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Marigold's OOPS!

0 (0%)

The entire internet is mad at me!

1 (2.2%)

Only one thing to do: Cat GIFs? LOTS of Cat GIFs.

2 (4.4%)

Here, Marten! Open it and see! Tee hee!

1 (2.2%)

Oh, hey, Emily invited you too!

0 (0%)

Yeah, what'd you think it was, a love letter?

0 (0%)

OH MY GOD YOU ARE PRECIOUS (Sh-shut up! Shut it all the way up!)

10 (22.2%)

Party at Emily Azuma's parent's lake house! (And Cristi's handwriting!)

2 (4.4%)

You should invite all your friends, too! There's plenty of room!

0 (0%)

A thousand people would probably be too many. (How big is your parents' lake house?)

0 (0%)

Faye with the watiress outfit - "Hey, Buttass, what's up?"

2 (4.4%)

Emily the intern is throwing a party, wanna come?

0 (0%)

Dora: Am I invited? Marten: Oh yeah, def- (Tai: AAH! AAAAH!)

1 (2.2%)

Tai: One of my interns is throwing a party. Wanna come?

1 (2.2%)

Marigold walks by. (DAT A$$)

15 (33.3%)

Angus gets caught "peeking"

3 (6.7%)

GIBBS-SMACK!

5 (11.1%)

What was that? NOTHING!

2 (4.4%)

Total Members Voted: 43

[ink slinger]

Am I reading Emily's surname right as "Ayume?" Doesn't that make her Japanese? ...how does she NOT know what anime is?

She's Japanese-American, emphasis on the American (i.e., born and raised and, as a result, is only familiar with American culture).

EDIT: This is pure conjecture, of course, since we still know very little about Emily.

[Method of Madness]

Oh, no... you've summoned them... those who'll tell you what a real barbecue is.

A real barbecue involves beer, friends, and a woolly mammoth for grilling.

[Schmorgluck]

She's Japanese-American, emphasis on the American (i.e., born and raised and, as a result, is only familiar with American culture).

Many people have pointed out that, on the topic on her ignorance of anime, her being of Japanese descent is less relevant than the fact that she's a student in computer science, and therefore has had supposedly much exposition to nerd culture, of which anime is a significant part.

But from what we could see of her since she was introduced, obviously, standard categorizations don't work with Emily.

EDIT: This is pure conjecture, of course, since we still know very little about Emily.

Well, for one thing, with such a first name, it's unlikely she's Japan-born. Unless her parents are at least half as excentric as she is, which can't be ruled out.


At times, I wonder if Emily is not a catalogue of quirks Jeph couldn't include in Hanners character without breaking it (and its tragic aspects). She bears a tidbit of similarity to Hannelore as she was when she was first introduced.

By the way, I'm a programmer. I briefly tried to imagine what code written by Emily would look like. I gave up.

[cesariojpn]

How many more Azumanga Daioh references do you need here people?

So.....who is Kaorin in QC? Can't be Tai, she's kinda open about being a lesbian.

[celticgeek]

By the way, I'm a programmer. I briefly tried to imagine what code written by Emily would look like. I gave up.

Try here.

[Pilchard123]

Oh, no... you've summoned them... those who'll tell you what a real barbecue is.

http://www.the-whiteboard.com/autowbtg06.html and the following strips have something to tell you.

[Is it cold in here?]

Am I reading Emily's surname right as "Ayume?" Doesn't that make her Japanese? ...how does she NOT know what anime is?

She's Japanese-American, emphasis on the American (i.e., born and raised and, as a result, is only familiar with American culture).

EDIT: This is pure conjecture, of course, since we still know very little about Emily.

It's supported by evidence from the script. Akima pointed out one Emily-ism that would be unthinkable in Chinese culture, from which we can extrapolate that someone from a Chinese-influenced culture wouldn't do it either.

[jwhouk]

What would be the creepiest thing to think about with an AnthroPC?

The AI inside finds it relaxing to not be bombarded with billions of inputs at once.    1 (1.7%)
The AI inside is using some of its subroutines to count down to a certain date and time...    11 (19%)
In its spare time, it's not only running the SETI screensaver, it's scanning the internet for anime pron.    5 (8.6%)
They don't "own" their own chassis.    9 (15.5%)
They don't really NEED their own chassis, as they're actually an AI personality.    7 (12.1%)
Momo and Winslow are the exceptions; Pintsize is the RULE.    15 (25.9%)
Pintsize actually LIKES it when Faye throws him against the wall.    5 (8.6%)
Memes like Waffles and Spathe Ham annoy the crap out of them.    2 (3.4%)
Station is actually considering "downsizing" to an AnthroPC chassis.    3 (5.2%)

Total Members Voted: 58

[Method of Madness]

Am I reading Emily's surname right as "Ayume?" Doesn't that make her Japanese? ...how does she NOT know what anime is?

She's Japanese-American, emphasis on the American (i.e., born and raised and, as a result, is only familiar with American culture).

EDIT: This is pure conjecture, of course, since we still know very little about Emily.

It's supported by evidence from the script. Akima pointed out one Emily-ism that would be unthinkable in Chinese culture, from which we can extrapolate that someone from a Chinese-influenced culture wouldn't do it either.

What is it? I can't seem to find that post.

[Akima]

Probably this one. At the time I posted that, Emily's surname had not been revealed, so I was referring to Chinese culture.

[Yarin]

new comic is up id like to read between failures but im reading like 10 other comics at the moment and trying to start my own

[Method of Madness]

Probably this one. At the time I posted that, Emily's surname had not been revealed, so I was referring to Chinese culture.

Interesting. Also, I had to look up jook-sing and FOB, but that's good, I like learning things.

Tai, come on now, you're already dating her.  You can stop trying to win her over.

[Soulsynger]

@Comic:
...wow... for a second there I forgot Dora and Tai were dating now. I feel so emotionally detached for some reason. °O

[Tova]

I don't know what I'm laughing at more: the fact that Marten immediately knew what Tai was objecting to, or the expression on Tai's face suggesting that she actually thinks Dora might say no.

[Torlek]

One date does not "dating" make. I wouldn't call them a couple yet, they're more like horny teenagers who are just barely holding off their instinct to hump like rabbits.

I do find it amusing that Jeph managed to crash Between Failures though.

[Omega Entity]

On cursive - a lot of schools are no longer teaching it.

As for today's strip, I'm trying to figure out why Tai's annoying me. Oh, wait. I know what it is.

Tai, grow up. Seriously.

[Method of Madness]

One date does not "dating" make. I wouldn't call them a couple yet

I never said they were a couple. They're definitely dating, though.

[WAYF]

...

...

OH, I get it. Tai's making it a second date. Ok, that's fair enough.

[calmcalamity]

I'm not usually one to care for fashion, or clothes in general, but I'm digging the vintage waitress type look Faye's rockin'. I wanna say that she's worn that before and I just didn't really notice, but I just can't remember.

[Dr. ROFLPWN]

Am I the only one who laughed heartily and thought Tai was super fuckin' cute today? Because I did.

Also Dora is all over the fashion scene lately daaaaaannnnggg

[snubnose]

Good poll today.

Actually, can we have multiple options of these ?

[Toe]

Can I please have more sad-puppydog-eyes Tai? Please?

[Schmorgluck]

I was expecting something like this. When Emily suggested Marten brings all his friends, I was wondering if he'd have the courtesy of letting Tai handle the case of Dora. Apparently he didn't think this through.

[St.Clair]

And this sort of thing is why a lot of nerdy types look at human social rituals, get hopelessly confused and/or decide "fuck all that for a game of soldiers."
The result is the same, but we have to go through all these extra steps why?
Pfft.

[snubnose]

I would say that by [...]

My oh my, whats going on here.

[cesariojpn]

Tai can make puppy dog eyes?

[pwhodges]

It seems unnecessary to criticise Marten.  He spoke to Faye, and then answered Dora's question.  It would have been stilted to the point of absurdity (and rude) to have turned away from Dora to Tai and say something like: "Do you want to handle this?"  The way it went was far more natural.

[Schmorgluck]

Yeah, on second reading, it occured to me that, since he was answering Dora's question, it wasn't really a faux-pas.

[LordVaughn]

I didn't see it as Tai asking Dora on another date, more of "Wait, why am I the one not inviting the person I'm going out with to the party I'm going to be at?"
Even though she's right there, she's likely imagining a situation where Dora only finds out Tai is going at the last second, and is at the very least, frustrated that she didn't invite her. Given how often Tai actually had hung out with the rest of the group, its actually a bit more explainable. She's only been really at the occasions she's been a DJ at, save for the party where Marigold found out that Angus and Faye were going out. Looking from that point of view, it's almost understandable if she didn't pop up here or there, as if I am not mistaken, Marten was the main one to know that she didn't really have friends that she persistantly hung out with.

[Sorflakne]

I see Faye's going for the diner look today.

[Is it cold in here?]

I didn't see what Marten did wrong, either, but assumed that I was clueless about some social norm (again).

[DSL]

No faux pas on Marten's part; as said by others, he began to answer a question addressed to him by Dora.
His exasperated sigh in response to Tai's whatever-that-was (my niece would have told her daughter, "use your words") could be seen as a little pissy, but there are likely mitigating circumstances ("Yes, for the nth time," -- through clenched teeth --  "I'm OK with you dating Dora!").

[Madmartigan]

Tai's grating personality rears itself again....

Marten, you know....IS Dora's friend, Tai.  And has been far longer.  It's only natural he'd answer a question of a friend asking about if she's also invited.  Especially considering Marten brought it up in the first place.


I took Marten's sigh as a "oh for ***** sake! fine. guess i can't ask my friend these questions anymore."  She's definitely one of the overbearing types I avoid as friends.  Just as my own personal preference. 

[Barmymoo]

I found that really odd, and kind of out of character for Tai. We've seen a lot of character development with her, and this seems more like something she'd have done two years ago (real time, guesstimate).

On the cursive thing, I have never been taught cursive. I write "joined up" which is what I was taught to call it, but not always joined up. I'd like to be able to write in cursive, it looks lovely. My Korean student does write in beautiful cursive, which really surprised me as the previous Korean boy did not write very well at all.

[Schmorgluck]

I didn't see what Marten did wrong, either, but assumed that I was clueless about some social norm (again).

Well, yesterday, about Marten stating he's got a lot of friends, you said this:

Does Marten have a lot of friends? We've only seen a few.

Which induced me to try and count them. But when Dora appeared in my list, I told myself "Ah, but Tai will certainly want to be the one to extend the invitation to Dora." It just seems a normal part of a relationship to me, even a budding one.

But as has been said, Marten was answering to Dora's question, so he wasn't really overstepping.

[iduguphergrave]

Tai could just be micromanaging. Remember, she's desperate for this relationship to work, so she might feel compelled to be in control of every aspect of it, including the invitation. She's also kind of out of her element in terms of trying for a long term relationship, so it's a little understandable that she's a little shaky on how to act.

[Madmartigan]

Tai could just be micromanaging. Remember, she's desperate for this relationship to work, so she might feel compelled to be in control of every aspect of it, including the invitation. She's also kind of out of her element in terms of trying for a long term relationship, so it's a little understandable that she's a little shaky on how to act.

That's a recipe for failure in most relationships, particularly Dora.  The sooner she realizes it, the better.  I vote on not, as it will be one of the ways tension will start to brew.  Just because you're desperate to be in a relationship doesn't give you law in being the numero uno in all things related to your love interest.  That's callous and annoying.  I have a feeling Tai will be far worse about being insecure/ridiculous about all things Dora than Dora was about the non-existant Faye issue. 

I keep trying to like Tai in some way...but she usually takes one step forward and 3 steps back.  Her maturity level is still clearly lacking.

I also don't get how, even if it wasn't a faux-pas, a very close friend can't do the inviting and what not to another close friend.  I think it'd be common courtesy not to be an ass to the person who the person you're now dating and never gave you much shit about openly flirting with said intimate person while they were dating.  Marten should be racking up freedom to do whatever the fuck he wants around Dora after trying to continuously appease Tai's sensibilities. 

She really needs to stop being so self-absorbed in a relationship that hasn't even gotten off the ground yet in my opinion.  It's still parked at the gate and hasn't even begun refueling yet.


Sorry for the rant...I've had "supposed" friends like Tai before and they just rub me the wrong way.  Just don't jive with those types of folks.

[jwhouk]

Let's see:

• Steve
• Faye
• Dora
• Sven
• Amir
• Jimbo (if he's sober)
• Hannelore
• Angus
• Cosette
• Elliot
• Penelope
• Will
• Marigold
• Emily (obviously)
• Gabby (getting there)
• Claire (who's probably already going to be there)
• Clinton (though that's questionable)
• Momo
• Winslow
• Pintsize (No, he doesn't want him to burn Emily's parents place down)

[Barmymoo]

Bear with me here, train of thought coming up.

1. I was surprised people thought Pintsize would be invited. I think this is because he is not really socially able to interact with strangers in an appropriate manner. I was also surprised that Winslow was suggested, even though he can. Conclusion: I did not consider anthroPCs to count as Marten's friends.

2. I was not surprised Momo is included in the list. Momo is also an anthroPC, but she looks more human.

3. Is Momo more socially adept now than she was in her old chassis? I feel as though the dynamic has shifted since she changed body - for a start, she now has a job and friends of her own, independent of Marigold.

[jwhouk]

Actually, May, I was just thinking who Marten would call a "friend". I don't know if he'd actually invite Momo or Winslow.

[Barmymoo]

Sure, I was just following a thought chain that ended up with the main point: is Momo treated more like a human now that she's in a new chassis?

[jwhouk]

She is definitely trying to "act" more human. Perhaps she's QC's Bicentennial Girl?

[DSL]

Perhaps Momo, being a co-worker at the library, got her own invitation.
Either way, one would hope Emily would not follow her around, pushing her (belly) button so the party guests could watch her hair change color.
Unless Emily is an agent of the Old Ones and will cast them all into an eldritch pit of ancient horror.

[Schmorgluck]

Perhaps Momo, being a co-worker at the library, got her own invitation.

And it's then quite probable that she'll be the one extending the invitation to Marigold.

By the way, jwhouk, you put Jimbo twice in your list. Otherwise, well, I'm not sure about Elliot, they are acquainted but they haven't interacted much, so I'm not sure Marten would actually call him a friend by now.

[Black Sword]

Lately, I feel this urge to roll up a newspaper and smack Tai with it every other appearance. There's cute puppy love and annoying puppy love, and thus far, she's been strictly in the latter category.

[SomeCanadianWeirdo]

I'm digging Faye's outfit as well.  I guess Jeph got tired of drawing her in the Bear Monster shirt, which she's been wearing a lot the past while.

For some reason the idea has come to mind that Steve and Emily wil know each other, and their connection is not a good one.  After all we haven't seen him in a while, and he has some strange connections as a result of his secret agent gig.

[DSL]

Tortura's, um ... (no, wait, Tortura's Russian)  ... stepsister. Yeah.

[Madmartigan]

Bear with me here, train of thought coming up.

1. I was surprised people thought Pintsize would be invited. I think this is because he is not really socially able to interact with strangers in an appropriate manner. I was also surprised that Winslow was suggested, even though he can. Conclusion: I did not consider anthroPCs to count as Marten's friends.

2. I was not surprised Momo is included in the list. Momo is also an anthroPC, but she looks more human.

3. Is Momo more socially adept now than she was in her old chassis? I feel as though the dynamic has shifted since she changed body - for a start, she now has a job and friends of her own, independent of Marigold.

Hell, if not for the fact we knew Momo used to be a chibi japanese style anime anthroPC, I would have figured she learned toward being a humanistic cyborg that was more human than robot.  I think the dynamic has changed.  Heck, she has even changed and seems to be adopting more humanlike interactions.  In a sense, she's growing.  Which is interesting considering we have the Pintsize example of pure robotic asshole nature that is unchanging and Winslow.....who, we've actually not seen in quite some time.  And who, I might add, in his human body was definitely creepy while Momo's change seems completely natural.

I think Momo is working her way to being a regular of the group and will gradually be considered more of a regular friend type than just Marigold's anthroPC.

[Is it cold in here?]

Marten has explicitly called Pintsize a "friend".

Momo always wanted to be treated with respect. The new chassis was a logical step, and opens new doors for her.

The real question is whether Emily has cleared this plan with her parents.

[crowbar563]

Unless the windows were giant viewscreens, L1 doesn't match the depiction. Nor does GEO for that matter. And "a little bit higher than LEO" is smack in the middle of the VABs, a very bad place to put a tank full of squishies. Plus Spaceship apparently got them there in a time comparable to a transatlantic flight even with his "miss" of the station on the first orbit so a very great deal further than LEO seems ruled out by that too, unless Spaceship has a) magic rockets with super-high thrust and near-infinite specific impulse and b) inertial dampers to stop a splatting the cargo.
In which case, Station should be able to park wherever he damn well pleases because he wouldn't have to worry about petty things like "gravity" and "drag" at all.
But why would anyone think going to space was special then?

J E-C could well have developed magic rockets with super-high thrust and near-infinite specific impulse and intertial dampeners. After all, he did invent the robot hamster.

All space issues can be solved with a high enough thrust to weight ratio. The logistics of keeping a station in orbit are quite trivial compared to getting into orbit. Also, I don't think Jeph was as concerned as other people were with matching angular velocity in the docking procedure, or making sure the visual field of earth was the correct proportion, or drawing realistic clouds.
Besides, it is quite feasible to dock and with and keep a station in orbit seeing as we have been doing it going back to the 70s.

 What concerned me the most was the single-stage ground to LEO craft. I personally would use an air-breathing first stage (if we eve get scramjets to work reliably) and a rocket propelled second stage.

On another note: Is Faye looking awesome today (Thursday) or what?