Aww, thanks, Aki-chan! Happy Belated Birthday to you too! Sadly, Aki-chan’s message is genuinely fake, hehe. But yup, 5 days after Aki-chan’s March 14th birthday, on March 19th, I climbed another year higher, wiser and more tuned to the ways of live-action J-drama, K-drama, Asian gravure idols, and Japanese onigiri. Not bad, huh? On that note, my Tender Toyboxers, let’s step away from “fake” 2D anime and animation this week, and instead, sit back, relax with a bowl of sticky rice, and enjoy a refreshing bottle of “real” 3D entertainment. Ready? Then let’s do it. Let’s start the show…

Part 1 of 5 > My 44 Live-Action in 2009

During my last mega-cast, you might remember what I said about “fake” anime.

Fake? Has anime started to feel fake yet? Yup, you heard me, hehe. The reason I ask this is that… the unexpected and inexplicable sensation swept over me that: “Anime [is] starting to feel fake”. It lasted for only a few moments. But this was the first time I felt anything like this before, after 4-or-5 years of unwavering anime loyalty. Even during real-life disruptions… But perhaps, over the recent months, my rising consumption of 3D live-action J-drama and K-drama, as well as the growing influence of Asian friends, co-workers, culture and cuisine have collectively caused a greater impact than I realized. An impact both visual and emotional. Perhaps. Thus, for those few moments, 2D anime felt “fake”. It no longer felt “real” to me.

Oddly, despite finishing several more anime titles over the last couple months, I haven’t experienced another “inexplicable sensation” since then. Nevertheless, to highlight my “rising consumption of 3D live-action”, in the tradition of my “annual anime lists”, I now present for the first time ever, my “annual live-action lists”. Yup, to complement My 41 Anime in 2009, here is My 44 Live-Action in 2009. Hey, did you catch that? I wrote “44″ live-action, 3 more than my “41″ anime. Fascinating, huh? From ancient warriors to eccentric pianists to moody lovers to galactic trekkers to insatiable pirates to high-school delinquents to super-rich schoolboys, it’s been a lively live-action year! To be specific, here are my live-action faves of 2009!

Next, here are my complete lists of live-action faves and 44 live-action titles-seasons of 2009. Hmm, while my anime titles witnessed a striking monthly drop after September 2009 through December 2009, my live-action titles witnessed a strong presence during those same months. Whether or not there’s a genuine personal “fall of anime”, it’s tough to ignore a personal “rise of live-action”. And tougher to ignore just by the very existence of this list!

My Live-Action Rating

• +++++ DOUBLE WOW! 5 of 5 stars! Maximum for full seasons or films!
• ++++ WOW! 4 of 5 stars! Maximum for half seasons!

My Top-10 Full Seasons > 5 of 5 stars!

• [41] +++++ Hana Yori Dango – Season 2 (1-11) > Honorable Mention!
• [39] +++++ Jumong – Season 3 (41-60) > Fave K-Drama!
• [36] +++++ Jumong – Season 2 (21-40)
• [35] +++++ Hana Yori Dango – Season 1 (1-9)
• [33] +++++ Jumong – Season 1 (1-20)
• [29] +++++ Torchwood – Season 3 – Children of Earth (2009, 1-5) > Fave UK-Drama!
• [27] +++++ Zettai Kareshi (Absolute Boyfriend, 2008, 1-12)
• [20] +++++ Terminator – Sarah Connor Chronicles – Season 2 (1-22)
• [16] +++++ Nodame Cantabile – Live-Action (2006, 1-11) > Fave J-Drama!
• [09] +++++ Battlestar Galactica – Season 4 (1-20) > Fave US-Drama!

My Top-5 Films or Specials > 5 of 5 stars!

• [31] +++++ In the Mood for Love (Fa yeung nin wa, 2000) > Fave Romance Film!
• [26] +++++ Gokusen 2 – Reunion Special (2005)
• [25] +++++ Star Trek (2009) > Fave Sci-Fi Film!
• [21] +++++ Gokusen 3 – Graduation Special (2009) > Fave Comedy Special!
• [14] +++++ Red Cliff – Part II (Chi bi xia: Jue zhan tian xia, 2009) > Fave Action Film!

My Top-2 Adult Films > 5 of 5 stars!

• [06] +++++ Pirates II: Stagnetti’s Revenge (2008) > Fave Adult Film!
• [05] +++++ Pirates XXX (2005)

My 44 Live-Action Titles-Seasons in 2009

December 2009

• [--] Tomb Raider 2 – The Cradle of Life (2003) – Finished (again) 29 Dec.
• [--] Tomb Raider (2001) – Finished (again) 27 Dec. Yup, finally finished “Tomb Raider” again.
• [44] ++++ Sherlock Holmes (2009) – Finished 26 Dec. Heyyy, not bad, not bad! Maybe 4 of 5 stars?
• [43] ++++ Hana Yori Dango Final – Director’s Cut (2008) – Finished 25 Dec. Aww, added or extended scenes, 4-5 of 5 stars!
• [42] ++++ Hana Yori Dango Final (2008) – Finished 24 Dec. Ahh, the film finale to the TV series. Should I give 4 of 5 stars? Or 5 stars?
• [41] +++++ Hana Yori Dango – Season 2 (1-11) – Finished 22 Dec. Wow, another dramatic 5 of 5 stars!
• [40] ++++ Evanescence: Anywhere but Home (2004) – Finished 17 Dec. Wow, not bad, I’d say 4 of 5 stars!
• [39] +++++ Jumong – Season 3 (41-60) – Finished 14 Dec. Wow, finished my self-defined “Season 3″, episodes 41-60. Epic 5 of 5 stars! Wallpapers and review at Blog 218.
• [--] Star Trek (2009) – Finished (again) 13 Dec. Yup, watched the film again, a better version of the downloaded movie file! Yup, 5 of 5 stars again! Wallpapers and review at Blog 214.
• [38] ++++ Equilibrium (2002) – Finished 05 Dec. Hey, finally watched this “Matrix” clone. Not bad, I’d give 4 of 5 stars!

November 2009

• [37] ++++ Doctor Who – Planet of the Dead (2009) – Finished 22 Nov. Hey, 4 of 5 stars!
• [36] +++++ Jumong – Season 2 (21-40) – Finished 17 Nov. Wow, finished my self-defined “Season 2″, episodes 21-40. Epic 5 of 5 stars! Wallpapers and review at Blog 218.
• [35] +++++ Hana Yori Dango – Season 1 (1-9) – Finished 15 Nov. Wow, dramatic, amusing and emotional 5 of 5 stars!

October 2009

• [34] ++++ Battlestar Galactica – The Plan (2009) – Finished 24 Oct. Not perfect but not bad at all, 4 of 5 stars! Images and review at Blog 218.
• [33] +++++ Jumong – Season 1 (1-20) – Finished 19 Oct. Wow, finished my self-defined “Season 1″, episodes 1-20. Epic 5 of 5 stars! Wallpapers and review at Blog 218.
• [32] +++ Densha Otoko (2005) – Finished 17 Oct. Didn’t quite pay attention to it, due to some physical distractions, hehe. Poster and review at Blog 218.
• [--] Forbidden Kingdom (2008) – Finished (again) 04 Oct. Not bad for a second viewing! Poster and review at Blog 218.

September 2009

• [--] Jumong – Started 20 Sep. Epic! Even though this was only the first episode, I felt I had to mention when I started such an epic series! Wallpapers and review at Blog 218.
• [31] +++++ In the Mood for Love (Fa yeung nin wa, 2000) – Finished 20 Sep. Yup, watched the film plus the DVD extras. Wow, 5 of 5 stars! Maggie and Tony remind me sooo much of us! Uncanny! I mean, how did I avoid watching this? Since I already watched “2046″ before, how? After meeting her, must be fate? Poster and review at Blog 218.
• [--] So Close (Chik yeung tin si, 2002) – Finished (again) 11 Sep. Yup, finally finished the film plus the DVD extras again. I don’t remember what rating I gave when I first saw it, but I’d give it 4 of 5 stars today, hehe. Images at Blog 217.

August 2009

• [--] Death Note 2 – The Last Name (2006) – Finished (again) 29 Aug. Yup, watched it with her, hehe. Wallpapers and review at Blog 210.
• [--] Death Note (2006) – Finished (again) 29 Aug. Yup, watched it with her, hehe. Wallpapers and review at Blog 210.
• [30] ++++ The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009) – Finished 22 Aug. Yup, watched it with her at Sunset Station Casino. Hey, not bad, 4 of 5 stars! Several moments of near tears. Wallpapers and review at Blog 216.

July 2009

• [29] +++++ Torchwood – Season 3 – Children of Earth (2009, 1-5) – Finished 31 Jul. Whoa, didn’t tear up, but still emotional 5 of 5 stars!
• [28] +++ Lord of War (2005) – Finished 29 Jul. Just okay, 3 of 5 stars.
• [27] +++++ Zettai Kareshi (Absolute Boyfriend, 2008, 1-12) – Finished 24 Jul. Watched the 2008 TV series, followed by the 2009 extra episode. Wow, 5 of 5 stars! With the first ending, so many tears streaming down both my cheeks. Screencaps and review at Blog 213.
• [26] +++++ Gokusen 2 – Reunion Special (2005) – Finished 24 Jul. Wow, two-hour reunion! Teared up too, 5 of 5 stars! Screencaps and review at Blog 213.
• [25] +++++ Star Trek (2009) – Finished 21 Jul. Yup, finally watched the downloaded movie file. And I’m glad I did, 5 of 5 stars! Wallpapers and review at Blog 214.
• [24] ++++ Watchmen (2009) – Finished 12 Jul. Wow, finally watched the film-version of the break-through comic, 4 of 5 stars! Wallpapers and review at Blog 211.
• [23] ++ L – Change the World (2008) – Finished 11 Jul. Ehh, nice to see “L” again, but such a poor plot, 2 of 5 stars. Wallpapers and review at Blog 210.
• [22] ++++ Smallville – Season 8 (1-22) – Finished 03 Jul. Haha, a six-episode marathon till the 22nd-episode finale! Whoa, intense 4 of 5 stars! Wallpapers and review at Blog 209.

June 2009

• [21] +++++ Gokusen 3 – Graduation Special (2009) – Finished 27 Jun. Awww, wild, wacky yet warm. Yup, no doubt, another 5 of 5 stars! Screencaps and review at Blog 208.
• [20] +++++ Terminator – Sarah Connor Chronicles – Season 2 (1-22) – Finished 19 Jun. Wow, the stylistic reverence and cinematic adherence to the original film trilogy is uncanny! An impressive 5 of 5 stars! Wallpapers and review at Blog 207.
• [19] ++++ Blade Runner – Director’s Cut (1982, 1992) – Finished 14 Jun. Hehe, after “Hard Boiled”, I was then inspired to watch “Blade Runner” again, starring Harrison Ford and Edward James Olmos. Still a cyborg-gunning 4 of 5 stars! Posters and review at Blog 207.
• [18] ++++ Hard Boiled (Lat sau san taam, 1992) – Finished 14 Jun. Hey, finally watched this film! Directed by John Woo, starring Chow Yun-Fat and Tony Leung Chiu-Wai. A bullet-flying 4 of 5 stars! Wallpaper and review at Blog 207.
• [17] ++++ Nodame Cantabile – Special in Europe (2008, 1-2) – Finished 13 Jun. After the live-action series, watched the two-episode “Special in Europe”. Awww, 4 of 5 stars! Screencaps and review at Blog 207.
• [16] +++++ Nodame Cantabile – Live-Action (2006, 1-11) – Finished 12 Jun. Haha, the live-action version of the extraordinary anime! Wow, sublime 5 of 5 stars! Screencaps and review at Blog 207.
• [15] ++++ In July (Im Juli, 2000) – Finished 06 Jun. Ahh, a random non-Asian change via Netflix, finally watched this German romantic comedy. Aww, hard not to fall in love with Christiane Paul. A colorful 4 of 5 stars! Images and review at Blog 205.

May 2009

• [14] +++++ Red Cliff – Part II (Chi bi xia: Jue zhan tian xia, 2009) – Finished 04 May. Double-wow! Spectacular 5 of 5 stars! Wallpapers and review at Blog 201.

April 2009

• [13] ++++ Shinobi – Heart Under Blade (2005) – Finished 25 Apr. Ahh, the live-action film alternative to the novel or anime. Too few ninjas, but not bad, 4 of 5 stars! Wallpapers and review at Blog 199.
• [12] ++++ Police Story 3 – Supercop (Ging chat goo si 3: Chiu kup ging chat, 1992) – Finished 19 Apr. Wow, Jackie Chan’s third police-punching action-packed roller-coaster ride, featuring the dazzling Michelle Yeoh, 4 of 5 stars! Screencaps and review at Blog 198.
• [11] ++++ Battlestar Galactica – Caprica – Pilot (2009) – Finished 18 Apr. Heyyy, the pilot for the 2010 series! Wow, wickedly impressive 4 of 5 stars!
• [10] +++ Seven Swords (Chat gim, 2005) – Finished 10 Apr. Stunning imagery, but ehh, not bad, 3 of 5 stars.

March 2009

• [09] +++++ Battlestar Galactica – Season 4 (1-20) – Finished 21 Mar. Wow, glorious final episode of the final chapter! Wickedly breathtaking, heart-stoppingly mind-blowing, with twists, turns and surprises till the end, haha. For a full 90 minutes too. A galactic 5 of 5 stars! Wallpaper and review at Blog 194.
• [08] +++ Snakes & Earrings (Hebi ni piasu, 2008) – Finished 21 Mar. Hmm, a revealing yet startling window into soul-searching underground characters. The plot wasn’t too bad, 3 of 5 stars. Screencaps and review at Blog 194.

February 2009

• [07] ++++ Police Story 2 (Ging chat goo si juk jaap, 1988) – Finished 21 Feb. Wow, Jackie Chan’s police-punching sequel, 4 of 5 stars! Screencaps and review at Blog 190.
• [06] +++++ Pirates II: Stagnetti’s Revenge (2008) – Finished 20 Feb. Wow, spectacular big-budget adult film, 5 of 5 stars! Screencaps and review at Blog 190.
• [05] +++++ Pirates XXX (2005) – Finished 10 Feb. Wow, impressive big-budget adult production! Haha, except for the explicit sex, almost like a “real” movie, 5 of 5 stars! Screencaps and review at Blog 188.
• [04] ++++ Battle Royale (2000) – Finished 06 Feb. Whoa, with all the bloody violence, unexpectedly complex and layered, 4 of 5 stars! Screencaps and review at Blog 188.

January 2009

• [03] ++++ Police Story (Ging chat goo si, 1985) – Finished 28 Jan. Wow, Jackie Chan’s police-punching classic! Even after 24 years, the stunts are still insane, 4 of 5 stars! Screencaps and review at Blog 187.
• [02] ++++ Doctor Who at the Proms (Special, 2009) – Finished 11 Jan. Heyyy, not bad, pretty entertaining! Such moving and memorable musical pieces for the reimagined sci-fi series, 4 of 5 stars!
• [01] ++++ Sarah Jane Adventures – Season 2 (1-12) – Finished 04 Jan. Ahh, a more child-oriented version of the reimagined “Doctor Who”, but still quite an entertaining 4 of 5 stars!

Part 2 of 5 > Hana Yori Dango to Dae Jang Geum

Congratulations to “Hana Yori Dango”! Although “Nodame Cantabile” stole the prize of “Fave J-Drama”, I couldn’t overlook “Hana Yori Dango” either. So I gave this J-drama an “Honorable Mention”! Let’s take another look why.

• [43] ++++ Hana Yori Dango Final – Director’s Cut (2008) – Aww, 4-5 of 5 stars!
• [42] ++++ Hana Yori Dango Final (2008) – Ahh, 4 of 5 stars? Or 5 stars?
• [41] +++++ Hana Yori Dango – Season 2 (1-11) – Wow, 5 of 5 stars!
• [35] +++++ Hana Yori Dango – Season 1 (1-9) – Wow, 5 of 5 stars!

Yup, not just two seasons, but also a film finale. In the same effective “dramedy” style seen in “Gokusen” (Blog 208 and Blog 213) and “Nodame Cantabile” (Blog 207), “Hana Yori Dango” likewise dances playfully between exaggerated over-the-top comic-violence and heart-breaking-heart-warming tears. Especially captivating are Mao Inoue (as Makino Tsukushi, 牧野 つくし) and Jun Matsumoto (as Domyouji Tsukasa, 道明寺 司), also a graduate of “Gokusen”. And oftentimes, successfully frustrating too, hehe. But yeah, an undeniable 5 of 5 stars overall, across both seasons and both film versions.

To celebrate, ranging dramatically from 1024px-to-3000px resolution, here are 13 wallpapers, scans and other images. Feel free to enlarge!

Inevitably, following the success of the “Hana Yori Dango” (2005, 2007) J-drama series, the K-drama version “Boys Over Flowers” (2009) was born. Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy its slower pace. Especially on the treadmill. So after willfully enduring 7 of 25 episodes from January 13th to January 20th, I finally gave up. Ugh, the 7th was the slowest episode thus far. That’s when I switched back to another K-drama, the classic “Dae Jang Geum” (2003) series, hehe. Nevertheless, here are a couple of images for your idle and idol enjoyment!

Coincidentally, on March 2nd, while Autumn-chan was strolling through the library, she managed to pass by an aisle of manga, thought of me, and snapped some shots on her iPhone, haha. Not just “Hana Yori Dango” (Boys Over Flowers), but “Kare Kano” (His & Her Circumstances) too! Wow, it’s been ages since I blogged about “Kare Kano”. Let’s see, Blog 184? Yup, I think that was the last time!

Speaking of the classic “Dae Jang Geum” (2003) K-drama, I also started it on January 13th. But unlike the “Boys Over Flowers” (2009) K-drama, I’ve stuck with it for over 2 months, enjoying over 40 of 54 episodes thus far! Especially on the treadmill, haha. I can definitely see the interrelated influences with other Ancient Korean K-drama favorites like “Damo” (2003) and “Jumong” (2006). I’ll probably discuss it in more detail next time, but for now, here are several wallpapers for your wondering and wandering eyes.

Haha, got enough live-action J-drama and K-drama to fill your bowl?

Part 3 of 5 > Miss Actress to Aki Hoshino

Once again, Happy Birthday to you, Aki-chan! I didn’t forget your photoshoot, hehe. Ahh, my Tantalized Toyboxers, if you’ve peeked at the Toybox often enough, you’ve already seen a few of my posts featuring Japanese gravure-idol photoshoots. Haven’t you?

• Juri Ueno from the hit J-drama “Nodame Cantabile” (Blog 207)
• Yukie Nakama from another hit J-drama “Gokusen” (Blog 208 and Blog 213)

So finally, in the tradition of my previous photoshoots, I present Aki Hoshino (ほしのあき / 호시노 아키 / 星野亞紀) from the Miss Actress Photo Book #070 (2005). Enjoy!

Oh, before I forget, here’s an interesting side note. When I first stumbled upon Aki-chan’s photoshoot months ago, perhaps half a year ago along with Juri-chan’s or Yukie-chan’s photoshoots, I noticed how artsy-and-dark this shoot was compared to other standard bright-and-sunny idol shoots. Very cool. But when I began composing this mega-cast, I somehow lost the link! Fortunately, on February 28th, I found it again! Along with an intriguing interview I hadn’t seen before. Thus, I requested the assistance of Autumn-chan to translate and summarize the text. Thanks Autumn-chan!

Autumn-chan: finally made sense

xJAYMANx: awesome

Autumn-chan: sorry it took so long

xJAYMANx: ohh, no time at all, want to add any comments for those 6 pages?
(for blog)

Autumn-chan: i don’t have anything to add…

xJAYMANx: np, then would it be okay to ask for a brief summary?
or does the english parts sum it up

Autumn-chan: she talks about when she was in middle school and high school, how she didn’t like studying but liked to go to school because her friends were there
she didn’t know how to be friends with boys or go on dates because she didn’t know how to have a relationship with a guy (she didn’t have a father)

xJAYMANx: interesting

Autumn-chan: and then when she was 18 she had a crush on a guy that was 23
she thought he was his boyfriend until she found out that she was only one of his several girlfriends

xJAYMANx: ahh
(sent a final question) [Via email: Here are 2 more without much text. Would they fit better at the start, end or somewhere in between (about being an "all-boys girl").]

Autumn-chan: so he broke her heart and she lost a lot of weight

xJAYMANx: aww

Autumn-chan: then she went to his home to pick up her stuff and when he saw how thin she was, he was kind to her, so she thought if she looked sick he’d like her
she was 35kg which is less than 80 pounds

xJAYMANx: wow

Autumn-chan: but she got over that and started modeling

xJAYMANx: thats super skinny isn’t it?

Autumn-chan: (yes) and she started when she was 24 and no magazine wanted her, but she somehow made it

xJAYMANx: really
that’s late to start modelling

Autumn-chan: yes
very late, she says that’s when girls stop doing bikinis

xJAYMANx: yeah
(anywhere in between, so not start or end)

Autumn-chan: i think it should start with 107

xJAYMANx: i agree
which text page talks about “all boys girl”

Autumn-chan: 107

xJAYMANx: ahh, so you’re right, anywhere in between

Autumn-chan: the second picture is probably in high school which is on 105

xJAYMANx: you mean 102 goes w 105?

Autumn-chan: yes

Without further ado, here’s Aki-chan’s photoshoot! As always, feel free to enlarge the images. You’ll notice the original interview soon enough, hehe.

Hehe, got enough lively bikini idols to fill your cup? But here’s a more intriguing side note. It occurred to my cross-circuited brain: Doesn’t Aki Hoshino remind you of a modern-day Japanese version of the innocent-yet-curvy Hollywood legend Marilyn Monroe?

Part 4 of 5 > Japanese Souvenirs to Birthday Dishes

Okay, my Toasty Toyboxers, enough about live-action dramas and lively bikini idols. Let’s talk about food! During my last mega-cast, you might remember how I acquired my rice cooker.

On Saturday, 09 January 2010, based on Autumn-chan’s advice, I finally ordered my $122 Zojirushi rice cooker for just $9, hehe… Then less than a week later, on Thursday, 14 January 2010, I picked up my new Zojirushi from the office front desk. I opened up the box in the office kitchen and checked it out. Nice. The next night, on Friday, 15 January 2010, I cooked some Calrose white rice, mixed some ume-shiso seasoning into it, and ate half with my leftover sardines, mmm. Then made the other half into two onigiri, hehe.

Well, over the rest of January through February and March, I’ve experimented with quite a few variations of onigiri, ranging from plain Calrose white rice, to Calrose white rice with shiso seasoning, to Calrose white rice slightly browned with soy sauce plus shiso seasoning, to Calrose brown rice with wakame (seaweed) mix. Thanks Autumn-chan for the shiso and wakame! In fact, here’s a two-month-old snapshot of my Zojirushi. At near-daily use, it’s still going strong!

Back in mid-January, here were my early attempts at oddly-shaped “cubic” onigiri, haha. Calrose white with shiso.

One month later, mid-February, here were my more traditionally shaped “triangular” onigiri. Plain Calrose white.

Ah yes, souvenirs from the “Tokyo Loot Fairies”! After Autumn-chan came back from Japan, she brought back quite a few intriguing trinkets. A stack of tourist brochures, curry and shiso mixes, a shopping guide and other boxes. Unrelatedly yet relatedly, my close co-worker friend Allie-chan also happened to bring back a little gift. Can you guess which one it is?

Haha, first, let’s talk about the orange box with feet on it! This was Autumn-chan’s primary present for the winter season. Any educated guess what it is? Yup, a type of gel-pack bed warmer! Just take the gel-pack, heat it in the microwave for a couple of minutes, throw it under the bed covers, and you’re good to go for the night. You have the option to stick it in the orange sack to protect your skin from any prolonged contact. But since I wore sweatpants and socks anyway, the toasty heat didn’t bother me. I must admit, it was a nice companion to my portable heaters. But it doesn’t quite exist in the States, does it? At least not on Amazon.

Ah, second, the curry mix! But not just the sauce, the mix also includes the meat, potatoes and veggies. Very convenient! Unfortunately, only enough for one plate. One, maybe two servings. Definitely not something I can find at the local grocery store, even in the “international” or “ethnic” aisle, hehe. Oh yeah, if you look closely, or enlarge the image, you can see the “3″ in the bottom-right corner. That’s a mild or medium “3 out of 5″ in the spiciness range.

Third, the shiso mix! Made from the shiso plant, this seasoning adds a very consistent saltiness to your onigiri. Actually, let me correct that, you can control the density and consistency of the saltiness depending on how you mix up, or don’t mix up, your cooked rice. In any case, mmm, tasty.

Fourth, the “Dessert Pocky”! Why is it called “Dessert”? Who knows? I guess it must be the cheesecake flavoring? Or the very un-dense packing? Haha, I mean, come on, even though they show 12 sticks on the box cover, any reasonable consumer might expect more than that, right? Well, nope. It’s exactly 12 sticks, or 3 sticks in each of the 4 packs. That’s all. Just 12 sticks!

Fifth, the “Super Skinny Pocky”! I forgot what the translation on the big red arrow was, but I think it was something like “Super Skinny”. Is it really “Super Skinny” compared to the traditional standard “Pocky”? Hmm, maybe slightly. But then again, I don’t eat it often enough to immediately notice the difference, unless you told me.

Ahh, here’s another curious side note. I forget who told me, either Autumn-chan or Allie-chan, but “Pocky” treats are normally considered “very girlie” in Japan. I never knew this until last year! How girlie? Well, probably as “girlie” as buying and putting on make-up. Yup, no joke. Which explains why you see only girls enjoying “Pocky” in anime and drama. Which also explains why they came out with a specific “Men’s Pocky” to target male consumers. Like I said, no joke. If I were strolling though Tokyo, I’d probably not want to be seen eating “Pocky”. For example, take a peek at the back of the box. Where Mizuki Kuroda is showing you how to add tiny hearts to your “Strawberry Pocky”. Awww, how cute and sweet. So the next time you have a craving for these chocolate sticks, don’t forget to put on your lipstick and nail polish too, haha.

Sixth, even more onigiri “accessories”, hehe. In the pink packet, sake (salmon) seasoning for mixing into the rice. In the first green packet, wakame (one type of seaweed) seasoning for also mixing into the rice. And in the second green packet, nori (another type of seaweed) for covering an exterior section of the onigiri.

Seventh, the “Japan Shopping Guide”! Covering English, Korean, Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese. Hardly any Japanese at all! Including train lines, bus lines, maps and product information for all your favorite shopping sites! Featuring Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza, Ikebukuro, Akihabara, Makuhari, Funabashi, Yokohama, even Narito Airport, and bits of Osaka too, hehe.

Ahh, so do any of these Zojirushi rice cookers look familiar? Hmmm?

Well, that’s all of the “Tokyo Loot” souvenirs, folks! Can you guess which gift Autumn-chan didn’t bring me? The gift that Allie-chan brought back? Haha, like a needle in a haystack! Or, hint-hint, like a stick in a pile of chocolate? Meanwhile, speaking of impossibly random finds, one day, while I was flipping through the April 2010 issue of “Reader’s Digest” (yeah, a gift subscription from Dad), guess what I found on page 123? A life-sized android Miku-chan! Imagine that! If you have no idea who or what Miku-chan is, check out Otaku Dan’s post “Miku Hatsune Wallpaper Dump” (24 March 2010). Of course, “Reader’s Digest” doesn’t have any idea either.

Another month later, mid-March, here was another tasty onigiri experiment. Calrose white slightly browned with soy sauce plus shiso.

Then another two weeks later, on March 29th, I finally opened the green packet of wakame (seaweed) seasoning above. Calrose brown rice with wakame. Mmm, brown rice definitely makes a difference. Seems to add another layer or texture to the flavor. My favorite onigiri so far!

Mmm, doesn’t all of this onigiri make you hungry? But now, let’s rewind back over the past week to my other delicious birthday dishes! Remember the green box of medium curry mix above? Not just the sauce, but the meat, potatoes and veggies included too? Well, here’s the mix when cooked in the microwave for a minute, and poured over nice and sticky Calrose brown rice, mmm. Doubly delicious when shared with Autumn-chan. Awww.

Afterwards, dessert! Chocolate bread pudding and yummy apple pie! Need I say more?

Mmm, if all of the onigiri didn’t budge you, then the pudding and pie must have! So that was Saturday, March 20th. A few days later, on Tuesday, March 23rd, a couple of my coworkers Melanie (in brown) and Michelle (in black) decided to treat me to a belated birthday lunch. Awww. My choice: T.G.I.F. With some strawberry lemonade, fried green beans, a Jack Daniel’s Sampler platter (packed with chicken, shrimp and ribs), and of course, the final ice-cream dessert accompanied with the universally embarrassing T.G.I.F. staff singing. Bahhh.

Happy Birthday, dude! By the way, my Tempted Toyboxers, if you’re curious about last year’s birthday antics, appetizers and assassins, feel free to take a peek at Blog 194.

Part 5 of 5 > Firefox Personas to Google iGoogles

Are we there yet? Last but not least, here are a few random technical updates on the web browsers and websites I’ve been using. Back on February 18th, I finally installed the new Firefox 3.6, played with its cool Persona skins, and ultimately settled on the “Black Catgirl” browser skin. Nice! Next, on February 22nd, I finally explored iGoogle, configured my iGoogle home page, and ultimately settled with a 3-column “Black UI” theme. Double nice! So on February 28th, with everything pretty stable and set in place, I decided to take some screencaps (Photoshop-edited for content). Yup, very black, very cool.

Yup, my “Black Toybox 2007″ blog design is still running pretty well. Three years sticking with the same design, same theme, same look-and-feel. Not too shabby. Not at all.

Heyyy, thank you, my Trusty Toyboxers, for making it this far! I hope you enjoyed my stumble and climb through live-action drama titles, lively bikini idols, and tasty onigiri. Once again, Happy Birthday, Aki-chan! And thanks to the other gracious gals who glided through this mega-cast. Yukie-chan, Juri-chan, Mao-chan, Autumn-chan, Allie-chan, Miku-chan, Maria-chan, Melanie and Michelle. So did you guess which gift Autumn-chan didn’t bring me? The gift that Allie-chan brought back? Yup, the blue-boxed loosely-packed cheesecake-flavored “Dessert Pocky”, haha.

• Doesn’t Aki Hoshino remind you of a modern-day Japanese version of Marilyn Monroe?
• “Pocky” treats are normally considered “very girlie” in Japan. How girlie?
• Of course, “Reader’s Digest” doesn’t have any idea either. Miku who?

Till next broadcast. Peace. Out.

Final Flashback

Aki-chan: “Happy Birthday, Jay… Got onigiri?”

Jumong (Korean Drama, 2006) | Enlarge 1024px

Konnichiwa minna-san! Greetings, my Tingling, Trembling and Tumbling Toyboxers! Well, enough of the pompous pleasantries. Let’s get to the point. Are you ready? Ready to withstand another soul-smashing tsunami of spellbinding anime, American sci-fi, Hong Kong classics, Japanese comedies, and Korean epics? Ready to digest rock bands, canine menaces, cute costumes, and mouth-watering waves of food-food-food? Ready to battle an unimaginably monstrous mega-cast equaling fifty or more mere-mortal posts? Not yet? Then please leave the battlefield, hehe. But if you are, better polish your psychological shield and sharpen your cultural sword! Prepare to engage! On with the show!

From Autumn to Halloween

Ah, yes, from Autumn to Halloween, let’s navigate through the next 18 days of September and 31 days of October. Alas, a 49-day odyssey through overstated subtlety and understated ecstasy. Abandon hope all ye who enter here!

13 September 2009
Sunday. Somehow, got up 730am. While doing the laundry, worked on Blog 217. Chat too, lol. Napped 1230-230. More chat, lol. Replied to blog comments. Then back to work on blog. Tread w “True Blood” 5/xx. Even more chat, blog, etc.

14 September 2009
Monday. Home. “Ouran” 1/26 (finally started it). LOL, boy is a girl! Opposite of “Maria+Holic”, hehe. Finally installed the magenta ink I received today. Gahhh, when I uncapped it, it splattered! Damn! Luckily, the lemon degreaser I used on my foos table was able to clean the ink from the carpet and my skin. Gah. Tread w “True Blood” 6/xx. Worked on Blog 217 again. While I chatted till 1030pm, lol.

15 September 2009
Tuesday. For lunch, decided on “Burger King” in the Outlet Center food court. Oops, we parked at the wrong end, so we walked-talked across the mall, hehe. But it was fun! Home. “Ouran” 2/26. Near tears! Already? So soon in the series? Tread w “True Blood” 7/xx. Worked on Blog 217. Then sketched a cute little doodle based on our discussion, hehe. More blog work till 11pm.

15 Sept | Burger King | Enlarge

15 Sept | Burger King | Enlarge

15 Sept | Burger King | Enlarge

16 September 2009
Wednesday. Hehe, decided to wear my pink shirt w black striped tie. Why not? Left at my usual 4pm. “Ouran” 3/26, lol. Later, 8:30pm chat. Then skipped my tread-run to finish Blog 217! Hey! Finally done! At 10:45! But we continued to chat till midnight.

17 September 2009
Thursday. Heyyy, visited Kris-chan’s “Bento Bako Weekly“, lol. Left 4pm. Home. Heyyy, Guiness is back! “Gundam Wing” 21/49 w dinner. Napped 6-7pm w Guin, aww. Hmm, Lois’s Facebook comments; offended by my Blog 217 statement about “one girl’s pain, is another’s panic, is another’s pleasure”? Later, tread w “True Blood” 8/xx (still too slow). Then 10pm chat. Till 11pm, hehe.

18 September 2009
Friday. Then after her meeting, 12:30 lunch at TGIF! Mmm, Jack Daniels appetizer sampler and mozzarella sticks! Vanilla cheesecake plus free vanilla ice cream! Haha, photos too, lol. Otsukaresamadeshita! I said it right! Asked her to “Kabuki”? Nahhh, we were still too full from TGIF. And tired, lol. Hugs. Ah, home. Guiness! “Gundam Wing” 22/49. Napped 6-8pm? Tread w “True Blood” 9/xx. WTF? Sam the dog? Dumb. Revealed too late in the series. Should’ve happened in the first few episodes. Forget it. Forget the show. Chat 10pm-130am! Happy Birthday!

18 Sept | T.G.I. Friday’s | Enlarge

18 Sept | T.G.I. Friday’s | Enlarge

18 Sept | T.G.I. Friday’s | Enlarge

18 Sept | T.G.I. Friday’s | Enlarge

18 Sept | T.G.I. Friday’s | Enlarge

18 Sept | T.G.I. Friday’s | Enlarge

18 Sept | T.G.I. Friday’s | Enlarge

18 Sept | T.G.I. Friday’s | Enlarge

18 Sept | T.G.I. Friday’s | Enlarge

18 Sept | T.G.I. Friday’s | Enlarge

18 Sept | T.G.I. Friday’s | Enlarge

18 Sept | T.G.I. Friday’s | Enlarge

18 Sept | T.G.I. Friday’s | Enlarge

18 Sept | T.G.I. Friday’s | Enlarge

18 Sept | T.G.I. Friday’s | Enlarge

19 September 2009
Saturday. Wow, got outta bed 10am! Then as usual, let Guiness outside into the backyard. Sunny! “Gundam Wing” 23-24-25/49 (finished [36] first-half of season; 4 of 5 stars!). Ah, groceries! Through her influence, bought tons of fruits (apples: 3 granny smiths, 3 fujis, 3 braeburns; group of 7 bananas, 7 peaches or nectarines) and veggies (celery and lettuce), not to mention, generic low-sodium vegetable juice, lol. Right after that, decided to get a car wash, finally. Napped 3-5pm? Chat, lol. Then 6pm dinner. Since “True Blood” failed, tread w “Trinity Blood” 1/24? (again). Yup, stopped the “True Blood” crap, lol. But wait, after browsing through my Amazon lists with DivX players, decided to check my DivX player. Heyyy, the “Jumong” SRT subs work on my newer (exercise-room) player! Nice. Thank you Amazon! More chat. Till 1am, hehe.

Mobile Suit Gundam Wing (1995) [36] and [40]. As of 19 Sept, my 36th anime title-or-season of the year. First half of 49-episode series, 4 of 5 stars. As of 13 Nov, completed the second half of the series, my 40th anime title-or-season of the year, 3 of 5 stars. Overall 3 of 5 stars.

Mobile Suit Gundam Wing (1995) | Enlarge 3000px

Mobile Suit Gundam Wing (1995) | Enlarge 1024px

Mobile Suit Gundam Wing (1995) | Enlarge 5300px

Mobile Suit Gundam Wing (1995) | Enlarge 1024px

20 September 2009
Sunday. Whoa, up 730am! Finally applied Soft Scrub Bleach to the shower tiles. For breakfast, had an apple, banana, pecan spinwheel and yogurt, lol. Did more soft-scrubbing to the shower. Then with her hard-drive situation in my mind, decided to back-up my iMac’s Windows XP files (19GB) to my WP Passport portable USB drive. Followed with some blog comment catch-up. From 1-3pm, watched my Netflix of “In the Mood for Love” (2000) plus extras. Wow, 5 of 5 stars! Maggie and Tony remind me sooo much of her and me! Uncanny! I mean, how did I avoid watching this? Since I already watched “2046″ before, how? After meeting her, must be fate? Later, chat while she was studying at the library. Meanwhile, during our chat, ordered “Battle Angel”, “In the Mood for Love” and its sequel “2046″ on Amazon, lol. Lunch w “Ouran HS Host Club” 4/26. She finally left the library at 7pm. Watched more extras from “Mood for Love”. Then tread w “Jumong” (2006) 1/81 (started, 1st half hour). Later, study/chat, hehe. Till 12 midnight.

In the Mood for Love (2000) | Enlarge 1200px

21 September 2009
Monday. Home. Dinner. Celery and lettuce for salad, along w my leftover roast beef sub. “Ouran HS Host Club” 5/26. Napped 6-820pm? Tread w “Jumong” 1/81 (2nd half). Afterwards, chat 10pm-12midnight, hehe.

22 September 2009
Tuesday. Heyyy, wore my blue shirt and purple-blue-striped tie! So I left around 4:30pm. Well, at home w Guiness, I got her call at about 5:20pm, while she was at the parking lot, lol. Basically, she wanted to tell me in private what happened at her meeting. Wow, awesome! That’s the news she wanted to share w me. Dinner w “Ouran” 6/26. Then later, 6-645, chatted w her while she was in class, lol. Tread w “Jumong” 2/81 (1st half). Ah, bills bills bills. Hehe, another chat 920-11pm.

23 September 2009
Wednesday. Around 4pm, my car engine slowed way down. Light indicator: “Service Engine Soon”. Damn, maybe the air intake duct again? Damn. So took the local roads from work, down Warm Springs, all the way to Gibson, then Henderson Nissan dealership at the Auto Mall. Like before, tightening the air intake duct took a quick 15-minute fix! Wow! Dinner w “Ouran” 7/26. Napped 6-7pm. Then around 7pm, she called! She finished her exam! Congrats! Told her it was nice to hear her voice. Tread w “Jumong” 2/81 (2nd half). Later, chat from 915 to 11pm, hehe.

24 September 2009
Thursday. Happy Birthday, Joel! Yup, last night, sent him an Amazon gift email, lol. During my morning commute, noticed the 630-640am sunset in my rearview mirror, aww. Yup, early to office, 640am! Home. Guiness! “Ouran” 8/26. Chat, during her class, lol. Sorries over my earlier behavior! Meanwhile, I continued work on my web “triDocs”, lol. Tread w “Jumong” 3/81 (1st half). Chat from 9pm-11pm.

25 September 2009
Friday. Came to work early, at 645am. Because I arrived early, left early, at 3:45pm. Home. Guiness! “Ouran” 9/26. Later, chat 530-6pm. Tread w “Jumong” 3/81 (2nd half) from 830-930pm. Chat again till 1030pm. Hmm, did she fall asleep? So after an hour, around 1130pm, I wrote: “Sweet dreams.” Aww.

26 September 2009
Saturday. Up 6am. Because of air intake duct issue earlier this week (Thurs?), took the car to Henderson Nissan. Also decided to do the intermediate maintenance ($331.99, ouch). Waited from 8-10am, but did some web “triDoc” work. Afterwards, groceries ($108), including tons of veggies (2 celery stalks, 2 lettuce heads, 3 tomatoes, bag of carrots, container of grape tomatoes) and fruits (10 nectarines, 10 fuji apples, bag of 12 granny smith apples, bunch of 10 bananas). Whoa, 40+ pieces! Hehe, chat from 11:30-12:30. Whoa, napped from 12:30-3:30. Three hours! “Ouran” 10/26. Then intermittent chat throughout the day, as she studied. Later, 530pm tread w “Jumong” 4/81 (1st) since I was going out soon. Then 7pm, sent a bye-bye hug and signed off chat to take a shower, get changed and head to Coley’s “Beatles Rock Band” party! Wow, 730pm till 130am! Six hours! Not just Coley in his orange Sgt. Pepper’s costume (as John Lennon?), but also Vu, Bliss, Sam, Thomas, Andres, Edward, and of course, the cute Kate! Not to mention a dozen or so of Coley’s Asian students, lol. Funny that we rotated through the Beatles songs at least 2-3 times before we got tired of it about halfway thru the night, enough that Vu switched it back to regular “Rock Band”, haha! No complaints from me! Wow, I probably sang about a couple dozen songs! Including “I Am the Walrus” a couple times w Kate, haha. Not to mention, my favorite grunge tunes like “Man in the Box” (Alice in Chains) and “Alive” (Pearl Jam)! Loved singing “Wonderwall” (Oasis) too, but failed “Jane Says” (Jane’s Addiction), haha. Too high! My throat was scratchy and dying by then! Luckily, at my desperate request, Bliss and Kate saved me on that “Jane Says” song, aww. Vu and Kate left about 1230am, but I finally left 130am. Wow, home by 2. Bed by 230am. Whew.

26 Sept | Saturday Rock Band | Enlarge

26 Sept | Saturday Rock Band | Enlarge

26 Sept | Saturday Rock Band | Enlarge

26 Sept | Saturday Rock Band | Enlarge

26 Sept | Saturday Rock Band | Enlarge

26 Sept | Saturday Rock Band | Enlarge

26 Sept | Saturday Rock Band | Enlarge

26 Sept | Saturday Rock Band | Enlarge

26 Sept | Saturday Rock Band | Enlarge

26 Sept | Saturday Rock Band | Enlarge

26 Sept | Saturday Rock Band | Enlarge

26 Sept | Saturday Rock Band | Enlarge

26 Sept | Saturday Rock Band | Enlarge

26 Sept | Saturday Rock Band | Enlarge

26 Sept | Saturday Rock Band | Enlarge

26 Sept | Saturday Rock Band | Enlarge

26 Sept | Saturday Rock Band | Enlarge

26 Sept | Saturday Rock Band | Enlarge

26 Sept | Saturday Rock Band | Enlarge

26 Sept | Saturday Rock Band | Enlarge

26 Sept | Saturday Rock Band | Enlarge

26 Sept | Saturday Rock Band | Enlarge

26 Sept | Saturday Rock Band | Enlarge

26 Sept | Saturday Rock Band | Enlarge

26 Sept | Saturday Rock Band | Enlarge

26 Sept | Saturday Rock Band | Enlarge

26 Sept | Saturday Rock Band | Enlarge

26 Sept | Saturday Rock Band | Enlarge

26 Sept | Saturday Rock Band | Enlarge

26 Sept | Saturday Rock Band | Enlarge

26 Sept | Saturday Rock Band | Enlarge

26 Sept | Saturday Rock Band | Enlarge

26 Sept | Saturday Rock Band | Enlarge

26 Sept | Saturday Rock Band | Enlarge

27 September 2009
Sunday. Somehow got up at 730am, lol. After a mere 5 hours of sleep, lol. Grocery shopping. Tons of fruits (10 bananas, 10 nectarines, 10 oversized Fuji apples, bag of 12-13 Granny Smith apples), lol. Laundry day. Called to tell my parents: “Happy 40th Anniversary!” But left the message instead. Oh well, lol. Put together a new Excel spreadsheet and line chart of my various savings and credit account balances. Interesting! Not great, but not as bad as I thought. “Ouran” 11/26 (aww, almost cried) and 12/26. Napped 1230-215pm. Heyyy, opened my last two-pack wrap of Strawberry Frosted Pop Tarts! Wow! While I still have some left at the office, my 3-year Pop Tart phase is drawing to a close! Chat from 230-430pm. Heyyy, Mom and Dad called back! Wished them a Happy Anniversary, talked for a bit. Till 5pm. Later, chatted from 630-8pm. Tread w “Jumong” 4/81 (2nd half). Even more chat, lol. Till midnight. Aww.

28 September 2009
Monday. Heyyy, didn’t wear my elbow pad for the first time in weeks! But then, garage, 7am “Service Engine Soon” again? Headache too. Texted them, asking to pick me up. But they were tied up. In fact, I decided to skip the shuttle and stay anyway, in case it was a quick fix. Which I expected. And which turned out to be the case. Done 830. Work 9am. “Ouran” 13/26. Napped 530-730pm or so. Chat 8-930pm while I uploaded “Rock Band” photos, hehe. Thus no tread.

29 September 2009
Tuesday. Home. Guiness! Texted her: Good grape luck! “Ouran” 14/26. Hey, for easier image-copy-pasting w my web-help project, installed Office Enterprise 2007 on my iMac’s Virtual XP. Also moved files from XP to iMac to make some room for disc burning. Tread w “Jumong” 5/81 (1st). Chat from 930-1030pm.

30 September 2009
Wednesday. Early to work, 645! Chilly for the first time! Got texts from Lisa: She may be picking up Guiness tomorrow night! Home. Guiness! Another huge salad dinner again, mmm, w “Ouran” 15/26. Followed by nap 6-7pm. Tread w “Jumong” 5/81 (2nd). Chat from 845-10pm.

30 Sept | Guiness the Menace | Enlarge

30 Sept | Guiness the Menace | Enlarge

30 Sept | Guiness the Menace | Enlarge

30 Sept | Guiness the Menace | Enlarge

30 Sept | Guiness the Menace | Enlarge

30 Sept | Guiness the Menace | Enlarge

30 Sept | Guiness the Menace | Enlarge

30 Sept | Guiness the Menace | Enlarge

30 Sept | Guiness the Menace | Enlarge

01 October 2009
Thursday. Whoa, got to work early, 645am? Then to celebrate Melanie’s b-day, 12 noon lunch at “Kabuki”! Sat in the bright sunny patio, met her friend and Muay Thai fighter Patti, ate colorful sushi “Sunkist” (Patti) and “Firecracker” (Melanie) which made my salmon California rolls look sooo plain, lol. Afterwards, walked two feet away to the “Yogurtland”. I didn’t get anything, but the do-it-yourself process was intriguing! Hehe, took final photos, then about 1:30pm, drove Melanie and myself back to the office. Yup, back to reality. Home. Lisa already at the house to brush and bathe Guiness. Mmm, my 3 Oreo+Cheesecake blizzards! Plus ordered Papa John’s pizza plus Cinnamon Pie! Mmm. Somehow I even took a mini-nap before Lisa inevitably left w Guiness about 7pm. Awww, his last day! Super-brief chat w LovelyDuckie-chan, lol. Tread w “Jumong” 6/81 (1st). Then chat 930-11pm.

01 Oct | Kabuki with Melanie & Patti | Enlarge

01 Oct | Kabuki with Melanie & Patti | Enlarge

01 Oct | Guiness’ Last Day at my House | Enlarge

01 Oct | Guiness’ Last Day at my House | Enlarge

01 Oct | Guiness’ Last Day at my House | Enlarge

01 Oct | Guiness’ Last Day at my House | Enlarge

01 Oct | Guiness’ Last Day at my House | Enlarge

01 Oct | Guiness’ Last Day at my House | Enlarge

01 Oct | Guiness’ Last Day at my House | Enlarge

01 Oct | Guiness’ Last Day at my House | Enlarge

01 Oct | Guiness’ Last Day at my House | Enlarge

01 Oct | Guiness’ Last Day at my House | Enlarge

01 Oct | Guiness’ Last Day with Papa John’s Pizza | Enlarge

01 Oct | Guiness’ Last Day with Papa John’s Pizza | Enlarge

01 Oct | Guiness’ Last Day with Papa John’s Pizza | Enlarge

01 Oct | Guiness’ Last Day with Papa John’s Pizza | Enlarge

01 Oct | Guiness’ Last Day with Papa John’s Pizza | Enlarge

01 Oct | Guiness’ Last Day with Papa John’s Pizza | Enlarge

01 Oct | Guiness’ Last Day with Papa John’s Pizza | Enlarge

02 October 2009
Friday. Wore my elbow pad again, bahhh, lol. At 12 noon, lunch at the “Galanga” Thai Eatery. Wow! Tasty Pad Thai and Peanut Curry. Delicious! Finally decided on Outback Steakhouse, since she wanted “quiet and cozy” and hadn’t visited it before. So I suggested it and we got there about 5:30pm, lol. Nice chat. Until the check came. Apparently I lost or misplaced my credit card! I was so flustered! But after calling to ask the “Galanga” place, she calmed me down and reminded me that I used my card to order pizza yesterday! Whew, felt so much better. We finally left 7pm or so. Dropped her off at her car at the office parking lot. Home. The neighbor’s wife found and gave me the foosball score markers for the table, lol. But told her I already bought new ones from Amazon. Then I asked her and her kids to take a look at my cleaned-up foosball table (one kid said “Whoa!”). Later, realized her markers weren’t complete anyway. Oh well. Napped from 7:30-9:30pm. Then we chatted till 10:45pm. Thus no tread. Finally went to bed at midnight or so.

02 Oct | Galanga Thai Eatery | Enlarge

02 Oct | Galanga Thai Eatery | Enlarge

02 Oct | Galanga Thai Eatery | Enlarge

02 Oct | Outback Steakhouse | Enlarge

02 Oct | Outback Steakhouse | Enlarge

02 Oct | Outback Steakhouse | Enlarge

02 Oct | Outback Steakhouse | Enlarge

03 October 2009
Saturday. Happy Tsukimi (based on an earlier chat), hehe. Up 8am! Somehow felt like searching for “In the Mood for Love” wallpapers and other images. “Ouran” 16/26 (whoa, moved to near tears). Heyyy, a surprise discovery, downloaded “Clone Wars – S2″ episodes 1-2! Grocery time from 11:30am-12:30pm, tons of fruits, veggies, even a couple of Asian DVDs (“Forbidden Kingdom” [2008] and “Memoirs of a Geisha” [2005]), hehe. Chat while having lunch, salad and slices of leftover pizza, hehe. While we chatted throughout the day, each did our respective house-cleaning, lol. I did my laundry, vacuum, washing Guiness’ intensely smelly blanket, the same one knitted by my Mom, lol. Finally moved out the various plastics bins to keep Guiness out! Yup, my anti-Guiness defense walls (around my iMac desk area, and at my bedroom door), haha. Meanwhile, we chatted and chatted all day. Then at around 7:20pm, she decided to call my cell. And we talked and talked. Fortunately, we picked up our Gmail chat at 9pm, lol. And we chatted and chatted all night, as I moved myself and my work laptop from the couch to the kitchen table, back to the couch, then on the floor, lol. Chatted till 12 midnight! Thus no tread.

04 October 2009
Sunday. Hmm, restless sleep. Not really dreaming, but waking and falling back to sleep, thinking about her. Ah, finally found time to replace the ceiling air filter. Dusty! Fiddling and fixed the main light timer. Vacuumed the dust off the exercise-room treadmill and fan. More dusty! Aww, chat during lunch. Napped from 1:30pm-3pm. Heyyy, from 4-5pm, watched my downloaded “Clone Wars – S2″ episodes 1-2 of 22 episodes (?). After that, decided to watch one of the DVDs I bought yesterday, “Forbidden Kingdom” (2008). Not bad for a second viewing! Till 7:30pm. Tread w “Jumong” 6/81 (2nd) and 7/81 (1st) till 9pm. Yup, two half-episodes, but still 1.25 miles treading plus interspersed biking. Aww, followed by chat from 9pm till 11:30pm.

Forbidden Kingdom (2008) | Enlarge 2800px

05 October 2009
Monday. Based on last night’s chat, wore my blue shirt and blue-purple diag-striped tie, lol. Heyyy, radio station FM 107.9, “The Alternative” began its commercial-free Mondays. Sweet! “Ouran” 17/26 w huge bowl of salad again. Ham shreds and ranch dressing, mmmm. Chat. “Jumong” 7/81 (2nd) and 8/81 (1st) till 9pm! Wow, 2 miles, 360 calories! Even more chat till midnight, lol.

06 October 2009
Tuesday. Left eye was a bit red, runny nose, allergy? Left 4pm, left eye bothering. “Ouran” 18/26. Nap 6-8pm. Chat. Tread w “Jumong” 8/81 (2nd). She went offline 1030 (fell asleep?). Resumed till 11pm. Hmmm, Vacation Mondays? Again?

07 October 2009
Wednesday. Left 4pm, eye bothering. Vons, green and red grapes, lol. “Ouran” 19/26 w huge salad & BBQ meat, lol. Nap 7-8pm? Brief chat. Tread w “Jumong” 9/81 (1st). Eye bothering less. Chat till 11pm?

08 October 2009
Thursday. New clock alarm setting at 4:27am. Still somehow got up 4:30-5am. To work 7am. Left 4pm. She says she won’t be online tonight? “Ouran” 20/26. Overnapped 8-9:45pm. Brief chat before run. Tread w “Jumong” 9/81 (2nd) from 10 to 10:40pm. Then chat after run, 10:40-11:15pm.

09 October 2009
Friday. Second morning of new alarm: 4:27am. Early to work 6:30am! Dark and gloomy! Haha, 5:30-7:30pm Outback (appetizers+soup) dinner again! Afterwards, during drive back, she said she liked my voice (so I sang ABC’s), dropped her off at office parking lot. Nap 8:30-10:15pm (?), overnapped. Emails. Replied. Fallen for her. Tread w “Jumong” 10/81 (1st, 2nd). Two miles, from 11:30 till 1am.

10 October 2009
Saturday. Up 9am or so. Thinking of her all night. Laundry. Small bathroom, soft-scrubbed the tiles. Chat 10:30am (?) till noon. Lunch chat till 12:30pm. Groceries 1:30-2:30pm. More chat till 3:30pm. Nap till 4:30pm. Finally decided, Fettucini cooking! My first time! Boiled water, add salt, pasta, oil, stir for 15 min. Classico Italian Sausage sauce in microwave. Pics. Done 5:30pm! Mmm, ate tasty bowl. We chatted briefly till 6pm. Intermittent connection. Tread w “Jumong” 11/81 (all), 7-8:15pm (?). Two miles, 360 cals. Replied to emails. Chat from 9:30pm-12:15am. Wow.

10 Oct | First Time Cooking, Fettucini Pasta | Enlarge

10 Oct | First Time Cooking, Fettucini Pasta | Enlarge

10 Oct | First Time Cooking, Fettucini Pasta | Enlarge

10 Oct | First Time Cooking, Fettucini Pasta | Enlarge

11 October 2009
Sunday. Up 9am or so. 8am? 9am? Brief chat 10:45-11am. Bills! Lunch time. Mmm, fettucini leftovers. Saved some for Monday, hehe. Watched extras for “Forbidden Kingdom” DVD I got last week. Till 2:30pm. Chat 3-4pm. Watched “Battle Angel” anime DVD 4-5pm (finished [37]; 3 of 5 stars). Sentimental (manga) but still lacking. Afterward, 5:30pm, watched “Densha Otoko” (2005) film (from Netflix) w my big chicken salad. LOL, funny, condensed version of series! So I stopped after the first 20 min to save for later download, save it to watch w her. Planned to mail it back to Netflix. Burned “Haruhi – S2″ DVD. Added Amberlin and Butterfly Boucher to my iMac’s iTunes list. Amberlin amazing. Tread w “Jumong” 12/81 (all). Two miles = 360 cals. Random biking = 200 cals. So 360+200=560 plus 280 (another 50%) = 840 cals. Chat 9:45pm till midnight.

Battle Angel – OAV (1993) [37]. As of 11 Oct, my 37th anime title-or-season of the year. Two-episode OVA, 3 of 5 stars.

Battle Angel – OVA (1993) | Enlarge 2000px

12 October 2009
Monday. No radio, no 107.9, instead played one of my burned Amberlin CDs in my car! “Ouran” 21/26. Download of “Densha Otoko” film done! Burned to disc. Mailed out “Densha” Netflix DVD in the morning? Then watched first 20 min again, lol. Browsed, searched Amazon. Ordered new Philips DivX player for living room! Tread w “Jumong” 13/81 (all). Two miles, bike, 350+350 cals. Chat 9-9:40pm.

13 October 2009
Tuesday. Left 4pm. “Ouran” 22/26. Napped 6:30-8pm. Tread w “Jumong” 14/81 (all), bike only, 14.5-15 mph = 700 cals. That night, no chat. Tried something new: Set my bill reminders on Google Calendar. Till 11:30pm.

14 October 2009
Wednesday. What the fuck! On my way from my car to office door, pulled out my keys and realized I lost my key fob! Dammit! Fuck! Not in pockets, not in car. Heyyy, the fob was found a couple hours later! Left 4pm. Vons groceries, got more grapes, 6 lbs! “Ouran” 23/26, big salad w turkey coldcut slices. Set up new DivX player, 7pm. Tread w “Jumong” 15/81 (all). This time, something else new: Decided to lower tread grade/slope to 1.5% (instead of 7.5%), in case I run w her in a couple months. Tread 1.25 miles = 200 cals (instead of 225 cals w 7.5%); bike 25 min = 300 cals. Chat 9-11pm. Added more bill reminders to my Google Calendar.

15 October 2009
Thursday. Home. “Ouran” 24/26. Napped 6:30-8:15pm. Tread w “Jumong” 16/81 (all) at 1.5% slope. Tread 1.25 miles = 200 cals. Bike = 50-60 min = 600-700 cals. Bike 12 cals/min. Chat 10-11pm or so.

16 October 2009
Friday. Early to the office: 6:30am! I left 4:15pm. Long day. Crashed into a nap 6:30-8:30pm. Text, pix, chat till 9pm, lol. Tread+bike w “Jumong” 17/81. Two miles! Tread: 1.5% grade/slope, 2 miles @ 7.5 mph = 17 min = 300 cals = 18 cals/min = 150 cals/mile. Bike: 10 miles = 38 min = 500 cals = 13 cals/min = 50 cals/mile. Total time = 55 min over 75 min period, 9:15-10:30pm. Aww, more chat 11:30pm-1:20am.

17 October 2009
Saturday. Up 9:30-10am. Chat. Breakfast w “Gundam Wing” 26/49 (starting 2nd half; while 1st half, 25 episodes, was [36]). Added Amberlin tracks to my home laptop iTunes, yeah! Awesome band. Groceries at 1:30pm. Removed my closed Borders credit card account from my list, confusing! Wow, at 2:30pm, after her meeting, she visited my house! We watched the Japanese film “Densha Otoko” (2005) while laying on the floor against the pillows and couch. Ate grapes. Sooo comfortable as she lay her head against my shoulder. Sooo adorable when she napped for a few minutes. Or when she sat up and recognized one of the plazas in Tokyo, lol. Watched it from about 3-4:30pm. She left about 5pm. But after she got home at 5:30pm, we continued to chat a bit online, aww. Salad dinner w “Gundam Wing” 27/49. Journal catch-up. Tread w “Jumong” 18/81, from 8:15-9:30pm. Tread: 300 cals = 2 miles = 17 min. Bike: 470 cals = 10 miles = 35 min. Chat from 9:30-10:40pm. Napped till midnight. Dozed off again. Overnapped till 1am, bah. I think I waiting for my Trend Micro to finish updating?

Densha Otoko (Film, 2005) | Enlarge 830px

Observation. Having seen both, I still think that the “Densha Otoko” (2005) TV drama starring Misaki Ito is significantly more entertaining and emotional than the “Densha Otoko” (2005) film. Significantly.

Densha Otoko (TV Drama, 2005) | Enlarge 1430px

Densha Otoko (TV Drama, 2005) | Enlarge 1000px

Densha Otoko (TV Drama, 2005) | Enlarge 1600px

18 October 2009
Sunday. Up 9am. Laundry! Extended monitor! Yup, decided to bring my HP desktop monitor to the kitchen table to attach to my Dell laptop, lol. Breakfast w “Gundam Wing” 28/49. Chat 11-11:45am. Continued chat, hehe. Mmm, big chicken salad lunch 1pm-1:40pm w more “Gundam Wing” 29/49. Chat resumed, lol. Napped about 4:30-5:45pm, during which she sent me a Pocky pic from her iPhone, lol. Brief 7:30pm chat. Tread w “Jumong” 19/81, from about 8-9:45pm. Tread: 2 miles = 300 cals. Bike = 500 cals. Total = 800 plus 50% more cooling-down burn = 1200 cals. Even more chat from 10pm till 12:30am.

18 Oct | Seafood City Pocky | Enlarge

18 Oct | Seafood City Pocky | Enlarge

19 October 2009
Monday. Up 5:15am. Breakfast w “Gundam Wing” 30/49. To the office 730am. Home. Dinner w “Ouran Host Club” 25-26/26 (finished [38]; 5 of 5 stars, aww, touching ending!). Tread w “Jumong” 20/81 (all; bike only) (finished my self-defined “Season 1″), from 7:15-9pm, 735 cals. Chat.

Ouran High School Host Club (2006) [38]. As of 19 Oct, my 38th anime title-or-season of the year. Full 26-episode series, 5 of 5 stars!

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Ouran High School Host Club (2006) | Enlarge 3500px

20 October 2009
Tuesday. Fuck! Woke at 4am the morning because of a god-fucking cramp in my right-leg calf muscle! So instead of 5-5:30am, got up at 4:30am, trying to massage and shake the pain away. Breakfast, shower, dressed, got ready, left 7:45am, arrived 8:15am for our company’s User Conference! UC Day #1. Yup, as greeter and room monitor. Fortunately, my leg ache faded in a few hours. Occasional texts between my cell and her Yahoo IM, hehe. Long but interesting day. Till 5:30pm. Home 6pm. Big salad dinner w “Haruhi – S2″ 2-3/14 (“Endless Eight”) till 7:45pm. Wow-wow, opened my email to see Apple’s brand-new 27-inch iMac! Damn! Worked on journal. No tread, to rest my calf muscle. Wow, watched first 20 min of “BSG – The Plan”! Wow! No chat that night.

20 Oct | User Conference | Enlarge

20 Oct | User Conference | Enlarge

20 Oct | User Conference | Enlarge

20 Oct | User Conference | Enlarge

21 October 2009
Wednesday. Up 5am, dressed up by 6:30am. Breakfast w “Haruhi – S2″ 4-5-6/14 (more “Endless Eight”, lol) till 8am. Then left for the User Conference. UC Day #2. Since I’d be there for only a half-day (half-vacation), actually decided to go with blue shirt (no tie), black slacks, and black blazer w brass buttons. Slick! I mean, both Mary and NaTasha complimented me, hehe. Saw Kelly (from IBM) again, haha. We couldn’t figure out what was so funny during our Training class back in March! Nice to see her again. Stayed from 8:30-11:45am. Then left to pick her up from the office to go to Borders. But first, we visited the Apple Store to see the new 27-inch iMac and wireless touch-mouse, wow. Then walked back to Borders. Finally found an open table. Nice long lunch (with fruits? grapes? plus a couple pastries from the UC, lol). Yup, Apple plus Borders from 12noon-1:30pm. Back home 2pm. Random chat from my Yahoo at home to her Yahoo at work, hehe. Napped 4-4:20pm. More chat till her 5pm class. Dinner w more “Haruhi – S2″ 7-8-9/14 (wow, finally ended “Endless Eight”!). Brief chat. Tread w “Jumong” 21/81 (all; started “Season 2″). Tread: 2 miles = 300 cals. Bike: 500 cals. From 8:45-10pm. Plus peeked at the first 5 minutes of my downloaded “Blood – The Last Vampire” (live action), wow.

22 October 2009
Thursday. Ah, arrived at 7:30am to an empty office building, hehe. Due to the User Conference. Left work 4pm. Dinner w “Gundam Wing” 31/49. Napped 6:30-9pm. Chat till 9:40pm. Tread w “Jumong” 22/81. Tread: 11 min, 1.3 miles, 200 cals. Bike: 45 min, 12 miles, 600 cals. Then chat 11-11:20pm, hehe.

23 October 2009
Friday. Breakfast w “Gundam Wing” 32/49. Office at 7:30am. Later, Outback w her, 5:30-6:30pm. Mmm, coconut shrimp, French onion soup, salmon! Back home around 7pm. Brief chat. Napped 7:15-9pm. Up a bit. Then napped again 9-11pm, lol. Thus no tread. But some work on typing up journal. Meanwhile, for the past week, still listening to Battlestar Galactica (BSG) soundtracks (since 10/18), Plumb (since 10/18), Amberlin (since 10/17) on all 3 of my iTunes (iMac, home Dell laptop, and work Dell laptop), hehe. Journal-typing till 2:30am. Bed about 3am.

24 October 2009
Saturday. Up 9am. Chat. Breakfast: Bagel, apple and anime. “Gundam Wing” 33/49. Decided to skip Lowe’s (thought of canned air and multiple sockets). Vons groceries (got multiple-socket surge protector). Continued chat 11am-3pm. “Gundam Wing” 34-35/49. Cleared out the numerous blog items in my Google Reader, whew. “Clone Wars – S2″ 3/22(?). Bills bills bills! Tread w “Jumong” 23/81 from 8:30-10pm. Chat till 11pm. Then decided to watch “BSG – The Plan” (4 of 5 stars) from 12-2am! Not perfect but not bad at all! Afterwards, browsed through Amazon for glass L-shaped desks till 3am, lol. Hmm, instead of using the kitchen table (for the past month)?

Battlestar Galactica – The Plan (2009) | Enlarge 1000px

Battlestar Galactica – The Plan (2009) | Enlarge 990px

Battlestar Babes in Maxim (Nov 2009) | Enlarge 950px

Battlestar Babes in Maxim (Nov 2009) | Enlarge 930px

Battlestar Galactica Promo Shot | Enlarge 1900px

Battlestar Galactica Promo Shot | Enlarge 3000px

25 October 2009
Sunday. Up 9:30am or so. Checked Gmail and cleared more from Google Reader. Otaku Dan asked where I’ve been, lol. Chat. “Clone Wars – S2″ 4/22(?). Cooked fettucini! My 2nd time in 3 weekends! From 11:30am-1pm cooking! Ah, saved some pasta for tomorrow’s lunch. Some grapes too, of course. Nice call w the parents. She left about 1:40pm to do her groceries. Meanwhile, did some more Amazon browsing for external hard drives and headsets, hehe. Decided to continue “Haruhi – S2″ 10/14. Chat 5pm till treadmill. Tread w “Jumong” 24/81 (2 miles = 300 cals) from 6:30-8pm. Back to chat, hehe. Till 10:30pm. Hmm, why have I been using my kitchen laptop more often than my iMac?

26 October 2009
Monday. Left 7:05am. But halfway to work, realized that I almost forgot my fettucini lunch! So drove back home by 7:25am. Then drove back to work by 7:45am. Gahhh, annoying! Then 11:20am lunch downstairs. Mmm, fettucini w Spicy Tomato & Basil, but I think I like Italian Sausage better. Hehe, while I heated it up, NaTasha was surprised that I cooked it myself. Nah, not the sauce, just the pasta, lol. Left 4:30pm. Dinner w “Haruhi – S2″ 11-12-13/14. Almost done. Then tread w “Jumong” 25/81 (2 miles = 300 cals) till 9:30pm. Brief chat till 9:45pm. Created her “To-Do List” and my “To-Watch List”, lol.

27 October 2009
Tuesday. Breakfast w “Haruhi – S2″ 14/14 (finished [39]; hmm, okay, not bad but failed expectations, 3 of 5 stars). Whew, getting cold! Left 4:15-4:30pm. Wow, freezing outside! Even texted her, lol. Dinner w “Goong” 1/24 (started; not too bad, Kris-chan recommended it). Tread w “Jumong” 26/81 (2 miles = 300 cals). Hmm, laundry my 80′s shirts for Melanie’s Halloween Party? Chat. Sweet. Warm.

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (2009) [39]. As of 27 Oct, my 39th anime title-or-season of the year. Season 2 with 14 episodes, 3 of 5 stars! Can I hit my typical target of 50 anime by the end of the year?

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Observation. The infamous “Haruhi 2 – Endless Eight” arc. What’s the big deal? When you strip away all the impatient whining and restless ranting of short attention spans, it is incredibly unique. I remember an episode of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” which follows a similar premise, looping through time for 17 days. But with the “Star Trek” episode “Cause and Effect“, you never get the feeling of “endlessness” depicted in this 8-episode “Endless Eight” sequence. Genius? Tragedy? Insanity? Or dare I say, esoteric art? If you’ve seen a favorite film at least 8 times, and have always found something new, then maybe you shouldn’t whine so much, hehe.

28 October 2009
Wednesday. Up 8:30am. Vacation Wednesday! Jaw still sore but okay. Like I said, felt like an over-extended muscle that just needs time to heal. Then 9am chat after I sent a text to her. Around 11am, took out all the house trash! Worked on journal. Needed to catch-up. Hmm, leverage journal for my blog too? Chat. More journal. Lunch w “Goong” 2/24. Still not a great K-drama, but okay. Ahh, Amazon, intriguing DVD binders? She left 4:45pm for her exam. Browsed Amazon for knitted beanies? Ah, ordered the classy-looking leather-ish DVD binders! Since spending $50 to store 150 DVDs in binders is cheaper and more compact than $100-150 of cases to store the same amount! Napped 6-7:30pm. Hehe, her call woke me up. Decided not to tread. Instead, cleared iMac hard-drive space and virtual XP space, burned Asian dramas to DVDs, cleared more XP space by moving these files to iMac space. Ah, she was back 9:45-11pm. Ordered a brown beanie to match my brown jacket and brown moccasin shoes. Plus ordered my 3rd Lasko portable electric heater. Nice.

29 October 2009
Thursday. Happy Birthday, Jeff! Heyyy, found a decent table on my neighbor’s curbside! So why not grab it? I was looking at tables on Amazon anyway, lol. Ah, back to work. Home. Ah, Lisa had already stopped by, took her books and ivory coat. Laundry: olive bed sheets. Dinner w “Goong” 3/24. Halfway through, napped around 7:30-9:30pm. Must’ve finished “Goong” afterwards. No chat. No tread again. But played w my foos stats on Google Docs till 1:11am, lol.

30 October 2009
Friday. Brrr, another cold night and morning. Hmm, should I wear a black outfit for the Halloween office lunch? Matrix style? With my air gun? Nahhh, maybe not. Just blue jeans. Especially when I’m going to be running around and printing. In prep for the office move, extracted my personal 20-inch Dell monitor out of my cube and carried it to my car. Haha, Paul jokefully shouted, “Stop thief!” Noon. Halloween lunch! So I went downstairs to check it out. Pizza! Kids kids kids! I passed out candy. Took photos too, haha. Relaxing after-work chat. Aww. Till 6pm. Home. Cleaned up the curbside table. Moved my laptop and monitor onto it. Chat 8:45-10pm. Done 10:15pm. No tread for the 3rd night straight.

30 Oct | Halloween Friday Office Lunch | Enlarge

30 Oct | Halloween Friday Office Lunch | Enlarge

30 Oct | Halloween Friday Office Lunch | Enlarge

30 Oct | Halloween Friday Office Lunch | Enlarge

30 Oct | Halloween Friday Office Lunch | Enlarge

30 Oct | Halloween Friday Office Lunch | Enlarge

30 Oct | Halloween Friday Office Lunch | Enlarge

30 Oct | Halloween Friday Office Lunch | Enlarge

30 Oct | Halloween Friday Office Lunch | Enlarge

30 Oct | Halloween Friday Office Lunch | Enlarge

30 Oct | Halloween Friday Office Lunch | Enlarge

30 Oct | Halloween Friday Office Lunch | Enlarge

30 Oct | Halloween Friday Office Lunch | Enlarge

30 Oct | Halloween Friday Office Lunch | Enlarge

30 Oct | Halloween Friday Office Lunch | Enlarge

30 Oct | Halloween Friday Office Lunch | Enlarge

30 Oct | Halloween Friday Office Lunch | Enlarge

30 Oct | Halloween Friday Office Lunch | Enlarge

31 October 2009
Saturday. Up 5am! Happy Halloween Saturday! Breakfast w “Outlaw Star” 6/26. Readied for Melanie’s math study at Barnes & Noble by Seafood City. Yup, location was my suggestion since I was in the mood for Jollibee Filipino food. Especially if she was paying, hehe. Arrived at Barnes & Noble by 9am. Found Melanie, met Brad. Surprised how much geometry, trigonometry, algebra, calculus, probability and statistics I still retained! (But not matrices, lol.) Impressed Brad too. Dozens of math problems till noon, wow! Most of which I just looked at for a few seconds, before finding a solution or direction! Afterwards, Melanie paid for our Jollibee lunch. Mmm, ChickenJoy, Palabok, Shanghai Rolls (lumpia)! Lunched 12:15-1pm. Including food photos, lol. Then we finally left. Groceries 1:30-2:30pm. Afterwards, checked emails, torrents and Amazon. Browsed for desk chairs? Napped 4-6pm. Chat till 7pm. Salad dinner w “Outlaw Star” 7/26. Brief chat. Then tread w “Jumong” 27/81 (2 miles = 300 cals, bike = 500 cals) from 9-10:30pm. Wrote an email to Kris-chan about 11:30pm. Another chat till 12:30-12:40am. Started filling my new DVD binders (received them yesterday?), plus DVD burning. Till 1:10am. Stayed up till 3am. But due to Daylight Saving, actually 2am, lol.

31 Oct | Barnes & Noble Math Study with Melanie | Enlarge

31 Oct | Barnes & Noble Math Study with Melanie | Enlarge

31 Oct | Seafood City’s Jollibee with Melanie | Enlarge

31 Oct | Seafood City’s Jollibee with Melanie | Enlarge

31 Oct | Seafood City’s Jollibee with Melanie | Enlarge

31 Oct | Seafood City’s Jollibee with Melanie | Enlarge

31 Oct | Seafood City’s Jollibee with Melanie | Enlarge

31 Oct | Seafood City’s Jollibee with Melanie | Enlarge

31 Oct | Seafood City’s Jollibee with Melanie | Enlarge

31 Oct | Seafood City’s Jollibee with Melanie | Enlarge

31 Oct | Seafood City’s Pocky with Melanie | Enlarge

31 Oct | Seafood City with Melanie’s ALIAS Fight Wear | Enlarge

From Goong to Jumong and Beyond

Ah, this time, from “Goong” (2006) to “Jumong” (2006), let’s weave our way through my week-long email exchange with Kris-chan, author of her “Bento Bako Weekly” column. Why? So we can see how much I was disappointed by “Goong” yet utterly amazed by the epic “Jumong”!

Goong (Korean Drama, 2006) | Enlarge 1024px

Song Ji-hyo in Goong (2006) | Enlarge 1024px

Song Ji-hyo in Goong (2006) | Enlarge 1024px

Song Ji-hyo in Jumong (2006) | Enlarge 1200px

Anna Tsuchiya, Song Ji-hyo’s Japanese look-alike? | Enlarge 1024px

27 Oct 2009

Kris-chan @xJAYMANx: In case you’ve been wanting to buy any of these. They do have Jumong. I just ordered Goong/Palace. ^_^

xJAYMANx @Kris-chan: Hey, thanx! Actually, it’s a coincidence since I started downloading “Hana Yori Dango” last night. I even peeked at the first 5 minutes of rich kids and limousines, lol. Seems to be very “Ouran Host” like! Hey, I might’ve mentioned I already burned “Jumong” and “Goong” to disc. Oh man, “Jumong” was exactly what I was looking for to continue my “Damo”-style craving for ancient wartime dramas. Awesome, already up to episode 25 out of 81. Makes my nightly treadmill runs sooo much easier, lol.

Kris-chan @xJAYMANx: Oh, well, I have (most of) it burned, too. But it’s a good show, a fantastic production. And it was on sale. I kind of just wanted to support the distribution company, so they’ll keep licensing that sort of thing over here… By the way, when will you have a column again? I miss them… Speaking of columns, I missed my Girl G33k blog this week, because I ran off to get married. ^_^ I did get a Bento Bako out, though! I made an indirect reference to you, lol. You and your silly Moon Phase.

28 Oct 2009

xJAYMANx @Kris-chan: Haha, Kris-chan, r u crazy? If I’m supposed to believe u got married, I’m also supposed to believe that u still needed to get your blogs and articles out? What kind of priorities do u have, hahaha. Yeah, Skip Beat is still on my list, but haven’t moved in that torrent direction yet. Though I do have a question: I’m planning to download the Korean “Boys Over Flowers” after I download the Japanese “Hana Yori Dango – Season 2″. Have u compared the two Asian versions yet?… Oh yeah, congratulations! I think… ^_^

P.S. Heyyy, Kris-chan, just finished “Goong” episode 1 last night. A little slow, but not bad… Now I see where “Jumong” got some of its locations and archery scenes from, haha. “Jumong” is way cooler, like “Goong” injected with a shot of “Lord of the Rings”, hehe.

29 Oct 2009

Kris-chan @xJAYMANx: Heh, well, my Bento Bako post I had been working on for over a month (along with the one going up next week). But yeah, I’ve been really busy with getting that together, and wedding crap, and haven’t been watching much anime lately…so I haven’t had anything to review anyway! I just finished the AIR movie though, so maybe I’ll get that up for next week. ^_^ My priorities are…well…. I mean, the wedding didn’t take much work, since it was really small. And I didn’t work on either website during the days we were gone. I did the Bento Bako post well before hand… I tried some Japanese food for the first time. Turns out I don’t like salted plum rice balls (when they say salted, they mean SALTED). I liked the curry sauce (it was actually kind of sweet in a way), and I LOVED the Tamago (egg omelet). I didn’t eat any sushi (I don’t like fish), but I did eat some veggie Maki-Zushi which was really delicious.

I was talking about the Skip Beat manga, lol, but the anime is good, too. I hope it gets another season. I thought there was going to be a live action from Taiwan but…I haven’t seen anything about it since I saw an announcement about it. I wonder if it was ever made, or if it’s going to be? Because I’m ready to drool over some hot Asians again… And I’m sorry, I don’t know anything about Boys Over Flowers; I haven’t seen the live action, or the anime, or anything. It’s certainly something I plan on getting to eventually, though. Just threw the anime on my Netflix list… Yeah, Goong is a little slow at times. It probably could have run a bit shorter and been OK. But the production value is so high, you tend to forget the pacing… I’ll get to Jumong someday, too. I was just way overwhelmed by the number of seasons and discs there were, so it will have to wait some time, until my Netflix clears up… And thank you! I mean, things don’t really feel any different, because we’ve been together for so long, and have been living together for 4 years or so. But now we can get a tax break. ^_^ How is your autumn of Autumn coming along?

30 Oct 2009

xJAYMANx @Kris-chan: Happy Halloween!… Ah, no worries! After 5 years together, my ex and I had a small wedding too. In Vegas. Not as small, but small. Did u eat those onigiri correctly? Just teasing, but when I take a bite of rice, I only bite a little bit of the salted umeboshi to balance the rice. Little bit of umeboshi at a time, not all at once. Otherwise, saltiness can be too intense, hehe. Mmm, onigiri. Simple yet tasty. Especially when Autumn-chan makes them. Hmm, if not sushi, have you tried California rolls? Those are just as tasty too. Yeah, up to “Goong” episode 3. Still pretty slow. Especially when the characters are sleepy after their ceremony, lol. Well, I think the production value simply enhances what’s already there. In this case, it might actually enhance the slowness. Just as high production value would enhance the action in a action-based series. This might be bad advice, but if u downloaded or burned the first episode of “Jumong”, just watch the first 15 minutes to get a taste. Can’t hurt. Then u can drop it, continue, or do what u want after that. I won’t bother u again, lol. Ah, Autumn-chan. She’s been swamped by both work and classes, so I’ve been supporting her as much as I can, while trying not to be selfish with her limited time. Which can be frustrating. But understandable. Not just me, she thinks she’s selfish too. Eventually, when her last semester ends, she should be more free and flexible. Otherwise, we chat almost every night. Plus telling her “Osaki ni shitsureishimasu” (I’m finally pronouncing it to her standards) or telling each other “Oyasumi”. Which is always comforting… Haha, hot Asians… ^_^

Kris-chan @xJAYMANx: Yes, Happy Halloween! Will you be doing anything? I don’t know that we will, but I have a costume anyway, which I can just wear around the house, lol… No, no! I totally only took a little bite of the plum with some rice. I chewed it for a couple of seconds, then spit it out. It was VERY salty. The rice itself was salty too. I’ve had regular plums before, and I liked them. I guess something about the salt and the tartness of the plum just didn’t work for me… Isn’t a California roll sushi? What I basically mean is, I don’t like seafood… Well, I hope Goong doesn’t disappoint you! I’m afraid it will likely remain at that slow pace. It annoyed me on occasion, but it didn’t turn me off. I still really enjoyed it; it’s a lot better than most of the stuff on TV here, at least… Haha, no…I’m afraid to even glimpse at Jumong. If it’s that good, I might abandon everything else and just absorb myself in it, which would be bad, lol. So I’ll wait until I have the time to devote to it.

When Scott and I were first dating, I was still in college. We only saw each other on weekends. I would drive out to see him (we lived about 40 mins away in different cities) after classes on Friday, and stay until Sunday, then go back to school. I don’t think we talked just a whole whole lot during the week, because he worked all day, and I had classes, then homework, and sometimes theatre crap. So I get the being busy thing… What does “Osaki ni shiklajdiohjdisdi” mean? I’ve heard “Oyasumi” …that’s goodnight, right?… And yes, hot Asians! They make everything better. ^_^

31 Oct 2009

xJAYMANx @Kris-chan: Konnichiwa, Kris-chan! Happy Hallow’s Eve! Still 11pm in Vegas. Nah, too dead tired to do any trick-or-treating. Instead, woke up early to help a software coworker at 9am study for her math exam (her last of several exams, applying to be a teacher when she leaves our company soon). Man, I can’t believe how much trigonometry, geometry, algebra, logarithms, statistics and calculus I still retain from high school Mathletes, AP Calculus and college, haha. Melanie and her friend Brad were shocked at how I could look at a graph, function or equation for 2-3 seconds and guess correctly. Several dozen problems for 3 hours. Flew by. My brain hasn’t been so math-fried in ages, lol. But enough about my math skills…

Maybe it wasn’t the best or typical onigiri? Who knows? Typically, California rolls are made with tasty crab meat. Mmm, unfortunately, I guess you wouldn’t really know. Ahh, seafood. I miss Red Lobster’s salmon and lobster… No worries, I’ll stick with “Goong” for now. While still mixing my Netflix’s of unfinished “Gundam Wing” and “Outlaw Star” along the way. Still treading to “Jumong” episode 27. So while it makes exercising fly by much easier, it never really drowns out all other shows or anime either, lol. I mean, I can ship you a disc copy of the first 12 episodes as an early Christmas present, if you’re willing? Somewhere in Texas, right? Free of charge.

Ah, yes, “oyasumi” is “good night”. A little bit different from “konbanwa” (also “good evening”). While “konbanwa” is more for greeting, “oyasumi (nasai)” is more for departure, like the end of the night, before going home or going to bed. Meanwhile, “osaki ni shitsurei shimasu” (“excuse me for leaving before you”) is typically said when leaving the office earlier than other coworkers. And their reply would be “otsukaresama deshita” (literally “you must be such a tired person!” but translated as “thanks for your hard work!”).

01 Nov 2009

xJAYMANx @Kris-chan: P.S. Well, I gave “Goong” another shot w episode 4. While the brotherly intrigue is getting deeper, I think it’s time to switch gears w “Hana Yori Dango” (Japanese version) anyway. Sorry. I’ll come back to it in 3-4 weeks (since “HYD” S1+S2 has 20 episodes plus a film)! ^_^

Kris-chan @xJAYMANx: Aaaaah! I hate math… I am SO terrible with numbers. It’s funny, because my mother is a math teacher, and my father is all into science (he’s a uh…chemical engineer maybe?), but I’m AWFUL with both subjects. I don’t remember any math from high school or college, and in HS, I went all the way up to AP Calculus, and was taking some Calc in college too (it was a class called uh…business math or something… it was the next one up from Algebra, and I had to take it). Much, much better with books (fortunately my boy is excellent with numbers). ^_^ But that’s awfully nice of you to help your coworker study.

Maybe the onigiri was off. Who knows… Anyway, totally against sea food here. Only fish I eat is tuna fish, out of a can, and mixed with boiled egg, relish, miracle whip, and a touch of mustard. I’ve thought about giving salmon a try, since I hear it’s very good for you. But there’s no way I’d eat it uncooked. Anyway, I had an opportunity to try new food, and I’ve been wanting to try Japanese for a while, so I ordered various things to taste. Scott hates that kind of food, so I can only ever order it in for myself… I’m sad you’re not enjoying Goong like I did. But I can’t deny its slow pacing. Haha, you don’t have to send me any Jumong! I promise I’ll get to it! It’s just that my Netflix currently has 426 DVDs in its queue. I’m going to start the Beserk anime tomorrow morning… By the way, been meaning to say, feel welcome to add me to your Facebook, Netflix, or whatever you’d like.

Oh! I’ve seen “osaki ni shitsurei shimasu” translated in manga and anime. Usually as “I’m leaving first.” It’s one of those funny sayings like “Please take care of me,” when a character visits someone else’s house. Unfortunately they don’t explain those sayings very well, so the cultural aspects sort of pass me by most of the time. I kind of just assume that the Japanese are exceedingly polite (which they do seem to be).

02 Nov 2009

xJAYMANx @Kris-chan: Thanx Kris-sensei, although I feel bad for Melanie since she didn’t take calculus or probabilities in high school. So she’ll have a really tough time, even if the passing grade is 50% of 50 questions… Ah, as a Filipino, I grew up on seafood. Mmmm. So it’s not a big leap to enjoy Japanese dishes… What?!? Umm, 426 in your Netflix queue? Actually, here’s an idea. In case the 81-episode “Jumong” is too large a main course, what about the earlier Korean TV drama “Damo” as a 14-episode appetizer? Many of the same historical, stylistic and cinematic themes are presented in it. And much quicker to enjoy, hehe. If you enjoy this Korean appetizer, you’ll definitely be ready for the full course, haha.

While I rarely check my Facebook or Netflix pages or friends, there’s nothing stopping you from adding me either. I have an inkling that you’ve already verified the existence of my accounts… Ahh, I’m sure you’ll get the hang of the Japanese culture. For me, after watching anime and Japanese drama on Jap-audio and Eng-subs, almost non-stop since 2006, you can’t help picking up the sayings and holidays and foods. Even the mentality. Both the good and bad. Both admirable and repulsive. Fortunately, it prepared me. As if I was meant to meet Autumn-chan. ^_^

P.S. Would you mind if I reprinted excerpts or entire sections of this email discussion in a future blog post? Anything I shouldn’t mention? That is, if I ever make another blog post, of course.

“Ja ne!”

Jumong (Korean Drama, 2006) | Enlarge 1024px

Jumong (Korean Drama, 2006) | Enlarge 700px

Jumong (Korean Drama, 2006) | Enlarge 1280px

Jumong (Korean Drama, 2006) | Enlarge 1280px

Jumong (Korean Drama, 2006) | Enlarge 1280px

Jumong (Korean Drama, 2006) | Enlarge 900px

Jumong (Korean Drama, 2006) | Enlarge 900px

Jumong (Korean Drama, 2006) | Enlarge 900px

Jumong (Korean Drama, 2006) | Enlarge 900px

LG ad featuring Song Il Gook from Jumong (2006) | Enlarge 900px

LG ad featuring Song Il Gook from Jumong (2006) | Enlarge 900px

LG ad featuring Song Il Gook from Jumong (2006) | Enlarge 900px

In fact, due to the overwhelming international success of “Jumong“, not only has Hawaii declared a “Song Il Gook Day”, “Jumong” is aired in Iran with ratings of 70-85%! Unreal. I’ll even make the following recommendation: If you only see one Korean drama in your lifetime, then let that drama be “Jumong”. I mean, if “The Lord of the Rings” film trilogy was toned down in special effects, yet stretched out into a day-to-day yet emotionally-wrenching 81-episode epic odyssey, wouldn’t you watch it too?

So my Treasured Toyboxers, did you survive? Did you withstand the soul-smashing tsunami of spellbinding anime, American sci-fi, Hong Kong classics, Japanese comedies, and Korean epics? Did you digest the rock bands, canine menaces, cute costumes, and mouth-watering waves of food-food-food? Did you battle the unimaginably monstrous mega-cast equaling fifty or more mere-mortal posts? You did? Then I applaud your strength and stamina! Likewise, let’s thank the glorious girls who graced our gleaming mega-cast. Thank you, Maggie, Kate, Bliss, Melanie, Patti, Lisa, Alita, Hermes, Misaki Ito, Haruhi Fujioka, Tricia Helfer, Grace Park, NaTasha, Haruhi Suzumiya, Song Ji-hyo, Anna Tsuchiya, Kris-chan, Duckie-chan, and of course, the adorable Autumn-chan.

Till next broadcast. Peace. Out.

Read or Die – R.O.D. the TV (2003) | Enlarge 1024px

Time. Space. Grace. Rock. Death. Life. Love. Welcome, my Tragic Toyboxers to yet another timeless mega-cast! Time for another revealing look at our otaku outlook, another animated moment to read or die, another intricate instant to travel through a temporal labyrinth, another warmth embrace in the arms of an autumn night, and another screaming rush of the rock-band spotlight! Fair enough? Foul enough? Well, then, ready or not, worthy or not, crazy or not, it’s time to kick-off the show!

Part 1 of 5 > Time for Another Otaku Outlook

Time! Anime! Otaku! Well, it’s finally happened! While it took a month or so longer than anticipated, the question I posed back in my Tales (May 2009, Blog 202, Part 2) mega-cast, and in my recent Watchmen (July 2009, Blog 211, Part 1) mega-cast, has finally been answered. The question: Will “Sankaku Complex” finally double the theoretical value of “DC”? The answer: Yes, without a doubt. As always, feel free to enlarge the graph.

22 Aug | Website Outlook – Blog Worth Over Time | Enlarge 800px

In our next graph, if we focus the estimated theoretical values upon the $0K-to-20K range, you’ll notice a slight decline across most of the listed otaku blogs. Ah, yes, including my own “Toybox”. No excuses there, lol. Just the embrace of an autumn night, right?

22 Aug | Website Outlook – Blog Worth Over Time | Enlarge 800px

Beyond that, in our final graph, if we focus upon the $0K-to-3k range, our newest winner is: Rhythm Emotion, a.k.a. Lene-chan! Congratulations, Lene-chan! Like with our first winner Duckie-chan (in Blog 207, Part 7) and second winner Coco-chan (in Blog 211, Part 1), we don’t know what prize you’ve actually won, but we’ll figure it out eventually, lol.

22 Aug | Website Outlook – Blog Worth Over Time | Enlarge 800px

So what have we learned from all this? Hmm, not much, I’m afraid. But if indeed you’ve learned anything new, feel free to let me know what it is!

Part 2 of 5 > Time to Read or Die

Time! Read! Die! If you haven’t learned anything new, here’s a bit of overdue anime to mend your merry way. From merry blogging to merry reading. Now read and learn something new, dammit! Or else, lol.

Read or Die – R.O.D. the TV (2003) [32]. You know, I first started this series quite a while ago. Years ago! But after a handful of episodes, I had given up. Why? Well, the story didn’t seem to be going anywhere. Luckily, over the last couple years, I’ve learned to finish what I start. And “Read or Die” was one of the titles that popped back into my primary memory. So, on 05 May 2009, I finally restarted the series via Netflix. And a couple of weeks ago, on 14 August 2009, I completed my 32nd anime title-or-season of the year. Sequel to the “Read or Die” OVA (2001). Full season with 26 episodes. Yup, I finally finished it! And I gotta admit, it’s really good! From the heart-breaking sisterly relationships to the imaginative paper-cutting battles, wow, the series earns an unexpectedly impressive 5 of 5 stars! Who would’ve guessed?

To celebrate, ranging from 1024px-to-3500px resolution, here are 30 wallpapers, vectors, scans and other images to satiate your paper-based soul, lol. Feel free to enlarge. Enjoy!

Read or Die – R.O.D. the TV (2003) | Enlarge 1280px

Read or Die – R.O.D. the TV (2003) | Enlarge 1280px

Read or Die – R.O.D. the TV (2003) | Enlarge 1024px

Read or Die – R.O.D. the TV (2003) | Enlarge 1280px

Read or Die – R.O.D. the TV (2003) | Enlarge 1280px

Read or Die – R.O.D. the TV (2003) | Enlarge 1280px

Read or Die – R.O.D. the TV (2003) | Enlarge 1600px

Read or Die – R.O.D. the TV (2003) | Enlarge 1600px

Read or Die – R.O.D. the TV (2003) | Enlarge 1280px

Read or Die – R.O.D. the TV (2003) | Enlarge 1600px

Read or Die – R.O.D. the TV (2003) | Enlarge 2500px

Read or Die – R.O.D. the TV (2003) | Enlarge 1500px

Read or Die – R.O.D. the TV (2003) | Enlarge 3000px

Read or Die – R.O.D. the TV (2003) | Enlarge 1280px

Read or Die – R.O.D. the TV (2003) | Enlarge 2400px

Read or Die – R.O.D. the TV (2003) | Enlarge 1280px

Read or Die – R.O.D. the TV (2003) | Enlarge 1600px

Read or Die – R.O.D. the TV (2003) | Enlarge 3500px

Read or Die – R.O.D. the TV (2003) | Enlarge 1600px

Read or Die – R.O.D. the TV (2003) | Enlarge 1280px

Read or Die – R.O.D. the TV (2003) | Enlarge 1900px

Read or Die – R.O.D. the TV (2003) | Enlarge 3000px

Read or Die – R.O.D. the TV (2003) | Enlarge 3000px

Read or Die – R.O.D. the TV (2003) | Enlarge 1280px

Read or Die – R.O.D. the TV (2003) | Enlarge 1280px

Read or Die – R.O.D. the TV (2003) | Enlarge 1600px

Read or Die – R.O.D. the TV (2003) | Enlarge 1280px

Read or Die – R.O.D. the TV (2003) | Enlarge 1900px

Read or Die – R.O.D. the TV (2003) | Enlarge 1900px

Read or Die – R.O.D. the TV (2003) | Enlarge 1280px

So did we waste enough paper yet? LOL, okay-okay, forgive me, it’s animated paper.

Part 3 of 5 > Time Traveler’s Wife

Time! Travels! Wives! So after our first weekend (15-16 Aug) at the mall, Autumn-chan and I decided to try our second weekend (22 Aug) at the movies, hehe. Namely, The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009) which opened just a few weeks ago (14 Aug). Autumn-chan had heard from other sources that it was better than what the critics thought, but I had no expectations whatsoever, lol. My only reference was that my ex-wife loved the original 2003 novel. Which may or may not translate well onto the big screen. Nevertheless, we were intrigued enough to take a chance. And I must admit, both Autumn-chan and I thought it was pretty good! Very good! Despite the intricately-interwoven paths of time, the story was still impressively clear, convincing and mesmerizing. Including a few teary-eyed moments for me, lol. Wow, a heart-breaking yet heart-warming 4 of 5 stars!

To celebrate, ranging from 1280px-to-3000px resolution, here are 11 posters, wallpapers and related photos to both shatter and soothe your fragile heart, lol. Awww. First off, here’s my favorite poster from the film. Feel free to enlarge!

The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009) | Enlarge 1500px

Here’s the cover of the book as “National Bestseller”.

The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009) | Enlarge 1200px

Next, here’s the cover of the book as “International Bestseller”.

The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009) | Enlarge 2200px

Aww, here’s one of Clare’s earliest magical meetings with Henry.

The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009) | Enlarge 3000px

Here’s one of Henry’s earliest meetings with Clare. Confusing yet?

The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009) | Enlarge 3000px

Another magical moment between Clare and Henry.

The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009) | Enlarge 2700px

Here’s a close-up view.

The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009) | Enlarge 1280px

A wallpaper version.

The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009) | Enlarge 1280px

Another wallpaper version.

The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009) | Enlarge 1280px

A more heart-breaking wallpaper.

The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009) | Enlarge 1280px

Finally, a wallpaper version of my favorite poster above.

The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009) | Enlarge 1280px

So did we waste enough time yet? LOL, okay-okay, forgive me, it’s fictional time. Or is it?

Part 4 of 5 > Time for Another Autumn Embrace – August 22

Time! Autumn! Embrace! After Autumn-chan and I enjoyed “The Time Traveler’s Wife” at the “Sunset Station” cinema, we decided to take a lazy stroll to the “Sunset Cafe” at the other end of the smoky casino. While she didn’t feel hungry enough to order more than a cup of tea, she was content enough to watch me devour my hot turkey sandwich, lol. And to capture some embarrassingly random moments of me doing so!

Why, thank you for the half-eaten view! Again, Autumn-chan’s too shy to appear on camera, lol.

22 Aug | Saturday at the Sunset Casino | Enlarge

Come on, are you sure you don’t want some processed turkey?

22 Aug | Saturday at the Sunset Casino | Enlarge

Not even some semblance of gravy paste?

22 Aug | Saturday at the Sunset Casino | Enlarge

Ah, forget it! The cranberry-based substance is mine!

22 Aug | Saturday at the Sunset Casino | Enlarge

Faster than a speeding gullet!

22 Aug | Saturday at the Sunset Casino | Enlarge

Heyyy, watch where you point that thing!

22 Aug | Saturday at the Sunset Casino | Enlarge

After dinner, we strolled back out to the sunset-lit parking lot. Damn, that palm tree is huge!

22 Aug | Saturday at the Sunset Casino | Enlarge

After a quick stop to rest at my house, she drove back to her place. But an hour later, we were crazy enough to video-chat, lol. For the next five hours! Here’s a screen-cap sample of my insanity from Autumn-chan’s point of view. Don’t pay attention to the time. It’s set to a different time zone, lol.

22 Aug | Saturday Night on Video Chat

Umm, “heading” into some trouble?

22 Aug | Saturday Night on Video Chat

Okay, who’s making sense?

22 Aug | Saturday Night on Video Chat

Where were we “heading” again?

22 Aug | Saturday Night on Video Chat

Are you talking to me? Are you sure? Because I’m not available, am I?

22 Aug | Saturday Night on Video Chat

Haha, another three hours of video-chat insanity on the following night.

23 Aug | Sunday Night on Video Chat

Yup, she’s trying to capture my Diet-Coke pose, lol.

23 Aug | Sunday Night on Video Chat

What? Okay, Autumn-chan, this isn’t a Diet-Coke commercial, lol.

23 Aug | Sunday Night on Video Chat

Yeah-yeah, I know. Can’t leave Guiness out of the fun, can we?

23 Aug | Sunday Night on Video Chat

So yeah, that was our second weekend! What else can I say? Hours flew by like minutes. Minutes like seconds. Yet the following weekend, some moments felt timeless.

Part 5 of 5 > Time for Another Autumn Embrace – August 29

Time! Another autumn! Another embrace! Most recently, for our third weekend (29-30 Aug), we decided to just relax at home with Guiness, lol. Including a sushi party tray, some chocolate lava, and a mini-marathon of the live-action films “Death Note 1″ (2006) and “Death Note 2″ (2006) on my 24-inch iMac!

Of course, let’s not forget the intriguing-and-intrigued Guiness the Menace, haha.

29 Aug | Saturday Death Note Marathon | Enlarge

After our random sushi party tray of California rolls, surimi, shrimp ebi, and edamame, Autumn-chan revealed her decadent lava-centered “Heart of Darkness” chocolate cakes! After 20 or 30 seconds in the microwave, the lava centers were perfectly melty, lol.

29 Aug | Saturday Death Note Marathon | Enlarge

A decadently tempting close-up!

29 Aug | Saturday Death Note Marathon | Enlarge

Hmm, I was skeptical. Are they really that good?

29 Aug | Saturday Death Note Marathon | Enlarge

Umm, yeah, not bad…

29 Aug | Saturday Death Note Marathon | Enlarge

Well, not quite life-shatteringly mind-blowing, but tasty nonetheless!

29 Aug | Saturday Death Note Marathon | Enlarge

Come here, Guiness. Wanna taste?

29 Aug | Saturday Death Note Marathon | Enlarge

Come a little closer!

29 Aug | Saturday Death Note Marathon | Enlarge

Here ya go. Come on.

29 Aug | Saturday Death Note Marathon | Enlarge

Come on, Guiness, can’t you smell the decadence?

29 Aug | Saturday Death Note Marathon | Enlarge

Mmm. See that? Mmm, mmm, tasty!

29 Aug | Saturday Death Note Marathon | Enlarge

Come on, Guiness… Bahhh, I give up.

29 Aug | Saturday Death Note Marathon | Enlarge

What? Not even the chocolate crumbs?

29 Aug | Saturday Death Note Marathon | Enlarge

Ahh, there you go! Finally!

29 Aug | Saturday Death Note Marathon | Enlarge

Yeah, finally! What took you so long? Hey, wait, is that Autumn-chan’s arm?

29 Aug | Saturday Death Note Marathon | Enlarge

So after lunch and dessert, Autumn-chan and I finally sat in front of the iMac, settled back against our pillows and cushions, and began our “Death Note” marathon. For those who have no idea which films I’m talking about, here’s a “Death Note 1″ wallpaper from my Blog 210 (13 July) mega-cast.

Death Note 1 (Live Action, 2006) | Jump to Blog 210

Then after “Death Note 1″, we leaned back into the inseparable sequel “Death Note 2″. Similarly, here’s a “Death Note 2″ wallpaper from the same Blog 210 (13 July) mega-cast.

Death Note 2 – The Last Name (Live Action, 2006) | Jump to Blog 210

Wow. While this was my second time enjoying the films, Autumn-chan was surprised at how much she actually liked watching them for the first time! That’s pretty cool! Hmm, and I think it helped to have her head on my chest, and my arm around her shoulders, hehe. Awww. Here’s Guiness the Menace still resting in Autumn-chan’s spot during the “Death Note 2″ closing credits, haha!

29 Aug | Saturday Death Note Marathon | Enlarge

Ah, see Guiness stretch.

29 Aug | Saturday Death Note Marathon | Enlarge

See Guiness snore.

29 Aug | Saturday Death Note Marathon | Enlarge

See Guiness fart. Ewww, lol.

29 Aug | Saturday Death Note Marathon | Enlarge

After her six-hour visit, Autumn-chan poked and prodded me to hurry up and attend the “Rock Band” party of my co-worker. Even though she didn’t feel brave enough to join me, she also didn’t want me to miss out on all the rock-and-roll fun. So after some hesitation, I finally took her advice and got ready. Haha, she even waited for me to leave, so I wouldn’t chicken out! Awww. So at about 6:30pm, we left my house in our respective cars.

I gotta admit, I enjoyed the party! Not only the “Rock Band” room, but once I ran out of tunes to sing, I hopped over to the “Guitar Hero” room too. Ah, there’s Charlene on the microphone! And there’s “Trinity”, the wild-and-crazy Australian goth-chick-in-blue on the drums!

29 Aug | Saturday Night Rock Band | Enlarge

“Trinity” rocking the drums!

29 Aug | Saturday Night Rock Band | Enlarge

Here’s a shot of the “Rock Band” screen.

29 Aug | Saturday Night Rock Band | Enlarge

A reverse angle.

29 Aug | Saturday Night Rock Band | Enlarge

Another reverse angle.

29 Aug | Saturday Night Rock Band | Enlarge

Oh yeah, “Trinity” rocking the mic! There’s co-worker Dave rocking the drums!

29 Aug | Saturday Night Rock Band | Enlarge

Something wrong? You guys didn’t fail out, did you? Haha.

29 Aug | Saturday Night Rock Band | Enlarge

Let’s try it again!

29 Aug | Saturday Night Rock Band | Enlarge

“Trinity” rocking the mic once more!

29 Aug | Saturday Night Rock Band | Enlarge

Yup, “Trinity” truly-truly-truly rocked. Second to me, of course, lol. During the four hours I was there, I probably sang at least 20 of the 30 songs across both “Rock Band” (on “Hard” difficulty) and “Guitar Hero” (on “Medium” difficulty). Without failing. Most in the 90% range. Nice! I think I found my calling?

29 Aug | Saturday Night Rock Band | Enlarge

So yeah, that was our third weekend! What more can I say? Another timeless weekend of food, films and fun. Too bad that Autumn-chan couldn’t share in my spicy helping of fist-flying rock-and-roll!

Time. Space. Grace. Rock. Death. Life. Love. So, my Textless Toyboxers, another timeless mega-cast has spun and gone! Did you miss another revealing look at our otaku outlook? Miss another animated moment to read or die? Another intricate instant to travel through a temporal labyrinth? Another warmth embrace in the arms of an autumn night? Or another screaming rush of the rock-band spotlight? If you didn’t miss a beat, then I congratulate you! And thank you. Just as we should thank the gracious girls who glittered across our gleaming mega-cast. Thank you, Lene-chan, Duckie-chan, Coco-chan, Yomiko-chan, Nenene-chan, Michelle-chan, Maggie-chan, Anita-chan, Clare, Charlene, Trinity, and of course, the charming Autumn-chan. I think I’m beginning to fall for her…

Fair enough? Foul enough?

Till next broadcast. Peace. Out.

Final Flashback

Read or Die! Well, it might help to write a bit too, wouldn’t it?

Read or Die – R.O.D. the TV (2003) | Enlarge 1900px

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Well-well! Welcome to the Toybox! How does it feel to be a Fellow Toyboxer? Better? Yeah, right. Nevertheless, here’s another weekly mega-post to body-slam your senses and high-kick your brain into gear, lol. This time, we throw another bloody fist into our ongoing otaku-blog battles, another smash into what all these estimated blog numbers mean, a new crash into some angry clickstreams, a new backflip onto some featured otaku posts, and a final flaming explosion of super chicks and supercops! Haha, will anyone escape the mayhem? Who knows? So let’s pump up the volume, load up our weapons, and launch the bullet-blazing show…

Part 1 of 5 > Ongoing Otaku Outlook

Ready for more mindless blog battles? Haha, me too. Continuing our otaku coverage from last month’s Assassins mega-post, you’ll notice that Website Outlook has updated its look. Newer and bluer, but kinda annoying in its arrangement too, lol. But no matter. Here’s the latest crop of estimated theoretical values.

Taking the 6K-to-10K range, let’s begin with Gordonator at $7081 USD.

14 Apr | Gordonator

Next is Otaku Dan at $7337 USD.

14 Apr | Otaku Dan

Led by Panther at $7877 USD.

14 Apr | Clan Blue Panthers a.k.a. Panther

Above these, within the 10K-to-14K range, let’s begin with Dancing Queen at $11870 USD.

14 Apr | How a Girl Figures a.k.a. Dancing Queen

Next is my Toybox at $12133 USD.

14 Apr | xJAYMANx & xJAYMANx_toybox

Led by Mimi-chan at $12468 USD.

14 Apr | Angry Loli a.k.a. Mimi

Lastly, beyond these, within the stratospheric 250K-to-500K range, lies Danny Choo at $290394 USD.

14 Apr | Danny Choo

Led by the unstoppable Sankaku Complex at $367292 USD.

14 Apr | Sankaku Complex

Wow. So what the frak do all of these theoretical numbers mean? Well, hold your horses, and I’ll take a swashbuckling stab at it below, lol.

Part 2 of 5 > Outlook, Analysis & Deconstruction

So here’s my swashbuckling analytical stab, lol. Extending the graphs from my Assassins mega-post, I’ve once again reduced the “Sankaku Complex” and “Danny Choo” paths by a factor of 10, in order to fit them onto the same graphs with mere-mortal otaku-bloggers, haha. But as you can clearly see (enlarge if necessary), the last 30 days represented a slow month for otaku blogs in general! My guess is that the season of final exams dealt a heavy blow to bloggers and their readers.

With one major exception. “Sankaku Complex” actually took a slashing swing upward!

14 Apr | Blog Worth Over Time | Enlarge

Next, let’s omit the “Sankaku Complex” and “Danny Choo” paths to get a closer view of the smaller blogs. As I noted, almost all of the otaku blogs across-the-board either stayed level or actually fell in value. Most significantly, “Angry Loli” (Mimi-chan) dropped, due to her understandable studies, travels and other responsibilities. Yet remarkably, still catching up to their new URLs, “Puppy52 Art” (Chun-chan) and “Wawawawasuremono” (Meronpan) shot up in value! Congrats!

14 Apr | Blog Worth Over Time | Enlarge

Good. Now that we have a better idea of the general activity within the otaku blogosphere, let’s return our focus to “Sankaku Complex” and “Danny Choo”. Based on these admittedly theoretical values, why is “Sankaku” able to skyrocket while “Danny” by comparison seems to be struggling?

Well, from my perspective as a blogger-reader myself, I’d say the distinction boils down to two elements: “interaction” and “identity”.

Interaction. I first visited DannyChoo.com as early as mid-2006, later becoming a “DC Member” in December 2006. Since then, I’ve followed Danny’s site off-and-on, submitting Mirai fanart in 2007-2008 and posting various “Member News” items along the way.

But I remember a time (in 2006, perhaps 2007) when Danny would still reply to comments on an almost one-to-one basis, even if he collected a dozen mini-replies in a single posted reply, hehe. Understandably, as his popularity has risen and his free time has shortened, his ability to reply to comments has diminished. I mean, it’s almost a surprise when we see him pop up in a random post, haha. We understand this. But at the same time, the anticipation of waiting patiently for his specific replies disappears.

25 Nov 2008 | Danny Choo Daily Reach

Almost as a remedy for his diminished personal interaction, Danny introduced “Member News” around April-May 2008 to foster “DC Member” interaction. But was there an unexpected side-effect? Maybe? Because in July 2008, the “Danny Choo” traffic stats shockingly plummeted to only a third of what they once were back in June 2008. As an attempt to explain the phenomenon, here’s what I wrote in Mimi-chan’s related post back in September, as well as my Zazzle follow-up post back in November.

In fact, I’d pinpoint it to sometime in April-May when DC first launched the ability for readers to submit Member News. Once he did that, he triggered a double-edged effect~ (a) the amazing and inspiring interaction of readers and bloggers, but at the same time, (b) shifting away the burden of providing news from his own unique perspective, to the eyes of his members ~~ both newbie and veteran (we were all newbies at one time) ~~ at a flooding pace and scope difficult for the busy reader to match, without getting turned off by it.

Coincidentally, or perhaps as another related side-effect, Danny inspired many readers to launch their own otaku blogs. In fact, quite a few Toyboxers agree with this inspirational experience. Perhaps dozens, if not hundreds, or even thousands of other bloggers too. So this “amazing and inspiring interaction of readers and bloggers” was able to evolve and flourish *beyond* the specific DC sphere, as part of the general otaku blogosphere as a whole!

More recently in April 2009, atop Danny’s reduced *personal* interaction, as well as the evolution of *external* blogger interaction, came the further unsettling news of a guest blogger. Yup, another unavoidable indicator of the shift of interaction, another shift from Danny himself.

But is this shift in otaku “interaction” enough to explain the fall of “Danny Choo” and the rise of “Sankaku Complex”? Here’s where the concept of “identity” enters, hehe.

Identity. For the purposes of this limited discussion, I’m going to categorize the bulk of non-commercial or non-streaming otaku sites under two headings: “news site” or “fan site”. So if a site doesn’t directly sell otaku merchandise or stream anime videos, then it should fall primarily under the “news site” category (like “Anime News Network”) or the “fan site” category (otaku blogs like yours and mine, lol). If I missed anything, let me know. But for now, those are my general definitions for otaku sites, hehe.

Since the beginning, unless I’m mistaken, “Danny Choo” has always been a fan site. At one time, for a long time, his site title used to say: “Danny Choo : Anime, Figures, Idols, Gundam, Otaku and Events from Japan.” Which definitely sounds like anime fan’s site, hehe. But simultaneously and amazingly, at one time, his site was also the best place to catch the latest anime news and Japanese news! Moreover, while the “DC Member News” sections give the initial impression of news, they’re more-often-than-not fan-based posts, especially when compared to “Anime News Network” articles. But is there anything wrong with that? Nope, not at all, as long as you understand the site as a “fan site” in general.

Are there any other indicators that “Danny Choo” is a fan site? Sure. Besides the “Member News” fan posts, a recurring portion of Danny’s own posts feature “giveaways” or prizes to otaku gladiators who successfully complete a series of questions or tasks, hehe. While these giveaways require (or enforce) member-comment activity in order to participate, it’s still rather cool. But it’s not something you’d typically find on a “news site” if at all. On top of that, another healthy portion of Danny’s posts are devoted to his attractive mascot sisters, Mirai & Haruka Suenaga (in fanart and merchandise). Again, rather cool! But not something typically featured on a “news site”. Again, is there anything wrong with this? Nope, as long as we consider his site as a “fan site”.

So what’s the big deal? If “Danny Choo” holds the identity of a fan site, so what? If Danny needs to enforce a certain level of comment participation, so what? Well, nothing really, there’s no big deal. I mean, if this is a non-commercial or non-news site for the fans and of the fans, there’s no concern at all. In fact, if that’s the case, if pleasing loyal and devoted fans is the primary benefit, then declining page views or dropping blog worth shouldn’t be a big deal. Nothing to worry about, lol. Right?

Right? Well, when “Danny Choo” launched its new portal design in August 2008, it also changed its site slogan to: “Your portal to Japan. Life in Japan, figures, subculture and more.” Which sounds less like an anime fan’s site and more like a news site. Or perhaps a tourist site like the Japan National Tourism Organization website. Doesn’t it? Which kinda makes sense too! So which is it? Is “Danny Choo” a fan site, a news site, or a tourist site? Or is it all three? I think that’s the dilemma or the disappointment of its readers. The loss of identity compounded by the shift in interaction. In a nutshell, an “identity crisis”.

Sankaku Complex. Meanwhile, in yet another coincidence or related side-effect, another otaku blog-site emerged from the “DC Member News” interaction and fragmentation of April-May 2008 to overtake “Danny Choo” (in terms of estimated blog worth) just one year later. That blog-site is “Sankaku Complex”. Shocking? Amazing? Most impressive, to say the least, hehe.

But how? Is there a trick or gimmick here? Well, while “Danny Choo” as a fan site is no stranger to ecchi or eroge topics, “Sankaku” has plunged full-force into the pornographic arena. Some may call that a gimmick. But is that alone enough to fuel this site’s rise? From my perspective, I’d argue no. Even if you ignore or eliminate all of the pornographic or hentai posts, “Sankaku” would still primarily fall under the category of “news site”. No question about that. Whether you hate or love the topics, whether they involve anime or not, there are more posts here touching upon socio-political and socio-economic themes than “Danny Choo” and “Anime News Network” combined for the same time period. From Prime Minister Taro Aso to Japanese xenophobia. Which is rather difficult to do.

Yup, “Sankaku Complex”. A “news site” without mascot fanart or merchandise (yet?), without otaku giveaways enforcing comment activity, without other bells or whistles. A “news site” which boasts blatant pornographic fillers as well as controversial social and political articles. All of it, on top of the traditional anime, manga, figure, and eroge content. Hehe, I may not agree with it 100%, but that’s still tough to match. Either as a “fan site” or as a “news site”.

Deconstructing Danny. Heyyy, whether you enjoyed or despised my honest assessment as a long-time “Danny Choo” follower, here are three fiction-styled “Deconstructing Danny” posts, lol.

• Blog 153 > Deconstructing Danny – Part 1
• Blog 156 > Deconstructing Danny – Part 2
• Blog 158 > Deconstructing Danny – Part 3

The biggest fans are always the harshest critics, eh? >_<;

Part 3 of 5 > Demographics, Clickstreams & Angry Toyboxes

Okay, my Tantalizing Toyboxers, enough analysis and assessment! Let’s have some fun! During my outlook-related net travels, I came across these fascinating demographic statistics for my “Toybox”. According to this particular website, as of last month in March 2009, my “Toybox” “attracts a slightly female slanted, teen audience”. Yup, that’s what it says. Female teens, lol.

If you take a closer look (enlarge if necessary), compared to the 58% female line (general audience), my site attracts 113% of that 58% reference line. And compared to the 40% teen (12-17) line (general audience), my site attracts a whopping 343% (over 3 times) of that 40% reference line! Holy crap, lol.

18 Apr | xJAYMANx & xJAYMANx_toybox | Enlarge

Scrolling down further, compared to the general audience, my “Toybox” makes the largest impact of 191% (almost 2 times) of the 38% reference line among households with kids 12-17. Duh, lol. That makes sense if my site already attracts teens in that same bracket. Furthermore, of course they’ll be less affluent and less college-educated in that age bracket. Still amusing nonetheless, hehe.

18 Apr | xJAYMANx & xJAYMANx_toybox | Enlarge

But the next couple images may partially explain why “female teens” even bother to visit my “Toybox” at all. Yup, “Angry Loli” also known as Mimi-chan, lol. According to the statistics at another website, the “Toybox” represents 13% (the 3rd highest) of her preceding upstream visits, as well as 10% (the 4th highest) of her following downstream visits! Among sites like “Google”, “Facebook” and “Danny Choo”, that’s unreal!

18 Apr | Angry Loli a.k.a. Mimi | Enlarge

Then flipping it around to my “Toybox” clickstream statistics, “Angry Loli” represents 19% (the 2nd highest) of my preceding upstream visits, as well as 15% (the 2nd highest) of my following downstream visits! Hahaha, like I said, unreal!

18 Apr | xJAYMANx & xJAYMANx_toybox | Enlarge

Wow. I should really thank “Angry Loli” for her clickstream contribution. Again. Thanx, Mimi-chan! Which may also explain the “female teen” slant of my audience, lol. I mean, I knew our respective blogs shared a reader overlap, just by glancing at the parallel paths in our theoretical blog values. Plus it’s evident that “Danny Choo” has definitely helped “Angry Loli” as much as “Angry Loli” has helped my “Toybox”. But I didn’t realize our blogs were linked that strongly! ^_~

Part 4 of 5 > Featured Otaku Posts of the Week

Speaking of “Angry Loli”, I’ve decided to introduce a brand-new feature into my weekly mega-posts: “Featured Otaku Posts of the Week”. Nifty, eh? Who knows if I’ll keep it from week to week? But it sounds cool, don’t it? Hmm, let’s see. There’s no set of criteria written in stone. Just otaku posts which happened to stand out or stick out in my brain the most, lol.

The first one is Mimi-chan’s infamous “K-On Sucks (rant rant rant)” post on Wednesday, 15 April 2009, hahaha.

15 Apr | Angry Loli a.k.a. Mimi > K-On Sucks | Enlarge

Here’s my reply, hehe.

@Mimi-chan: Yeah, I’ve mentioned on my blog that there seems to be nothing new. Each of them seems like clones of characters we’ve all seen before. But there’s nothing wrong with that! Nothing wrong with cute and cuddly! I’m just surprised at all the hype that this is something earth-shatteringly different. Simply because it comes from KyoAni? ^_^;

P.S. Due to a challenge, I just started “Akikan”. Haha, in just one episode, the over-the-top concept has already made me laugh out loud more than “K-On”!

In fact, I was one of those who encouraged her rant and told her how proud I was when she posted it. Well done! I just hope she’s enjoying all of the anonymous trolls who “chose to be offended” by her rant! I’m tempted to retaliate with: “Awww, another troll beating up a girl? How sweet! Sounds like another little tsundere boy in love. Awww. Mwahaha.” But I won’t, lol.

The next one is Otaku Dan’s introspective “Why Do We Blog?” post on Thursday, 16 April 2009.

15 Apr | Otaku Dan > Why Do We Blog? | Enlarge

Here’s my cool reply, lol.

@Dan-man: Haha, thanx man, didn’t expect this!

While I don’t think “famous” is the best term, I definitely agree with the allure of “popularity” or “acceptance”. Everybody wants to be accepted for who they are, right? But when they do it simply to fit the expectations of others and not for themselves, that’s when it starts to become a chore or hassle or disappointment. Been there, done that. Yup, popularity is very alluring. Especially during the height of my early “Mirai Suenaga” fanart days, lol.

But inevitably, when those heights crashed, I went thru those same crossroads. Who am I blogging for? Why blog at all? Is it worth it? And so on. I mean, my Blog 176 still has zero comments, lol. But I don’t regret making that post. I had a great time writing it… Ultimately, I think I came to the decision to go on, not only for myself, the love of writing or the love of anime, but also for others in the community who love anime too. Maybe not a million or even 100 others, but for those few who’ve become familiar names or faces. Like u or Blowfish or Panther or Mimi-chan. Those who make me think or laugh or yell “WTF?”, lol. Not only on my blog, but on theirs as well.

I think that’s the best form of self-promotion of all.

Finally, here are the twin posts on the latest “YouTube” situation. Otaku Dan’s “Taking You Out of YouTube” on Friday, 17 April 2009. And Mimi-chan’s same-named “Taking You Out of YouTube” on late-late Sunday, 19 April 2009.

Here are my respective replies. First, Otaku Dan.

@Dan-man: Hey, u finally posted this!

Sorry for the delay. I think I’m getting burned out at work, lol. But yeah, developments like these are always a bit scary. While I agree that a company exists to make money, there’s also a responsibility to the consumer not to sell poison or change up the product whenever the wind blows a different way. Unfortunately, the current economic winds are pretty harsh.

In the video, I definitely like the MTV analogy. Back in the 80′s, it was truly and genuine music videos 24-7. But over the decades, actual music has taken a back seat (way-way-way in the back it seems) to random shows that hardly link to music anymore. Which seems to be the path of this new “Hulu Tube”… Maybe if MTV started out with these random shows, it wouldn’t have been such a transformation. Or if YouTube started out with this “new” format to begin with, there’d be no reason to miss the “old” format. But alas, things don’t usually evolve that way… I suppose when popular trends reach a certain level of success, they can no longer escape the chains of the corporate world. Or can they? ^_^

Then Mimi-chan. Basically the same reply, hehe.

Heyyy, okaeri! So u just got back and the first thing u do is post on your blog? Hmm, I’ll need to speak to your brother about that, hehe… But throw some thanx to Otaku Dan. He first mentioned it to me while I was watching “Act One” of the *YouTube* Symphony Orchestra, haha. Kinda ironic, eh?

Yeah, developments like these are always a bit scary. While I agree that a company exists to make money, there’s also a responsibility to the consumer not to sell poison or change up the product whenever the wind blows a different way. Unfortunately, the current economic winds are pretty harsh… I suppose when popular trends reach a certain level of success, they can no longer escape the chains of the corporate world. Or can they? ^_^

Cool, eh? I might do these “Featured Otaku Posts of the Week” after all!

Part 5 of 5 > Supercops, Super Chicks & Super Kicks

Wow, have you read the latest controversy surrounding Jackie Chan’s “anti-freedom” and “Chinese need to be controlled” comments on Yahoo and Sankaku Complex yet? You have? Good. Well, believe me, I didn’t plan it at all. When I watched Jackie Chan’s “Police Story 3: Supercop” (1992) over the weekend, I had no clue! Sheer coincidence!

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Well, if you’ve been following my Cops post (“Police Story 1″) and Tigers post (“Police Story 2″) over the past few months, you’ll know that I’ve been watching the entire “Police Story” saga, hehe. This time, we come to the biggest and baddest in the series, featuring action-film star Michelle Yeoh!

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Ready for some fake subtitles? Haha, let’s go! Here’s Jackie’s girlfriend played by Maggie Cheung. Maggie: “Really?”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Maggie: “Did you really say that the Chinese people need to be controlled?”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Jackie: “Sure did. Here’s the proof.”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Maggie: “But why? I already control you.”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Ah, security director Michelle Yeoh. Michelle: “I control you too.”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Michelle: “Control flows through the barrel of a rifle.”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Michelle: “Bang. You’re dead.”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Michelle: “Control also flows through a fake smile.”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Michelle: “Like this.”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Jackie: “Oh, you mean, control like this?”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Jackie: “And this?”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Michelle: “No-no-no, Jackie, not like that.”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Michelle: “Control like this!”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Michelle: “Like a kick to the gut!”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Michelle: “Or balancing like a crane!”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Jackie: “Yeah-yeah, whatever. You’re not the boss of me.”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Michelle: “Yes, Jackie, I am.”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Jackie: “And if I say no?” Michelle: “You’ll find out soon enough.”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Michelle: “Wait! Did you hear that?”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Michelle: “I think your fans wanna kill you.”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Michelle: “Ya-ha! You’re dead.”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Michelle: “Any other fans wanna die?”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Michelle: “Shit! Where did Jackie go?”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Michelle: “Ya-ha! You’re dead too!”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Jackie: “Oh God, why did I say that?” Michelle: “Don’t ask me. You’re the supercop.”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Maggie: “I must control Jackie.”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Michelle: “Jackie, don’t you want me to control you?”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Maggie: “Is that him?”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Maggie: “Shit! What’s Michelle doing there?”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Michelle: “Shit! What’s Maggie doing here?”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Maggie: “Dammit! Is that him?”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Maggie: “Hmmm…”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Maggie: “Jackie, tell me the truth. Is Michelle controlling you?”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Maggie: “Tell me the truth!”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Maggie: “Why her? Why can’t I control you?”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Jackie: “Over there! The helicopter is over there!”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Michelle: “Dammit! Where?”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Michelle: “Ohhh. There!”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Michelle: “Those damn obsessed fans!”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Michelle: “I gotta get outta here!”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Michelle: “Jackie fans are the worst!”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Michelle: “Haha! Gotcha now!”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Michelle: “Holy crap! Ahhhhh!”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Michelle: “Ahhhhh!”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

*SMASH!!!* Michelle: “Ouch! Fuck!”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Michelle: “Goddammit, Jackie!”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Jackie: “Sorry-sorry! But we have to catch those fans! They took my favorite shirt!”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Michelle: “Crap. Where did Jackie go?”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Michelle: “Get off! I’m taking this bike!”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Jackie: “Ahhhhh! Why did I say that?”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Jackie: “Ahhhhh! Sorry-sorry! I’ll never say it again!”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Jackie: “Ahhhhh! Oh no!”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Michelle: “Dammit, Jackie. Why do I always save your ass?”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Michelle: “Ya-ha! Now give me Jackie’s favorite shirt!”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Michelle: “I’ll say it again! Give me…”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Michelle: “…his favorite shirt! Ya-ha!”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Michelle: “Shit! Where’s that shirt?”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Michelle: “Here it is! Give it to me!”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Michelle: “Oops! Sorry, I didn’t mean it!”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Michelle: “I didn’t mean it! Jackie! Where’d you go?”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Hahaha, that’s it! That’s the end of the fake subtitles, lol. To find out the rest of the story, you’ll have to grab the DVD! But before we leave, here’s a final photo of the elegant, graceful and beautiful Michelle Yeoh. She definitely stole the show! Can’t wait for Michelle Yeoh’s “Supercop 2″, which is a totally different film from Jackie Chan’s “Police Story 4: First Strike”. Go figure, lol. But at least, it’ll star Michelle!

Michelle Yeoh | Malaysian Action-Film Star | Enlarge

There you have it, my Tickled Toyboxers! Did we body-slam your senses and high-kick your brain into gear? Did we throw enough bloody fists into our ongoing otaku-blog battles? Enough smashes into what all these estimated blog numbers mean? Enough crashes into some angry clickstreams? Enough backflips onto some featured otaku posts? And enough flaming explosions of super chicks and supercops? Hahaha, who’s counting anyway? But let’s give our whole-hearted thanx to Mimi-chan, Otaku Dan, Danny Choo, and Sankaku Complex, as well as the incomparable Jackie Chan, Maggie Cheung and Michelle Yeoh! Without them, my mega-post would only be a post, hehe… And don’t forget to pick up this DVD, okay?

Till next broadcast. Peace. Out.

Final Flashback

Jackie: “Oh, you mean, control like this?”

1992 Film | Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh & Maggie Cheung in Supercop | Enlarge

Katsuni | French-Vietnamese Adult-Film Actress | Enlarge

Welcome Katsuni! Welcome back, my trusty Toyboxers! Your maniacal master of the mega-post broadcast has returned with yet another five-part foray into the feline realm, lol. But why Katsuni? Hehe, why not? Actually, whether by demon or by design, it’s quite amusing how French-Asian adult-video actresses seem to slink their way onto my posts! Last week, French-Japanese idol Maria Ozawa. Then this week, French-Vietnamese star Katsuni. Yup, this week, our feline odyssey explores terrifying tiger tactics, shuffling little kitties, and of course, internationally captivating catfights! All accompanied by over 90 images! So beware, if you’re still cave-dwelling with Internet Explorer, ditch the buggy IE, and let the browsing fox fire up your soul, haha. On your mark! Get set! Go! Hope you enjoy the show…

Part 1 of 5. Terrifying Tiger Tactics. Yup, let’s begin the show with something terrifying in the real world! Well, not quite terrifying. Just the unknown and unfamiliar, lol. Starting in about one week, on Monday, March 2nd, I will be assisting not one, but *two* “Tiger Teams” in the in-depth analytical reassessment of our corporation’s software application products. Both the “Real Estate” and “Projects” applications. Whew, intimidating!

Feb 21 | Tiger Teams | Enlarge

While not a “tiger team” in the true sense of security penetration, the idea of an aggressive task-force-based analysis and reassessment is there.

Feb 21 | Tiger Teams | Enlarge

In fact, both five-man teams will be operating concurrently over a period of six weeks. Yup, you heard me. Concurrently. For six weeks.

Feb 21 | Tiger Teams | Enlarge

So while I’m not an SME (subject matter expert) in either application, as Technical Writer-Editor, I will be providing all-area support in the documentation and refinement of materials.

Feb 21 | Tiger Teams | Enlarge

In other words, I’ll be acting as all-purpose “Floater”, “Utility Player”, “Designated Hitter”, or “Linchpin” in the operation. Kinda scary. Especially with such top-notch personnel I’ve rarely seen.

Feb 21 | Tiger Teams | Enlarge

But maybe not so scary, lol. Once I get familiar with the new flow, I’ll do fine. As I’ve always done. Unfortunately, this may impact the quantity or quality of my weekly mega-posts. Or my comments on your blogs. Hopefully not. But it may. So starting in March, wish me luck! Hopefully, my mid-March birthday doesn’t suffer too much either, lol.

Part 2 of 5. Albums, Roommates & Menaces. Argh, enough about work! Here we come to the random menaces of the mega-post! Not much about tigers, lions or kitties. But maybe a Boston Terror~~ oops, I mean, Boston Terrier, lol.

Feb 21 | Lisa, Guiness & Me | Enlarge

Here’s the story. Yesterday, Saturday afternoon, during the closing credits of Jackie Chan’s “Police Story 2″ (1988), my roommate Lisa walked in and asked me to help her with Microsoft Word for Mac. In fact, this little Word project was one of those random Facebook chain-mail memes, lol.

Feb 21 | Lisa, Guiness & Me | Enlarge

Specifically, the meme takes a random image, random title and random quote, to create your randomly-generated “Album Cover”, lol. So for the next hour, I instructed her how to take a screen capture and crop the random image, paste it into Word, then insert and format the text boxes over the inserted image, before capturing and cropping the final product. Man, the Mac-based Word is such a pain! But we got it done, lol. Here’s her random “Album Cover”.

Feb 21 | Lisa, Guiness & Me | Enlarge

Say “Hi!” to the bright-eyed Guiness the Menace.

Feb 21 | Lisa, Guiness & Me | Enlarge

Say “Are you okay?” to the drug-eyed Lisa. Actually, she’s been taking a variety of meds on-and-off to fight off an intestinal parasite for the last month. Food poisoning. Pretty draining. And scary.

Feb 21 | Lisa, Guiness & Me | Enlarge

Yet she’s still awake and amused enough to be a dork, lol.

Feb 21 | Lisa, Guiness & Me | Enlarge

Guiness monitors the situation.

Feb 21 | Lisa, Guiness & Me | Enlarge

And manages to ignore it.

Feb 21 | Lisa, Guiness & Me | Enlarge

The motley crew. The ex-wife’s sister. The tailed menace. And the four-eyed otaku.

Feb 21 | Lisa, Guiness & Me | Enlarge

Interestingly enough, Lisa is wearing her boyfriend’s shirt over her ex-boyfriend’s-drawn tattoo, while staring at her ex-husband’s-provided MacBook, lol. Guiness is lounging upon my Mom’s knitted blanket piled on a couch found and bought by me and my ex-wife. While I wear my cool two-year-old Donna Karan frames and poorly-executed but comfy “Mimi’s Rage” long-sleeved T-shirt. A picture is worth a thousand words, lol.

Feb 21 | Lisa, Guiness & Me | Enlarge

Guiness is being pretty lazy.

Feb 21 | Lisa, Guiness & Me | Enlarge

Hmm, whose eyes are more mindlessly vacant?

Feb 21 | Lisa, Guiness & Me | Enlarge

Guiness must be thinking, “Whatcha lookin’ at, fool?”

Feb 21 | Lisa, Guiness & Me | Enlarge

Ahh, here’s the direct image of Lisa’s final randomly-generated “Album Cover”. Random yet still somehow stylish!

Feb 21 | Lisa’s Random Album Cover

And here’s mine! The band: Wan Chai Sports Ground. The title: “Those he professes to love” comes from the quote, “A man who thinks he has a higher purpose can do terrible things, even to those he professes to love” by Denise Mina, “Hellblazer: Empathy is the Enemy” (2006).

Feb 21 | Jay’s Random Album Cover

Heyyy, whether or not you have a Facebook account, wanna create your own random “Album Cover”? Here are the steps.

Create Your Own Random Album Cover

[1] Go to “Wikipedia” and hit “Random”. Or click here. The first random wikipedia article you get is the name of your band.

[2] Go to “Random Quotations”. Or click here. The last four or five words of the very last quote of the page is the title of your first album.

[3] Go to “Flickr” and click on “Explore the last seven days”. Or click here. The third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover.

[4] Use Photoshop or similar to put it all together.

[5] Post it to Facebook and tag the friends you want to join in.

Good luck! If you’re crazy enough to create one, and brave enough to tell me, feel free to comment with your link, lol. Can’t get any more random than that, now can I?

Part 3 of 5. Magnetic Return of Maggie. Ah, finally time to step away from reality! And time to bask in the magnificence of Maggie, lol. Like I mentioned above, I just-yesterday watched Jackie Chan’s “Police Story 2” (1988), the action-packed sequel to the ground-breaking (and glass-shattering) “Police Story” (1985). Pretty damn decent for a sequel!

Maggie Cheung | International Award-Winning Actress | Enlarge

But guess what? Even though I raved about “Police Story” three weeks ago, and even though I watched the commentary and heard Maggie’s name mentioned several times, I never realized until the “Police Story 2″ extra features, that this Maggie was the same internationally-reknowned Maggie Cheung from the films “The Heroic Trio”, “In the Mood for Love”, “2046″ and “Hero”. No clue whatsoever!

1988 Film | Jackie Chan & Maggie Cheung in Police Story 2 | Enlarge

One main reason is that in the original “Police Story”, Maggie looked noticeably heavier. Then several years later in “Police Story 2″, she clearly lost weight. But even after watching the sequel, I still didn’t realize who she was. Until the DVD extras, lol.

1988 Film | Jackie Chan & Maggie Cheung in Police Story 2 | Enlarge

As we see in her first scene in “Police Story 2″, I think another reason is that her character May is more playful and humorous than other more-dramatic characters I’ve seen later in her career. In fact, May is an even more comedic side-character in the original “Police Story”, lol.

1988 Film | Jackie Chan & Maggie Cheung in Police Story 2 | Enlarge

Ah, here she is with actor-director Jackie.

1988 Film | Jackie Chan & Maggie Cheung in Police Story 2 | Enlarge

So now you understand my failure to recognize Maggie, lol.

1988 Film | Jackie Chan & Maggie Cheung in Police Story 2 | Enlarge

It’s still pretty mind-blowing. Such modest beginnings for such acting legends!

1988 Film | Jackie Chan & Maggie Cheung in Police Story 2 | Enlarge

Not only did Maggie work with Jackie, but Jackie worked with Bruce Lee.

1988 Film | Jackie Chan & Maggie Cheung in Police Story 2 | Enlarge

Seems like almost everything can be traced to Bruce Lee.

1988 Film | Jackie Chan & Maggie Cheung in Police Story 2 | Enlarge

But I’m not so sure about Maggie’s double sweater. Two of them? Pink and white?

1988 Film | Jackie Chan & Maggie Cheung in Police Story 2 | Enlarge

Ahh, these outfits are more agreeable, lol.

1988 Film | Jackie Chan & Maggie Cheung in Police Story 2 | Enlarge

Still, she looks so young here!

1988 Film | Jackie Chan & Maggie Cheung in Police Story 2 | Enlarge

Let me check… She was only 24 years old in 1988!

1988 Film | Jackie Chan & Maggie Cheung in Police Story 2 | Enlarge

Awww, that’s all for Maggie. Don’t wanna give away too much of the story, lol. Fortunately, she returns once more in “Police Story 3: Supercop” (1992). I’ll let you know how it turns out! Stay tuned!

Part 4 of 5. Captivating Capture of Katsuni. Hmmm, from one exotically-feline Asian beauty to another, hehe. And why not? It’s my blog, isn’t it? Hehe.

Katsuni | French-Vietnamese Adult-Film Actress | Enlarge

But alas, if you remember my “Pirates XXX” (2005) review two weeks ago, you’ll already know I was looking forward to the sequel “Pirates II: Stagnetti’s Revenge” (2008, Wiki link). Especially Katsuni’s kat-like performance, hehe. Well, here we go! But my captions may or may not be intentionally wrong, lol.

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Ahh, Katsuni’s character, Pirate Empress Xifeng reveals herself for the first time in the saga!

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Just like Darth Maul unhooding himself in “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace”.

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

But way sexier, lol.

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Don’t you agree?

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Wait, what’s she going to do?

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Will this guy die?

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Probably.

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Yeah, bloody probably, lol.

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Ahh, someone finds Empress Xifeng!

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

But does Xifeng care?

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Probably not.

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Xifeng: “Don’t you love my French accent?”

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

“Because I love my French accent.”

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Time to twist the plot.

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

And look sexy.

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Xifeng: “Look at me!”

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

“Don’t you think I’m sexy?”

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

“Because I think I’m sexy.”

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

“Hmmm, how sexy are you?”

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

“Not as sexy as my French accent.”

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Gotta admit, pretty decent special effects for an adult film.

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

The costumes ain’t bad either!

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Ah, a sexy weapon.

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Xifeng readies, aims and fires!

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

What? What’s happening?

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

More effects!

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Even more effects!

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Ahh, power.

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Ultimate power.

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Everyone else fails.

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Ahh, someone else finds Empress Xifeng!

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

But again, does she care?

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Xifeng: “Prepare to die.”

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

“Now I’m really sexy.”

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

“Deadly sexy.”

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

The epic catfight ignites!

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Sword to sword! Blade to blade!

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Xifeng: “Yes, I’m way sexier than you.”

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

“Way sexier.”

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Haha, just like Morpheus taunting Neo in “The Matrix”.

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

But way sexier, lol.

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Deliciously sexier, haha.

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

The claw-to-claw catfight continues!

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Epic swordplay! Epic sexiness!

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Xifeng: “Yes, my French accent is way sexier than you.”

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

So how does this epic pirate-hunting, monster-slaying and catfighting tale end? Haha, ask me and I’ll tell you! Nevertheless, another 5 of 5 stars for “Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge”. Not only for the sex, but the comedy, drama and cannon-blasting action! For more, check out my previous “Pirates XXX” post (Blog 188). Or take a chance and visit the “Pirates XXX” official website (NSFW link). Let me know what you think, hahaha!

Part 5 of 5. Figures, Shuffles & Catfights. Dammit, already? Already Part Five? Yup-yup! After the appetizers and the main course, here we are with our final dessert. Ah, the cute girls of the “Shuffle!” eroge (erotic game) and subsequent anime series. Once again, bringing back my old locked-away photoshoots, like my “To Heart” shoot last week, here’s my third-oldest figure photoshoot of all time. My 15-shot “Shuffle” photoshoot from 09 November 2006! Featuring the orange-headed Kaede (CharaAni, 1/6th or 1/7th-scale) and the purple-haired kitty-draped Primula (Alter Sei, 1/8th-scale).

09 Nov 2006 | Shuffle | Enlarge

Giggling playfully in her crouched pose, orange-haired Kaede was my 29th figure (of 92) in October 2006.

09 Nov 2006 | Shuffle | Enlarge

Oh yeah, before I forget, sparked by my conversation with Meimi132-chan here, she started compiling the rules for an “International Figure League” here, lol. Yup, an international tournament similar to the Saimoe tournament! But for specific anime figures instead of anime characters!

09 Nov 2006 | Shuffle | Enlarge

Cool idea? Or bad? Hehe, I think it’s pretty decent. If “moe” anime characters can engage in catfights, why not figures? Yup-yup, can’t have too many catfights, lol.

09 Nov 2006 | Shuffle | Enlarge

So far, Meimi132-chan is suggesting a nomination period to determine the top-40 eligible figures. Then from there, a six-round tournament!

09 Nov 2006 | Shuffle | Enlarge

Sitting innocently against the window, beneath her adorable pair of kitties, purple-headed Primula was my 25th figure (of 92) in October 2006. Awww.

09 Nov 2006 | Shuffle | Enlarge

Unfortunately, I don’t know if Meimi132-chan is still pursuing the idea. Or if she’s temporarily busy for the moment.

09 Nov 2006 | Shuffle | Enlarge

I suppose I could assist. Sadly, like I noted at the top of this post, I’m gonna be doubly-tied up-and-down with work through all of March and the beginning of April.

09 Nov 2006 | Shuffle | Enlarge

But who knows? We’ll see how it goes. Assuming people care about a figure league, lol.

09 Nov 2006 | Shuffle | Enlarge

Ahh, here’s a nice kneeling composition.

09 Nov 2006 | Shuffle | Enlarge

And here’s one of my faves. I just love Kaede’s giggling expression, hehe.

09 Nov 2006 | Shuffle | Enlarge

The mysterious Primula gazes through space.

09 Nov 2006 | Shuffle | Enlarge

But I’ve always felt that the incomplete window seems… umm, a little incomplete, lol.

09 Nov 2006 | Shuffle | Enlarge

Same thing with the partial curtains… umm, a bit odd too, lol.

09 Nov 2006 | Shuffle | Enlarge

At least it’s unique. In fact, both of these “Shuffle” figures are rather unique. Primula’s partial window. And Kaede’s closed eyes, lol. Do you know of any other figure with both eyes shut?

09 Nov 2006 | Shuffle | Enlarge

So check out Meimi132-chan’s links above. We still need to fine-tune the tournament details. But we’re getting there. Hehe, an “International Figure League”. Why not? There are worse things out there, aren’t there? LOL, and besides, who doesn’t love a cute catfight?

Whew! Is that everyone and everything? Thank you, Katsuni, Maggie, Kaede and Primula! As well as Lisa and Guiness, lol. And Jackie, of course. I hope you enjoyed this week’s frantic five-part feline foray into terrifying tiger tactics, shuffling little kitties, and of course, internationally captivating catfights! French accents included, lol. Yup, another five-legged mega-broadcast has come and gone. Don’t forget to create and link your own “Random Album Cover”! Don’t forget to take a peek at “Police Story 2″, “Pirates XXX” or “Pirates II”, if you can. And don’t forget to share your bubbling thoughts on an “International Figure League”, moe or not, lol. Oh man, I think my brain is beginning to hurt. Ouch. Throbbing. Ache. Need. To finish this. Soon…