http://browse.deviantart.com/journals/?order=5&q=by%3AM-Skirvin deviantART RSS for in:journals sort:time by:M-Skirvin en-us Copyright 2013, deviantART.com Tue, 21 May 2013 06:42:21 PDT deviantART.com http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://st.deviantart.net/minish/widgets/apple-touch-icon-precomposed.png http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Go-Here-Now-347598299 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Go-Here-Now-347598299 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 09:37:39 PST Go Here Now... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2013 ~M-Skirvin
http://www.adobe.com/downloads/cs2_downloads/index.html

Select the right one for your OS and machine and make sure you copy the activation code too.  This is a LEGAL download, so get your hinders over there ASAP and get a real New Year's goodie.

I've had some MAJOR computer issues come across my table which I hope will be resolved very very soon.  Then I can get post some lovely new art.....

Love you all,

Happy New Years!  A bit belatedly.... ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Some-Newsy-Bits-339296188 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Some-Newsy-Bits-339296188 Fri, 23 Nov 2012 10:10:07 PST Some Newsy Bits.... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
I know I've been absent...  Sorry about that.  I've been sooooo frickin' busy and occupado that I am delinquent on a number of fronts.  This all happened because I let several big events go by without cleaning/putting away/clearing space/unpacking, so now I'm awash in things that need doing.  It's my own dang fault for getting distracted by the Sims 3.....  But it's so much fun....  Sigh.  It's kind of like chocolate.  Why is something that tastes soooo good so bad for you?  The Sims is the same way.  It's so much fun but it's bad for my schedules.  Urgh.

Anyway, enough dissembling.  Here's some bits ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/I-ve-Been-Outdone-334303096 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/I-ve-Been-Outdone-334303096 Thu, 25 Oct 2012 15:25:13 PDT I've Been Outdone... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
And just in time for Halloween too!  This is a link to some truly SCARY treats that only the most determined zombies could enjoy.  Scroll down to see all they have up so far.  Some are truly .....um.... realistic. Heh.   Maybe these will be good inspiration for Halloween goodies to try making......

They even did the Jello in petri dishes like I did years ago!

Enjoy and Happy Halloween!  (Evil laugh....XDXD)

http://eatyourheartout2012.tumblr.com/ ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Still-Absent-But-Hopefully-Not-For-Long-331864937 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Still-Absent-But-Hopefully-Not-For-Long-331864937 Thu, 11 Oct 2012 11:30:41 PDT Still Absent, But Hopefully Not For Long... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
Do you know WHY vampires were supposed to be afraid of silver, and why they don't reflect in mirrors?

It turns out that both are related.  Years ago, mirrors were made using silver, which gave them their reflective surface.  And silver became the bane of evil because Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' twelve apostles, received 60 silver coins in exchange for betraying him.  That evil deed meant that silver would always represent the betrayal of evil aga ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Envy-of-the-Highest-Order-330352288 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Envy-of-the-Highest-Order-330352288 Tue, 02 Oct 2012 11:26:58 PDT Envy of the Highest Order.... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
Enjoy!  http://je-nny.livejournal.com/1940322.html ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Almost-There-330210911 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Almost-There-330210911 Mon, 01 Oct 2012 13:32:45 PDT Almost There... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
Before I get around to bringing NEW art to the table, here is an article that just might make the Kagome fans rethink how they do their costumes.  This girl has come up with a way to look like an anime character more effectively than most I've seen.  I can't say I advocate starving yourself (don't wreck your health over anime ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Double-Dog-Dang-It-328284732 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Double-Dog-Dang-It-328284732 Thu, 20 Sep 2012 14:17:41 PDT Double Dog Dang It... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
(Insert all kinds of cuss words here.)

I don't need this at all, but then, it's always that way, so railing about it is fruitless.  Trust that I will be banging on this problem until I get my Frankensteinian beast up and running again.  Until then, I may be absent a little longer than I had hoped.

I WILL be back soon!  I swear!

In the meantime, my leg is gradually getting better and I have been working to strengthen the muscles so that it won't happen again.  Still aches a little at the knee j ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Wither-Hast-Thou-Gone-327720813 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Wither-Hast-Thou-Gone-327720813 Mon, 17 Sep 2012 07:31:39 PDT Wither Hast Thou Gone?.... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
Sooooo, where have I been lately?

Well, I just did the Chicago Worldcon, and that was a big time sink.  For one thing, I messed up my knee really bad two days before the convention, which was entirely unexpected and a major hassle.  I had gone down the stairs to get the mail, and on the way back up something in my left knee went "bang" and suddenly I couldn't walk anymore on that leg.  It felt like a tendon had snapped and I was in loads and loads of pain.  Two days before a five day event....Argh!

I spent the first two days drugged up and in the hotel room, playing games on my Nintendo DS and sleeping.  By the third day, ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Some-Cool-Tutorial-Videos-and-Tesla-323991564 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Some-Cool-Tutorial-Videos-and-Tesla-323991564 Tue, 28 Aug 2012 17:13:26 PDT Some Cool Tutorial Videos and Tesla!! nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
Some of the books have been reprinted, and better still, there's a new series of videos that use the books as a basis for tutorials!  I've seen one of them, and I must say, they are easy to understand and have the potential to make it much easier to draw heads and faces!  Here's the link:  http://www.proko.com/  If for some reason the link doesn't work, jus ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Goodbye-Neil-Armstrong-323351352 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Goodbye-Neil-Armstrong-323351352 Sat, 25 Aug 2012 13:46:49 PDT Goodbye Neil Armstrong nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
Statement from the Family of Neil A. Armstrong

Saturday, August 25, 2012

"We are heartbroken to share the news that Neil Armstrong has passed away following complications resulting from cardiovascular procedures.

Neil was our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.

Neil Armstrong was also a reluctant American hero who always believed he was just doing his job. He served his Nation proudly, as a navy fighter pilot, test pilot, and astronaut. He also found success back home in his native Ohio in business and academia, and became a community leader in Cincinnati.

He remained an advocate of aviation and exp ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Antique-Japanese-Images-323344909 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Antique-Japanese-Images-323344909 Sat, 25 Aug 2012 13:13:58 PDT Antique Japanese Images nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Picking-Off-the-Nitwits-323307318 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Picking-Off-the-Nitwits-323307318 Sat, 25 Aug 2012 09:44:14 PDT Picking Off the Nitwits.... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
I have spent far too long writing back and forth with a Kagome fan who was one of the annoying ilk "everybody knows they did"....  It must be a trait of tender years, but this abject nonsense of INSISTING that everyone has to see it the (very limited) way they do is nothing short of teeth-grindingly irritating.  I want soooooo badly to expose this person to rightfully earned public humiliation, but, I am a grownup, and it's required that I try to be more tolerant.  So, I won't name names.  But, I do hope that they see this and know themselves to be the nitwit they are.

Yes, nitwit.  When you take the "my way or nothing" p ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Picking-Off-the-Nitwits-323307122 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Picking-Off-the-Nitwits-323307122 Sat, 25 Aug 2012 09:43:05 PDT Picking Off the Nitwits.... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
I have spent far too long writing back and forth with a Kagome fan who was one of the annoying ilk "everybody knows they did"....  It must be a trait of tender years, but this abject nonsense of INSISTING that everyone has to see it the (very limited) way they do is nothing short of teeth-grindingly irritating.  I want soooooo badly to expose this person to rightfully earned public humiliation, but, I am a grownup, and it's required that I try to be more tolerant.  So, I won't name names.  But, I do hope that they see this and know themselves to be the nitwits they are.

Yes, nitwit.  When you take the "my way or nothing" ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/On-My-Wanted-List-323144397 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/On-My-Wanted-List-323144397 Fri, 24 Aug 2012 13:27:18 PDT On My Wanted List... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
:thumb77053778:
and
:thumb77053024:

The one German place I found that carried these would not ship to the US for some reason.  Argh!

Now I know that this set is probably well into being rare, but I'm putting out a request.  If anyone can help me get one of these, that would be completely awesome!  I will pay costs, shipping, etc. to the US.  So please, please let me know if you know of a place I can go for one!  And I do pla ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Moar-Llamas-322724305 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Moar-Llamas-322724305 Wed, 22 Aug 2012 10:06:25 PDT Moar Llamas! nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
And I'll give them for free.  No points necessary.  If you have friends who want them, tell them to come here.  They'll get a llama too.

Llamas for everybody!!

Why?  Because I said so. XDXDXD ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Another-Time-Travel-Story-322201030 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Another-Time-Travel-Story-322201030 Sun, 19 Aug 2012 17:36:50 PDT Another Time Travel Story... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
All the characters are well written and extremely well-played, and I was especially taken with the ronin Sakamoto.  He's brash, impulsive, and full of life and I came to enjoy him quite a lot.  There were moments where despite his bravado and boisterousness, he shows great thought and sensitivity.  At those times, I just wanted to crush him in a ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/November-20-322046658 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/November-20-322046658 Sat, 18 Aug 2012 23:23:04 PDT November 20... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
Looks like this one will have six or possibly seven episodes, based on the run time.  Here's the data as posted on Amazon:

Format: Animated, Full Screen, Subtitled, Widescreen
Language: Japanese
Subtitles: English
Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1
Number of discs: 1
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Viz Media
DVD Release Date: November 20, 2012
Run Time: 325 minutes

At this time, the BluRay version is pricing out at:

List Price:  $54.98
Price:  $38.85 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping. Details
You Save:  $16.13 (29%)

The DVD version ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Passing-the-News-Along-321301552 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Passing-the-News-Along-321301552 Wed, 15 Aug 2012 07:25:54 PDT Passing the News Along.... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
Inuyasha: The Final Act had originally been simulcast on ShonenSunday.com and on Hulu. The full subtitled 26-episodes series is currently available on Viz Media's anime stream ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/We-Live-in-the-Future-321254759 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/We-Live-in-the-Future-321254759 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 23:00:19 PDT We Live in the Future... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
For those of you who are inclined musically, this website allows you to play with a sophisticated online replica of an analog sythesizer.  That's just mind-blowing, and it's free!

Or, how about this one:  https://tinkercad.com/home/

It's an online CAD program (free!) that lets you get your feet wet in a similar way to what Google SketchUP is doing.

More and more, it's possible for artists and creatives to find the software they need right online and that's simply amazing!  Couple the CAD site with a homebuilt 3-D printer, and you get some stunningly amazing things!  Ther ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Sucks-to-be-a-Vampire-eh-Edward-321104939 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Sucks-to-be-a-Vampire-eh-Edward-321104939 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 08:29:56 PDT Sucks to be a Vampire, eh Edward? nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
Soooo, the mushy dishrag character Bella is now discolored even more by betraying the man she fought so hard to get.  What a nitwit.

I don't feel much sympathy toward Edward either.  I could have warned him that she was bad news from the get go.....

Bella's going to lose a lot of fans today.... ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Visual-Tropes-320820894 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Visual-Tropes-320820894 Sun, 12 Aug 2012 20:44:39 PDT Visual Tropes... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
Here are the ones I want to beat on:

Red nose syndrome.  Some artists like to give their characters red noses.  I have no idea where the technique comes from, but it makes the character look like they are either very drunk, or they have a really bad cold.  Or perhaps they got punched in the nose.  This particular trope REALLY bugs me because it just looks so wrong.  A nose will be slightly red on the sides, but ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Olympics-Closing-Ceremonies-320795319 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Olympics-Closing-Ceremonies-320795319 Sun, 12 Aug 2012 18:12:47 PDT Olympics Closing Ceremonies nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
The audience LED display is mind blowing!!

Wow! ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Some-Art-is-Moving-320540036 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Some-Art-is-Moving-320540036 Sat, 11 Aug 2012 13:20:11 PDT Some Art is Moving.... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
As for this site, it will eventually contain only my fannish works with a strong emphasis on my love for InuYasha.

Thanks in advance for bearing with me, and hopefully, I'll have things settled down soon!

Now I have to get back to work!!! ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/For-Want-of-a-Tear-315049633 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/For-Want-of-a-Tear-315049633 Mon, 16 Jul 2012 09:56:54 PDT For Want of a Tear... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
They have no clue whatsoever as to how to write a truly good story.  The one exception to this rule is the Legend of Korra, which of course, stands head and shoulders above the riffraff.

I watch a LOT of cartoons and anime as I work, and I have this to say to the lack-wits who are trashing on anime a lot:

Get your head out of your ass!

I'm sick of the sanctimonious, self-aggrandizing that goes on in the American industry.  Ooooo ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Stream-Sketching-314930574 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Stream-Sketching-314930574 Sun, 15 Jul 2012 17:43:11 PDT Stream Sketching nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
Caveat:  I have a HUGE project looming, so my time here on DA and LiveStream will be quite limited for about two weeks.  BUT, I promise that there will me new eyecandy at the end of it all!

Thanks for watching!!  :heart: :heart:

______________

Had this image in my head of Inu no Taisho playing the part of Dumbledore....  So I'll try sketching it.....

For reference, I do this with no sound since I'm not set up for it....

http://www.livestream.com/inunotaishosartpractice?t=497098

F ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/A-Little-Bit-More-About-Saimyosho-and-Monk-Mummies-314685752 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/A-Little-Bit-More-About-Saimyosho-and-Monk-Mummies-314685752 Sat, 14 Jul 2012 13:23:45 PDT A Little Bit More About Saimyosho and Monk Mummies nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
By now, most of us know that the Saimyosho that appear in the InuYasha anime and manga are based loosely on the largest wasp in the world, the Japanese Tiger Wasp or vespa mandarina.  However, I did not address the way that Sesshomaru carries the beasties around early on in the series.

As in the screen cap above, Naraku gives Sesshomaru a softball sized sphere that has semicircular arcs  in the form of "scales" or layers on it.  This is based on real life wasp nests, though since the Tiger Wasp doesn't always create nests like this, finding pictures of a real one proved to be a bit of a challenge.

I stumbled across one whi ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Gift-For-My-Watchers-100-More-Stitched-Images-313810593 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Gift-For-My-Watchers-100-More-Stitched-Images-313810593 Tue, 10 Jul 2012 09:45:16 PDT Gift For My Watchers - 100 More Stitched Images! nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
I have many more stitches, but I may have to switch to a different account.  I've just about used up all my space on Flickr. XDXD

Here's a link to the goodies!  http://www.flickr.com/photos/64652339@N08/sets/72157626945947591/ ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Livestreaming-Again-For-a-Little-While-313507182 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Livestreaming-Again-For-a-Little-While-313507182 Sun, 08 Jul 2012 21:08:27 PDT Livestreaming Again For a Little While.... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
As always, thanks for watching! :boogie:

http://www.livestream.com/inunotaishosartpractice?t=497098

Just for a tiny bit.  Almost time for bed.... ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Oceanography-313487630 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Oceanography-313487630 Sun, 08 Jul 2012 19:18:12 PDT Oceanography... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
Here's the link: http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/okeanos/media/exstream/exstream_04.html

I'm not sure what they're up to, but they're busy this late at night.  Sometimes, they have the lights on out on deck and you can see all the equipment out there too.  There' ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/InuYasha-Stitched-Images-Recap-313390637 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/InuYasha-Stitched-Images-Recap-313390637 Sun, 08 Jul 2012 10:52:47 PDT InuYasha Stitched Images Recap... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
I have a photo account where I've been posting images that are "stitched" together from several frames of the anime.  They are images that would otherwise be difficult if not impossible to see.  For me, seeing some of the scenery in wide panoramas has really opened up InuYasha's world.  It makes it seem a lot more like a real place than it did before.

Even now, these images seem like secret "easter eggs" hidden within the speeding frames of the anime.  I think I will see about adding some more new images today....:D

http://www.flic ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Livestreaming-Again-For-a-Little-While-Again-312642733 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Livestreaming-Again-For-a-Little-While-Again-312642733 Wed, 04 Jul 2012 19:31:13 PDT Livestreaming Again For a Little While....Again... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
Save the link.  I'll be doing it again!  Hopefully soon!

http://www.livestream.com/inunotaishosartpractice?t=497098 ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/The-Silver-Lining-311678052 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/The-Silver-Lining-311678052 Sat, 30 Jun 2012 09:55:09 PDT The Silver Lining... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
After yesterday's stormage, I was resolved to spend this weekend cleaning, since I still needed to find my hat.  But, my husband was able to derail my plans.

He awoke me this morning by placing my beloved hat on my head!  He'd gotten up early and did some hunting around and found it in a box he'd put away.  How it got in there is a mystery to us both, but at least I have it back!!! :boogie:  I am a very happy camper!  I'm still going to invest in a backup hat though, since losing this one really messed me up.

For those who are curious, it's a "Jacaru" kangaroo leather hat.  I bought it at an American Indian powwow many yea ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Bugaboos-and-Free-Stuff-311452819 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Bugaboos-and-Free-Stuff-311452819 Fri, 29 Jun 2012 07:10:11 PDT Bugaboos and Free Stuff... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
I have this hat that I love...  It's a leather hat, and I've had it for more than ten years.  Maybe as long as twenty years.  I wear it everywhere, and never leave home without it.  If I do, I feel naked.

On Monday, my hat went missing.  I don't know how, or when.  It's just vanished into thin air.  My husband and I are tearing the house apart, since logic tells me it MUST be here somewhere.  Retracing our steps tells us this.  But so far, no joy in Mudville.

I'm a sad panda.

So this is why I have not been doing art.  I've been looking for my hat.  I need it to survive.  It is part of me.

Sounds nuts, do ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Courtly-Behaviour-310382083 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Courtly-Behaviour-310382083 Sun, 24 Jun 2012 09:03:32 PDT Courtly Behaviour... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
Lady Nijo, whose mother died when she was four, was raised by her father and other relatives, and at the age of fourteen, her father promised her to the then son of the Emperor as a consort/servant.  The Emperor's son, who was quit ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Doin-It-Right-Pronouncing-Tetsusaiga-310257709 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Doin-It-Right-Pronouncing-Tetsusaiga-310257709 Sat, 23 Jun 2012 16:38:27 PDT Doin' It Right....Pronouncing Tetsusaiga nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
Why?

It's wrong because there is a "sub" character in there that is an action, not a sound.  The letter for "tsu" can be found in two forms: large or small.  If it's large, or normal sized, you pronounce it.  BUT, if it's small, (like it is in te[tsu]saiga), then you DON'T pronounce it, but rather, you pause slightly.  Here's the straight dope from a blogger who lives in Japan and whose wife is Japanese:

"The Japanese language has a lot of unique features, like its syllable-based pronunciation system in which ka, ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/LiveStreaming-310228969 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/LiveStreaming-310228969 Sat, 23 Jun 2012 13:56:27 PDT LiveStreaming nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
Thanks for watching!!

For those who care to watch...http://www.livestream.com/inunotaishosartpractice?t=497098 ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Devious-Journal-Entry-310092818 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Devious-Journal-Entry-310092818 Fri, 22 Jun 2012 20:35:50 PDT Devious Journal Entry nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
Thanks for watching!!

_____

On again for a little while.  http://www.livestream.com/inunotaishosartpractice?t=497098
Something slightly different... ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/L-l-l-ivestreamin-309879165 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/L-l-l-ivestreamin-309879165 Thu, 21 Jun 2012 19:38:48 PDT L-l-l-ivestreamin'.... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
-------------

Because I can...

Sorry if it's boring.:D ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Research-Help-Needed-309538427 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Research-Help-Needed-309538427 Wed, 20 Jun 2012 07:12:42 PDT Research Help Needed... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
So, the next time you have some spare time, and feel like watching an episode for me, watch carefully and just note down the episode number and the creatures you saw.  I'll do the rest.  I'm especially interested in appearances (not just sounds) of the eagle th ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Livestreaming-Again-For-a-Little-While-309467138 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Livestreaming-Again-For-a-Little-While-309467138 Tue, 19 Jun 2012 19:53:16 PDT Livestreaming Again For a Little While.... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
_____________

Going to play with painting a bit more this evening, so might as well stream it....

Can't play for long though....http://www.livestream.com/inunotaishosartpractice?t=497098 ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Livestream-Test-309324005 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Livestream-Test-309324005 Tue, 19 Jun 2012 06:36:39 PDT Livestream Test... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
Thanks for watching!!

_____________

Okay, so I'm going to try doing a Livestream today, while I work on "Icing On The Cake".

I'm just test driving, so I won't be taking requests.  This will just be a case of being able to watch me work for awhile.

Let's just see how this goes....http://www.livestream.com/inunotaishosartpractice?t=497098

Bear with me while I get the dang thing working.....

I'm up!!!

Okay.  That went fine, once I got it sorted.  I plan on going live again at 1:30 pm CST today for about an hour or ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Slight-Update-308723305 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Slight-Update-308723305 Sat, 16 Jun 2012 09:23:55 PDT Slight Update... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/I-m-Still-Here-Sort-Of-305679679 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/I-m-Still-Here-Sort-Of-305679679 Fri, 01 Jun 2012 08:22:22 PDT I'm Still Here, Sort Of... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
And so is the next one.   ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/I-ve-Been-a-Bit-Absent-303924583 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/I-ve-Been-a-Bit-Absent-303924583 Wed, 23 May 2012 12:09:53 PDT I've Been a Bit Absent... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
!.  I'm working on a new Paintool Sai tutorial featuring an InuYasha drawing.  It will be more about proper linework this time, but will be in color.  Lots of details on procedure in this one.

2.  My big action figures are not idle.  I currently have InuYasha dressed in formal houri and hakama, and honestly, he looks like he's a wealthy ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/An-OC-Meme-That-Sounded-Like-Fun-303397566 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/An-OC-Meme-That-Sounded-Like-Fun-303397566 Sun, 20 May 2012 16:38:30 PDT An OC Meme That Sounded Like Fun.... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
Done.

2. Fill in the questions/statements as if you were your OCs.

Righty-o.

(Sorry, I don't "tag" people, so I deleted that part.  Do the meme if it sounds fun instead. :D

====
From here, I get up out of my seat and let Jesse take over at the computer.

1. What is your name?
--> Jesse Loomis

2. Do you know why you were named that?
--> "Um, well, my family name goes back a long way.  My grandfather was named William Loomis.  Mom says he was a writer, and that he was keenly interested in the supernatural stuff.  She was the one who named me 'Jesse'.  She once told me secretly that it was because she used to li ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Toonami-on-Adult-Swim-is-Back-303376941 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Toonami-on-Adult-Swim-is-Back-303376941 Sun, 20 May 2012 14:49:45 PDT Toonami on Adult Swim is Back! nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
So once they get Toonami up and running again on May 26th, it COULD mean that InuYasha the Final Act will be aired at last.  That would be awesome.

And, in my honest opinion, Family Guy can't go away fast enough.  I LOATHE that show.....with a passion.  I will celebrate the day it falls into obscurity.  (Pardon me, my ire really gets going on this one...)

Look to the skies this evening!  There will be an annular eclipse!  Not everyone will see it though.  To check your area, go to www.spaceweather.com . They should have tran ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Learning-From-the-Masters-302137416 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Learning-From-the-Masters-302137416 Mon, 14 May 2012 13:29:39 PDT Learning From the Masters... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
So far, I've read about half of his BUDDHA series, and the DORORO compendium, the latter being a story spanning 844 pages.  In it, I see a lot of similarities between the writing styles of both artists, and it would not surprise me if I see that trend cover Tezuka's entire body of work.

Both BUDDHA and DORORO are brutally h ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Just-for-Grins-V-298483854 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Just-for-Grins-V-298483854 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 23:05:35 PDT Just for Grins V nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
Pon pon way pon pon :http://www.wimp.com/japanesepop/

And if you're still conscious after that mystifying melange of mayhem, then you might find the guys of Downtown pretty funny.  I still laugh till I get tears in my eyes when I watch this particular video, and I've seen it many times:

http://www.wimp.com/bequiet/

Downtown is a group of guys who do various forms of comedy and one thing they are most well known for is the 24-hour "batsu" games.  It works like this:  Five of the guys are assigned to visit a location or perform ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Just-for-Grins-IV-298296113 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Just-for-Grins-IV-298296113 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 20:55:46 PDT Just for Grins IV nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
I just LOVE their robots:  http://www.wimp.com/japaneserobots/

And check out Japan's costume competition called KASOU TAISHO: http://www.wimp.com/japanesecomedians/

The costumes are incredible and some are hilarious!  Plug "kasou taisho" into YouTube too!  It's very addictive! ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/The-One-True-Barnabas-Collins-297251084 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/The-One-True-Barnabas-Collins-297251084 Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:49:03 PDT The One True Barnabas Collins.... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
The man who brought the vampire character, Barnabas Collins, to life has passed away.  Jonathan Frid, the classically trained actor died on Friday, the thirteenth of April.  His family chose not to announce the news until now.

I LOVED  Barnabas, and I still do.  In the other room, I have a Barnabas wolf's head cane, a Barnabas ring, and a Josette's music box, along with an autographed photo that I got when he came to Fermilab to do a show.

He may not have wished for the kind of gothic fame the vampire brought to him, but he made that character live and breathe for me.

My OC Jesse has ties to Dark Shadows too.  Her last name is Loom ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Just-for-Grins-III-296724199 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Just-for-Grins-III-296724199 Tue, 17 Apr 2012 20:58:27 PDT Just for Grins III nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
And in case you feel the need to visit "WacDonald's" in Kagome's neighborhood, here is some commercials you may see on local TV in Japan....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqUi2sXoPEk&feature=related

Lookin' at the world through InuYasha-tinted shades....XDXDXDXD ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Fixed-It-296606122 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Fixed-It-296606122 Tue, 17 Apr 2012 08:20:35 PDT Fixed It... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
("embiggen" - a word coined by Homer Simpson, meaning to enlarge....XDXDXD) ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Holy-Crap-296249799 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Holy-Crap-296249799 Sun, 15 Apr 2012 11:01:09 PDT Holy Crap.... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
Back then, he and my OC Jesse used to have far more of a relationship than they do now.  I gave her loads of InuYasha sugar, and even a son with him, but again, I moved beyond that early enthusiasm and those aspects were toned waaaaay down, almost to non-existant.  I found that I wanted ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Tornado-Seminar-296032495 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Tornado-Seminar-296032495 Sat, 14 Apr 2012 10:40:54 PDT Tornado Seminar nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
My husband and I have been involved with the seminar in the past, and Tom Skilling is someone who is extremely well respected in the field.  He makes it easy to understand for ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Baby-Eagles-294073598 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Baby-Eagles-294073598 Wed, 04 Apr 2012 08:01:04 PDT Baby Eagles... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
The little white fuzz balls are just beginning to be curious about the world and peek out from under mom...SOOO cute, for a ruthless predator that is....

http://soaringcafe.com/2011/03/decorah-eagles-livecam/

Oh, and the roaring you hear in the sound is just wind over the microphone.  That high up in a tree, it's hard not to have that sound happen, so whe ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/WTF-quot-maru-quot-294026930 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/WTF-quot-maru-quot-294026930 Tue, 03 Apr 2012 22:29:52 PDT WTF ..."maru"? nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
To Quote:  (Read the whole thing....:D)
_________________

Yes, Japanese boys had -maru in their name ending as like Bonten-maru. But what it means, -maru? First of all, I answer the question. Maru means excreta, feces, excrement, lavatory or something dirty. Oh, Japanese boy has a excreta in their name?

Why Japanese parents name their baby "excreta"?
This custom "name -maru" was done in ancient(old) times. In ancient times, infant mortality was very high rate. Because there was not medi ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Yosh-294004857 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Yosh-294004857 Tue, 03 Apr 2012 19:34:41 PDT Yosh! nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
Enjoy! ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Children-in-Traditional-Japan-293654917 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Children-in-Traditional-Japan-293654917 Sun, 01 Apr 2012 21:29:14 PDT Children in Traditional Japan.... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
The first thing that was decided when a woman became pregnant was whether or not the child would be allowed to live.  Infanticide was rather common, in rural villages as well as in towns, and especially when poverty was involved or there were already a large number of mouths to feed in the family, or worse still, if a female child was simply not desireable.  The dirty deed was achieved by placing the infant on the ground, and then laying a bag of rice on top of it.  The ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Just-for-Grins-II-293388927 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Just-for-Grins-II-293388927 Sat, 31 Mar 2012 19:27:08 PDT Just for Grins II nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
http://www.wimp.com/spongebobcasablanca/

My favorite was Singing in the Rain....HILARIOUS!

Enjoy! ]]> http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Sesshomaru-s-Name-293036908 http://m-skirvin.deviantart.com/journal/Sesshomaru-s-Name-293036908 Thu, 29 Mar 2012 19:59:40 PDT Sesshomaru's Name.... nonadult journals/personal M-Skirvin http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/_/m-skirvin.gif?4 Copyright 2012-2013 ~M-Skirvin
"Sesshomaru" breaks into three kanji characters:
殺 生 丸
Setsu/shiyou/maru individually
or Sesshomaru together.

Let's look at them one at a time:

殺
This is a ten stroke character that is pronounced "se-tsu" or サイ.  
Generally, it can mean one of the following:

kill, murder, slay, suppress, stifle, smother

It is character 488 in A Guide to Remembering Japanese Characters, and appears on page 150.

If we dissect setsu, we get the following:
The first half of setsu is a corruption of the character for "pig" (ch ]]>