Furu Anime Panikku

Bloody Monday 2, What’s This? Apple Products?

double — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 09:24:50 +0000

The new season for the Bloody Monday drama began a week ago with a 1.5 hour special, and it sure was great seeing more Bloody Monday. If you’ve read the 2 season of the manga, the story should be quite different from the manga. Some changes have been made, but I’m not sure if those are really changes, or stuff that has yet to pop up in the manga, considering the pace the drama is going. I’m pretty sure the producers of the drama have decided to just surpass the manga and write an original storyline. I’m not too sure if that’s good, but the first episode was pretty decent so far. It just needs more hacking and less whining.

Anyway, HP collaborated last season and Falcon was hacking using their laptops. I have the MiniNote that Falcon had at the start of the series, and it’s quite a resilient thing. It still works after being dropped twice, but I had to change the screen because of a crack.

This season, it seems like they’ve called off the deal with HP and decided to go with Apple instead. Seriously, Apple? I’m predicting a slight rise in the population of Apple fanboys, and girls.

Apple at work

Not that I have anything against the OS, but just look at the keyboard. If you asked the geeks from my class, the guys who love coding, they’d tell you how coding on that sort of keyboard is a nightmare. Typing on that thing in a race against time wouldn’t be the smartest thing to do. Falcon’s better off with the default keyboard that’s shipped with factory assembled PCs. Maybe if he switched keyboards, he could have saved Aoi.

More Apple products

Ok, I’m just spouting nonsense about changing keyboards to save Aoi, but yes, Aoi’s dead. Fujimaru’s love interest (?) is now the new girl from his part time job. At least she’s cuter than Aoi, but both are equally useless in the drama.

It’s only the first episode, with another 9-10 episodes to go. Let me guess, Falcon will be hacking with the iPad next? If that ever happens, it’ll be hilarious.

Weekly Shounen Jump Is A “Drug”

double — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 08:27:48 +0000

I only read Bakuman and One Piece in Weekly Shounen Jump. There used to be Eyeshield 21, but not anymore. As there are only 2 manga series which I read in the publication, which is relatively little compared to what many others out there are reading, I never saw it as a “drug”, since I never saw myself as addicted to it. But, the year end holidays a couple of weeks back made me come to the realisation that I might be slightly addicted to it.

While most were enjoying themselves in the holiday mood, I had piles of assignments to battle through. I’m still battling on. The only things I was, and am looking forward to are guitar practice, releases by the bands I like, and new manga chapter release days. So, when the long WSJ break came, I became somewhat irritated when I found out I’d have to endure more than 2 weeks without any Bakuman or One Piece.

This 2 week hiatus struck me slightly, as it had already been a weekly ritual drilled into by clockwork. Also, to make matters worst, I was fairly irritable every since December began, no thanks to school and some other issues. It isn’t isn’t the best feeling, not being in a good mood over an extended period of time, and in addition, not being able to have some of the stuff you’ve been enjoying.

While I wouldn’t exactly use the word “depressed” to describe how I was and am currently feeling now, it’s at a level that’s a notch or two below. Thankfully, One Piece and Bakuman are back. Even if it’s just 5 minutes each week reading a new chapter of each of series, it does make me feel somewhat better.

While I’m graduating in 2 months, the more I look at it, all I see is a pretty bleak future without purpose. I guess this is one of those many periods in life where you feel gloomy. So much for all the ideals in Bakuman. I’m more of an Usopp than a Luffy. Sigh…

When Crows Caw A Melody

double — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 16:28:18 +0000

I really hate common short band names. It just makes searching for information on them much harder. This is why I love bands names that are uncommon non-dictionary names. However, this love and hate is limited only to the band names, and not to the music. If a weird name band produces crappy music, there’s no way I’m loving them. Similarly, if there’s a band with a (common) dictionary word as a name that produces nice music, I’m falling for them, in a straight sense. A band like 鴉 is what I’m talking about here.

I’ve loving what I’m hearing so far from this 3 piece band.

If you can see this, then you might need a Flash Player upgrade or you need to install Flash Player if it's missing. Get Flash Player from Adobe.

夢

On the first listen, the vocals are the most notable. His scream-singing sounds fits well with the band’s music. Ever since I’ve been listening to 凛として時雨’s music, I’ve been looking for vocals that are similar to TK’s, but to no avail. While the vocals of 鴉 doesn’t even come close to TK’s, I like it that way it is too.

After going through their mini album and single, it seems like there’s some sort of traditional Japanese feel mixed into rock music. I wonder if it’s only just my ears…

If you can see this, then you might need a Flash Player upgrade or you need to install Flash Player if it's missing. Get Flash Player from Adobe.

時の面影

Ever since I’ve started on the guitar, I’ve always had a thing for 3 piece bands. Most of the time, the guitarist will also take on the role of the vocals. I’ve tried singing while playing, and it’s no easy feat. Hence, my admiration for the singing guitarists in 3 piece bands.

Falcon’s Computer Hacking Is Just Like One Of Those Introduction To IT Textbooks

double — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:33:56 +0000

This was published not too long ago, just last December. At first, I thought this would be one of those character guide books for a manga series, just like any other, but it was totally the opposite. This is one of those instances where manga is educational.

For any IT student, you would know the stuff covered in this book as it’s around the elementary level. The book is split into 5 chapters, each with various “hackings”. Don’t expect to hack anything after reading this. I can’t even do much after 3 years in an IT security course, so you really should expect much from a single volume of manga. However, it does serve well as a channel to educate the less IT savvy people about some basic matters regarding IT.

Some entry-level stuff regarding various OSes such as Windows, *NIX and even the recent Chrome OS, an introduction to BASIC and batch files, binary and hexadecimal, and IP addresses are some of the areas covered. If you can understand Japanese, you should be able to make sense of it rather easily. While I was reading through, I was reminded at how this was quite similar to bits and pieces of some of the textbooks I used to have when I was a first year student.

While any IT savvy person would laugh at how elementary the topics are, I find that this is actually a great way to enlighten some of the younger ones, as well as the ones who only use the computer for basic functions such as Internet surfing and document processing. Besides the content, there are excerpts of various scenes in the manga included according to the topic at hand. This does help ease the dryness and boredom.

For me, while I’ve learned much of the stuff in this manga some time back, it was interesting going through what I’ve learned in Japanese. Most of the terms are in katakana, so it should be too difficult to understand even if you’ve just began Japanese.

If you love Bloody Monday, but haven’t got much of the technical terms mentioned in the series, I would recommend this book. In fact, if there was slightly more in depth content added and a few more chapters, this could easily be a elementary-level textbook which could be used in “Introduction to IT” kind of modules. A textbook which you won’t be doodling on, not with all the manga drawings.

On a remotely related note, I saw this at Kinokuniya.

Oh Noes More K-ON! We Are Doomed!

double — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:07:47 +0000

I gave up trying to diss K-ON! after I realised how much I suck at the guitar. Now, I don’t even give a hoot if there’s a second, third of fourth season, or how many people ravage the music instrument store for that Fender Jazz bass or Gibson Les Paul.

Here’s a cover of Island in the Sun that some guys from RIUVA and I did. Yeah, we sucked more than what the band did in the first episode of K-ON!.

LianYL’s on the drums, Analitez’s on the bass, Kokanaden’s on vocals, Windbell’s on keyboards, and Shingenjistu and I were on the guitars.

And no, I didn’t start the guitar because of K-ON!. I did because of Bump of Chicken and Radwimps.

Selling JPop/Anime Music CDs

double — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 10:21:28 +0000

My music taste tends to vary after some time. 2 years ago, I was really into anime songs and mainstream Japanese pop music. However, now that my music appetite has gone down a different path, I’m intending on selling some of the CDs that I bought much earlier on. While I don’t keep all my CDs in their shrink wraps like Darkmirage does, I usually just rip them once, flip through the booklet, and place it back on the shelf. As such, you can be sure that my CDs are generally in good, near mint condition.

Prices here are stated in Singapore dollars. I will only accept local Singapore buyers. Alright, here goes.

Macross Frontier (Brand New)

Lion (Single) - $14

Diamond Crevasse/ Iteza Gogo 9 Ji Don’t Be Late (Single) - $14

Seikan Hikou (Single) - $14

If you buy all 3 singles, it will be $40 and you’ll get a postcard free.

Detroit Metal City

Satsugai (Single) - $10

Maou/Grotesque (Single) - $10

Kuraki Mai: Shiroi Yuki (Single) - $10

Utada Hikaru: Beautiful World (Single) - $8 ( Lacking the spine card)

redballoon (Lacking the spine cards)

Yuki no Tsubasa (Single) - $8

Hashiri Dasu Kiseki (Single) - $8

Giniro no Sora (Single) - $8

First Story (Album) - $38

If you buy all 4 CDs (3 singles and the album), it will be 58 dollars, and you’ll get a B2 sized redballoon poster free.

Gurren Lagann Character Song (Single) -$12

That’s all I have for sale now. If you are interested in buying something, leave a comment here.

EOY ‘09

double — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 10:06:33 +0000

While the change of the event’s venue for this year’s EOY from Singapore Expo to the National Library has certainly made improved the accessibility, it compressed the event area. It’s common for cosplay events to be packed with many cosplayers and even more photographers, but this time round, it felt unbearably packed. There were times when I wanted to snap a shot, but due to the cramped area around the cosplayer, even waiting behind the wall of photographers for a turn to snap a shot would be out of the point.

There were 2 main areas where the cosplayers would be; The official area requiring an entry on the 3rd floor, and the sheltered ground just outside on the 1st floor. As such, if you wanted to snap as many cosplayers at the event, or if you were just looking for a certain cosplayer, you would have to make multiple trips between the 2 areas. Not exactly the most fun thing to do at a cosplay event, even if there were escalators from the 1st to 3rd floor.

One thing I’ve noted at EOY ‘09 is the number of real guitars used as accessories. It could only mean a couple of things. One, the number of cosplayer who are guitarists or have guitarist friends have increased. Two, cosplayers are getting richer.

It would be cool if a cosplayer with a guitar suddenly starts strumming some tunes on the spot while photographers ignite their flashes and snap away.

One of my favourite cosplays of the event. If only she had a Tachikoma together with her…

One thing I was interested in was the stage performance, but the drama theatre was packed to the brim. Even though it was stated that the 2nd and 3rd row of seats would be reserved for media passes, I suppose they eventually gave that idea up. I wouldn’t know though, since I couldn’t even step a foot in.

Speaking of media passes, there was no authentication for the collection of it. When I collected mine, I asked if there was a need to check against a list or something, but I was told that it was alright. I wonder if the media pass system was abused.

As usual, “俺はガンダム” was at the event.

He was at the first floor for quite a while, setting up. Just before the event ended, he went up to the 3rd floor and barely made it through the entrance. I was wondering how he could fit in the lift.

This year’s EOY gave a much more commercial feel, with changes such as the venue and additions such as Makino Yui as the guest. Is it only me, or is EOY trying to head down the same path as AFA? Commercialised events are a double-edged sword, depending on what you’re looking for. We’ll just have to wait and see, I guess.

Music For Christmas

double — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 04:51:40 +0000

I’m not talking about the typical Christmas tunes that are blasted everywhere even a month before Christmas arrives. I’m talking about songs to suit my Christmas mood. I’ve never celebrated Christmas, and I don’t intend to either. What’s up with Santa, log cakes, turkeys and Christmas presents? It’s all overly commercialised. Businessmen are laughing all the way to the bank as I write.

When I think of Christmas, I think of chilling weather and snow. The scene of a snowy peaceful town appears in my mind. That’s all I can relate Christmas to; Winter. I don’t care about the food, presents, some red old man or even the birth of a religious figure. However, there’s no winter here.

Some might think that it’s pathetic that I have to spend Christmas eve and the actual day alone at home facing the computer instead of partying outside, but with the right music to accompany me, it’s all good. In this event, sleepy.ab couldn’t be more suitable.

If you can see this, then you might need a Flash Player upgrade or you need to install Flash Player if it's missing. Get Flash Player from Adobe.

夢の花+inside

Firstly, Hokkaido is one of my most favourite places in Japan, and not only does the band originate from there, they manage to fuse the “sound” and feel of the North into their music. I get the nice feeling of being in a light snow shower when I listen to their music, even if it’s just snowing in my heart. That’s a feeling I can never get as long as I’m in Singapore.

If you can see this, then you might need a Flash Player upgrade or you need to install Flash Player if it's missing. Get Flash Player from Adobe.

メロウ

If you can see this, then you might need a Flash Player upgrade or you need to install Flash Player if it's missing. Get Flash Player from Adobe.

メリーゴーランド

Oh, how I wish for snow…

My Reaction Is Just Like A Mio Fan

double — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:27:48 +0000

Remember the time, not too long ago, when many went crazy over Mio and began raiding music instrument stores for her lefty bass? Some could afford the money to make their purchase, but many of the other (diehard) Mio fans could only stand by the sidelines, watching helpless as others obtain their Fender Jazz bass while all they can play is air guitar. That was pretty entertaining.

Then, I saw this.

Now, I’m sharing the emotions of the other poor Mio fans. I think it might be love at first sight, like how Yui reacted when she first saw Guitar in the store.

Actually, when I was making my electric guitar purchase, I was actually looking for a budget Telecaster instead of a Stratocaster, but all the ones below $300 were Stratocasters. Why a Telecaster? I like the sound that it produces. I’m not really sure how to describe the sound except that it’s “harder and more impactful”. I’ve read that it’s possible for a Stratocaster to emulate the sound of a Telecaster to a certain extent, but the Telecaster’s still the real deal. Certainly, the difference between a Stratocaster and Telecaster would be less apparent as the gain is raised, but I don’t really raise it that much when I play.

Anyway, back to the TK signature model Telecaster by Schecter. It’s definitely good stuff, and good stuff doesn’t come cheap. I don’t have 364500 yen now, and I won’t be able to get that amount anytime soon either. Maybe I can try getting this around 2 to 3 years later, using the miserable saving compounded from National Service. That is, if I have any savings.

Oh my, I’m such a sucker for product endorsement. Thankfully, I’m not showing any signs of reaction towards the 9mm Parabellum Bullet signature guitars.

Higanjima Is A Hundred Times (And More) Better Than Twilight

double — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:10:51 +0000

We all know that Twilight is bullshit and catered to prepubescent teenage females who fantasize all day long about Mr Perfect Suave Vampire. As Peter Chao would say, “You bitches don’t stand a chance!”. I’ve been wanting to join in the Twilight bashing　club too, especially ever since my sister told me about how her classmates were level 79 fangirl screaming and hyperventilating while they watched the movie. Now that the Higanjima movie’s releasing soon, it’s the best opportunity presented by the gods of lulz.

Both Higanjima and Twilight both feature vampires, and the vampires play a crucial role. But, it doesn’t take anyone with even half a brain to figure out which is better. Here’s why.

1. Twilight has vampires that all full of crap and aren’t even scary. Higanjima has vampires that make you soak in a puddle of your own urine and tears. Literally.

So what if Edward is the dream price of those possessing the mindset of a 11-18 year old girl. He’s only exists as a “perfect” model of what the author of Twilight feels those teenage girls should fantasise about. The only reason why he’s a vampire is because the author wanted to make him “dangerous”. Dangerous my ass. If he gets sent to a place like Higanjima, he’d crap in his pants.

2. Higanjima is a work of purebred horror, filled with lots of blood and gore. Twilight is weak sauce that doesn’t even qualify as horror, but teenage romance.

I strongly question why vampires are included in a TEENAGE ROMANCE film. Oh forgetful me, it’s because those numskull fangirls love something that appears to be dangerous. No wonder they always get cheated by assholes. Serves them right.

3. Twilight degrades vampires into a mere icon of romance. Higanjima upholds the fearsome terror that vampires strike into hearts.

Ask a Twilight what a vampire is and you’ll get the reply along the lines of “A charming supernatural being, just like Edward”. While it’s true that vampires can be notably charming, Dracula would be insulted to be compared to fake one such as Edward. He isn’t a vampire, but merely a wannabe. Just some blood drinking guy whom some girls have the hots for. On the other hand, the vampire leader in Higanjima, Miyabi, is one hell of a fearsome monstrosity. If the Edward’s girl ever met Miyabi, he’d first suck her blood dry, followed by raping her. He does that to a few females in the manga anyway, so why not one more?

That’s not all there is to this. Feel free to fuel the flames so that we can all laugh more at the Edward and Twilight fangirls who get all upset at rational people dissing their ideal perfect being.

While Higanjima would never earn as much as Twilight because the world has twits that outnumber actual horror appreciators, I do hope it makes its way down to the shores of Singapore.