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I spent fifteen minutes of my life making lightsaber sounds after assembling a crude mockup with a cardboard tube and a mini-bat. Remember kids, I'll be considered a legal adult in two months.

"Not if I can help it!" I declare, whilst helping myself to another slice of leftover pizza for breakfast.

b'dm tss I like zoos. As you acknowledge, you're quite big on the safari idea, but the long and short of it is - as Pomegranate mentioned - that for the majority of people a trip to Africa for a safari is nowhere near so feasible as is a trip to the zoo. Zoos grant the general public a convenient manner in which to see and learn about animals - an effective combination, since most people learn most effectively if they experience what they're learning about. In regards to point three, that mostly depends on the time of day you go, doesn't it? In lovely South Florida, at least, animals tend to be most active in the early morning to avoid the heat of the day.

The impact Templar's work has had on BIONICLE and on me personally is immense. I think one can safely say it simply wouldn't be the same without them. By focusing on the Matoran, the story simply felt more natural, more human. The Matoran weren't just plot devices that only existed to be rescued by the heroes, they were characters with depth and emotions you could identify with. In fact, I feel that identifying with a Matoran was easier than with a Toa, especially for children, which may also be because of the slightly childish attitude the Matoran sometimes had (which made them even more sympathetic). -Gata

I like zoos, myself. Obviously many zoos in the past have been extremely exploitative, treating animals like a spectacle, pets, or even living trophies rather than like residents who are entitled to the same benefits they might experience in the wild. Today, I feel that a number of zoos have a far more egalitarian goal of increasing public awareness of biology, environmental science, and the beauty and wonder of the natural world. And as long as their animals are treated well I think that is admirable. It should be noted that my particular favorite zoo, the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., is run by the Smithsonian Institution, which is non-profit, so they're not prone to the same conflicts of interest as a for-profit zoo or attraction like Sea World. Admission to the National Zoo is completely free, and money made from parking and donations is spent on things like animal care, animal research, and wildlife conservation (and obviously wages for the scientists and caretakers they employ). I take issue with the idea that "if people want to go see animals from exotic places in the world, they should go to wildlife preserves in those parts of the world." It'd be amazing if this were possible for everyone. Unfortunately, it simply isn't. Very few people are wealthy enough to go on a globe-trotting adventure, particularly to very remote areas of the world where certain animals can be found. But just because people can't go to the Arctic to see the polar bears doesn't mean they shouldn't be aware of such animals and the environmental plights they face. It goes without saying that zoos that are guilty of serious ethical missteps, like maltreatment of their animals, should face consequences including the transfer of animals that are considered to be at risk to more reputable zoos, or preparation for release into the wild if it is possible. Also, zoos that remove endangered or threatened animals from the wild to put them on public display are extremely morally suspect unless they have a long-term plan for reintroduction of those species to the wild.

Zoos are for entertainment and stuff, but they are also for research and for wildlife preservation. Breeding and population control are very important, especially with poaching still being a big problem for some inconceivable reason. There are a lot of different kinds of zoos out there and not all of them fit the same purpose, but in general they are as good for the animals as they are for business. Sometimes animals just are not safe out in the wild on their own, and those born in captivity are already lacking the skills they need to survive out there. Yeah, sometimes they ain't treated so great and it's sad to look at them, but there's no universal constant. Some zoos are very good places and and some are very bad places and some are just kinda... places. And they do need to get money from SOMEWHERE to take care of all those animals, it's not necessarily entirely business. The sad truth is that we don't live in an ideal world, and it's necessary to keep some animals in zoos and although often times it's not even necessary, it's just something we do for a lot of different reasons. Some bad, but most good. Nothing is black and white. Also, would you rather shell out a couple dollars to go to see animals in a zoo, or pay hundreds or thousands for a plane or bus ticket to go see them "for free" in the wild?

Editorials As Summer approaches and the hold of schools on our players' lives begins to diminish the RPG has seen a rising of the tide. It's rather enjoyable to have some older players like The Doc come back and pull beloved favorites out of the closet for a little dusting off and curb stomping. In the larger scope of things the main plots seem to be moving forward as well: we've got the party happening soon, the Piraka are laying waste to a town, and in the past couple weeks we've even seen the use of antidermis ("supervillain steroids" to quote last week's podcast). Likewise the smaller plots are pushing forward and it's great to watch the events unfold. I really want to give a shout out to Toa Fanixe for his writing for this week. From the 2012 arc to today Fanixe has just exploded in writing style and RP prowess and I almost greedily wait for each Kulrik post. In all, this has been a good week for the game. We've seen some old faces return, we've had a couple new faces pop by and make profiles, and we've had plots pushing forward. Now, what's this about the new sections? First is the section you're reading now: Editorials. It doesn't sound like much when it's just me typing away, but Editorials is so much more! Send me a PM with things you're feeling for each week as they pass and I'll put your words in the Weekly. That even counts for THIS WEEK too. How cool is that? Yeah, pretty cool. Maybe I'll even do some form of avant garde collage out of it all, you never know. The second section is Media, which is more or less exactly what that word implies. Any art, podcasts, music, flash photography, or interpretive dances (etc., etc...) related to the BZPRPG with a credible link will be listed in one convenient place. Wondering if Demitsorou has thrown out another little piece of ambrosia to tickle your imagination? Check Media. Looking for Hubert's manly voice? Check Media. Want to see me making unlicensed portraits? Check media. Until next week, Kughii I feel like this week has been one of the slower ones that we're unfortunately used to at the moment, things have been set in motion, but there has't been any payoff. Here's to a better next week. ~Geardirector News and Events KENTOKU ARCHIPELAGO Amaki attempted to hide her speechless joy at when invited to play drums for the Chōjo at the masquerade. Daijuno mooched a pass from Amaki to the masquerade. Soraya bade Mako and Soraph a good day and attended to her other customers in the pre-party flurry. Yumiwa was surprised by a visit from her mother, Rora Yusanora. Yumia was assigned to act on the Rora's behalf during an expedition to Mata-Nui after the masquerade party. Toroshu Noshima invited her Hogo clanswoman Akone to join her for the masquerade after putting Kamari in charge of the security. Toroshu Kilanya received her invitation to the masquerade and first son Kulrik offered to travel together to the party. She declined on the grounds of not wanting to be seen as courting. Lorekeeper Gotsoko revealed the past of the Dasakan empire. Once warlords, male warriors with armies under their control, ruled the five islands. They left destruction and chaos in their wake until the women rose up against the men and took the reins of civilization. The first Rora and Toroshus came about as a means of bringing peace and harmony to a shattered world. Kwaiya began to question the legitimacy of the Dasaka empire's claims of peace and order after listening to Ankora and the Lorekeeper. Vildas Mako and Soraph took a walk in Sado's evening light. Vilda first son Kulrik began to settle his differences with Nahila, the guard captain of Mahuika Hall, with a personal duel. Instead of using the magical blade he had found Kulrik conjured a soulsword rapier. While Hanako polished Yumiwa's armor in the morning they discussed the Chōjo's relationship with her little sister, and men. KINI-NUI Greisk and Syvra dueled in the deep. TA-WAHI Avak and Vezok congregated inside the Lavapool ruins. Zelvin and Elysi arrived to the scene of the explosion and made plans to ambush the two Piraka present, eventually also recruiting Jolek Highwind for the mission. Aurum bought a load of weapons from Stronin. Angelus revealed to Kino his love of Bacon, the Kini Nui battle is brought up. The Toa Maru arrived in Ta-Koro, moving by rooftops while they prepared a plan against the Piraka. Guardsmen Turo and Loren both got up close to the Piraka. While Turo eavesdropped Loren kicked in the door, before being pulled away by Jolek. Mariko met DJ at the Ta-Koro Hospital. GA-WAHI Toa Aitua Kehua arrived in Ga-Koro and after helping a few citizens with tasks gained a favorable public image. He retreated to the Great Takea for lunch and was served by Rhea. Liano and Barthel Deliresi fought to the finish. Liano won, but Barthel learned from the sparring session as his conscious left for a short while. Mar and Avier began speaking outside the Great Takea. Treize examined her ship at Nokama Dock. Open for interaction. LE-WAHI Skyra and Mihlra caught up with each other. Colx and Vrina decided to begin swapping stories. Shadowstalker escaped Jrahann and Asuno and headed into the Jungle. KO-WAHI The Maru learned of the Piraka's attack on Ta-Koro. After a quick discussion they traveled via Hiko to the fight. Cetis began to build what may become a village in The Drifts. Riaril left her hospital in search of news. She stopped Ferron in the streets but he had nothing to offer. Open for interaction. ONU-WAHI Cetis punched trees. Kehuri arrived home to find Naru awake. PO-WAHI Two members of the Toa Sarsi continued their search for a loose killer. Vail and Voulge traveled to the old district of Po-Koro and spoke with a few shady individuals. Thentyle brought Kriigata up to speed on the happenings of the Brotherhood. 88 pondered where he could find a printing press. Rannin arrived from Ga-Wahi, having been hired temporarily for an upcoming kohlii game. MEDIA The BZPRPG Podcast, went live! Listen to Krayzikk, Tyler, Fabulous Sunshine, Mask, and Onarax discuss the skakdi in Ta-Koro, the Dasaka, and whether or not a full-scale war between island civilizations would be an fun. (Warning, the podcast is over an hour long. Please be prepared with snacks. The jokes get better halfway in.) Prei, by Demitsorou. Toroshu Kilanya, by Demitsorou Ferron, by Demitsorou Rhea Heartsflame (several images), by Kughii Joske Nimil, by Kughii

Greetings all! I'd like to submit my entry into this year's contest. Best of luck to all who enter this year. 2014 BZPower T-Shirt Contest Design

Nope, never. I constantly watch my peers struggle and fail and despair. And while I'm not always blatant about it, I laugh and I laugh and I laugh. XD Don't get me wrong. I get angry and worked up and sad and disgusted about plenty of things, most of them political. Feeling sorry for other people, though... it takes a lot to get that out of me. You'd have to really be struggling. As for shame, well... I think we all have those memories that keep us lying awake some nights, correct?

First things first, I volunteer at the Saint Louis Zoo, so write me off for bias if you must. But I think my points are still valid. Zoos began as entertainment, yes, and they still serve that function for the majority of the public. People (mostly parents with kids, of course) come to see cool and exotic animals that they wouldn't otherwise see. Note that the Saint Louis Zoo's admission is absolutely free -- that makes it more accessible for everyone. (Of course, the food and merchandise is way pricey to make up for that, but still.) The difference is that -- at least at my zoo -- people come for entertainment, and they walk away with knowledge. I volunteer in the Education Department, and our whole thing is information. Some of the above commentators are right; zoos are kinda boring. The animals aren't running around killing each other like you see on nature documentaries. They live pretty decent, well-fed lives, so there isn't a lot of excitement. But start telling guests about all the cool adaptations and behaviors these animals use, and they get hooked. Guests love to hear about how cool animals are in the wild. This is the point where you can talk about the problems they face -- not just from natural predators or hazards, but from pollution, poaching, and other human maladies. That's very saddening to people. Gorillas are getting killed because we mine cell phone components from their forests? Oh, no! That's when the important stuff comes in. These gorillas live half a world away, yes. But ordinary guests can still do something about it. It's simple -- just recycle their cellphones instead of throwing them away. That keeps some of those crucial components available for reuse, reducing the drive for miners to encroach on gorilla habitats. My zoo has a phone recycling bin right next to the gorilla exhibit, for just this purpose. It doesn't take with everyone, but many people will remember that and think more carefully about their cell phones in future. And it's not just us volunteers and educators. The whole zoo is covered in signs, videos, and other modes of information communication, all with the end goal of promoting conservation and environmentalism. Obviously, there's plenty going on behind the scenes, as well; I've been helping to care for American burying beetles in the Insectarium, and next month we'll be releasing them into the wild. That's why zoos are so important. In this day and age, they don't exist to entertain. They exist to educate and inform.

Yesterday I wrote a blog entry about what Bionicle did for me. I finished it, looked at it and deleted everything. It was just over emotional and cliche garbage. So I scrapped it. Then, earlier today, I watched the Bohrok Animations for the first time(Yes I know, tie me to a cross and burn the blasphemous). But while watching it I realised. Screw what Bionicle did for me. What about what Templar Studios did for Bionicle? They made the characters of Bionicle not just boring robotic heroes, but actually beings that had compassion just like people. My favorite scene in the whole of any MNOG product was the Po-Koro scene in the Bohrok animations. So much is happening with the characters in such a short space of time and its gread. First of we have a bit of humour when Hafu realises he has to break down his statues. I want to point out MNOG humour is just the best. But that humour soon vanishes as we actually see Hafu breaking down his sculptures in order to same Po-Koro leaving him trapped on the outside. Then we cut to Hewkii screaming about Hafu. So we see, just by that these two have a strong friendship. I think I love the fact that Hafu knows hes going to die in this scene and he is willing to sacrifice himself(and his pride and joy) to save his home and the Matoran inside. If thats not Bad*** I dont know what it. But then Pohatu saves the day by getting Hafu back into Po-Koro with the help of Hewkii. Then the two Matoran hug each other which is actually really touching. I know it may sound a little far fetched but Im not sot sure if the Bionicle story would be what it was if not for MNOG. I actually think they single-handedly set the tone of Bionicle with providing a template for the atmosphere. It also made us aware that these were characters on not just toys

I've always thought that zoos were extremely smelly, inherently disgusting, and profoundly boring endeavors.

Run for your lives!

I feel bad I came in late this year, but I am really glad she won. ^^ (and no worries. I never care about spoilers with Eurovision. I only started getting into it like three years ago) Fun story, while I was catching up on the other songs (not totally up to speed yet), after rewatching Conchita's very heartwarming performance I decided to follow that up with France's song for the contest. My face: o_____e

I've heard some complaints about Seaworld, but have yet to do the research to see if they hold water. But I mostly agree with Pomogranate.

Yeah, Templar had a huge impact on BIONICLE. The fact that they focused their attention on the Matoran rather than the story's designated heroes is significant enough on its own, but beyond that they brilliantly balanced all of the values that defined BIONICLE. I honestly still feel that the Mata Nui Online Game is the single best vehicle for storytelling and world-building in any LEGO theme, and certainly the best LEGO game with regard to how well it told a story and established a world. Sometimes I wish that modern themes like Ninjago had an adventure game like the Mata Nui Online Game to let you experience their world firsthand. For that matter, there are lots of non-LEGO franchises that could benefit from an adventure game of that caliber. It made me happy to discover the Professor Layton and Ace Attorney franchises in the past couple years, because those have a lot of the same heart-wrenching, pulse-pounding adventure gameplay and storytelling as the Mata Nui Online Game. It's good to see adventure games aren't entirely out of style. But it seems like today marketers for story-driven franchises are more than content to leave the storytelling to non-interactive media and promote the franchises with simple, casual action and puzzle games. I suppose that in some respects, that should be respected, as even before the Mata Nui Online Game, a lot of licensed video games were utter garbage which failed to do justice to the franchise they were supposed to promote. But at the same time, I miss the Mata Nui Online Game's irreplaceable experience of discovering a new and fantastic world from the inside. Templar's later animations also deserve great respect. Not only were they beautiful on an aesthetic level, but they told great, episodic stories and gave the characters a real sense of humanity. The Mata Nui Online Game II was not as great an achievement as its predecessor — gameplay was not only buggy but also extremely repetitive, and the worlds were not quite as immersive from a fixed-angle, third-person perspective — but what the Mata Nui Online Game and the subsequent animations did for the Matoran as individuals, Mata Nui Online Game II did for them as a culture. The way that each tribe derived their own principle from the Three Virtues, and then derived a Kolhii skill from that principle, was carried out quite elegantly, as was the diversity of careers held by the Matoran of each village. It's a shame no later BIONICLE games were ever really able to live up to these high standards.

The thought of growing old just weirds me out to the point where I don't want to think about it. Heck, I can't even think about. I don't even know where I'll be ten years from now, much less 40-50.

spend less on candles

I love my girl. Now that I've gotten that out of my system by announcing it to the world, someone please continue searching for a like button. -Dovydas

Okay, might as well use the old "quote and then add personal comments in bold" method, seeing as I have a lot to reply to.