Blog 189 > Hearts, Ninjas & Toyboxers

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Hey, Maria, what’s up? Whoa, really? Oh crap, wait, not another fabricated message, lol. Oh well, while the returning French-Japanese adult-video idol Maria Ozawa never sent me any stunning bright-eyed cheer, a guy can dream, can’t he? But if you’re wondering, my fellow Toyboxers, nope, this isn’t a “Palpatine’s Day” or “Anti-Palpatine’s Day” weekend post. Not really. Not officially, lol. Ehh, who cares? How was yours anyway? Oops, before you answer, get your twisted mind ready for yet another five-layered mega-post! This week, we leap through spiraling blog battles-and-rules, sneak under indestructible foosball ninjas, skip past random girl-shaped drama-and-gothica, peek at heart-breaking high-school girls, and slide down slippery ring-burnt relationships. Nothing dangerous, of course, lol. So are you ready? Now on with the show…

Part 1 of 5. Battle of the Blogs. Ah, the blog battles rage on, lol. Following the battles since Blog 177, through Blog 183, and past Blog 186, this month, the amusingly wicked WebsiteOutlook.com unleashes a few more mathematical twists into the tale. Just like a board (or bored) game, hehe.

[1] Mimi’s Rage = $3504.00. First on my list is Mimi’s Rage, a small blog run by Mimi’s fan club. I’m surprised they still exist on the list, lol.

WebsiteOutlook

[2] Meimi132 = $4474.90. Second is Meimi132’s blog. This is her largest leap yet! Congrats! I hope my “lifelines” helped, lol.

WebsiteOutlook

[3] Otaku Dan = $6234.20. Third is Otaku Dan’s blog. Now because Meronpan and Puppy52 (a.k.a. Chun) relocated their respective blogs to brand-new domain names, they essentially started over in terms of blog worth. No worries, we’ll revisit them when they return to full strength, hehe. So instead, let’s welcome Otaku Dan in the list! Welcome! For better or for worse, lol.

WebsiteOutlook

[4] Clan Blue Panthers a.k.a. Panther = $7365.70. Fourth is Panther’s blog. Another solid rise.

WebsiteOutlook

[5] Gordonator = $8803.80. Fifth is Gordon’s blog. Likewise, rising steadily and strongly.

WebsiteOutlook

[6] xJAYMANx & xJAYMANx_toybox = $9876.90. Next is my own website and blog. WTF! Last time, its estimated worth leapt from $5861.90 to $7774.50 USD in a mere 3 weeks. This time, not only did my blog leapfrog ahead of Panther’s, but somehow Gordon’s as well? Whatever I’m doing, I better keep doing it!

WebsiteOutlook

[7] Angry Loli a.k.a. Mimi = $11548.60. Seventh is Mimi-chan’s blog. Yup, she’s still up there. In fact, she’s coming close to catching Dancing Queen! Hmm, I see a numerical cat-fight in the making!

WebsiteOutlook

[8] How a Girl Figures a.k.a. Dancing Queen = $11694.60. Eighth is Dancing Queen’s blog. Unbeatable. Since I began these estimated-worth lists in November 2008, Dancing Queen has always been at the top of us mere-mortal otaku bloggers, lol. But Mimi-chan’s definitely putting up an unshakeable fight! Angry Loli or Dancing Queen? You decide, lol.

WebsiteOutlook

[9] Sankaku Complex = $277341.60. Ninth is the Sankaku Complex blog. Let’s welcome Sankaku to the list! Ever since Mimi-chan has ranted about Sankaku, I’ve wondered how they compare to Danny Choo’s blog. And lo and behold, Sankaku is neck-and-neck with Danny Choo, lol. Another duel?

WebsiteOutlook

[10] Danny Choo = $282853.10. But alas, on this latest list, DannyChoo.com is still the big daddy of otaku-oriented blogs. Unstoppable.

WebsiteOutlook

Congratulations, everyone! The scary thing is… that based upon my blog’s current pace, it’s on track to match both Mimi-chan’s and Dancing Queen’s blogs, if not surpass them, in a matter of months, if not weeks. Like I said before, WTF! Even more shocking, is that I’ve pretty much broken all the rules-of-thumb for an otaku blog, haha.

Seven Otaku-Blog Rules Broken by xJAYMANx_toybox

[1] No official blog mascot.
[2] Not a participant in the e2046 banner exchange program.
[3] Not a member of a blog club or coalition, such as Team Blue.
[4] No major design change since April 2007.
[5] No up-to-date support of Internet Explorer 6, 7 or higher since July 2007.
[6] No blog-linked Danny Choo Member News posts since September 2008.
[7] No daily-post or holiday-post schedule. Specifically, no more than 1-2 posts per week.

Hehe, which basically means you don’t need any of these to boost your blog’s estimated worth, lol. So how do I do it? Well, I’m not 100% sure of 100% all of it. But I’ve got a few ideas for a few of the reasons… Ohhh, you mean you want me to tell you? Hahaha, well, it’s a secret. But every secret has the right price, doesn’t it? Ahhh, before I forget, have you sent me your banner yet? Here’s my updated list of Toyboxers and their delightfully colorful 468×60 banners.

Part 2 of 5. Demon of the Foosball Arts. Behold! From one form of battle to another, “The Ninja” arises, lol. Wait, what the frak am I talking about? Ahh, who knows? But let’s begin at the beginning…

I don’t remember how old I started, but I’ve been playing foosball since I was a teenager, if not younger. But probably a young teenager. Yup, one day, Dad decided to buy a foosball table. And there it was! In the basement! Ever since then, I’ve probably played hundreds, if not thousands, of foosball matches. Especially 1-on-1. After all, only me and my first brother were around, while Dad was at work or our littlest brother was too little, lol. Taking this highly-trained experience to college, I was probably one of the top-two 1-on-1 players in my freshman dorm. Then probably one of the top-three 1-on-1 players in my upperclassman dorm. Easily. And this would usually include the same core group of a half-dozen or dozen guys who’d rather play foosball till 2am in the morning than study Mechanical Engineering, haha.

Fast-forwarding from college to January 2009, our Las Vegas office suddenly acquired a brand-new foosball table! At work! And all the foosball moves I’d mastered in college and earlier, just-as-suddenly came back to me. Like riding a bicycle! My lightning right-handed smash from the 2-man offensive rod. My equally powerful left-handed slam from the 5-man offensive rod. Plus my sudden score-able strikes from the rear defensive rods. As I write this post in mid-February, I’m guessing I’ve played at least 40-50 matches thus far, against a dozen or so employees in various 1-on-1, 2-on-2, and even 1-on-2, matches. Many of them can’t even comprehend the source of my ability, hehe. Sometime, neither can I! Here’s the estimated breakdown.

Estimated Foosball Record for xJAYMANx

[a] 1-on-1 Matches: About 20 matches. All 100% victories.
     Including about 7 matches against two of my strongest opponents.

[b] 1-on-2 Matches: About 10 matches. All 100% victories.

[c] 2-on-2 Matches: About 20 matches. About 90% victories.
     Dammit! Only two losses, due to teammate, lol.

A week or two ago, the Las Vegas employees were assigned to their teams. Then earlier this week, we finally got the office-wide email! As a team-building interactive experience, the first Foosball Tournament officially began! Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like many of the female or over-worked employees are very interested in participating. Despite the team-building objective outlined by management, lol. Oh well. Here’s a screen-captured section of the first round, lol.

Foosball Ninja

Here’s the awesome team-building stress-relieving foosball table.

Here’s a bunch of software developers. Pick any two to play against me. I’ll win easily, lol.

Here’s a closer view of the table.

A random pic at the office.

A random pic in the office restroom.

And the original “ninja” photo back in October 2008, lol.

You know, looking backwards in time, who would’ve ever figured that my Dad’s purchase of a rather expensive-but-simple foosball table so long ago would be such a powerful instrument for me decades later? Unfortunately, the billiards table or upright piano didn’t work out quite the same way, lol. Well, wish my team good luck in this tournament! Though we may not need it, hehe.

Part 3 of 5. Random Drama, Itasha & Gothica. And now, Part 3! The obligatory random segment of the week, hehe. Essentially, a random selection of pics and posts that almost whizzed past me before my attracted attention snatched it away from the claws of oblivion! First, here’s a chuckling bit of local drama that couldn’t help dragging my name. I’ll leave the relationships to your blessed imagination, lol.

Second, I just realized a discrepancy in the original time-stamp. Since I took these cellphone snapshots on my commute home from work, this must be Friday (February 06) not Saturday (February 07). Can you see the random itasha (otaku or anime-decorated car) there? But can anyone tell me who that winged character is?

Here’s a zoom-in close-up of the winged female character. Ten gold points to the one who can name that character! Assuming she isn’t an original anime-styled work. Is she?

Third, here’s a random snapshot of my Gothic-edged German-grown web-friend Miko-chan (at left) with her bestest friend Saigo-san, wandering the streets of Tokyo, lol. For more of her angst, antics and adventures, check out Miko-chan’s blog, hehe.

Fourth and finally, here’s a random photo of one of the newest e2046.com offerings. The captivatingly pre-painted and 1/7th-scale Raqel Gothic. But ouch, that $136 USD price-tag burns!

Well, that’s it for the random portion. Drama. Itasha. And Gothica. Dream or not, life is such an absurd and amusing multi-pronged attack against the mind and senses, isn’t it? Haha. But now, it’s time to head for the heart.

Part 4 of 5. Heart to Heart. Where “heart” thou Juliet? What a piece of work is a “heart”. A kingdom for a “heart”! And all that blood-splattering Shakespearean goodness, lol. Bringing back my ancient figure photoshoots, like I did with my “Kiddy Grade” shoot, here’s my adorable “To Heart” shoot from 18 November 2006, more than two years ago! Luckily, no blood-splattering. Just 25 photos of the red-headed Akari (Kotobukiya, 1/8th-scale) and the green-haired android-girl Multi (Kotobukiya, 1/8th-scale). Catch the original “To Heart” anime series if you can, lol.

Kneeling innocently on the floor, Multi was my 27th figure (of 92) in October 2006.

Such a simple yet striking portrayal of the character.

Waving hesitantly yet gently, Akari was my 26th figure, arriving together with Multi.

From this photoshoot, they really can’t be separated, can they?

Given the proper lighting…

And background…

And focus…

And above all, composition…

The result is magic.

A magic filled with energy…

And anticipation…

And emotion.

Maybe that’s one reason why I return again and again to take new photoshoots.

Or revisit old photoshoots.

Because of the story-telling power.

Or even if there is no story.

To amplify the atmosphere.

Or enhance the chemistry.

Generated by the composition.

Which probably explains why I favor multiple-figure photoshoots.

Instead of single-figure shoots.

Despite the multiplied complexity.

Or the extended length of time.

To tell a story or create a chemistry.

Magically.

Part 5 of 5. Revenge of the Rin & Ring. Somersaulting from kind-hearted high-school girls to vicious blood-thirsty witches, we take aim at Rin (Max Factory, Figma) from the “Fate Stay Night” eroge (erotic game) and anime series. And in her left arm, my battered-and-bruised wedding ring! But before you say anything, let’s flashback to 30 December 2008. On Facebook, here was one of the items I wrote in my chain-mailed “16 Things” list, hehe.

[1] Let’s start with the darkest stuff, lol. On rare occasions, when watching anime or reading a book, I find myself in these odd moments of “visualizing my mortal non-existence”. For example, if fear is an illusion, is hope and love as well? Is everything simply a distraction? Beyond the sense of futility, I begin to imagine the loneliness of death, my bodiless consciousness drifting in an infinite sea of blinding black, doing nothing, feeling nothing, and remembering nothing. Absolute nothing. But as the sense of terror or depression begins to seep into me, I blink away and return to reality. And once again, I try to distract myself with life.

[My remaining 15 items recounted the lighter and more wacky, scary, embarrassing and inspiring experiences of my life, lol.]

Pretty dark, huh? But there are rays of sunlight within the black clouds… Even though love, loneliness and all our fleeting emotions and dreams may have more in common with temporary illusions than with permanent truths, I’d like to think that even an eternity can be found in an instant. The trick is in the distractions. To distract ourselves well enough to forget the illusions. To fool ourselves long enough to believe in hope or fear or any other life-giving emotion of the moment. Life. Emotions. Dreams. Because if life is a dream, it’s still worth dreaming, isn’t it?

Back to Rin and my ring. I’d probably guess that all of these “Palpatine’s Day” posts flashing before and behind me, back and forth across the otakusphere, is what triggered my brain to pull out the scratched-and-scarred ring from my dusty storage boxes. To feel the feather-light symbol of a thirteen-year relationship (including an eight-year marriage) between my fingers again. To revisit the fleeting illusion for a moment. Or to see how well it fits in Rin’s feisty arms, lol.

Don’t misunderstand me, hehe. I indeed believe an eternity can be found in an instant.

But just as easily, an eternity can end in the blink of an eye.

Luckily, our divorce was for the best. Oddly, with my weight loss, the ring doesn’t fit anymore, lol.

I think we mutually felt stuck. So this was our way of getting unstuck.

I just regret taking such a huge financial hit. And the emotional deception.

But I wouldn’t mind being paid back $20K towards my 2005 Murano, haha.

Doesn’t the multi-faceted gold ring fit Rin’s multi-jeweled attack perfectly?

LOL, I think so too. But in the end, “Palpatine’s Day” or “Anti-Palpatine’s Day”, I’m at a point where neither rants nor raves sway me too much either way. During that thirteen-year illusion, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy the majority of them. Yeah, that’s 12 or 13 “Palpatine’s Days” in a row, with the same girl. Haha, the home-made gifts. The bright-red roses. The fancy steak dinners. So I’ve been there, done that. All the anxiety and enjoyment for naught, lol. How many “Palpatine’s Days” have you enjoyed with your partner?

Yeah, just like a favorite tune, favorite anime, or favorite novel. Cherish the fleeting moments, both painful and pleasurable. Immerse yourself in the vivid dream, both terribly lonely and intimately shared. While they last. Whatever the outcome. Whatever the destination. I recommend flirting, hehe. Then forget that it’s a dream… Fittingly, this unexpected paragraph reminds me of Saber in the final episode of “Fate Stay Night”. Her beautiful brightly-colored dream.

So whattaya think? How was this monstrous five-legged mega-broadcast? The hearts? Ninjas? Toyboxers? Yup, this week, we leapt through spiraling blog battles-and-rules, snuck under indestructible foosball ninjas, skipped past random girl-shaped drama-and-gothica, peeked at heart-breaking high-school girls, and slid down slippery ring-burnt relationships. We even somersaulted over Raqel, Akari, Multi and Rin! Nothing injured? Not even your brain? Good, lol. If you’ve read to the end, you deserve my highest praise and commendations. You’re a true Toyboxer, my friend. Send me your blog banner. So how was your weekend?

79 thoughts on “Blog 189 > Hearts, Ninjas & Toyboxers”

  2. First off I would like to say that the captcha for this post was the same one I got for New Year (or something). Lol?

    Secondly, I have no idea how I rise lol. Then again image searches recently have been the prime referral basis for my rise in page views, so I hardly call that “a solid rise” and nobody clicks on my ads anyway.

    What brings a reader to a blog is content either unique/specific to that blog or relevant to the reader’s interests. Thus it just so happens that DC has the largest representation of the interests in this aspect and thus gets the largest number of search results, viewers, readers, whatever. Of course, his user portal and unique site design helps a lot too.

    Blogs like ours (at least mine and Gordon’s) are not meant to be professional – they are just places for us to talk about the interests we have and vent at times. So we have to work if we want our readership, though he probably has worked far more than me in that area. As for me, I think I should stop working so hard soon in this area and instead write up a list of what I want to write, as well as concentrate on studies.

    If that money worth equated to a true rise in ads revenue then maybe it might help. :\

    Also congratulations on your rise, probably more people coming here now to see your stuff?

    Panther´s last blog post > ♫Kimi no Suki na Uta

  3. @Joe1991: LOL. Gone off? Somebody better?… Hey, don’t ask me, you’re the one replying to that topic, lol.

    @Panther: Haha, again? Just not your luck, it seems. But when I say “solid rise”, I’m interpreting the consistency in your blog’s trend. Hasn’t dropped yet. Instead, it has consistently risen each time I checked. That’s what I’d call “solid”. But you’re right, I’m not saying any of our blogs are meant to be professional or commercial. In fact, based on my “Seven Broken Rules”, I hardly concentrate on this at all. I focus on what to *write* instead. Whether it’s relevant to anyone else or not… But no need for any congratulations, dude. I treat this blog-worth stuff like a horse race or the stock market. Watching numbers rise or fall. And making a big deal about it, lol. Nothing more.

    P.S. As for why more people are visiting? Your guess is probably as good as mine. I make my rounds like every other blogger. Make my posts. Make my comments. So who knows exactly? Must be something in my content? Or my delivery?

  9. @Mimi-chan: LOL, glad u could join the party!

    Actually, I’ve noted that to others too, hehe. Many itty-bitty bits compared to one structured string. But somehow, these *weekly mega-posts* fit my style best. Haven’t noticed yet? I’ve been doing these for months since the Zazzle posts, lol. And seems to work too! ^o^

    P.S. Thanx, you’ve undoubtedly assisted! But beware, I’m unintentionally within striking distance of your blog… WTF!

  10. Lol, that ninja photo of you has pure “win” written all over it. I love your Maria Ozawa photo. It makes me laugh every time I visit your page. Yes, I’m familiar with Miyabi’s background. So, I went over to test out that website and I couldn’t get any statistics generated. I keep getting an “Invalid Domain” page. I’m sure my page has no numbers relative to anyone else, but I wanted to input a bunch of sites on it. :{ However, I get the lurkers who visit to look at my lone picture in my ‘About Me’ section. Go figure.

    Those are some nice every day shots that you’ve been taking.

    Jem´s last blog post > Valentines Day and a Rant

  11. @Jem-chan: Hehe, thanx for the “win” vote! And thanx, yeah, haha, I wish I actually *took* Miyabi’s photo, lol. But alas, no… As for the estimated-worth site, it’s pretty buggy. Gahhh, the site’s down again! I frakkin’ hate that, lol. But I found a trick for Blogger and WordPress.com blogs: I just enter the direct URL with the “www” prefix. Yeah, dumb, but it works. For example, for Meimi132’s blog…

    http://www.websiteoutlook.com/www.meimi132.wordpress.com

    Unfortunately, even when I type her www+URL into the text field, it still fails. Sometimes newer blogs don’t have sufficient data yet. But u and M-chan started in the same month. So I’ve got no clue. WTF!

    P.S. Awww, thanx. Well, self-photos are typically one of the first things a new reader visits, right? As a sort of IRL-compatibility check or something, lol. Besides, I always hesitate with bloggers who have absolutely *zero* self-photos. Till we reach a level of comment familiarity. Maybe others are the same way. So you’ve got nothing to worry about… yet, lol.

  12. Lol go Jay! You’ll be there soon I know it! ^^
    ^^
    I always thought that smaller chunks did better but if your mega posts do fabulous then keep it up! I remember I used to wonder where you were when you haven’t posted in 6 or so days ^^;

    Mimi´s last blog post > New Ski Gear

  13. It was just out of curiosity sakes. “Frack” is such a nice word. Are you finally caught up with the series? I wonder how it will end. I don’t want to say anything in the event that you are not caught up with me. If my apartment’s gym was up and working with cable, I’d be on an ellipsis machine watching the Food Channel. Iron Chef Cuisine!!!!

    Well, I used to take a lot of funny pictures for the heck of it. Now, I rarely do that as it tends to attract um “unwanted attention” (see stalkers).

    Next time you take a photo with a katana or something similar, you need to put on a cowboy hat. It will be great. XD

    Jem´s last blog post > Valentines Day and a Rant

  14. @Mimi-chan: Awww, you’re so sweet. I didn’t mean to disappear, lol.. Yeah, I agree, that’s the conventional wisdom, isn’t it? Smaller chunks oughta be easier to digest on a regular basis, right? But ever since the DC Member News launched, I found myself beginning to rethink this. I now believe there’s a point where the frequency of posts becomes *too much* to handle. Is daily the limit? I’m not sure. But I can honestly say, it’s easier to follow a 7-paragraph post once-a-week, than a 1-paragraph post once-a-day. Let alone, several times per day! And easier to comment once-a-week, than seven times per week. Makes sense?… Ahh, lol, I just came up with a “snow” metaphor. Which would u find easier? If snow falls on your car 7 inches over 7 hours, would u clear off your car 1 inch every hour, 7 times? Or would u clear off your car only once, after all 7 inches fell? ^_^;

    @Jem-chan: LOL, not yet. Just finished episode 10 again the other day. But decided to resume “Rurouni Kenshin – Season 2” on the treadmill, lol. So I’ll hafta figure out another way to catch up! Still, I have my own suspicions even without being caught up yet… Food Channel? While exercising? Isn’t that illogical? LOL, like crossing your own Pavlovian wires! Then again, I remember “Iron Chef”. Awesome… Sorry to hear about stalkers. Yeah, that’s happened to Mimi-chan above as well. Although u could conceivable throw your self-photos behind a login wall. Like the login I designed (but use less often now) for my figure photoshoots… But umm, a cowboy hat? A katana cowboy? I never finished “Gun x Sword”, but that anime suddenly came to mind, lol. You don’t have a fetish for cowboy hats, do u? >o<;

  15. lol good analogy thing! Hmm you’re right about it being too much and stuff. I find that my blog readership levels go in waves. I make a good post once in a while that attracts a lot of attention and then the storm calms down a bit.. then another one will come up. ^^; As for you I think that your blog gets huge waves lol cuz each post is full of goodness =3

    Mimi´s last blog post > Valentine’s Day Card from MIT

  17. @Mimi-chan: LOL, thanx. Stormy waves are good, aren’t they? Matches your whirlwind personality, lol… Awww, full of goodness. Sounds like a “finger lickin’ good” ad for KFC, haha. But I agree, my mega-posts are full of *something*. What that is, your drumstick guess is as good as mine… ^_^

    @Miko-chan: Hehe, then I’ll refer to u as “punkish” or “punk-edged” from now on. And maybe a little “tattooed” too, lol. >_<;

  19. @Jem-chan: Awww, and I was 2 seconds from switching off… But still, what the frak was episode 15? So much drama and tension and sitting on the edge of my, umm, floor, lol, over the last several episodes. Then this?… Better make that 1 second, lol. {Closes eyes and waits for the thirteenth…}

  21. lol a lil tattoed? XD

    from tmr a lil more and more and more….

    oh well, i love punk’ish ^-^
    na na na matches perfectly with u know ….

    damn i am so tired.
    I was burning CDs here all day and writing the tracklists and preparing chocolate ;_;

    my back and my neck hurts

    Miyabiko´s last blog post > Blog 45: Happy v-day ….

  22. Congrats on the revenue increase, my man! I’m guessing I’m still far off the list, but quite an intriguing comparison you’ve done there! Too bad you’re still quite far off the big man himself, but gambate! ^^;

    I never get my foot (or hands) around foosball. I kinda sucked at it; remembered playing it at my lecturer’s place when he invited us for dinner, but never got around improving on it. Hehe, I kinda enjoyed playing pool though, but I guess you are the kind of guy who likes indoor games, no? Don’t see much of the outdoor games that you played (or maybe you did, but way behind the blog list, so sorry if I’m wrong!) since I’m much of the outdoor games person lol.

    My friend keep bugging me about “ToHeart”, so maybe I’ll consider watching it. I guess it’s one of those harem series that was good then (nowadays harems are a no-no to me, unless it’s THAT good or by KyoAni). I remember liking “Da Capo” and “Shuffle!” last time out, cos they had good storylines and less fan-service moments. Nowadays, with anime like “Kanokon” and “Da Capo II” being overly ‘exposed’, I tend to veer myself away from them.

    I remember having those moments with my loved one before; spending lots of time and money on her, devoted some space in order to respect her. Even after the break-up, I sometimes drift myself away into remembering her. Even when watching anime! Just reminds me of those good times we had… Ah, that was then. I guess sometimes you steer towards that direction as well?

    jusuchin85´s last blog post > [Nominees] Best Anime Wallpaper – Week 5, 2009

  24. @Gordon: Hehe, but I don’t do an idol post often. And it’s certainly never the dominant topic of my posts either, lol. But true, it can’t hurt… At least, not hurt as bad as getting the “lelouch” captcha, lol. Sorry about that. ^_^

    @Miko-chan: Haha, yeah-yeah, more and more tattooed… Punkishly tattooed! Awww, nothing wrong with CDs. I was burning DVDs most of the day so I could clear out more space from my *near-full* hard drive. Too many movie and anime files, lol… Ehh, u can find someone to massage your neck and back, cant’ u? But what the heck is that “Leek Spin”? LOL, did u know that girl is from the “Bleach” anime? Maybe not… ^_~

    @J85: Hey thanx, dude! Lemme check… Hey, $3766.8 USD ain’t bad! But I only keep 10 on my list. If OtakuDan drops or your blog rises further, I’ll definitely consider yours, lol. But my next *targets* are Angry Loli and Dancing Queen. Haha, no intention of targeting DC. He’s not human, he’s a nuclear-powered cyborg!

    Yeah, I used to play softball with co-workers back around 2000-2001. But since then, not much opportunity for any outdoor sports. Not a basketball or soccer guy. Even my runs take place on my home treadmill. Gotta watch my sci-fi and anime! Speaking of which, the original “ToHeart” wasn’t mind-blowing or excessively heart-wrenching, but it was one series which helped to start the genre. Simple slice of life. Then “Da Capo” and its sequels seemed to build on that. Of course, “Ah! My Goddess” and “Shuffle!” took it to a supernatural level, lol. Then “Kanon” and “Clannad took it to such a dramatic film-quality stratosphere! Hehe, so it does seem overwhelming at times… But yeah, steering and veering memories. Anime tends to trigger them, doesn’t it?

  25. I never knew Sankaku was so high up there. If what Gordon says is true, then I suppose that would explain why. I should really get my blog started up. It’s there, but I need to make an actual post lol.

    I’m *terrible* at foosball. I remember being beaten by a little kid before. xD

  26. @Jayman: I’m already at the $3k mark?! Wow, I didn’t expect to get that high…but I guess I just focus on building up the blog first hand. Thanks for considering the plan; I think I’ll only reached the list after some time? ^^; DC is a ice-cold killa when it comes to blogging! I mean, it all started as a personal blog, yet now it’s all full-blown to every aspect of the blogosphere genre!

    Softball, huh? I remember playing that when I was a little kid, out in my old backyard at my hometown. It was fun then, especially when we were kids. Get to do so much stuff and had so much fun. I picked up badminton at the same time, and still played it on the occasional times. I only started football (soccer) when I was 10, and really enjoyed it up to about 20. Once I moved to the city, I didn’t really caught up on it, but I still play indoor football (futsal).

    Is it always the anime that makes us veer away from real-life duties? Man, I think we have brought anime into our lives that it’s become like a routine for us lol!

    So “ToHeart” was a slice-of-life anime? Something that I might like, since I’m curently into that genre. Ah, of course that “Da Capo” took it to a whole new meaning, which made the series famous then. Right now, the only harem series that still stuck on my mind is the KyoAni ones; “AIR” was beautiful yet saddening. I guess I no need to elaborate on both “Kanon” and “Clannad”. I’m hoping that KyoAni takes up another new Key visual novel. Ever heard of “Rewrite“?

    jusuchin85´s last blog post > [Nominees] Best Anime Wallpaper – January, 2009

  27. @Coco-chan: Yeah, I don’t visit Sankaku often, but it was a bit surprising to me too. Hehe, there’s no question “sex sells”, but I don’t think it explains 100% everything either, lol. After all, DC and Sankaku have different styles and different audiences, even if only slightly. If it were 100% true, wouldn’t Sankaku totally outstrip DC?… Hey, nice! Looking forward to your first post! Hayaku! Hayaku!… Awww, but I guess it’ll be a while before you reach “Foosball Ninja”, hehe. ^_~

    @J85: Yup, almost $4K. Actually, since your new blog shares the same root URL as the old blog, u probably carried over its worth from the previous blog. Well, since I plan to keep Mimi’s Rage, Meimi132, Gordon, Panther, xJAYMANx, Angry Loli, Sankaku, and DC-cyborg as long as I can follow them, there’s only two spots left, lol. We’ll see next month!… Yeah, I think every guy played those backyard sports as a kid. But since college foosball, college ice hockey, or the company softball I mentioned, not much. Too much anime to watch, lol. Or science fiction. Thankfully, foosball has returned! Hmm, “Rewrite”? Haven’t really heard of it, but I wouldn’t mind “Little Busters”, lol.

  28. first of all, no i didnt know she is from bleach XD
    do i look like i know?^^

    2nd, i was listening to the damn song for 1 and a half hrs yesterday…..wtf

    3rd, the CDs, it took me all day to pick which music to burn, in which order to mix it and to wrap the CDs nicely, then put choco into the cute box and make a card.
    thats why I said what the shit…

  29. @Coco-chan: You don’t have a blog yet? I’ll be waiting for it as much as Jayman do! ^^;

    @Jayman: Just read the info on “Little Busters” on Wiki, thanks for that. Sounds interesting, but either way I guess KyoAni would normally take a visual novel from Key. But, as the trend goes, would that be after a movie of the same visual novel be released? I noticed that “AIR”, “Kanon” and “Clannad” have series-releases after the original movies came out. Maybe we have to wait on that?

    Ah, if that’s the case, then I guess it justifies the value. I hope to break the bank soon, so I guess I’ll continue posting quality stuff. Thanks for the support!

    I’m building up my list at the moment, but I don’t know what else to watch. Maybe I should revisit “Voltron”? Haha…

    p/s: I promised you this a long time ago, and I almost forgotten it! Here is the resized banner you wanted: Otakuism, Everyday! Banner v2

  30. @Miko-chan: Ahh, I’m just teasing. Haha, I gave up after 30 seconds! Hope you’re feeling better. Especially with your next tattoo treatment, hehehe. ^_^

    @J85: Hehe, dude, u better check your research again!… [1] First, the “Air” film came during the middle of the series, [2] there was no “Kanon” film (just a 20-minute OVA), and [3] the “Clannad” film (same director as “Air” film) was released between the first and second “Clannad” series. So there’s no consistent pattern, lol… Yeah, if the new broadcasts are too tiring or boring, there are always tons of older series out there. I’ve mentioned quite a few discoveries in my past posts.

    P.S. No worries! I already fixed the banner myself, lol.

  31. ya i hope so too XD

    and oh well, getting ready right now….just finished my make up…how I hate it….always takes me forever cuz I want it to be perfect today ….

    remember I’m an artist = perfectionist XD

  32. Lol I was wrong on the “Air” anime and movie. “Kanon” was an OVA which was released earlier, and the “Clannad film” was released a month before the original series. So, normally the trend pushes towards Toei Animation to release the movies first, then KyoAni would kickstart the series. Seems like that with history (apart from “AIR”, that is). Hopefully, a new one gets to come out soon. Got sick of their marketing scheme with the “Haruhi” series, but at least there’s “Haruhi-chan” and “Churaya-san” to enjoy for the time being! ^^;

    Yep, I’m really digging through the vintage stuff; at least enjoy some good quality ones!

  33. @Miko-chan: LOL, good luck!

    @J85: Ahh, that’s right about “Clannad”! I confused the true release dates with the times I finally watched them, lol. But I agree with the endless marketing. Didn’t even bother with “Haruhi-chan”. Oh well, lol. But hey, on the positive side, I finally caught up with “Clannad – AS”. Wow. That Episode 18 with Ushio… left me… in tears. Finally. I can finally give “Clannad – AS” a 5-star rating.

  36. @Jayman: Yeah man. That episode, that moment is the most delicate and truly meaningful scene of the entire series. It made me cry to myself just by looking at scene. So…touching. “Papa…”

    Somehow, that moment is much, much more teary-eyed than Nagisa’s. Probably because we’ve seen all that before, so we actually know what to expect.

    *Man, it’s hard to write without spoilers!*

    So, Clannad finally gets a 5-star rating! Just like Kanon! I hope the series ends up on a high note! ^^;

    You know, maybe I should compile a watchlist, and a to-watch list on my blog; just wanting to share what I’ve watched towards the years. Of course I won’t be putting my ratings on it. But most probably I’ll write a review on it…most probably. ^^;

  37. @J85: Ah, true. But I also think Ushio’s moments are more teary-eyed precisely *because* we know of Nagisa’s moments which led up to this point. Haha, yeah, spoiler-less so far… Yeah, I think the writers and director know what they’re doing, high note or not. Five stars!

    P.S. Yeah, luckily I’ve kept my Anime Viewing List up-to-date. Although it’s more of a “Done List” since a “Doing List” changes too often! ^_^

  38. Indeed, what the frack was up with those episodes!?!?! Now, I’m sure you can at least understand on some level why I was shouting at my monitor. hahaha. Well, 5 more episodes and all will be revealed. Did you see the auctions for all the BSG props? Lucky bastards. 12K for Caprica 6’s red dress is too rich for my blood.

    When I finish this, I can go back to getting caught up with Dexter and anime.

    Jem´s last blog post > Tsuruya in bunny girl form

  39. @Jem-chan: LOL, wait-wait, *those* episodes? Plural? I just had a problem with the last one, #15. The few before that, #11 thru #14 were mind-blowingly good! Frakkingly intense! But #15? The drama seemed to disappear, lol. Oh well. Maybe because one “arc” ended and another is beginning. But I mean, I wish the actors who play Anders and Ellen could act a little better, lol… Ahh, nooo. What auctions? Where? 12K? You really wanted Six’s red dress? But that’s only about 150-200 figures! Why not? LOL! ^o^

  40. @xJaymanx: To Heart = WIN!. I gots me the Koto Akari, Multi, Tomoko and Serio. I think thats all my To Heart figures… I got my TH2 ones ofc lol.
    And an international figure league…. sounds like a funky idea… how on earth would you choose the figures though… would it be like catagories….
    And which sounds better? WFL or IFL? Both already mean something. But it’d be World/International Figure League lol.

    Meimi132´s last blog post > ISML 2008 Winner – Fate Testarossa

  41. @M-chan: Hehe, thanx! But I don’t remember Tomoko that well, hmmm. Was she in the “TH – Memories” sequel? Don’t remember her there either, lol.

    Haha, I never said “International”, but why not? Although maybe start out smaller… Categories? Well, we could start with just 1/8th PVCs first. Well, we don’t have to choose *hundreds* of figures, lol. If anything, we ask readers to suggest a bunch, then compile a list of 32 or 64, etc. Then again, how is the actual “Saimoe” organized? How do they choose contestants?

  42. @xJaymanx: She was in the original, not a big part, she was the student rep, glasses and hair tied back, Tomoko Hoshino.

    And nooooo hundreds is waaaay too many lol. 32/64 seems like a better number. As for ‘international’ I just meant for the voting lol, not restricting the votes to any one country.

    I think contestants for Saimoe are nominated, but have to meet certain criteria, then they’re wittled down to the 64 final contestants. I’m looking into how they’re system goes, cos theres no way in hell I could make one lol.

    Meimi132´s last blog post > ISML 2008 Winner – Fate Testarossa

  43. @M-chan: Ahh, I see. Maybe that’s why I didn’t recognize her. She was in “Clark Kent” mode! I might have to check “To Heart” again. Erm, maybe, lol.

    Haha, yeah, hundreds would be too monstrous. Then again, according to Wiki, the actual “Saimoe” starts out with thousands! Thousands! With two rounds before the actual tournament, lol. Yeah, for the “Figure Tournament”, after an initial round of ranked nominations, the top 32-or-64 should be enough. Maybe a few wildcard spots. Simpler to construct, eh?

  44. @xJaymanx:
    Lol, she was CK mode lol, I didn’t recognise her from my figure at first, when I saw the anime finally. But she’s nice.

    And lol, thousands, no way in hell lol. I thinks…. 40… I’ve got possibly rules posted here http://figureleague.wordpress.com/rules/. I’m in two minds about making just a DC league, might be easier to begin with. I’m going with a combo of mascot championship rules and the ISML rules…. it doesn’t confuse me that way lol.

    Meimi132´s last blog post > ISML 2008 Winner – Fate Testarossa

  46. @M-chan: Hehe, here’s my comment on the “Figure League” blog…

    “LOL, damn, that was fast! I’ll take a closer peek at this later today or tonight, I hope… But my first quick thought is, I’d rather keep the scales separate, because the detail of a 1/6th could easily outweigh the detail of a 1/8th, right?”

    P.S. Maybe I missed something. But how did u go from 6 figures in Round 3, to 8 figures in Round 4? Where did the other 2 figures come from?

  48. @M-chan: Hahaha, which logic? Blog worth? Hehe, sorry about that! Or wait, did u mean my question about Round 3 to Round 4? Did I overlook the numbers?… But you’re right, 1/8th and 1/7th should be fine. I think the manufacturers are just as confused about that anyway, lol. ^o^

  49. Wow thats a really eye catching first picture lol i bet it reeled some readers in XD
    Congrats on the increase too, its well deserved!
    I have been wondering though, do you use a site or something for your backdrops for your figures? they look amazing…

    taketombo´s last blog post > 「ただいまー」

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