Ramblings of a Crowe

Zoso's Gonna Rock 'n Roll O(^-^)O

Eeeeyaaahhhhhhhhhh!!!!!

*ehem*

Today is a good day. A very good day. You see, as I was sitting at work, I heard on the radio that my most favorite band EVER is playing nearby. Stunned I failed to miss such an important peice of information, I silenced a co-worker with a stiff, "talk to the hand" signal, and listened intently to the details. Not only is the concert close, but an encore show was added for this Saturday!

OMFG!

I let out a scream, scaring my co-worker and my boss, who looked at me as if I'd lost my mind. (Zoso isn't a giddy, frothing fan-girl type--except in this case) Perhaps I have. I don't care. Because:

I'M GONNA GO SEE THE BLACK CROWES!

*is ded*

The last time I had tickets to see the Black Crowes was when they were touring with Jimmy Page (*dies again*). However, Jimmy hurt his back and they canceled the venue (Maynard, you remember this sad day, don't you?). Devistated, I cried.

But now I have the chance to see them again--after thinking I'd never see them tour together since they'd broken up.

I'm soooo excited! (can't you tell?)

I bought my tickets this morning online--recieved them a minute or two later. Now, all I need to do is find someone to go with me. *heh* If I don't, I care not...I'll drive myself, broken car and all, 70 miles to witness this concert. My priorites are in order.

Chris Robinson

Even though they aren't the main attraction (Tom Petty is), I don't care. Just to see them perform a couple of their songs is enough for me. I am kicking myself I didn't spend the extra cash for the closer seats now, but that's okay too. I had front row seats to Aerosmith several years ago, got to see Joe Perry (yum!) so close he sweated on me, but I was deaf for at least two days afterwards. (ha ha)

It's rare for me to get so excited about something; but I can't help it.

I'M GONNA SEE THE BLACK CROWES!

Grandia III English Release

Though there still has been no US Release date set for Grandia III, there is an English version of the game being worked on according to GameSpot. Square Enix and Game Arts haven't determined if there is a decent enough market here in the States.

Let's hope they go ahead and release it here. Grandia has always been a fun and entertaining game. Grandia III has some beautiful graphics and it sounds as if the battle system and play will be great!

More Icons

Made some new icons. Mainly of Nana but managed to find some scans of Hitsugaya. Sorry to the person who asked for some Hitsugaya icons. I'll get some better scans over the next few episodes, so bear with me.

All icons are stored here. Steal at will, I care not.

Naruto and Bleach (finally)

So, it's been awhile since I sat down and talked about either of these. Frankly, the Naruto fillers aren't worth talking about. I had hopes for them too, but they are...stupid. Necessary, but stupid...

As for the manga, I've only half been paying attention. Will Sasori ever friggen die? My god, he's like the Terminator...or an evil muppet of some sort. The latest chapter was pretty cool though, right up until the part they had Sasori captured...BUT WAIT...he managed to escape again and this time stab Sakura.

Sakura is holding her own though. She's got those mad healing skills and Tsunade's strength thing going for her. She'll be okay. I imagine she let Sasori stab her so she could finally take him out for good. We can only hope...'cause frankly I'm getting sick of this battle.

BLEACH! I should have been talking about the last few chapters, but I haven't had time. Whooo...where to start? Chapter 190 introduces Vaizard Sarugaki Hiyori. She's apparently quite the handful (very funny character). She meets Orihime and Chad on the street, threatens their lives, and ends up being whisked away by a very apologetic Hirako (I'm liking this guy). As they're running away, Hiyori makes a comment about how the humans and shinigami don't like the Vaizards. Hirako tells her to just wait awhile and that will change. (hmmm)

Meanwhile, Ichigo is back at home, his dad is back to his old self (is this guy really a shinigami?), giving Ichigo his morning beating. However, Ichigo ignores him. He's in serious depression mode. Up in his room, Kon pops out of the dresser and starts berating Ichigo for various things. He almost spills the beans that Isshin is a shinigami. He covers up his slip up and notices that Ichigo hasn't said a word. Kon gets mad and leaves. Ichigo lies in bed, worrying about his hollow half and what will happen to himself, his family, and friends if he's allowed to take over.

Karin comes in, and confronts Ichigo about being a shinigami. He tries to deny it, but she tells him she can see him...and the hollows clearly. She wants to know what's going on.

Next we're taken to some place that I'm not sure where it is because I can't read the Kanji...but anyway, there's some weird looking guys there, one name Rin and another named Akon (are they Vizards? if you know, tell me please). They've noticed something strange. A light from the sky hits the earth and two figures step out of the dust.

They're hollows...and they look human.

(chpt 192) Back in Ichigo's room, Ichigo tries to laugh off Karin's accusations. Suddenly a wave of intense spiritual pressure crushes the room and Ichigo takes off in Shinigami form while Karin calls after him.

Ichigo isn't the only one to notice either. Urahara, Isshin, Yoruichi, Chad and Orihime all notice. Even the Soul Society has begun to move.

The Hollows, are surrounded by humans that can't see them. The people are milling about, curious about the strange crater than just appeared in the ground. The big hollow gets angry and sucks up their souls. The smaller one says that it's a waste of time, that there are only three people with enough spiritual pressure to be a danger to them. Those are the ones they need to find.

On the grass, the big hollow notices someone moving. Tatsuki was one of the people attacked, but she's still alive! And she can see the hollows. The big one asks the smaller one (his name is Urukiora...Ulkiola...? ウルキオラ) if Tatsuki is one of them that they're looking form. Uru (I'll call him for short) says that she's nothing but trash. The big guy decides to kill her.

Enter Chad and Orihime. Chad stops the blow, and Orihime rescues Tatsuki. The big hollow (what the hell is his name?) can't seem to figure out who they're looking for and this annoys Uru. He says that Chad and Orihime are trash too. The big guy attacks, and Chad's arm is ripped off.

Ichigo is on his way.

Anyway, Orihime is now all alone. Chad is pretty messed up, his arm is all torn off and what not. The big guy asks Uru is Orihime is trash too...and of course she is, so he attacks her.

However, Orihime takes a stand. Her shield comes to life and blocks the blow. She stands up as it breaks, and there's this hurt/angry look on her face. Apparently she's learned to multitask, since she's facing down the hollows while healing Chads arm. This catches Uru's attention and he comments that Orihime is a paculiar woman.

Orihime decided to fight to protect Chad and Tatsuki. She launches Tsubaki at the big hollow, who takes a direct hit though his hand...or so it seems. He crushes Tsubaki into dust. Uru decideds that Orihime isn't one of "them" that they are looking for and gives the okay for him to kill her. Just as the big guy is on Orihime, Ichigo shows up, with Zangetsu pressed against the big hollow's palm.

Ichigo apologizes for being late, turns to the hollows, and releases his Ban Kai.

End of chapters

So, next week perhaps we'll see what these "new" hollows are made of. I'll be pissed if Ichigo releases Ban Kai and gets whupped by these yahoos. That would suck, considering Ban Kai is the ultimate release of a Zanpaktou. Then again, no one is certain what kind of power the Vaizards are capabable of, and Ichigo is one of them (since he's part hollow, part shinigami). I'm not sure if the Vaizards are good guys or bad guys yet. So far, I like Hirako and Hiyori. Hirako is funny. I'm kinda curious to see what they're capable of.

As for these new hollows, they haven't done much yet, but they seem to be pretty strong. Uru is kinda scary...it's always the small quiet types that turn out to be mass murders. Anyway, Bleach is still good...no lagging in their corner of Shonen Jump!

In other Bleach news, apparently the show will be moving to a Prime Time spot in Japan. Good news for the series! Perhaps it will continue past the Soul Society arc?

The anime at the moment has Ichigo fighting with Zangetsu to learn Ban Kai. Renji and Hinomori have broken out of prision. Gin has "rescued" Kira. So there's going to be a ton of stuff going down soon. *yay*

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

In more exciting news, it looks like Black Cat will be airing in Japan this October! What a great find! For those who have been reading the manga, you all know what I mean! ;P I'm not quite clear if it's been licensed by Viz or not though (think the manga?). If anyone knows for sure, let me know.

CMX is still treating their customers like shit and dodging questions regarding edits in titles such as Tenjou Tenge (a manga obviously not ment to be marketed for kids here in the States).

Sour Grapes, Anyone?

"Listen, I've said it for seven years. I've said it for longer than seven years. I have never doped. I can say it again. But I've said it for seven years. It doesn't help. But the fact of the matter is I haven't. And if you consider my situation: A guy who comes back from arguably, you know, a death sentence, why would I then enter into a sport and dope myself up and risk my life again? That's crazy. I would never do that. No. No way."
Lance Armstrong Larry King Transcript

You know, there's nothing uglier or more pathetic than people who are sore losers. Envy and maliciousness are at the root of sad, small minded people who lack confidence in their convictions. It takes a big man to stand up and say, "Oh well. Guess, I lost this time around."

So, to all the French idiots who are leading the crusade against Lance Armstrong: Grow the hell up. So you've been beaten by an American. Cry me a fucking river. How about this? You were beaten by a phenominal cyclist? He just happens to be an American! Wow! Nifty concept! Sadly, there are people can't seem to get past the entire "Nationality" issue. Disgusting behavior from individuals who claim to be so cultured and "elite" if you ask me.

To the Americans leaping onto the bandwagon because it's a great media seller to see such a national icon tumble: You make me sick. As if the US isn't plagued enough by biased, one-sided, malicous journalism...

Is there a possibility that Armstrong has doped in his career? Sure. I wouldn't be shocked. Do I think he was doping when he took the seven wins in the Tour? No.

Why?

Perhaps because he's the most tested (randomly and not) athlete in the world. In the '99 tour he was tested clean 17 times. Through-out his Tour history, he's been tested over 85 times (while participating) and never tested dirty. And of course, there's the uncounted random tests he's been subjected to over the span of his career, which brings the number of his negitive tests into the 100's, and his positives still in the 0s.

Perhaps, because he has a cause that the belives in so strongly that he knows a legit doping charge would crush him, and the people he's trying to help.

Perhaps, because unlike the cyincs of the world, I like to believe in heros. I get no joy out of seeing a person get raked through the mud. Apparently, my kind is a dying breed...

I find it extremely fishy that a paper, one that has targted Armstrong again and again (and isn't beneath digging through his trash or breaking into his hotel room), would suddenly pipe up and say, "Hey, we have papers that say EPO has been found in Armstrongs piss from seven years ago!" And of course, the samples (which were anonymous) have been destroyed. How convinent. Not to mention, I have to question the integrity of a lab that would hand over such dire reports to a newspaper, without notifying the proper people first. Oh, and I'd like to know how L'Équipe got this so called list with the "matching numbers". It's no secret that Pound isn't a friend of Armstrong.Makes me wonder about the intergity of the WADA too. Nor is the French media. Or Jean-Marie Leblanc. They'd all just LOVE to see Armstrong crumble.

I'd be disappointed if Armstrong doped in the '99 Tour. However, there are still six other Tour's where he was tested again and again and again, after the technology had become more accurate. So explain to me why a man who could win six tours clean, would need to dope in a seventh? And even so, it's still phenominal that he could come back from death, and ride in even one Tour, let alone seven. That's enough to give people all over the world courage and hope. He'd still be a hero in my opinion.

As my sister has so eloquently put it, "It is sad. We take hard working people and criticize them for success because we aren't as successful." How true. How many of us are willing to sweat blood and shed tears for our passion? How many of us have the courage to say "Fuck you" in the face of a life threatening situation? Or have the strength to pull through and make our lives even better than before?

Very few. People are lazy and weak willed by nature. Most of us spend our days wishing and dreaming about how to make our lives better, more fulfulling, more successful. And that's all we do. Dream, wish, hope, and complain. When we see someone who charges forward in persuit of their desires, regardless of the effort and impossibilities, it makes us envious. Because inside, we know that we're just wasting away, waiting for things to happen, instead of making them happen ourselves.

Star Ocean 6 is out!

But I'll be waiting until the Seattle store gets it in stock.

I have a headache...

(image created by zoso's migrane)

Aha hahah hah!!!!

Johnny kicks ASS!!!

Thanks sis! That was friggen halarious!

RAIN!!!!!!!

It's been raining! *does happy dance* I love rain! We don't see much of it here, so when it does rain, it's a big deal for us! Not to mention rainy days mean a break from the relentless heat. Yesterday it rained off and on all day. Today there were a few sprinkles in the morning, but not it seems to have passed. :( But the afternoon is really nice. It's cool and comfortable to be outside. I can almost feel fall in the air. I love the fall time! It's my favorite time of the year!

Boss said I didn't have to come in on Saturday if I didn't want to. I was a bit stunned...I mean, it's cool that I don't have to work on a Saturday, but now I feel a little guilty about leaving the guys to fend for themselves, since the boss will be out of town too. I might still come in...even though I'd prefer not to.

Been reading Nana. (SPOILERS!!!!) Today book 13 should arrive. I can't wait to see what happens at Reira's party. Poor Hachi...I feel bad for her sometimes, but she's such a stupid girl...sometimes I think she deserves what she gets. I mean, she neglected Shouji and he left her, she sleeps around with just about anyone and seems to think it's love, she gets fired from her jobs, and just when it appears she's found a good guy, she discovers she's pregnant and isn't sure who's baby it is....*head desk* Then she agrees to marry Takumi when he offers to take care of her and the baby...WTF?

Okay, so Takumi is probably the father of the baby...that's almost a given...There's just a slight chance it could be Nobu's, but considering Nobu used protection every time they slept together and Takumi refused to, I'd bet the farm on Takumi being the "happy" father. Anyway, I don't get the guy...he's a total enigma to me. He's a super dickhead, that's for sure, and his lack of reaction when he discovered Hachi was pregnant took me for surprise. Most guys would panic, but he took it all in stride...then decided to marry Hachi, even if the baby doesn't turn out to be his...

Oooookaaaay....

He doesn't love Hachi, at least I don't think he does. At best, he thinks of her as a possession. He can be pretty mean to her too, but he can also be really sweet (sometimes). When he bought the baby shoes back from England, that was really cute. And his reaction to the flower wallpaper Hachi put up in his apartment...*laughs* Still, I'm not quite sure where their relationship is going. Takumi met Hachi's parents, told everyone they were getting married, moved her into his apartment, etc., but he still treats her like crap.

Also, Hachi still has feelings for Nobu and visa versa, but Nobu totally freaked when he found out Hachi was pregnant. He told Nana O. that he couldn't be a dad, he wasn't ready. He ran away from Hachi and let Takumi 'have' her. It's pretty sad, since they seemed to be in love...but my personal feeling is if he loved her as much as he said he did, he wouldn't have abandoned her so quickly. *sigh* Takumi had a lot to do with that too, though. He's the one who told Nobu, and not too gently either. The way he did it was vindictive and cruel (locking Hachi in the bathroom and using her phone to call Nobu).

Nana O. scares me sometimes. She's kinda crazy, and I think more possessive than Takumi. She's almost obessive. She wants Hachi back and keeps pushing Nobu to go get her from Takumi. That kinda pisses me off. Nobu should be the one to decide what to do, and if Takumi is really the father, he should have a say in the baby's life. What worries me is that Nana will return to Nobu, the baby will be Takumi's, and he'll do something to take the kid away from her. He seems to be malicious like that...Then again, I can't see Takumi taking care of a baby by himself (he'd hire a nanny since the boy is loaded).

I kinda like Takumi though. He's a prick. I wouldn't put up with his shit for a second, but I think he's good for Hachi. Yes...as crazy as it sounds, she's a idiot and needs a guy who will take the upperhand with her. I think in the end, Hachi would end up running Nobu off like she did with Shouji. Both Nobu and Shouji are sweeties, but they're too nice for their own good. Hachi is so self centered (in a clueless way), that she't probably trample on Nobu's feelings like she did Shouji. Takumi is such a hardliner, he won't put up with her crap. He could be less possessive, a bit more senstive, and lose some of that narcissitic attitude though.

Hmmm...I don't know. All I can do is wait and see, of course. It's fun to speculate though.

Saftey Tips: READ THIS!

What a dangerous world we live in. It's disgusting that humans prey on each other like beasts. I recieved this email and thought I'd pass it along for everyone to read. You never know when you might need information like this.

(btw, I don't think this applies just to women these days, but I left the e-mail as I recieved it)

Abduction Precautions for Women

We can now add to the list of victims the retired 77
yr. old TCU professor from Ft. Worth whose body was
found last week in Oklahoma--and the 11 yr. old in
Sarasota, FL. Because of these recent abductions in
daylight hours, refresh yourself of these things to do
in an emergency situation...This is for you, and for
you to share with your wife, your children, everyone
you know. After reading this, forward it to someone
you care about. It never hurts to be careful in this
crazy world we live in.

1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do: The elbow is the strongest
point on your body. If you are close enough to use it,
do!

2. Learned this from a tourist guide in New Orleans.
If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT
HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you....chances are
that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse
than you, and he will go for the wallet/purse. RUN
LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!

3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car,
kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out
the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won't
see you, but everybody else will. This has saved
lives.

4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after
shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit (doing
their checkbook, or making a list, etc. DON'T DO
THIS!) The predator will be watching you, and this is
the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the
passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you
where to go. AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK
THE DOORS AND LEAVE.

5. A few notes about getting into your car in a
parking lot, or parking garage:
A.) Be aware: look around you, look into your car, at
the passenger side floor, and in the back seat.
B.) If you are parked next to a big van, enter your
car from the passenger door. Most serial killers
attack their victims by pulling them into their vans
while the women are attempting to get into their cars.
C.) Look at the car parked on the driver's side of
your vehicle, and the passenger side. If a male is
sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may
want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a
guard/policeman to walk you back out.
IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better
paranoid than dead.)

6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs.
(Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the
perfect crime spot).

7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his
control, ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit you (a
running target) 4 in 100 times; and even then, it most
likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN!

8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic:
STOP. It may get you raped, or killed. Ted Bundy, the
serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man,
who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting
women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often
asked "for help" into his vehicle or with his vehicle,
which is when he abducted his next victim.

9. Another Safety Point: Someone just told me that her
friend heard a crying baby on her porch the night
before last, and she called the police because it was
late and she thought it was weird. The police told her
"Whatever you do, DO NOT open the door."

The lady then said that it sounded like the baby had
crawled near a window, and she was worried that it
would crawl to the street and get run over. The
policeman said, "We already have a unit on the way,
whatever you do, DO NOT open the door." He told her
that they think a serial killer has a baby's cry
recorded, and uses it to coax women out of their homes
thinking that someone dropped off a baby. He said they
have not verified it, but have had several calls by
women saying that they hear baby crying outside their
doors, when they're home alone at night.

Please pass this on and DO NOT open the door for a
crying baby. This e-mail should probably be taken
seriously because the Crying Baby theory was mentioned
on America's Most Wanted this past Saturday when they
profiled the serial killer in Louisiana.

I'd like you to forward this to all the women you
know. It may save a life. A candle is not dimmed by
lighting another candle. I was going to send this to
the ladies only, but guys, if you love your mothers,
wives, sisters, daughters, etc., you may want to pass
it onto them, as well.

Bitch Slap

You know, I've been reading a lot of shojo manga lately and I noticed how often the girls slap each other. Usually, it's the cliche bully chick picking on the heroine of the story, and more often than our hapless heroine just takes it. I never understood this. I mean, seriously, if some chick smacked me in the face, she'd be eating a knuckle sandwhich in the kisser and picking her teeth up off the ground...Right after I stepped on her head and gave her a wedgie.

Honestly, do Japanese chicks go around slapping each other for stupid shit? Granted, manga is just drawings, but it happens so often in shojo, I have to wonder.

Apparently, bullying is a serious problem in Japan. However, it's also a problem in the US too. I think both bullying in Japan and the US is similar. And more than likely it's similar all over the world.

I've always had a seething hatred of bullies. I was bullied once. Yeah, just once. Some chick that was built like a moose and her best friend that was probably a direct descendant of the manliest looking tribe of Amazons pushed me into a locker, constantly bumped into me, and made subtle threats and rude comments with in ear shot. All because my boyfriend of two years didn't like her. I was pretty scared. These girls had a reputation for being 'scary' and 'tough'.

This went on for a while and eventually by boyfriend found out about it. He was pretty pissed and told a couple of his other classmates about what was going on. Incidently, they happened to be sisters of two of my classmates (and those classmates were good friends of mine). The two of them confronted the bulliers and it all stopped immediatly.

I think it's important to note right now that the bullies were threatened with an ass kicking of a life time by these two girls. Also, it's important to note that of the two girls standing up for me, one of them was five foot two and about nintey pounds...and everyone was scared shitless of her. I watched this chick throw a huge ass garbage can (over her head) at some guy in the lunch room while screaming "FUCK YOU" at the top of her lungs. I also watched her take down the six foot tall school ho bag and beat the holy hell out of her behind the school while walking between classes. *laughs*

It was pretty embarassing to have other people stand up for me, but back then, I was pretty nonconfrontational. Nor was I used to people disliking me enough to harrass me.

A few years later I ran into the main bullier at a bar. By this time I'd become what I am today...a bitch. I stood at the bar and she recognized me as someone she went to school with. She approached me and started talking all nice to me. I played a long, and finally, in a nonchaulaunt manner said, "Remember that time you and Jill bullied me? Yeah, you pushed me into the lockers and called me nasty names all the time. You were a real bitch back then." She sort of stared at me as I smiled and sipped my drink.

I've since seen this girl off and on, (don't know where the other one went...perhaps she had a sexchange or re-found her Neanderthal family), and she ignores me. I find this hysterical. I was such a moron to be scared of that dipshit, but I was just a kid. I hadn't had the time to experience 'real' life. Between the time of my bullying experience and the time I ran into this girl again, I'd met people far more intimidating that this idiot...and most of those people became close friends of mine.

And they weren't bullies. They were just funny, amazing people who wouldn't take shit from anyone. They didn't need to push other people around to prove any points. They accepted everyone...they were everyone...preppies, jocks, hicks, gangsters, goth, misfits from all walks of life...we all got along so well. Most of the time. There was the occasional infighting, but a week later and everyone was friends again like nothing happened. There was nothing malicious about any of the squabbles we had. *laughs*

I learned a lot from these friends. I think it was a turning point in my life where I realized that groups didn't matter. 'Toughness' isn't really measured by reputation. Respecting yourself and others is important. And that no matter how different people are, there's always something in common that can bring them together.

So I suppose the point of this ramble is that bullies aren't tough. They're scared, cowardly little freaks. I know it's hard for kids to deal with them. I mean, hell, growing up is bad enough without having to be picked on and tormented by your peers. But in the end, bullies disappear. They aren't eternal, even though they feel like it.

I've always told my son to stand up for himself. My mother doesn't agree with my philosophy, but if my son is pushed and pushes back, I'm not going to berate him for it. I've also talked to him about how the imporant people in his life are the ones that matter the most. That friends aren't weighed by quanity, but instead, quality. That being happy and enjoying whatever he happens to enjoy is okay, even if other people think his hobbies are stupid and uncool. What do they care anyway? If said people were so much better, wouldn't they have more interesting and important things to do with their time, instead of picking on someone else for being different than them?

In the end, bullies are the pathetic ones. It's their lives that are lacking something. And that folks, is far more saddening than merely being 'different'.

A shout out to a few of those 'friends' I mentioned earlier:

I love you all!

Links for Nana: The Movie

Here are a few links for Nana: The Movie. You can see some trailers here!

And a Densha Otoko link.

Buyer Guilt

I always feel guilty after I spend money. After buying stuff, I get it home and think, "Why the hell did I get this?" Then I go into panic mode, thinking I haven't enough money in the bank (which I probably don't) and that I'm a low-life for splurging on stupid things. Of course, I'm plagued by the "What-if's" too. You know, "What if such and such happens" and I can't afford to pay for it. Thoughts of car trouble, computer problems, sudden medical bills, getting fired, etc., all contribute to my worries.

It's a vicious cycle.

The car trouble thing isn't too far off though. The car has been acting a bit funny. The other day I went to go to work and it wouldn't start. It was like the starter wouldn't catch or something...It hasn't done it again (that was a week ago). The clutch is weird too...at least I think it is. Then again, I have a tendency to jump to conclusions when it comes to car issues. Needless to say, I'm going to have to take the stupid thing in soon. I'm just not comfortable driving when I think I might get stranded. *laughs*

I always pay my bills on time. So I'm not a slacker there. Well, I do wait until the last minute to pay any medical bills. I suppose you could say it's my way of protesting the outrageous costs they dump on us sick people. It pisses me off. Criminy, when I had to go to the ER last year, I spent three hours there and all the did was make me pee in a cup and hook me up to a morphine drip. The bill I got was over 1200 dollars!!!!!! Granted, my insurence paid for some of it. I only had to fork out 700 bucks (which I'm still paying off, BTW).

At anyrate, I'm trying not to buy stupid things these days. "Stupid" meaning stuff I really don't want, but buy any way. I still spend a lot of money on books. Occasionally I'll buy dvd's, but I've really quit spending so much money on them. I think the last DVDs I bought were Constantine and Gungrave. Books kill me though. I love to read. I love comics. I love all sorts of books. I can spend 80 bucks on books without batting an eye...(Which I did this weekend). Reading is pretty much my main hobby. I don't go out much (maybe once a month), I don't buy a lot of video games either...just ones that I've researched in depth or have been waiting for.

*sigh* I hate buyer guilt. I work hard for my money and I should be able to spend it without feeling bad about it. Especially when I pay my bills and take care of the other necessities. Alas, the 'what ifs' always come to play after I go shopping...

Nana by Yazawa Ai

So Shojo Beat got me addicted to "Nana". So addicted I've now read the first six books and have the next seven coming in the mail next week. I'm an addict!

The story begins with Nana Komatsu and Nana Oosaki. The two girls have never met before, but on a train bound for Tokyo, their fates become interwined.

This manga is about life, love, mistakes, and ambition. To me, it's a lot like Mars; there's a very realistic feel to the story. The characters have made me laugh and cry. Nana Komatsu's (Hachi) lack of common sense and her naitivity irritate me. Nana Ookasi's insecurity makes me feel sad. The relationships between them, their friends, and their significant others drags me into reading more.

"Nana" is very popular in Japan. In fact, there is movie in the works. So far, there have been 13 GNs distrubuted.

On another note, I got to see Densha Otoko (電車男). What a cute movie! I recommend it to anyone who enjoys Japanese films.

I also ordered ZERO 9 by Yamazaki Takako. God, I love this manga! The last book really bummed me out though! NOOOOO Batsu!!!! And Zatto! What.The.Hell? The book should be here next week. I'll probably whine about it later. (or perhaps I'll redo the translations I've done of previous books...ha ha...riiiiight)

Other than that, I've been very, very busy as of late. I don't see things slowing down for a few more weeks. Between work, car trouble, and some life situations, I've been a basket case. Those who are looking for my projects on FF.net, don't worry, I'll get back to them ASAP. Just give me some time to get things settled. :)

I'm still alive.

Just a quick note to everyone that I'm still here. Just very very busy. I'll try to find something interesting to post later! ;P

Zoso

Angel Sanctuary #9 (spoilers)

Well, I finally picked up Angel Sanctuary #9 in english. Great volume, though I was a bit annoyed that they called Astarte, "Asteroth" at the end. I hope they fix this, or the story is going to get REALLY confusing for those who are just reading...if Asteroth wasn't already confusing enough...

In Angel Sanctuary, Astarte is Asteroth's twin sister...well...to tell the truth, they're sort of the same person...but not the same person...

Uhhh....

Let's see...Orginally they were born twins in heaven. Astarte's conciousness was planted inside Asteroth's body (an experiment coordinated by God). The experiment failed, as two minds can't occupy one body and Asteroth began to go insane.

After the fall of the Angels, Lucifer used a medium to seal their souls. The medium was a two headed snake, one black and the other white. When Asteroth is in the body, Astarte's soul goes inside the white snake. When Astarte is in the body, Asteroth's soul goes into the black snake. (note: this is only in the Angel Sanctuary world)

Anyway~

A lot of people find AS hard to swallow because it's so confusing. True enough...but it's one of those manga that as you read, all the peices start falling into place...slowly. However, I like the pace this manga takes. People who are reading need to pay close attention to the characters, even the ones who seem minor. Keep a careful eye on Kira, Sevi, and Metatron too...*heh*

Because the Important Questions Need to be Answered

I wouldn't feel right dying before I understood something like this....

My fandom is tainted

I hate anime fans...

Save maybe 3 or 4 people on this thread of flaming fanboiz and gurlz, I'd bet my left pinky that NONE of them would know a Kansai dialect unless they were told they were listening to one.

STFU you Otaku dipshits.

Why the hell must everything be an argument with these people? They might as well stand around and start shouting, "My anime penis is bigger than yooouuurs! Nanny nanny boo boo!"

Jebus on a pogo stick...