ePONYmous

I know I'm new here (Hello to anyone that hasn't met me yet! ^^), but I get that feeling too sometimes. Not just because it feels pretty awkward right now being a muffin and most of you that have replied so far to this topic are butterflies ._. Um... right, where was I? Oh yes. Well, even on other forums I've been on I felt the same way. Typically because I tend to have a habit of writing long posts. It just happens. I'll start off with a thought, and then suddenly I have other thoughts I want to add, and so on, and by the the time I'm finished, holy wall-of-text! On here, I don't really expect to be noticed much. Not just yet, anyway. I am new, after all, and I need to establish myself first, I guess. But let me tell you, you have no idea (or maybe some idea) how happy I get when someone brohoofs a post I've made, or responds to me in some fashion. Either by quoting me, adding me as a friend, commenting on a status, or engaging in a conversation with me via said status. Little things like that make me happy. I don't know if that sounds sad, or not, but truly small things like that make me happy. X3 I also understand it can be difficult to read every single post, especially in very popular, fast-moving topics, or if you have people like myself posting walls. Despite that, I try to read quite a few posts to a topic before I respond. It's like fimdash said, "It makes you happy knowing somebody took the time to read what you had to say and liked it. It's a guarantee that somebody acknowledged your post."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynDf20OkDqw

Once a day, every morning. Nothing like a nice hot shower to wake me up and start the day. Hehe. The only exceptions to this would be if I'm ill or just not going out anywhere and/or won't see anyone. Then maybe I'll skip it for a day or two, but no more than that, because by then I'm craving a shower. The other exception, when I'd take more than one a day, is if I was doing something that made me dirty, messy or sweaty or something like that and I just have to take another one.

@@John, Thank you for your response. ^^ I know, I said that in my first post. Not exactly. My position on what bigotry is, is based upon the definition of the word, which is, "bigoted attitudes; intolerance toward those who hold different opinions from oneself." Also, the word "bigoted," which means, "having or revealing an obstinate belief in the superiority of one’s own opinions and a prejudiced intolerance of the opinions of others." Perhaps it was a bit erroneous of me to use the word "right" in my example, but that's all it was, was just an example. I could've easily omitted the word. It was basically just an example of someone totally dismissing someone's opinion, and forcing theirs upon them, without even respecting its existence. I guess I should've made that more clear. Sorry about that. Haha. I think I see what you did there. Using a different definition of the word. You're right. Pinkie Pie is quite the happy character. XD You get a brohoof for that one. /)

@@BronyNumber42, I agree with part of what you said. It does seem awfully silly to automatically assume those characters may have been homosexual. I was surprised to read that myself. However, I respectfully disagree with some of your points: I don't think there is a so-called "obsession" to want gay characters. Rather, it's more of not hiding the fact that homosexuality exists. Allow it the opportunity to show up, side-by-side, along with heterosexuality. In the case you describe, it'd be very easy to portray it. Two stallions or two mares nuzzling. Remember the scene in "Hearts and Hooves Day" when Caramel and a mare were nuzzling? They could've done something as simple as that, but with two same-sex ponies, to communicate the same thing. Obviously, fillies and colts wouldn't result from that. I think separating sex from love in a same-sex situation is just as easy as an opposite-sex situation. I totally agree with your first point here. Sex should absolutely not be portrayed in a kids' show. However, gay love can certainly be platonic, just as heterosexual love. Just as a man and a woman can be romantically involved, sans sex, so can two men and two women. Sex is not the determinant between what constitutes a relationship versus a friendship. You can have sex even if it's not a relationship as well, but that's an entirely different subject matter, and you can have a relationship that doesn't even have sex. A relationship is based on how you feel for one another, not if you are physically intimate. My first girlfriend and I, for example, were platonic, but would you say we were not in a relationship, but just a deep friendship? If so, she and I would strongly disagree with that assertion. So, with that said, it is very much possible to portray a gay relationship without sex. Like I said, a nuzzle will do, in the context of MLP:FiM. Just a simple sign of affection like that. In fact, what you said would be perfect. Have them live together, care for each other, but also add in the nuzzling, and I think that would get the message across that they are more than just friends, without even mentioning the notion of sex. I do agree there is some sort of degree of hypocrisy, from both ends. I am a "pro gay" individual, but I do not hate someone for disagreeing with homosexuality. I think you have every right to disagree with it as much as you see fit, but once it crosses the line into denying others certain rights, then it is crossing into the realm of bigotry. Which certainly is not an artificial issue, but a very real one. Of course, your last point is most certainly right. There will always be people that will hate on something, but like I said, the bigotry does exist. Plain and simple. There's a difference between disagreement and bigotry. It'd be like me saying this, "I disagree with your opinion, but I respect your right to say it." That's a disagreement. "I disagree with your opinion, you have no right to express it at all." That's a bigoted statement. I'm the former, by the way. I may disagree with you on some of this, but I hold no hard feelings toward you for having those views. We are just discussing our thoughts, after all.

That's correct. I also know that Zoisite and Malachite (US Dub, real name Kunzite) were homosexual lovers. In the US dub, Zoisite was re-dubbed as a heterosexual female, when in reality, he's a homosexual male. Such a shame, really. ^ This. You have taken the words right out of my mouth. I've never been really sympathetic toward the whole, "but I'll have to explain to my child why two same-sex individuals are together" perspective. So? That's your job. Homosexuality isn't something that should be hidden. If I had a child that asked me that question, the answer is really simple, "Some boys like girls, just like girls like boys, and some boys like boys, and some girls like girls." There. Done. Simple as that. You don't need to go into detail, just make them aware of the fact that love exists in multiple forms. They'll figure out where they fit in due time. It's the fact that predominant heterosexuality exists in these cartoons that kids are "pre-programmed" to think that anything else isn't normal. The way I see it is, if you're going to introduce sexuality into a cartoon. Be fair, and inclusive. Show that other forms of love exist. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm sure companies like Hasbro (or any other, for that matter), aren't avoiding it for that reason. As most, if not all, of us know, doing a move like this today is rather risky. You or I may not mind seeing two mares or two stallions nuzzling in an alternate version of "Hearts and Hooves Day," but a large group of parents seeing it surely would not be pleased. You don't even need to look into television to know that. It reminds me of the drama that Oreo encountered when it posted its picture of a rainbow cream-filled cookie to show support for gay pride. Or the drama that Target encountered when it started allowing same-sex couples to register in their wedding registry. So do I think it'd be a smart move for companies to introduce homosexuality into kid's cartoons? No, not right now, at least. That would be a poor business decision on their part. Do I think that's right? Not at all. Perhaps in a few decades from now, when popular opinion has shifted further in favor of gay rights, which I don't see why it wouldn't, then you may see it as ubiquitous as heterosexuality. At least, I certainly hope so. I'd like to see that in my lifetime.

Truth be told, I don't normally judge people by their avatars, at least 99% of the time. The 1% is only reserved for someone that has a very questionable or controversial avatar, I guess. Which I haven't really encountered very frequently. Otherwise, I do the usual association thing that others have mentioned. I'll associate you with your avatar, basically put a picture to a name. Especially if I see it frequently enough I'll just look at your avatar, and know it's you without even looking at the username. The only other thing is I'll make some little guesses here or there when I see an avatar, akin to seeing someone wearing a certain kind of shirt in real-life. For example, just as how I'd associate someone wearing a particular shirt with a band's name on it, I'd make the guess that was their favorite band, or, at the very least, a band they like. Same with an avatar. I'll make the guess that it'd be your favorite— whatever it is— be it a pony, or a character from another show, or something you are interested in, something you like, etc. If I don't understand where the avatar is from or what it's referencing, then I don't guess anything. On a pony forum, guessing gender by avatar is futile, considering the majority of the ponies are female. Pony Creator generated avatars are just as fine to me as anyone else's avatar. Not everyone can draw. I've used the Pony Creator for my ponysona plenty of times before I finally decided to put a pencil to paper myself. I don't even judge based on one's grammar, usually. I'm actually very good friends with someone online who has atrocious spelling and grammar skills, but it's not really his fault. I can understand him most of the time, anyway, and he doesn't mind if I ask for clarification once in a while. Turns out he's a great guy to be around, and fun to chat with, despite the occasional question here or there about what he says. He speaks much better than he types, so if I ever chat with him in a Skype call, it's even easier to understand him. I've encountered that a few times, actually, and each time, it wasn't really their fault. For me, everyone starts off with a clean slate, and I don't make any judgements (or try my best not to) until I get to know you more. I'd rather judge on the content of one's character, than how they appear to be on the surface, to the best of my ability, anyhow. However, for those that do judge based on avatars, I can't help but wonder what they think of me when they see an orange unicorn jumping out of a Portal cake, lol. By all means, feel free to tell me if you want, I am curious.

Ever have a song get stuck in your head from a Tumblr post? Well, I have. I'm just browsing my dash, and on someone's blog I follow, a person leaves an Ask that just says, "You and Me." That's all. Three words, and suddenly this song is stuck in my head: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFyTHc9IgKU If the video doesn't work, try this link instead.

I like to mountain bike every now and then. I used to ride a bike around my neighborhood when I was a kid, but once I got my driver's license, I stopped riding. About 10 years later, I've decided to ride a bike again, but for recreation and exercise. There's a nice 20 mile (32 km) trail near where I live that was once a railroad, and I've used that as it's open to cyclists, pedestrians and equestrians. I've even managed to bike the whole thing from start, to finish, and all the way back. I have a cyclometer attached to my bike that keeps track of the time (both a timer and a clock), speed (current, average and maximum) and distance I've gone (current and cumulative). So that was 41 miles (66 km) I biked that time— the cyclometer specifically measured 40.94 miles. It also appears they are in the process of lengthening the trail, so one day it may be even longer than that. There are also some other trails in the area, so once I feel like trying another one, I'll explore new trails. The trail I ride is quite nice though. It goes through forested areas, open fields, and farms. So there is no shortage of wildlife like birds, squirrels, chipmunks and rabbits. I also see people riding on horses from time to time, and people walking their dogs. I even see a cat or two sometimes. The end of it goes through part of a city, so that's a little annoying, but for the majority of it, I don't have to worry about any vehicles, except for a few road crossings here and there. Most of which aren't even busy roads. The bike I have is a 2012 Raleigh Talus 4.0, and here's a picture of what it looks like. More info: http://www.raleighusa.com/archive/2012-mountain/talus-4-0-12/

I identify myself as a bisexual male. Although it hasn't always been that way. I know this may sound silly, but it's partly thanks to the brony community that I discovered my bisexuality. I'll explain shortly. You see, for about 25 years I've identified as straight. Although, over time I've known I've developed a curiosity. Of course, back when I used to be in school (elementary, middle and high), being anything other than straight was considered a "bad thing." You could even hear it in the use of the word "gay" in a negative context or any pejorative terms that meant the same thing. Some I'm ashamed to have used when I was younger, but today I will never ever say. I managed to get myself out of that admittedly stupid habit a long time ago. When I think about my past; my thoughts, some actions and experiences, I can definitely see how I may have been bisexual all along, but somehow unconsciously suppressed it. Probably because I was surrounded by the idea that "straight is normal." Since I was a kid, the general attitude toward any sexuality outside of heterosexuality has become more accepting. By this time, I began to consider myself straight, but curious (so, "bicurious"?). Only because I never really had any physical attraction toward guys, but was curious about certain same-sex acts. Now, where does the brony community fit in, in all this? Well, I've always been an open-minded individual. Never have been homophobic. Never thought being anything other than straight was wrong or weird, once I was old enough to know better. However, I never ever even considered the possibility I could be anything other than straight. My first relationship was with my girlfriend in high school, which only seemed to further convince me I cannot be anything other than straight, as I enjoyed our relationship very much. It was one of the happiest times of my life. It was not until I got into a very serious discussion about sexuality with some fellow bronies over Skype that I started to consider the possibility. I can't really go into the details of it as it'd break the forum rules, but basically the things we discussed opened my mind even further. That's when I looked into my past (those experiences I mentioned) and thought, "Maybe I am bisexual." After which I noticed something in me had changed, granted over time. I don't want to leave the impression it happened overnight, "Straight -> Skype conversation -> bisexual." It wasn't like that, but over the course of months I've noticed guys more, even some I thought were pretty cute. My attraction to women hasn't changed at all. I even had an online same-sex relationship for a while, but for certain reasons that failed in the end, which was sad. I really enjoyed it while it lasted though. I don't even know how I'd approach starting a real-life same-sex relationship. I have enough trouble trying to get an opposite-sex one. XD Speaking of real-life, nobody knows I'm bisexual. As far as anyone that knows me, I am heterosexual. The main reason is just because the topic of sexuality rarely ever comes up. It'd be awkward for me to just wave a flag (The bisexual flag, of course) and yell, "I'm bi!" Yet, I did somehow hint it toward my mother once during a phone call. Somehow we got onto the subject of sexuality. I said to her something like, "Mom, just for laughs, how would you react if I turned out to be bisexual and brought a boyfriend over when I visited you?" Her response was very pleasing to hear. All she said was, "It wouldn't bother me, or your father, at all. If that's what made you happy, that's all that would matter to us." I still didn't have the guts to admit anything, but I at least knew that was possibly one less thing to worry about, in case a serious discussion about it comes up one day. It probably won't anytime soon, though. Unless I actually do get romantically involved with a guy in real-life. Then I'll have to admit it. For the record, I'm not ashamed of it. In fact, I'm quite happy to identify as bisexual. It actually feels right for some reason to me. The only reason I choose to keep it to myself is just because, well, there are obviously people out there who would disagree with it and may try to vilify me or something like that, and that's not something I wish to deal with so long as I don't really need to. Plus I'm just a very private person in reality. In other words, if nobody asks, I won't tell. However, if I ever do get into a real-life conversation about sexuality, I'll probably just say I'm bisexual and make it out to be no big deal. As it shouldn't be a big deal. I've also noticed another thing. Back when I was younger, the thought of two guys together kinda disgusted me. Yeah, just like the heterosexual stereotype, two girls didn't bother me at all for some reason. However, today, I think all three; two men, two women, and a man and a woman, all three of these relationships are equally beautiful. Love in itself is beautiful to me, no matter the sexuality. So I wouldn't say I became bisexual. Rather, I think it's more appropriate to say I discovered my true sexuality. Heck, I went through a period when I thought I was asexual, only because I just didn't find anyone attractive. In fact, relationships in general just put me off. I think that was just a period of lack of interest, though. As later on, I started getting interested in seeking out a relationship again, but with little success, but that's an entirely different subject. So there you have it. 25 may have been a little late, perhaps, but I've read stories of people discovering this sorta thing quite a bit later. So, I guess it could be worse, and who knows, maybe I'll discover something else about my sexuality later in life. Only time will tell. So maybe I shouldn't say "true" yet.

My favorite drink, hooves hands down, is Mountain Dew Voltage. I remember when they were having that DEWmocracy thing between Voltage, Revolution and Supernova and I wanted Voltage to win so badly. I voted for it pretty much every single day. Ever since then, it has been my beverage of choice. In fact, I'm drinking one now. ^^ As for an alcoholic drink, well, I rarely ever drink alcohol, but when I do, it's a strawberry daiquiri, lol. I know, not a very "manly" drink, I'll admit, but I don't care. I don't like the taste of alcohol and I prefer sweeter things, so that works for me perfectly.

I live in the United States of America, specifically Pennsylvania, otherwise known as the Keystone State. I grew up in southern New Jersey (The Garden State), though, near the Jersey shore, and no, nothing like the show of the same name. >.> Also, I hate how South Park revealed our invasion plans. Now I can't help take over PA like I originally intended. Jerks. Speaking of, I personally prefer Pennsylvania. I think it's a very beautiful state, as most of it is countryside, fields and farm areas, unless you live in one of the bigger cities, which thankfully, I don't. No offense to Philadelphia/Fillydelphia (XP), I'm just not a city person. Also, since this is a pony forum, perhaps you'll appreciate our state flag: I mean, come on. It has horses right on the flag! How cool is that? X3 Not surprisingly, I do see a fair share of actual horses and ponies from time to time here.

Such a random song to have stuck in my head right now. I haven't listened to this one in years (no, not 13 years, although that'd be funny. ).

9 days out of 10, I eat breakfast. The only times I don't is if I wake up too late, so it's lunch time (although I do have brunch occasionally anyway), or it's too early and I'm not hungry yet. Otherwise, I'll eat. I typically wake up quite hungry in the morning, so I gotta have something or else I won't have the energy to function for the rest of the day. When I was a kid, I used to eat cereal every morning before school, unless I didn't feel like cereal, then I'd have a Pop Tart or something like that. Just something to get into my stomach. Today, I'll eat cereal once in a while, if I'm not too hungry, as cereal is not very filling for me at all. I can eat it, and then I'll be hungry again within an hour or two. If I have the time, I'll make myself a full breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage and toast. Normally though I'll have one of these, which are quite tasty and filling, as well as quick and easy to make if I'm in a hurry. I also always have a cup of black tea with milk and sugar with my breakfast, as I never ever developed a taste for coffee, blegh. On the rarer occasion I actually go out somewhere for breakfast, I get the full breakfast plus some pancakes and/or French toast, with lots of syrup. I love sweet things. I'm glad I have a high metabolism. I never gain weight from food.

If I have to be somewhere early, or work, I usually get 5 to 7 hours (8 if I happen to go to bed early enough, but I hate going to bed early). I can usually survive on 4 hours at minimum, any less and I feel fatigued. On my days off, though, forget it. My bed is like my best friend. I can sleep up to almost 12 hours if I wanted to. Last night I got 9 hours. Although, one thing I never understood. How is it that if I sleep around 4 hours, I'm wide awake when I wake up, but if I sleep for more than 8, it takes me forever to fully wake up? So weird. Also, if I feel like taking a "nap," it's not one of those 15-minutes and I'm ready to go. No, a nap for me is 2 hours, maybe 3, lol. If I slept for 15 minutes and woke up again, I'd feel horrible, but after a 2 or 3-hour "nap" I'm refreshed again, but I usually don't need those, unless I got less than 4 hours of sleep for some reason. Despite this, I do have at least something that sorta resembles a "sleep cycle" normally.