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Update:   Friday, July 30, 2004

The contest deadline is quickly approaching! To those who are still working on pics, and to those who are revising/fixing their entries, good luck. And I've posted a link to some world clocks to help out anyone who is confused by all the crazy time zones and Daylight Savings Time and such. The link is under the contest banner on this page. The deadline is on Los Angeles time. I must receive your submission by that time! So if you're worried about your e-mail service being too slow, or my e-mail service eating up your entry, then the safest bet would be to post in the contest guestbook (link is on the rules page). Entries in the guestbook are time-stamped, so you'll have proof that you beat the deadline. I will be posting a bit of info on how the other judges and I will be deciding the winners. (It won't be an easy task!) I'll also be posting a definite date for announcement of winners. Finally, I have been keeping track of artists under the age of 14. I will be posting a list soon, so if you were under 14 when you drew your pic, and you're not on that list, feel free to e-mail me and let me know. There are 14 lovely additions to the contest for today: 62 - ConRtist's pic has a simple, direct intensity I like. The words are very appropriate as well. 63 - Ayashi's beautiful AU what-if pic offers Kenshin x Tomoe fans a real treat. Beautifully done. 64 - I like the stark atmosphere of Ssu-An's dramatic pic. The color choices are lovely. 65 - Sora's appropriately titled pic is quite intense. I like the gleam in Battousai's amber eyes. 66 - I like the unusual point-of-view in Sora's second pic. I also like Kenshin's expression in this. 67 - The Narrator has a great pic of Enishi with really cool black wings. I like the dark costume. 68 - I like how Kaoru-hime's pic leaves elements of a scene up to the imagination of the viewer. 69 - S.I.D. has a wonderful pic of Kenshin and Kaoru. I like the soft, gentle colors and shading. 70 - Azuka's pic of Kaoru and a Kenshin plushie is adorable. The cheerful background is nice too. 71 - I like the contrast of color and line art in strympl's pic. I like the slightly faded colors. 72 - Gary Hagins has a beautiful pic of Kenshin and Kaoru. A nicely done realistic interpretation. 73 - The bright, bold colors are quite wonderful in Wingstar's lovely pic. Nice composition too. 74 - BookWyrm1317 captures a cute and romantic moment. Kenshin's blush is a nice touch. 75 - An interesting and lovely style in lynnet's pic. I like the heart-warming humor in the scene. Posted by hakubaikou, 11:52:00 PM EST. on today's updates.

Update:

I'm going to be updating the entries page periodically throughout the day today and tomorrow. But I won't post an update note about the entries until the end of the day. So if you see pics on the entries page that I haven't commented on yet, don't worry. It's coming later. I've also added a link to a list of world clocks under the contest banner on this page. There was some confusion about time zones from people who don't live in the U.S. or Canada. Hope the link helps. Posted by hakubaikou, 1:52:00 PM EST. on today's updates.

Update:   Thursday, July 29, 2004

I'm back from my vacation, and all I can say is...woah.  A ton of contest entries.  Woohoo!  But before I get to them, a reminder:  Please read the rules before submitting works.  If your pic doesn't meet specifications, I will send it back to you for you to fix and re-submit.  (I did that for over 10 entries today.)  I will not be extending the deadline for anyone, so if your submission is delayed because of size or file errors, you have no one to blame but yourself.  The rules and specifications have been posted in bold, brightly colored text for weeks now.  They're quite easy to read and understand.  The rules and specifications are as important as the pics themselves.  Thanks to all the participants who have read them carefully and sent in pics correctly.  Your efforts are very much appreciated.  :-) Okay, enough preaching.  On to the fun stuff.... Hold onto your hats, people.  There are 23 new pics in the contest: 39 - Claudia LL's dramatic pic has gorgeous colors, nice composition, and wonderful emotion.  40 - An interesting spin inspired from a scene from the OAV by ReeveLy.  Nice subtle colors. 41 - Kitsuneonna's pic of Battousai is wonderfully dark and ominous.  I like the tone of this. 42 - Lovely pencilwork by Blue Jeans.  I like the costumes and the wonderful details. 43 - I like the sweetness of yaney's pic.  Nice cel-styled shading.  Kaoru's kimono is beautiful. 44 - RoseThorn's whimsical pic cracks me up.  The facial expressions are great in this pic. 45 - Another beautiful, complex pencil drawing by Blue Jeans.  Again, the costumes are great. 46 - Audra's Tomoe pic is hilarious.  I like the bright colors and the semi-Southpark like style. 47 - Sunoko's pic is aptly titled.  This one had me giggling out loud.  I like Kenshin's expression. 48 - Jelley's oekaki is wonderfully detailed.  I like the happy feeling from the pic.  Nicely done. 49 - A beautiful night scene from Connie.  I like the colors and  the soft glow around Kenshin. 50 - Connie's Yahiko and Tsubame pic captures a sweet moment.  Nicely composed too.  51 - A wonderful drawing of Tomoe by SoujiKatome.  I like the dramatic expression on her face. 52 - Bekah Wren's pic had me intrigued.  I like the idea of the fallen chess piece.  Nice work. 53 - A very dramatic pic from Makimachi Motoko.  I like the startling colors and composition. 54 - I like the composition of Jaelithe's pic, with Kenshin sitting huddled and small in the corner.  55 - The second of the Reminiscence pics by Jaelithe, I like how the blossoms are highlighted. 56 - The third Reminiscence pic.  I like the subtle colors in this one.  Nicely done, all three pics. 57 - Sunoko offers a touching, quiet scene.  I like the emotional tone and the soft, gentle colors. 58 - A cool battle scene by trunkschan90.  I like the representative animals in the background. 59 - Sakura_chan's K&K pic is adorable.  I like the bright colors and happy expressions.  60 - I like the contrast between the dark theme and bright colors in  Sakura's second pic. 61 - I like the romantic atmosphere of this pic by trunkschan90.  Lovely coloring as well. Thanks to everyone who sent in artwork!  If I didn't post your pic, and you didn't receive an e-mail from me notifying you of a file problem, then please re-send your image.  I may not have received it.  Also, if there are any errors in today's updates, please let me know!  I'll fix them as quickly as possible. Posted by hakubaikou, 11:32:00 PM EST. on today's updates.

Update:   Friday, July 23, 2004

Hey everyone.  Just letting you all know I'm going on another road trip for the next 4 or 5 days.   So if you send me something, and I don't respond immediately, it's because I'm not back yet.  Have a good weekend, everyone.  And if you find yourself sitting around with nothing to do... consider whipping up some artwork for the fan art contest.  (Teehee.)  See ya. Posted by hakubaikou, 3:48:00 AM EST. on today's updates.

Update:   Thursday, July 22, 2004

Hey everyone, sorry for not updating in a while.  I've been working on a student film crew the past week, and it's been rather hectic.  Finally got some time to work on the site today.  There's plenty of stuff to see.  Please enjoy all the new contributions.   UPDATES:   Lady Himura Shishi has a lovely new artwork of Kenshin posted.  Vivid and colorful with a cool background.  Thanks for the lovely pic, Lady Himura Shishi.   Krista, a new artist at this site, has three cool wallpapers added.  They range from romantic to funny.  My favorite one is the Saitou one.  Thanks for sending those in, Krista.   Crystal Renee has a wonderful new wall in her gallery.  I like the color scheme and the cool background.  Very liquid and peaceful.  Much thanks for the new wall, Crystal.     CONTEST:   Ayashi has sent in a marvelous pic of Battousai and Tomoe.  I like the subtle colors and textures of the piece.  Nice layout too.  Thanks so much for joining the contest, Ayashi.   Nick Dobromilsky has a dramatic pic of Kenshin set in a backdrop of a burning city.  I like the brilliant colors and the vast scope of the scene.  Thanks for the great pic, Nick.   Makimachi Motoko has a gorgeous pic of Aoshi and Misao.  It's nice to see Aoshi smiling and happy.  And the background and blossoms are lovely.  Thanks so much, Makimachi Motoko.   Angelhitomi has a wonderfully dark and brooding pic of Battousai.  Nice facial expression.  Wonderful muted colors and textures.  Thanks very much for the art, angelhitomi.   Jelley has a sweet and warm-hearted pic of Misao gazing out upon the sea.  Take a close look at the moon, and you might see a familiar face.  Thanks so much for the lovely art, Jelley.   OTHER:   A reminder.  The fan art contest is coming to an end soon.  Deadline is the end of this month.  So those of you who haven't submitted art yet... Get those creative juices flowing.  Please join in.  I'm sure we'd all love to see your RK masterpieces!   Nominations have begun at the Rurouni Kenshin Reader's Choice Awards.  This is a great RK fandom tradition, so if you have a favorite fan fic, I highly encourage you to wander on over and nominate it.  Be sure to read all the rules before doing so, though.  Some of them are fairly specific.  The RKRCA have been around since 1999.  Thanks so much to Mir for continuing the tradition.  Click here to visit the site:  http://tfme.net/rkrc/ Posted by hakubaikou, 2:43:00 PM EST. on today's updates.

Update:   Sunday, July 18, 2004

Sorry, no regular updates today, folks, but....   The Rurouni Kenshin Reader's Choice Awards...   Quite possibly the biggest and most exciting annual RK fanfic event on-line since it's beginnings by Sekihara Tae in 1999.  Mir has been kind enough to host the 2003 awards this year.  They will be up at her TFME site soon, and she has asked that people spread the word.  So, with much pleasure, I'm spreading as requested.  :)   Take a look folks:  RKRC Awards   And a reminder to artists:  Two weeks left to the fanart contest.  It's not too late to enter.  The more submissions, the merrier, right?  ;-)   Posted by hakubaikou, 1:23:00 AM EST. on today's updates.

Update:   Saturday, July 17, 2004

UPDATE: Artist White Haizea has a lovely new pic of Kenshin and Tomoe posted.  It is such a rare treat to see a fan art of a happy moment between these two.  I really enjoyed this.  Nice pose.  Nice shading.  Thanks very much for sharing this, White Haizea.  Please take a look, folks. CONTEST:   Two great entries from The Narrator.  The first is a very dramatic (and quite bloody) interpretation of a scene from the Jinchuu arc.  (Strong spoiler alert on this one.)  The composition and the idea behind the pic's theme are well done.  The second pic is very different from the first: an adorable pic of Kenji.  Very cute and light hearted.  Thanks to The Narrator for joining in the contest.  Please have a look, everyone.  Posted by hakubaikou, 12:34:00 AM EST. on today's updates.

Update:   Friday, July 16, 2004

Two great new entries in the art contest today.  Please have a look, everyone.   Sachi Ami has a great ink drawing of Aoshi and Misao.  I like the dramatic high-contrast look of the pic.  It also comes with an original poem which fits the pic and the contest theme nicely.  I like how the background of the pic is really a silhouette of Aoshi and Misao's profiles.  Nicely done.  Thanks so much for the lovely art, Sachi Ami.   Steffel has a great pic of Kenshin and Kaoru in a wonderfully warm scene.  A quiet moment where both of them look happy.  I like the colors and the careful attention to detail in this pic.  The background is beautifully done.  And the overall mood of this piece is just wonderful.  Thanks very much to Steffel for sending in this pic. Posted by hakubaikou, 12:38:00 AM EST. on today's updates.

Update:   Wednesday, July 14, 2004

Writer majoranka has a new poem posted titled "Houji's Serenade". This one utterly cracks me up. Nice meter. Even nicer humor. And it's probably the only Houji fanfic I've ever come across. Thanks so much for allowing me to post this, majoranka. Take a look, folks. Chapter 8 of my Sea fic is up as well. Posted by hakubaikou, 2:57:00 AM EST. on today's updates.

Update:   Saturday, July 10, 2004

Plenty to look at folks. Please check out all of the fabulous pics by today's contributing artists. UPDATES: The Narrator goes back to black and white inks with her newest pic, Contrast. It features Kenshin in a striking pose... and dressed in black leather. Heehee. 'Nuff said. As always, nothing but lovely work from The Narrator. Thanks so much for sending this in. White Haizea, who is new to this site, has drawn a marvelous fan art of *ahem--blushes* my Sea fic. I'm so flattered. And the picture really is gorgeous. Beautiful colors. And White Haizea has really captured the mood of the scene well. Thanks so much for the great art, White Haizea. Angelhitomi, another new artist at this site, has sent in nine wonderfully drawn and painted pics of Kenshin. I really like seeing him in all the different colors and styles here, especially from one artist. My favorite is the pic called "Guilt". Thank you very much for the beautiful art, angelhitomi. CONTEST: Artist cherryblossom88 has a third pic entered into the contest. This one's a rather tense scene featuring Kenshin and Aoshi squaring off in a duel. A really interesting mix of media in this pic. Thanks for sending it in, cherryblossom. Gary Hagins has a second entry in the contest. Beautifully colored and shaded. I especially like Kaoru's kimono in this. And the whole scene is just so sad. Kleenex warning on this one, folks. Thanks very much for sharing your art, Gary Hagins. Posted by hakubaikou, 10:51:00 PM EST. on today's updates.

Update:   Thursday, July 08, 2004

I've received some lovely fanarts for the regular gallery, but I won't be posting those until after Saturday. To the artists who sent stuff in, thanks for being so patient with me. So. Just a mini-update today. Two contest entries. They're quick and easy to add compared to regular gallery art, so yay, here they are.... CONTEST: Artist Lizabeth has sent in a very dramatic pencil drawing. I really like the intensity of Kenshin's expression. And the fascinating scene brings up quite a few questions. The pic really makes me think. Wonderful pic, Lizabeth. Thanks so much for sending this in. Artist pineapplebes has sent in a beautifully colored pic of Battousai and Tomoe. I like the colors and the delicate style. Poor Kenshin. He looks so very sad. Lovely work, pineapplebes. Thanks a bunch for joining in the contest. Please have a look at both artists' pics, everyone. Posted by hakubaikou, 6:57:00 PM EST. on today's updates.

Update:   Monday, July 05, 2004

Those who use the oekaki board have probably noticed I changed the layout and colors to fit the rest of the site a little better. Also, the max. size for oekaki pics is now 500x500 rather than 400x400. Nothing else to add today. Just wanted to let people know that I'll probably only be updating one time between now and July 10th, so if you send me art for the gallery or for the contest, please don't worry if I don't post it immediately. I will get to everything in due time. Thanks so much for your patience, everyone. Posted by hakubaikou, 10:35:00 PM EST. on today's updates.

Update:   Saturday, July 03, 2004

UPDATE: Chapter 7 of Conspirator's awesome fic An Unexpected Lesson has been posted. I haven't had a chance to read it yet (I'm studying and I promised myself I'd read 2 boring chapters of my textbook before I do anything fun) and I'm going nuts because I really, really want to! Argh. It's a great fic about Kenshin during his early wandering days. He falls in with a Kabuki troupe and all sorts of interesting events develop. Check it out if you haven't already, folks! CONTEST: A new contest entry from RoseThorn. This one's an oh-so cool pic of Kenshin squaring off against Shishio. Kaoru and Yumi are featured as well. An emotional moment. I like the color scheme and composition. Great job. And thanks so much, RoseThorn, for sending it in. Have a look, everyone. OTHER: For the Americans out there, I hope you all have a safe and happy Independence Day tomorrow. One last thing. Updates may be a bit sporadic between now and July 10th. I will be busy trying to cram years' worth of information into my unwilling brain. But after my test is done, regular updates will resume as normal. Thanks for your patience, everyone. Posted by hakubaikou, 10:09:00 PM EST. on today's updates.

Update:   Friday, July 02, 2004

Artist Jelley has a vivid and colorful oekaki pic of the Kenshin-gumi to add to the contest. A wonderfully warm and playful scene. It makes me happy whenever I look at it. Nice work. Thanks to Jelley for joining in the contest. Please have a look, folks. Posted by hakubaikou, 8:12:00 AM EST. on today's updates.

Update:   Thursday, July 01, 2004

UPDATES: Artist pineapplebes, who is new to this site, has an adorable pic of Kenshin, Kaoru, and Yahiko titled "Face Stretching Technique". Curious? LOL, take a look. It's marvelous. Many thanks to pineapplebes for allowing me to post her art. Kitsune-Onna19 has another great new wallpaper to add to the gallery. This one's of Megumi in all her foxy glory. Please have a look at this, folks. And thanks so much to Kitsune-Onna19 for sharing her work. Aikawarazu Ai not only draws, but does wallpapers as well. This one's a montage of several characters and scenes. Plenty to look at, and full of emotion. Thanks very much to Aikwarazu Ai for sending this lovely wall in. Please check it out, folks. CONTEST: Melissa (aka kitsuneonna, not to be confused with Kitsune-Onna19) has a great new pic of Battousai for the contest. I like the colors and shading on this pic, especially the clouds and the sky. Beautiful work. Thanks for sending this pic in, Melissa. Check it out, everyone. I hate to keep harping on people, but once again. I must ask everyone to please read the contest submission specifications before sending in your work. Pics must be under 1000 pixesl in width and height. Pics must be under 200kb. For some reason, a lot of people are ignoring those specifications. OTHER: It's been a long, long time since I had a poll question up. So, here's your chance for anonymous feedback: What new features would you like to see for this site? I can't guarantee that I'll be able to do whatever people end up voting for, but I promise, I'll give it a real good try. Please click on the Vote link at the top of this page (just under the contest banner). Your input is much appreciated. Thanks! Posted by hakubaikou, 5:43:00 AM EST. on today's updates.