Man lives in the sunlit world of what he believes to be reality.
But... there is, unseen by most, an underworld, a place that is just as real,
but not as brightly lit.....a DARKSIDE.

The dark side is always there, waiting for us to enter, waiting to enter us.
Until next time, try to enjoy the daylight.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnE3-0X-174

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpvdAJYvofI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deoJUBW9CI8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-g8IxOWaxk

http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/467568

Still without my own internet, although I've been able to borrow access now and again.

In the downtime I've been struggling with bills (which are everpresent) and working on various sketches, including $5 sketch commissions, which are still open.

No internet gives me a chance to finish not only the sketch commissions, but some of the other random sketches I've been meaning to do, including RapRex.

So I'm still around, just a little harder to reach.

D.O.P.R

I'm going to be mighty hard to get ahold of for a bit. Due to some hassles I've been having with unemployment and the seeming lack of job openings in Tucson, I haven't been able to get the money I need to keep my internet. My phone too is also out of cash (I have a pay-per-minute plan to help save me from monthly charges).

I can jump onto the internet via the library or at my folk's (which is where I am now), so if you send me an email or note, I'll get to it, it just might be a bit.

This goes for people who recently took me up on my $5 sketch commisions. You'll be taken care off, don't worry. Without the internet or cable, I'll have plenty of time to get your sketches done.

This has been a pretty hectic year, and hopefully one I'll be able to look back on and laugh, but at the moment, there's just a lot of head-to-desk.

Take care!

D.O.P.R

I've seen several artists do this, and in this time of slim wallets where every dollar is as valuable to the customer as it is to the supplier, $5 sketch commissions sound like a great idea.

I've been on unemployment between temp jobs, so money is not something I'm finding a lot of, so I'm going to go ahead and open myself up to quick, one character sketch commissions for five $USD each.

I'm fine doing multiple characters, but depending on the complexity, I might put an extra dollar or two on. But I'm always willing to discuss pricing, and will likely knock off a couple bucks if circumstances warrant.

The only warning I'll give is in the form of a reminder - these are sketches, not full commissions or Rembrandt's, so caveat emptor. Please don't spend hours trying to get me to add every single tattoo, or freckle on your character. If you get too picky, I'll probably suggest you get a commission instead.

As for payment, my PayPal is the best bet, but I would rather be paid after the sketch is done so that no one pays without having a product.

As for content, I'm pretty open, but I do reserve the right to refuse any topic which would make me doubt my faith in humanity. You know who you are... >glowers<

I'm not sure how well this will go, but I'm willing to give it a chance, and it might help get me out of this art-rut that I've been in.
Anyone who is interested in a sketch, feel free to note me. Thanks!

D.O.P.R

I don't remember who it was that first linked me to this song, but since hearing it, I've been listening to it constantly.

It's the song "Happy Up Here" by the Norwegian band Röyksopp.
Here is the official music video, which I might have to say is one of the greatest music videos of all time:

by http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmcPeuf5aXo

And as an added bonus - the marching band version:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0M-l6EkjJg

And here are the lyrics.


But that's not all!

Royksopp — Happy Up Here lyrics

"You know I really like it
I know I'll always be here
You know it makes my heart beat
You know I'm happy up here

Would you talk to me
Just play it cool
What's it gonna be?
Are you ready for it?

Would you talk to me
Just play it cool
What's it gonna be?
I'm ready for it!

You know I really like it
I know I'll always be here

Whatever you do
Whatever you say
Nothing can push
This feeling away
You're still in my heart and
You're still in my head
I feel like a part of the book I read
From every page
From every paper
Shifting a part of human nature
Sending it back down memory lane
My favorite track of this pain again

You know I really like it
I know I'll always be here
You know it makes my heart beat"

D.O.P.R

FA, and the internet in general is not really the greatest medium for sharing heartfelt messages, and quite often there's the illusion of haste when writing messages, so thanks for favorites, or replies to comments don't get the attention they really deserve, and a lot of what should be said in response to various online kindnesses, doesn't.

So this goes to all my watchers, favers, and friends who comment, reply, watch, and fave.

Thanks! The support and encouragement you've given has made joining FA one of the best decisions I've ever made.

Also, all the friends I have who check up on my page, and check up on me - you're all everyday angels. The support you've given, even if you don't know it, has been invaluable.

So despite all the drama, aside from all the worries and emo, give yourselves all a moment to stop and feel the love.

D.O.P.R

Well, I got it up and running, and I was able to get a beautiful 'raptor avatar (thanks Pyro).

I'm DOPR Dragovar there. But keep in mind, I'm still learning all the controls and whatnot, so I'll likely be blundering about a lot.

D.O.P.R

Several friends have been teasing me with all the awesome models and items in Second Life.

I resisted all the yiff and sexuality and all that jazz.
I held out when they showed me the Anubis and awesome avian models.
I almost broke when I heard about the nonanthro Dragons.
But what really did it, was the 'raptors. Beautiful, sinuous, lithe, 'raptors...

Ok Furries...I'll bite... I'll join Second Life.

Part of the reason I resisted so long is because I know what will more likely happen - I'll join, wander around for a while, chat with folks, see some sights, laugh at pose-ball situations and ogle the wonderful things that have been created there, but sooner or later I'll get diverted by something and before I know it, I haven't been in for weeks.

But I'll adventure it. If nothing else, it'll be an adventure. An adventure with lovely, lithe, beautiful 'raptors... :-P

For those of you familiar with Second Life - is there anything I should know? Seriously, I feel like I'm traveling to another country. What should I definitely see? What should I avoid? Should I find myself a guide? And most importantly - how can I get myself one of those lovely 'raptors? :-P

D.O.P.R

Ah, I almost forgot how much fun Team Fortress 2 can be when you have good balanced teams and tight maps; and The Furry Pound is still the place to go for it.

Seriously, it's like rediscovering an old friend. Mmmm, I love my Medigun.

I shoot medicine!

D.O.P.R

P.S. I'm D.O.P.R on Steam. Look me up and if I have time, I'll pop in for a round.

Those of you who noticed may remember that I have a rather 'controversial' tattoo on my inner left calve. I posted a picture of it here and it inspired quite a bit of drama and discussion. For those who haven't seen it, it's still in my gallery.

Part of the reason it got so much attention is that someone decided to post it on lulz, which wasn't a surprise. I knew it was something people would have strong opinions on, so I didn't say anything. Well, apparently it's turned up on Facepunch as well, only not in the way I would have thought.

Apparently, a "Furry Tattoo" thread started on Facepunch and someone posted my image (the exact same as I had uploaded it) to the site claiming it as their own. And now that person, whoever they may be, is facing the same criticisms that I did.

It wasn't a surprise for me to see my Onyx tattoo when I did a google image search for myself, but I really didn't expect to see someone claiming it as their own. Of all the "art theft", it's what I least expected, especially considering the drama it caused.

Oh well. I still own the original tat, and shall always, so it doesn't harm me in any great way. Still, it's a strange thing to find.

http://www.facepunch.com/showthread.php?t=777295

D.O.P.R

the CG cartoon. I'm quite familiar with the animated series, but this is the first episode I've seen of the "new" series.

Not being a large Star Wars fan myself, I'm curious what real fans think.

D.O.P.R

I've spent over an hour trying to find some decent icons for WinXP.

I've found plenty of places that would be glad to charge me $20 for a set, or would allow me to download some as long as I would also be willing to download several megs worth of advertising programs as well.

Even the free ones I have been able to find (thank you google) are all either animal-related or super-chibi-cutsy and would make my desktop look like either a 4-year olds training comp, or something out of Pokemon.

So if any of you fabulous tech gurus know somewhere I can get a nice set of slick icons I'd be appreciative.

D.O.P.R

UPDATE

Just found a pretty promising site called WinCustomize that looks like it has free icon packs. I'll browse for a while and if I see something, this journal will be disappearing.

Ahoy lads 'n lasses (ITLAPD), I'm shaking my land-lubbing fist at my cable provider right now.
They gave me the opportunity to try out their expanded service for a couple months free, and alongside the slew of uninteresting sports channels, I got the ones I really want - National Geographic, Discovery, History Channel, Sci-Fi, and The Military Channel.

First one I put on was Discovery and wouldn't you know, I tuned in in the midst of a "Dirty Jobs" marathon. I hadn't seen an episode before, and I'm finding that I'm loving it.

Darn you cable-TV-provider...you got me watching TV again...

D.O.P.R

P.S. Wait...I can watch Mythbusters again! WOOHOO!

Yes, it's that time again - Song Lyrics!

The song itself doesn't do the whole thing justice, let along the lyrics. For the full impact you would need to see the music video, which I will link to afterward.

Ahh Ahh Ahh
Ahh Ahh Ahh
Ahh Ahh Ahh
Ahh Ahh Ahh

(repeat, alto)

Come ride with me,
Through the veins of history,
I'll show you a god
Who falls asleep on the job.

And how can we win,
When fools can be kings,
Don't waste your time,
Or time will waste you,

Ahh Ahh Ahh
Ahh Ahh Ahh
Ahh Ahh Ahh
Ahh Ahh Ahh

(repeat, alto)

No one's gonna take me alive,
The time has come to make things right,
You and I must fight for our rights,
You and I must fight to survive,

No one's gonna take me alive,
The time has come to make things right,
You and I must fight for our rights,
You and I must fight to survive

(solo)

No one's going to take me alive,
The time has come to make things right,
You and I must fight for our rights,
You and I must fight to survive.

(solo to outro)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_sBOsh-vyI

In other news, I had an interesting thing happen to me a day ago.
I was out and about, giving back an application and trading in some more items at a local trade-store and one the way there was a Xoom Juice. I've had several people recommend the place, some calling it the best juice shop in the southwest.
So, since I had gotten $10 for helping a friend's friend move some things, I opted to treat myself somewhat.

The shop was totally empty and I had to shout before an employee peaked from around back to see me. I looked over the multi-coloured pastel menu behind the counter and ordered a "Max Smart" blend of pineapple juice, mango, honey, and peaches.
$5 and some change later, I got back in my car and continued on my next errand (to the other trade-shop).

After the trade-shop, I sat outside for a bit sipping the drink. A lady walking by saw me and noticed that each time I took a drink my face contorted in a spasm of distaste.
She asked me if I liked it, and the conversation went almost verbatim:

Me: "No, I can't say I'm too fond of it."

Her: "Then why drink it?"

Me: "It was five bucks, I'll be darned if I'm going to spend that much and not finish it."

I did end up drinking most of it before forgetting it in my car. I just thought the conversation funny enough to share.

D.O.P.R

Lord of mercy, I'm back online!

Unfortunately there are only two co-ax ports in the place, one behind the TV and the other in the bedroom, so I've got a wire running the whole length of the living room right now, but it's not a big deal yet, this is only temporary.

679 submissions to go through... Phew...

It's good to finally get back online. It's amazing how much you can't get done unless you have internet.
I got five emails requesting callbacks for jobs, and I wasn't able to get to them, not to mention the horde of online applications I could have done.

I nuked all the journals I had, so I missed out on whatever FA drama took place since I moved, as well as memes, calls for commissions, cries for help, laments about porn, requests for porn, and so forth.

D.O.P.R

Well, today's the day.

Got the new keys and have already moved over a few items for the comfort of myself and fellow movers.

Fortunately it's not far - down the stairs, about 20ft, then up the stairs again. But cramming a one bedroom apartment with two-bedrooms worth of stuff will be a squeeze.

No telling how long it will be before I get back online, but probably not too long; fortunately I'm getting a lot of help.
To those helpers:

Thanks!

D.O.P.R

"Baby you understand me now
If sometimes you see Im mad
Doncha know that no one alive can always be an angel?
When everything goes wrong you see some bad

Well Im just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh lord, please dont let me be misunderstood

Ya know sometimes baby Im so carefree
With a joy thats hard to hide
Then sometimes it seems again that all I have is worry
And then you burn to see my other side

But Im just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh lord, please dont let me be misunderstood

If I seem edgy
I want you to know
I never meant to take it out on you
Life has its problems
And I get more than my share
But thats me one thing I never mean to do

Cos I love you
Oh baby
Im just human
Dont you know I have faults like anyone?

Sometimes I find myself alone regretting
Some little fooling thing
Some simple thing that Ive done

Im just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh lord, please dont let me be misunderstood

I try so hard
So dont let me be misunderstood"

Yes, every once in a while I post up lyrics to songs that I'm rocking out to, or just finding particularly interesting at the moment.

Here's the one for tonight - the 1964 Nina Simone classic "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood"

An awesome song that's been covered many times since it's initial release, even appearing on the "Kill Bill" soundtrack.

Nina Simone - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klyea0oYYrE

The Animals - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2FT4FprxDg

Santa Esmeralda - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8NVQ0iao0g

Good times!

D.O.P.R

First off, I obviously still have electric. Unemployment finally came after a frustrating series of hoops and delays, and I've been using it for bills and gas.
Hopefully it will last until I can get hired (which doesn't seem far away, I have several parties interested in seeing me for interviews).

In other news, I had a dream last night which comes close to taking the second-place spot for "Weirdest Dream I've Ever Had".

I'm fascinated by dreams, and I try and write them down when I can, or at least go over the events again so that I don't simply forget like I've done to so many in the past. In this case, I suppose I'm kind of doing both.

What makes this dream strange isn't that I got into a gunfight (that's happened to me before), or that I was in an awkward position of authority (that happens occasionally too, and for someone who dislikes heavy amounts of responsibility, it's not something that I enjoy). What made it strange was that I was the Pope. And I was black.

Very, very seldom to I dream about myself as something other then I am (I was a Dragon once, and I cherish that), and it's strange.

Aside from my altered looks, the dream was pretty straightforward, and too obviously inspired by FarCry2. I was in a desert-like environment, complete with mudbrick structures and sandy streets.
I felt wholly uneasy. I apparently had just been appointed, and was unhappy with it. Four men came carrying a litter to take me...somewhere else... But we hadn't gone far, before shots rang out. I jumped out (I recall being afraid that I would trip on my big, red robe) and pulled out the Desert Eagle I had concealed in my robe. I expected this and had come prepared.

There were three goons (as well as one of my own people). I only remember shooting the one enemy who was half hidden behind a rock. BOOM, headshot.

After the shootout, I walked over and met with one of my wounded assailants. We spoke together briefly and quite calmly, as if I had just beaten him at a game of chess. He apparently had been hired from an outside source.

After that brief explanation, I marched back into the city - no guard, with my pistol in hand. I marched back in, adrenaline still running high and feeling ready to take on another squad of goons.
Resuming my seat on the throne(?), I felt ready to take on the new task.

Still though - I dreamt I was a black pope. That's a first.

D.O.P.R

Got a call from the electric company and they informed me officially that they'll be shutting me off "within the next couple of days" unless they get the payments I owe.

Since the last payment I made was using money that was kindly loaned to me (and will be paid back when I have the means), I'm not going to go grubbing for more until I have the means to pay it back - namely a job.

I've never seen the job market this poor. I've had several interviews, both over the phone and face-to-face, and more "thanks but no thanks" rejection letters and emails then will fit in a corner wastebasket. And I'm still no nearer (seemingly) then I was when I was first "retired".

My parents have helped me with rent for this month (ie they paid it for me) so that I can get into the cheaper apartment, but they're having troubles of their own and my past due utility bills are not something they could cover, even if they were required to.

I've been doing a lot of doom-and-gloom posts lately, like the crazy old guy on the corner with the "End is Nigh!" sign. I thank you all for being so patient as I work through all the troubles of this ashen year, and whine your ears/eyes out in the process.
Hopefully once things pass over this hump, as I'm sure they have to eventually, we can all get back to out normal schedules and patterns.

In the meantime, I may be disconnected at any point in "the next couple of days", but I'll try and drop a line in so folks know that I haven't dropped off the face of the earth.

D.O.P.R

Apparently I was nominated for  toysoldiersunite's Toy Soldier of the Week - and I won!

It's a surprise to me, but I'm honored all the more.

I've been doing what I can to help spread the message of Dr. Steel and the Utopian Playland, and recognition like this only helps to encourage.

So in case you haven't already, stop by https://www.doctorsteel.com and https://www.toysoldiersunite.com and learn how you too can join in the movement towards a Utopian Playland!

D.O.P.R

I would like to apologize to the UK, and to the rest of world on behalf of the American people (or at least, a large portion of us) for our government and its politicians.

We don't really know WTF they're thinking either.

D.O.P.R

I'm not a fan of the anime style (although I have to admit, Trigun and Cowboy Bebop were pretty fun, and Akira is a classic), but I would have loved to have gotten a little more warning about this.

Apparently there's an anime con going on right in the heart of downtown Tucson. While, as I said, I'm not a big fan, I love hanging out with fans - even otakus and weeabos.

Besides, where else can I wear my tail and not get funny looks? :-P

D.O.P.R

I may be out of contact for a while. Things here are starting to come to a head and while I'm going to do my best to roll with them, I may not have the time or the ability to respond to comments, or be in messenger very often.

Speaking of messenger - thanks to everyone who chats with me, it's good to have that grounding.

Hopefully I'll be around again tomorrow, but no guarantees. If not, I'll try and send in an update as quick as I can.

D.O.P.R

I haven't done one of these for a long while, and since I've seen it around, I'll go ahead and add to the fervor.

Taken from  fullbloodlion

THE RULES...
1) Post these rules
2) Post 8 true things about yourself
3) At the end you must tag 8 people and post their icons
4) Go to their page and send them a message saying you tagged them
5) NO TAG-BACKS

THE FACTS ABOUT ME...
1) I frame nearly every print and commission I get. They're hung on the wall behind me.
2) I grew up in a Pepsi household and now drink almost exclusively Mountain Dew.
3) I have a touch of OCD (although I consider it a personality trait, not a disorder) and keep my music, and many other household items fastidiously organized.
4) Music is a huge part of my life. I almost always have something playing, and keep lists of songs which have specific meanings to me.
5) I never wear shorts.
6) I carry my iPod with me wherever I go, and people I hang out with recognize me by the phrase "I have that on my iPod".
7) I have only been drunk once, and only tried weed once (it didn't do anything to me)
8) I once drew a picture of my mother's Water Dragon fursona.

I tag you, fine reader!

D.O.P.R

Thank you everyone who gave me a comment, or a shout-out, IM or email wishing me a happy hatchday.

I didn't respond to each individual comment because I didn't want them to sound too generic: "Thanks. Thank you. And thank you...thank you...and thank you, etc".

So I determined to just write another journal with one big
THANK YOU!

I appreciate the well wishes, I honestly do.

D.O.P.R