I have found my new idol. She seems like a genuinely nice person and I've spend the last couple hours watching her videos. She gave me some great advice (not personally, through her videos) and she's inspired me to take learning Japanese to the next level in determination (I'm always trying to learn, but now I'm going to really try to master the kanji in my textbook as well as study 1000x harder).
You can check Micaela's (Mikaera) videos at this link:
http://www.youtube.com/user/Ciaela
And her blog at this one:
http://ciaela.wordpress.com/about/
OR you can check the side bar.
The ramblings of a college student, whether on travel or in the middle of exams.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
New Things and Interview
Yesterday I tried something no one in my household had ever done before - I fried shrimp. We've never really fried anything before, so we were really surprised when they came out tasting pretty good. My dad was so doubtful as he looked at the ingredients and everything, but he tried one and now wants me to make more. I was also terrified of the skillet. If you've never fried something before, it makes a terribly loud noise when you drop the food in - no wonder Sakura from CCS was terrified of making crochets. ><"
In other news, I have an interview with the study abroad office on Friday. I'm hoping this is a good sign, but...I'm still really nervous. Wish me luck?
In other news, I have an interview with the study abroad office on Friday. I'm hoping this is a good sign, but...I'm still really nervous. Wish me luck?
Thursday, January 12, 2012
If I were to....
If I were to reform the Department of Education, I would make the educational requirements for graduation in America standardized as well as the number of hours allotted in a school day (8 hours a day) and abolish high school being mandatory. A reform to the school year is also necessary - both increase the number of days of attendance and spread the breaks apart (for instance, a short break between quarters rather than a long break in the summer, which causes students to forget what they learned previously). I think this would not only improve our education system, but improve how America performs in terms of other countries in the world. I find it deplorable that we, as a world power, have one of the most lacking education systems among the developed world. Almost all of the developed world does better academically than the US, particularly in math and science.
The main problem, in my opinion, is in lack of motivation of the general population. Our generation is used to having things handed to us - how often do you see an 8 year old walking around with a handheld gaming device now-a-days? Not only is this bad for their attention span, but it encourages the use of such when bored. Rather than do one's homework, they play their handheld. I have nothing against games, but I feel this is the main cause of our lack of motivation.
Elementary School
- Parents are no longer parenting properly. There is no discipline in our generation - I had to deal with it in high school every single day. While I don't think parents should beat their children regularly, one good spanking early on typically helps children listen to their parents later. This "I will never raise a hand to my child" attitude just makes them arrogant - they can do whatever they want with little repercussion. Therefore, I find that a lot of responsibility must fall to elementary school teachers. A strong emphasis on subjects like social studies (government, history, etc), mathematics, science and English; extra subjects should be things that encourage individuality; such as art (calligraphy, drawing, etc), handicrafts (sewing, woodwork, cooking, etc), music, PE (to promote exercise), and moral education. However, a problem arises with moral education - morals vary significantly among adults due to factors like religion and personal beliefs. Therefore, only the basic morals should be instilled (do not steal, do not lie/cheat, clean up your own mess, politeness, etc). Encouraging relationships and friendships among students is important too and teachers should take special interest in each of their students. I think, especially at this age, the last 10 minutes of the day should be dedicated to tidying the classroom.
Middle School
- Middle school should continue the basic requirements of English (with a focus on grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. NOT interpretation of poems), mathematics, PE, science, and social studies (history and government), but also offer electives in art, music, etc. Objective of middle school is to perform well enough to get into targeted high school or to learn enough to perform well in life
High School
- They should focus on high performance and entrance into college, with at least one STEM high school and one vocational high school per county. A very strong focus on adequate supplies in the science department is critical in all schools (my high school never had any good lab equipment - we only had one striker to light our Bunsen burners and often things were broken). Block scheduling is important to provide enough time for material to be covered (with electives being on TuTh)
Junior High and High School electives can be left up to the local and state governments, but all requirements toward graduation should be mandated by the government. I also think there should be several testing options available: written exam, oral exam, or a performance exam. The main reason written tests are pushed and encouraged is because they are easier to grade. However, some students need other options. For instance, my mother dropped out of high school because she suffers from dyslexia. Had she been given an oral exam, she may have been able to pass.
Thoughts?
The main problem, in my opinion, is in lack of motivation of the general population. Our generation is used to having things handed to us - how often do you see an 8 year old walking around with a handheld gaming device now-a-days? Not only is this bad for their attention span, but it encourages the use of such when bored. Rather than do one's homework, they play their handheld. I have nothing against games, but I feel this is the main cause of our lack of motivation.
Elementary School
- Parents are no longer parenting properly. There is no discipline in our generation - I had to deal with it in high school every single day. While I don't think parents should beat their children regularly, one good spanking early on typically helps children listen to their parents later. This "I will never raise a hand to my child" attitude just makes them arrogant - they can do whatever they want with little repercussion. Therefore, I find that a lot of responsibility must fall to elementary school teachers. A strong emphasis on subjects like social studies (government, history, etc), mathematics, science and English; extra subjects should be things that encourage individuality; such as art (calligraphy, drawing, etc), handicrafts (sewing, woodwork, cooking, etc), music, PE (to promote exercise), and moral education. However, a problem arises with moral education - morals vary significantly among adults due to factors like religion and personal beliefs. Therefore, only the basic morals should be instilled (do not steal, do not lie/cheat, clean up your own mess, politeness, etc). Encouraging relationships and friendships among students is important too and teachers should take special interest in each of their students. I think, especially at this age, the last 10 minutes of the day should be dedicated to tidying the classroom.
Middle School
- Middle school should continue the basic requirements of English (with a focus on grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. NOT interpretation of poems), mathematics, PE, science, and social studies (history and government), but also offer electives in art, music, etc. Objective of middle school is to perform well enough to get into targeted high school or to learn enough to perform well in life
High School
- They should focus on high performance and entrance into college, with at least one STEM high school and one vocational high school per county. A very strong focus on adequate supplies in the science department is critical in all schools (my high school never had any good lab equipment - we only had one striker to light our Bunsen burners and often things were broken). Block scheduling is important to provide enough time for material to be covered (with electives being on TuTh)
Junior High and High School electives can be left up to the local and state governments, but all requirements toward graduation should be mandated by the government. I also think there should be several testing options available: written exam, oral exam, or a performance exam. The main reason written tests are pushed and encouraged is because they are easier to grade. However, some students need other options. For instance, my mother dropped out of high school because she suffers from dyslexia. Had she been given an oral exam, she may have been able to pass.
Thoughts?
Sad Truth
The sad truth of life - if it costs money but saves lives, it may not happen. For instance, drug companies need to make back the money spent on research costs; so the first few years a drug is released, it costs phenomenal amounts of money. Another example: a train track had some risk of derailment, but it would cost money to fix the problem, so it was likely ignored.
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120112a1.html
Another example? The Fukushima plant - in the making of the plant, they decided against prepping it for an earthquake and subsequent tsunami due to low probability. But it still happened, right?
This is why the government should regulate certain things. One would argue that it "blocks capitalism" or some other bullshit, but the fact of the matter remains. People are greedy and don't care until it happens.
However, regulation itself needs to have limits and things like the security theater that the TSA uses waste money.
Just a thought.
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120112a1.html
Another example? The Fukushima plant - in the making of the plant, they decided against prepping it for an earthquake and subsequent tsunami due to low probability. But it still happened, right?
This is why the government should regulate certain things. One would argue that it "blocks capitalism" or some other bullshit, but the fact of the matter remains. People are greedy and don't care until it happens.
However, regulation itself needs to have limits and things like the security theater that the TSA uses waste money.
Just a thought.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Explanation and Living Cheaply
I feel as though I need to explain my recent explosion of blog posts. Hopefully, I will become an exchange student in Japan. This means I'll be living abroad for about 11 months and I really want to try to keep up with blogging while abroad. That said, another bout on living cheap in Japan.
First off, I overestimate everything. That way, I avoid surprise costs/change in exchange rates AND if they do happen to come up, I can use the extra as a buffer. For instance, I've budgeted $175 a week on combined food, transit and additional expenses. This is roughly 13,000 yen (remember, they don't have a decimal place). Of that, roughly 360 yen a day is for transit to school (5 days a week) with about 1600 yen for food a day. That sounds high, but again, it's better to have some left over if I want to buy something additional.
Stick to the budget and don't budge. So if I overshoot, I don't just withdraw more. The first month or so will have more spending, obviously, because I'll need to buy things like a cellphone and clothes. I'm not staying in an apartment, so I don't need to buy furniture or anything like that. I will probably need to buy sheets, hangers, and other things.
Here are some places and websites for wonderfully cheap every day items:
Gaijinpot (http://www.gaijinpot.com/)
Think of it kind of like the classifieds. Ads for Sayounara sales and moving sales are frequent. I've seen an ad for a free refrigerator (you pay for transit), cheap furniture, cell phones, etc. People usually have an aversion to buying things used (me included) but they usually aren't selling the stuff because it's broken - they're selling it because they're moving or returning to their home country.
Craigslist.jp
Same deal as Gaijinpot
100 Yen Store (http://www.daisojapan.com/)
The 100 yen shop is similar to our dollar store, but they tend to stick more to the 100 yen part. While yes, the quality isn't the greatest, who cares if it's only gotta last a year? They sell things like towels, Tupperware, bento boxes, snacks, kitchen sets, slippers, socks, school supplies, etc. The one near where I stayed has 2 floors (it might have been 3) so this is just an overview.
First off, I overestimate everything. That way, I avoid surprise costs/change in exchange rates AND if they do happen to come up, I can use the extra as a buffer. For instance, I've budgeted $175 a week on combined food, transit and additional expenses. This is roughly 13,000 yen (remember, they don't have a decimal place). Of that, roughly 360 yen a day is for transit to school (5 days a week) with about 1600 yen for food a day. That sounds high, but again, it's better to have some left over if I want to buy something additional.
Stick to the budget and don't budge. So if I overshoot, I don't just withdraw more. The first month or so will have more spending, obviously, because I'll need to buy things like a cellphone and clothes. I'm not staying in an apartment, so I don't need to buy furniture or anything like that. I will probably need to buy sheets, hangers, and other things.
Here are some places and websites for wonderfully cheap every day items:
Gaijinpot (http://www.gaijinpot.com/)
Think of it kind of like the classifieds. Ads for Sayounara sales and moving sales are frequent. I've seen an ad for a free refrigerator (you pay for transit), cheap furniture, cell phones, etc. People usually have an aversion to buying things used (me included) but they usually aren't selling the stuff because it's broken - they're selling it because they're moving or returning to their home country.
Craigslist.jp
Same deal as Gaijinpot
100 Yen Store (http://www.daisojapan.com/)
The 100 yen shop is similar to our dollar store, but they tend to stick more to the 100 yen part. While yes, the quality isn't the greatest, who cares if it's only gotta last a year? They sell things like towels, Tupperware, bento boxes, snacks, kitchen sets, slippers, socks, school supplies, etc. The one near where I stayed has 2 floors (it might have been 3) so this is just an overview.
Friday, December 30, 2011
New Years Resolutions AND Government
I'll talk about 2 things today - my New Years Resolutions and the government (essentially, what I would do if I could run the government myself).
First off, my New Years resolutions.
First and foremost, I would like to attempt to improve my body image. This will mainly take place in January, but I would like to focus on burning the calories I eat as opposed to just changing my diet. I also plan to eat healthier, but not reduce how much I eat or any bullshit like that. I think adjusting how much you eat, especially if you don't think you eat all that much to begin with, is the stupidest thing I've heard of. My roommate in my first semester would literally eat once a day and she was NOT skinny at all. Eating less forces your body to turn it to fat instantly because it thinks you're starving (and you are). Eating vegetables, fruit, and meats (mainly fish and chicken) instead is healthier.
As always, I would like to become more studious and less lazy. I'm angering myself at my laziness when it comes to classes.
I plan to study abroad by fall this year. In order to do this, I must earn a minimum of $1950 between now and September. Ideally, I would like to earn $4500, but that's the height of my goal. I may also, in my second semester in college abroad, take up a part-time job depending on how funds are running, but hopefully this is a last resort.
And finally - earn at least $5k in scholarships, preferably $15K or more.
Next Section - The Government.
For whatever reason, the majority of the cuts the Tea Party have pushed forward cut opportunities for MY generation (age group 15-25). Neither side of the budget debate really touched on Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid or even the Defense budget. I will state that sometimes things look better on paper and have issues being applied, but if you have a comment/disagreement, please post. I like discussing these things - not arguing over them.
First off, we need to focus on home. Pull completely out of Afghanistan - not only does our presence further incite hatred of the locals, but we are not the police of the world. It is not our job to dictate what government a country should have. We argue that the Taliban are a threat to national security, etc, etc, but what's the point if the government can't spend the money it needs to on it's own people? Our soldiers die for oil, not for a true cause. We have to leave sometime, might as well get it over with and stop wasting trillions of tax payer dollars.
I would like to further my commentary on military spending by stating that the government black-budgets the Department of Defense. Meaning there is considerable spending that goes unreported in the discretionary budget (military research and such). I also feel that the power of the TSA should be limited and their budget cut back a bit. They really pushed the expensive full body scanners and while they've published a bunch of reports on them, apparently several independent research agencies (the American Cancer Society and several universities) have said that the published reports do not have verifiable data or good comparisons. This leads me to believe that proper research on such machines hasn't been done, so why are we spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on things that have the possibility of giving citizens cancer? Plus, the TSA has NEVER caught a terrorist. They use what has been called "security theater", it makes you feel safe that they put certain measures in, but they're not actually effective. I feel like those hired for such jobs do NOT get proper background checks as well as being corrupt (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transportation_Security_Administration#Criticisms).
The tax-cut shit. Yes, people are hard pressed and everyone hates it when taxes rise. It's the most common theme across history. Budget gets low? Tax the poor even more! However - raise the taxes on those who make more than a certain amount. The rich don't even pay taxes on the full amount of their money anyway, using bank games and a large transfer network, most millionaires/billionaires avoid getting taxed for the full amount of their fortune. I would say to raise corporate taxes too, but I feel like that might have negative effects on the economy (essentially the consumer would pay for it anyway). Eliminating tax breaks for oil companies is a good idea, but again, I feel like it'll come back to the consumer anyway.
Require a means test for Social Security and Medicare. There is probably a large percentage of people that depend entirely on social security and medicare. They can keep it. It's the older folk I know that pull in a considerable amount in retirement that also collect both SS and Medicare that piss me off. We, the younger folk, pay for the older folk to retire. A lot of people argue that they paid into it, so they should get it. However, not only is it the LARGEST part of our nation's budget, but people who don't actually need it are able to get it because of the paid-in BS. I'm 19 and I pay for social security, an unsustainable program that will eventually need to be cut. I will likely never see the money I paid into it, despite that it's promised to me. Reduce it now, before it just needs to be straight up cut. Medicare too - reduce it based on a means test. I find it ridiculously that I'm paying for elderly individuals to get healthcare. I'm a healthy person - I only visit the doctor a couples times a year, if that. If they can afford it otherwise, they should, rather than depending on their grandchild to pay for them.
IMPROVE the Department of Education. I don't remember which GOP runner wanted to cut it, but that's the most annoying thing of all. Don't cut, improve, the department of Education. It should not be left entirely up to the states AND I feel that there should be certain mandates country wide. It would make it easier for students to transfer from a different state if the majority of core requirements (for instance, an improved version of no-child left behind) were the same. The NCLB act was a good idea, but put into poor action. Since I took the HSAs, which were required to graduate, I have found that they have made them increasingly easier. This I disagree with - graduating high school isn't required in life. I feel like they dumb everything down, even in the accelerated classes, in the majority of the country. I literally never had to try until my senior year of high school and even then, I still graduated with a 4.25 GPA. I do believe some requirements should be left up to the state, but schools should remain religion free. There is diversity in schools and teaching Christian beliefs to those who practice other religions is setting the school up for fights based on religion.
Either adjust financial aid requirements or eliminate the programs. We're already loosing this battle - my dad works with big brains and it is increasingly foreigners. The financial aid requirements haven't changed since the early 90s, but college costs have increased by at least 4X that. Student loans don't help either - having massive amounts of debt upon graduation prevents our younger generations from buying a house, a car and spending in general. I say if the financial aid requirements cannot be increased, then eliminate the program entirely. Yes, people would rage, but colleges would no longer be able to charge terrifying amounts of money because few could pay it. Supply and demand - if the supply cannot be afforded, the demand goes down and prices must go down to increase the demand again.
Ugh, when I start thinking about all the problems, it makes my head hurt. There is no one solution, nor is it as black and white as I have posted.
First off, my New Years resolutions.
First and foremost, I would like to attempt to improve my body image. This will mainly take place in January, but I would like to focus on burning the calories I eat as opposed to just changing my diet. I also plan to eat healthier, but not reduce how much I eat or any bullshit like that. I think adjusting how much you eat, especially if you don't think you eat all that much to begin with, is the stupidest thing I've heard of. My roommate in my first semester would literally eat once a day and she was NOT skinny at all. Eating less forces your body to turn it to fat instantly because it thinks you're starving (and you are). Eating vegetables, fruit, and meats (mainly fish and chicken) instead is healthier.
As always, I would like to become more studious and less lazy. I'm angering myself at my laziness when it comes to classes.
I plan to study abroad by fall this year. In order to do this, I must earn a minimum of $1950 between now and September. Ideally, I would like to earn $4500, but that's the height of my goal. I may also, in my second semester in college abroad, take up a part-time job depending on how funds are running, but hopefully this is a last resort.
And finally - earn at least $5k in scholarships, preferably $15K or more.
Next Section - The Government.
For whatever reason, the majority of the cuts the Tea Party have pushed forward cut opportunities for MY generation (age group 15-25). Neither side of the budget debate really touched on Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid or even the Defense budget. I will state that sometimes things look better on paper and have issues being applied, but if you have a comment/disagreement, please post. I like discussing these things - not arguing over them.
First off, we need to focus on home. Pull completely out of Afghanistan - not only does our presence further incite hatred of the locals, but we are not the police of the world. It is not our job to dictate what government a country should have. We argue that the Taliban are a threat to national security, etc, etc, but what's the point if the government can't spend the money it needs to on it's own people? Our soldiers die for oil, not for a true cause. We have to leave sometime, might as well get it over with and stop wasting trillions of tax payer dollars.
I would like to further my commentary on military spending by stating that the government black-budgets the Department of Defense. Meaning there is considerable spending that goes unreported in the discretionary budget (military research and such). I also feel that the power of the TSA should be limited and their budget cut back a bit. They really pushed the expensive full body scanners and while they've published a bunch of reports on them, apparently several independent research agencies (the American Cancer Society and several universities) have said that the published reports do not have verifiable data or good comparisons. This leads me to believe that proper research on such machines hasn't been done, so why are we spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on things that have the possibility of giving citizens cancer? Plus, the TSA has NEVER caught a terrorist. They use what has been called "security theater", it makes you feel safe that they put certain measures in, but they're not actually effective. I feel like those hired for such jobs do NOT get proper background checks as well as being corrupt (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transportation_Security_Administration#Criticisms).
The tax-cut shit. Yes, people are hard pressed and everyone hates it when taxes rise. It's the most common theme across history. Budget gets low? Tax the poor even more! However - raise the taxes on those who make more than a certain amount. The rich don't even pay taxes on the full amount of their money anyway, using bank games and a large transfer network, most millionaires/billionaires avoid getting taxed for the full amount of their fortune. I would say to raise corporate taxes too, but I feel like that might have negative effects on the economy (essentially the consumer would pay for it anyway). Eliminating tax breaks for oil companies is a good idea, but again, I feel like it'll come back to the consumer anyway.
Require a means test for Social Security and Medicare. There is probably a large percentage of people that depend entirely on social security and medicare. They can keep it. It's the older folk I know that pull in a considerable amount in retirement that also collect both SS and Medicare that piss me off. We, the younger folk, pay for the older folk to retire. A lot of people argue that they paid into it, so they should get it. However, not only is it the LARGEST part of our nation's budget, but people who don't actually need it are able to get it because of the paid-in BS. I'm 19 and I pay for social security, an unsustainable program that will eventually need to be cut. I will likely never see the money I paid into it, despite that it's promised to me. Reduce it now, before it just needs to be straight up cut. Medicare too - reduce it based on a means test. I find it ridiculously that I'm paying for elderly individuals to get healthcare. I'm a healthy person - I only visit the doctor a couples times a year, if that. If they can afford it otherwise, they should, rather than depending on their grandchild to pay for them.
IMPROVE the Department of Education. I don't remember which GOP runner wanted to cut it, but that's the most annoying thing of all. Don't cut, improve, the department of Education. It should not be left entirely up to the states AND I feel that there should be certain mandates country wide. It would make it easier for students to transfer from a different state if the majority of core requirements (for instance, an improved version of no-child left behind) were the same. The NCLB act was a good idea, but put into poor action. Since I took the HSAs, which were required to graduate, I have found that they have made them increasingly easier. This I disagree with - graduating high school isn't required in life. I feel like they dumb everything down, even in the accelerated classes, in the majority of the country. I literally never had to try until my senior year of high school and even then, I still graduated with a 4.25 GPA. I do believe some requirements should be left up to the state, but schools should remain religion free. There is diversity in schools and teaching Christian beliefs to those who practice other religions is setting the school up for fights based on religion.
Either adjust financial aid requirements or eliminate the programs. We're already loosing this battle - my dad works with big brains and it is increasingly foreigners. The financial aid requirements haven't changed since the early 90s, but college costs have increased by at least 4X that. Student loans don't help either - having massive amounts of debt upon graduation prevents our younger generations from buying a house, a car and spending in general. I say if the financial aid requirements cannot be increased, then eliminate the program entirely. Yes, people would rage, but colleges would no longer be able to charge terrifying amounts of money because few could pay it. Supply and demand - if the supply cannot be afforded, the demand goes down and prices must go down to increase the demand again.
Ugh, when I start thinking about all the problems, it makes my head hurt. There is no one solution, nor is it as black and white as I have posted.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Webcomics Galore!
So awhile back (I think it was June?), I mentioned some webcomics. Well, I have since found a lot of rather good ones. I will not review them each (I think I have 10?), but I will give each a brief synopsis. The fact they are posted is because I recommend them and I will repeat the previously mentioned ones.
Tea House
http://teahousecomic.com/news.html
Tea House is a delightful comic about a brothel of the same name. It's 18+ for obvious plot-related reasons. The artwork is spectacular, the characters with unique personalities and back stories and the buttsecks...is buttsecks. A must-read for any yaoi fan. Updates every Wednesday, unless otherwise specified. Pages done in full color.
STARFIGHTER
http://starfightercomic.com/index.php
A science fiction comic about Cain and Abel. There is rather naughty buttsecks and the author is absolutely adorable. Again, it's 18+ (sorry minors). It's currently on a little hiatus as the artist is working on some sort of comic related project. Updates sporadically with pages in a odd, but unique sort of color format.
STRAYS
http://www.straysonline.com/
An interesting fantasy comic about a mercenary and a young girl. For those that love slowly revealed worldly bits, this is a great comic. With every couple pages, I'm left wondering about something that happened. Lots of relationship building (and not in a pervy way, as some weird people keep getting excited over an estimated 26 year old "caring" for a 12 year old. It's a sibling-like relationship, idiots). Currently on a hiatus until January 6th because one of the creators is home for the holidays, but updates on Fridays and pages are in full color.
Sandra and Woo
http://www.sandraandwoo.com/
An adorable little comic with shorts about a raccoon named Woo and a girl named Sandra. There are both arcs and oneshots mixed together. Each arc/oneshot has a theme based off of whatever the author credits in the comment section. Definitely recommend to anyone who enjoyed Calvin and Hobbs. It usually updates about twice a week, around Wednesday and Friday. It used to be black and white, but they recently invested in a coloring artist.
GAIA
http://www.sandraandwoo.com/gaia/
Gaia is a fantasy comic that started about a month or two ago. It is from the creators of Sandra and Woo; hence the shared website. I recommend it because not only is the art well done, but it seems to have quite the potential. I'm not sure of the update schedule yet, but I'm pretty sure it's once a week minimum. Full color.
Artifice
http://webcomics.yaoi911.com/about/
Artifice is a science-fiction comic about an android soldier who falls in love with the "enemy". Seems interesting enough. There isn't really explicit buttsecks, but it's strong enough that I'd give it a PG-13 rating minimal. The comic updates on Saturdays, but lately the donators have been donating enough to make it come out consistently on Wednesdays as well (so twice weekly). Full color.
The Meek
http://www.meekcomic.com/about/
I have to say, this comic has a LOT of potential. It's relatively well written and the artwork is good. It's about a girl raised in a forest commune who has to save the world. However, it hasn't really progressed all that far in the past 3 years due to highly sporadic updates (sometimes spanning months with nothing new). Currently, the author seems to have a decent update schedule, but we'll see how long this lasts. Full color.
Sfeer Theory
http://sfeertheory.littlefoolery.com/index.html
Sfeer is pronounced "sphere", I think. I don't even know whether to classify this as a science fiction or a fantasy. It's essentially both, intermixed beautifully. Relatively well written with fantastic ideas regarding magic and artwork that makes you sigh. I'm not sure about the update schedule but it seems to be about once a week or so, maybe a week and a half. Full color.
Demon of the Underground
http://www.bob-artist.com/demon/archive.php
I'm not sure if there are shounen-ai themes as of yet (it's hinted in a character description, but not in the comic yet), but it's essentially a science-fiction about the underground networks and black markets of Chicago. Pogo literally falls into this world and has to make it on his own, with his new friend Annie. Updates on Mondays and is done in pencil with splotches of significant color. Rated M (18+).
Oglaf
http://www.oglaf.com/archive/
Definitely 18+ as it's essentially sex comedy. Apparently it started as porn but failed miserably at keeping any serious tone. Gotta say, I genuinely feel sorry for the apprentice. Recommended because it makes me laugh. Full color and updates on Sundays (like today).
Always Raining Here
http://alwaysraininghere.smackjeeves.com/news/
An adorable shounen-ai about a male who recently realized he's gay and wants a f-buddy. However, the only other available gay male has no interest. Not big on high school drama, but this is adorable. Written by Canadians (so there are a couple cultural differences), in color and updates Thursdays.
Zombie Waffe
http://www.zombiewaffe.com/home/
A zombie apocalypse comic with a male main character trying to skillfully work his way out of the hell life's become. Usually in full color with somewhat sporadic updates and I'd rate it PG-13 for gore and some sexual themes (all implied).
Loki
http://loki.smackjeeves.com/
Loki is an interesting western/fantasy comic with no currently apparent plot nearly 3 chapters in. One character is likely gay or bi (there is a racy scene with buttsecks). However, it seems to have just started getting really interesting. The art is in partial color and updates about once a week, sometimes more. I'd rate it PG-13.
Powernap
http://www.powernapcomic.com/archives.html
A science-fiction comic about a man allergic to a pill that makes everyone never need to sleep and strange things have started appearing. Definitely recommend to anyone who's ever suffered from insomnia. It hasn't progressed too far, but I'd rate it around a PG-13 for possible future stuff. Pages in full color and updates sporadically.
The Fox Sister
http://www.thefoxsister.com/news.php
A Korean-mythology themed comic about a woman and her dog searching for her Kuniho sister so that she may kill her and avenge her family. Looks promising, but isn't too far alone in the plot. I'd rate probably a PG-13 for future violence; pages in full color and updates on Thursdays with occasional double updates.
Unsounded
http://www.casualvillain.com/Unsounded/comic+index
I love this comic. It's a fantasy centering on a girl with a tail and a man that is sort of dead. At first, I wasn't sure it was going to be all that great because the first chapter feels somewhat rushed with 2-D characters (I feel like it was written before the author had fully developed her sense of the characters). BUT, it is currently rather far along (I think it's nearly 250 pages?) and the character development after the first chapter is rather significant. You're essentially learning with the two main characters, Duane and Sette (neither know all that much about the other). There are other characters of importance, but they haven't been developed as significantly as the other two yet. DEFINITELY recommend. Updates MWF, in full color and I'd rate PG-13 and maybe R (16+) for more mature themes.
Spindrift
http://www.spindrift-comic.com/index.php
It's a fantasy comic with a lot of potential, but it just started in October. That being said, the artwork is great and build-up is fantastic, but it's only a few pages in after the prologue. In full color with pages released on a weekly basis. At least a PG-13 rating.
Tea House
http://teahousecomic.com/news.htmlTea House is a delightful comic about a brothel of the same name. It's 18+ for obvious plot-related reasons. The artwork is spectacular, the characters with unique personalities and back stories and the buttsecks...is buttsecks. A must-read for any yaoi fan. Updates every Wednesday, unless otherwise specified. Pages done in full color.
STARFIGHTER
http://starfightercomic.com/index.phpA science fiction comic about Cain and Abel. There is rather naughty buttsecks and the author is absolutely adorable. Again, it's 18+ (sorry minors). It's currently on a little hiatus as the artist is working on some sort of comic related project. Updates sporadically with pages in a odd, but unique sort of color format.
STRAYS
http://www.straysonline.com/An interesting fantasy comic about a mercenary and a young girl. For those that love slowly revealed worldly bits, this is a great comic. With every couple pages, I'm left wondering about something that happened. Lots of relationship building (and not in a pervy way, as some weird people keep getting excited over an estimated 26 year old "caring" for a 12 year old. It's a sibling-like relationship, idiots). Currently on a hiatus until January 6th because one of the creators is home for the holidays, but updates on Fridays and pages are in full color.
Sandra and Woo
http://www.sandraandwoo.com/An adorable little comic with shorts about a raccoon named Woo and a girl named Sandra. There are both arcs and oneshots mixed together. Each arc/oneshot has a theme based off of whatever the author credits in the comment section. Definitely recommend to anyone who enjoyed Calvin and Hobbs. It usually updates about twice a week, around Wednesday and Friday. It used to be black and white, but they recently invested in a coloring artist.
GAIA
http://www.sandraandwoo.com/gaia/
Gaia is a fantasy comic that started about a month or two ago. It is from the creators of Sandra and Woo; hence the shared website. I recommend it because not only is the art well done, but it seems to have quite the potential. I'm not sure of the update schedule yet, but I'm pretty sure it's once a week minimum. Full color.
Artifice
http://webcomics.yaoi911.com/about/Artifice is a science-fiction comic about an android soldier who falls in love with the "enemy". Seems interesting enough. There isn't really explicit buttsecks, but it's strong enough that I'd give it a PG-13 rating minimal. The comic updates on Saturdays, but lately the donators have been donating enough to make it come out consistently on Wednesdays as well (so twice weekly). Full color.
The Meek
http://www.meekcomic.com/about/I have to say, this comic has a LOT of potential. It's relatively well written and the artwork is good. It's about a girl raised in a forest commune who has to save the world. However, it hasn't really progressed all that far in the past 3 years due to highly sporadic updates (sometimes spanning months with nothing new). Currently, the author seems to have a decent update schedule, but we'll see how long this lasts. Full color.
Sfeer Theory
http://sfeertheory.littlefoolery.com/index.htmlSfeer is pronounced "sphere", I think. I don't even know whether to classify this as a science fiction or a fantasy. It's essentially both, intermixed beautifully. Relatively well written with fantastic ideas regarding magic and artwork that makes you sigh. I'm not sure about the update schedule but it seems to be about once a week or so, maybe a week and a half. Full color.
Demon of the Underground
http://www.bob-artist.com/demon/archive.phpI'm not sure if there are shounen-ai themes as of yet (it's hinted in a character description, but not in the comic yet), but it's essentially a science-fiction about the underground networks and black markets of Chicago. Pogo literally falls into this world and has to make it on his own, with his new friend Annie. Updates on Mondays and is done in pencil with splotches of significant color. Rated M (18+).
Oglaf
http://www.oglaf.com/archive/
Definitely 18+ as it's essentially sex comedy. Apparently it started as porn but failed miserably at keeping any serious tone. Gotta say, I genuinely feel sorry for the apprentice. Recommended because it makes me laugh. Full color and updates on Sundays (like today).
Always Raining Here
http://alwaysraininghere.smackjeeves.com/news/
An adorable shounen-ai about a male who recently realized he's gay and wants a f-buddy. However, the only other available gay male has no interest. Not big on high school drama, but this is adorable. Written by Canadians (so there are a couple cultural differences), in color and updates Thursdays.
Zombie Waffe
http://www.zombiewaffe.com/home/
A zombie apocalypse comic with a male main character trying to skillfully work his way out of the hell life's become. Usually in full color with somewhat sporadic updates and I'd rate it PG-13 for gore and some sexual themes (all implied).
Loki
http://loki.smackjeeves.com/
Loki is an interesting western/fantasy comic with no currently apparent plot nearly 3 chapters in. One character is likely gay or bi (there is a racy scene with buttsecks). However, it seems to have just started getting really interesting. The art is in partial color and updates about once a week, sometimes more. I'd rate it PG-13.
Powernap
http://www.powernapcomic.com/archives.html
A science-fiction comic about a man allergic to a pill that makes everyone never need to sleep and strange things have started appearing. Definitely recommend to anyone who's ever suffered from insomnia. It hasn't progressed too far, but I'd rate it around a PG-13 for possible future stuff. Pages in full color and updates sporadically.
The Fox Sister
http://www.thefoxsister.com/news.php
A Korean-mythology themed comic about a woman and her dog searching for her Kuniho sister so that she may kill her and avenge her family. Looks promising, but isn't too far alone in the plot. I'd rate probably a PG-13 for future violence; pages in full color and updates on Thursdays with occasional double updates.
Unsounded
http://www.casualvillain.com/Unsounded/comic+index
I love this comic. It's a fantasy centering on a girl with a tail and a man that is sort of dead. At first, I wasn't sure it was going to be all that great because the first chapter feels somewhat rushed with 2-D characters (I feel like it was written before the author had fully developed her sense of the characters). BUT, it is currently rather far along (I think it's nearly 250 pages?) and the character development after the first chapter is rather significant. You're essentially learning with the two main characters, Duane and Sette (neither know all that much about the other). There are other characters of importance, but they haven't been developed as significantly as the other two yet. DEFINITELY recommend. Updates MWF, in full color and I'd rate PG-13 and maybe R (16+) for more mature themes.
Spindrift
http://www.spindrift-comic.com/index.php
It's a fantasy comic with a lot of potential, but it just started in October. That being said, the artwork is great and build-up is fantastic, but it's only a few pages in after the prologue. In full color with pages released on a weekly basis. At least a PG-13 rating.
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