Ookla the Absent

I think there has to be a distinction made between sexism by authors and portrayals of sexism in books. I'll probably get bashed for this, but sometimes the culture within a book makes it impossible for men and women to be on equal grounds. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, and often these books feature female characters who have to exercise influence in different ways, which can be interesting. I'm not saying it's always like that, but I've found that books with restrictions like that make for stronger characters, both in-book and character-wise. There is a thread going of good female authors, many of which have well-written female characters. You have to differentiate between intentional and unintentional sexism on the author's part. One example in Sanderson's work was Marasi. A lot of people hated her, because she wasn't Vin. She was soft, and stereotypically "woman". When someone challenged Brandon on this, he said the difference was intentional, she was designed to be a counterpoint to Vin. edit: I recommend reading the Saga of Recluse by L.E. Modesitt, jr. Most of the protagonists are male, and, iirc, all of the point of view characters, but some of the books are set in matriarchal societies, lending a different perspective. His early books aren't so great on that regard (particularly the first character has a few annoying faults), but it gets better later in. I promise.

You have a cool picture, even though it's kinda hard to see. Is it Don Quixote?

Multiple upvotes, the twists are half the fun. Spike Kobold for upvotes or steal the Banhammer?

Mi Verdad, by Maná and Shakira

All. The. Time. Also opening doors.

Well, gems aren't metal but a lot of them are coloured by aluminium oxides. Just sayin'.

That would be tough to find an answer to, as that combines biology/botany and astro. I can ask my father if he has any insights on the binary star thing, but not sure how much that would help.

It does tend to put a damper on things.

No, he's asking for the question.

When that's where your thoughts go when you hear the word "cookies"

Read Rithmatist.

Amino

Glass is a lot more complicated than that. While at its most basic glass is fused oxides (generally sillica, although others can be used) you need to add in other chemicals in order to lower the fusing temperature to a reasonable level. Also, glassmaking requires constant heat within a certain range for a while, followed by controlled heating (which is why the first bar of glass I ever made shattered, someone left the door of the kiln open a mite too long and the glass cooled a tad too much). Also, shaping a house of glass would be, frankly, a nightmare. Not trying to put down your idea or anything, just pointing out some logistic difficulties. Most people probably wouldn't even think about it, but every once in a while you run across me. Ancient people made glass using, along with the sand, ashes of seaweed and such to get it to work with their fires. You could probably make houses out of glass bricks, but I wouldn't suggest trying to fuse them together, unless the wizards were pros at this and had the manpower to stand there for a few days systematically cooling everything down lest thermal shock destroy the bricks. In conclusion, if the glass houses aren't a major part of the story, go ahead. If they are more than a passing detail, you may want to come up with a way to make it work. Again, cool idea that few people would take issue with, but few people have actually taken time to study glass or make it.

Come to think of it, those and sixth grade are the only years of public school I really remember.

Eh... after a manner of speaking.

I think I actually prefer that picture, although it may just be the better image quality.

Have they been eating the DA's cookies?

Granted, but you never have a chance to apply anything you learn this way. I wish I could change the material composition of anything.

As far as I can tell, the government is a bit like the UK, with a house of Lords and a house of Commons, with house representatives in one and guild reps in the other. Either that, or all major employers get a vote, and most people work either for a House or a guild. It did mention he had a lot of people who depended on him for employment, as well as representation.

For an assignment once, I had to make a Bill of Responsibility. I think the teacher was looking for something a little less idealistic... The basic idea is that if everyone actually follows these responsibilities, they won't need any other laws. Or rights. They can do anything as long as it is within bounds of their Responsibilities.

Lark should be pleased. @Kay, nice coloration, but is that a tail or a continuation of the mane? And what is the symbol on the haunch? Just curious. 8/10 Edit: Now that I know that's a Steel symbol, 9.35/10. Not sure what would make it better, but I hesitate to give out 10s.

Obligator worship services, in which they ceremonially cut themselves with sharp metal triangles?

Hey, I never got a knife! Edit: Oh, yeah. Hi.

Look inside the cookies before you eat them. Definitely read Elantris. After that, you should probably do Steelheart, 'cause it's good and 'cause forum. You should also read Alloy of Law pretty soon if you haven't, 'cause the Shadows of Self release will prompt a lot of discussion about that era. After that, novellas. There are a lot.