To your questions, at least. Yeah, this thing:

http://www.formspring.me/BanzaiRabbit

Stolen shamelessly from Louvelex.

THREE NAMES YOU GO BY:
1. Bunny
2. Rabbit
3. Banzai [or Bunzai to Kiyo and family].

THREE SCREEN NAMES YOU'VE HAD:
1. The Dagger [stop laughing.]
2. Greywolf Prodican [now you're fallen over. this is embarrasing.]
3. El-ahrairah [just get up and leave, ok?]

THREE THINGS YOU'VE DONE IN THE LAST 33 MINUTES:
1. Woke up.
2. Fell out of bed.
3. Dragged a comb across my head.

THREE THINGS YOU LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF:
1. Hair, sometimes.
2. Sometimes my singing voice is good.
3. *shrug*

THREE THINGS YOU DISLIKE ABOUT YOURSELF:
1. Can't stand hot humid weather.
2. Lack of metabolism.
3. Not really a private pilot.

THREE PARTS OF YOUR ORIGINS:
1. Irish.
2. Welsh.
3. Generic Eastern European [Russia, Romania, Hungary].

THREE THINGS YOU'RE AFRAID OF:
1. Drowning.
2. Crowds.
3. Pedobear.

THREE THINGS YOU ARE WEARING RIGHT NOW:
1. Boxer shorts.
2. Camouflage cargo shorts.
3. Two-day facial scruff.

THREE OF YOUR EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS:
1. Food.
2. Iced tea.
3. Oxygen.

THREE IMPORTANT OBJECTS:
1. My car.
2. Iced tea.
3. Airplanes.

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE BANDS:
1. Yes.
2. Dar Williams.
3. Richard Shindell.

THREE WAYS TO BE HAPPY:
1. Cooking.
2. Drives through the countryside.
3. Gardening.

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE SONGS AT PRESENT:
1. Drawing The Moon - either Richard Shindell's or Dar Williams's version.
2. Transit - Richard Shindell.
3. When I Go - Dave Carter & Tracy Grammar.

THREE NEW THINGS YOU WANT TO TRY IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS:
1. Indian food in a restaurant.
2. Jamaican food in a restaurant.
3. Getting an appropriate amount of sleep. In a restaurant.

THREE THINGS YOU REGRET:
1. It all started at birth..
2. Lack of drive to draw more.
3. Generally pathetic.

THREE THINGS YOU WANT IN A RELATIONSHIP:
1. Back and legrubs.
2. Singing.
3. Lots of walks. Towns, woods, cities, stores.

THREE IMPORTANT THINGS YOU'VE GIVEN TO THE WORLD:
1. Methane in large quantities.
2. Long ears for listening.
3. One driver who tries to be safe on the roads.

TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE (in that order):
1. Saw They Might Be Giants play in a club.
2. Worship kittens.
3. I can quit eating sushi any time I want.

THREE PHYSICAL THINGS YOU LIKE IN THE OPPOSITE SEX:
1. Brain.
2. Skin.
3. Bones.

THREE THINGS YOU JUST CAN'T DO:
1. Draw or write on command.
2. Deliberately kill animals, even spiders. Except for fleas and ticks.
3. Win the lottery.

THREE THINGS YOU MISS FROM YOUR PAST:
1. Better income.
2. Sara. My four-legged, furry little sister.
3. Summer vacation.

THREE GIFTS YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE:
1. Gift art from YOU.
2. Respect at work. Not so much for my ego, but so fools leave me alone and bother someone else.
3. Scholarship to UConn or Eastern CT State U.

THREE REASONS WHY YOU ARE WHO YOU ARE:
1. Born this way.
2. Food.
3. General nameless vague feeling of doom.

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE HOBBIES:
1. Gardening.
2. Cooking.
3. Flight Simulator.

THREE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO REALLY BADLY RIGHT NOW:
1. Pee.
2. Pee. Hang on a minute.
3. OK, better now. Go to a roadside farmer's market.

THREE CAREERS YOU'RE CONSIDERING:
1. Television chef with my own show on Food Network.
2. Farmer.
3. Opening boxes and boxes and boxes of books for the rest of my life.

THREE PLACES YOU WANT TO GO FOR HOLIDAY:
1. Travel New England.
2. Arizona. But not stay this time.
3. New Zealand.

THREE CARTOON CHARACTERS:
1. Yakko.
2. Wakko.
3. Dot.

THREE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO BEFORE YOU DIE:
1. Voice a minor character in an animated feature.
2. Draw more and better.
3. Matter.

To summarize: I had a really good time, and I do believe Kiyo did as well. :)

Met a bunch of new good peoples, like Sothe and Fiyah and Ahkahna and DarkNatasha and Kwik and ForeverChagrin and Cyberhorn and the cool guy with the Rick Astley ringtone in the elevator line, and ran into old friends like Icen, GothicSiamese and GeekSiamese, SqueakyChewtoy, Mutteo, Gravewalker, MoonMochi, Louve, IndigoAngelCat, JoDragon, and probably a few more I don't remember but will add later in edits. ^^

Icen, Sothe and Fiyah are fantastic roommates. :)

The drives up and back were both oddly pleasant, with only minor delays [such as the 20-minute delay when a truck carrying hazardous medical waste dumped its load all over the PA Turnpike. >_< ] I always forget how awful the first rest stop we come to going back east is, though.. a half million people tripping over each other fighting for the restrooms. Had good music, and Kiyo and I sang along a lot.

We made the right decision to arrive Wednesday afternoon rather than Thursday. Things were relatively quiet, our room had a terrific view of the city and the rivers, and it was quite peaceful. Thursday our roomates Icen, Sothe and Fiyah arrived very early, and by the time Kiyo and I woke up they were snoring away. [Literally.] We fed Icen at the panini place, where she fell in love with the spectacular portabella panini. After registration [very very smooth] we hung out, had Golden Palace buffet with the roomies, and went to the rave and flailed around madly for a bit.

Friday, we hit the Billy Mays-led Opening Ceremonies and cheered along with the 3100+ other attendees who had *already* registered even though it had just opened, and remembered poor Furp and his black medical bag. We hit the Dealer's Den, fed on more paninis, wandered the Con, and said hi to old familiar faces. After feeding on pizza that Icen brought us for the win, Kiyo got into her fursuit and we raved madly again. Unfortunately she can barely see in her head [the eyes were not made well, though the rest of the suit is beautiful], and after overheating a bit, we cooled down and hit the room for the night.

Saturday we went hardcore shopping in the Dealer's Den, buying T-shirts and commissions [hooray Ahkahna] and art [hooray DarkNatasha]. Due to Kiyo's fursuit head issues, we didn't make the Parade, but hopefully we can get it fixed by next year's. We both missed the panels we wanted to catch, but honestly, who's awake at 9am Friday or 11am Saturday? We met up with ForeverChagrin, and went to dinner with her and Icen and Fiyah and Sothe. The boys went off to feed on their own, while Icen and Chagrin and Kiyo and I went to the Chinese Food Place That Will Not Be Mentioned because they advertised a buffet. [Not the Golden Palace, because that place is beautiful and has a nice buffet and is yummy.]

Now, two years ago, we had eaten at the Unnamed Bad Place and suffered Ill Effects with most of the group of 12 or so of us who went, at the same time as the now-famous attack on Fernando's owner happened in the street outside. [Had we realized what was going on, we would have bolted outside and pummeled the attacker.] We forgot our lesson, though, and Icen and Kiyo and I all fed. Chagrin, much to her non-chagrin, had just ate elsewhere and didn't feed.. she was the lucky one. The food was, simply stated, bad. Kiyo's eggroll tasted like paint thinner. Icen, a vegetarian, was limited to the rice and noodles, while I [normally vegetarian] sighed and had some General Tso's Chicken since the noodles looked a little iffy. Icen attempted to order a dish along with the buffet, which sent the waitress into practically a seizure of confusion, so she gave up without her side dish. My chicken was seriously tasteless [though Kiyo felt hers was overly spicy], and we both agreed that it was probably the worst we'd ever had. It was basically like chewing on a solid substance that was physically present but had no other defining properties.

Afterward, we went with Icen and Chagrin to the Zoo, where we hung out and drew a bit [I was sitting right across from Ghost, one of the artists I've known of ever since I first came to DA, and didn't even realize it until afterward.] It was then that.. problems.. began. My tummy began making noises sort of like a derailing subway train. By the time we got back to the room, with plans to go watch fireworks, my insides were outside. I seriously have not had an old-school tummyache like that probably since I was a little kid. With the sensation of a horde of mice attempting to saw their way out through my abdominal wall with rusty dull razors, I curled up and whined while Icen headed out and Kiyo fussed worriedly trying to help me to feel better. We watched the fireworks out over the city, which was distractingly neat, since we could see 6-10 displays all going on at the same time in our field of view.

At some point, Icen returned to announce a horrified discovery: The people across the hall had, apparently, as near as anyone could tell, copiously defecated or vomited all over their bedding and then piled it up outside the room. [It was quickly removed by someone, but not quickly enough.] Earlier we had spotted people going into the room with enormous amounts of alcohol. Icen was in a rather excited state, having had a "small amount" of adult beverages herself in the hotel bar, and she and Kiyo went off to rave as I tried to feel better. I dozed off until they returned, and we decided to get room service [I got a salad, hoping that would settle things. Fail. But the salad was really good.] Everyone raved about the incredible brownies [no, not the stuff from across the hallway]. The boys came back at one point and went right back out to rave, even though they had to leave to catch their flight in like four hours. Finally feeling somewhat better, I dozed, though not before noting that I was in a room with *four* snoring furs, which made me giggle.

Poor Icen and the boys had to leave for their flight at like 5:30am, so Kiyo and I missed them leaving, which made us sad. *poutyface* After we woke up, we.. well, a couple hours after we woke up, we packed all our stuff, loaded the car, and hit the Dealer's Den one more time. Kiyo bought another print and earrings while I chatted with the Siameses and Mutteo, then we headed for the car and back to NJ, sad but glad for the weekend.

So.. assuming Rainfurrence is out of our abilities for this year, next it's on to ConnectiCon [anime/scifi], and then FurFright. :)

I'm sure you've read this about 500 times by now, but the King Of Pop, Michael Jackson, is dead at 50 from a heart attack.

Say whatever you want about his personal life. Yes, he was one bizarre individual. Yes, he had some questionable personal practices. Yes, he did some very unflattering things to himself.

That doesn't take away from the fact that he was one of the greatest entertainers in history. Maybe the greatest.

He started out as the "cutesy" attraction to the Jackson 5, singing lead vocals in the band with his older brothers, but even then it was obvious that he just had something special. It was always assumed that that cute little kid was all he would ever really be. A shining turn in 1978's The Wiz as the Scarecrow was a hint as to what he could be, just given the right circumstances.

And then, as a teenaged solo artist in the dawn of the 1980's, he transformed himself into a giant.

He glittered with "Don't Stop Till You Get Enough" in 1979 with his debut solo album Off The Wall. Despite rave reviews and popular acceptance, MJ thought that he could do a lot better, and was disappointed with the album's success, even though most veteran artists would have been happy with the results.

Then it all exploded, and MJ never again was grouped with the other mere mortals in contemporary music. What happened? Thriller happened.

In 1982, following his hit single "Someone In The Dark" on the soundtrack to the movie E.T., Jackson threw himself headfirst into songwriting and production, and the end result was just possibly the greatest pop album of all time, Thriller. "Billie Jean", "Beat It", "Wanna Be Startin' Something" all took over the airwaves. And in 1983, word got out of an extended mini-movie to support one of the album's other songs, to be aired on TV. The whole world tuned in to see if the hype was true. And, 17 minutes after the video for "Thriller" began, the world was shocked.. it was even *better* than hoped for. His groundbreaking werewolf video is, to this day, still one of the most popular music videos ever made.

In 1984, tragedy struck when, during the filming of a Pepsi commercial, an exploding stage light doused MJ with burning embers that ignited his hair and severely burned his scalp. After a number of painful surgeries, his injuries healed, and Jackson recovered to headline 1984's Victory Tour, performing again with his brothers. Jackson made $5 million from the tour -- at the time, an amazing amount of money -- and he donated every cent to charities.

Later in 1984, Jackson and former Commodores frontman Lionel Ritchie teamed up to write the lyrics and music to an experimental project that would see 39 pop stars team up to raise money. "We Are The World" was an enromous success, and to this day remains one of the best-selling single items in entertainment history.

Through the writing of Thriller, MJ teamed up with another megastar, former Beatle Paul McCartney, on the songs "The Girl Is Mine" and "Say Say Say", both also #1 hits. McCartney joked that the way to make money in music was to own other artists' music libraries and collect on the royalties. In 1985, MJ took McCartney's advice -- and purchased the Beatles' song catalog for $47.5 million. McCartney was incensed and felt betrayed by the move.

Jackson was on top of the world, and just like any other megacelebrity, it wasn't long before the mud began to fly. Reports [untue] began to appear that Jackson slept in an oxygen chamber to preserve his health. His relationship with his constant companion, a chimpanzee named Bubbles, began to come into question after offhanded joking remarks that MJ himself had made. Jackson was reported to have purchased the skeletonized remains of John Merrick, the Elephant Man, again based on a joking comment MJ made. In the mid-1980's, Jackson began an intense physical conditioning regimen that caused him to lose a lot of body mass, as Jackson wished to have a "dancer's body", and rumors of anorexia began. Jackson's facial structure also began to undergo dynamic changes, as the singer began what is speculated to be an addiction to surgery and facial reconstruction.

Jackson originally had nasal reconstruction done in 1978, following an injury he suffered during a rehearsal in which his nose was shattered, leaving him with difficulty breathing, which hampered his strenuous dance routines. At that time, it is speculated that Jackson began to explore plastic surgery to craft himself into a more "perfect" image. In the mid 1980's, Jackson was diagnosed with lupus, an autoimmunity disorder [sometimes it *is* lupus], and vitiligo, a stress-related skin condition that caused his skin to become blotchy and lose pigmentation. This, combined with the treatments for his disorders, caused his skin to lighten; rumors that Jackson was deliberately bleaching his skin to be paler began and persist strongly to this day. Jackson would wear thick makeup during appearances to even out his skin tone, adding fuel to the rumors.

None of this affected his incredible talent for music. 1987's Bad, though not quite as successful as Thriller [but what ever has been?], spawned the hits "Bad", "Just Can't Stop Loving You", "The Way You Make Me Feel", "Man In The Mirror", and the uncharacteristically naughty "Dirty Diana". Touring for the album generated Guiness world records in attendance and profit that stand to this day. MJ would donate hundreds of seats for every show to underprivileged and handicapped children.

His 1988 autobiography Moon Walk was a shock to many fans, as MJ admitted not only several plastic surgeries, but also physical and emotional abuse as a child and teen from his father Joe.

1991 saw his next album, Dangerous, with the hits "Black Or White", "Remember The Time", and "Heal The World". Every cent of profit from his touring for the album went to charity. Jackson became an outspoken advocate for AIDS victims, which at the time were still looked down on by many who didn't understand the disease.

1993 was highlighted by one of MJ's most memorable concert appearances. At the halftime show for Superbowl 27, he put on a show that rendered the game itself an afterthought. The year was also memorable in other ways for MJ, as an appearance on Oprah brought the show's host to tears as he recounted episodes of child abuse, mourned a childhood lost to stardom, and admitted that he was extremely lonely and often cried while alone. But all the public support and sympathy hit a brick wall when the father of 13-year-old Jordan Chandler accused Jackson of drugging the boy and foldling him. The child's claims were thoroughly investigated, and the whole incident brouhgt intense scrutiny on Jackson's private life; it didn't help when Jackson's often controversial and erratic sister LaToya made a statement that MJ was a pedophile, and then retracted it.

Though Jackson was ultimately never convicted of anything improper, his decision to settle the case out of court rather than face trial made many believe that the charges were true after all, even after the boy's father was caught on tape saying that the case was the greatest thing that ever happened to his family, that they were going to be rich, and that it would end Jackson's career.

Jackson's stress and frustration began to consume his life. Jackson began abusing prescription drugs, including painkillers originally prescribed for his burns, and he lost significant weight on a frame that was already exceptionally wiry. In 1994, he shocked the world again with his marriage to Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of Elvis. The marriage was seen as a media ploy, as MJ faced tabloid accusations of pedophilia and homosexuality, but even after their divorce two years later, Presley insisted that it was the real deal and that they enjoyed married life.

Jackson continued his mastery of musical creation in the midst of all the distractions. His 1995 double album HIStory was highlighted by his first recorded duet with sister Janet -- who at the time was one of the biggest female pop stars -- with the hard-edged, metal-guitar driven "Scream". And in 1997, MJ married his longtime nurse and companion Deborah Rowe, whom he'd known since the early 1980's. Jackson fathered two children with Rowe, son Prince and daughter Paris. The couple divorced in 1999, but remained close, while Jackson got full custody of both children.

2000 saw more controversy and strain in Jackson's life. After learning of several questionable deals his music label, Sony, was making with his music, Jackson finished up recording his next album, Invincible, and told Sony that he was immediately terminating their contract, calling the head of Sony, Tommy Mottola, a "racist" and a "devil" and told of proof he had that Mottola hated minority artists but was happy to manage and manouver their contracts so that he could take artists' money he was not entitled to. Invincible was not a success in the way Jackson's prior albums were, due in part to Sony's refusal to promote the album.

In 2002, Jackson became father to a third child, Prince 2, though he has never released the name of the child's mother. MJ said that the child was the result of artificial insemination. He inadvertently caused an outcry late in 2002 when he briefly dangled Prince 2 over a fourth-floor hotel railing to show him off to photographers, later admitting that it was a poor decision and thoughtless.

More pain came in 2003, when Jackson was again accused of molestation involving a 14-year-old boy that was living at Jackson's mension at the time. Despite the tabloids having another field day with him, Jackson was acquitted on all charges and multiple psychiatrists have testified that Jackson does not fit the psychological profile of a pedophile.

In 2007, Jackson was reported to be struggling financially, as he sold part of his Neverland Ranch property and Sony was accused again of mismanaging his musical rights. Jackson shrewdly managed to work out deals with Sony and other musical companies, acquiring the musical rights to Eminem, Beck, Shakira, and others. It was reported at the time, even with the financial struggles, Jackson still made $75 million a year, and was heavily active in over 35 charities.

In 2008, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the album, Thriller was rereleased with new production. At the time, Jackson signed a deal for a world tour that would have lasted from July 2009 through March 2010. However, things were not to be.

On June 25, 2009, Jackson suffered a massive heart attack at his ranch shortly after noon. Though EMTs tried to resuscitate him, he never regianed consciousness, and passed away about four hours later.

MJ, you will be missed. Long live the King Of Pop.

Yeah, this thing.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Where will you be most of the time during the day/s?
At AnthroCon. I mean.. duh.

Where are you staying?
Westin Hotel.

What day are you getting there?
Wednesday July 1, early afternoon.

Who will you be with?
Kiyoshi. Rooming with Icen, Sothe and Fiyah.

Do you do free art?
I do -- just be well aware beforehand that I am not especially talented.

Do you do trades?
See above. I'm delighted to trade as long as you understand that you are a much better artist than I. :)

Do you do commissions?
I don't have the skill to justify doing full pictures for money.

Do you have prints/ CDs ?
Yes, I do. Oh, wait, you mean of my art. Heh. Nevermind.

Do you do badges?
I will try my hand at $5 badges, index-card-sized, as long as you don't mind me mailing them to you after the con is over.

Will you have Art in the Art Show?
No, but I'll have my guns in the *poses* gun show.

What is your gender?
Male.

Are you taken?
Kiyoshi is my mate.

Can I talk to you?
Absolutely. I can be a little shy, but I love meeting new furiends as well as catching up with my buddies.

Can I touch you?
Hugs make the world go round. Do your part to keep us spinning.

Can I hang out with you?
Sure. Do you play D&D at all?

How can I find you?
5'4", 150lbs, shoulderblade-length red hair, longish goatee, oval-rimmed glasses, wearing a Greek fisherman's cap [look it up] with my extra-long lop white and black rabbit ears, probably some sort of black t-shirt with a fur-related slogan, jeans or cargo pants, green Chuck Taylors, open button-up long or shortsleeve shirt of some kind, in the company of Kiyoshi [you can't miss the black-and-red wolf].

Other cons I may go to:
ConnectiCon [Hartford CT, August -- not a furry con, more like anime and scifi and gaming], FurFright [Waterbury CT, October].

Today is my mate's birthday. :) Stop by her page and send her lovins! And maybe some Geritol and Depends too 'cause she's old. :D

FurFright 2008 was fun. It's a lot smaller than AC, one of the smallest cons I've ever been to [maybe the same as ConnectiCon 2004], but it has its own charm.

Got to meet Firebird/Candlegirl, and saw some old friends like Louve, RedcoatCat [aka Winged Siamese], FarelleMoon, MoonMochi, IndigoAngelCat and JenKiwi. Uncle Kage was there, and saw several suiters that I recognized but don't personally know, including a fantastic black winged reptile of sorts, and my favorites the father-son suiters [the son has a really cool eagle suit]. Several people took pictures of Kiyo in her suit, which was neat, and gave her some confidence about suiting.

RedcoatCat and her husband held a nifty panel on Colonial-era clothing and uniforms, neat stuff [I have a personal fascination with Colonial life in the states], and Farelle had a terrifically informative panel on proper con planning and pricing if one chooses to sell work there.

The dealer's den and Artist's Alley were both very small and crowded, and in a small hotel like the Holiday Inn, it was hard to browse easily. Was probably a good thing because it kept me from spending a lot on shiny things, but it was hard to push through the crowds. Perhaps it was due to the smaller venue, but the crowds in general seemed a lot ruder and a lot less hygenic than at AC, and people insisted on standing in the middle of hallways or in the dealer's den aisles, blocking things without actually *doing* anything. Farelle, Louve and Indigo seemed pretty tired at their tables, and I don't blame them. There also seemed to be a bit of thievery going on, from overheard conversations, as well as notices posted reporting that Da-Fox had his main fursuit head stolen. *growl*

The in-hotel restaurant turned out to be a pleasant surprise. We both ate yumful food and didn't spend a whole lot, and I'm looking forward to eating there again next year. *grin* The atrium/zoo was kind of cool. It's an indoor courtyard enclosed by four stories of hotel rooms on three sides and the restaurant on the fourth, very unusual. Actually did a sketch I'm proud of while sitting there, and I'll get it posted eventually. We had a good time in the restaurant, too, practicing sign language and making fun of other patrons who were oblivious to what we were doing, apart from getting some mean stares from an older couple who also gave the restaurant staff some troubles.

I really regret not getting a room at the hotel itself, having chosen to stay at my "usual" CT motel in Brooklyn [in the northeast Quiet Corner of CT], while the con was in Waterbury [in the southeast corner, about an hour away]. My mistake meant a lot of driving, a lot of exhaustion, and making things inconvenient for socializing. I know Farelle was disappointed, as she wanted to hang out Sunday night, and my plans for a pizza run Friday or Saturday had to be abandoned. Learning experience, for sure. Next year, we stay at the hotel.

The rest of our CT stay was pleasant. We budgeted carefully out of necessity, and still enjoyed the trip. Ate every day at Victoria Station in Putnam, which is an awesome little coffeeshop with incredibly good food, and Kiyo was introduced to the wonders of hot caramel apple cider. A Reed Waddle was playing music on Sunday, a young kid with a guitar who sounded an awful lot like Dave Matthews, but had a few decent songs. Kiyo worked on her badge trade with Candlegirl there, as we played our traditional lateral thinking puzzle games. And we just drove around a lot, admiring the breathtaking scenery of autumn in New England.

All in all, a nice trip.

AnthroCon in 36 hours or less.

Enough said.

Looking forward to seeing everyone.. old friends like Farelle and Squeaky and the Meezers and JoDragon and IndigoAngelCat and Louve and and and everyone, and maybe meeting some new friends and eating lots of Chinese food and raving the nights away and drooling over arts and my yearly awkward fanboyness seeing Stan Sakai and Bill Holbrook and lots of drawinginging. *bounces* Can't wait.

Soooo nervous about all the stuff that could go wrong. In fact, after AnthroCon, there might be an impromptu furry roadtrip to the house of a certain maker of fursuits if a certain object doesn't show up at a certain location, and it might be the first annual Smack A Artist FurCon [yes, A, not even An, because A says it better]. *crosses ears and whiskers for a smooth Con*

Please come say hi if you're there!

HUMAN QUESTIONS
What's your real name?
Martin Purrlop.

-Gender?
XY

-Orientation?
Straight.

-Race?
Half-elf. Er, wait. Irish/Welsh on my mom's side, Russian/generic eastern European on my dad's.

-What's your favorite genre of music?
It depends on my mood. American folk, prog rock and art rock, metal, 80's pop, electronica, 80's club, non-operatic classical, indy rock, old school hip hop, pretty much anything really.

-What's your favorite band/musical artist?
Too many to name, but I always seem to have the following in my car: Yes, Dar Williams, Metallica, Paperboys, Moxy Fruvous, Richard Shindell, Rush, New Order, Moody Blues, Grey Eye Glances, October Project, Ultravox, Led Zeppelin, Ray Lynch, Glenn Jones, Pet Shop Boys, The Who.

-What's your worst peeve?
Ignorance, pretention, rudeness, intolerance.

-Are you doing well in school?
I wish. :D

-Do you have a religion?
No.. but I have a belief.

-What turns you on?
I have a small switch located in the middle of my back.

-Do you consider yourself a whore?
No.

-Do you have a favorite movie?
Buckaroo Banzai: Across The Eighth Dimension. Donnie Darko. The Last Unicorn. The Muppet Movie. The Lion King. 2001: A Space Odyssey. Alien. Many more.

-Funniest thing you've ever said?
"It's American cheese, it had better be smooth."

-What do you eat?
Pretty much anything that doesn't involve the death of an animal and/or asparagus.

-Are you flexible?
Parts of me..

-What's your favorite video game?
Flight Simulator. Icewind Dale II. Final Fantasy X. Haunting Grounds. GTA: Vice City.

-Do you have a crush on anyone?
Do cartoon characters count? XD

-What's the most embarrassing moment you can remember?
It all started at birth..

-Are you a (gulp) myspace whore?
No. I barely log on as it is.

FURRY QUESTIONS
-What's your furry name?
Martin Purrlop.

-Species?
Rabbit, but I have a lot of cat genetic material. I am NOT a cabbit, thank you.

-If you could describe your furry in one word, what would it be?
Me.

-Does your fur have a side-story?
Yep.. West.

-Is your fur a whore?
No. I do not draw Banzai in any state of undress that would not be publically acceptable, nor do I draw him in sexual situations.

-Does your fur have any traits that resemble yourself?
He *is* me.

-What's your fur's favorite outfit?
Greek fisherman's cap, black t-shirt with some sort of obscure reference, grey cargo pants, either Birkenstocks or black Demonia boots with green laces, usually an unbuttoned black or dark dress shirt. Either that or my comfy pajamas and bathrobe and slippers.

-Describe your furs overall personality in a few words.
Reserved, shy in public but can force himself to be outgoing, quietish but more outgoing among friends, tends to worry about things.

-How often do you RP using your fur?
It's hard to roleplay as oneself.

-Does your fur have any weapons?
Small but servicable collection of swords and daggers. And yes, can use them with a reasonable amount of ability. But never carries them.

-How does your fur wear his/her hair?
Usually just tied back, hanging down to his midback.

What do you look like?
-- I'm a 5'4" male, somewhere around 150lbs, glasses, rather pale, with very long reddish hair and a longish goatee. I'll be wearing a Greek fisherman's cap [look it up] with my extra-long white rabbit ears, and my white and black LatinVixen rabbit tail. Normal or fur-related clothing during normal activities, and emo/gothboi raver stuff at the raves. I'll also be wearing SqueakyChewtoy's Vicious fursuit on occasion.

Where will you be most of the time during the day/s?
-- I have no idea. It depends on what panels are running, who I'm hanging out with and what they want to do, and food needs. Pretty much can guarantee that if it's after the rave and before noon, I'm asleep in the hotel room.

Where are you staying?
-- The lovely Westin inn in two rooms.

Who will you be with?
-- Rooming with Kiyoshi, Aquene, Akane, Taro, SqueakyChewtoy, Nom3, Gothic Meezer, Geek Meezer, and whoever else we can fit in. ^^

Do you do free art?
-- Sure. Ask.

Do you do trades?
-- Absolutely! We'll be having a sketch party or two. Please ask!

Do you do commissions?
-- As long as you understand that I have done exactly one commission in my life and I am not a practiced high-quality artist. I can try badges though, cheap.

Do you have prints/ CDs ?
-- Someday my prints will come.

Do you do badges?
-- Sure! Prolly $5, and it'll be on an experimental basis.

Now for the more personal stuff, OH NOES

What is your gender?
-- XY chromosomes.

Are you taken?
-- Indeedlydoodle. Any questions, ask Kiyoshi.

Can I touch you?
-- Certainly, but mommy says that I shouldn't let strangers touch me in my special place. But by all means, please hug me. Every time a fur hugs me, a kitten purrs in its sleep somewhere. Do it for the kittens.

Can I talk to you?
-- Please come say hi! Even if you barely know me, I'm happy to talk. Just be aware that I'm really shy and it's hard for me to be outgoing sometimes. It isn't you, it's because I'm a rabbit.

Other cons I may go to:
-- ConnectiCon, in Hartford CT in mid-August [going since 2003]. Hoping to make it to FurFright this year, but it's a long shot; next year hoping to attend at least 4 cons throughout the year, including Midwest Furfest.

Age: 473.
Where did you grow up: Southern New Jersey.

WHAT DO YOU CALL:
1. A body of water, smaller than a river, contained within relatively narrow banks.
- a stream or a creek.

2. What is the thing you push around the grocery store is called.
- shopping cart.

3. A metal container to carry a meal in.
- a lunchbox.

4. The thing that you cook bacon and eggs in.
- nothing, I'm vegetarian. XD a pan.

5. The piece of furniture that seats three people.
- sofa.

6. The device on the outside of the house that carries rain off the roof.
- gutter.

7. The covered area outside a house where people sit in the evening.
- porch.

8. Carbonated, sweetened, non-alcoholic beverages.
- soda.

9. A flat, round breakfast food served with syrup.
- pancake.

10. A long sandwich designed to be a whole meal in itself.
- a hoagie. calling it anything else fails.

11. The piece of clothing worn by men at the beach.
- bathing suit or swimsuit.

12. Shoes worn for sports.
- sneakers.

13. Putting a room in order.
- I've heard of this concept.. straightening or cleaning.

14. A flying insect that glows in the dark.
- lightning bug.

15. The little insect that curls up into a ball.
- pillbug if it's the grey oval one, millipede if it's the long one with the legs.

16. The children's playground equipment where one kid sits on one side and goes up while the other sits on the other side and goes down.
- seesaw.

17. How do you eat your pizza?
- if it's red hot and gooey, a fork is sort of acceptable, but the answer is folded in my paw.

18. What's it called when private citizens put up signs and sell their used stuff?
- yard sale. [in CT, "tag sale".]

19. What's the evening meal?
- dinner.

20. The thing under a house where the furnace and perhaps a rec room are?
- either basement or cellar.

21. What do you call the thing that you can get water out of to drink in public places?
- water fountain.

Stolen from the green kitty.

X is yes, O is kinda, goin by EC's rules. :3

Info
[ ] I am shorter than 5'4. [I *am* 5'4.]
[x] I think I'm ugly sometimes.
[x] I have many scars.
[ ] I tan easily. [Irish!]
[x] I wish my hair was a different colour. [And make it so on occasion.]
[x] I have friends who have never seen my natural hair colour.
[ ] I have a tattoo.
[x] I am self-conscious about my appearance.
[x] I have/I've had braces.
[x] I wear glasses.
[ ] I would get plastic surgery if it were 100% safe, free of cost, and scar-free.
[x] I've been told I'm attractive by a complete stranger.
[ ] I have more than 2 piercing.
[ ] I have/have had piercing in places besides my ears.
[ ] I have freckles.

Family/Home Life
[ ] I've sworn at my parents.
[x] I've run away from home.
[ ] I've been kicked out of the house.
[x] My biological parents are together.
[ ] I have a sibling less than one year old.
[ ] I want to have kids someday.
[ ] I've had children.
[ ] I've lost a child.

School/Work
[ ] I'm in school
[x] I have a job
[x] I've fallen asleep at work/school.
[ ] I almost always do my homework. [It depended on the class.]
[x] I've missed a week or more of school.
[ ] I've been on the Honor Roll within the last 2 years.
[ ] I failed more than 1 class last year
[x] I've stolen something from my job. [Not my current one, I like it too much.]
[x] I've been fired

Embarrassment
[ ] I've slipped out an "lol" in a spoken conversation.
[x] Disney movies still make me cry.
[x] I've peed from laughing. [I also fart if I laugh really hard.]
[x] I've snorted while laughing.
[x] I've laughed so hard I've cried.
[ ] I've glued my hand to something.
[x] I've had my pants rip in public.

Health
[x] I was born with a disease/impairment. [Club foot, inner ear issues.]
[x] I've gotten stitches/staples. [Often.]
[x] I've broken a bone. [Finger, toe.]
[x] I've had my tonsils removed.
[x] I've sat in a doctor’s office/emergency room with a friend.
[x] I've had my wisdom teeth removed.
[ ] I had a serious surgery.
[x] I've had chicken pox.

Traveling
[x] I've driven over 200 miles in one day. [My regular trip to CT is 270 miles.]
[x] I've been on a plane. [I have never *flown* on a plane. I have, however, been on quite a few, on the ground, as I have been to a number of military air shows.]
[x] I've been to Canada. (US if you live in Canada)
[x] I've been to Mexico.
[x] I've been to Niagara Falls.
[ ] I've been to Japan.
[ ] I've celebrated Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
[ ] I've been to Europe.
[ ] I've been to Africa.

Experiences
[x] I've gotten lost in my city.
[x] I've seen a shooting star.
[x] I've wished on a shooting star
[x] I've seen a meteor shower.
[x] I've gone out in public in my pajamas. [3am Wawa trips.]
[x] I've pushed all the buttons on an elevator.
[x] I've kicked a guy where it hurts.
[x] I've been to a casino. [I detest gambling, but have tried it.]
[ ] I've been skydiving.
[ ] I've gone skinny dipping.
[ ] I've played spin the bottle.
[x] I've drank a whole gallon of milk in one hour.
[x] I've crashed a car.
[ ] I've been Skiing
[x] I've been in a play.
[x] I've met someone in person from myspace/nexopia/facebook/furaffinity/etc..
[x] I've caught a snowflake on my tongue.
[x] I've seen the Northern lights.
[x] I've sat on a roof top at night.
[ ] I've played chicken.
[x] I've played a prank on someone.
[x] I've ridden in a taxi.
[x] I've seen the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
[x] I've eaten sushi.
[ ] I've been snowboarding.

Relationships
[ ] I'm single.
[x] I'm in a relationship.
[ ] I'm engaged.
[ ] I'm married.
[x] I've gone on a blind date.
[x] I've been the dumped more than the dumper.
[ ] I miss someone right now.
[x] I have a fear of abandonment.
[ ] I've gotten divorced.
[x] I've had feelings for someone who didn't have them back.
[x] I've told someone I loved them when I didn't.
[x] I've told someone I didn't love them when I did.
[x] I've kept something from a past relationship.

Sexuality
[ ] I've had a crush on someone of the same sex. [I don't count celebrity crushes.]
[x] I've had a crush on a teacher.
[x] I am a cuddler.
[x] I've been kissed in the rain.
[x] I've hugged a stranger.
[ ] I have kissed a stranger.

Honesty/Crime
[x] I've done something I promised someone else I wouldn't.
[x] I've done something I promised myself I wouldn't.
[x] I've snuck out of my house.
[x] I have lied to my parents about where I am.
[x] I am keeping a secret from the world.
[x] I've cheated while playing a game.
[x] I've cheated on a test.
[x] I've run a red light.
[x] I've been suspended from school.
[x] I've witnessed a crime.
[x] I've been in a fist fight.
[x] I've been arrested. [Never charged, but was arrested and then released without charge.]

Drugs/Alcohol
[x] I've consumed alcohol.
[ ] I regularly drink.
[x] I've passed out from drinking.
[ ] I have passed out drunk at least once in the past 6 months.
[x] I've smoked weed [And found out I was allergic to it.. that wasn't pretty.]
[ ] I've taken painkillers when I didn't need them.
[ ] I've eaten shrooms.
[ ] I've popped E.
[x] I've inhaled Nitrous. [Exactly once, and that was once too many.]
[ ] I've done hard drugs.
[x] I have cough drops when I'm not sick. [I sing in the car a lot!]
[ ] I can't swallow pills.
[ ] I can swallow about 5 pills at a time no problem
[o] I have been diagnosed with clinical depression. [Never officially diagnosed though it was considered likely.]
[x] I have been diagnosed with one or more anxiety disorder. [PTSD.]
[x] I shut others out when I'm depressed.
[ ] I take anti-depressants.
[ ] I am or was anorexic or bulimic.
[x] I've slept an entire day when I didn't need it.
[x] I've hurt myself on purpose.
[x] I've woken up crying.

Death and Suicide
[o] I'm afraid of dying. [More afraid of having unfinished business.]
[x] I hate funerals.
[x] I've seen someone dying.
[x] Someone close to me has attempted suicide.
[x] Someone close to me has committed suicide.
[x] I've planned my own suicide.
[x] I've attempted suicide.
[x] I've written a eulogy for myself.

Materialism
[ ] I own over 5 rap CDs.
[x] I own an iPod or MP3 player.
[o] I have an unhealthy obsession with anime/manga. [It's healthy! I swear!]
[ ] I own multiple designer purses, costing over $100 a piece.
[x] I own something from Hot Topic.
[ ] I own something from Pac Sun.
[x] I collect comic books.
[x] I own something from The Gap.
[x] I own something I got on e-bay. [Only thing I ever bought was my bass guitar.]
[ ] I own something from Abercrombie.

Random
[x] I can sing well.
[ ] I've stolen a tray from a fast food restaurant.
[ ] I open up to others easily. You ask me a question I'm most likely going to answer it.
[x] I watch the news.
[x] I don't kill bugs.
[ ] I hate hearing songs that sacrifice meaning for the sake of being able to rhyme.
[x] I curse regularly.
[x] I sing in the shower.
[ ] I am a morning person.
[ ] I paid/have paid for my cell phone ring tone.
[x] I'm a snob about grammar.
[x] I am a sports fanatic. [Only ice hockey.]
[ ] I twirl my hair.
[ ] I have "x"s in my screen name.
[x] I love being neat.
[ ] I love Spam
[ ] I've copied more than 30 CD's in a day.
[x] I bake well.
[ ] My favorite color is either white, yellow, pink, red or blue
[x] I've worn pajamas to school.
[ ] I like Martha Stewart.
[x] I know how to shoot a gun
[ ] I am in love with love.
[ ] I am guilty of tYpInG lIkE tHiS.
[x] I laugh at my own jokes.
[ ] I eat fast food weekly.
[x] I believe in ghosts.
[x] I am online 24/7, even as an away message.
[ ] I've not turned anything in and still got an A in a certain class.
[ ] I can't sleep if there is a spider in the room.
[x] I am really ticklish.
[x] I love white chocolate
[x] I bite my nails.
[x] I play video games.
[ ] I'm good at remembering faces.
[ ] I'm good at remembering names.
[ ] I'm good at remembering dates.
[x] I have no idea what I want to do for the rest of my life.
[x] I love cooking.

Yet another questionairre, this one stolen brazenly from dear MoonMochi.

Basics:

Name: Martin D. Purrlop.
Nickname: BanzaiRabbit.
Fursona: Rabbit.
Date of Birth: Same day every year.
Birthplace: Southern NJ.
Current Location: Southern NJ.
Eye Color: Green.
Hair Color: Combination of brown, grey, red.
Height: 5'4"
Heritage: Irish, Russian, Romanian, German.
Piercings: None.
Tattoos: None whatsoever.


Favourite:

Animal: Cats, especially kittens. Rabbits, wolves, meerkats, porpoises, whales.
Band/Singer: So many.. mostly prog rock and metal, folk, techno.
Song: Too many to name.
Movie: Buckaroo Banzai. Donnie Darko. Scotland, PA. The Muppet Movie. Spirited Away. But so many more.
Disney Movie: Robin Hood. The AristoCats. Lady And The Tramp. Basically the classics.
Disney Show: Dunno.
Disney Character: Robin Hood.
TV show: CSI Miami, CSI Las Vegas, CSI New York. Iron Chef. Mostly anything on Food Network. Family Guy. Futurama. Shin Chan. Ed Edd & Eddy. Foster's Home. My Gym Partner Is A Monkey. Fresh Prince. Roseanne. Law & Order. Did I mention most of Food Network?
Food: yesplznomnomthx. Veggie now.
Color: Green, black, silver.
Pizza topping: Mushrooms, black olives, extra extra cheese.
Ice-Cream Flavor: Strawberry. Dove Irresistably Raspberry. B&J Phish Food.
Pocky Flavor: Strawberry.
Drink (alcoholic): Ewwwwwwwww.
Soda: Ewwwwwwww.. um, well, ok. Orange, black cherry.
Cookie: Soft-baked chocolate chip.
Store: Suzi Hot Sauce [New Hope, PA].
Clothing Brand: Whatever's cheap.
Shoe Brand: Converse Chuck Taylors.
Season: Winter, autumn, spring, summer in that order.
Month: Any. It depends.
Convention/Holiday/Festival: AnthroCon, ConnectiCon.
Flower: I like all kinds. Roses taste good. *munch*
Board game: Monotony..er, Monopoly 'cause I pwn. Clue. Scrabble. But the alltime winner is chess. <3


This or That:

Sunny or rainy: Rainy. With thunderstorm plz.
Chocolate or vanilla: White chocolate or dark chocolate.
Fruit or veggie: Food is yay.
Night or day: Night.
Sour or sweet: Depends on what it is.
Love or money: Love.
Phone or in person: Can I hide in my room and use AIM?
Looks or personality: Personality.
Coffee or tea: Teeeeeaaaaaa. <3
Hot or cold: Cold.

Your:

Goal for this year: Survive.
Most missed memory: My little sister, Sara.
Best physical feature: My hair, I guess.
First thought waking up: Oh no, not again.
Hypothetical personality disorder: PTSD.
Preferred type of surgery: Knee replacement..
Sesame street alter ego: Cookie monster.
Fairytale alter ego: Puss In Boots. *nodsnods*
Most stupid remark: Anytime I open my mouth usually.
Worst crime: Trespassing on restricted Federal property.. <_< >_>
Greatest ambition: Survive.
Greatest fear: Drowning. Losing loved ones.
Darkest secret: I play air bass guitar late at night with the headphones on.
Favorite subject: Biology.
Strangest received gift: My parents gave me life once. Still haven't figured it out.
Worst habit: Late-night binge eating.


Do You:

Smoke: No! Ewwwwwwww!
Drink: No.
Curse: I try not to, really. :
Shower daily: Sometimes twice. I'm weird that way.
Like thunderstorms: OMFG yes.
Dance in the rain: Sure.
Sing: When I'm driving in the car.
Play an instrument: Bass guitar, 12-string acoustic guitar.
Get along with your parents: Dad yes. Mom, well, I get along with Dad.
Wish on stars: Haven't.
Believe in fate: Mmmmmaybe. Not sure.
Believe in love at first sight: Maybe?


Can You:

Drive: Yes, rather well if I say so.
Sew: Oddly, yes.
Cook: I am seriously proud of my cooking ability.
Speak another language: A little Spanish, a very little ASL.
Dance: When nobody's looking, unless at a rave, then sure, whatever.
Sing: It depends on the range of the song, but there are things I can sing pretty well.
Touch your nose with your tongue: Does it have to be my own nose?
Whistle: Yup.
Curl your tongue: No, much to my shame. Hush, Kiyo.

Have You Ever:

Been Drunk: Yeah. :
Been Stoned/High: Nope.
Eaten Sushi: Many many times.
Been in Love: I believe so. ^^
Skipped school: I cut class occasionally in high school.
Made prank calls: Heh. Yep.
Sent someone a love letter: Don't think so..?
Stolen something: <_< >_>
Cried yourself to sleep: :

Other Questions:

What annoys you most in a person? Ignorance, especially the deliberate stupidity that well-off people perform in order to show their superiority.
Are you right or left handed? Mostly right, but I putt lefthanded. o_O
What is your bedtime? When I fall over.
Name three things you can't live without: Tea, music, and food.
What is the color of your room? Greyish-green bedroom, white computer room.
Do you have any siblings? Much older brother.
Do you have any pets? Flannel, my obese cat.
Would you kill someone you hate for a million dollars? It depends on who.
What is you middle name? Davan.
What are you nicknames? Banzai, Bunny, Rabs.
Are you for or against gay marriage? For! *stabs everyone opposed*
What are your thoughts on abortion? Keep it legal and safe.
Do you have a crush on anyone? ^^
Are you afraid of the dark? No.
How do you want to die? Full of food.
What is the largest amount of popsicles that you have eaten on one day? Prolly like 3.
Would you take a bullet for the one you love? Yes.
Are there any rules you've broken? Some. I tend to break rules I think are stupid or capricious.

In the hustle and bustle of the holidays, a lot of little things get overlooked, buried under the stress and exhilaration of the season. One of the most overlooked things every year are the nonhuman animals with which we share this world.

If you can find an hour or so of your time to spare, here's one way you can help remember our fourlegged partners, and it's really really simple.

Collect a few inexpensive things such as cat litter, dry and wet cat and dog food, towels and bedding [in good condition, please], cat and dog toys, and litterpans, and take them to your local animal shelter. Or even just collect whatever money you can spare and give it to the shelter. Believe me, every tiny little bit helps.

The holidays are a bad time for animal shelters. One of the biggest problems for already-overfilled shelters happens in the 2-3 months *after* the holidays, when the cute little puppy or kitty that parents have gotten their children as a holiday present turns out to be more than they can handle. Often it's through no fault of the pet -- prehaps there's an unforseen allergy problem, or it's a family that is unwilling or unable to afford the time and expense of properly raising a pet, and just discard Fluffy at the local shelter when it becomes too inconvenient for them.

Animal shelters in the US and Canada are already bursting at the seams with unwanted pets due to human stupidity. I can't speak for other countries, but I'm willing to bet the situation is the same.

But even just donating a bag of dry dog food or cat litter, or even just some bedding for cages, is an incredible help to the shelters, which are often barely getting by on donations and grants as it is. Please take a little time this holiday season -- and every holiday season -- and lend a helping paw to our homeless fourlegged sisters and brothers.

Stolen without shame from Louvelex.


So. . . who's doing the quiz?
Martin Purrlop: Heya.
Equinox MacDermid: I guess me too.

1. What's your favorite food?
MP: If I chose one, it would be unfair to all the other lovely foods out there.
EM: Um, I guess cookies. Chocolate chip.

2. Are you a virgin?
MP: I don't discuss my private life in public, thanks.
EM: Why is everyone so obssessed about this? *looks disgusted*

3. What kind of movies do you watch?
MP: Anything and everything. I just saw No Country For Old Men, it was amazing. But I love movies in general.
EM: I guess whatever Daddy rents, long as I get to watch it with him. He can make the worst movies fun. The female who spawned me doesn't waste her time on silly things like movies.

4. Are you married?
MP: Not yet.
EM: I'm a kid, for crying out loud.

5. Have you ever gotten drunk before?
MP: Yes, but it's a filthy habit, and I don't drink alcohol any more.
EM: No. It's nasty.

6. Do you have a celebrity crush?
MP: I did, but the restraining order kind of ruined things. ..don't look at me like that, I'm kidding. Or you're next.
EM: That's kind of a really dumb idea, isn't it?

7. Your embarrassing moment?
MP: It all started at birth..
EM: Generally any time I'm out with mom in public and she starts cutting me down in front of total strangers.

8. Your best friends?
MP: All my furpeople. Hi guys.
EM: Daddy. And Marie.

9. Random sayings?
MP: Is a belch considered a saying?
EM: Umm.. checkmate?

10. If you saw a shooting star right now, what would you wish for?
MP: World peace and a loving home for every stray kitty in the world.
EM: Hah.. I'm not going to answer that. Thank you.

11. What is your favorite word?
MP: Spleen! Spleeeeeeeeeen.
EM: Sunshine.. because it's what my daddy calls me when he sees me.

12. What song was sung to you when you went to sleep as a child?
MP: I used to listen to old-time radio shows, actually. My dad had these collections.
EM: Daddy sometimes sang "You Are My Sunshine". But he'd only sing the first verse everyone knows because the rest of the song is really sad. And nobody seems to know that.

13. What was the best day or moment of your life?
MP: Any day I manage to make it through. I like Thanksgiving too.
EM: Ha. Easy one. When Paul was convicted right in front of his family and everything and they all started crying. I wish I could relive that day every day for the rest of my life.

14. How would you describe your voice?
MP: If John Lennon, Bob Dylan and Sarah McLaughlin had a baby together.. kinda maybe.
EM: I dunno. I don't listen to myself.

15. Who is your favorite boyfriend(s)?
MP: *laughs* Oh jeez. Straight, sorry.
EM: Boys are not worth the time.

16. Who is your Ex? [changed that to encompass...all genders]
MP: Psh.
EM: I don't have relationships, thanks.

17. Do you have any gifts from your boy/girlfriends from your first date? Who gave them to you and what are they?
MP: I don't even remember my first date. I think we made fire by banging rocks together and I trapped a mammoth, or something.
EM: Stupid question.

The interview ends. Martin watches Equinox carefully, as she seems upset. He gets up and quietly leads her from the room by her paw. the young mouse looking thoughtful and pensive beside the older rabbit, until he leans down and whispers something in her ear. She immediately brightens up and bounces excitedly, practically dragging Martin the rest of the way out of the building toward the parking lot.

She sees a tall, weathered-looking mouse standing by an older, weathered-looking car, squeaks happily, and runs towards him, squealing "Daddy!" He grins and scoops her up into his arms and says "Hey sunshine! I have you this weekend 'cause your mom is going away."

Martin waves to the older mouse with a smile, then walks a little further on to a dark green sedan, waving to the driver with a smile, and gets in beside the black and red wolf, who starts the car.

"Is she okay?" she asks, her voice worried.

Martin nods. "I think so, now." He takes the wolf's paw and squeezes it, as she drives off in the direction of the Medport Diner.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my fellow furs in the States. And no matter where you live, it's a perfect day for taking time to reflect on the things that you are thankful for in your life. No matter how tiny, it's always good to sometimes just take a step back and really think about it.

Thank you to all of my friends with fur and feathers and scales and even just humanskin, for all of your support and friendship and smiles. I love you all.

Thank you to my family. We have our issues, like any family. But sometimes I realize just how lucky I am to have them.

Thank you to my friends at work for making my job one of the most fun I have ever had.

Thank you to the four-leggers in my life, even if they do tend to be a little on the "oh dear lord what a stink we're never feeding you that again" side.

And thank you to Kiyoshi, for putting up with all of my whining and aches and moods and for everything you do for me.

Steald from JMLukens.

Someone gives you money and sends you into the grocery store to pick up 5 items. You can only pick one thing from the following departments...what is it?

1. Produce: A nice juicy peach.
2. Bakery: Fresh loaf of French bread.
3. Meat: Boneless chicken breast.
4. Frozen: Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia.
5. Dry goods: Brown rice.

Let's say we're heading out for a weekend getaway. You're only allowed to bring 3 articles of clothing with you. So, what's in your bag?

1. Pajama bottoms.
2. Big fuzzy bathrobe.
3. Fuzzy clog slippers.
Nobody ever said the getaway had to involve actually going outside.

If I was to listen in on one of your conversations throughout the day, what 5 phrases or words would I be most likely to hear?

1. Mmm. Tea.
2. *quiet chuckle*
3. *BBBUUUURRRRPPP*
4. Aw jeez.
5. I'm hungry again.

So, what 3 things do you find yourself doing every single day, and if you didn't get to do, you probably wouldn't be in the best mood?

1. Sleeping.
2. Drinking tea, hot or iced.
3. Emitting gases. [If I can't let them off, it *hurts*!]

You're driving down the road, and suddenly you're hit with this sense of road rage. What 3 factors probably contributed to it?

1. Most likely I'm driving in NJ which just makes me mad to begin with.
2. Or I'm driving in Philadelphia where streets are shaped weirdly and never have lines or street signs.
3. Or I've just been nearly run over by some smoothbrain in an SUV who is yapping on their cell phone.

Sweet, you just scored a whole afternoon to yourself. We're talking a 3 hour block with nobody around. What 5 activities might we find you doing?

1. Sleep.
2. Flight Simulator.
3. Strat-O-Matic Hockey.
4. Watching Food Network.
5. Did I mention sleep?

We're going to the zoo. But, it looks like it could start storming, so it'll have to be a quick visit. What 3 exhibits do we have to get to?

1. Big cats, especially if they have servals.
2. Big birds.. not the big yellow one, silly, but hawks, eagles, condors, and the like.
3. Giraffes! Yay!

You just scored tickets to the taping of any show that comes on t.v. of your choice. You can pick between 4, so what are you deciding between?

1. Iron Chef America
2. Good Eats
3. Paula's Kitchen
4. Emeril Live
[There seems to be a trend.]

You're hungry for ice cream. I'll give you a triple dipper ice cream cone. What 3 flavors can I pile on for ya?

1. Strawberry
2. Vanilla
3. More Strawberry

Somebody stole your purse/wallet…in order to get it back, you have to name 5 things you know are inside to claim it. So, what's in there?

1. No money.
2. NJ Driver's License.
3. NJ Voter Registration Card.
4. Picture of Kiyoshi and I.
5. My AAA card.

You are at a job fair, and asked what areas you are interested in pursuing a career in. Let's pretend you have every talent and ability to be whatever you wanted, so what 4 careers would be fun for you?

1. Professional furry artist.
2. Professional ice hockey player.
3. Food Network personality with my own show as well as being one of the three Iron Chefs.
4. Coffeeshop/teashop/arthouse owner.

If you could go back and talk to the old you, when you were in high school, and inform yourself of 4 things, what would you say?

1. Do your damn homework.
2. Play soccer instead of baseball, and convince your folks that they really can afford to let you play league street hockey. You will never be good in baseball, plus you'll get to play softball and be really good at it in a couple years anyway.
3. Music is more important than you think it is. Take up that guitar and bass and *concentrate* on them. And get into stage crew. It'll be maybe the most fun thing you ever do in life, and you'll miss out on years of experience by not giving it a try now.
4. You have bad eyesight, ADD, and PTSD. Get them treated now and life will be a lot easier down the road. In the meantime, it's okay to be weird. You will not *ever* come across anyone from your class again in real life once you graduate, so feel free to make an impression. Wear what you want, listen to whatever music you want, be friends with anyone you wish to, even the kids who are even more pathetic than you are, because they're just more fun than the popular jerks.

Happy Halloween to all, and Blessed Samhain to those who know. :)

On a sad note, for those of you who know Wolfen89, her mother passed away last week very suddenly after an illness. Please send support and love and hugs her way, she can use them. Thanks.

Reposted from Isil's journal.



Homophobia/Transphobia


*I am the girl kicked out of her home because I confided in my mother that I am a lesbian.

*I am the person who is afraid of telling his loving Christian parents he loves another male.

*I am the prostitute working the streets because nobody will hire a transsexual woman.

*I am the sister who holds her gay brother tight through the painful, tear-filled nights.

*We are the parents who buried our daughter long before her time.

*I am the man who died alone in the hospital because they would not let my partner of twenty-seven years into the room.

*I am the foster child who wakes up with nightmares of being taken away from the two fathers who are the only loving family I have ever had. I wish they could adopt me.

*I am one of the lucky ones, I guess. I survived the attack that left me in a coma for three weeks, and in another year I will probably be able to walk again.

*I am not one of the lucky ones. I killed myself just weeks before graduating high school. It was simply too much to bear.

*We are the couple who had the realtor hang up on us when she found out we wanted to rent a one-bedroom for two men.

*I am the person who never knows which bathroom I should use if I want to avoid getting the management called on me.

*I am the mother who is not allowed to even visit the children I bore, nursed, and raised. The court says I am an unfit mother because I now live with another woman.

*I am the domestic-violence survivor who found the support system grow suddenly cold and distant when they found out my abusive partner is also a woman.

*I am the domestic-violence survivor who has no support system to turn to because I am male.

*I am the father who has never hugged his son because I grew up afraid to show affection to other men.

*I am the home-economics teacher who always wanted to teach gym until someone told me that only lesbians do that.

*I am the man who died when the paramedics stopped treating me as soon as they realized I was transsexual.

*I am the person who feels guilty because I think I could be a much better person if I did not have to always deal with society hating me.

*I am the man who stopped attending church, not because I don't believe, but because they closed their doors to my kind.

*I am the person who has to hide what this world needs most, love.

Re-post this if you believe homophobia/transphobia is wrong. Please do your part to end it.

Wake me up when Septmeber ends.

It seems like a lot of people are getting caught up in little vortexes of drama that do not exist. Get over it.

If you are currently involved in one of the meaningless dramas that is floating around the fur community like a broccoli-fueled air biscuit, knock it off. It's that simple. Because the drama doesn't even exist. Everyone is feeding off of it and making it huge and monstrous, and yet it *doesn't exist*. It's drama for drama's sake. We're *all* better than that. Get over it and move on.

Stop dragging people into your little pity parties. One of the most awesomest people, not just furs, but *people* ever, Farelle, is being dragged into someone else's misery without even being aware of it. Words are being put in her mouth. Actions are being attributed to her that she's never done. All to satisfy someone's need for agony and stress. Knock it off, get over yourselves, and move on.

We're all better than this. Some people are shouting to anyone and everyone that they're leaving the fandom, and then sticking around just to hurl insults and continue shouting about how they "left". That's so unnecessary. Either leave the fandom, or behave yourself and contribute in a positive way.

Why do people insist on creating issues, or worsening issues? Don't we all have enough *real* problems in life to deal with without making up new ones?

Q: Where will you be?
A: At AnthroCon. Duh.

Q: In the art show?
A: Nope. But I'll be in the.. *poses* gun show.

Q: How will I spot you?
A: I'm 5'4, weigh a pudgy 170 or so, with rather long [dyed] red hair and a shaggy goatee. Oval-rimmed glasses, will be wearing a black Greek fisherman's cap, some sort of black t-shirt with stuff on it, black baggy emo pants with lots of chains and stuff, black boots. Wearing white and black rabbit ears under the cap, and a LatinVixen white and black rabbit tail. I'll be in the company of Kiyoshi.

Q: Where are you staying?
A: The Westin.

Q: Who will you be with?
A: Kiyoshi, GothicSiamese and Rogall the GeekSiamese, SqueakyChewToy and friends, and anyone else who wants.

Q: Do you do free art?
A: Sketch party. And just ask, I'll be happy to have the practice.

Q: Do you do trades?
A: As long as there is an understanding that my art isn't of high quality.

Q: Do you do commissions?
A: I could try.

Q: Do you have prints/CDs?
A: Someday my prints will come.

Q: Do you do badges?
A: I can give it a shot.

Q: What is your gender?
A: Buck.

Q: How old are you?
A: What's your name? Who's your daddy? Is he rich like me?

Q: Are you taken?
A: Yes.

Q: Can I touch you?
A: Hugs are one of the four main food groups. And I like food.

Q: Can I talk to you?
A: If you can handle extreme social awkwardness.. oh, wait, we're all furries here, should fit right in. I will make bad puns at every opportunity, so be forewarned.

Q: Do you have a cell?
A: By the goddess, no.

Q: Can I have your number?
A: Sure, just ask.

Q: Would you like to go out to eat in a group one night?
A: One night? How about every night? Chinese food for all.

Q: Having a sketch party?
A: Friday @ 7:00PM. We'll advertise it as soon as we know our room number; look for either BanzaiRabbit, Kiyoshi, or The Purrlops on the message bulletin board.