Ramblings of a Crowe

Why I HATE Anime Reviews

Because most of them look like this:

A Review of Trinity Blood-

"After watching the first few episodes, I have to say I like this anime, but I have to agree, it does resemble Hellsing. The animation is similar (daaaa) and the idea of a "vampire hunter" being himself a vampire. There is also the organisation led by a female (a strong female at that). But Hellsing wasn`t the first anime I thought of in terms of similarity. After watching the first half of the first episode I found many resemblances to Trigun, like the lost tehnology, and Abel Nightroad being an always cheerfull guy, serious only when fighting, knowing a lot about the lost tehnology and sprouting weapons (like the blood scyithe) out of nowhere (Vashe's mysterious hand) ...................... But I hope that after a few episodes more, a few twists and charachter developement this anime will become much more than just a rip off of good ideas from older anime and it will stand on its own "two feet". It shows a lot of promise."
Taken from HERE

Folks, when you're given the option to leave a review...leave a review, not some moronic comment you'd find on a forum.

WHY do you like the show? The animation? The music? The characters and plot?

Was there anything bad about the show? If so what?

Do you recommend it? Should those who haven't watched it, skip it?

*sigh*

Trinity Blood is an okay anime. I'm enjoying it for what it is. The animation is beautiful, the characters are interesting enough to hold my attention, and I love the music. The plot is pretty watered down and it lags quite a bit. I recommend the manga (I haven't read the novels) over the anime. However, it's a good show to fill in the gaps between other hits like Bleach and Naruto (or whatever tickles your fancy).

Yes, there are similarites between Trinity Blood and Hellsing. Abel does have restrictions on his power. Yes, the leader of their organization is a powerful woman like Integra. Yes, Abel goofy like Vash from Trigun. Yes there is lost technology like Trigun. Yes, Abel does have a HUGE ASS SYCTH that comes out of his hand.

Similarities like this are STUPID! Stop pointing them out!

Why? Name me one anime/manga that ISN'T similar to another? A popular anime/manga.

Lets take a look at some examples.

D from Vampire Hunter D is a vampire halfbreed. Alucard from Hellsing is a vampire. Abel from Trinity Blood is vampire that eats other vampires. Shido from Nightwalker is a Vampire. What do they all have in common? WIERD SHIT COMES OUT OF THIER HANDS! THEY ALL HUNT OTHER VAMPIRES/DEMONS/KILL LOTS OF SHIT! THEY ALL HAVE FANGS! THEY ALL HAVE SERIOUS SOCIAL ISSUES!

OMGWTFTHEFT!

Hardly.

As for the Trigun comparison...I suppose Ed from Fullmetal Alchemist is more like Vash (niether of these characters are vampires, BTW), since he has a mechanical super special arm and wears a red cape. Well, shit, Alucard wears a red coat too! So does Dante from Devil May Cry! CRAP! ONOES!!111!! MORE RIPZOOFFS!

STFU

News flash morons. Red is a symbolic color in Japan. A lot of heros are going to be wearing it. Same goes for white. Not to mention, trench coats and capes are cool. Get over it.

Lost technology? Don't make me laugh. How many anime/manga use the theme of Lost Technologies/Powers as a setting/plot device? Full Metal Alchemist (Philosopher's Stone). Trigun. Trinity Blood. Scyred. Generator Gawl. Texhnolyze. Vampire Hunter D.

Friggen Duh.

Goofy, strong characters? Holy shit. Where do I begin? Ummm...Goku from DBZ anyone? How about Naruto? Luffy D. Monkey from One Piece? Gawl from Generator Gawl? Lets not forget Ginji from Get Backers or Goku from Saiyuki either. Kenshin was pretty silly himself as well.

You'll have to do better than that.

Don't get me started on samurai anime/manga. They're almost ALL THE SAME. *but for some odd reason people don't bitch about this*

And if I hear one more comparison between shonen jump anime and DBZ I'm going to crawl through my friggen screen and start mutilating people with a spork. Of course they're similar, you dumbasses. WTF do you expect?

Sheesh...

I hate my fandom.

A Story

Today I woke up with a creative streak. An idea hit me like a brick upside the head and I set to work writing a short story. I'll continue to rework the piece, and there's a large possibility I may submit it to a writing contest this fall. We'll see.

You can see it here.

Ah, Hotmail--how you never cease to SUCK

FIRST OF ALL: Everyone go visit my Sister's Blog and see what kooky stuff she's come up with. Sis has this amazing ability to dig up thee MOST insane, freakish, scary and stoopid shit on the web. It's pretty damn funny. You go sis!

************

Awhile ago, I changed e-mail servers because of issues with hotmail. Mainly, the problem being they just suck ass. Spam up the bazoo, accounts not loading, lost messages, and NO SUPPORT. I stopped using MSN Messenger too, because I have a sneaking feeling it played a major role in some of the problems that arose with my other programs. I have had no issues what so ever since I uninstalled MSN Messenger and abandoned it all together.

However, I still keep a hotmail account. I use it for mailing lists, order confirmations, etc. It was once an account I relied upon soley, but it grew tedious with the constant crashing of the servers and the spam...oh god, the spam...even with filters, it was horrible (though I can't blame that solely on hotmail).

Because I'm bored and I need something to bitch about--I'd like to point out that once again, while checking my mail, I was greeted with this oh so familar scene (started yesterday, actually).

Hmm...I wish I was too busy to do my job for TWO DAYS. Nice of them to be on the ball.

Why am I bitching? Hotmail is free, right? Heh...I actually have a PAID account--for the sole reason I wanted extra storage over on MSN Groups. I'm entitled to bitch. I pay for their service. And that's what grips my ass. Try sending them an email and see what kind of hoopla you have to go through. Once you do managed to hash through all the MSN crap, your lucky to get a response. "We apologize for the inconvience." YOU'VE BEEN APOLOGIZING FOR SEVEN YEARS! (that's how long I've had an account) You think hotmail would be able to get it right...

So, in leu of my pointless, inflammatory ranting, I say--once again--SCREW YOU MSN.

Music: Rie Fu

I recently had the pleasure of aquiring the Rie Fu Album: Rie Fu. I became interested in her song "Life is Like Boat", which is an ending theme for the popular anime Bleach. It's a beautiful song and stood out from many of the other theme songs I happen to enjoy listening to, so I decided to check out her album.

I'm impressed. Very impressed. My first reaction was, "Is this Sheryl Crow?" *laughs* Bilingual, Rie Fu mixes her songs with both English and Japanese, and occasionally one or the other. Her voice is beautiful and her songs range from spunky to mellow and easy. Fans of Alanis Morisette, Jewel, Sheryl Crow would find her appealing and I highly recommend her album to anyone who enjoys these singers.

Go check out her offical website. It's in both Japanese and English (just click the litte 'e' on the right). According to her bio, Rie Fu has lived in the US and England. Her musical influences range from The Carpenters to Carol King. Take a listen to her songs by visiting the discography section (recommend "Life is Like a Boat" and "I Wanna Go to A Place...").

Hmmmm

Well, not much going on in the worlds of Bleach and Naruto this week. So, I'm not going do much of a summary. Sorry.

However, I will say that Naruto 261 has raised some interesting questions for me. As Chiyo explains exactly what the Bijuu and Jinchuuriki are, I find myself saying...hmmmmm. I've never questioned WHY Kyuubi attacked the leaf village, never even thought about it. Nor did I ever pay much attention to the convience of Naruto being availible as an infant...I'm now wondering if Konoha and the 4th Hokage were actually trying to seal Kyuubi inside one of their nins (perhaps the 4th himself) and things went wrong. Or maybe Naruto was the intended Jinchuuriki all along. Just speculation for the time being, but for me, the event no longer seems a noble act of sacrifice on the 4ths behalf...We'll just have to wait and see. I did get a kick out of Sasori's reaction to discovering that his "baba" is coming after him. *heh* He seems quite disturbed (worried) about this. Also, I'll be pissed if Gaara is really dead. That will suck...

Everyone in Bleach survived Aizens little "show". Yup, Hitsugaya and Momo are alive, along with everyone else. A lot of fans are bitching about the plot holes that have popped up--such as, "if the Soul Society is "Heaven" how come people there still die?" or "why are there so many bad people there?" or "Why do they need/not need to eat and how come there are babies/children?"

Will you people just STFU?

It's a friggen comic book for Christ sake. Yeah, there are plot holes, but who the hell cares. It's not like this is a literary piece of genius we're reading here. If these minor inconsistancies bug you so bad, stop reading the series. Problem sloved. Move on to something else.

Ugh...my fellow hobbists make me weep.

And Mama Said You'd Go Blind...

Perhaps there was some truth behind that old wives tale?

Slang: English vs English

Kryssie has put together a little questionaire of various English slang terms. The idea is to see how many of them myself and J know/not know. Mocking our ignorance is allowed--I fully expect to be harrassed for my answers.

As we all know, American slang has crept all over the world (sadly, since so many of our words are stupid), but here in the US--how many foriegn colloquialisms have we picked up?

Not very many, at least where I live, judging by my utter stupor when taking this test...

Here are the rules:

"Mockney Quiz! Basically, I'll put a list of words down and you have to tell me the meaning/American equivalent and THEN put it within a sentence, just to fully test your SE English-English speaking skillz."

Here are my answers *puts on hard-hat*-

Ace:
My guess: a good/likable person
Americanism: something that happens in tennis or vollyball
My sentance: "That man is a real ace."

*gets pelted with rock by Kryssie*

Afters:
My guess: after meal
Americanism: dessert
My sentance: "Let's save that cake for afters."

Bangers:
My guess:
Americanism: dangerous gang members who wreak havoc in our cities
My sentance

Beer Mat: *cough*
My guess: something you sit your beer on
Americanism: coaster
My sentance: "Pass me that beer mat, I don't want water spots on my table."

Blimey:
My guess: a statment of surprise/disbelief/shock
Americanism: "I'll be damned", "Holy shit", "No way", etc.
My sentance: "Blimey, that car nearly took my head off."

Blower: (no, not what you're thinking...):
My guess: handkerchief
Americanism: tissue/keenex/snot rag
My sentance: "No, you can't borrow my blower!"

Car Park: *coughcough*
My guess: a place to park cars
Americanism: car port/parking lot
My sentance: "The car park is always full, so stop driving around and pick a spot!"

Chin-wag:
My guess: someone who talks too much
Americanism: tongue wag/lip flapper
My sentance: "Aunt Bea is a real chin-wag; she never shuts up."

Crisps:
My guess: dried chips (I know this one!)
Americanism: potato chips
My sentance: "These crisps are too salty."

Dosh:
My guess:
Americanism:
My sentance

Faff:
My guess:
Americanism:
My sentance

Fringe:
My guess:
Americanism: something "extra" (finge benifits)
My sentance

Hoo-ha:
My guess: when something is really funny (ducks another rock)
Americanism: knee slapper
My sentance: "That joke was a real hoo-ha."

*put down the mallet, Kryssie!*

Knackered: (also means... something else...)
My guess: tired
Americanism: pooped/tired/wore out/ stick a fork in me
My sentance: "I'm knackered every day after work."

Loads:
My guess:
Americanism: a lot of something/can also mean...uh...well...
My sentance

Loo:
My guess: the restroom
Americanism: bathroom/pisser/potty (girls only)
My sentance: "Girls always travel to the loo in groups."

Minger/Minging:
My guess: something to do with mimes?
Americanism:
My sentance

Mitts:
My guess: hands
Americanism: hands/mitts
My sentance: "Get your grubby mits off my ass!"

Peckish:
My guess: someone who is irritible/picky
Americanism: grumpy/bitchy/snippy/grouchy
My sentance: "Beth is so peckish. She's always snapping at people."

Queue: (O_o)
My guess: a line of people
Americanism: line
My sentance: "There was a long queue for the movie."

Scorcher:
My guess: an ice cream cone?
Americanism:
My sentance

Sorted:
My guess: a state of being agitated
Americanism: jumpy; flighty;
My sentance: "This test has left me sorted."

Tickety-Boo:
My guess: I have NO CLUE...
Americanism:
My sentance

Wellies:
My guess: something to do with beer
Americanism: well-beer (beer from the tap)
My sentance: "Give me one of those wellies!"

Oh boy...I know I'll be getting a big fat F on this test, but at least I tried. *laughs* At least I can say I've learned something new.

J's answers:

Ace: If I remember correctly this means "great" but is used only toward
so contexts... like the british use brilliant. (This shirt is ace)

Afters: I'm going out on a limb to assume this means like an after meal
sort of thing because of LOTR LOL (Let's have cake for afters)

Bangers: Aren't these like french fries? (would you like bangers with
that?) I know I would!

Beer Mat: Ooh! I know this... this is like a coaster for beer! (Use a
beer mat! That table cost 25 bucks at Wal-Mart and you're ruining it!)

Blimey: Excitedly expressive phrase, like american "no shit!" or "what the..." (Blimey! I think you're right... for once!)

Blower: I have some ideas but they are a little unchastly...

Car Park: Where you take your car for a walk? hmm... I'm guessing
parking lot (We've driven around the car park 15 times!)

Chin-wag: Chewing the fat (brief conversation- We had a chin-wag at the grocery store?)

Crisps: I learned this equates to chips (I prefer BBQ crisps.)

Dosh:Woohoo! I learned this from a South African who called in to order the cricket channels from the place I used to work! MONEY!!!! (That's a lot of dosh for a sponge-bob bakini)

Faff: No idea

Fringe: Like edge? (He's on the lunatic fringe?)

Hoo-ha: Really? Do I have time to be decoding guttural noises?

Knackered: (also means... something else...) Drunk or Tired (She's
knackered let's grab 'er knockers...) sorry, flashbacks from high
school.

Loads: hmm... hehehe.

Loo: As I mistakenly spelled it... meaning shitter! (You've stunk up
the loo again Jesus)

Minger/Minging: I think I tried this once in college...

Mitts: Gloves? (put on a pair of mitts)

Peckish: hmm... in American dialogue this would draw an inference of
somebody who's kissing poorly. Must mean hungry in England then LOL.
(Let's get some grub I'm getting a bit peckish)

Queue: At work we used this to refer to a specific kind of phone call, probably means like a line of some sort. (I'm in the bastard customer queue)

Scorcher:

Sorted: Like sorted out? Resolved? (That problem with the french
prostitue has been sorted in a remote lake.)

Tickety-Boo: Is this a trick question?

Wellies: OOOH!!! This has something to do with the Duke of
Wellington... but I can't remember what.

********

To be fair, I constructed a test for Kryssie. She has skunked J and myself in the l33t knowledge of slang. I'm ashamed.

Here is her test and her answers:

Pick-up: Pick-up truck? "Who parked that pick-up over there?" Oh deary me.

(Right. Usually refers to a smaller truck here (Mazdas or Nissans). Larger trucks are simply called "trucks"**IE: Dodge or Fords.)

Hammered: Tired and/or drunk. "Oh geez, I'm totally hammered after last night".

(perhaps it might mean tired in other parts of the US, but here it means drunk)

Boo: Oh god, this isn't boo as in "boyfriend/girlfriend"? As used in various songs? "Oh sob, where has my boo gone?"

(Yup!)

Homie: We use that over here too... I'm guessing "mate" would be an adequate 'translation'. "Yo, me homie, over here!" I must sound like an idiot.

(Awww--this one was easy! A 'gimme' as we would say (as in it was so easy I gave it to you. Ha ha!)

Loaded (has two different meanings actually): Umm... rich and... full of stuff? Full of stuff might be the English version. Or maybe a loaded gun, I'm thinking of. "Dude, that guy's loaded!"/"That house is loaded with guns". Ahem. Sounds like Brixton, then.

(has lots of money/extreamly drunk)

Grub: Fooooood and or bugs. "Yubba dub dub, thanks for the grub!" (Sorry, couldn't resist! Now I can't remember where I got that from...)

(Yup again!)

Hottie: Fit guys/girls. "He's, like, a total hottie!"

(Ha ha! Another easy one. I should have made these harder! Can also say things like "Hot", "fine", "smokin", etc.)

Amped: Umm... no clue. I'm thinking souped up or wired up or something. "That thing is amped." No idea, never really noticed that saying before.

(Yeah, that'll work too. Usually used when someone is really excited about something though)

Benjamins: Umm... the posh word for Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream? O__O "..."

(LMAO--You know, I've never had Ben and Jerry's before...I wonder if that's a crime here in America? Nope, it's all about the money! Lots of money! Usually refers to 100 dollar bills)

BFE: Big Friendly Elephant.

(Bwha ha ha! Nice! This is the polite acronym of Butt-fucking Egypt. Means that something is in the middle of no-where---waaaay out in the middle of no-where.)

Cattywompus: A giant obese caterpillar, by the sounds of it. *needs to visit America sometime*

(Make sure you invest in some serious bug spray before you come here... ;) Actually means something is across the way from somthing else)

Crotch rocket: (not what you think) *resists to put what she thinks* ... I really don't know what to say other than the obvious... =S Wow, there's definitely a lot more slang than I assumed. *still resisting to write something about Viagra* *failed*

(LMAO! This is actually a motorcycle--usually one of those super fast ones like a Honda or Suzuki)
Fugly: Urrrrrrgly! "Jeez, that guy is FUGLY!"

(*giggles* Yeah, that's it! I like this one.)

Wife-beater: (not what you think) OH. I've heard of this... isn't this a piece of clothing? Or I'm thinking of something else. Dammit, can't remember.

(Right. It's a T-shirt with no sleeves. The name came from the sterotype that lots of drunks wear these shirts (because they're cheap and gross) and of course all drunks beat their wives--right? Ha ha)

Tool: Ahahaha. No, I won't put that. Mind you, I think it has all the same meanings in England as it does in America, unless it's some new slang I've not heard of. Yet.

(It probably does mean the same thing. We use it to indicate if someone is a moron-more specifically it means "dick")

Hoochie: O__o No idea. Sounds like a nickname for a dog. Here, Hoochie Poochie (okay, shutting up now).

(ha ha! This is a term for someone who is "easy". Usually used for just women)

Shotgun: (nothing to do with firearms) Hmm... I've heard it called to people when they're a little too, uh, trigger-happy with something. "Hey there, shotgun, be careful with that thing." I don't know. I think I'm the one who'll be mocked, here. XD

(Actually, it means to ride in the passenger seat of a car. No one wants to ride in the back seat, so the first person who calls "Shotgun!" gets to ride up front)

Snafu: OH. Heard this one before. Can't remember at all.

(A mess; usually used in reference to things you can't clean up. Ha ha. Example: "There was a slight traffic snafu on the bridge" Or "My work project has run into a snafu".)

Jacked: I want to say STOLEN but I'm so sure that's SE-English. I know jack is something to do with money but not in the past tense, so...

(Yeah, it can mean something has been stolen. Here, we often use it to say something is broken-badly broken.)

Wacked/Whack: Something stupid. "Dude, that's whack."

(Yup again!)

Yada yada: Blah blah blah. "And this and that and yada yada yada..."

(Yay! Let's here it for Sienfield! LOL)

Phat: Rockin'. "Dude, that's phat." Well, that's what it means over here, I'm assuming it's come over from America.

(Yeah, another term that has come out of rap music...like bling bling...whacked...boo...etc.)

Kryssie did GOOD! No mockage here...dammit. I should have put more thought into this test. *laughs* Still, this was fun. It might be interesting to do up another one and mail it around to see what people come up with.

Anyway, if anyone is interested in more slang, check out this web site. It's got ALL kinds of stuff!

Weekend Absorbed in Books/Writing

Since my weekend was cut short due to having to work Saturday, I spent most of my time off reading some of the new books I've bought over the past few weeks.

I finished the Black Jewel Trilogy, which was excellent. I'm a big fan of Lucivar. I love characters like him, saucy, explosive, but also smart and kind behind all that abrasivness. Great story, great characters. It's been awhile since I've read books that made me sad when they finally finished. I also read "Dreams Made Flesh", and my cousin is sending me "The Invisible Ring". (big thanks to Sharon for telling me about these books!)

I wrapped up the new Sookie Stackhouse book on Sunday. I enjoy the series, but it doesn't grab me the way others have. Some of the characters are interesting, but others are kinda dull. All the were and shifters annoy me because they're all the same type of person. I like Eric the best--he makes me laugh--and I like Sookie, though she's kind of a dimwit sometimes, which bugs me.

I am excited since the new Stephanie Plum novel will be out soon. God, I love that series. It's really rare I read a novel that makes me laugh so hard I cry--Stephanie stories always send me into fits. The crap that happens to her is just halarious and the way she deals with it is even funnier. I mean, who else would be a target for a mafia hit man that dresses up like the Easter Bunny? It's even better when Stephanie's mom sees her being chased by said bunny and hits him with her buick. *snort* Grandma is by far one of my most favorite characters--especially when she's shooting dinner with her pistol. Then there's Ranger and Joe. Despite the fact I love Ranger to death, I pull for Joe, since he's nearly as funny as Stephanie.

I finished up Zarek's story in the line up of Dark Hunter novels last week (I read fast). Valarius' story is still my favorite, but the one I'm waiting for won't be out until 07. Yes, I'm dying to hear Asheron's story. Who and what is he? I hate Artimes...the bitch needs to leave him alone. Grrr!

Jeffery Deavers has a new Licoln Rhyme story coming out soon too. I can't remember the name of it, but I need to pre-order that one too. He's one of the few mystery/suspense writers I can stand to read. What a tangled web he weaves! "The Stone Monkey" was an awesome book. I was totally startled at the end of it. Also, I need to buy a new copy of "The Empty Chair". Awesome reading.

Right now, I just started reading "Rhapsody" by Elizabeth Haydon. Not sure if I'll like this series or not, it's going okay so far, but it hasn't sucked me in the way the other stories I've mentioned have.

On Sunday, I took a break from reading and sat down to do some more research for my project. I made some good head way and have developed several ideas that I think will work quite well. I created a map, did some history/biblical research, worked on fleshing out the characters and put together a diagram of how they all fit together. I'm quite pleased with the way it's coming together. Piece by peice, the puzzel is forming a nice picture. I hope I can do it justice when I put it into words...I'm really nervous about that. My confidence level sometimes plumbets and I want to put everything away, but there's always this voice in my head saying "DO IT". It won't be ignored, so I pick up my pencil and start where I left off. It's a constant conflict of my urge to put this to paper and my fear of failing to do it right.

My biggest fear in life is failing--it always has been and it's always held me back from doing the things I want to do most. That and the fact I think everything I do that is creative just plain sucks--whether it be art or writing. *sigh*

Still, I'm surprised I haven't gotten discouraged and quit yet. It's odd, since I know myself so well. Everytime I get down on myself, I put my information aside, but a day or two later I always come back to it, and I'm ALWAYS thinking through the story. I've even dreamed about it. I've never done that before. Perhaps it's a sign?

Perhaps I'm just getting old and senile...

Well, what do I have to lose, right?

New Avatars uploaded

More avatars have been uploaded. New Bleach, Trinity Blood, Tsubasa Chronicals icons.

More HERE.

Over 700 hits... O_o WTF?

Bleach and Naruto Summaries: prepare to be teary-eyed

Well, I guess this week was the week for emotional, potentially tear-jerking scenes and confessions in my favorite manga/shows.

Bleach Chapter 179

So that bastard Aizen has taken off with the Menos; left behind is the carnage he caused. The medical teams have swarmed on the fallen and Orihime is healing Ichigo. Byakuya is seriously hurt and asks to see Rukia. Rukia sits by his side as he tells her that he was once married to her older sister. Her sister had abandoned her when she was a baby, and on her death-bed (is that an oxymoron?), she asked Byakuya to find Rukia and take care of her. Byakuya made his promise to his wife, but he had also made a promise family--that he would never go against the law again. He had once, and paid the price (marrying his wife--a low born woman). He found Rukia a year later and had her adopted into the family, commanding the servants and such tell her he'd become fond of her because she looked so much like his late wife (no one told Rukia she had a sister).

So when he heard of her sentance to be killed, he didn't know what to do and found himself torn--he made the decision to uphold his vow to his family (ie: run away from the right thing to do).

He then thanks Ichigo for doing what he couldn't do himself, and then he apologizes to Rukia. At the end of the chapter Isane is talking to Unohana and mentions that Byakuya will be fine now.

Byakuya's story made me sad. Really sad, but he's still a dumbass. WTF!? How is upholding his vow to his family more important than saving his little sister? He gets points for admitting his mistake, thanking Ichigo, and apologizing to Rukia though. I hope he's not dead... *gasp* (did I just say that out loud?)

Bleach Episode 32

Okay, this episode brought some tears to my eyes. Poor Renji--my heart just aches for him. Utterly defeated by Ichigo, he begs him to save Rukia. He mourns over the fact that HE wasn't the one who was brave enough to go after her in the first place, and I think that pains him more than the wounds he's gotten during the battle with Ichigo.

Renji tells the story of his life, and Rukia's, as children growing up in a world full of murder and pain. Common street urchins, the form a bond with one another, and after the last of their friends have been killed, they decide to become shinigami in hopes of having a better life. Renji doesn't quite fit in, nor does Rukia, as all the other students are from noble families.

Later, Renji walks in on Rukia and Byakuya, and hears that the Kuchiki family has decided to adopt her. He's a bit startled, and Rukia looks sad, but Renji plays off his grief by being "overly estactic" about the news. They both know that once she's adopted, their friendship will be no more, as she will be a noble and he will still be a street rat from the slums.

Renji tells Ichigo that he trained hard, hard enough to be put into one of the thirteen teams. His goal was to become stronger than Byakuya, but he could never catch up with him. It is then that he begs Ichigo to protect Rukia and save her life.

All I can say is I had tears in my eyes at the end of this episode.

Naruto Episode 135 (? I'm losing count)

Everyone is back in Konoha. Med teams are desperatly trying to save the lives of Neiji and Choji. Kiba is hurt, but will be fine. Akamaru is injured badly, but Kiba's sister says he'll be okay too. Shikamaru sits outside the emergency room where Choji is being worked on. Temari chides him a bit, and Shikamaru gets upset and goes to leave. His father stops him and tells him that even if he stops being a team leader, the missions will still go on. Yes, he failed this time, but wouldn't it be better if it was him leading his friends and not some stranger?

Tsunade comes out of Choji's room and declares he'll be fine. Shikamaru begins to cry. *sob*

Naruto is a mess in his own hospital room. Shikamaru visits with him and Naruto tells him Sasuke got away. Sakura listens at the door until Tsunade shows up and ushers her in. Naruto apologizes for not being able to keep his promise, but Sakura tries to blow it off. Naruto, being Naruto, makes a bold declaration that he WILL get Sasuke back, no matter what.

Later, Jiraiya shows up and tells Naruto he's going to train him, but he needs to forget about Sasuke. Sasuke is like Orochimaru; there is no helping him. Naruto disagrees and Jiraiya says he won't train Naruto and he'll never be a ninja. Worse, the Akatsuki will get him. Naruto tells him to bring it on. He'll train his own way, bring Sasuke back, and beat the hell out of the Akatsuki too. Jiraiya decides to train Naruto.

Meanwhile, Sasuke is with Orochimaru and scaring the shit out of Kubuto.

Naruto chapter 160

Not much here--except that Kakashi fights a psuedo Itachi. Apparently Kisame and Itachi are controlling several sand villagers and making them look like them with some sort of genjutsu.

Back in the Akatsuki hideout--Gaara is dying...

Ugh...time for bed. Zoso has to work at 7am tomorrow...

Are Humans really the smartest animals?

Sometimes I wonder...

Pretty sad when a dog is more responsible than a human mother...

Write Where?

Here I am at work, with nothing to do for the next few hours, and I thought I might sit down and do some writing. "Thought" being the important word here.

I've tried before, but the minute I sit in front of the PC here, nothing wants to come out of my brain and onto the word processor. It's like a valve has been shut off. "Click"-- access denied. However, once I'm home, tucked away in my safe little corner of the world, I can write for hours-- though I ususally write with pencil and eraser instead using my computer. Still, I don't think the computer has much to do with it either though. I've tried bringing my notebook with me and writing in it too, but with the same results.

I can't write outside of my comfort zone. I need quiet, solitude, little interruptions from outside disturbances. Even at home, I don't listen to music or watch television when I write. It's too distracting. Having a son who is full of questions and wants to play during the evening makes picking up a pencil difficult too, so my writing times have become late night activities that last well into the early morning.

Maybe that's why I'm so grumbly in the morning. 4 or 5 hours worth of sleep is bound to wear on a person, though my body has become accustomed to it. If I fall asleep before 12am, I'm awake at 3 or 4 in the morning. One fateful day last week, I was extreamly tired and went to bed at 8, thinking I'd take a nap and then get up for a few hours, but instead, I found myself wide awake at 1:30 in the morning, ready to start my day...and what a long day it was...

I think I'm nocturnal by nature. I like being up at night, when all is quiet. I can work on my projects with no interruptions, my thoughts all my own. I enjoy that silence and it's one of the few parts of my day where I'm not obligated to anyone else. A selfish notion, but all people are selfish in some aspect.

****

On another note, and I've said things about this before, if one more person makes a comment about the way I run my life, the gloves will come off and they'll see what a bitch I can be. I'm to the point that I don't really give a shit hurt anyone's feelings. I can burn bridges with the best of them--keep it up, and we'll see how hot the flames get. I don't care if they are family or friends anymore. These people need to STFU. Now.

First--I'd like to point out that people passing judgement on me and my lifestyle (or lack there of, I suppose), have not once...ONCE...sat down and asked me about my future plans. No one has ever asked me how things were going (in a serious manner). No one has ever bothered to ask me if I'm happy with myself and my life. They just assume I'm not--

NEWS FLASH PEOPLE! I AM HAPPY! SERIOUSLY! I'M CONTENT! I'M NOT DEPRESSED! So I don't care for large groups of people. I don't need a massive social circle to sooth my ego or make me feel loved. So I don't like going out to loud places or dropping 20 bucks for a movie I can see at home in six months for less than 5. Here's the honest to god truth in a nutshell-- I prefer my own company to anyone elses. That's right. I like my solitude 100 times more than I prefer said persons/peoples company. It's important to ME. Very important. If these people can't deal with that, not my problem. I've spent a large portion of my life trying to make other people happy by being someone I'm not and doing things I hate. Guess what? That's over. There are two people in this world I worry about making happy--my son and myself. If I happen to make a few other people feel special along the way, great.

Of course, that doesn't mean I like being alone all the time. There are a handful of people in my life that I don't mind being around. They know who they are (or at least I hope so). I will go and do things with them, spend time with them, talk with them, but this doesn't mean I share everything with them either. These people tend to understand me and my need for privacy. Nor do they question me. I appriciate them all the more for it, which is probably why I enjoy their company above all others.

Secondly-- I seem to be surrounded by psychics. I should be amazed, but I'm actually pretty pissed off about the whole deal. I mean, how dare they read my mind and see my private plans for the future. Perhaps I wanted to keep those ideas to myself, considering I've never spoke to anyone about them. {end sarcasm} Once again, the assuming without even asking...Do people think I don't ponder my future and the things I "could" be doing? And those things I "could be doing", why should I be doing them "right now"? Is there a memo I missed? How about this, why don't we let ME worry about what I could/should be doing from this time forward. Why? Two reasons:

1.) It's my life. I know what I want to do with it--other people don't. I suggest the people living in glass houses stop throwing stones--mind your own business.

2.) There is a reason I don't bother to tell people my thoughts on my future and it has nothing to do with having no plan. My reasoning is simple. I DON'T WANT THEM TO KNOW! There's no rule that I have to share my dreams with eveyone who loves and cares about me. Besides, if anyone paid attention to the things I said and talked about, it wouldn't be that hard to figure out, but alas, they're too busy assuming shit to actually hear what I'm saying.

I know this sounds harsh, but I'm really fed up with it all. I've dealt with scrutiny for a long time...I'm used to it, but everyone has limits. It annoys me that people who are suppose to KNOW me, really don't...nor do they make the effort to. I'm sick of talking AT people and having them dismiss my words as some sort of denial...what irritates me even more are these are people who are suppose to be close to me, even care about me, but they're too busy listening to their own wagging tongues to hear the one person that matters. ME.

So, to all those annoying people I love (and I do love them)--shut the hell up. I'm through being nice. If someone wants to talk to me about my life, then TALK to me...not AT me...and for the love of God...listen to me. I know myself far better than anyone else...trust me on this one.

Most F*cked up Link of the Week Award:

WARNING: Not for the Religiously Sensitive (or maybe it is...just don't go there if you're offended easily...and don't bitch at me you're too stupid to follow these simple directions.)

And it's only Monday...

Thanks (or maybe not) to my sis for sharing this link with me. And I thought Bible Slash was bad... *laughs*

Ahhh...MissPoppy.com...where do I begin.

When I first ventured to the site, I was frightened...as I searched more...I became more frightened...

But then this made me laugh. As well as this...and This too.

So wrong--yet so right--in so many ways. I'm still confused, but highly amused.

Begone Evil Computer Chair

I have a new computer chair.

Why is this important enough to warrant an entire blog about it? Because my old chair sucked; a wooden desk chair that would put the staypuff marshmellow mans ass in a sling. Not pleasant.

I love my new chair, which I put together by myself today. It's leather. Comfy. Adjusts hieghts...I think I've just moved up into the 2000s! OMG!

Now all I need is a real computer desk.

Baby steps...

Oh yes...and thanks to J for helping me create my little icon in the address bar. Yes, it was drama filled, but thankfully you are the patient one in our friendship, so it all worked out! Hope all is okay! See you online!

Bleach and Naruto Summaries

Well...since I'm really too lazy to do any screen caps for the shows I'll just do a brief synopsis of what happened. Real brief.

Naruto 134:

The end of the battle between Naruto and Sasuke. I'm sorry, but Sasuke is just plain rediculous in his level 2 form. I mean...what the hell is that crap coming out his back? Frog legs? And the guy STILL thinks he's cool? Sasuke, YOU. ARE. A. FREAK. Anyway...I won't say Sasuke really owns Naruto in this fight. He does win, but Naruto's chakara is wavering. They both fire up powerful Rasengans and Chidoris and blast each other. Naruto goes down. There are a few "touching" scenes I'm sure all the yaoi fangirls are squeeing over, and Sasuke leaves. However, he insinuates that he couldn't/wouldn't kill Naruto. He says he'll find power in his own way and not listen to what Itachi said. Kakashi finds Naruto, who is hurt, but not dead. End of show for the time being...(till next week--don't freak out, Narutards).

Bleach 31

I was a bit disappointed that the Renji/Ichigo fight seemed a bit hurried. Then again, I'm biased, being a Renji fan. Anyway, Ichigo is bleeding. Renji works him over with Zabimaru. The two of them "argue". Renji is pissed at Ichigo because he blames him for the situation Rukia is in. Ichigo tells him he KNOWS it's his fault and that's why he's trying to save her. Renji says Ichigo can't save her and beats the crap out of him. However, Ichigo remembers his training with Kisuke, and makes a tremendous comeback. Infact, he has Renji shaking in his sandles. Ichigo increases his spirit power and breaks Zabimaru. His eyes turn a haunting blue color (hollow Ichigo peeking through???), and then nails Renji. Renji is slashed and goes down.

Poor Renji. He's not a bad guy. He cares a lot about Rukia. I can't wait to see the next episode, where we see the two of them as little kids. I imagine Byakuya will make his assholish apperance as well. Kenpachi is right around the corner too...God, I can't wait to see that fight!

Manga:

I'll start with Bleach because it's another WTF chapter.

Bleach:

Friggen Aizen.

Yourichi and SoiFong have Aizen cornered. All the other captains have shown up. Aizen is unphased. Yourichi tells SoiFong to move as a strange light engulfs Aizen. The sky opens up and a handful of Menos Grande show up to carry him into the sky. Gin and Tousen go with him. Everyone is stunned. People start yelling at the three of them. Tousen tells the fox dude he follows the path with the least blood (WTF Tousen? The LEAST blood...what are you, blind? Bad joke...I know.) Aizen makes a comment about how he's going to stand on Heaven in a place where even God hasn't touched. HUH? He then tells Ichigo he was interesting...when he was human. What the hell does that mean? They disappear with the Menos and the sky closes back up.

*shakes head*

Okay...I'm friggen CONFUSED...Was Aizen refering to the fact Ichigo his like part Hollow? And what's with this Heaven crap? And where the hell did the Hollows come from? Menos, none the less....?? Well, I guess on the brighter side of things, everyone can regroup for the time being. Lots of hurt/dead people laying around right now. If I remember right, Ichigo is nearly cut in half. Looks like fox guy (can't remember his name) is doin just fine after being hacked to bits though. Byakuya...don't know about him yet...nor Hitsugaya or Hinamori...

Naruto

So Naruto is facing off with Itachi. Well, not really; it's all just a genjutsu created by Itachi's finger. Yes...his finger. He doesn't need his eyes to create horrible genjutsus...he can use his finger too. What a scary guy. Naruto battles the genjutsu and loses...Itachi almost has him but ba-chan and Sakura save him. Kakashi squares off with Itachi. Big show down next week. It was a good chapter. Itachi gets scarier and scarier. As much as I love Naruto, I get irritated with him though...he would have beaten Itachi's genjutsu if he hadn't let his emotions get the better of him.

I suspect Bleach next week will be pretty mellow. Then again, this is one manga that keeps me on my toes. Real high on the WTF factor. Naruto should be pretty good. I hope they tell us what Gai saw in Kisame...and I'm really curious to what Kakashi has up his sleeve.

On another note, I got my Trinity Blood manga in the mail the other day and I'm loving it. The anime is okay. Entertaining enough, but nothing spectacular. The manga is cool though. I love Abel and Tres. Ha ha!

I'm slowly working on TMTB for those interested. cpt 15 should be done in a week or two if all goes well. Thanks for being patient!

Dear Windows Movie Maker:

I hate your friggen guts. I think you suck ass and so do the people who make you. You are a joke; a slap in the face to consumers everywhere. Microsoft is an extention of Satan. Infact, I think Bill Gates IS Satan. Therefore it's no use for me to tell you to burn in hell. On the other hand, if there is a God, I hope he smites your ass.

Screw you.

Zoso

*snort* My own uzumaki has failed...

...so I give it to you, J.

f3Ar my M4d aRtz Sk1lz!!!11

Avatar update

Been making avatars off and on. There are some new ones up over HERE. A lot more of the same; Naruto, Bleach, Prince of Tennis. Also added some Trinity Blood icons as well. 250 direct links...I'm a bit surprised...

(this isn't it--I uploaded between 25 and 30 today)

I've got more in the works. I plan on adding some Tusbasa Chronicle and maybe some Aishiteruze Baby as well.

Itunes revived! (yay!)

Well, I've managed to revive my iTunes. It's back, bigger and badder than before. Ha ha! Just kidding. Still haven't gotten back some of the songs I purchased from them; those were totally lost, and I have had to re-buy them as I go along. I did sit down and dig out a bunch of my CD's today and added them to my play list. Well--my favorite songs, anyway. I'm one of these people who hates buying entire CD's, so things like iTunes is a blessing for me. You can clearly see what bands are my favorites *coughblackcrowescough*

I also sat down and did a belated spring cleaning too. OMG*GASP* -watches while people who know her fall down and die-- Yes...I cleaned today. I even VACUUMED. OMG!!!!ONOEZ!!!

Enough of that. Even I get sick of being messy once in a while. ;)

Naruto and Bleach Summaries (spoilers...duh)

Okie dokie--pretty action packed week we've had here. The wait was long, but it seems worth it. I'll start with the anime of both shows.

Naruto 133
Well, it's about damn time we got to see the fight between Naruto and Sasuke. It took them long enough, but it wasn't really that bad of a wait. Seeing Sasuke finally get his ass pounded was a real treat. I've watched the episode twice already, and each time I laugh my head off at Sasuke's baffled expressions. He's such a putz.

Anyway, last week Sasuke managed to piss Naruto off and bring forth Kyuubi. The fox manifested itself (as shown in an earlier post)--this week Sasuke learned how formidable Kyuubi really is (though he doesn't know exactly what makes Naruto so powerful). Most of the episode is Sasuke getting tossed around, a few sentimental flashbacks, and them some more ass kicking. Sasuke busts out the Sharingan and manages to land a few blows on Naruto. At one point he seems to believe he's managed to kill him, but Kyuubi steps in and takes over. The Sharingan isn't of any use to Sasuke once Kyuubi is on the offensive as Sasuke can no longer read the movements of Naruto's body and Kyuubi's chakara; the two move differently, going in various directions and so forth. Sasuke spends much of his time trying to dodge the malicious charaka and Naruto seems to have gone insane. After another serious thrashing, Sasuke breaks out his curse seal and turns into some drama drag queen...then the show ends....

Bleach 30

Last week Ichigo and Ganju took Hanatarou hostage--first on purpose, then on accident. The trio retreat into hiding and Hanatarou decides he's going to change sides. He wants to help Ichigo save Rukia. He agrees to lead them to where Rukia is being held captive. Meanwhile, everyone is running around trying to find one another. Ishida and Orihime are still together, Chad is solo, and no one knows where Yourichi is. The shinigami are also in a panic--the 11th squad has been taken out and several of their strongest companions have been seriously injured. They hold a meeting with all the vice captains and the news seems dire. Renji knows what's going on and makes a quick exit.

Later, Hanatarou leads them crew out of the sewers, but Renji has appeared to stop them. He and Ichigo face off, share some words, and then start to fight. Ichigo seems to have the upperhand for awhile, but Renji unleashes Zabimaru and Ichigo takes a serious hit. However, Ichigo isn't down. He thanks Renji and tells him that no matter how many, or how strong the shinigami vice captains and captains are, he'll beat them all if it means saving Rukia. This pisses Renji off and the two prepare -again- to duke it out.

Now for the manga side of things. Lots of stuff going on betweent he pages these days. Bleach is the one I've been itching to read, so I'll start with it.

Bleach chapter 177
So, the week before last Byakuya surprised everyone by taking a sword through the chest for Rukia. He's down--hurt real bad, maybe not getting up again any time soon. Rukia tries to protect him as Aizen turns on them, but he's stopped by Yourichi and SoiFong. (YAY) Gin tries to make a move, but Matsumoto snags his hand. Tousen has a sword to the neck by Hisagi.

Yourichi tells Aizen she'll kill him if he moves, but Aizen plays another card, the three remaining gate guards. They're on his side too! (WTF???) However, Kuukaku and Jidanbou show up and take them out. Suddenly, Aizen and his cronies find themselves surrounded by the other shinigami.

---but Aizen only looks amused (that piece of shit bastard).

Naruto chapter 258
Starts off with Gai and Kisame--Kisame launches an attack at Gai and Gai pulls out a weapon. Shift to Naruto and crew facing Itachi. Itachi tells Naruto he'll be "coming with him soon enough", and Kakashi attacks. Itachi uses some bushin to surprise them, Naruto hits one with a Rasengan, which does little good. When he looks around, everyone but him has been wiped out. Now he's facing Itachi alone (another WTF moment). Back to Gai and Kisame-- Gai takes a few hits and gets trapped in one of Kisame's jutsus. He decides it has to be done and opens up the 8th gate (?) and attacks Kisame. Neiji manages to get everyone else out of the "bubbles" they've been trapped in. Gai is moving so fast Kisame can't keep up. Gai then blasts him with Asakujaku and takes Kisame out. At the end of the chapter Gai makes a criptic remark about Kisame...one I can't even begin to guess at...

ALSO

A few random screen caps of Trinity Blood. I recently ordered the manga after checking out a few online sites. Looks promising. The anime is beautiful, I just hope the story isn't too wierd. It's very "Hellsingesque", but that's okay. I'm a fan of vampire stories and this one seems promising.

Is it over yet....?

This week has been H.E.L.L.

I'm so tired, not to mention cranky.

Cranky seems to be a on-going theme of mine these days. Work, life, ugh...I need a break. Thank God my vacation is coming up in a couple weeks. Funny how I know my spring and summers will be hectic, but I never can prepare for them. Every year it's the same. Winter idles by; I enjoy my time off and then...BAM...spring leaps on me like a hungry lion.

I need new tires.

I hate shopping for crap like that. I need to plan a time to visit my sister AND my cousin...both who live 3 to 4 hours away (in oppsite directions). Not that I mind, but finding the time--and the energy--is difficult.

*sigh*

I think I'm getting sick too. I feel like crap, but maybe that's just stress--or my allergies. I can't tell which.

Tomorrow is Friday.

I'm going to spare you anymore whining and go to bed.

Dumbest Dumb-shit Comment I've Ever Heard...

"I was going to take her to an adoption agency to see how much I can get for her."

This is a serious comment made by my son's uncle regarding his daughter. He made this statement to my son's dad last week when my son's dad said he would take the baby off his brother's hands (ie: save the baby from her trashy, parasitic parents).

*close your ears kiddies*

WHAT THE FUCK KINDA THING IS THAT TO SAY?

Holy shit! Will someone please cleanse the earth of people like this? Please! By all things magical, I hope these people OD on their crack and then rot in hell.

"what I could get for her"????? You fuckin moron, I pray to god you and I never cross paths again. You don't get money for giving your baby up for adoption, dipshit--you fucking wish. Drug money all the way around, right? Burn. In. Hell. I hope your penis rots off so you can't breed.

God, I am so pissed about this...

Reviving iTunes

So I spent all day trying to rebuild my iTunes list. I managed to recover a lot of my songs. I had most of what you see here saved to CD, about 50 I had to go and re-download (not from iTunes). I spent about 10 bucks today re-buying a few of the songs I lost, but I still have a lot more to go. I'll slowly re-build as I get the cash. I think in the end I recovered about 150 songs. Which made me happy considering I deleted over 200 of them.

I'm such a dumbass.

Burritos soon to be banned at schools everywhere!

*kidding*

But this news piece makes me wonder....