or secondary education.

I aspire to work with television wether it be writing or reviewing tvshows. Or be a teacher at an international school.

I'm a big Disney fan, btw.

[shinraunit]

Shinra, How's that degree in psychology working out for you?

Pretty useless, but I was aware of that when I signed up.
Sometimes, when I tell people I'm looking for a job, their face beams with suggestions, but as soon as I tell them my major, their expression just drops instantaneously... every time. Kinda funny.

[puzzo]

Warning: I made this post way too long, longer in-fact than I have ever talked about myself in my life. So for the dicks, and the people who just don't care, there is a tl;dr version at the end

I guess I should formally introduce myself
20 Year old student at a local community college (That unsurprisingly doesn't have Japanese language courses) just north of Boston Mass. Looking to transfer to a better school once I have my associates (currently going for Criminal Justice and I am just over half-way there, but thinking of switching to Business as just about anywhere in the world Business will do me more good than Criminal Justice).
Thinking of transferring to UMass Boston (open to suggestions from locals) as I BELIEVE (could very well be wrong here) they have a study abroad program which would let me study for a semester in Japan.
Have always been (as far as I can remember) interested in all things Japan, but until recently have never thought it was even remotely possible that I would do something as foreign as visit for a prolonged period or live in another similar country, forget somewhere with a whole different language/culture/writing system.
I am currently trying to self-teach, through the use of the internet, the Japanese writing system and language (and sucking badly). Truth be told, I attended public schools for my whole life and was never thoroughly challenged. I learned basically through absorption, and therefore have no friggin idea how to properly study, or even how best for me to learn something (up until now either it stuck right away or it didn't and I gave it no second thoughts either way :bang: ). So any tips would be appreciated.
Again I want to study abroad in Japan, and eventually become a JET, if I think this isn't what I'm cut out for (which I doubt) or just thoroughly hate the experience (possible but I hope not), my fallback plan is to become a Police officer in Boston(I know not the best fallback plan but hey, at least I have one:cop: ).
Fairly outgoing introvert (yes... I know), which basically means when I'm out and about I'm fun and and exiting but when I am home I pretty much shut myself in my room. Recently I have been having trouble finding an excuse to get out: gas prices, neighborhood is either little kids or drug addicts, not as many friends from high school as I thought I had (plenty of friends just not many close ones), Most of the people I go to college with are both a fair bit older than I am (community college) and don't live close enough to hang out outside from school.
On the internet a fair bit: Including the Playstation and Xbox? online more than most. Not including? Far less than most. Only frequent two forums, this one, and Gamefaqs.com for fairly obvious reasons (which is how i got referred here, but I don't remember by who or even if they are a regular poster). I almost never post unless I feel extremely compelled to say something, and I am mostly a lurker (but trying to change my ways). Because I almost never post, my messages tend to be fairly long (and they take a while to write, which is probably why I never post, yay never-ending circle:duh: ) I find this forum to have a nice user-base...
Sorry to digress mid-thought but I absolutely have to share this, so I says to myself "Hey self, you been typing for way too long and nobody is gonna wanna read it. Hey I got an idea since your using Windows Vista why don't you save what you've written so you don't lose everything to a blue screen of death. Wow that's a great idea, why didn't I think of that?" So I save and before 2 seconds pass, yep you guessed it, "Memory Management Error blah blah I'm blue on your screen now you die blah blah" so whew.
So anyways, I find this forum to have a nice user-base and it's interesting, but its not particularly active, so I'm going to do my part and stop lurking to help incite some conversation. P.S. I tend to not be as internet savvy, or know most forum speak so please not too harsh (or not, if you're an ass I wont care, just try to be a funny ass and not just a "lolulzorz teh intarwebs iz mai dowmayn newb" kind of ass)

tl;dr version
Hi, I'm new.
20/M/Mass.
Student
Likes Japan
Tends to lurk

Anyways that's about it, thanks for taking the time to read if you did, and if you didn't:gloomy: . Yeah so, hey guys and dolls look forward to workin wit ya.

[akitaka]

Welcome.

On Japanese: make friends who speak fluently, join Asian student associations if available.

On policing: Tough job, but a friend of mine is doing well as he graduated from the academy a few months back. This is in AZ; not sure if Boston's much better as far as crime goes (too lazy to look it up anyhow).

Outgoing Introverts: That makes two of us, but minus the heavy gaming. I prefer to get lost in downtown areas and explore a little on my own. Yeah, friends = money D:

I think we have 3 people from Mass. so far...still, most of us seem to be located on the west coast.

[puzzo]

Welcome.

On Japanese: make friends who speak fluently, join Asian student associations if available.
Sadly this option is not available to me because, one I'm not Asian, and two, there are no such clubs at my school. Maybe if the two other members from Mass. get in this thread they will help with local ideas.

On policing: Tough job, but a friend of mine is doing well as he graduated from the academy a few months back. This is in AZ; not sure if Boston's much better as far as crime goes (too lazy to look it up anyhow).
My father is a cop in South Boston/Dorchester for those who are familiar with the area, and from what I can tell/what he tells me, the hardest part of the job is getting it. But the Boston crime rate is fairly high so I would be busy.

Outgoing Introverts: That makes two of us, but minus the heavy gaming. I prefer to get lost in downtown areas and explore a little on my own. Yeah, friends = money D: Hmmm money sounds good right about now.

I think we have 3 people from Mass. so far...still, most of us seem to be located on the west coast.
Yeah, you don't want people from Mass. We're assholes, but its okay we embrace it.

[akitaka]

Even if you were Michael Jackson they'd accept you (the unions). I'm not Vietnamese, but some white guys I know suggested I join up during the Fall semester and help out if I have time to kill. Then again, working actually pays, so...

Yeah, you don't want people from Mass. We're assholes, but its okay we embrace it.

Haha I can't wait til steph reads this....hell on earth, that woman...

[Tarek]

Hi,
my name is Tarek, I am 22 years old and live in Germany. I study history and politics, but I had to take a break from the university health problems. Since I can't return studying until the fall and can't go out much either due said problems I decidied to kill some time by writing stuff. I don't intend to start a blog about it or something like that, I want simply to fight my boredom and not annoy others with unintersting story. I thought it might be a good idea to try to write it in English, simply to improve my language skills a bit, and since nobody is going to read it, nobody would be tortured by mistakes. The story is suppossed to take place at an American high school, but I did not want to base it on what I "learned" by watching breakfast club I looked for an online forum for highs school students hoping I could ask them a few questions about their day to day life. Since I could not find any via google, I looked for alternatives and remembered the board of this blog and thought I might simply give it a try here. In case there are students here, or former who still remember their high school years and did not whipe out their complete memory on college parties, willing to help me with my questions I would be looking forward to meet you.

[Stephy]

Welcome. Many Cali people !

Old posts but...:


Yeah, you don't want people from Mass. We're assholes, but its okay we embrace it.
Masshole!~


Haha I can't wait til steph reads this....hell on earth, that woman...
You're just corrupt and dirty. Go wash your hands you nasty man.

[Jehu]

It is way too hard to register on this site.

but i think it was worth it

[Kannon]

Quite worth it, welcome Jehu.

[kwad8]

OK Since I'm new to the forums I will introduce myself.

My name is Kenny
I am 25 years Old.
I am African-American
I currently live in Columbus, GA
I was born in Germany. I am a former Army Brat.
I graduated High School in 2001
I graduated from Columbus State University in Spring of 2008.
I have a BA in History with a minor in Sociology
(unfortunately my college didn't offer any asian history courses)
I am a Mac user. (Why? because they work.)

I am currently applying to be a JET for 2009. Since I am out of college and I love to travel I want to get out of Columbus...it's boring as hell here. I have done a lot of traveling in Europe so now I was to go to Asia. plus I have a great interest in Asian culture especially Japan.

In High School and College I focused on German and not Japanese as my foreign language. So now I am studying nihongo during my free time. At home and work. I have been studying nihongo since February 08. I feel I am doing well, I can read Hiragana easily and almost able to read Katakana. I use books, various websites and Podcasts to learn. I wish I had Japanese friends to study/practice with but Columbus has a relatively small Asian population and on top of that very few Japanese.

This forum is one of only a few forums I frequent. I tend to be a lurker but I visit and view the forums multiple times a day/night. I look forward to meeting new folks and I am willing to chat with anyone who wants to chat. my AIM is Ban6dit.

[freak]

Hi... umm... yeah... intro's...

cue the music...
k, i'm 26, live in South Africa... work in the IT field... have been for the last 8 years... been hatting it for about 7 and a half years...

i love film(all types and styles), books(mostly fantasy), music(anything that i enjoy), i use to be a gamer... but now i only play on my xbox, and not even that often.

anyway... ummm not sure what else to say...

oh yeah... i was a member a long time ago... but for some reason i found that my profile was gone... i've been very busy over the past 2 years so it could be for lack of activity... but i don't know... oh.. and it was with the same name...

[MNJetter]

I had the same thing when I tried to re-download AIM recently. My user account was gone. But in my case, my name was no longer accessible. Somebody else must be using it. Stupid name-stealer people...

Anyway, welcome to the forums, anybody from the last thousand posts or so on this thread....when did I post last? I don't even remember.

[Crotanks]

Hi.

[Myrsilus]

Yo.

[riona]

Hi.
I like your introduction. Simple, obviously well thought-out, to the point.
Welcome.

[Crotanks]

Hahaha. Thank you :P

[Druid]

This thread should have a flash that plays "Another One Bites the Dust".

[Zero]

Hello,

I'm from MN. I'm trying to learn Japanese because I plan on traveling there in the future. I've always been interested in Japan, but my main focus is the challenge of learning the language. From what I have read here, I don't think I would ever want to live there lol.

Oh yea, thanks to the people who post in the language threads. It is very helpful for people who don't really have any exposure to the language.

[haterllnation]

Ha, people avoid this thread like the plague. Since I haven't done one of these in a while...Welcome aboard, Zero. Haha, cautionary tales should make you want to go there more.

[Druid]

Ha, people avoid this thread like the plague.
And most people who post in it disappear like they've caught it.

Come to think of it, I should probably make a post in this thread. I've changed enough that I think it's a necessity.

19, male, and relatively creepy, I've been around OP9 on and off going on for 4 years now. I'm predominantly (was, anyway) interested in Az's editorials and stories about Japan. His stories were, and are, one of the rare few things that make me laugh. I'm not particularly talented in any field or knowledgeable on any subject. I'm interested in music, vidya games, art, televisions, movies, athleticism(when I can be arsed), and literature. I'm hard-hearted and callous. More or less, I'm your average mouth breather of the internet.

[Raenir Salazar]

Greetings I'm a Computer Science student at Concordia University.

I am from Quebec, Canada. Je ne pas parle francais tres bien.

I've been interested in Japan for many years now, had my japanophile phase, got over it, got a Russophile and Sinophile phases, got over them, now I'm back with a more nuanced view of Japan and Japanese culture and got my stuff sorted out.

My aim is once I get my Bachelors of Computer Science from Concordia will be to apply to JET, currently started learning Japanese in preparation for it and got my Hiragana just about done, long way to go, four years to get there.

Huge vocaloid fan, favorite voice actors are Rie Kugimiya, Hiroshi Kamiya, Aoi Yuki, Minorin and Aya Hirano.

Huge vocaloid fan.

I've stumbled upon Gaijin Smash from reading a reference to it on Tvtropes from reading an article on Black Lagoon, which brought me to the tvtropes page for Gaijin Smash and then which linked me to his livejournal archive thingy of all his stuff.

Read it all over a week or so, quite the archive binge extremely hilarious and enlightening. I learned alot from it and glad Az took the time to chronicle his experiences.

Glad to meet you all, hope you guys have teamspeak or something, could be fun to find some games to play in our spare times.

[Citizen]

Welcome to the forum. You have the honor of being the first person approved in like two years.

[Raenir Salazar]

I would like to claim my achievement!

*bleebloop* First! *bleepbloop*

I would like to also to some small extant, claim responsibility :D

[Nights_into_dreams]

I would like to claim my achievement!

*bleebloop* First! *bleepbloop*

I would like to also to some small extant, claim responsibility :D

Lol you certainly helped.

Welcome!

[ruaidhri]

Very happy to have you as a new member. This has always been a great forum and new blood will make it better. By the way, you say you're a student at Concordia University. Which one? There are a number of Concordia University spread around the map, including Montreal, which is where I assume you are attending.

[Raenir Salazar]

Very happy to have you as a new member. This has always been a great forum and new blood will make it better. By the way, you say you're a student at Concordia University. Which one? There are a number of Concordia University spread around the map, including Montreal, which is where I assume you are attending.

Indeed, Montreal.

[Shamu]

Bienvenido!

[Swede]

Nice to finally see some new people again, welcome! :clap:

[Nights_into_dreams]

Yes, fresh mea-er, members are always nice^.^

[mawande]

Newbies! ATTACK! Hi!

I should introduce myself, as it's been a while. I was born in Michigan, I moved to Seattle when I was very young. Shuttled between divorced parents often. Eventually fell in love with a bad man, got pregnant, threw jerk out, became single parent. Gradually got four year degree, moved to Japan.

I live near Utsunomiya, approximately 90 miles (147 Kilometers) south of the stricken nuclear plant. There was a time when I could say where I lived and people would generally have no clue. Now I say where I live and people shriek "OH MY GOD DID YOU GET RADIATED?! You can't eat any food there, can you? What about water?"

[Darrel]

Hey all, thought I'd get around to it. US military posted in Japan for 2 years, unlike most other military here, I actually have an interest in the place and various other asian cultures (half asian myself).

Anywho, I'm trying to polish off that last bit of Kanji so I can kill JLPT 2, I'm somewhat of an anime fan. That's really about it.

[Shamu]

Welcome to OP9 :)

[ruaidhri]

Yes, welcome to OP9.

[h2orowe]

Welcome to OP9.

Also, I read polish as Polish and was like "How can you even what?" then I realized I lack reading comprehension.

[ruaidhri]

Goodness h2orowe, I thought I was the only one who misread words and became confused.

[ruaidhri]

My son "Redbeard" is back on the OP9 forum. He rejoined yesterday. He never quit but awhile back his registration was removed, however, his old posts remain in the archives. Anyway, I'm glad he's back. He was the one who first introduced me to this forum.

As an aside, my other son "Anders" is also a member of the forum.

[Redbeard]

Hi everyone. Thanks for the re-introduction Dad. A lot happens over the years, I look forward to catching up with the discussions here and chatting with everyone.

[Shamu]

Welcome back! Good to have you around again :)

[stsparky]

Welcome! Your dad rocks!