I love Christmas time. And today my fam really got into it. The tree, stockings, and other decorations are all up! It looks so festive in my living room. We even puts lights in the staircase. I also made myself a little tree be wrapping some garland up into a cone shape. It turned out pretty good, especially now that it’s all covered in ornaments. I took some pics but my mom’s camera cord is missing. Darn.

Welcome everyone! This is where I live and share all my happenings and thoughts that I want to share.. here’s A SHORT GUIDE to help you tour my world.

MY WORLD

HOME:

~where you can see and read my thoughts.. please leave a comment after you have read it.. I would be happy reading your sides..

A.K.I.R.A.S.O.L.O.N:

~where you will know all about me.. nothing else..

…… STILL CREATING THE HALF PART OF MY WORLD…..

……………. PLEASE STAND BY……

This discussion on 17/11/2009 asked class members to describe how they get information about anime, and how their ways of getting information have changed since first becoming interested in anime. The class formed three groups of four and one group member kept notes and fed back.

Andrew, Brian, Ruth, Soraya:

Andrew got into anime soon after Akira was released in Britain in 1991. He also saw My Neighbour Totoro at the ICA’s anime festival, read two British magazines, Anime UK and Manga Mania, and then got Helen’s first book in 1993. Nowadays he looks at the Internet to keep up with news about anime, mostly Anime News Network (ANN) and Ain’t  It Cool News (AICN). So his way of getting information has progressed from analogue to digital technology, just like his way of watching anime!

Brian is a new fan and can’t recall exactly when and how he first became aware of anime. As a longstanding animation fan he knew he wanted to find out more, and so when he saw this course advertised by the WEA he signed up.

Soraya is a longtime animation fan who remembers enjoying Hanna Barbera cartoons and the Banana Splits on TV. She first saw anime in the 1980s (in Japanese) and  decided she preferred it to most Western animation. She used to read SFX magazine for information, and also read Helen’s books and the Animerica Interviews book. Now she gets her information from anime-fan friends and buys most of her anime DVDs on eBay.

Ruth had seen some anime trailers on other DVDs, so when she saw the Barbican’s 2008 Tezuka festival on a web browser, she went along to find out more. She met Helen, and started buying NEO magazine. Now she uses the Internet and anime forums for information.

Adam, Naomi, Rhiannon, Steve:

Adam was a member of the Manga UK Club (run by video label Manga Entertainment) as a teenager, and would buy any anime with an 18 certificate on it. Nowadays he gets most of his information from NEO and SFX magazines, other science fiction publications and events like the Barbican festivals.

Naomi and Rhiannon both became fans around the same time as Adam and get their information from similar sources, and by word of mouth. They are aware that their choices are in a way ‘censored’ by what selectors for festivals and screenings, or DVD release, choose to make available.

Steve is a newcomer to anime who signed up for the class because he was curious about it. He has seen only what “breaks the surface of the mainstream” like Spirited Away, although he also went to the first ICA anime festival, again from curiosity.

Azusa, Becky, Jane, Sarah:

Azusa started watching anime in Japan when she was young. She still gets most of her anime information from two Japanese magazines, Animania and Animage. These have been published for many years.

Becky got into anime very young, watching it on TV channels like Cartoon Network and Toonami. Toonami no longer exists and Cartoon Network doesn’t show anime now, so she uses the anime fan network and YouTube to keep up with new material.

Jane is new to anime and signed up for this class to find out more because of her interest in Japanese culture. She gets her information from the Internet, anime blogs, and YouTube.

Sarah got into anime as a child in Asia, watching it on TV and watching videos. Now she searches websites for information, and has usedan online list of older anime and world anime which was packed with information. She couldn’t remember the name but by pooling our information we think it’s either Richard Llewellyn’s Animated Divots or Benjamin Ettinger’s AniPages Daily.

Every so often I’ve updated the list of films that I have already seen with brief reviews.  Call it the complete-ist in me, but when I’m done with reviewing each of the films in the book, I’d like to have reviewed every single film in the book.

Anyhow, here’s another batch for you to read.

Enjoy!

Shichinin No Samurai AKA Seven Samurai (1954)

The Seven Samurai is the first movie that I had the pleasure of seeing from the master director Akira Kurosawa, and it is also one of his most praised works. Without a wasted frame, the story takes place over the course of almost 3 hours. Kurosawa, as he does in each of his movies, explores more than just the action and injustice featured in the plot. He is a humanist first and foremost, training his lens on the interpersonal relationships of the characters, tracking growth across this epic. As good as this film is, I would have to say that Kurosawa has numerous films that are even better, check out Stray Dog, Rashomon, Yojimbo, Sanjuro, and my personal favorite High and Low.

The Ladykillers (1955)

Existing as a special combination of dark humor, and slapstick farce, The Ladykillers is exceptionally funny and unsettling. Alec Guinness stars as the leader of a group of criminals staying at the home of a hardy, vivacious older lady under the guise of being musicians. The plan is simple, rob a bank, and utilizing the trusting nature of the kindly old lady, and the remoteness of her home to their advantage, get away with it. Easily my favorite of Alec Guinness’ films (thanks in part to the Star Wars prequels that is), The Ladykillers features a solid cast of great actors, including a very young Peter Sellers.

Bob Le Flambeur AKA Bob the Gambler (1955)

My introduction to the fantastic Jean-Pierre Melville, I was captivated immediately by the cool as ice gangster come gambler Bob. This film is filled with signature Melville-isms. Glorious post war street scenes in Paris. Trench-coats. Honor among thieves. And who could forget the caper. To talk too much about this film is to give too much away, and to do that is to ruin it for those who haven’t seen it. Other classics by Melville: Le Cercle Rouge, Le Samourai, and the recently released in the U.S. Army of Shadows. All are fantastic, and deserve to be in this book! Incidentally, Bob le Flambeur was recently re-made into The Good Thief starring Nick Nolte and directed by Neil Jordan, and while I’m not generally a fan of re-makes, I really, really liked this film. Not quite as good as the original, but it was one of my favorite films of 2002.

Kiss Me Deadly (1955)

The ultimate in hardboiled private eye crime stories, Kiss Me Deadly is a full on assault on decency. Kiss Me Deadly proudly presents itself as a grimy PI story, littered with bodies and intrigue. If you even have a passing interest in film noir, this should be your first stop. Violent, misogynist, brutish, and glorious, Kiss Me Deadly begs to be watched and dares you to look away. I myself, loved it!

The Ten Commandments (1956)

Apparently based on a book, The Ten Commandments is an epic in every sense of the word. Colored in bright explosive candy hues, and featuring huge sets, as well as a cast that number in the thousands, The Ten Commandments is more spectacle than great movie. Certainly not a waste of time, but not my first choice when choosing something light to throw in.

Det Sjunde Inseglet AKA The Seventh Seal (1957)

A classic, and well-loved film by Swedish auteur Ingmar Bergman, The Seventh Seal stars an extremely young Max von Sydow as a knight who faces Death at a game of chess to decide his fate. This film is filled with themes that find their way into each of Bergman’s works, ranging from courage in the face of death, religion, and humanity. The Seventh Seal still holds up to this day, with luminous black and white photography that, thanks to Criterion’s Blu-ray edition, has never looked better.

Note: Don’t be fooled by the similarly themed, but much worse, “Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey”

Kumonosu Jo AKA Throne of Blood (1957)

Kurosawa’s retelling of Macbeth set in feudal Japan. Shakespeare has never looked better as it does in the stark black and white, twisting shadows and swirling mists as seen through Kurosawa’s camera. Toshiro Mifune doesn’t disappoint in the lead role, but the real stand out is Isuzu Yamada in the as Mifune’s opportunistic, poisonous wife. The plotting and scheming starts right from the get go, all the way up till the frenzied end of the film.

Touch of Evil (1958)

One of the many trouble spots on Orson Welles’ resume due to studio interference, and financing issues, still Touch of Evil remains as possibly the best B-Movie ever made. Iconic (and sometimes hilarious) performances by Janet Leigh, Charlton Heston (as a Mexican) and Welles himself as the crooked cop willing to do almost anything to ensure justice prevails (just so long as it’s his justice). The movie is almost as famous for its long tracking shot opening as it is for any of the performances, featuring a nearly 4 minute shot done in one take which travels around cars, actors, and buildings. The film The Player, payed homage to it by mentioning it a few times during a similarly complex shot in that film.

Vertigo (1958)

Flopping on its initial release, Vertigo didn’t gain the acclaim it deserved until much later after it was released on video. Vertigo visits themes present in each of Hitchcock’s other works, including the obsession with blondes, innocence tainted with corruption, and the schlub who get in over his head. Jimmy Stewart plays the schlub, Kim Novak plays the blonde, and gloriously technicolored San Francisco plays the innocence and the corruption. Vertigo has a twisty convoluted story with elements of surrealism, an interesting watch.

Mon Oncle AKA My Uncle (1958)

My favorite of Jacques Tati’s Monsieur Hulot films, Mon Oncle was also the first of them that I had seen. Tati, playing Hulot, is a master of visual comedy, and not in the same way as the Three Stooges, or even Buster Keaton. Tati is an artist whose work is appreciated the longer you watch. The plot of the movie is not so much important to the film as it is simply a guide to get our characters into interesting situations so we can watch them get out. If you liked this film, check out other films featuring the bumbling Mr. Hulot, including Trafic, Playtime, and Les Vacances de Monsieur Hulot.

Les Quatre Cents Coups AKA The 400 Blows (1959)

My personal favorite of the French new wave movement was this small-scale film, personal piece from Francois Truffaut. Featuring the director’s alter ego, Antoine Doinel, The 400 Blows is the first in a series of movies, each about a different stage of life and the challenges that go along with them. The period from childhood to young adult is covered heart-breakingly here, following Antoine through the rough waters of his home life and his interaction with the outside world. Later chapters deal with finding love, getting married, having children, and growing old, but Les Quatres Cent Coups remains the directors most personal and his best.

North by Northwest (1959)

One of Hitchcock’s best, North by Northwest features Cary Grant, suave as ever, being mistaken for a government agent by a group of foreign spies. Just like in Hitchcock’s most famous works (of which this is one), the witty one-liners, suspense, and drama are heaped on generously. I can’t help but feel sad that a similarly themed, but better film featuring Cary Grant was left off this 1001 list. Charade, also featuring Audrey Hepburn, James Coburn, and Walter Matthau, is one of my favorite movies ever! Check out both Charade AND North by Northwest as a double feature! You won’t be sorry.

Some Like it Hot (1959)

Now this is an example of a classic, well-loved film, with actors that I really love (Jack Lemmon I’m looking at you), a premise that is more than suitable, yet the finished product never really caught me. It’s sort of like Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief. I never really saw what all the hype was about. That being said, I didn’t hate it either. It never made fun of me when I had braces, or turned me down for a date, my affections and this film have just always been mutually exclusive. Perhaps it deserves another watch…then again maybe I should just watch The Last Boyscout again.

A Bout De Souffle AKA Breathless (1959)

Jean-Luc Godard is nothing if not a sacred cow of French cinema, and while I have loved some of his other films (Le Mepris, Bande A Part, and Masculin Femenine), Breathless or A Bout De Souffle never really did it for me. I can still rationalize why it was so revolutionary (use of jump cuts, editing, non-actors, and subscription to the aesthetic of the French new wave style), and see it’s importance, but I prefer other examples of New Wave cinema. If you are interested in seeing a Godard film, try Masculin Feminine, it is just as revolutionary and a bit more accessible.

Psycho (1960)

A prime example of Hitchcock in his prime. Psycho was so good, and so affecting that some of its actors were type cast just on the strength of this one film (Anthony Perkins, and Janet Leigh), so much so that without a little research it’s hard to think of what other films either of them has been in. Psycho may not be as visually shocking and gory as horror films of today, but it still manages to hold up over time and be just as unsettling as it was back in its day. Hitchcock has always excelled at making the comfortable un-comfortable (motels, birds, tea, dreams, the list goes on…), and the subtle touches in this film work perfectly. Consider for a moment that Perkin’s Bates is an amateur taxidermist of birds, and then that Janet Leigh’s name is Marion Crane a type of bird, or the fact before the crime Marion is wearing a white bra and a white purse, while after it she is wearing a black bra and purse. His attention to detail, and knack for foreshadowing is demonstrated in full force in Psycho and remains one of his best films. Despite all the uproar over the Gus Van Sant remake, I thought it actually did some justice to the original film and if nothing else brought it a little more deserved attention.

Note: This film also has the distinction of being the first American film to ever show a toilet flushing on-screen.

Peeping Tom (1960)

Released the same year as Psycho, and dealing with similar subject matter, Peeping Tom wasn’t received with the same acclaim and attention that the former was. On the contrary, Peeping Tom was seen as subversive, perverted, and generally too shocking. The story revolves more around the killer than the victim in this one, whereas Psycho is presented more from the victim’s point of view. Either way, Peeping Tom is a fine film, one worth watching, however it is so similar to Psycho that I’m not sure it needs to be on the list of 1001 films.

The Apartment (1960)

As far as light-hearted, touching movies about someone recovering from a bout of depression, this one is my favorite. Billy Wilder directs Shirley MacLaine and Jack Lemmon in a sweet touching comedy without losing any of his trademark cynicism or the pointedness of his dialogue. The Apartment is another chance for me to champion the somewhat maligned talents of Mr. Fred MacMurray as Lemmon’s boss. MacMurray plays a fantastic creep who really defines the term “heel”.

Spartacus (1960)

Containing almost none of the trademark elements that make up a Stanley Kubrick movie as we know it (Kubrick apparently dis-owned the film before it’s release), Spartacus remains an interesting movie that isn’t great. It is, however, another example of a film that enabled an up and coming filmmaker to gain his voice, and define himself later on in his career. If only for that reason, Spartacus is a great film, but luckily for the studio, it has some other things going for it. Kirk Douglas plays the title role of Spartacus, and despite all the lavish set production, and concentration on spectacle, brings some heart to the slave who defied Rome.

Jules Et Jim AKA Jules and Jim (1962)

One of director, Francois Truffaut’s most well thought of films, Jules and Jim may be the Lost In Translation, or Juno of its time. Viewed from a certain angle, the plot is a completely moving and emotional story that you believe, so much so, that you can see yourself and those around you in the roles that these characters embody. Viewed from another perspective, it can seem a little precious or purposefully manipulative. Depending on what is happening in your life (I’m mostly thinking about whether or not you are in a relationship, and if you are happy), this movie can preach the glory of love and the pain of rejection. On the flipside, if you have shaken free the angsty, teenager-esque feelings everyone has had in their youth, you may feel like you’re being talked down to.

Cleo De 5 A 7 AKA Cleo from 5 to 7

Taking place, as the title suggests, from 5 to 7, we get a slice of the life of Cleo played out before us. Sometimes we, along with Cleo herself, are a voyeurs into the lives of people around her, and other times we are focused on her as she roams around Paris. By and large Cleo lives a carefree, spoiled life, yet we still sympathize with her when times are hard, and cheer for her when they are good. This is a small film in a lot of ways, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t impacting and beautiful.

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

I have to admit.  I didn’t like Lawrence of Arabia that much.  Perhaps I was too young to appreciate the aesthetic beauty of Lean’s desert panorama camerawork, or just maybe it was the epic length that decided it for me.  One way or another, I didn’t appreciate it as much as everyone else seems to think I should. 

The Manchurian Candidate (1962)

Overly reliant on gimmicks and quick editing techniques, The Manchurian Candidate doesn’t flesh out the story nearly…wait, no that was the terrible re-make that came out in 2004.  The original 1962 version, is just as taught, and well executed today as it was at its release.  While the story between the two versions remained virtually the same, the consistent building of tension and anxiety, combined with the pitch perfect acting of Lawrence Harvey, Frank Sinatra (yes…Frank Sinatra), and the devilish turn of Angela Lansbury as the Queen of Hearts, makes for a fantastic film.

Lolita (1962)

It took me forever to finally see Lolita.  I have known the basic story (older man, younger girl) but had just never gotten around to seeing it.  And while I’ve been told that the book is much better, I thought the film was pretty good.  Not great, mind you, but definitely solid.  The shocking and controversial nature of the relationship was toned down a bit for the screen, and maybe as a result doesn’t seem all that shocking in today’s day and age.  Memorable turns by Peter Sellers, and Shelley Winters, not to mention it’s an early film of Stanley Kubrick.

The Birds (1963)

Despite being one of Hitchcock’s most popular, I actually think that The Birds is one of his most over-rated.  I think I owe it to myself to give this one another look someday, but right now I feel that it was too heavily based on the gimmick that had to rely on special effects.  Though it is not necessarily the fault of the movie, but the special effects seemed particularly dated and old fashioned.  Worth a watch, but not my favorite by a long shot.

8 1/2 (1963)

Federico Fellini is, by most accounts, a master of cinema.  One, that I have always had a little trouble getting fired up over.  It’s not that I don’t like his films once I’ve seen them, the problem comes in when it comes to motivating myself to see them.  I couldn’t tell you why, but his films consistently get pushed off when they come up on my Netflix Queue or when I see the one or two I have on my shelf.  I shouldn’t feel this way, considering I really loved the moving poetry, and soul baring passion in 8 1/2, yet it still happens.  One very definite reason to watch this film is the man-crushable Marcello Mastroianni, swaggering through as the alter-ego of Fellini himself.  Dealing with all the reservations with women, making movies, childhood, and the future that the director very famously dealt with himself, Mastroianni embodies a certain cool, yet believable character that begs to be watched.  Combined with imagery that leaves the audience wanting more, 8 1/2 is a fantastic film.

Well, that’s it for this time.  Thanks for reading!

1. Akira

Multiple Locations, Original is at

Akira is a large, trendy Chicago-based chain that opened seven years ago in the Wicker Park/Bucktown neighborhood. They have a wide range of clothing for men and women, and a fun shoe section. The salespeople are knowledgeable and helpful without being pushy, and helped me find a perfect color and fit summer dress for me earlier this year. Akira is all about this season’s trends and the hottest items for now, so this isn’t the place to find those classic pieces that’ll stay in your closet forever, but it’s a great place to find something trendy that you’ll love at a reasonable price.

2. State Street Marshall Fields (Macy’s now)

111 N. State Street | Chicago, IL 60602 312/781-1000

The picture is of the Tiffany Ceiling in the store, it’s the largest unbroken Tiffany glass in the world. The store itself is the second largest department store in the world. The store is now a Macy’s chain, ad while you might not find the most unique items here, the shopping experience and looking at the gorgeous architecture is in itself worth a visit. My personal favorite section of is the 26,000 square foot beauty department. I have a hard time not buying something at Fresh or the Chanel counter whenever I make a visit here.
I remember going down to State Street every year as a kid to see the Christmas decorations lit up at Marshall Fields, and the store felt magic to me, and in a way, it still kind of does.

3. Una Mae’s Freak Boutique
1528 North Milwaukee Avenue. (773) 276-7002

This store is located in Wicker Park, one of my favorite neighborhoods in Chicago. The store’s layout is warm and inviting, with wood floors and earth tones, and the prices are generally pretty reasonable. Una Mae’s has a nice mix of unique new and vintage clothes. My favorite section in the store is the accessories, they have a beautiful assortment of trendy and classic jewelery. If you want something unique that you can’t find at a department store, this is the place to go.

4. Silver Moon
1755 W. North Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647 (773) 235-5410

Silver Moon is a curated vintage store, with an amazing 1920’s collection. Most of the wonderful gently worn clothes are out of my college student budget, but it is so fun to walk through Silver Moon and take a trip back through time. If you want a party or wedding dress that no one else is going to have, this is the place to look. The best vintage store in the city, in this Chicagoan’s opinion.

5. Stellar 26

4164 N Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 388-2626

This store has a laid-back atmosphere and has some amazing clothes for lazy days. The owner told Time-Out Chicago that Stellar 26 has a surfer-lite look influenced by her adolescence on the shores of Lake Michigan. The California cool vibe is felt in this midwestern store. Most everything is under 100 dollars, so the shopper can keep their cool even after looking at their receipt.

–Sarah

(At an out-of-state university, but a life-long Chicagoan)

A ideia inicial de escrever para o Judão era sobre um nerd na Mostra Internacional de Cinema de São Paulo. Mas acontece que há duas coisas: 1) eu não sou nerd e 2) não estava a fim de assistir nada da Mostra. Calma, que essa é uma técnica de prender a sua atenção, afirmando duas coisas que podem polemizar. Então vamos lá.

Eu sou nerd, claro. Mas não do jeito que as pessoas estereotiparam os CDFs. Gosto de Lanterna Verde, X-Men, Star Wars e De Volta para o Futuro. Mas também gosto de Wong Kar-Wai, Pearl Jam e Monet. Tenho toda uma teoria sobre o gostar das coisas, sobre colocar as pessoas em categorias pré-determinadas, mas vou te poupar. O fato é que há algum tempo passei a quebrar certos paradigmas e pude tirar proveito de mais coisas. Não jogo RPG e por isso não sou CDF? Gosto do diretor Jean Paul Civeyrac e por isso sou cabeçudo? Sei pelo menos cinco versões diferentes da morte de Thomas e Martha Wayne, por isso sou nerd? Acho o Nirvana sensacional e isso faz de mim um grunge? Que seja. Pode me colocar a tag que quiser. Vou continuar curtindo cada uma dessas coisas, sem precisar defender uma ideologia específica, baseada em coisas tão banais e divertidas como música, HQ e filmes.

Essa foi a primeira vez em três anos que não trabalhei na Mostra ou em algo relacionado a ela. Por isso não queria assistir a nenhum filme da programação. Era muito agito e só queria assistir um filme em paz. O único que assisti foi Bastardos Inglórios. Em 2007, fiz assessoria do evento, ocasião em que ‘conheci’ o Borbs. Até então, só sabia o nome que assinava os textos do Judão. Por isso, o lobby que fiz, para que a equipe desse estimado site ganhasse credenciais, foi justamente por achar que mereciam.

Ouvi algumas chacotas, mas sempre mantive minha opinião. O motivo: leia o parágrafo anterior. Simplesmente segui a lógica: se eu era leitor do Judão e via filmes da Mostra [não só os blockbusters, mas os 'cabeçudos' também], a probabilidade de existir mais pessoas nessa condição era grande. Nesse ano, uma das pessoas que já trabalhou comigo mandou-me um email, com o release da MTV anunciando a parceria com o Judão. O email: “Você tinha razão. Eles venceram”.

‘Eles’ não, cara-pálida. Nós. E não nós, os nerds, apenas. Pegue Rock Band dos Beatles, por exemplo. São dois mundos que ‘colidem’. Repare na ascensão e reconhecimento de filmes como Spider-Man, X-Men e afins. Até as moças que praticam yoga ‘venceram’, já que há jogos específicos para a prática, no Wii. Acho que o caminho da ‘vitória’ segue lado a lado a trajetória do avanço tecnológico nos últimos anos. Quando o mundo deixou de olhar para Bill Gates como estereótipo de nerd e passou a ter Steve Jobs como seu símbolo, começamos a trilhar a vitória. E pelamor, sem essa de entrar na pendenga Microsoft x Apple e defender seu sistema operacional, dizendo que o verdadeiro geek-nerd-CDF usa é Linux. O Bill Gates só tem cara de bobo e a palavra ‘geek’ sempre foi associada a isso, a alguém meio bobo, meio estranho [assim como 'punk', para arruaceiro].

Liberte-se das categorias em que te colocaram. Aceite que alguém ‘nerd’ nunca tenha lido Dark Knight, Watchmen ou Akira. Assista comédias românticas com sua guria, para dar risada e vê-la sorrir. Vá para praia sem iPod [ou celular!]. Viaje para algum lugar que não tenha energia elétrica e aprenda a montar uma barraca. Só não faça algo porque alguém esperou que você fizesse. Que a Força esteja com você.

______________________

Texto publicado originalmente no Judão.

Ya está lista la versión 3 del Blog espero les agrade, las razones de xq el cambio estan allá, Luego de 3 meses y medio y una buena aceptación de este Blog he decidido mudarme a http://mangoteca.xtreemhost.com/ Es un Blog más personal, con más ventajas y que definitivamente era necesario hacerla antes de que llegué la Fase Final de Gantz , este Blog inicialmente estaba dedicado a Gantz pero debido a la gracia de Hiroya tuvé que alimentar la espera con buenos animes y mangas en fin para no hacerlo largo si les gustó este Blog el nuevo será igual o superior.

Saludos y gracias por todas sus visitas.. Al ser mi primera vez en BLogs (xD) me ha hechó mucha ilusión llegar a más de 29.000 visitas. Disfruten el nuevo Blog

http://mangoteca.xtreemhost.com/

The Akira class is a very popular class of starship amongst my fellow trek fans. It has enjoyed more screen time than most of the other classes I have created MSDs for so far.

When I started researching the Akira class, I found that a group of trekkers has decided that the ship has two warp cores. However what little canon references there are state it was one core. I think what makes some fans think it has two cores are the two hatches on the underside of the saucer section towards the rear. I believe the Star Trek Fact Files eroneously marked them as core ejection hatches.

I decided to follow the canon references of one core.

Click on the pick for a much, much larger view

Luego de 3 mese y medio llevando este Blog he decidido mudarme a http://mangoteca.xtreemhost.com/ Es un Blog más personal, con más ventajas y que definitivamente era necesario hacerla antes de que llegué la Fase Final de Gantz , este Blog inicialmente estaba dedicado a Gantz pero debido a la gracia de Hiroya tuvé que alimentar la espera con buenos animes y mangas en fin para no hacerlo largo si les gustó este Blog el nuevo será igual o superior.

Saludos y gracias por todas sus visitas.. Al ser mi primera vez en BLogs (xD) me ha hechó mucha ilusión llegar a más de 29.000 visitas. Disfruten el nuevo Blog

http://mangoteca.xtreemhost.com/

P.D. Gomen.. A mis subscriptores, pero ya tienen en el nuevo Blog la aplicación para que se suscriban al Feed

Akira OST – Kaneda

The AMV for today is a collaboration that uses Linkin Park’s Paper Cut from their ReAnimation album and features the following animes:

1. Samurai Champloo
2. Street Fighter Alpha: Generations
3. Akira

Links to the Creators Page:

xSamuraiKing

SeanyBoyStudios

mzilla911

Day one was nothing by script work.  Good, but day two was the good stuff!  I mean, on day one, I got to make out with April Flores and that was G-R-E-A-T.  But now we are REALLY getting down to the dirty and hawt stuff!  My film partners were Carson and Vid Tuesday.

First up – Carson and I.  Cute little thing with a sweet/sassy inner fire.  Yeah…..that was fun!  I got to pound the shit out of her.  It was hot, steamy, and she got introduced to Junior.

Next and the last scene of the day – Vid Tuesday and I.  Sophia St. James + Vid Tuesday + candlestick and wax = a damn sexy, hot, smokin’ time.  If you don’t know of the many things that candlesticks can be used for, then be sure to pay close attention to our scene in the movie.  I think we covered lots of ground .  Here is a photo for your viewing plesasure-

Le sigh!

THANK YOU Courtney Trouble for having me be a part of this film.  It was fabulous and professional and playful and REAL. Trust.  The sex was real!!!

It. Was. Fabulous.

After a trek on BART from Oakland to the San Francisco location, I arrived to a group of people chatting and hanging out.  Courtney Trouble is so gracious and cute.  She hugged me immediately.  I then met April Flores and Billy Castro.  Two hot ass folks…phew!  I knew both of them were beautiful people, but seriously…their photos don’t do them justice.  They are absolutely stunning!  I then head down the hallway towards two hot guys, James and Vid Tuesday (Vid Tuesday, by the way, is one of my sexual partners in the film.).  Then I enter a room with a MUA doing up Joline.  I cannot believe how beautifully gorgeous the entire cast of ‘Bordello’ is.

Believe it or not, I’m pretty shy.  Well…..not shy, just quiet.  I like to take it in.  Enjoy the conversation and obverse.  And that’s what I did.  As I was getting dressed, in walks Tina Horn, Carson, and Akira.  All three stunning and powerful.  Joline is this amazon goddess at 5′11″ in FLATS and has a wonderful style all her own.  I was pretty mesmerized at how HAWT the cast of Bordello was.  I mean I knew some of the cast members were hot and all, but their personalities and sense of humor made them much more fabulous.

The set of Bordello was amazing.  What did it look like?  You will just have to wait until the release, which I will let everyone know when that is.  Just know you will be very sad and upset if you DO NOT see this film!

Mirrors:

Yes, that is a to-scale replica of Kaneda’s bike from Akira. Apparently, there are lots of folks out there who have tried to hobby one of these together.

Since I don’t know how to ride, I’ll settle for one of Sideshow’s 1/6 scale replicas, with functioning lights!

Pilot sobre papel.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Links to Everything covered in this Episode!

Sideshow Collectibles
Chat with Sideshow President & CEO, Greg Anzalone
Hulkbuster Iron Man Sideshow Exclusive Edition
Hulkbuster Iron Man Regular
Darth Talon Sideshow Exclusive Edition
Darth Talon Regular
‘The Clash of Kings’ – Aragorn VS The King of the Dead Sideshow Exclusive
‘The Clash of Kings’ – Aragorn VS The King of the Dead Regular
The Dead: Specimens Legendary Scale Bust
Cobra Sniper
Gamorrean Guard Life-Size Bust
Sandtrooper: Squad Leader
Meg Mucklebones Legendary Scale Bust
Spider-Woman LSB Sideshow Exclusive Edition
Spider-Woman LSB Regular
Mort Color Edition
Sideshow Tease: Thanos Comiquette
Sideshow Tease: LOTR Gandalf
Sideshow Tease: Jack Sparrow PF
Sideshow Tease: Cyclops?
Sideshow Tease: Wolverine Premium Format

ThreeA
TK Venture Coverage @ Ashley Wood’s Blog
TK Venture Coverage @ ThreeA Production Blog
TK Venture Coverage @ 3A Forums

Hot Toys
Blade II Movie Masterpiece Figure
1/6 Scale TrueType Figure body – Cuban American Female
1/6 Scale TrueType Figure body – Caucasian Female

Enterbay
Dragonball Evolution: Goku & Piccolo Figure

Kotobukiya
KOTOBUKIYA KREATIVE 3

One2One
Red Spartan 1/2 Bust Shared Exclusive @ Sideshow Collectibles

Rocket World
Plush Titus Coming Soon!

Predatorstuff.com
Creature vs Predator Kit

Medicom
Madhatter @ Sideshow Collectibles
Shotaro Kaneda 1/6 Scale Figure @ Sideshow Collectibles
Kaneda’s Bike with bonus Cowling and Decal Set @ Sideshow Collectibles

Retrocultura Monística.

Por Fabián Andrade-Fernández.

Es bien sabido que la TV abierta chilena ha evolucionado (o involucionado) en forma dramática en las últimas décadas. El rating se ha convertido en el Dios a quien todos rinden culto en aquel mundillo. Sin una teleaudiencia aceptable un programa está condenado a desaparecer, ya que no entrega dividendos. Este fenómeno sin duda ha contribuido a la desaparición casi completa de las franjas infantiles de la tarde, llámense monos animados.

Hace un par de días, en una de las innumerables juntas con mis amigotes de siempre, surgió la reflexión sobre el hecho de que ya no había franjas infantiles o con dibujos animados, en ninguno de los 5 canales principales de TV abierta. Ahora todo es Yingo, Diario de Eva, Caso Cerrado o telenovelas; aunque no tengo nada contra los que ven dichos programitas, llamo a todos aquellos que fueron niños durante la década de los ‘90 aprox., a recordar a aquellos monos que marcaron nuestra época.

Para comenzar con esta seguidilla de comentarios, quisiera rendir homenaje al canal pionero en la transmisión de dibujos animados de calidad (principalmente animación japonesa o animé).  Chilevisión -antiguamente RTU- rompió varios esquemas y el cartuchismo sobre lo que se conocía antiguamente como dibujos animados, instaurando, en primer lugar, el género de las series animadas que, al contrario de otros monos como Tom y Jerry o el Show de Bugs Bunny, por ejemplo, tenían una hilación entre episodios y no era una aventura con inicio, desarrollo y término en un mismo capítulo.

Otro aspecto novedoso de estas series era la temática. Muchos eran derechamente para adultos, con tramas densísimas como Remi, cuya vida no era más que un calvarioL, ultraviolentas como Evangelion, donde la sangre de los EVA y los ángeles regaba las calles, o con temas que los más conservadores considerarían obscenos como la promiscuidad u homosexualidad, como se ve en series como Mikami, Lady Oscar (el nombre lo dice todo), o Ranma ½ que, a pesar de ser tratado en forma más o menos humorística, mostraba pechugas igual a las 4 de la tarde (menos mal que los viejos del Consejo Nacional de Televisión no veían tele a esa hora…juajuá).

El otro hito que marcó este canal, y el más importante para mí, fue la incorporación de dibujos animados dentro del horario de las 22 hrs. Algo absolutamente impensado. Así, a mediados de los años ’90, tuvimos la oportunidad de ver cómodamente sentados frente al televisor, una película considerada una obra maestra del animé por los expertos, me refiero a AKIRA, la historia del pandillero Kaneda y su amigo Tetsuo, quien se involucra en un proyecto secreto del gobierno japonés llamado AKIRA. Por supuesto, la historia no es fácil de digerir así como así, dada su elevada complejidad, sumada a la extrema violencia de varias escenas y una que otra pechuga al aire por ahí. Cabe destacar que esto fue replicado más adelante por TVN al exhibir en sus pantallas la película animada Street Fighter 2.

Mi punto aquí es hacer notar que, a excepción de algunas series emblemáticas como Robotech (Canal 13), o Dragon Ball (Mega), la mayoría de los buenos monos que marcaron nuestra niñez fueron transmitidos por RTU o Chilevisión. Basta acordarse de El Galáctico, Sailor Moon, Los Caballeros del Zodíaco, Samurai X y hasta la moderna Pokémon.

Lo cierto es que ya no hay tiempo ni espacio en el ajetreado mundo televisivo para una franja de monos entre semana, siendo posible ver series decentes (a saber: Liga de la Justicia y afines) solo los fines de semanas, con suerte. Es posible que una de las razones sea que los dibujos animados han sido erróneamente encasillados en el segmento infantil por la gente tradicionalista y cerrada de mente, que no concibe que sea un género transversal que podría dar tantos o más dividendos que una telenovela mejicana o venezolana entre los más adultos. Tristemente, esto parece no cambiar. Me habría gustado que mi hijo creciera viendo, en vez de los potos de Yingo y la Muralla Infernal, historias de esfuerzo y autosuperación en torno al deporte, como los Supercampeones o Slam Dunk. Los viejos tiempos no volverán, sin embargo, no es malo echarles una repasada de vez en cuando.

Opening de Los Supercampeones

Opening de Los Caballeros del Zodiaco

Si lo tuyo es escribir, eres un periodista en potencia, comunicador frustrado, eres un reflexivo de la vida o simplemente hay cosas que te gustaría contar y compartirlas con el mundo, tenemos esta nueva sección, “En Conexión”. Si quieres que publiquemos tu relato o texto contactate a revistainsomnia@hotmail.com y con tu nombre o seudónimo, acá tendrás tu espacio. Logicamente esto será revisado previo a su publicación.

November 5, 2009 at 9:00 pm.  Akane and I met up in IT park at JACOBOS BAR. She invited me to accompany her with her sister and her sister’s friend. Though 25% is I don’t really want to go, but I felt that I have to since we only have few moments or time to be together because she have to transfer to another school, and that school is CNU (Cebu Normal University) next June. I’m hoping that she will not transfer because she’s my only sister there in ACT, if she will transfer then i have to find another sister??!! NNOO!!!!! hmph. But i want her to transfer also because I believe she could have a very big opportunity to get a job quickly if your from that school. Then she will not have a problem about it anymore. right??  anyway, her sister Daphne(i guess that’s the correct spelling…??) was invited to sing in jacobos bar, and jacobos bar is a new bar in IT park. the food is delicious and I can’t lie about it, but its very expensive. who cares, its worth it anyway. Ate Daphne have a nice voice and in a very unique way. And Akane was a little bit pissed off because of Mildred(Ate Daphne’s friend) because I was sitting in an Indian position and she(Mildred) said it is bad manners, how could it be bad if we are in the bar??? who would care??? then Akane said, if she wants to tell someone to sit properly she have to watch her mouth first before others(you’ll know why.. ). Well i guess that’s all. I forgot to tell you, Ate Daphne have an attractive eyes I tell you, I can’t stop myself from keeping on watching her eyes. It’s really attractive, Akane, follow her eyes, I know you can copy that. And I arrive home around 2:30 am and I have to sleep early since I have to go to school early for the grades. Oh well, that’s all I can say. toduloo!!

-akira-

The Bubble Girls represent fantasy and sophistication. The overall vision of this calendar is colorful and sexy with dramatic over the top designs and locations.

Shot in Brooklyn,NY the calendar features The Bubble Girls Akira, Diamond and Crown and honorary Bubble Girl Khay.

This 12 month spread showcases the photography of Amir Ebrahimi, House Van Helsing and Josie Zetina. Clothing and Jewelry for the calendar provided by Brooklyn based designers Idallyic Couture, Chay The Great, Dutty Geisha, Anu Jewelry, Kristi Voss Couture and Raye 6.

The Bubble Girls 2010 Calendar is available NOW!
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House Of Dolls Management

In an earlier post, I mentioned that I didn’t think there was anyone else who possessed as much awesome as Kaneda to go up against him in a death battle. (Note: These aren’t actually death battles, because this blog is just not that cool.)

But then I remembered there was Spike Spiegel, who is even more awesome than Kaneda.

If not more awesome, at least equally awesome.

Hell, I don't NEED a laser gun to be awesome.

Or is he?

Only a death battle will decide!!

(Note: Seriously, this isn’t a death battle. Do I have any friends who are good with photoshop??? Or actual death battles?)

On to the (not actually a) death battle!

Physicality. You know what I hate the most about the physicality category? The way I always try to spell it psychality. I mean, what the hell is that? Why did I even make a category I can’t spell? And how can one cartoon character be hotter than another? Am I going to turn into one of those Japanese men who dates his body pillow? Do they even make Spike Spiegel body pillows? In conclusion, Kaneda is certainly awesome, but Spike Spiegel is drawn better. Plus, he’s got that lanky thing going, which is my kryptonite. Winner? Spike Spiegel. The real winner? Lokifire, if she can find a Spike Spiegel body pillow.

The action figure's just not that snuggly.

General bad-assedness. Here’s where the battle really begins. Sadly, it’s not a battle to the death because one of these characters is already dead. By the way, I appreciate my friends who try to console me by saying (spoiler alert) that Spike could just be resting at the end of the Bebop series, but he’s dead. Thanks anyway. I mean it. *sniff* Errr, moving right along. Spike Spiegel studies Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do, which was the martial art created by Bruce Lee, who is a god among action movie stars and also everyone else. He gets stabbed, tossed out a church window, exploded, bit by dogs, punched, shot, etc., etc., and doesn’t die. You know, until he does. (Personally, I think his body was just like, damn it, stop putting me in these situations! That’s it, if I’m going down, I’m taking you with me!) He goes up against more serial killers than the entire cast of Criminal Minds (that show’s about serial killers, right?)! And he always comes out OK! Until he doesn’t. But what of Kaneda? Man, Kaneda faced off against two powerful psychics with only a laser gun and some chutzpah. And if you’re like: “Powerful psychics, schmowerful schmychics,” then, 1) I’m impressed with your abillity to pronounce that; 2) Apparently, you didn’t see Tetsuo punch a hole in the godsdamned moon. Winner? I’m sorry, Spike, but we’re going on Kaneda with this one. 1) Those were some powerful psychics; and 2) he’s not dead.

Better first name? Spike’s first name is Spike. I don’t know if he was born with that name or what. Kaneda’s first name is Shotaro. There’s a couple of ways to write the kanji for Shotaro and I can’t read kanji so I don’t know for sure how Kaneda’s first name is spelled, but the traditional way is Sho = Pine and Taro = boy. So Kaneda’s first name is probably Pine Boy. Winner? Spike.

Better friends? Spike Spiegel hung out with the crew of the interstellar craft Bebop, which includes the following: 1) Jet Black, a guy with a robot arm who used to be an interstellar cop and is now a bounty hunter; 2) Faye Valentine, a con artist from who was woken from cyrogenic sleep and also wears hardly any clothing; 3) Ed, the young computer genius; and 4) Ein, the really cute data-dog who is also a genius in addition to being a Welsh Corgi.

Really, Faye, is that outfit appropriate for interstellar travel?

Kaneda hangs out with the survivors of Tokyo, who include: 1) Kei, his love interest who is a powerful conduit for psychic power and also pretty handy with a gun; 2) Chiyoko, Kei’s aunt, who is roughly the size of a water buffalo and just as deadly; 3) Kaisuke, some little short dude who was in Kaneda’s gang before Tokyo was destroyed (the second time), and is totally loyal and good in a fight; 4) The Colonel, who isn’t really Kaneda’s friend at all, but does control some sort of satellite super-beam. The winner? Holy cats! These guys have awesome friends. This is totally a draw.

Lives in a dystopia? Both Cowboy Bebop and Akira are set in futures where Tokyo has been destroyed at least once. However, in Cowboy Bebop, it’s not just Tokyo taking the brunt of the destruction, it’s the whole earth. However, people have colonized Mars and Venus and some other places, and they have interstellar space travel, so it’s cool. In Akira, though, Tokyo gets destroyed a couple more times and also, Tetsuo punches a hole in the moon. Tetsuo’s a bit of a prick. Winner? Um, I guess Kaneda, if the winner of this category is the one who lives in the worst future/society. If not, then it’s Spike, because he has a spaceship.

Ran with a gang? Kaneda and Tetsuo used to be juvenile delinquents in some sort of motorcycle gang. Before Tokyo was destroyed (for the second time). Spike used to be in the interstellar Mafia. Why, yes, I do enjoy using the word “interstellar.” How did you know? Winner? Spike, because “Interstellar Mafia” sounds waaaay more badass than “Motorcycle gang.”

Cooler vehicle? They’re both red. They’re both fast. But between Kaneda’s motorcycle and Spike’s Swordfish, only one is up for interstellar travel. (It’s the Swordfish.) Winner? Spike “Interstellar Traveler” Spiegel.

Also? It shoots lasers!

 

I don't need a vehicle that shoots lasers. I've got a gun that does that.

Gets the girl? Kaneda and Kei end up being the rulers of Neo-Tokyo (which has been destroyed three times at this point, so good luck with that, kids). Spike dies. Also, he was mean to Faye up until the end, when they! would! have! made! such! a! cute! couple!! Winner? Kaneda. (Gods, Spike, you should’ve just hooked up with Faye already.)

Lives to fight another day? Winner? Kanedaaaaaa!

Overall winner? Spike Spiegel. But only barely. Mostly because of his spaceship.

Le Barberousse et l’émission ElectroChoc sur Raje lancent l’abordage tous les jeudis soir pour une Funky Jazzy Break’in Disco Rockin Party!

Et la première est le JEUDI 5 NOVEMBRE!!!!

A la barre:
Akira (Les Electrons Libres, Rah Team, ElectroChoc, Raje)
Chris Hexal (Dirty South, ElectroChoc, Raje)
Muray (Dirty South, ElectroChoc)

///Start 21h///Gratuit///Cadeaux à gagner en écoutant ElectroChoc sur Raje tous les jeudis de 21 à 22h///

Le Barberousse
42 Blv St Roch
84000 AVIGNON
04.90.81.07.21
www.barberousse.com