025: The good 'ol college days

Let me explain. When I went away to MSU when I started college I was put in something called "transitional" housing. They over booked roommates into one  room. This is even though I submitted a specific roommate request from someone I knew in college, I submitted it ON TIME mind you. But that didn't up working out. So anyway, one of us had to go, get reasaigned to another room or dorm. I had contacted the two other girls in my room weeks and weekz before we were all moving in. I had explicitly asked them not to build lofts before we all got there in case we didn't know who wanted what. Well once I got there I had found out they both moved in early, already built the loft and decided I was the one who had t o move out. So I lived out of boxes for two weeks before the college could find me a suitable replacement room. Looking back on it now I could have probably fought for a single room but I'm not upset things workes out the way they did.

They eventually found me a suitable room....in an all girls dorm. You can imagine my disappointment to learn that I wasn't going to be sharing a floor woth boys (tee hee). I actually got to move inyo the second biggest room on the floor, smack dab in the middle of the floor, with a beautiful bay window. My roommaye, Becky was really nice and we hit it off. The best part was that she was also gamer and.....she shares my love of Mario Party! Needless to say, our room was open season for any wanderers to come in, almost every night, for a Mario Party smackdown. Eventually we formed a prettt regular group of players. It was really fun. I eventually met one of my best friends, she actually live kiddy corner to my room on the same floor. I remember most everyone complained about my superior mini game skills. :P

I also remember the calculations we always made regarding how many stars everyone had before the game ended (including stars earned by most coins, most red spaces etc.). It's just a very fond memory of mine. So the picture relates how everyone basically felt about each other after a particularly rough session.

I miss everyone I connected to but I will always remember the Mario Parties we had.

024: omg omg omg How to Train your Dragon 2

I just about crapped my pants when I saw they are making a second movie. Ok that was gross. I actually did a little dance at my desk. :3 So excited.

More here: http://www.focusfilm.co.uk/exciting-poster-how-train-dragon-2-5427

023: Red Data Girl (Anime)

Spoiler free.

Years: Mar 2013 - Jun 2013

Media: Manga, Anime, Novel

Release: Funimation

S/D: Sub

FanService: None

Where: Hulu+

Episodes: 12

Seasons: 1

Synopses: Izumiko Suzuhara is a 15-year-old girl who decides to cut her hair for a new image upon entering high school, however, this act unleashes a secret of her celestial powers bore in her long, untouched hair. She eventually enrolls in Hōjō High School, in the city, with family friend, Miyugi Sagara. This school harbors some special students that have unbelievable powers beyond this world and Izumiko encounters them throughout the series.

Overall: It is a slow and confusing series at first really. Once you get into it though it doesn't really pick up much. The story seems a bit squished and not really developed enough for the 12 episodes they lay it out in. I wanted to see more of the timid love blossoming but I didn't get that at all. Just weird conflicts and side story about characters for character development but no really big conflict until the last episode. There isn't much more to say about it.

Future: Possibly some but probably not. It seems like a one shot, kind of boring series that doesn't even add up in the love department.

W/N: Probably a not.

022: Review 君に届け From Me To You (Reaching You)(Anime)

Spoiler free.

I'm beginning to believe I wished I was a Japanese high school student.

Years: Oct 2009 - Mar 2010, Jan 2011 - Mar 2011

Media: Manga, Anime, Live Action

Release: Production.I.G.

S/D: Subbed

FanService: None

Where: Hulu+

Episodes: 25, 12

Seasons: 2

Synopses: Misunderstood Sawako is commonly confused with her striking resemblance to Sadako from the Ring. Her social flaws lead her to remaining alone and unsure of her feelings toward others. After meeting Kazehaya, by chance, on the way to school she finds a role model in him and eventually becomes friends with him and others who sit around her upon seat change in her class. The friendships blossom as the mismatch crew grows closer throughout the year. Through troubles and misunderstandings, everyone manages to make it through the year.

The second season opens with the friends scattered around the classroom, yet still in the same class. A new male figure appears in Sawako's life, shaking up the foundations of her previous relationships and threatening Kazahaya. Will she ever get her true feelings across?

Overall: I don't know why but I really gravitate to liking the simpler animes that are centralized around young people finding their place in the world and making friends. Maybe it is a reflection of my inner feelings about my own life. Whichever way you look at it, this is one of those animes. Girl doesn't have friends, is outcast for some reason or another, girl meets this guy who likes her instinctively and makes friends along the way. The slow pace love is easiest for me to watch now 'a days and I get super involved with the characters.

Sawako "Sadako" Kuronuma has to be one of my favorite characters of for this type of anime series. It makes me smile every time she makes her "heh heh heh"-scary-Japanese-horror-story look instead of a regular smile.

Future: Manga is 2005 - ongoing, Yatta!

W/N: Watch!

021: Hack Google glass, Let's hear it.

Blog blurb, Tech stuff
Ever since I heard about Google glass, I thought it was finally time for something like it to exist (NerveGear from SAO, Eden from Eden of the East come on guys); IT EXISTS IN ANIME, WHY NOT REAL LIFE?

The same picture on NPR.
LULZ HE IS HAVING THE TIME OF HIS LIFE!!!!

Haha. Apparently it cost $1,500 to try it out originally.¹ Apparently the kid who is hacking it is trying ti get it work with a different OS other than through Google.² The backlash for Glass comes from the loss of privacy but users have to use voice commands to do things like take pictures (so you know when to make dem duck faces). It would be super-spy-cool if the hackers can make glass take pictures by a series of blinks or some other secret spy move but also scary. I think the idea of looking at something and being able to bring up information on it (look at Eden³) is a really cool idea.

Sure it's in Japanese and you have no idea what is says but it's basically a server devoted to facial or other recognition and gives you information on the subject that exists on the server put on there by the users.

Listen here: NPR!

Watch it: cool demo.

Watch it: released by Google.

Check it out: on NPR here.

020: Review エルゴプラクシー Ergo Proxy (Anime)

Spoiler free.

Bad ass with blue make up, gonna mess your shit up...

Years: Feb. 2006 - Aug. 2006

Media: Anime, Manga (spinoff)

Release: Funimation

S/D: Started dub but switch to sub, Sub is better.

FanService: 

Where: Download

Episodes: 23

Seasons: 1

Synopses: Post apocalyptic Romdeau and its inhabitants, both human and AutoRevis (androids), is monitored by a group of elite humans including Re-l's ("REAL") grandfather. In this new world people are unable to reproduce naturally and are produced in artificial wombs with future purpose in mind. An already threatened city, by infected murderous AutoRevis, is further jeopardized with the cover up the escape and escapades of project Proxy (elite killers). Re-l encounters the Proxy and delves deep into investigation of Proxy against all leaders' advisement. After she shakes her monitored AutoRevi, Iggy, Re-l begins to learn the real truth behind the Proxy project.

Overall: Each episode is like its own mini movie, the quality and production is awesomesauce. The story follows through the episodes though. I tried watching this a long time ago, before it got popular; I don't remember if I ever finished it but I really like it. The insertion of robot companion and infection of those companions is kind of a new idea for an older anime.

It reminds me of Witch Hunter Robin, Ghost in the Shell and Speed Grapher.

This is a very dark set series so make sure to watch it with low or no lights.

You don't get an opener until the third episode and it is in English; it's alright and befitting the series but nothing special. Also the closer is Radiohead, how could it get better? These could have been changed upon Dub remake.

Future: I don't remember how it ends but there hasn't been anymore since so it must be finished.

W/N: WATCH

I can't help it, I love how she looks. I would so want her as a girlfriend.

019:Movie Review: Despicable Me 2

Movie Review

The minions make it worth it.

Tagline: "When the world needed a hero, they called a villain."

Synopses: A super top secret serum is stolen in the middle of no where and the villain behind it is both unknown and in hiding. After adopting his new daughters, our master villain is contacted by the Anti-Villain League to help save the world. Gru takes on a new partner and a new job to sate his need to feel the thrill of being super secret.

Best Quote: I don't remember any really...

Overall Review: I think I was a bit off the day I went to see this. There were tons of kids in the theater which made the experience less enjoyable. But overall it was funny. I would have laughed more had I been in a better mood. I did manage a chuckle every so often. It definitely had some adult humor in it that I was able to pick up on. I'm glad they are making that more standard. However, I was a little disappointed in the amount of "lovey dovey" junk they managed to jam pack into the entire story line (which truly took over the main plot). Without giving more plot away I can't say much more...

WATCH, it was cute and funny. I giggled a few times.

018: Tutorial: Pleated pouch (But moooommmm! I want to sew!)

Bag lady
Lately I have been sewing again in my free time between jobs (waiting to hear back from a company this week). A friend of mine doesn't know how use a sewing machine so she kicked started my sewing obsession by coming over to use it and making a great excuse to go to Jo-Ann's and pick up supplies. I started cutting out a pattern but ended up following a youtube tutorial after a botched (and not inner lined) bag. Bags are wonderful, glorious and just down-right useful!

First, my botched non-pattern/tutorial bag:

What went wrong? No lining or structure to it! Looks boring.

Second, my botched first attempt at pleated pouch style sans pleats:

What went wrong? Used felt instead of interfacing and didn't pleat!

Third, a great success even-though-I-didn't-follow-the-pattern/didn't-have-a-pattern-had-to-eye-ball-it bag:

My mom saw it and actually asked, "Did you buy another bag?" And I was like, "NOPE! I made it!" I am so proud.

Now for the tutorial part:
What you need:

zipper not pictured

1. Lining: I suggest a thick canvas like lining or something with weight on it but you can use a cute/simple pattern lightweight if that is all you've got. 
2. Interfacing: For the interfacing, get a medium-weight NON FUSIBLE interfacing.
3. Zipper: Size of zipper will determine the size of your bag, use 12" or more for a bigger bag. 7" makes a very small bag.
4. Outside: Choose three complimentary kinds. I suggest a solid, simple pattern (eg. stripes, dots or a two-toned style) and a cute pattern style.
5. Accents: You can add accents like ribbon or trim, especially to the seams or on the solid top part.

Measurments:

I eye-balled everything from the youtube video. This is the measurements from the bag I am picturing:

1. Lining: ~6.5" h x ~8"w
2. Interfacing: ~6.5"h x ~8"w
3. Zipper: 7"
4. Outside solid: ~6.5" h x ~8"w
5. Outside simple pattern: ~6.5" h x ~8"w
6. Outside cute pattern: ~6.5"h x~ 8"w (messed up on this one; the panels in total should match the width of the zipper with extra for seam allowance [hence my extra 1"])

My simple pattern                                       

My main cute pattern

Step one: sew your panels together.

Three panels sewn together

All the panels sewn together.

Step two: iron the seams flat.

Step three: pin the panels at the middle of the inner pleat fabric.

All the panels pinned to make the pleats.

Step four: add the topper to the outer pleated fabric.

Step five: sew the zipper face down onto the outside pleated fabric.

Step six: sew the inner lining and interfacing to the other side of the zipper. 

Repeat for other side.
Be careful to match your wrongs and rights sides unlike me who did it wrong three times on the second side of the zipper.

Step seven: sew the right sides together. Make sure to leave the zipper half unzipped when you do this AND leave a hole at the bottom of the inner lining for pulling the pouch inside out.

Step eight: sew the corners together to make the bottom of the pouch sturdy.

Step nine: Make sure to cut the excess to the corners.

Step ten: pull the entire pouch inside out.

Step eleven: sew the hole left in the lining for pulling through shut.

Last, the tutorial outcome:

I'm thinking about what other type of patterns I can make just by watching a youtube video. The pleated bag is so simple, I could probably make and sell these. I actually might. If anyone wants a commission I can do it for a reason price (materials not included, but I will make a trip to the store if I include that in the price too). :)

017: Review はたらく魔王さま! The Devil is a Part-Timer! (Anime)

spoiler free.

Sell dem pepper fries!!!

Years: Apr. 2013 -ongoing!

Media: Manga, Anime

Release: Funimation

S/D: Subbed

Where: Hulu+

Episodes: 13

Seasons: 1

Synopses: Satan himself launches a war on the peoples of Ente Isla but is foiled by a lone, blessed crusader named Emilia. Forced to dimension warp to another time, Emilia follows Satan and one of Satan's most loyal commanders, Alciel. Ending up in modern day Japan, the demons are forced into taking on human forms and suffer the loss of reduced magic abilities. After integrating themselves into the system, Satan takes on a part time job at MgRonald's as a part-timer.

Overall: So...it seemed like a good series, I had heard great things. The whole reason I even started it was for this scene where Satan doesn't understand organic tea and call references orges instead. Upon watching though, I had to force myself to pay attention and to finish it (and with only 13 episodes that should be two days, tops); much like I have to force myself to write this post. So for that, I don't have much to say about the series really. It doesn't really evolve too much. There are a few other characters introduced but you can tell it was hastily put together because there isn't any really great character development. The opener and closer are both alright.

Future: It's ongoing! Need I say more? Yes, the series is left with the wide open possibility of more.

W/N: Not, I got bored in the middle.

016: Review ソードアート・オンライン Sword Art Online (Anime)

Spoiler free.

Refreshing design with a gamer MMO twist, reminds me of the old days...

Years: Jul. 2012 - Dec. 2012

Media: Manga, Anime, Game

Release: Aniplex USA

S/D: Subbed

Where: Hulu+

Episodes: 25

Seasons: 1

Synopses: None years from now, in the year 2022, virtual MMORPGs exist through the likes of a product called Nerve Gear. On Nov. 6th of  2022, players log into a new game called Sword Art Online. Upon closings for the opening ceremony players learn from Kayaba Akihiko that they are not able to log out until the 100th floor of the game's dungeon is cleared and if you die in the game you die in real life. Panicked, players coward in the Town of Beginnings while beta testers venture off into the world to hopefully beat the game and releasing everyone from the "death game." Kirito is one of those beta testers, who strives to share information he has learned throughout the game with the public in hopes of beating the game and keeping everyone safe in the process.

Overall: I have to say, I haven't felt like this for an anime or a show in a long time. I don't know why I waited so long to watch it. If you're a gamer, especially a MMORPG player, SAO really pulls you in. It's just a cross between Summer Wars and all of the .Hack// (dot hack) series. The opener is an exciting song and the ender is slow, yet soulful. They both were tastefully chosen. Many series have a God complex embedded within them and this series is no exception. I could also go in depth about the philosophical meanings behind the characters designs but I won't bore you with the theory; this series is definitely unique.

It's like they jammed two story arcs in one 25 episode run, which is really uncommon. The pace at which they progress the story was slightly choppy at first, not really explaining some of the jumps too well but overall it worked great for the whole double story-line effect. I was so into this series I finished it in one day. Yes, one day. I hate to end a series and then try to sleep but I couldn't stop myself, the build up to the end was absolutely fantastic. The relationship dynamic that evolves for two of the characters in particular got to me but drove the story and the want to see the characters finally succeed. The animation wasn't bad either.

I can't say much more without revealing spoilers so I may start releasing double posts about shows I really, really like one with spoilers, one without. It is just too good!

Future: They could probably go for a movie, especially since the viewship is so strong as well as the fact that the manga is fairly new (2009) and still ongoing!

Watch/Not: WATCH WATCH WATCH!!!

015: Review Blood-C (Anime)

Spoiler free.

Saya...I've missed you so.

Blood+ fans rejoice! There is more Saya, vampirey action....sort of.

Years: Jul 2011 - Sept 2011

Media: Manga, Anime, Anime Film

Release: CLAMP, Production I.G

S/D: Dubbed, then 35 seconds in switched to Subbed

Where: Hulu+

FanService: 0/5: the opener makes you think there is fan service but there is only like one bathroom scene with no detail etched in the body.

Seasons: 1

Episodes: 12 + movie

Synopses: Saya Kisaragi is an average high school girl who lives with her father at a shrine at the top of a steep pass. Singing a song comprised of her daily doings, Saya cheerfully visits the only cafe in town, just down the shrine steps for breakfast every morning because neither her father or herself can cook. Saya attends school in a mild mannered town by day and fights "ancient ones" by night to keep her town safe. As she approaches more "ancient ones" she begins to learn more than she ever expected about her life.

Overall: How did I miss that this was a thing? I watched all of the Blood+ series, including the live action. I love Saya and I only just heard about this about a month ago (and it's already released in dub!). I feel ashamed to called myself an otaku.

In true CLAMP fashion the characters are tall and lanky in their limbs but I still love the animation (Tsubasa Chronicles, XXXHolic, Chobits, etc). If you remember the original Blood+ series you'll remember Saya's very first battle was bloody and gore filled as was the rest of the series. This re-imagined series is no different! Do not watch if you don't like blood and sliced up creatures because this happens a lot! Actually Funimation must have edited the very gory parts because I noticed dark and extra light strips across the screen for extra gory parts. I'm kind of glad I watched the edited version.

The cafe that Saya regularly visits reminds me of the little cafe shop I visited near the hostel I was staying at went I dug in Israel. It was small and the only one within reasonable walking distance ("the only one in town"). The beginning of the series is very good at concealing anything fishy happening but there are definitely surprised I didn't see coming. And on second thought, it got gorier as the series progressed, a bit too gory I would say. Other series like Speed Grapher seem like child's play now. They did a great job of story pushing in the short amount of episodes they made.

Future: YES. That's all I have to say really. There is a movie and even if they wrapped stuff up in it the could make the movie a stand alone and continue the series for a few more seasons for sure.

Watch/Not: Unless you like gore I would say NOT although I wish I could say it is a solid watch.

014: Review 好きっていいなよ。Say "I love you." (Anime)

Spoiler free.

Slow pace high school life...and cats!

Years: Oct 2012 - Dec 2012

Media: Manga, Anime

Release: Sentai Filmworkds

S/D: Subbed

Where: Hulu+

Seasons: 1

Episodes: 13 (13 is like a "special" rather than an end)

Synopses: Mei Tachibana, a quiet girl, went through something when she was younger and lost her faith in others and believed firmly that those who call themselves friends always end up betraying one another. The curious, most popular boy in school took an instant liking to her ease of brushing him off upon their first encounter. He offered his phone number to Mei in hopes of becoming friends and Mei reluctantly stashed the paper in her pocket and stormed off. Later on, Mei found herself in a dangerous situation in which she had no one else to call (due to her lack of connections/friends) and found the paper with Yamato Kuwasara's phone number. When she called and was rescued by Yamato their friendship bloomed as Mei began to open up to others throughout the series.

Overall: This is a standard school life and relationships with friends and new lovers type of story. It is probably more so focused on friends than love despite the name say "I love you." The core of the series is episodes 1-12. It is extremely slow pace so if you want to see love and friendship blossom quickly I do not recommend this show. But if you've recently been hurt, you've closed yourself off, I strongly recommend watching it. I'm going through difficult times right now and I really enjoyed getting into the characters and rooting for them. Even when problems arose I hoped for the best for each of the situations to turn out okay.

If I had to compare it I would say it is like a mix of His & Her Circumstances and Honey & Clover. These two animes are focused on school grade students and their relationships rather than some over arcing story line. The central relationships for His & Her Circumstances and the difficulties of friendships and developing relationships of Honey & Clover. Feelings were explored in depth as a reflection of, what I think, is a good representation of what everyone goes through as some point in their lives. It isn't hard to fall for Mei and root her on as she attempts to navigate through the confusing world of letting people back into her life.

Future: The ending wasn't as final as most animes and since the manga is ongoing since 2008 I would assume if there was enough viewership there could be a movie or another season about the next year in school and how the relationships either develop further or die.

Watch/Not: If you want something simple I say WATCH, if you want something more engaging I would say NOT.

013: Review 黄昏乙女×アムネジア (Dusk Maiden of Amnesia) Anime

The review is certified spoiler free.

Ghost stories are more fun with fan service...

Years: Apr 2012 - Jun 2012 (anime)

Media: Manga, Anime

Release: Sentai Filmworks (US)

S/D: Sub

Where: Hulu+

Seasons: 1

Episodes: 13 (13 is not on Hulu thus I did not see it).

Synopses: Rated MA: Yuuko-san is a ghost of many tales for the school that Niiya attends. He stumbles across this ghost with no past memories in the paranormal club in the old wing of the school. Niiya vows to help Yuuko find her lost memories as the club investigates the supernatural stories revolving around the school.

Fan service meter: 2/5 : Extent? Yuuko is naked at some points but with no detail.

Overall: It is befitting that my 13th post should be about something ghosty/horror driven. I'm reminded of a cross between XXXholic, Hell Girl, slightly like Dance in the Vampire Bund and Corpse Princess (maybe?). It's like Ai Enima grew up and inherited Yūko Ichihara's personality.

Beware of Hulu+. They have their episodes miss named and I'm not sure if I truly watched it in the correct order or not now. But on Hulu I ended up watching the one labeled as episode 2 first, then episode 1 but as far as the story goes it seems like I watched them in the correct order. However I cannot be too sure because the flow of the series isn't linear like most shows. By the third episode a character you meet and supposedly know in the 2nd episode is finally revealed as to how she met the main character and how she relates to the paranormal club. So....it is confusing.

Upon further watching the flow of this show is just weirdsauce all over the place. I'm not not sure how the manga goes and if the series was squashed into 13 short episodes for the entire manga series or what.

I really like the ending song (especially because Yuuko is actually singing it in the video) and the opener kind of grew on me but it was just okay. Visually stunning and the characters are drawn well. There are some parts that are too dark, you can't really make out what you're seeing.

Future: Considering the manga looks as though it is ending this year with it's 9th volume I don't think there will be another series.

Watch/Not: If you're bored then I would say to watch it, otherwise I don't really recommend it. NOT.

012: Review 神様はじめました (Kamisama Kiss) anime

This review is certified spoiler free.

Classic high school girl turned god.

Years: Oct 2012 - Dec 2012 (anime)

Media: Manga, Anime

Release: Viz media (US)

Sub or Dub: Sub

Where I saw it: Hulu+

Seasons: 1

Episodes: 13

Synopses: Nananmi's no good gambling father abandons her, leaving their home for repossession. As fate would have it Nanami meets a mysterious person called Mikage in a park. Upon receiving a kiss to her forehead, Nanami becomes a land god unknowingly and is offered to take over Mikage's place for living arrangements. After seeing the place is a shrine she meets Tomoe, a fox spirit familiar of Mikage's. She eventually seals a contract with Tomoe and assumes the role of land god.

Overall review: So when I first started watching this show I was in a foul mood. It has been an entirely bad week so far and an even worse day so I wasn't expecting much. I found it through a process I like to call "chaining" which is essentially just me finding a title I hear good things about/like the look and then looking at what else Hulu recommends if I like that first thing. I haven't watched the first thing yet but I picked this one on the look, not the name. It wasn't until I started watching it until I noticed the name. In the beginning, right off the bat it reminded me of a mix of Fruits Basket, Magical Detective Loki and the manga Black Bird.

This is your classic, average high school girl turned god. It is also a classic love story, of which I picked up on right away (second episode). I really, really love the closer and I liked the opener right from the start too, being able to read the lyrics makes my like it more because it's a little provocative. Over all it is pretty predictable but I did really like the  pace. Near the end of the series (yes I one shot this in a single night, don't judge me) I noticed plot just sort of fell apart. There were other stories that too long to tell and the overall arching story was unresolved. This is both good and bad.With characters introduced (with little background but great importance) and others being developed deeply (who where only really the main characters) there was a lot left to be desired at the end (lots of people didn't really come back). However, I liked it. The central theme is definitely love here but the mix of other elements balances it out.

Future: There is definitely room for an other season and a movie to tie up the lose ends of the series. This is especially true because the manga started in 2008 and is still ongoing today; although I'm not sure where in the story the anime series was adapted from. Without giving spoilers there is nothing more I can say though.

Watch/Not: A simple & mindless, yet sweet: WATCH

011: TV show review: Spy

TV shows

Hulu exclusive, so if you don't pay...WAPS!

Since I've become recently single again, and feel no joy from my ever-so-precious video games, I have caught up on the countless TV shows I watched in my previous single lifetime. And by catching up I mean I've run out of things to watch. Movies aside, I've ventured further into the British telly world. I admit my experience with British television is novice at best with Doctor Who, Torchwood, Sherlock, the IT crowd, Monty Python, Merlin, being human and probably some I'm forgetting (QI is next) all on the list. I stumbled upon this little Hulu Exclusive called Spy yesterday after a sad Once Upon a Time binge, the self-promoted commercials finally started getting to me and I decided what the hay? I need something new and funny and good in my life to waste time on since watching TV is the only tolerable thing in my life at the moment. (Although I'd like to note my job is the only thing that I have good going for me right now)

Years: 2011 - ??? (facebook source says if there is a third season it will be released in October)

Seasons: 2 so far

Tagline: I couldn't find it easily so I got lazy.

Their synopses: "Tim is in a custody battle with his ex-wife, when he quits his job. He applies for a job as a civil servant doing data entry, but discovers during the job interview that he has been offered a job as a trainee spy for MI5." -it's always IMdb

I wasn't too sure at first but I did like the loathing son of the main character, Tim, antagonizing his father for recent failure of his marriage. But I knew I loved it when Tim went to his interview for a new job; it was like the exams you took when you were in high school and Tim had the most perfect sprawl, action figures, many, many pens and pencils, he even had a DS (and I'm pretty sure it had a Zelda decal)! I'm now on the second episode and completely hooker with the quirky silliness that is Tim's new life of excitement and battle to keep his son. It reminds me faintly of Chuck but with the added twist of the snarky, young son.

Why yes my gun is quiet large...


Quote so far: "Now gentlemen, if you will excuse me, Hannah Montana is on." REVAMP: Episode 5: "I will take you down, I will take you down to chinatown." -Justine (I SAY THIS)

Overall review: Witty, funny, ridiculously great and I'm only beginning on season 1. It gets a whole jar of "gold stars" (you'll understand if you get past episode 1)

A certain "WATCH"

Still no reasonable rating system so just trust me and watch it if you like witty, funny British TV shows.

PS From the commercials that came up during this show I also wanted to investigate something called "Rev."

010:Move Review: Star Trek Into Darkness

Movie Review

The least spoiler-y promo picture I could find.

How do I start this? Last Saturday night was the night for reconnecting with old friends plus two. After all the 'meaty churro' jokes had been had, we walked off into the sunset like a group of high schools headed for the movie theater. Last week in my sad, event-less life I caught the first new Star Trek movie between obsessive facebooking and being generally unproductive. As for the first movie, it was actually pretty good and I'm not sure why it took me so long to watch, but that is another review for another time. We say Star Trek Into the Darkness:

Oh, and I've kept it as spoiler free as possible even though you can just look it up on the net now.

Tagline: "Beyond the darkness, lies greatness." 
"In our darkest hours, when our leaders have fallen, a hero will rise." 
"They have one change to save us all." 
"Earth will fall."

Their synopses: "When the crew of the Enterprise is called back home, they find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization has detonated the fleet and everything it stands for, leaving our world in a state of crisis. With a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction. As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew."

So as I mentioned earlier the people I watched it movie with are good friends which can make or break a movie. But this one stood on its own really. There were plenty of jokes and incredible opportunities to make comments through out the movie. Keep in mind I don't remember the original movies. I know it's a sin and I should have watched them, in fact I should be rewatching the entire series, ALL OF THE SERIES. 

I thought the CG was fantastic and hard to specifically spot. One "special" actor I really enjoyed seeing in the movie played a pretty large role and I was incredibly thrilled to see he/she in the movie. At one point I said, "See, (he/she) can't really be the bad guy, (he/she) does it so poorly when put into practice." I really enjoyed all of the characters, moreso than the first movie. The story was great. At first when I saw the trailer I thought it was all based on planets which made me sad because Star Trek is about space afterall! But There was plenty of space and at one point I was thinking there would be some cyborgs in the movie (which would have just been insanity). The dynamics of the relationship between Spock and Kirk were explored to depths that really made me feel their connection unlike I had noticed before in the original series. I'm really lad they did that, it really added to the overall feeling for the movie.

I will spoil this one part though, when Kirk was relieving his crew from their duty in order to save their lives Mr. Sulu said, "With all due respect, we aren't going anywhere." And I did say "Awwwwwww yeah," pretty loudly in the theater. It was a perfectly placed, bad-ass awwwwwww yeah. I'm just saying I'm proud of myself. Also, guys, keep in mind I wrote this whole review only half paying attention.

Best Quote: "Damn it Jim, I'm a doctor, not a torpedo technician!" -Bones 
And also "Mr Sulu, remind me never to piss you off." -Bones

Overall review: If you heard bad reviews, I have no reason why. I thought it was better than the first new Star Trek movie. If you loved the old movies there are enough references to entice the old fans (see here for those references).

WATCH for sure

PS rating system still missing...please wait while loading...

My sorry for forgetting to add pictures in the beginning. WAPS.

009: My real life stats

I Am A: Chaotic Neutral Human Druid/Ranger(2nd/2nd Level) Ability Scores: Strength-9 Dexterity-14 Constitution-13 Intelligence-13 Wisdom-14 Charisma-13 Alignment: Chaotic Neutral A chaotic neutral character follows his whims. He is an individualist  first and last. He values his own liberty but doesn't strive to protect others' freedom.  He avoids authority, resents restrictions, and challenges traditions. A chaotic neutral  character does not intentionally disrupt organizations as part of a campaign of anarchy.  To do so, he would have to be motivated either by good (and a desire to liberate others)  or evil (and a desire to make those different from himself suffer). A chaotic neutral  character may be unpredictable, but his behavior is not totally random. He is not as  likely to jump off a bridge as to cross it. Chaotic neutral is the best alignment you  can be because it represents true freedom from both society's restrictions and a  do-gooder's zeal. However, chaotic neutral can be a dangerous alignment when it seeks to  eliminate all authority, harmony, and order in society. Race: Humans are the most adaptable of the common races. Short generations and a penchant for  migration and conquest have made them physically diverse as well. Humans are often  unorthodox in their dress, sporting unusual hairstyles, fanciful clothes, tattoos, and  the like. Primary Class: Druids gain power not by ruling nature but by being at one with it. They hate the unnatural,  including aberrations or undead, and destroy them where possible. Druids receive divine  spells from nature, not the gods, and can gain an array of powers as they gain experience,  including the ability to take the shapes of animals. The weapons and armor of a druid are  restricted by their traditional oaths, not simply training. A druid's Wisdom score should  be high, as this determines the maximum spell level that they can cast. Secondary Class: Rangers are skilled stalkers and hunters who make their home in the woods. Their martial  skill is nearly the equal of the fighter, but they lack the latter's dedication to the craft  of fighting. Instead, the ranger focuses his skills and training on a specific enemy a type  of creature he bears a vengeful grudge against and hunts above all others. Rangers often  accept the role of protector, aiding those who live in or travel through the woods. His  skills allow him to move quietly and stick to the shadows, especially in natural settings,  and he also has special knowledge of certain types of creatures. Finally, an experienced  ranger has such a tie to nature that he can actually draw on natural power to cast divine  spells, much as a druid does, and like a druid he is often accompanied by animal companions.  A ranger's Wisdom score should be high, as this determines the maximum spell level that he  can cast. Find out What Kind of Dungeons and Dragons Character Would You Be?,  courtesy of Easydamus (e-mail)

---

Detailed Results:

Alignment:
Lawful Good ----- XXXXXXXXXXXX (12)
Neutral Good ---- XXXXXXXXXXXXX (13)
Chaotic Good ---- XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX (19)
Lawful Neutral -- XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX (21)
True Neutral ---- XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX (22)
Chaotic Neutral - XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX (28)
Lawful Evil ----- XXXXXXXXX (9)
Neutral Evil ---- XXXXXXXXXX (10)
Chaotic Evil ---- XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX (16)
Law & Chaos:
Law ----- XXXXXX (6)
Neutral - XXXXXXX (7)
Chaos --- XXXXXXXXXXXXX (13)
Good & Evil:
Good ---- XXXXXX (6)
Neutral - XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX (15)
Evil ---- XXX (3)
Race:
Human ---- XXXXXXXXXXXXXX (14)
Dwarf ---- XXXXXXXX (8)
Elf ------ XXXXXXXXXXXX (12)
Gnome ---- XXXXXXXX (8)
Halfling - XXXXXXXXXX (10)
Half-Elf - XXXXXXXXX (9)
Half-Orc - XX (2)
Class:
Barbarian - (-4)
Bard ------ (-4)
Cleric ---- (-4)
Druid ----- XXXXXX (6)
Fighter --- (0)
Monk ------ (-19)
Paladin --- (-21)
Ranger ---- XXXXXX (6)
Rogue ----- (-6)
Sorcerer -- XXXX (4)
Wizard ---- (0)

008: DO WANT

Of course they are Japanese and for tiny girls, but just look at them! They are awesomesauce! That's all for this post.


From: http://www.geekalerts.com/cat-tights/
Buy: http://www.japantrendshop.com/cat-tights-p-1743.html?a_aid=121

007: Movie Review: Oblivion

MOVIE REVIEW
So it isn't really a secret, I don't like Tom Cruise at all. That being said, I forced myself out of the house tonight to see some long lost friends that I've been meaning to reconnect with for a few months now. I planned a movie meet-up since it is neutral and I have no idea what everyone is feeling like. The only okay candidate for movie choices was Oblivion. I have been having trouble with movies lately, even though I love to watch them and I want to continue to keep up with them (I've even began putting movies that look interesting on my Google Calendar). So here is what I think about the movie (as spoiler free as possible):

The tagline of the movie is actually the following: "Earth is a memory worth fighting for." -IMdb

Their synopses: "A veteran assigned to extract Earth's remaining resources begins to question what he knows about his mission and himself."

That seems like a reasonable, objective space-like movie that probably has something to do with aliens and some hero human or band of humans rebelling and saving the planet or something. They actually do a good job of incorporating the 'memory' component from the tag line. I usually know what is going on in movies, but there are actually a few mind blowing (okay maybe only one) scenes that caught me off guard (or maybe I'm rusty). I was very pleased when I saw none other than THE Morgan Freeman in the movie. I didn't even remember his name coming up in the trailer when I first heard about it. Also, Game of Thrones fans? Jamie Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) is the bad guy who turns good? What? Or something so they throw you another bone there. 

My personal view? It was too much a love story, and not enough about humanity. Well now you're saying to yourself, but love is a big part of humanity blah blah blah. Sure, maybe my current situation in life is swaying my opinion a bit, but I found it to be a love story more than a cool spacey, save-the-human-race story. The CG and such was actually pretty good. I don't remember a time where I was like, 'wait....that looks weird. ew cg...' so it gets good grades for that. But I really still hate Tom Cruise. There is an unnecessary naked shower scene TWO times with him in it, so unnecessary. Yes, unnecessary said twice there. Also I noticed the music was waaaaaaaaaaay more dramatic than it needed to be in more than on scene (but it didn't get to my feels). I got some Independence Day vibes at the end, which might be a spoiler but oh well.

Best Quote: "Fuck you Sally."

Overall review: I still hate Tom Cruise. Visually appealing. Gets at all you true love go-getters. Has some cool people in it.

"A WATCH" for certain but not at full price in the theater. Student discount on a Saturday night? Good enough.

PS I will find a better rating system when I'm better at this shit.

006: What are my eyes seeing? Reptiles man...they're tricky bastards!

Check out this insane reptile. Otherwise known as Uroplatus phantasticus...

O herro thar!

Indigenour to the island of Madagascar, where all the coolest animals come from.

I'M A MOTHER F'IN LEAF!

Thanks for the info Wikipedia!

Also a video of WHAAAAAAAAAA?

005: Tuesday night dinner

Since I am still a failure and currently busy with my new internship, have this; a photo of dinner tonight. Hurray!

Pizza: garlic toasted bottom, sweet Italian sausage, feta, 5 cheese mix, and onions. Nom.

004: Mini cupcakes of nomnomdom!

Cupcakes

So I basically fail at keeping promises and doing things I love. In lieu of an interesting post here is a picture of the cupcakes I made yesterday that, much to my surprise, made like 1,000 count from:

1. 1 box strawberry Pillsbury cake mix
2. 1 can of dollar-store-bought-mushed-up strawberries (that came in a can)
3. 1 not-all-the-way-used container of "rich and creamy rainbow chip" frosting
4. several sprankle stars and regular sprankles... 

Enjoy!

Fail Life Mini Cupcakes

These babies are going to D&D tonight!

003: Zombies!

ZOMBIES
For those of you who are currently preparing for the zombie apocalypse that may coincide with the end of the world according to the Mayans, you may be more sad to know that the next big zombie movie is coming in 2013. June of 2013 to be exact. For the other who just believe in z-day, you had better watch this trailer and get all excited. Zee Trailer, watch it you know you want to.

In the zombie culture there is a lovely chart telling you just how fucked you may be depending on what type of zombies is plaguing your planet.

Large sized because I believe scrolling less cumbersome than clicking a picture to make it readable.

As you can see from the chart, fast & smart zombies are the most dangerous. World War Z definitely has the fast zombies, smart though, I wouldn't know. At first when I watched the trailer I was very confused as to what the threat was in the opening car scene. As the trailer progressed I realized how freaking scary the way the crowd of zombies moved really was. Like I might have nightmares. Forever. The fact that Brad Pitt is a lead role makes me happy, if not excited. I haven't seen him in anything that great recently and let's face it, if you're that famous you have to do a zombie flick or your acting career was a sham.

Other great zombie movies:
Zombieland (2009)
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
28 Days Later (2002)
28 Weeks Later (2007)
Resident Evil (2002)
(sort of: there is controversy as to mutations of the subjects of this movie having its own category of monsterdom. Not quiet zombies but good enough.)

Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004)

Resident Evil: Extinction (2007)



Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010)


Other zombie movies period:
Quarantine
Planet Terror
Night of the Living Dead
Evil Dead
I Am Legend
Dawn of the Dead
Anyway here is the rest, thanks Wikipedia...

IMDB is dating the release sometime next year, 2013 in June. Although the 'best by' expiration date of the world is ending, well, before that, we can hope that just like canned food (since we all learned Twinkles have an expiration date, oh wait, Hostess doesn't exist anymore), we will all stay good for a few years after that in order to see this movie come to fruition.

Side note

On a side note I've been sick all week and working on an intense project so I haven't had a chance to really do much research of awesomeness. This is actually a drafted post from like...forever ago. Sorry guys. I did play some Bioshock though. I got ganked by the lady in the ceiling, just like I'm getting ganked by life right now.