For my third Kaladesh Booster Box I pulled 5 mythics, a foil mythic, and an Invention card.
My mythics were Cataclysmic, Combustable, and Noxious Gearhulk, Rashmi Eternities Crafter, and Skysovereign Consul Flagship, and a Demon of Dark Schemes foil. So my mythics weren't the greatest, but I did pull an Aether Vial Invention.
1. What is your first name?
Tee
2. What is your middle name?
Jay
3. What is your gender?
Male
4. Where were you born?
Hawaii
5. Where do you live now?
Hawaii
6. What is your first language?
English
7. If you know any other languages, what are they?
Don't know any other languages. I can understand a little of Spanish just from what I learned in high school and from watching Capadocia on HBO.
8. What distinguishes you academically (any degrees, diplomas, award, etc.)?
Almost have my four year degree at a University.
9. What are your academic plans, if any? To what schools have you gone, go, or plan to go?
I'm not entirely sure yet. I like learning, just don't really like the whole concept of having to have a slip of paper to be able to get certain jobs.
10. What is your relationship status, if you are in one?
Single
11. Where do you work, if you have a job?
Have two part-time jobs, both sort of retail based.
12. What do your parents do for a living, if anything?
My dad is retired and my mom works in the health industry. I'm very proud of both of them for the sacrifices they've made and continue to make, both academically and career-wise.
13. What siblings do you have, if any? Tell us about them.
One brother and one sister. My sister is pretty much a complete opposite. She generally has a very outgoing, upbeat personality. Always making new friends, and doing things with lots of people. My brother is more like me. Quiet, reserved, doesn't like to show emotion, and also, like me, often has a lot of anger and frustration bottled up.
14. What sort of home do you live in? What's the neighbourhood like?
A decent size house. Don't really know how to describe it. The neighborhood is nice and quiet for the most part. Ethnically it is pretty diverse as well.
15. What sort of transport do you use?
My car, which is an ongoing project: A heavily modified luxury sedan.
16. Where and how would you like to live, if you could take your pick of anywhere?
I would like to try to live in either Japan or Canada some day. Not necessarily for the weather, as I don't favor extreme colds, but these two countries do interest me for various reasons.
17. What is your dream job?
Getting paid to smoke mj and perhaps write reviews about the different types? (I read about some guy in Denver, I think it was, that already has this type of job so it isn't completely out of the question).
18. Describe your ideal mate.
Witty, sarcastic, intellectual, good sense of humor.
19. You've won an aribitrarily large amount of money. What's the first thing you do?
Honestly? I would buy a decent home, probably another car, and do some other stupid things as well. I know it's smart to invest, but that would not be one of the first things on my mind.
20. If you could choose anything at all, what would you have done with your body after you die?
Don't really care. I don't really like the idea of cremation though, just because it kind of has a dark, almost hellish? connotation to it. (not that I'm very religious)
==
21. What is the first film you ever saw? What did you think of it?
I remember at a very young age, watching Die Hard on television with my family. It scared me pretty badly being that I was only like four, and wasn't used to that level of gunfire and mayhem.
21a. If different from the first film you ever saw, what was the first film you ever saw in a theater? How was the experience?
The earliest film I can recall watching in a theater was Who Framed Roger Rabbit?. I think I was around four at the time. I remember liking it, though being so young, I didn't necessarily understand a lot of it.
22. What was the film you saw most recently? How was it?
From start to finish, I saw Savages a couple days ago. Honestly, I didn't like it very much. The protagonists and antagonists or whatever, were fairly forgettable and not exactly characters that I can relate to, nor root for. I feel that Benicio Del Toro had the most memorable performance, and that probably isn't good, being that he was not a main character.
23. All that being said, what is your favourite film? When did you first see it? Why do you enjoy it so?
I have a lot of films that I really enjoy, but if I had to pick one, the original Godfather. So much talent in Coppola, Brando, Pacino, Caan, etc. Love the epic scope of the film. How Michael slowly transforms from Ivy League student and war veteran, to that of ruthless mafioso, and all of the intricacies that go along with that. Further, just the way the scenes are done. From the first scene with the undertaker appealing to Don Corleone, to the hospital scene, to the restaurant scene, etc.
23a. What is your least favourite movie? The same questions apply.
Hmm, I would probably have to say, any current romantic or comedic film geared toward teenagers. Thankfully, I have been subjected to many of these.
24. What film have you seen more times than any other?
I know it's cliche, but probably Scarface. The 1980's iteration with Al Pacino. Either that or Fast and Furious. The first in the series of recent films, the one with Paul Walker and Vin Diesel. I can't say I'm very proud of either examples.
25. If you could make a movie, what would it be? Who would star in it?
It would probably have to star Maria Ozawa.
26. What was the book you read most recently? How was it?
Currently I am reading a collection of Franz Kafka's short stories. It is awesome, but I am biased since Kafka is one of my favorite writers. The book I most recently have read from cover to cover is False Memory, by Dean Koontz. He is another of my favorites and I have read almost all of his novels, but not counting the series ones, as I don't really care for novels that come in a series.
27. What is your favourite book? When did you first read it? Why do you enjoy it so?
This is a very tough one as I have read many different books. I know the book that has the most emotional impact on me is Blu's Hanging by Lois-Ann Yamanaka. It is simultaneously beautiful and tragic and I cannot read the entire text without getting teary eyed and/or crying.
27a. What is your least favourite book? The same questions apply.
I can't really say that I have a least favorite. If I don't like a book, I will stop reading it early on.
27b. If it differs from your favourite book, what book has had the most profound impact upon your life?
Hmm, I like philosophical/political texts for this type of inspiration. I can't really think of a specific text, but I like Plato, Machiavelli, Marcuse, Orwell, Barthes, etc.
28. What was the first book series of which you read the entirety, if any?
The closest I have come to reading an entire series is Dean Koontz's iteration of Frankenstein, but I have not finished every single book yet.
29. Have you written anything that has been published? Do you plan to?
Yes, a short story and a couple of poems. One of my poems actually won a small award, which I am pretty proud of. I would hope to write perhaps a novel one day, it's just that usually when I try to write I get too frantic and overwhelmed, thus I have a hard time coordinating my ideas onto paper. That's why I have an easier time writing poems than stories. I don't care for reading poems as much, I just find them easier to finish since they don't have to be many pages in length.
30. If you could write a book, what would it be? Fiction? Non-fiction? Genre?
It would have to be fiction, as non-fiction writing does not interest me very much. As for genre, maybe something like a modern and urbanized Lazarillo de Tormes, or something of that nature. I had to look it up, but I guess Picaresque would be the proper genre.
31. What's the first song you remember hearing as a child?
I'm not sure what the very first song was, but when I was very young, "Papa Don't Preach", by Madonna was my favorite.
32. What was the song you heard most recently?
One of the songs from my playlist, but I'm not sure which one.
33. What song best describes you? That is, if you had a theme song, what would it be?
I'm not sure if it describes me, but one of my favorite songs is "Shikki No Uta" by Minmi and Nujabes? I think?.
34. What is your absolute favourite piece of music? People often say that they can't decide, but I've got a gun to your head, *****es
(well I got a Deagle .50 aimed at your crotch mfer)I really like "Hanabi", the piano-only version, by Joe Hisaishi.
35. What's the most significant music-related experience you've ever had?
I guess it could be a standing solo that I had to play at a band concert in High School. I don't know how well I did, and I was a nervous wreck, but at least I can say I did it, and my parents were there to support me, so it was great in retrospect.
36. What sort of concerts have you been to? What were they like?
I've never been to a concert you had to pay for, but I have been to a few free concerts (if you can call them that), that are on the smaller scale.
37. What, in your opinion, is the greatest album of all time?
I can't really say, my taste in music is pretty diverse and obscure, so I don't even really have a way of deciding which is my favorite album in general. If I had to give a generic answer it would probably have to be Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd.
38. Who - living or dead - would be in your dream band? What sort of music would they produce?
I don't really have a dream band.
39. If you could only listen to music from one genre for the rest of your life, which genre would it be?
Don't make me choose!
40. Conversely, if you could wipe one musical genre from the face of the earth forever, what genre would it be?
Not a genre per se, but I wouldn't mind if Skrillex stopped making horrible excuses for music.
==
41. Describe your stance on each of the following, with explanations as necessary:
a) The Death Penalty
I'm torn on this one. I don't necessarily disagree with this type of sentence for proven scumbags, but that is kind of the problem. It is very difficult to prove 100% that one is guilty of a specific crime.
b) Abortion
I believe it should be the woman's choice, but it isn't something that I contemplate very much.
c) Prostitution
I guess it should be legalized and regulated. I know it is as such in many other countries. Regulation should both stimulate the economy and reduce the risk of disease and violence.
d) Gun Control
I'm not too heavy one way or another. However, I do somewhat adhere to the idea of less guns equal less gun violence. I know conservatives and gun-nuts will argue against this to death, but I definitely think that the average citizen is not competent enough to own a gun, much less a fully auto Kalishinikov or what have you. Of course, in the US, this isn't a simple issue, especially since there is already a superfluous amount of arms already out there, both in the hands of criminals and law-abiding citizens. However, since I'm not much of a gun enthusiast, it is not something I dwell on much. I will say that Hawaii has pretty strict gun laws, at least compared to the rest of the US, and gun violence is fairly uncommon here, though of course, it is probably more common now than in the past.
e) Homosexual Marriage
I have nothing against same-sex couples getting married, etc. I feel that the opposition against same-sex marriage usually stems from one form of bigotry or another.
f) Polygamy
Don't really care one way or another as long as all parties are consenting adults and not abused or coerced, etc.
g) Alcohol
Again, the issue with alcohol is far too complex to give a simple answer. Some people can drink a little bit and have a great time. If only everyone was that way, but of course, many are not. I have a few friends and family that are currently, or were in the grip of a bad addiction to alcohol, and I myself have struggled with alcoholism as well. I don't think it'll ever be banned again, like during prohibition, but I think more needs to be done in educating people about how to get sober and not condoning it as something that is completely normal or acceptable.
h) Tobacco
I feel that Tobacco is a pretty blatant example of how something can be universally bad, but at the same time, "let's keep it legal and just tax it to the fullest". I mean, I know that with taxing it, the government can make a lot of money and the information of all the known risks is there for the public (at least now days), but I wouldn't be surprised if the money the government takes in from taxing tobacco is eclipsed by the drain it puts on the country health-care wise. Plus, having a friend or family member die a slow death over smoking is a terrible experience that happens all too often.
i) Other Drugs
I'm not 100% decided on the status of illegal narcotics, or what they should be, but I definitely feel that the "War on Drugs" is a losing battle at best, and at worst is a systemic assault against our own people. Yes, drug abuse usually leads to crime, but that doesn't mean that imprisonment is the only option. It just seems that the US is hell-bent on locking up as many citizens as they can to continuously fuel the prison industry and all of the facets that go with it.
j) Pornography
I like porn (who doesn't?), but at the same time I know that a lot of disease and drug abuse can be rampant in the industry. However, I'm not entirely sure what should be done at this point as I don't really know what the current standards and regulations are for people in the industry.
42. Do you define yourself as a "liberal?" A "conservative?" Something else?
I don't define myself as anything and of course this proverbial split in the country between Democrats and Republicans or Conservatives and Liberals et al, to me, is sort of reminiscent of divide and conquer. I guess I would be labeled as a liberal though, considering my views seem to align more to that side of the spectrum.
43. In your opinion, who is the greatest leader your country has ever known?
I'm not sure, I don't really know much in this regard.
44. The worst?
Again, I'm not sure.
45. What, to your mind, is the ideal political system?
Not sure if there is a definitive answer. I don't have one.
46. To what nation's example, past or present, should all other nations aspire?
I'm sure there are bits from many, if not all countries, that are exemplary, so I guess an amalgam of many different countries examples? I strongly support marijuana legalization, universal healthcare, same-sex marriage, and recovery over incarceration for non-violent drug-offences, etc.
47. Should any restrictions be placed upon who can vote? If so, what?
I believe so, but the only glaring ones I can think of are must be a legal citizen, and must be a certain age (18 I guess, as it is now).
48. You've just become your nation's leader. What is the first thing you do?
Legalize marijuana, though I'm pretty sure that's not even possible as the president does not have sole control of the nation.
49. What are some of the things the government could do to promote and safeguard democracy?
There are many things, and I don't feel like writing a dissertation, but to generalize, promoting of civil rights and liberties, rather than persecution and ostracism. Further, there is supposed to be a separation of church and state, yet that is clearly not the case in many instances. Especially considering the fact that overwhelmingly there is only one major religion here (assuming you lump all of the different iterations of Christianity together), and that the majority of our citizens adhere to this religion.
50. Do you consider yourself important to the democratic process?
No. At least not in the grand scheme of things.
==
51. What is your religious position?
Don't really care. Not an atheist per se, but I pretty much despise any fundamentalist, regardless of what religion they adhere to. Sure religion seems good in certain aspects, but in practice it often does not turn out as such.
52. What, in your opinion, happens after we die?
I don't really have much of an idea. I think it is somewhat arrogant and misguided though to believe in an idealized heaven or whatever. "To different minds, the same world is a hell and a heaven" - Ralph Waldo Emerson
52a. What would you like to happen?
It doesn't matter what I want, that's not going to make it possible.
53. If you were suddenly to be granted the power of God, what would be the first thing on your to-do list?
Legalize marijuana. It's something that has to be done!
54. Are you an optimist or a pessimist? Explain in brief.
Pessimist. I am very prone to depression and anger for the most part.
55. How do you combat sadness or depression?
Sadly, I often relied on drugs whether prescribed or illegal. However, now I turn to my dog, music, cars, cards and other hobbies to try to cheer myself up.
56. What is the purpose of life?
To die.
57. What would it take for you to kill a man?
Depends on which man. heh, nah but I consider myself to be non-violent for the most part, even though I am pretty angry too (if that is even possible)
58. Write the ideal obituary for yourself. Assume anything.
Was not a good person. Will not be missed. Generally a scumbag.
59. What is "fun?"
Being with my dog. I know it's cliche and possibly pathetic, but a dog's bond with one is something that is pretty inexplicable until you experience it.
60. Are people generally good? Generally bad? Something else?
I would say generally good, but of course there are many possible factors that can dictate a person's ideology and actions.
61. How important is morality? What is its nature?
It is important, but it is also dangerous if misguided. I believe too often a sense of morality is championed over simple humanity.
62. What are your thoughts on karma?
Don't really have much on this.
63. Which is more important; nature, or nurture?
Don't really have much on this either. Who is to decide what is nature or natural?
64. Who has influenced you the most of everybody you've ever known, or read, or etc.?
I have to say my family. Sure you can learn a lot from a book or what have you, but no one has had a direct influence on my life like my family, especially my parents.
65. What do you think of self-destructive behaviour?
Often ruinous but can make one stronger too.
66. What philosophical idea has intrigued you the most?
Taoism
67. What, in brief, is wrong with the world?
Too much greed and self-importance.
68. What do you think of psychics?
Haven't put much though into this, but I'm sure like with anything else, there are charlatans abound.
69. What do you want out of life?
Happiness. For me, it is something very difficult, almost illusory.
70. If you could compress how you feel about the world, what you value, and so on into a single sentence, what would that sentence be?
The horror, the horror.
==
71. Who is your favourite historical figure? Why?
Mother Teresa. I'm not big on religion, but at the same time I greatly admire her selfless devotion to helping others, spanning over her entire life.
72. Who is your favourite fictional character? Why?
Tyrion Lannister.
73. What is your favourite poem? Why?
"The World is Too Much With Us" by William Wordsworth. It artistically speaks to how we are so enveloped in coveting the material, while ignoring and destroying the natural.
74. What is your favourite breakfast cereal?
Honey Bunches of Oats.
75. What's the most odd and obscure thing that you own?
I don't think it's odd or obscure, but I guess a teddy bear that I had from when I was very young.
76. Describe your personal aesthetic.
Don't know what that means.
77. What is the stupidest thing you've ever done? Get specific, people; we could all use a laugh.
I've done a lot of stupid things, but they're not really funny, more on the depressing side.
78. What season is the best? Why?
I like winter, but here all that means is more rain and a few degrees cooler.
79. What is the most incredible building you have ever seen (not necessarily in person)?
I guess the Sears/Willis tower in Chicago, being that it is the largest building I have visited. Though, I have visited the Iolani Palace and culturally and historically that is a very significant part of Hawaii and the native Hawaiian people.
80. It's the weekend, and you've got no plans. What do you do with your 48 hours?
Watch that one film with Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte
81. I'm about to kill you. What do you want as a last meal?
Not if I kill you first mfer. Your liver with fava beans and a nice Chianti.
82. You get to choose the manner of your execution. What would you like? It can be anything.
Death by Snu-Snu
83. How would you like to die (not execution, necessarily; anything)?
With someone I care about. (not saying that they die too)
84. What's the one thing you've never done but would like to do before you die?
Capture the shiney Pidgey.
85. What is the most badass real happening of which you have ever heard?
I'm not 12, so I don't refer to things as badass.
86. What is the most badass fictional happening of which you have ever heard?
When the Lhurgoyf beat the living life out of Saffi Ericksdotter. Poor guy.
87. What is (or was) the best half-hour on television? The best hour? (What show in each category do you like the most, for the hard of thinking)
Half hour - South Park. Hour - The Wire.
88. What musical group or genre are you surprised you like? (That is, you were skeptical at first, but ended up enjoying it/them)
Jazz, I just never listened to it much until recently.
89. With what, if anything, do you adorn yourself (jewelry, tattoos, etc.)?
Tiger blood.
90. If you could be a character in any comic book, which character would you be? Why?
I don't read comics.
91. If you could be a character in any Shakespearean play, which character would you be? Why?
I don't read Shakespeare. Too many made up as he went words and phrases.
92. If you could be a character in any book you've ever read, which character would you be? Why?
An Alpha in Huxley's Brave New World. Orgies and Soma err day ya hurrd.
93. Finally, if you could be a character in any movie or TV show you've ever seen, which character would you be? Why?
Kitt because racecar.
94. Coke or Pepsi?
RC Cola homie
95. You're travelling through time, but you only get one stop. Where do you go?
1993 to get some cheap Power 9 yo.
96. Would you do Catwoman? I know I would.
I'm not a furrie if that's what your implying.
97. What's hanging on your walls right now?
Obligatory Scarface poster and college degree/accolades
98. If you could hang only one thing on your wall, what would it be?
It's already there! "Say goodnight to the bad guy!"
99. What is your favourite word?
***
100. What would you like to name your children? What have you named your children (if this applies)?
I don't plan on having children
One of the the boxes of AVR I opened recently, I can't remember all the cards, but there was one pack with a Foil Cavern of Souls and a Wolfir Silverheart which was pretty awesome.
There are definitely going to be ups and downs when buying packs or boxes. I just enjoy it for the nostalgia and the risk, rather than expecting to get my money back. For the first few boxes of Avacyn Restored, I pulled a good amount of mythics, and they mostly were the good ones. I also got a lot of the good rares such as Cavern of Souls, etc.
However, with my last purchase, I still got a lot of mythics, but 4-5 were Descent Into Madness (which name is very fitting, when you pull a playset of it :D), and when I finally got a foil mythic, it was Craterhoof Behemoth. So, while the odds were in my favor in getting so many mythics, they happened to be mostly the bad ones this time.
While there are a lot of shady or inept sellers on eBay, there are many quality sellers as well. I try to order from the same sellers that I have had positive experiences with to better avoid negative experiences. Personally, I would never buy cards, especially expensive ones, from someone that doesn't have substantial feedback at 100% positive, or very close, if their feedback score is in the tens of thousands or more.
Personally, despite the fact that I don't have a ton of feedback, I offer free shipping and give free booster packs and/or other goodies free with every order I ship. While this is obviously more an exception, rather than the norm, I'm just trying to exemplify the fact that there is more to both eBay and SCG (or other major retailers) than can be explained through generalizations.
I'm always giving my cards away for free. It is a great way to meet new people. Plus, while it's usually just commons and uncommons I'm getting rid of, there are often many English/Japanese foils included as well.
The last guy actually gave me $20 even though I tried to refuse. I don't even consider a huge box of commons/uncommons to be worth that. I mean I know you could make that or more by sorting them, but it is a great pain to do so.
My favorite scene was when Denzel's character (Alonzo?, I think it was) tells Ethan Hawke (Hoyt?), "You're in the office baby", then he raises up his Monte Carlo and the Dr. Dre beat drops in.
I only know English, but I've studied it in college for many years! However, I really would like to learn Japanese, the language of my people, lol. I know so many people that can speak it, but myself, I hardly know a few words and phrases. My Grandpa even surprised me once when a random Japanese tourist asked him for directions in Japanese and he could fluently converse with the man. It was the only time I ever heard my Grandpa speak Japanese.
Plus there are way too many jank rares in the old core sets to risk that kind of money. Like drop four grand for a thoughtlace, power surge, and sunglasses of urza.
My mythics were Cataclysmic, Combustable, and Noxious Gearhulk, Rashmi Eternities Crafter, and Skysovereign Consul Flagship, and a Demon of Dark Schemes foil. So my mythics weren't the greatest, but I did pull an Aether Vial Invention.
Tee
2. What is your middle name?
Jay
3. What is your gender?
Male
4. Where were you born?
Hawaii
5. Where do you live now?
Hawaii
6. What is your first language?
English
7. If you know any other languages, what are they?
Don't know any other languages. I can understand a little of Spanish just from what I learned in high school and from watching Capadocia on HBO.
8. What distinguishes you academically (any degrees, diplomas, award, etc.)?
Almost have my four year degree at a University.
9. What are your academic plans, if any? To what schools have you gone, go, or plan to go?
I'm not entirely sure yet. I like learning, just don't really like the whole concept of having to have a slip of paper to be able to get certain jobs.
10. What is your relationship status, if you are in one?
Single
11. Where do you work, if you have a job?
Have two part-time jobs, both sort of retail based.
12. What do your parents do for a living, if anything?
My dad is retired and my mom works in the health industry. I'm very proud of both of them for the sacrifices they've made and continue to make, both academically and career-wise.
13. What siblings do you have, if any? Tell us about them.
One brother and one sister. My sister is pretty much a complete opposite. She generally has a very outgoing, upbeat personality. Always making new friends, and doing things with lots of people. My brother is more like me. Quiet, reserved, doesn't like to show emotion, and also, like me, often has a lot of anger and frustration bottled up.
14. What sort of home do you live in? What's the neighbourhood like?
A decent size house. Don't really know how to describe it. The neighborhood is nice and quiet for the most part. Ethnically it is pretty diverse as well.
15. What sort of transport do you use?
My car, which is an ongoing project: A heavily modified luxury sedan.
16. Where and how would you like to live, if you could take your pick of anywhere?
I would like to try to live in either Japan or Canada some day. Not necessarily for the weather, as I don't favor extreme colds, but these two countries do interest me for various reasons.
17. What is your dream job?
Getting paid to smoke mj and perhaps write reviews about the different types? (I read about some guy in Denver, I think it was, that already has this type of job so it isn't completely out of the question).
18. Describe your ideal mate.
Witty, sarcastic, intellectual, good sense of humor.
19. You've won an aribitrarily large amount of money. What's the first thing you do?
Honestly? I would buy a decent home, probably another car, and do some other stupid things as well. I know it's smart to invest, but that would not be one of the first things on my mind.
20. If you could choose anything at all, what would you have done with your body after you die?
Don't really care. I don't really like the idea of cremation though, just because it kind of has a dark, almost hellish? connotation to it. (not that I'm very religious)
==
21. What is the first film you ever saw? What did you think of it?
I remember at a very young age, watching Die Hard on television with my family. It scared me pretty badly being that I was only like four, and wasn't used to that level of gunfire and mayhem.
21a. If different from the first film you ever saw, what was the first film you ever saw in a theater? How was the experience?
The earliest film I can recall watching in a theater was Who Framed Roger Rabbit?. I think I was around four at the time. I remember liking it, though being so young, I didn't necessarily understand a lot of it.
22. What was the film you saw most recently? How was it?
From start to finish, I saw Savages a couple days ago. Honestly, I didn't like it very much. The protagonists and antagonists or whatever, were fairly forgettable and not exactly characters that I can relate to, nor root for. I feel that Benicio Del Toro had the most memorable performance, and that probably isn't good, being that he was not a main character.
23. All that being said, what is your favourite film? When did you first see it? Why do you enjoy it so?
I have a lot of films that I really enjoy, but if I had to pick one, the original Godfather. So much talent in Coppola, Brando, Pacino, Caan, etc. Love the epic scope of the film. How Michael slowly transforms from Ivy League student and war veteran, to that of ruthless mafioso, and all of the intricacies that go along with that. Further, just the way the scenes are done. From the first scene with the undertaker appealing to Don Corleone, to the hospital scene, to the restaurant scene, etc.
23a. What is your least favourite movie? The same questions apply.
Hmm, I would probably have to say, any current romantic or comedic film geared toward teenagers. Thankfully, I have been subjected to many of these.
24. What film have you seen more times than any other?
I know it's cliche, but probably Scarface. The 1980's iteration with Al Pacino. Either that or Fast and Furious. The first in the series of recent films, the one with Paul Walker and Vin Diesel. I can't say I'm very proud of either examples.
25. If you could make a movie, what would it be? Who would star in it?
It would probably have to star Maria Ozawa.
26. What was the book you read most recently? How was it?
Currently I am reading a collection of Franz Kafka's short stories. It is awesome, but I am biased since Kafka is one of my favorite writers. The book I most recently have read from cover to cover is False Memory, by Dean Koontz. He is another of my favorites and I have read almost all of his novels, but not counting the series ones, as I don't really care for novels that come in a series.
27. What is your favourite book? When did you first read it? Why do you enjoy it so?
This is a very tough one as I have read many different books. I know the book that has the most emotional impact on me is Blu's Hanging by Lois-Ann Yamanaka. It is simultaneously beautiful and tragic and I cannot read the entire text without getting teary eyed and/or crying.
27a. What is your least favourite book? The same questions apply.
I can't really say that I have a least favorite. If I don't like a book, I will stop reading it early on.
27b. If it differs from your favourite book, what book has had the most profound impact upon your life?
Hmm, I like philosophical/political texts for this type of inspiration. I can't really think of a specific text, but I like Plato, Machiavelli, Marcuse, Orwell, Barthes, etc.
28. What was the first book series of which you read the entirety, if any?
The closest I have come to reading an entire series is Dean Koontz's iteration of Frankenstein, but I have not finished every single book yet.
29. Have you written anything that has been published? Do you plan to?
Yes, a short story and a couple of poems. One of my poems actually won a small award, which I am pretty proud of. I would hope to write perhaps a novel one day, it's just that usually when I try to write I get too frantic and overwhelmed, thus I have a hard time coordinating my ideas onto paper. That's why I have an easier time writing poems than stories. I don't care for reading poems as much, I just find them easier to finish since they don't have to be many pages in length.
30. If you could write a book, what would it be? Fiction? Non-fiction? Genre?
It would have to be fiction, as non-fiction writing does not interest me very much. As for genre, maybe something like a modern and urbanized Lazarillo de Tormes, or something of that nature. I had to look it up, but I guess Picaresque would be the proper genre.
31. What's the first song you remember hearing as a child?
I'm not sure what the very first song was, but when I was very young, "Papa Don't Preach", by Madonna was my favorite.
32. What was the song you heard most recently?
One of the songs from my playlist, but I'm not sure which one.
33. What song best describes you? That is, if you had a theme song, what would it be?
I'm not sure if it describes me, but one of my favorite songs is "Shikki No Uta" by Minmi and Nujabes? I think?.
34. What is your absolute favourite piece of music? People often say that they can't decide, but I've got a gun to your head, *****es
(well I got a Deagle .50 aimed at your crotch mfer)I really like "Hanabi", the piano-only version, by Joe Hisaishi.
35. What's the most significant music-related experience you've ever had?
I guess it could be a standing solo that I had to play at a band concert in High School. I don't know how well I did, and I was a nervous wreck, but at least I can say I did it, and my parents were there to support me, so it was great in retrospect.
36. What sort of concerts have you been to? What were they like?
I've never been to a concert you had to pay for, but I have been to a few free concerts (if you can call them that), that are on the smaller scale.
37. What, in your opinion, is the greatest album of all time?
I can't really say, my taste in music is pretty diverse and obscure, so I don't even really have a way of deciding which is my favorite album in general. If I had to give a generic answer it would probably have to be Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd.
38. Who - living or dead - would be in your dream band? What sort of music would they produce?
I don't really have a dream band.
39. If you could only listen to music from one genre for the rest of your life, which genre would it be?
Don't make me choose!
40. Conversely, if you could wipe one musical genre from the face of the earth forever, what genre would it be?
Not a genre per se, but I wouldn't mind if Skrillex stopped making horrible excuses for music.
==
41. Describe your stance on each of the following, with explanations as necessary:
a) The Death Penalty
I'm torn on this one. I don't necessarily disagree with this type of sentence for proven scumbags, but that is kind of the problem. It is very difficult to prove 100% that one is guilty of a specific crime.
b) Abortion
I believe it should be the woman's choice, but it isn't something that I contemplate very much.
c) Prostitution
I guess it should be legalized and regulated. I know it is as such in many other countries. Regulation should both stimulate the economy and reduce the risk of disease and violence.
d) Gun Control
I'm not too heavy one way or another. However, I do somewhat adhere to the idea of less guns equal less gun violence. I know conservatives and gun-nuts will argue against this to death, but I definitely think that the average citizen is not competent enough to own a gun, much less a fully auto Kalishinikov or what have you. Of course, in the US, this isn't a simple issue, especially since there is already a superfluous amount of arms already out there, both in the hands of criminals and law-abiding citizens. However, since I'm not much of a gun enthusiast, it is not something I dwell on much. I will say that Hawaii has pretty strict gun laws, at least compared to the rest of the US, and gun violence is fairly uncommon here, though of course, it is probably more common now than in the past.
e) Homosexual Marriage
I have nothing against same-sex couples getting married, etc. I feel that the opposition against same-sex marriage usually stems from one form of bigotry or another.
f) Polygamy
Don't really care one way or another as long as all parties are consenting adults and not abused or coerced, etc.
g) Alcohol
Again, the issue with alcohol is far too complex to give a simple answer. Some people can drink a little bit and have a great time. If only everyone was that way, but of course, many are not. I have a few friends and family that are currently, or were in the grip of a bad addiction to alcohol, and I myself have struggled with alcoholism as well. I don't think it'll ever be banned again, like during prohibition, but I think more needs to be done in educating people about how to get sober and not condoning it as something that is completely normal or acceptable.
h) Tobacco
I feel that Tobacco is a pretty blatant example of how something can be universally bad, but at the same time, "let's keep it legal and just tax it to the fullest". I mean, I know that with taxing it, the government can make a lot of money and the information of all the known risks is there for the public (at least now days), but I wouldn't be surprised if the money the government takes in from taxing tobacco is eclipsed by the drain it puts on the country health-care wise. Plus, having a friend or family member die a slow death over smoking is a terrible experience that happens all too often.
i) Other Drugs
I'm not 100% decided on the status of illegal narcotics, or what they should be, but I definitely feel that the "War on Drugs" is a losing battle at best, and at worst is a systemic assault against our own people. Yes, drug abuse usually leads to crime, but that doesn't mean that imprisonment is the only option. It just seems that the US is hell-bent on locking up as many citizens as they can to continuously fuel the prison industry and all of the facets that go with it.
j) Pornography
I like porn (who doesn't?), but at the same time I know that a lot of disease and drug abuse can be rampant in the industry. However, I'm not entirely sure what should be done at this point as I don't really know what the current standards and regulations are for people in the industry.
42. Do you define yourself as a "liberal?" A "conservative?" Something else?
I don't define myself as anything and of course this proverbial split in the country between Democrats and Republicans or Conservatives and Liberals et al, to me, is sort of reminiscent of divide and conquer. I guess I would be labeled as a liberal though, considering my views seem to align more to that side of the spectrum.
43. In your opinion, who is the greatest leader your country has ever known?
I'm not sure, I don't really know much in this regard.
44. The worst?
Again, I'm not sure.
45. What, to your mind, is the ideal political system?
Not sure if there is a definitive answer. I don't have one.
46. To what nation's example, past or present, should all other nations aspire?
I'm sure there are bits from many, if not all countries, that are exemplary, so I guess an amalgam of many different countries examples? I strongly support marijuana legalization, universal healthcare, same-sex marriage, and recovery over incarceration for non-violent drug-offences, etc.
47. Should any restrictions be placed upon who can vote? If so, what?
I believe so, but the only glaring ones I can think of are must be a legal citizen, and must be a certain age (18 I guess, as it is now).
48. You've just become your nation's leader. What is the first thing you do?
Legalize marijuana, though I'm pretty sure that's not even possible as the president does not have sole control of the nation.
49. What are some of the things the government could do to promote and safeguard democracy?
There are many things, and I don't feel like writing a dissertation, but to generalize, promoting of civil rights and liberties, rather than persecution and ostracism. Further, there is supposed to be a separation of church and state, yet that is clearly not the case in many instances. Especially considering the fact that overwhelmingly there is only one major religion here (assuming you lump all of the different iterations of Christianity together), and that the majority of our citizens adhere to this religion.
50. Do you consider yourself important to the democratic process?
No. At least not in the grand scheme of things.
==
51. What is your religious position?
Don't really care. Not an atheist per se, but I pretty much despise any fundamentalist, regardless of what religion they adhere to. Sure religion seems good in certain aspects, but in practice it often does not turn out as such.
52. What, in your opinion, happens after we die?
I don't really have much of an idea. I think it is somewhat arrogant and misguided though to believe in an idealized heaven or whatever. "To different minds, the same world is a hell and a heaven" - Ralph Waldo Emerson
52a. What would you like to happen?
It doesn't matter what I want, that's not going to make it possible.
53. If you were suddenly to be granted the power of God, what would be the first thing on your to-do list?
Legalize marijuana. It's something that has to be done!
54. Are you an optimist or a pessimist? Explain in brief.
Pessimist. I am very prone to depression and anger for the most part.
55. How do you combat sadness or depression?
Sadly, I often relied on drugs whether prescribed or illegal. However, now I turn to my dog, music, cars, cards and other hobbies to try to cheer myself up.
56. What is the purpose of life?
To die.
57. What would it take for you to kill a man?
Depends on which man. heh, nah but I consider myself to be non-violent for the most part, even though I am pretty angry too (if that is even possible)
58. Write the ideal obituary for yourself. Assume anything.
Was not a good person. Will not be missed. Generally a scumbag.
59. What is "fun?"
Being with my dog. I know it's cliche and possibly pathetic, but a dog's bond with one is something that is pretty inexplicable until you experience it.
60. Are people generally good? Generally bad? Something else?
I would say generally good, but of course there are many possible factors that can dictate a person's ideology and actions.
61. How important is morality? What is its nature?
It is important, but it is also dangerous if misguided. I believe too often a sense of morality is championed over simple humanity.
62. What are your thoughts on karma?
Don't really have much on this.
63. Which is more important; nature, or nurture?
Don't really have much on this either. Who is to decide what is nature or natural?
64. Who has influenced you the most of everybody you've ever known, or read, or etc.?
I have to say my family. Sure you can learn a lot from a book or what have you, but no one has had a direct influence on my life like my family, especially my parents.
65. What do you think of self-destructive behaviour?
Often ruinous but can make one stronger too.
66. What philosophical idea has intrigued you the most?
Taoism
67. What, in brief, is wrong with the world?
Too much greed and self-importance.
68. What do you think of psychics?
Haven't put much though into this, but I'm sure like with anything else, there are charlatans abound.
69. What do you want out of life?
Happiness. For me, it is something very difficult, almost illusory.
70. If you could compress how you feel about the world, what you value, and so on into a single sentence, what would that sentence be?
The horror, the horror.
==
71. Who is your favourite historical figure? Why?
Mother Teresa. I'm not big on religion, but at the same time I greatly admire her selfless devotion to helping others, spanning over her entire life.
72. Who is your favourite fictional character? Why?
Tyrion Lannister.
73. What is your favourite poem? Why?
"The World is Too Much With Us" by William Wordsworth. It artistically speaks to how we are so enveloped in coveting the material, while ignoring and destroying the natural.
74. What is your favourite breakfast cereal?
Honey Bunches of Oats.
75. What's the most odd and obscure thing that you own?
I don't think it's odd or obscure, but I guess a teddy bear that I had from when I was very young.
76. Describe your personal aesthetic.
Don't know what that means.
77. What is the stupidest thing you've ever done? Get specific, people; we could all use a laugh.
I've done a lot of stupid things, but they're not really funny, more on the depressing side.
78. What season is the best? Why?
I like winter, but here all that means is more rain and a few degrees cooler.
79. What is the most incredible building you have ever seen (not necessarily in person)?
I guess the Sears/Willis tower in Chicago, being that it is the largest building I have visited. Though, I have visited the Iolani Palace and culturally and historically that is a very significant part of Hawaii and the native Hawaiian people.
80. It's the weekend, and you've got no plans. What do you do with your 48 hours?
Watch that one film with Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte
81. I'm about to kill you. What do you want as a last meal?
Not if I kill you first mfer. Your liver with fava beans and a nice Chianti.
82. You get to choose the manner of your execution. What would you like? It can be anything.
Death by Snu-Snu
83. How would you like to die (not execution, necessarily; anything)?
With someone I care about. (not saying that they die too)
84. What's the one thing you've never done but would like to do before you die?
Capture the shiney Pidgey.
85. What is the most badass real happening of which you have ever heard?
I'm not 12, so I don't refer to things as badass.
86. What is the most badass fictional happening of which you have ever heard?
When the Lhurgoyf beat the living life out of Saffi Ericksdotter. Poor guy.
87. What is (or was) the best half-hour on television? The best hour? (What show in each category do you like the most, for the hard of thinking)
Half hour - South Park. Hour - The Wire.
88. What musical group or genre are you surprised you like? (That is, you were skeptical at first, but ended up enjoying it/them)
Jazz, I just never listened to it much until recently.
89. With what, if anything, do you adorn yourself (jewelry, tattoos, etc.)?
Tiger blood.
90. If you could be a character in any comic book, which character would you be? Why?
I don't read comics.
91. If you could be a character in any Shakespearean play, which character would you be? Why?
I don't read Shakespeare. Too many made up as he went words and phrases.
92. If you could be a character in any book you've ever read, which character would you be? Why?
An Alpha in Huxley's Brave New World. Orgies and Soma err day ya hurrd.
93. Finally, if you could be a character in any movie or TV show you've ever seen, which character would you be? Why?
Kitt because racecar.
94. Coke or Pepsi?
RC Cola homie
95. You're travelling through time, but you only get one stop. Where do you go?
1993 to get some cheap Power 9 yo.
96. Would you do Catwoman? I know I would.
I'm not a furrie if that's what your implying.
97. What's hanging on your walls right now?
Obligatory Scarface poster and college degree/accolades
98. If you could hang only one thing on your wall, what would it be?
It's already there! "Say goodnight to the bad guy!"
99. What is your favourite word?
***
100. What would you like to name your children? What have you named your children (if this applies)?
I don't plan on having children
However, with my last purchase, I still got a lot of mythics, but 4-5 were Descent Into Madness (which name is very fitting, when you pull a playset of it :D), and when I finally got a foil mythic, it was Craterhoof Behemoth. So, while the odds were in my favor in getting so many mythics, they happened to be mostly the bad ones this time.
Today I bought 2 booster boxes:
1 Tamiyo, the Moon Sage
1 Tibalt, the Fiend-Blooded
1 Bruna, Light of Alabaster
2 Bonfire of the Damned
1 Cavern of Souls
1 Vexing Devil
1 Foil Vexing Devil
1 Foil Rite of Ruin
1 Silverblade Paladin
1 Foil Silverblade Paladin
1 Temporal Mastery
1 Griselbrand
2 Entreat of the Angels
1 Terminus
1 Angel of Jubilation
1 Restoration Angel
1 Wolfir Silverheart
1 Desolate Lighthouse
1 Slayer's Stronghold
1 Foil Slayer's Stronghold
Personally, despite the fact that I don't have a ton of feedback, I offer free shipping and give free booster packs and/or other goodies free with every order I ship. While this is obviously more an exception, rather than the norm, I'm just trying to exemplify the fact that there is more to both eBay and SCG (or other major retailers) than can be explained through generalizations.
The last guy actually gave me $20 even though I tried to refuse. I don't even consider a huge box of commons/uncommons to be worth that. I mean I know you could make that or more by sorting them, but it is a great pain to do so.