Whitzz/544K-RP-Datasets huggingface dataset:
Thread: Life Without Sharks/ Shark Finning

So I'm wrong about who makes it I'm not gonna really care too much since the Japanese are considered responsible for the most shark finning if I recall correctly. Mercury builds upin the animal. What do you think comprises of soft tissues? Regardless of what is used, sharks contain large amounts of mercury in their bodies. And everyone knows that mercury is toxic or should. Why do you think they banned certain thermometers? Also, all fish contain levels of mercury, just depends on how much, which is why expectant mothers are told not to really eat fish.
Thread: Life Without Sharks/ Shark Finning

I just didn't want one culture with horrible fishingcuisine practices being tarred for another culture with horrible fishingcuisine practices brush. Mercury does concentrate in the predators, you're entirely correct. By soft tissues I meant the meat and organs liver especially. I do not believe that Shark Fin is a serious threat for mercury poisoning though some quick googling suggests that it's still not a good idea but I will grant you this point. I also wouldn't recommend eating the stuff because it's both cruel and more than a little disgusting. Then again, so is cheese when you know how it's made. But a shortage of cows would actually be good for the environment, while a shortage of sharks is likely to speed the death of everything in the oceans. I know for a fact that Swordfish and shark steaks and often enough in the past tuna have been found to contain dangerous levels of mercury whereas numerous fish lower down in the foodchain have only minute amounts of mercury or methylmercury. Also, I apologize if I came off as a dickhead. It wasn't my intent. Reading back, my original reply looks way more dickish than I meant to be and I am sorry if I offended or annoyed you. Mea maxima culpa.
Thread: Life Without Sharks/ Shark Finning

I know that mercury does. I went to school for Marine Biology and sharks were my focus. I can get pretty heated about sharks and eh, I got a little miffed, but it's not like I'm a teenager who can't handle a little dickish behavior on the interwebs. It is what it is and I didn't really consider it in the Wow, he's a total douche! category. Thing is, Asia is notorious for it's fishing activities, but Japan is the leading cause and then China. China just uses more of the ingredients while Japan exports it. Also - Shark Fin Soup was banned in California. YAY!
Thread: Life Without Sharks/ Shark Finning

Shark Fin soup has recently been banned in a number of Ontario municipalities too, including our biggest city. I will gladly bow to your expertise on the subject, and you're right that Japan is notorious for illegal and unsustainable fishing. We've had enough problems with that on our coastlines. Still... if the Chinese weren't willing to pay a mint for something of dubious medicinal value gods, it's like the homeopathy thing all over again then there'd be no market for the assclowns murdering the sharks. Let's just agree that when it comes to fishing, Asia has a crap record. And I do try not to be a total asshole. Not always successfully, I'll grant, but we do what we can.
Thread: Life Without Sharks/ Shark Finning

I can be an asshole, too, so it's no big, really. Asia has interesting art and culture - SUCKS AT BEING HUMANE. There.
Thread: Life Without Sharks/ Shark Finning

Oh come now, let's not be too quick to cast stones... humans as a whole and as pretty much any individual group pretty much fail at the humane thing. A few examples Spanish Inquisition fun fact, Pope Ratzinger was head of the agency that the Inquisition morphed into when they renamed it, British Empire invented the concentration camp, Canada aren't we supposed to be the nice guys? apparently conducted medical experiments involving malnutrition and vitamin supplements on non-consenting First Nations children. As a general rule, people suck. The great folks we all meet and hang out with day to day? Those are the exceptions that prove the rule. Has anyone suggested scalping fishermen who get caught finning sharks yet? Or would it be closer to just lop off hands and feet? At what point does poetic justice and letting the punishment fit the crime become wanton cruelty? And... just because I was reading that Larry Niven story earlier... why don't cruel and unusual crimes warrant cruel and unusual punishments? Iiiiiii may be ever so slightly off topic at this point. Don't let me threadjack.
Thread: Life Without Sharks/ Shark Finning

..You really miss sarcasm sometimes, huh? Thing is, general populations of humans do suck but the whole If there were no people- argument is pretty void and overused. People are going to exist until some plague worse than the Black Plague kills everyone forever. And that's enough morbidity besides what this thread is already about. THREADJACKER. -points-
Thread: Life Without Sharks/ Shark Finning

Pulls out missile launch codes Lets see... Program them for Taiwanese boats... And three... Two... One... Normally, I wouldn't care, but... We need them for the ecosystem. The ocean is like... What, 70 or more of the planet's surface? That's 70 or more of our potential farming industry that those twits are completely screwing up? Even ignoring the moral or emotional aspect of it, this is just... Absurd, and needs to end. Now.
Thread: Seven Horns of the Apocalypse(Private roleplay between JamesKring and Sarah72)

Private roleplay between JamesKring and Sarah72 The old age is over. The fires that cleansed the world was as old as the humanity that had built the foundation that would be there doom. Religious conflicts mixed with the misuse of the national environment had placed the world on the road of a war that no one could win. Now where there had been large cities built to honor the power of the nation that had built them, only remnants were left. Dotting the landscape in a sad homage to a fallen time. Or that was at least what Vladimir had always been told by his father, who was told by his father, and so on. To over a hundred years Vladimir family had moved from area and area searching for what they could savageness as they lived each day hiding from the raiders, and cannibals that laid in wait for unwary travelers.
Thread: DNR Agents raid no kill shelter to kill baby deer.

It was like a SWAT team. Nine DNR agents and four deputy sheriffs, and they were all armed to the teeth, animal shelter employee Ray Schulze told WISN-TV. Two weeks ago, Schulze was working in the barn at the Society of St. Francis in Kenosha, Wis., when a swarm of squad cars screeched up and officers scrambled onto the property with a search warrant. Were they hunting down an armed robber or escaped prisoner? Conducting a drug raid? Incredibly, they were gunning for a 2-week-old baby fawn. Giggles the fawnPhotoWISN-TV Giggles had been brought to the no-kill animal shelter by a local family who found her and worried she had been abandoned by her mother. When it made a little noise, it sounded like it was laughing, Schulze told the TV station. Shelter employee Gary Schulze describes the DNR raid to WISN-TVPhoto WISN-TV The shelter claims plans were already in place to transfer the deer to a licensed wildlife refuge when the Department of Natural Resources got wind of it from two anonymous callers and made plans to seize the illegal animal, citing state law that forbids the possession of wildlife without a state-issued permit. The warden sprang into action, taking aerial photos of the barn to confirm the deers presence and then drafting an affidavit for the search warrant. Schulze said agents began the raid by detaining shelter workers and then setting out in search of the fawn. I was thinking in my mind they were going to take the deer and take it to a wildlife shelter, and here they come carrying the baby deer over their shoulder. She was in a body bag, Schulze said. Photo WISN-TV DNR Supervisor Jennifer Niemeyer said the law requires the agents to euthanize animals like Giggles because of the potential for disease and danger to humans. These are always very difficult situations for both parties involved, and we are empathetic to the fact of what happened because we know in our heart of hearts they tried to do the right thing, Niemeyer told reporter Colleen Henry. Niemeyer denied agents killed Giggles at the shelter. She said they tranquilized her and then euthanized her off-site. DNR supervisor These are always very difficult situations I dont care where they would have killed her, it would have been wrong, shelter president Cindy Schultz said. The DNR says it will file no charges against the shelter. But Schulze isnt feeling as charitable. She plans to sue the DNR for removing Giggles without a court hearing. They went way over the top for a little tiny baby deer.
Thread: DNR Agents raid no kill shelter to kill baby deer.

WTF IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE?!
Thread: DNR Agents raid no kill shelter to kill baby deer.

SWAT mentality spreading to all facets of the police force.
Thread: DNR Agents raid no kill shelter to kill baby deer.

That... is just disgusting. cries a little and dies a little inside
Thread: DNR Agents raid no kill shelter to kill baby deer.

Its not that I'm against killing animals, but killing a two week old baby? That was being moved to a refuge? Thats wrong.
Thread: DNR Agents raid no kill shelter to kill baby deer.

That was... pretty damn excessive. An entire armed team and aerial surveillance being brought in... because of a baby deer? I'm no expert on law, because most of the time it gets pretty fucking absurd, but why do laws in the 21st century exist that allow that kind of madness?
Thread: Seeds of Spira (Broomhandle45 and Candira)

Some students waited for most of their lives to become a guardian of Spira. Families placed a great deal of pressure on their children--being a guardian was a point of honor, and the Mi'hen Concourse Academy was the first step. Since the days of Sin and the first days of Lady Yuna's Eternal Calm, Guardians had been an integral part of Spira's history. Being part of this elite group was an honor that many social climbers aspired to...and then foisted their aspirations unto their children. Lucy Niles was one of those children. Of course, now, she was no child. The need to succeed, however, was no less. Though she had been groomed her whole life to do this job, Lucy felt the urge to cut loose now and then. She wanted to be more well-adjusted--able to have fun. Hell, she would have settled for an instance of teenage normalcy. The only problem was that she had no idea how to do that. Her goal from the time she could walk had been becoming a Guardian. Here was her opportunity to be a cadet. She was just as nervous as everyone else in the room, but she had no place to fall back either. This idea was only made more infuriating by the Al Behd boy who was so impatient for his results. Lucy had been in classes with Garen before, and she knew exactly how confident he was about his abilities. He was so confident, he didn't feel the need to try. It burned her up to think that someone like him would become a guardian and she wouldn't. Would you just calm down already!? You're not the only one who's anxious to know! She stood up and faced the Al Behd, a pointed glare directed right at him.
Thread: Seeds of Spira (Broomhandle45 and Candira)

Oh settle down, Loose. Garen replied with another dramatic sigh. You don't need to take out your failing scores on me, there's always next year, you know that right? he said with a casual grin. Ah, Loose...his favorite little name for her. It was kind of fun to see how many shades of anger he could make her, because quite frankly it was a little too easy to do! Something about her just screamed to Garen's natural...charming traits, and he just had to jump to it. So why don't you set your cute little butt back in your seat and stick your nose back in a book, hm? You probably have another year of studying ahead of you.
Thread: Seeds of Spira (Broomhandle45 and Candira)

If looks could kill, Garen would have died ten times over by now. Lucy was just waiting for an opportune moment to visit an huge amount of violence onto his face, and several cadets were backing away--not wanting to be in her path when she exploded. Others, however, got ready to try and hold her back for when the inevitable happened and Garen pushed her too far. Loose was the worst nickname he had for her and it got under her skin every time. Cuh uv y pedlr! How dare you?! You're an incompetent jerk, and if anyone here is going to fail it's you! At this point, several students could have sworn they saw sparks flying out of her ears. You take all of your talents for granted and think you're so much better than the rest of us. One of these days you're going to be in a lot of trouble out in the world, and you'll have no one to blame but yourself!
Thread: Seeds of Spira (Broomhandle45 and Candira)

You know... Garen mused, sitting his chair down in thought, ...I am much better than the rest of you, which is probably why you're so mad, Loose. he grinned. Or are you just mad that I'll be a Guardian like it's a second nature and you spent all your days being dull and studying? Just accept it better luck next year. Although, you're pretty hot when you're angry...should I be flattered? You got a cute little tint of red to your cheeks. It was probably a mercy calling that the door finally snapped open, disrupting most of them out of their worrisome little display between Garen and Lucy. The well dressed office attendant cleared his throat firmly, glancing down to his notepad with a stern eye as he scanned the classroom. There were only so many home rooms, which meant the number called could be anything between one to four, if they had a particularly smart class. If you'd please all be seated? he said pointedly, while Garen rested his elbows on his desk with a charming little smile. Well, this was it...the chance to prove everyone wrong about him!
Thread: Seeds of Spira (Broomhandle45 and Candira)

Lucy was seconds from lunging at him and beating the shit out of him. Before she could do anything or make a good comeback, however, the results came crashing in. Lucy took a moment to compose herself and then sat back down, taking a deep breath. He would get his someday. If he didn't come by it naturally, she'd see to it. Lucy gave Garen a look that seemed to say that for her and waited eagerly while the attendant called out three names. Quistis Banks, Garen Birkett, and Lucy Niles--you have been chosen to be certified. Report to the auditorium at once. With that, the attendant left and the classroom erupted into moans of failure, tearful congratulations, and supportive, There's always next year speeches. Lucy stood up with Quistis and made a point to ignore Garen as she exited the room. Once she was out, she put on some speed, heading toward the auditorium, wanting to get as far away from the Al Bhed boy as possible.
Thread: Seeds of Spira (Broomhandle45 and Candira)

The ceremony was relatively small in terms of students--only about a dozen were chosen each testing period. Their families came from all over, however, just in case one of their own was chosen, and so the auditorium was full of relatives and family friends. It was also full of social climbers, waiting to latch onto the weakest link. This year, that link would probably be Quistis. The girl was far too nice for her own good. Lucy, however, was more than happy to accept her duties and responsibilities and kick the moochers to the curb. Headmaster Pho's speech was simple but eloquent and she found herself smiling like a great idiot. She'd done it. She'd finally made it. All the physical training, compatibility tests, and general education classes had been worth it. All of her discipline and work ethic had been worth the dates, nights out with friends, and parties that she'd had to pass on over the years. And then as she looked up and around her she saw Garen and knew that he'd never passed on anything in his life. His natural talent must really have been impressive, because if it wasn't she was going to have to murder her parents and find a fresh start elsewhere in Spira. Just then, the dress spheres and sphere grids were presented to the Cadets and all of that pettiness was forgotten. One of the highest honors in the land was sitting in the palm of her hand. It felt warm and true, and gave her a surge of confidence. She would handle everything the instructors threw her way. And she would do it with a sense of decorum and integrity. And for once in her life, she would find some balance. When the assembly was concluded, a confident, celebratory smile was still stuck on her face.
Thread: Seeds of Spira (Broomhandle45 and Candira)

Somewhere in all the celebration of friends and family, there was still work to be done. There was no one better to do it than one of the instructors. Eddie moved through the crowd with a polite, easy smile before coming up to his prospective Cadet. Honestly, the process for students to be taught held a lot on teamwork...and there was plenty of debate on just who would make good pairs to train together, to grow together. Generally speaking, they usually weren't wrong. But most of the kids didn't really understand that one. Excuse me, Cadet Niles? he said politely. Sorry to bother your celebration with my undue entrance, he said with a tilt of his head. I've come to inform you that you'll be one of my Cadets that I will be teaching personally in the coming weeks.
Thread: Seeds of Spira (Broomhandle45 and Candira)

Upon hearing her name, the redhead spun around. She came face to face with a legendary Stongstress sphere user--Eddie Lightning. It took all the grace and tact she had to keep her jaw from dropping. It's an honor to meet you, sir. I look forward to learning from you in the future. She bowed her head respectfully and offered her hand for a shake, hoping that she had done nothing to offend him or make a fool out of herself. Of course, now that that was over, she wasn't really sure what to do or say, so she was really hoping that he would either take the lead or bid her adieu.
Thread: Seeds of Spira (Broomhandle45 and Candira)

Excellent! He grinned, shaking her hand with a surprising fervor from his polite manner just a few seconds ago. We will begin tomorrow, consider your academic studies on hold for the moment while you do field training. Bright and sharp in the morning, I hope? She was a sharp girl, intelligent...very prim and proper. From what his records shown, she had a very good understanding of magic and magic theory, which made her talents as a dressphere all the better. The talent was finding someone suitable to pair her with, but that was hardly a concern for someone as talented as Eddie Lightning. Or so he hoped, it got a tiny bit awkward with Tanika outdid him.
Thread: Seeds of Spira (Broomhandle45 and Candira)

She smiled and found herself thinking he had a nice grip. What a nerdy thing to think! Why would that ever be important?! Despite the inner turmoil, she managed to look like a normal human being, excited for training to begin the next day. I try to be. I'm really excited to begin, so I doubt I'll be drowsy tomorrow morning. She smiled again, a bit more genuinely this time. While Eddie was chatting up Lucy, the other instructor, Tanika, was making her way though the crowd. She'd greeted several students by now, and was just making her way to Garen. Iron Fist grinned as she tapped the young man's shoulder and offered her hand for him to shake when she had his full attention. Cadet Birkett, it's good to meet you. I'm one of your field instructors, Tanika. She bowed her head gracefully, that swing of dark hair falling a bit into her face before she straightened again. Congratulations on your accomplishment.
Thread: Seeds of Spira (Broomhandle45 and Candira)

Yes ma'am, thank you very much! Garren grinned happily to shake her hand, almost immediately regretting the firm grip she gave back in return. In retrospect, he should have expected that. Nothing I wasn't already aware of, I just needed to have the time for your school to catch up with that. he said easily. Nothing could stop his ego today, nothing could change his spirits for the worse...he had done everything that people said he wouldn't do. He'd made his brother proud, and that was enough for him to keep edging on.
Thread: Seeds of Spira (Broomhandle45 and Candira)

Ah, there was the ego she'd read so much about. Arrogance didn't go very far with Tanika and she was certain that somewhere, sometime, someone was going to bitch slap this one. She wouldn't lift a finger to stop it. Though he may have been talented, the instructor was certain that his inflated ego would get him hurt out in the real world if something wasn't done soon. But that would be Eddie's problem for the time being. Her job would come later. I see. So you were sure you would make it into the cadet program? It must be nice to live life with that kind of certainty. It's rare that you meet someone your age with that kind of confidence. It's usually all hot air with absolutely no foundation, she said, her impression seemingly impressed, still perky as ever. In fact, the people with that false sense of security often fall hardest on their faces when in real situations. But I'm sure that won't happen to you, she said, her smile still in place, her hand on his shoulder. I'm so sorry I won't be working with you right away, but your time will come. Until we meet again, cadet Birkett.
Thread: Seeds of Spira (Broomhandle45 and Candira)

Nice to meet you, Miss Tanika. Garen grinned easily, letting his exuberance carry on for just a moment longer. He wasn't dumb-as much as people loved thinking he was-, nor was he incapable of reading people. But it was so smooth and casual, and immensely charming that he didn't catch the little tick. And to be honest, he still wasn't quite sure if he was imagining anything or not. All in all, the entire situation gave him the tiniest bit of goosebumps. Man, those Instructors were creepy people. He rubbed his neck idly with a light sigh, determined nonetheless to enjoy his day of victory. Well, with nothing more to do today than to head to the dorms, he did simply that. He didn't know if he could really sleep...but he had to try. Tomorrow would be the day they'd use their dresspheres, their OWN dresspheres! Hopefully, he had a partner that he'd be relying on, that wasn't annoying...or hopefully was cute. That'd be a bonus.
Thread: Seeds of Spira (Broomhandle45 and Candira)

Tanika excused herself after Garren made his final statement and continued to greet the new talent. Eddie was going to have his hands full with this group--but then, so was she. Hopefully, though, they would all rise to the challenge. There was nothing worse than telling a cadet that they simply didn't have what it took to continue their training with the academy. Meanwhile, Lucy was trying to figure out what to do with Eddie. She was running out of small talk, and she thought it would be rude to excuse herself. But it was kind of nice to know that an instructor was giving her this kind of attention. After all, that kind of one-on-one attention was rare in the field. Maybe it was a good sign? Lord, she really hoped so.
Thread: Seeds of Spira (Broomhandle45 and Candira)

If Eddie had seen the little chit-chat with Garen, he didn't mention much of it. The reaction was...less than what he wanted, but that was his cue to socialize all the same. Yes, he actually did have a good feeling about this one, even if he felt his temples mildly throb in anticipation of it all. The work of a teacher was never done, he supposed. He gave Lucy an easy smile and cast a glance off into the crowd. He had a lot to do, oh boy...did he have a lot to do. Well, I'm expecting to see you bright and early tomorrow, Cadet. Don't be late, he said easily, turning to leave.