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submitted by KarlPilkington
[link] [1 comment]

So today I saw the trailer for the movie "The Nut Job", which is due to come out in 2014. While watching it, I couldn't help but think it was an obvious rip off of Tirrel/Cerberus's 2007 animation "The Nut Job" where the plot is basically the same, less the use of a giant mecha-squirrel. Please compare these too and let me know if I am just crazy or the movie is ripping of the animation.

2014 Movie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fq4qP2oSpIA

2007 animation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeRqkTNDFRI

submitted by Vaelik
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submitted by Nsyse
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submitted by Fireflufferz
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submitted by Super_Seekrit
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submitted by popgoeskia
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I would be more than glad to play with any furries. I play LoL, TF2, Civ, CS:GO, and occasionally Guns of Icarus. I own gMod but have not played that in a long nor do I have it installed.
Add me on Steam :P

submitted by FanatikShadow
[link] [14 comments]

Dear Papabear,

I'd like to first thank you for running this lovely site and this lovely column. I've browsed through your letters and responses now and then, always admiring the unbiased approach you take and the useful advice you give. In a world where so much seems changing it's reassuring to know that there are always logical steps that can be taken to move forward.

I have so many questions! And maybe that's indicative of my life at the moment. It would be a lie to say I'm in a very mentally stable position – I haven't been for some time. I think that's possibly useful information for the question to come. I'd like to ask about not poly relationships in general, but rather my own poly relationship. And I guess the question most on my mind, the one that keeps me up at night is, “Am I doing the right thing?” To expand, “Am I doing the right thing by them?”

I met my boyfriend roughly a year ago. It's long distance, but with plans to meet and be with one another in the very near future. He's saved a lot of money (as an artist with no secondary job, I find saving more then a few hundred to be difficult, but I cannot help but feel I've failed him if he has to provide the majority of the money for air fares and such!) and we're planning on being together in person for the first time around February-March of the new year. I was initially very hesitant to get into a relationship with him, I know I've had trouble in the past maintaining any sort of relationship and what with being transgendered (male to female) there are some rather large mental barriers to work through before I can promise him much in the way of physical intimacy. And yet everything seemed to fall into place. He was perfect for me. Supportive, caring, forgiving of my faults. He is himself an artist with more ability to pour himself into his art than I've ever seen. 

Then she came along. Much like I had with him, I fell rather instantly in love with her. When we spoke I was the happiest I had been in weeks. When I could make her smile it ... well, you get the idea. She's transgendered, too, and I feel a strong empathy for her. I want to help her through life and, if the possibility of a poly relationship had not been open, I would have striven to stay by her side and make sure that she was happy, whatever happened. 

I guess the “problem” is that a poly relationship was possible. That is to say, I approached the topic gently with my boyfriend and after convincing him that it was by no means a failure on his part that I had room in my heart for two people, he agreed that the idea of a poly relationship was worth exploring. And so we did. 

Now at every junction my boyfriend seems cripplingly insecure. Whilst my girlfriend is content to spend but a fraction of every week together, my boyfriend grows upset if we cannot spend every day with one another. I feel like I can't do things with my other friends because I'm pressured to be on Skype with him all the time and explain myself when I want to do other things. Although he claims that my going and doing my own thing is okay, he starts to fall apart if I'm absent for more then a day or two. A week ago I felt guilty that I hadn't spent enough time with my girlfriend, so I got a commission from another artist of our characters hugging. My boyfriend went off the deep end, telling me he thought I'd much rather be seen in public with her character than his. It felt like my commitment was being questioned, which I felt unfair considering how much of my time I spend with him.

To make matters worse, I literally cannot argue very much with my boyfriend. If he perceives any danger of us breaking up, he'll back down. Is it bad that I don't share this trait? That I would rather see if we're right for each other than cling to the hope that we are and that if we don't talk about things everything will be all right?

I feel like there's much I can't explain in this letter. There're aspects of the relationship that I just can't do justice to in one document. I love both of them dearly – so what do I do? Am I doing the right thing? Trying to fight for this three-ringed circus of a relationship when they have no interest in each other, only me, or am I being selfish? Despite what he's said, my boyfriend is clearly not interested in a poly relationship yet with all that's happened. I'm not sure I could go back to a relationship with just me and him and I know the very idea would break my girlfriend's heart. I would very much like to hear your insight.

Yours,

Lucky Cow

* * *

Dear Lucky Cow,

Reading through your letter, I think you pretty much understand the situation and are just waiting to hear from an outside, objective voice whether or not you are correct.

While your boyfriend says he’s okay with the polyamorous relationship you’re exploring, both you and I know that he really doesn’t want to share you with your girlfriend. As for your girlfriend, you don’t say enough about her for me to really gauge her feelings. My sense is that she is a little more secure in this, so far, because you are currently able to see each other in real life. This might change drastically once your boyfriend is with you in the physical sense.

Polyamorous relationships are extremely difficult and only work if everyone involved is 100% on board. This is not the case with you. If you try to force the situation because you want both of them in your life, you are bound to be disappointed and, quite likely, will hurt one or both of them.

So it is, Lucky Cow, that I would advise you to make a choice. Take your time and think long and hard about what you wish to do. Weigh the pros and cons and also, of course, take into account your instincts and your emotions. In the end, though, based on what you have told me here, I don’t see a polyamorous relationship working between the three of you. Pick your boyfriend, or pick your girlfriend, not both.

Before you do that, however, I want you to reflect on who you are as a person. Why do you think it is that you want a polyamorous relationship? Would you ever be satisfied with just one person to love for the rest of your life? If so, then my instinct tells me you should go with the boyfriend; if not, then the girlfriend seems a more viable option. But be prepared for the possibility that she, too, might seek other lovers, which means you would find yourself in a situation analogous to the one in which your boyfriend now finds himself. When it comes to polyamory, must you be the focus of the group dynamic? Or would you be content to be a satellite lover?

Only you can answer that question. Figure it out before you take the next step.

Good luck!

Papabear

submitted by Mahigan
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submitted by blairthebear
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submitted by Tiikirien
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Hey fellow furries!

I waa lucky enough to get a Playstation vita for Christmas but I don't have any friends on PSN ;w;

Did anyone else get a vita (or PSFurr) for Christmas? :3 If so, feel free to add me (CyberKitsune) on PSN!

submitted by CyberKitsune
[link] [10 comments]

Author: rodney Sheriff Callie’s Wild West is a new CGI animated TV series for preschool kids, coming soon to Disney Junior. Starring the voice of Mandy Moore (Tangled), it tells the story of Callie — a calico cat, the loyal and heroic sheriff of a little western town called Nice and Friendly Corners — and […]

submitted by shastrocks
[link] [5 comments]

Hey,

Firstly thanks for the help so far. Lots of people have helped me by giving the pointers and answers to my questions, so thanks.

But now I'm looking for someone who would consider drawing my fursona. I've had a look around and seen a few people doing commissions.

Can you recommend anyone?

submitted by kimbalot
[link] [9 comments]

There are certainly many different approaches to this, including outside of the purely psychological individual may have. For many, it's probably primarily about belonging, says Arnbjørg Engenes, who is a sociologist at Vestfold University College. All people have a need to be part of a social community. All we have also strategies to gain entry. Some choose soccer jerseys or T-shirts with their favorite band, the second thus fur suits and living that fantasy. - What is special is that it has so many strong elements of play and childishness. There are very few other subcultures that have

submitted by Roogoyle
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submitted by Espilonarge
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"To be oneself some people must become something else entirely. For Astrid Hansen (29) was a pink fur costume way out of loneliness.
http://www.nrk.no/magasin/frelst-av-pels-1.11398926


Between stressing families and noisy youths paws a collection furry, neon-colored creatures. In one corner stands a pink dog and a blue cat and trying to get to a call of Katy Perry's "Roar," which appropriately enough is played over the PA system. A large, nondescript fur animals with beaks and wings make some clumsy attempt to get their paws around an orange bowling ball.

The animals have come out of the woods, and collected on a rundown shopping center in Oslo east.

• See the entire documentary online later in the caseA suitcase full of fur

A few hours earlier in the day. We stand out in the winter sun with Astrid Hansen. She is one of a group of 15-20 people who gathered outside the bowling of Veitvet center.

- Right now I feel just empty. Excited I get only when we enter, says 29-year-old and looks away slightly towards the other at the small parking lot.

Inside the hall is Norway championship bowling in full swing. That's not why she's nervous. Astrid shall not participate in the championship. Astrid is "Furry". Today she is on her first bowling match.

The gang she is with one of the smallest, and perhaps the fussiest subcultures out there. It is mostly men. Some older and some younger. Apparently there is nothing that sets them apart from the others coming and going this Saturday morning. Like Astrid, several of the large suitcases or bags.

In the purple suitcase Astrid is two fur outfits she has made herself. A pink dog called "Temples" and the brown fox "Asha". On special occasions, or when she feels extra social, she is wearing the pink suit.

One is that you will be. Inside the jersey, no one sees you.

- Astrid Hansen
- Has saved me socially

Astrid is quiet. She is dark, with a hint of gray in her long hair deferred. In most ways a normal girl. She speaks softly and low. Near the other people she chooses often placing themselves in the outskirts.

It has always been for her.

Before she began to walk with fur costume she was "the quietest girl in the class." The one who always stood alone, watching the others. She was just there, but did not exist, as she describes it herself.

- I'm probably not so easy to approach. I've avoided other people ... I have somehow never quite known what to say, says Astrid and biting her lower lip gently.

Soon she will take on fur suit that makes her feel alive.

- I'd probably not so good for a while, I think ... She pulls a bit.

- I have always been a lot to myself, never had so many friends that it does something. For my part, well this really saved me socially. I guess I've gotten a little spark of life again, one might say. She looks down at the ground.

I'm probably not so easy to approach. I've avoided other people ...

Astrid Hansen

When she is "temple" or "Asha" she feels safer. When she knows that she is part of an environment that has the same interests as her. This makes it easier to be with others. Without her constantly need to think about or be afraid of being judged.

- You are the one will be. Inside the jersey, no one sees you. Although I have become more social and outgoing. I dare to be more normal in a way, although this is not exactly look so normal, she says and laughs a little of what she says.

Dress up like animals

Astrid is not alone. All over the world there are thousands who dress in fur suits. For a very few, it is a lifestyle. The phenomenon originated in the U.S. in the early 1980s as a "hairy" relative of the environment around the fantasy and science-fiction. They call themselves furries, fur animals. In short, they are a group of people who have a very strong and special attraction to animals.

Think of anthropomorphic animals like Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck, and add characters from various video games and cartoons.

Some dress up in full costume and live out fantasies, most of us have known since childhood.

There are many reasons why people become furries. It varies from person to person. Most people find interest through cartoons and video games. Many come from the environment around anime and cosplay, Japanese cartoons and masquerade associated with this.

For some it's a sexual thing, but within the community there are also many who reject this. Most telling about the other reasons why they dress in fur.

Some feel almost like an animal trapped in a human body. Others like the creative and artistic. For them it is an opportunity to create and develop imaginative characters, sew costumes or subscribe. Some make music or movies, or just hanging around because they think the environment is exciting.

Currently, the Norwegian environment little. Somewhere between 100 and 200 Perhaps it is only between 20 to 50 as Astrid, who is in suits and fur live life fully. But the environment is growing. Internet forums as Norwegian Paws and Furaffinity testify that there are furries all over the country.

Turn into animals

This Saturday has many turned up. Record number, I know. They have reserved three courts. When the time is approaching five, moving the herd slowly into the alley.

There has meanwhile arisen a crisis. Having been told to use bowling there are several that will not change. "- It has never been before ...", whispered it. Some shoes will simply destroy the illusion and experience of the costume, explaining one of fur animals.

Astrid will run "partial," animal head, paws and tail. The rest she takes on when the bowl is finished.

Noticeably disappointed they carry the equipment with them. They have borrowed two small rooms where they can change. The transformation from human to animal is a tedious process. First a layer of clothing and face mask to protect costly suits against sweat. A range also on a small corset before he sneaks into the thick layers of synthetic fur. More people need help to get all the gear in place.

When my paws out of the sweaty locker room, they transformed into animals.

Astrid has decided the brown revedrakten today. The pink dog, a friend borrow. "Asha" is ready for her first bowling match.

For many, this is not something you choose to be, it is simply something you are. Although I was born that way, I think.

Steinar Eliassen
Norway's first "furry"

In Norway probably started it all in 1994. Then the cartoon enthusiast Steinar Eliassen across a site for furries. He was immediately enthusiastic about what he saw. The following year he stood as a lone Norwegian participant at a meeting in Los Angeles.

Nearly 20 years later, the 41-year-old father of the family is still one of the most active in the Norwegian environment. It is he who arranges's bowling.

- This is not something you do to become popular. Actually it was pretty lonely for some years. For many, this is not something you choose to be, it is simply something you are. Although I was born like that, I think, says Steinar serious.

He lives in Norway, just outside Doylestown. In a small townhouse packed with teddy bear and animal pictures he keeps to a wife who is also furry, and her two children.

In the locker room he is about to become "Sayh" a wonderful mix of mandarinand and red panda. A "Panduck," as he calls it. The suit is so big and unwieldy that I must help him to lace up duck feet and the large wings.

- I do not know why, but I always felt like that. It was always clear that it was a bird that would be my character, he says.

For Steinar is it like to be an animal trapped in a human body. He has always identified strongly with animals, and feel a strong spiritual connection with their characters.

So strong that when the huge bird head is hoisted into place he puts the furry paw over his beak and signals that now is the end of the talking. In full costume he communicates only with a few small nods and gestures.

To get out of the locker room, he must pry their way through the narrow doorway.

- The animal in me takes over

In "Dame locker room" also has Astrid got the suit. For her it was almost by chance that she was furry. Unlike Steinar she feels no spiritual connection to their characters.

Not yet at least.

For her, it's mainly about the social. And if the costumes. Astrid has always been interested in toys, comics and design. She is creative, loves to sew and has made cartoons that have been published in several newspapers and magazines. It was supposed to be her way into the environment.

For me, it was liberating. Just talking to people though quite large.

Astrid Hansen

- I have always been aware of what it was and that they were there, but I never thought anything special of furries before a few years ago, she says.

In 2011, at a meeting for comic fans, she became acquainted with a furry. With her interests was easy to find the tone. Gradually she became drawn into the environment. Eventually she agreed terms. It was when she was she "saved," she says. Now she crawled almost only other furries.

- For me, it was liberating. Just talking to people though quite large. Finally I met someone I knew how I could communicate with, she explains.

After a while, she decided to create her own animal nature. Suddenly there appeared a figure she could not let go.

- "I must have suit!", I thought, says Astrid.

A short time later she had rigged up in a corner of the living room and had started to sew her first costume. It was the brown fox "Asha", which is now headed for the bowling alley. Since it has thus reached a new fur animals in her life. It is the slightly more playful "The temple", which is a mixture of wolf, dog and little cat.

- Now the only animal in me more and more, she says, laughing a little himself.

- This is about belonging

Although the term and interest for most people might be perceived as odd, are the driving forces behind very normal and human.

- There are certainly many different approaches to this, including outside of the purely psychological individual may have. For many, it's probably primarily about belonging, says Arnbjørg Engenes, who is a sociologist at Vestfold University College.

All people have a need to be part of a social community. All we have also strategies to gain entry. Some choose soccer jerseys or T-shirts with their favorite band, the second thus fur suits and living that fantasy.

- What is special is that it has so many strong elements of play and childishness. There are very few other subcultures that have, she says.

She thinks it's one of the reasons why furries have a relatively low social status, and that they largely have ended up being ridiculed and looked down upon.

- Worse to come out as gay furry than that

The most common representation in the media and popular culture are typical nerds and losers. The controversial radio host Howard Stern has repeatedly made condescending articles about the environment. Major TV series such as "Entourage" and "CSI" have used them as humorous touches. On the web there are numerous sites and discussion forums that make fun of them.

Many therefore choose to live out the interest in hiding.

Astrid and Steinar are two of the few who choose to stand openly with your name and face. For most it will be too difficult. Many dare not even admit interest in friends or family.

- For some, it is actually a major barrier to come out as furry than coming out of the closet as gay, says Steinar before bowling.

- I know furries who lives at home with parents who have no idea what they are doing. They hide suits and smuggle them out when they are on the hit, he said.

Currently, there are in fact few who find it healthy or natural for older people dress up as something that looks like it was taken from a picture book for children.

For it is fur animals differently. And visible.

Becoming more courageous

Inside the bowling is almost full. When fur animals transcends into it as if someone pressed the pause button. The sound level drops and bowling balls are left in peace. More to come over to take pictures or ask about what's going on. Some whispering and pointing. More simply shake their heads over what they see.

"- Is there a bachelorette party?", "- Plays the music video?». It is clear that more has Ylvis `" The Fox "in mind when they see the small herd.

Fur animals can not seem to be affected by all the attention. It appears in the least. Now that the fur has come on, the atmosphere is noticeably different than moments ago. Quiet chatter and nervous laughter disappeared. Several starting to take some careful dance steps, or to pose and do pranks for the onlookers.

A few of the animals go and greet those in neighboring lanes. The kids are doing great eyes when a big blue fox suddenly comes over to hand out hugs. A small child is so scared that it starts to hylskrike.

- A bit like Russian suit or bachelorette party

- Although this is undoubtedly special interest, they are not really so different from football fans, or anyone else who is heavily into a particular concern, says Lars Jørun Langøien.

Langøien is a social anthropologist and has written thesis about cosplayers. It is a phenomenon that is closely related to furry.

For some fur suit mean a chance to live out a more playful and social side of himself. It could also be something to hide behind, which means they can be who they want to be, he explains.

- There will be an opportunity to get away from the ordinary, mundane everyday life.

... They both dare and ability to break with what is considered "normal".

Lars Jørun Langøien

As furry they can play and extend the boundaries of their own identity. Do things that are not socially acceptable, or that they may not dare to normal.

- It is a phenomenon most of us know. It is like the Russian suit or stag party. The costume makes you dare to expand their usual repertoire, he says.

He believes that being a furry in many ways requires far more of a person than many other communities. It is extremely much more taboo than other subcultures.

- So even though this very much could be called a "nerd culture", I'd be very careful to call these people losers, says Langøien.

Disappearing in the crowd is in fact not easy when you are dressed up as giant, live cartoon characters. It takes courage to live out that in many ways bothersome interest.

- It just shows that they both dare and abilities to break with what is considered "normal". One can just as easily turn it around and look at some of them, socially, as a strong people, he said.

It is like the Russian suit or stag party. The costume makes you dare to expand their usual repertoire.

Lars Jørun Langøien, social anthropologist
- Nice to get out among people

The bowling has the worst commotion subsided. Fur animals appear to have found its natural place among the other guests. When one path is a black cat and drinking cola and eating french fries while waiting for it to be his turn to play. A gray wolf is straight out of the parquet after sending the bowling ball in the gutter of "enteritis" time.

Astrid gets only four throws before she goes back and change into full costume. After all, fur is all about today.

When she comes back, there are already some who have given up for the day. In the suit, it quickly becomes hot. More is soon to change. When they come back, they are fur-free faces red and dripping with sweat.

Astrid goes back and forth. Greet someone, turn off and a short chat. Although she has been fitted with an electric fan in the head of the costume, she soon out in the parking lot. This time with her friend in the pink suit.

This is the ID

In the documentary series ID you meet people who take unusual choice to get to be themselves.

Tell us about the people and stories nrkid@nrk.no !

- It's nice to see something new for a change. Get out. Hitting people, not just sit at home and stare at the wall, she said.

Soon she also goes to the locker room and begins to undress. The face glisten with sweat as she takes off her mask. She is hot and tired, but when she pack up your bags, there is no doubt that she is happy with what she has experienced.

- I'll definitely next time, she says, smiling broadly under the sweat bangs.

But first she partying with the other fur animals. Then the suits get be left in the purple suitcase.

Badly translated article ahead lol.

Sarah (24) lives in Trondheim dressed like a fox. She is part of the furry community in Norway.
http://www.nrk.no/trondelag/far-kick-av-a-kle-seg-ut-som-dyr-1.11387262

- I'm a 1.80 meters high rev. Brown, black and white, with big fluffy tail, long pink tongue and sharp teeth. But I tend not to bite, says Sarah (24).

She sits around a table at a cafe in Trondheim with two friends. Sarah is wearing revedrakt from head to toe, while your friends have collars around their necks.

- Look, it says Kirino engraved, with a little bling on.

They are called furries. There are people who share a passionate interest in dressing up like animals. They are fascinated by animals with human qualities, who can walk on two legs, talk and think like people.

- There is no more required to be furry than being an animal lover, says Sarah.

• Read what Wikipedia writes about Furry culture

Identify with animals

The character of Sarah talking really, but she made an exception today.

- If people talk to me when I'm in character, I usually just nod. Torvus does not actually use human words, she explains.

All the furry community has found a character that they identify with, such as a fox, badger or raccoon. Some use only the tails and ears, while others have full fur suits.

Being furry is all about expressing their personality through the character.

- Furries are people who have a genuine interest in animals, and expressing it in many different ways. Both art and music and so we meet and talk about the interest, says "Kirino".

Do not dare come forward

The three round table would not come forward with their real identity, for they are afraid of the reactions that can occur.

- It's not all in my social circle who know I'm furry. It could be that they have only heard negative things about furries. If only I was associated with the positive things, so I probably told the whole world that I am furry, says Kirino.

They have experienced negative publicity in the media, and especially remember an episode of the American television series CSI.

- There were furries portrayed as people who have sex in animal costumes, and it's certainly not what this is about. There are certainly a tiny percentage that may hold the stuff, but they keep themselves to themselves, says Kirino.

Her character is a cat, and yet she has collar, paws, tail and ears. Soon she will order a full suit, called a fursuit. But it costs. Sarah has just ordered a new revedrakt, and it costs 16 000.

Love to hug people

Sarah leaves the cafe and goes out of Trondheim with revedrakten on. Many people stop and stare, while others rush past.

- The character makes me cheerful and playful. Now I have an energy in the body that I want to share with others.

She runs away to people on the street and throwing around their necks. Some run away, while others surprised the opposite. Children think it's always nice with clips from the fox.

- In the summer I was in the square in Trondheim and hugged many children. A girl was long behind her mother, and finally she asked about getting a hug. Then she hugged me for five minutes, and the tears flowed when they had to go.

Sarah smiles when she thinks back on that episode.

- It makes me so happy to think of it, it gives me a spark, she says.

For her, the main thing with being furry to please others.

Gather to live the dream

In the pedestrian zone in Trondheim are Sarah stopped by a woman who wants to take a picture with your mobile camera.

- It's a rare sight, so I have to take a picture. It was funny, she said.

Furry fandom has probably originated from fictional books in the 1960s, but got real foothold first in the 80s in the U.S.. In Norway, the environment has grown in leaps and bounds since it was established in the mid 90s.

Last year, it organized a large gathering in Oslo, and there came the 51 furries from around the country.

- Cohesion in the environment is very good. Most people will just express joy or interest, and it's really nice people, says Kirino.

During the collections draw the plays video games and organizes party games in a fur suit. Between the matches together they usually online forum "Norwegian paws . "

- There are all kinds of people who are furries. There are just ordinary people who share a common interest, says Sarah.

She loves to wear revedrakten and enter the role of Torvus.

- I'm going to be furry and walk in fursuit as long as I live. I'm quite sure.