{"id":3294,"date":"2009-06-21T23:58:47","date_gmt":"2009-06-22T07:58:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.xjaymanx.com\/toyboxx\/?p=3294"},"modified":"2011-08-27T07:24:40","modified_gmt":"2011-08-27T15:24:40","slug":"blog-207-angels-badasses-cyborgs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.xjaymanx.com\/toyboxx\/2009\/06\/21\/blog-207-angels-badasses-cyborgs\/","title":{"rendered":"Blog 207 > Angels, Badasses & Cyborgs"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Battle
\nAlita | Battle Angel Alita (Gunnm, 1990) | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Heyyy! Hello, my Ticklish Toyboxers! What’s up? What’s been going on? As a few of you might already know, I took a mini-break to rest, recharge, and most importantly, let my elbows recover and ring-and-pinky fingers relax from an irritating twinge of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome. So like I told Kris-chan<\/a> last week: “I don’t think a planned 70-100 pic post would be in my best interest right now, lol. Besides, gave me stuff to think about. Hence, a new experimental post.”<\/i> <\/p>\n

Speaking of which, I hope you enjoyed my experimental Blog 206 > Anime Adrift<\/a>. Not only an experiment, but it transformed into quite an intriguing Toyboxer test, haha! Congratulations to those of you who commented poetically and passed! But enough about last week. Just because I took it easy last week, doesn’t mean I won’t launch a massive 7-part 120-image cybernetic “mega-cast” or “giga-cast” this week. Including a deadly barrage of Japanese angels, gunslinging badasses, angelic cyborgs and otaku bloggers for every taste. So I hope you’re healthy, ready and willing enough to withstand the light-speed onslaught. Well, then? Let the battles begin…<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Part 1 of 7 > Juri Ueno & Nodame Cantabile<\/h2>\n

Wow. Comedic. Dramatic. Inspiring. Sublime. What more can I add? What else can I say about the live-action Japanese drama “Nodame Cantabile<\/a>” (2006), starring the irresistible Juri Ueno<\/a>, eh? Here’s my speed-review for the anime-version back in my December Blog 178<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\nNodame Cantabile [50].<\/a> My 50th anime title-or-season of the year. Oh wow! Now this series is an extraordinary tapesty in the romantic-comedic styles of the classic \u201cKare Kano\u201d and the rock-and-roll \u201cNana\u201d, but colored and interwoven through searingly sublime piano, violin and orchestral music. Probably one of the most original, breathtaking, and utterly unforgettable series in a long time. Easily 5 of 5 stars!\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"Nodame
\nNodame Cantabile [50] | 5 of 5 Stars | Enlarge 1024px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

So how does the 11-episode live-action drama compare? Well, let me answer it this way. While I watched the first episode on 24 May 2009, I finished the remaining ten episodes from 7 June to 12 June! Less than a week! And then I finished the 2-part “European Special” the next day on 13 June, haha. I mean, the over-the-top physical comedy sets up the profound emotional dilemmas perfectly. And this only works when the actors and actresses can portray the orchestral roller-coaster tale just as flawlessly. Like I said: Sublime. I’m even tempted to give my first 6 of 5 stars ever. But I mustn’t break the rules too often, or it defeats the purpose of the rating system, lol. Very well, let’s go with 5 of 5 stars. To celebrate, here are a series of screencaps from Design Chronicle<\/a> and a couple of promotional shots from Sony Music Japan<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Hehe, shall I present my traditional fake captions?<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nEpisode 1 of 11 | Nodame Cantabile (Live-Action Drama, 2006) | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Why am I showing the ending credits first?<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nEpisode 1 of 11 | Nodame Cantabile (Live-Action Drama, 2006) | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Eh, why not? To give an initial impression of the overall series?<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nEpisode 1 of 11 | Nodame Cantabile (Live-Action Drama, 2006) | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Ah, Europe!<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nEpisode 1 of 11 | Nodame Cantabile (Live-Action Drama, 2006) | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Ah, young Shinichi-kun before the terror and the trauma.<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nEpisode 1 of 11 | Nodame Cantabile (Live-Action Drama, 2006) | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Ah, the college-aged Shinichi-sempai: “Who stole my porn?”<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nEpisode 1 of 11 | Nodame Cantabile (Live-Action Drama, 2006) | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

The next-door Nodame-chan: “You mean, *my* porn?”<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nEpisode 1 of 11 | Nodame Cantabile (Live-Action Drama, 2006) | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Shinichi-sempai: “You threw my porn where?”<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nEpisode 1 of 11 | Nodame Cantabile (Live-Action Drama, 2006) | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Shinichi-sempai: “I’ll have to teach you a lesson! A bath should do it!”<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nEpisode 1 of 11 | Nodame Cantabile (Live-Action Drama, 2006) | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Nodame-chan: “Ahh, the piano feels like shampoo…”<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nEpisode 1 of 11 | Nodame Cantabile (Live-Action Drama, 2006) | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Nodame-chan: “Is it true? The piano is nothing without porn!”<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nEpisode 1 of 11 | Nodame Cantabile (Live-Action Drama, 2006) | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Nodame-chan: “Hehe, or is porn nothing without the piano?”<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nEpisode 1 of 11 | Nodame Cantabile (Live-Action Drama, 2006) | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Shinichi-sempai: “Take that! You porn-stealing piano-playing fruit-cake!”<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nEpisode 2 of 11 | Nodame Cantabile (Live-Action Drama, 2006) | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Nodame-chan: “Awww, I love it when he smacks me…”<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nEpisode 2 of 11 | Nodame Cantabile (Live-Action Drama, 2006) | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Nodame-chan: “It means he loves me…”<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nEpisode 2 of 11 | Nodame Cantabile (Live-Action Drama, 2006) | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Nodame-chan: “Oh no, I can’t find the porn I borrowed…”<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nEpisode 2 of 11 | Nodame Cantabile (Live-Action Drama, 2006) | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Nodame-chan: “Maybe a little make-up will help?”<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nEpisode 2 of 11 | Nodame Cantabile (Live-Action Drama, 2006) | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Shinichi-sempai: “Ah, porn is nothing without the violin!”<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nEpisode 2 of 11 | Nodame Cantabile (Live-Action Drama, 2006) | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Nodame-chan: “You’re right! I thought the violin was nothing without porn!”<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nEpisode 2 of 11 | Nodame Cantabile (Live-Action Drama, 2006) | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Nodame-chan: “Nooo, how can I be sick now? I need to find his porn…”<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nEpisode 2 of 11 | Nodame Cantabile (Live-Action Drama, 2006) | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Mine-san: “Shinichi-san’s right. Porn is nothing without the violin!”<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nEpisode 2 of 11 | Nodame Cantabile (Live-Action Drama, 2006) | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Shinichi-sempai: “Nodame-chan, let’s find the porn together.”<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nEpisode 2 of 11 | Nodame Cantabile (Live-Action Drama, 2006) | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Stresemann-sensei: “Hahaha, what do you mean? I haven’t finished your porn yet!”<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nEpisode 2 of 11 | Nodame Cantabile (Live-Action Drama, 2006) | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Stresemann-sensei: “But Nodame-chan, you can have it back in exchange for one kiss…”<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nEpisode 2 of 11 | Nodame Cantabile (Live-Action Drama, 2006) | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Nodame-chan: “Whah-whah-whah?”<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nEpisode 3 of 11 | Nodame Cantabile (Live-Action Drama, 2006) | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

POWWW!!!<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nEpisode 3 of 11 | Nodame Cantabile (Live-Action Drama, 2006) | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Stresemann-sensei: “Nodame-chan, are you sure you don’t want your porn back?”<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nEpisode 3 of 11 | Nodame Cantabile (Live-Action Drama, 2006) | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

DOUBLE POWWW!!!<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nEpisode 3 of 11 | Nodame Cantabile (Live-Action Drama, 2006) | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Stresemann-sensei: “Ahh, porn is nothing without an orchestra!<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nEpisode 3 of 11 | Nodame Cantabile (Live-Action Drama, 2006) | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Nodame-chan: “I have to find it. I have to find it…”<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nEpisode 3 of 11 | Nodame Cantabile (Live-Action Drama, 2006) | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Shinichi-sempai: “What? You couldn’t find my porn? Wait! You know where it is?” <\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nEpisode 3 of 11 | Nodame Cantabile (Live-Action Drama, 2006) | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Nodame-chan: “But I want to watch it too!”<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nEpisode 3 of 11 | Nodame Cantabile (Live-Action Drama, 2006) | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Stresemann-sensei: “What!?! They stole back my favorite porn!?!”<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nEpisode 3 of 11 | Nodame Cantabile (Live-Action Drama, 2006) | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Shinichi-sempai: “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have taken the porn from you.”<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nEpisode 3 of 11 | Nodame Cantabile (Live-Action Drama, 2006) | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Stresemann-sensei: “You should *all* be sorry! That was mine-mine-mine!”<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nEpisode 3 of 11 | Nodame Cantabile (Live-Action Drama, 2006) | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Nodame-chan: “Hehe, I can’t wait to see it! Can’t wait to see it!”<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nEpisode 3 of 11 | Nodame Cantabile (Live-Action Drama, 2006) | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

LOL, okay-okay, enough of the fake captions. Here’s the cover of what looks like a Japanese TV guide. For the week of 21-27 October 2006. Featuring Juri Ueno<\/a> and Hiroshi Tamaki<\/a> from “Nodame Cantabile”. Aww, lemons.<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nJuri Ueno & Hiroshi Tamaki | Nodame Cantabile (Promo, 2006) | Enlarge 1000px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Here’s an inside page from that TV guide. Feel free to enlarge the image, hehe.<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nJuri Ueno & Hiroshi Tamaki | Nodame Cantabile (Promo, 2006) | Enlarge 1000px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Next, here’s a couple of promotional shots from Sony Music Japan<\/a>, lol. From the week of Christmas 2007.<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nJuri Ueno | Nodame Cantabile (Promo, 2007) | Enlarge 1700px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Here’s another high-resolution shot. Feel free to enlarge the image, hehe.<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nJuri Ueno | Nodame Cantabile (Promo, 2007) | Enlarge 2400px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Well, I hope you enjoyed my flurrying musings of “Nodame Cantabile”. It’s definitely hard *not* to fall in love or feel protective of the carefree Nodame-chan or actress Juri Ueno, lol. In fact, according to her Wikipedia page, 2 live-action “Nodame Cantabile” films are coming soon in 2010! Really? I’m not surprised at all. LOL, we can’t get enough of Juri-chan, can we?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Part 2 of 7 > Juri Ueno & Anime Adrift<\/h2>\n

Heyyy, speaking of Juri Ueno, I mentioned my experimental Blog 206 > Anime Adrift<\/a> at the top of my giga-cast, right? Well, during my search for some high-resolution “Juri Ueno” pics to accompany my “Nodame” discussion, I stumbled across an online stash of her old pics from her “JURIfirst” (2004) photo book. Which means Juri-chan was 18-years-old when her photo book was released, two years after her 2002 television debut. Which also isn’t surprising, since many famous Japanese actresses began their entertainment career as a gravure idol<\/a>. Actress Yukie Nakama<\/a>, from the comedy “Gokusen” (Live-Action Drama, 2002, 2005, 2008), is another name which comes to mind. But some girls start as early as 12 years old, if not younger!<\/p>\n

In any case, here are 2 brief photoshoots from her photo book. Feel free to enlarge the high-resolution scans.<\/p>\n

\"Juri
\nJuri Ueno | JURIfirst Photo Book (2004) | Enlarge 2800px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Juri
\nJuri Ueno | JURIfirst Photo Book (2004) | Enlarge 2800px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Juri
\nJuri Ueno | JURIfirst Photo Book (2004) | Enlarge 2800px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Juri
\nJuri Ueno | JURIfirst Photo Book (2004) | Enlarge 2800px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Juri
\nJuri Ueno | JURIfirst Photo Book (2004) | Enlarge 2800px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Juri
\nJuri Ueno | JURIfirst Photo Book (2004) | Enlarge 2800px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Juri
\nJuri Ueno | JURIfirst Photo Book (2004) | Enlarge 2800px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Juri
\nJuri Ueno | JURIfirst Photo Book (2004) | Enlarge 2800px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Interestingly, here’s the cover *without* the additional cover flap.<\/p>\n

\"Juri
\nJuri Ueno | JURIfirst Photo Book (2004) | Enlarge 2800px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Then here’s the cover *with* the cover flap, mentioning her fame in TV and commercials (CM), haha. Why not mention it, right?<\/p>\n

\"Juri
\nJuri Ueno | JURIfirst Photo Book (2004) | Enlarge 2800px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Well, that’s all for now. Just a quick 9-page glimpse of the near-100-page photo book. Hmm, maybe I’ll trickle a few more photoshoots in the near future? Who knows? But now, from live-action romantic comedies and gravure-idol photo books, let’s leap 180-degrees into post-apocalyptic cyborg technologies!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Part 3 of 7 > Chronicles of Cyborgs & Terminators<\/h2>\n

Drama. Desperation. Terror. Horror. Sublime. What more can I add? What else can I say about the American sci-fi drama “Terminator – The Sarah Connor Chronicles<\/a>” (2008), eh? Back in my Blog 203<\/a> last month, I mentioned that the series had been sadly cancelled before I even had a chance to finish it. But now that I’ve finished it, it’s even more sad. Within one month, I began the first episode of “Season 2” on 23 May 2009, then finished the final revealing episode just a few days ago, on 19 June 2009. Despite the expectedly heavy atmosphere within such a post-apocalyptic time-shifting saga, the acting amongst all of the actors is top-notch. And the stylistic reverence and cinematic adherence to the original film trilogy is uncanny! An impressive 5 of 5 stars! To celebrate, here are a series of high-resolution promotional wallpapers, photos and other images, many of which come from TV Spoilers Center<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Yup, here are a ton of huge images, including a bunch that are larger than 3000px, and a few that are 4000px! Gotta love the shotgun. A nice reference to the films, lol. Do you want to live?<\/p>\n

\"Terminator:
\nSarah Connor | Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008) | Enlarge 3100px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Terminator:
\nCameron | Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008) | Enlarge 3100px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Terminator:
\nCameron | Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008) | Enlarge 3100px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Terminator:
\nCameron | Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008) | Enlarge 3100px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Terminator:
\nSarah, John & Cameron | Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008) | Enlarge 1600px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Terminator:
\nSarah, John & Cameron | Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008) | Enlarge 1800px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Terminator:
\nSarah & John | Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008) | Enlarge 2700px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Terminator:
\nSarah, John & Cameron | Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008) | Enlarge 4000px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Terminator:
\nSarah | Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008) | Enlarge 3900px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Terminator:
\nSarah, John & Cameron | Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008) | Enlarge 3900px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Ah, here are the leading and killing women of the series.<\/p>\n

\"Terminator:
\nLena Headey as Sarah Connor | Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008) | Enlarge 3900px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Terminator:
\nLena Headey as Sarah Connor | Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008) | Enlarge 3900px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Terminator:
\nSummer Glau as Cameron | Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008) | Enlarge 3900px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Terminator:
\nSummer Glau as Cameron | Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008) | Enlarge 3900px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Terminator:
\nShirley Manson as Catherine Weaver | Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008) | Enlarge 3900px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Terminator:
\nShirley Manson as Catherine Weaver | Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008) | Enlarge 2000px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Terminator:
\nShirley, Summer & Garret Dillahunt | Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008) | Enlarge 2000px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

And now, here are a stockpile of terminating wallpapers.<\/p>\n

\"Terminator:
\nSarah, John & Cameron | Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008) | Enlarge 3000px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Terminator:
\nLiquid Metal | Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008) | Enlarge 1600px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Terminator:
\nLiquid Metal | Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008) | Enlarge 1600px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Terminator:
\nCameron | Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008) | Enlarge 1600px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Terminator:
\nJohn, Cameron & Sarah | Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008) | Enlarge 1600px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Terminator:
\nJohn, Cameron & Sarah | Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008) | Enlarge 1600px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Terminator:
\nJohn, Cameron, Sarah & Derek Reese | Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008) | Enlarge 1600px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Terminator:
\nJohn, Cameron, Sarah & Derek Reese | Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008) | Enlarge 4000px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Terminator:
\nThe Cast | Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008) | Enlarge 4000px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Well, do you really want to live? Despite the cancellation, I must congratulate the cast and crew of “Terminator – The Sarah Connor Chronicles” (2008) for a job well done! After 2 time-gripping mind-bending seasons, it’s sad to see it end. But maybe now, I can finally catch the latest “Terminator 4 – Salvation” (2009) film. Maybe?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Part 4 of 7 > Chronicles of Shirley, Summer & Stephanie<\/h2>\n

Ah, the deadly actresses of “Terminator – The Sarah Connor Chronicles”! Shirley, Summer and Stephanie! Let’s begin with Shirley, lol. Wow, I first remember Shirley Manson<\/a> when she was the lead vocalist of Garbage<\/a>, back when I bought their debut album in 1995! Loved their music and especially her voice! Enough to buy their follow-up album “Version 2.0” in 1998, lol. So when I saw Shirley appear in this sci-fi series, in her first professional acting role, I was intrigued and pleasantly surprised! A 14-year arc, lol. Pretty awesome. <\/p>\n

\"Terminator:
\nShirley Manson | Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008) | Enlarge 3600px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Next, remember Summer? Haha, like I mentioned a few mega-casts ago<\/a>, I first remember Summer Glau<\/a> from her previous sci-fi series “Firefly<\/a>” (2002). And like I mentioned, this will be her *second* sci-fi axe. Oh well, it was nice while it lasted, right? A 7-year arc, lol. Still pretty awesome.<\/p>\n

\"Terminator:
\nSummer Glau | Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008) | Enlarge 2000px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

By the way, here’s a hilarious NSFW-pornographic composite image I stumbled across in my “Terminator – The Sarah Connor Chronicles” searches, lol. Be warned! Don’t enlarge the image unless you’re willing to subject yourself to some humorous nudity! But still, despite the poor spelling, the Photoshop quality is remarkable, lol. “Cum with her if you want to live”, lol.<\/p>\n

\"Terminator:
\nFake Summer Glau | Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008) | Enlarge 1800px (NSFW)<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Ah, last but never least, Stephanie! My favorite, lol. So why do I say “favorite”? Well, if you remember a couple of months ago in my Steampunk<\/a> mega-cast (Blog 196, Part 4), I posted about my favorite “Firefly” fanfic character, the Anglo-Asian genius pilot I created and illustrated in 2004, named Akiko \u201cLucky\u201d Yoshikawa. While Angry Mimi-chan<\/a> may remind me of Lucky’s appearance and personality, Stephanie Jacobsen<\/a>, based on her performance in “Battlestar Galactica – Razor<\/a>” (2007), would be the perfect actress to play Lucky. Not only with her combined Portuguese, Chinese, Norwegian, and British heritage, but especially her Aussie accent!<\/p>\n

\"Terminator:
\nStephanie Jacobsen | Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008) | Enlarge 1280px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

So when I saw Stephanie appear in this series, yet another sci-fi series, I was immediately drawn into her particular strand of the “Terminator” saga. Here’s a still from the “Terminator” set.<\/p>\n

\"Terminator:
\nStephanie Jacobsen | Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008) | Enlarge 1900px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Next, here’s a still from the “Battlestar Galactica – Razor” set. Impressive.<\/p>\n

\"Terminator:
\nStephanie Jacobsen | Battlestar Galactica – Razor (2007) | Enlarge 1280px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Finally, here’s a shot in a softer outfit, from neither “Terminator” nor “Battlestar Galactica”, lol.<\/p>\n

\"Terminator:
\nStephanie Jacobsen | Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008) | Enlarge 3000px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

So that’s it! The quick and dirty “Terminator” chronicles of Shirley, Summer and Stephanie linking “Garbage”, “Firefly”, and “Battlestar Galactica”, as well as linking Scottish, British and Australian accents, lol. Wait, did I mention I have a thing for European and European-based accents? I did? Oh, sorry then.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Part 5 of 7 > Hard-Boiled Cops, Blade Runners & Battling Angels<\/h2>\n

Oh yeah! Extending the exterminating trajectory of badass gunslingers and gunslinging badasses, let’s take a one-eyed aim at the classic Hong Kong action film “Hard Boiled<\/a>” (1992), directed by John Woo<\/a>, and starring Chow Yun-Fat<\/a> and Tony Leung Chiu-Wai<\/a>. Haha, yup, last week on 14 June 2009, I finally managed to watch what many critics consider to be “one of the greatest and most influential action films ever made”! And I can’t disagree! Not only that, Chow Yun-Fat and Tony Leung Chiu-Wai are so young, lol. Especially since mentioning Tony Leung in my Red Cliffs<\/a> mega-cast (Blog 201, Part 3), lol. Consequently, I’d have to award the film a bullet-flying 4 of 5 stars! <\/p>\n

In fact, here’s the front cover of the 2007 DVD-version I watched.<\/p>\n

\"Chow
\nChow Yun-Fat | Hard Boiled (God of Guns, 1992) | Enlarge 700px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Here’s a similar cover including both the front and back.<\/p>\n

\"Chow
\nChow Yun-Fat | Hard Boiled (God of Guns, 1992) | Enlarge 1600px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Finally, here’s a famous still from the classic action film. <\/p>\n

\"Chow
\nChow Yun-Fat | Hard Boiled (God of Guns, 1992) | Enlarge 2600px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Now, after watching “Hard Boiled”, and noticing many of the elements that influenced later films like “Terminator” (1984), “Die Hard” (1988) and “The Matrix” (1999), I couldn’t escape one particular motif. After seeing Tony Leung’s paper cranes, I couldn’t help being reminded of the origami figures folded by Edward James Olmos in “Blade Runner” (1982). So guess what? What did I do? Immediately after finishing “Hard Boiled”, I decided to watch my old DVD copy of the classic American sci-fi film “Blade Runner – Director’s Cut<\/a>” (1982, 1992), starring Harrison Ford<\/a> and Edward James Olmos<\/a>, for the first time in years. Yup, years! Too funny. Funny how seeing Edward James Olmos’ “pimped” humanoid form and the “skin job” reference to cyborg Replicants, both reminded me of the humanoid Cylons in “Battlestar Galactica”. Even funnier how Harrison Ford’s piano managed to remind me of “Nodame Cantabile” too, lol. Funny how everything I watch is somehow related to everything else I watch! From gun battles to paper cranes to killer cyborgs!<\/p>\n

Here’s the front cover of the 1992 “Director’s Cut” DVD-version I watched.<\/p>\n

\"Harrison
\nHarrison Ford | Blade Runner (1982, 1992, 2007) | Enlarge 1000px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Next, here’s the poster of the 2007 “Final Cut” version.<\/p>\n

\"Harrison
\nHarrison Ford | Blade Runner (1982, 1992, 2007) | Enlarge 2900px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Finally, here’s the front cover of the 2007 “Final Cut” DVD-version I still haven’t watched.<\/p>\n

\"Harrison
\nHarrison Ford | Blade Runner (1982, 1992, 2007) | Enlarge 2200px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Coincidentally, in yet another related piece of post-apocalyptic possibilities, just a few days ago, I finally managed to finish the ninth and final volume of the original cyberpunk-splatterpunk manga series “Battle Angel Alita<\/a>” (Gunnm, 1990) created, written and illustrated by Yukito Kishiro<\/a>! Damn, after years of delay, I finally resumed “Angel of Chaos” (Volume 7) on 27 March 2009. Three months later, I finally finished “Angel’s Ascension” (Volume 9) on 19 June 2009! An undisputed and masterfully executed 5 of 5 stars! One of the rare manga gems I’ve ever finished, lol.<\/p>\n

Here’s the cover of “Rusty Angel” (Volume 1), which magnetically caught by eye all those years ago, and never let go.<\/p>\n

\"Battle
\nAlita | Battle Angel Alita (Gunnm, 1990) | Enlarge 700px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Ah, here’s a cool fanart wallpaper version of the manga cover.<\/p>\n

\"Battle
\nAlita | Battle Angel Alita (Gunnm, 1990) | Enlarge 1100px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Here’s another rustier-and-bloodier fanart version of the manga cover.<\/p>\n

\"Battle
\nAlita | Battle Angel Alita (Gunnm, 1990) | Enlarge 1600px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Finally, here’s an amazing 3D CG-rendered fanart version of the manga cover. Wow.<\/p>\n

\"Battle
\nAlita | Battle Angel Alita (Gunnm, 1990) | Enlarge 1000px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Aww, and of course, here’s a close-up of Alita herself.<\/p>\n

\"Battle
\nAlita | Battle Angel Alita (Gunnm, 1990) | Enlarge 1200px<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

The following day, on 20 June 2009, I snapped a few random photos of my “Blade Runner” DVD, “Battle Angel Alita” manga, and the FUTURO elbow and wrist supports which facilitated (and continue to facilitate) my recovery. <\/p>\n

\"Battle
\n20 June | Blades, Angels & Elbows | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

A slightly different angel. Oops, I meant, “angle”.<\/p>\n

\"Battle
\n20 June | Blades, Angels & Elbows | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

A real-life demonstration!<\/p>\n

\"Battle
\n20 June | Blades, Angels & Elbows | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Whew, that was exhausting! Hard-boiled cops, blade runners and battling angels! All we need are “hard-boiled cyborgs”, and the circle will be complete, lol. Right, Vader?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Part 6 of 7 > Thankful Fridays & Tasty Sundaes<\/h2>\n

Okay, my Tireless Toyboxers, time to take a break from Japanese angels, gunslinging badasses, and angelic cyborgs, lol. Time to talk about myself! To be specific, on Friday, 19 June 2009, I decided to treat my co-worker friend Michelle with lunch to celebrate her birthday over the weekend. Where did we go for lunch? Since I was treating, I let her decide. And ultimately, she decided on “T.G.I.Friday’s”, of course! I haven’t been there in years!<\/p>\n

I have no idea what I’m explaining in this first shot, but that “Park, Ride, Relax” sign is pretty funny.<\/p>\n

\"Lunch
\n19 June | Lunch at T.G.I.Friday’s | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

A thoughtful pose! Check out the plane taking off beyond my windshield!<\/p>\n

\"Lunch
\n19 June | Lunch at T.G.I.Friday’s | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Haha, Michelle, nice motorcycle catch!<\/p>\n

\"Lunch
\n19 June | Lunch at T.G.I.Friday’s | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

A-ha! Wearing my FUTURO elbow support, lol.<\/p>\n

\"Lunch
\n19 June | Lunch at T.G.I.Friday’s | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

There’s the next airplane! Can you capture that?<\/p>\n

\"Lunch
\n19 June | Lunch at T.G.I.Friday’s | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Hehehe, there it is! Just landed on the runway!<\/p>\n

\"Lunch
\n19 June | Lunch at T.G.I.Friday’s | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Hahaha, whatever!<\/p>\n

\"Lunch
\n19 June | Lunch at T.G.I.Friday’s | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Hey, Michelle, got enough salad?<\/p>\n

\"Lunch
\n19 June | Lunch at T.G.I.Friday’s | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Got enough soup? Umm, could you stop moving?<\/p>\n

\"Lunch
\n19 June | Lunch at T.G.I.Friday’s | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

LOL, finally, that’s better.<\/p>\n

\"Lunch
\n19 June | Lunch at T.G.I.Friday’s | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Mmmm, my delicious salmon pasta!<\/p>\n

\"Lunch
\n19 June | Lunch at T.G.I.Friday’s | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

My tasty French onion soup!<\/p>\n

\"Lunch
\n19 June | Lunch at T.G.I.Friday’s | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

And finally, our free birthday sundae! Free! Awww.<\/p>\n

\"Lunch
\n19 June | Lunch at T.G.I.Friday’s | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Wow, that was too quick! Hmm, I think the lack of killer cyborgs had something to do with it, lol. <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Part 7 of 7 > Otaku Outlook & Battling Toyboxers<\/h2>\n

Did someone say “killer cyborgs”? Nahhh, none here. Just some blog-battling otaku. Same thing? Nahhh, lol. Nonetheless, continuing our traditional otaku-blog coverage from last month’s Tales<\/a> (Blog 202, Part 1) mega-cast and previous month’s Supercops<\/a> (Blog 198, Part 1) mega-cast, here’s the latest batch of estimated theoretical values in the otaku blogosphere. <\/p>\n

As you can plainly see in the first chart (enlarge if necessary), “Sankaku Complex” continues to seduce the otakusphere and reduce “Danny Choo” to a seemingly pilot-less Gundam, lol.<\/p>\n

\"Website
\n18 June | Website Outlook – Blog Worth Over Time | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Meanwhile, in the second chart (enlarge if necessary), “Happy Soda” and “xJAYMANx_toybox” continue their irregular rise. However, based on these specific dozen-plus trajectories, the overall otakusphere seems generally stable.<\/p>\n

\"Website
\n18 June | Website Outlook – Blog Worth Over Time | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

Hehehe, now, let’s have some fun! Until now, I’ve always focussed on otaku-blog trajectories in the theoretical $5K-to-10K or $10K-to-20K range. This time, let’s focus on the theoretical $0K-to-3K range! In fact, let’s turn this into a little “game” or “race”. Why not? Why not wonder who theoretically “wins” next month? Just for fun, of course.<\/p>\n

Let’s begin with Girl G33k<\/a> (Kris-chan) at $876 USD.<\/p>\n

\"Website
\n18 June | Website Outlook – Girl G33k<\/em><\/div>\n

After her is Furudango<\/a> (Koshiko-chan) at $1569.50 USD.<\/p>\n

\"Website
\n18 June | Website Outlook – Furudango<\/em><\/div>\n

Third is Aprilius20<\/a> (A20-man) at $2372.50 USD.<\/p>\n

\"Website
\n18 June | Website Outlook – Aprilius20<\/em><\/div>\n

After him is Rhythm Emotion<\/a> (Lene-chan) at $2438.20 USD.<\/p>\n

\"Website
\n18 June | Website Outlook – Rhythm Emotion<\/em><\/div>\n

Fifth is One and Only Jem<\/a> (Jem-chan) at $2489.30 USD.<\/p>\n

\"Website
\n18 June | Website Outlook – One and Only Jem<\/em><\/div>\n

After her is The Coco Cafe<\/a> (Coco-chan) at $2868.90 USD.<\/p>\n

\"Website
\n18 June | Website Outlook – The Coco Cafe<\/em><\/div>\n

Finally, seventh is Lovely Duckie<\/a> (Duckie-chan) at $2905.40 USD. Since her new domain at www.lovelyduckie.com<\/a> hasn’t fully taken hold yet, I’ll use her WordPress.com blog for now. <\/p>\n

\"Website
\n18 June | Website Outlook – Lovely Duckie<\/em><\/div>\n

So who’s the theoretical $0K-to-3K winner this month? Duckie-chan is! Congratulations, Duckie-chan! I don’t know what prize you’ve actually won, but I’ll figure it out some time, lol. Remember, my Trembling Toyboxers, once your otaku-blog exceeds an estimated worth of $3K, it no longer qualifies for this so-called “race”. Just to keep it interesting, hehe. Good luck, next month!<\/p>\n

\n

Heyyy, how are you doing? Are you okay? Did you survive my massive 7-part 120-image cybernetic “giga-cast” this week? Did you survive my deadly barrage of Japanese angels, gunslinging badasses, angelic cyborgs and otaku bloggers for every taste? Well, I hope so! I mean, if you withstood my light-speed onslaught, then you are truly a Trooping Toyboxer! As always, let’s thank the glorious guest-starring girls who graced my broadcast! Thank you, Nodame-chan, Juri-chan, Sarah, Cameron, Shirley, Summer, Stephanie, Alita-chan, and Michelle (Happy Birthday!), as well as Kris-chan, Koshiko-chan, Lene-chan, Jem-chan, Coco-chan, and lastly, Duckie-chan (Congratulations!)… Whew, this was definitely massive. Quite a massive attack.<\/p>\n

Till next broadcast. Peace. Out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Final Flashback<\/h2>\n

Nodame-chan: “Maybe a little make-up will help?”<\/p>\n

\"Nodame
\nEpisode 2 of 11 | Nodame Cantabile (Live-Action Drama, 2006) | Enlarge<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Alita | Battle Angel Alita (Gunnm, 1990) | Enlarge Heyyy! Hello, my Ticklish Toyboxers! What’s up? What’s been going on? As a few of you might already know, I took a mini-break to rest, recharge, and most importantly, let my elbows recover and ring-and-pinky fingers relax from an irritating twinge of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome. So … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0},"categories":[262,13,258,58,259,28,257,66,18,260,256,251,190,235,217,202,254,255,253,245,261,317],"tags":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7rIwb-R8","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":303,"url":"http:\/\/www.xjaymanx.com\/toyboxx\/2007\/06\/25\/blog-088-beauty-brains\/","url_meta":{"origin":3294,"position":0},"title":"Blog 088 > Beauty & Brains","author":"xjaymanx","date":"June 25, 2007","format":false,"excerpt":"Honoka from The Third (2006) ++++ The Third (1-24) - Started 06\/03. Finished 06\/23. WOW! Epic yet heartfelt blend of Sunabouzu, Shana, Revy, especially Alita! Over the weekend, I was fortunate enough to finish two more anime series, lol. The first of these is the 24-episode The Third: The Girl\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Anime Reviews"","block_context":{"text":"Anime Reviews","link":"http:\/\/www.xjaymanx.com\/toyboxx\/category\/anime-reviews\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":4563,"url":"http:\/\/www.xjaymanx.com\/toyboxx\/2010\/02\/16\/blog-219-sayonara-2009-to-onigiri-2010\/","url_meta":{"origin":3294,"position":1},"title":"Blog 219 > Sayonara 2009 to Onigiri 2010","author":"xjaymanx","date":"February 16, 2010","format":false,"excerpt":"Kitsu Chiri | Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei (2007, 2008, 2009) | Enlarge 750px Sayonara, 2009! Konnichiwa, my Tirelessly Tumbling Toyboxers! Got onigiri? Are you ready? Ready to endure a tumbling tidal wave of tear-jerking titles, blood-splattering titles, angst-ridden titles, and titles not worth mentioning? Ready to slash and slay another dragon-sized\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Akikan"","block_context":{"text":"Akikan","link":"http:\/\/www.xjaymanx.com\/toyboxx\/category\/anime-titles\/akikan\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":341,"url":"http:\/\/www.xjaymanx.com\/toyboxx\/2008\/01\/06\/blog-122-my-49-anime-in-2007\/","url_meta":{"origin":3294,"position":2},"title":"Blog 122 > My 49 Anime in 2007","author":"xjaymanx","date":"January 6, 2008","format":false,"excerpt":"Kanon | Fave Drama! Happy New 2008, my fellow anime fanatics!... Back in my Blog 061, I noted that I watched 58 anime titles-seasons in 2006. While I couldn't match that number in 2007, watching 49 is still freakin' huge (or frakin' huge, for BSG fans), lol. That's almost one\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Air"","block_context":{"text":"Air","link":"http:\/\/www.xjaymanx.com\/toyboxx\/category\/anime-titles\/air\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":5384,"url":"http:\/\/www.xjaymanx.com\/toyboxx\/2010\/10\/11\/blog-224-angel-beats-dead-monsters\/","url_meta":{"origin":3294,"position":3},"title":"Blog 224 > Angel Beats & Dead Monsters","author":"xjaymanx","date":"October 11, 2010","format":false,"excerpt":"Angel Beats! | Nakamura Yuri | Enlarge 2300px Angel Beats. The beats of an angel. Beats. Wild. Guns. Hurt. Girls. Dead. Monsters. All the key ingredients of a brilliant anime series, eh? Haha, like my last mega-cast, that pretty much sums up another super-quick speed review. Inspiring. Mind-boggling. Heart-breaking. Four\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Angel Beats"","block_context":{"text":"Angel Beats","link":"http:\/\/www.xjaymanx.com\/toyboxx\/category\/anime-titles\/angel-beats\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":89,"url":"http:\/\/www.xjaymanx.com\/toyboxx\/2006\/02\/18\/post-331-four-actors\/","url_meta":{"origin":3294,"position":4},"title":"post 331 ~ four actors\u2026","author":"xjaymanx","date":"February 18, 2006","format":false,"excerpt":"\"Dark Angel: Season 2 (2001) \"battlestar galactica: season 1\" (2004) post 331 ~ okay, so i'm watching another episode of \"dark angel\" season 2... this episode is \"exposure\"... and i immediately recognize TWO actors from \"battlestar galactica\" season 1!!! Callum Keith Rennie, who plays Leoben Conoy (cylon), played a \"dark\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Battlestar Galactica"","block_context":{"text":"Battlestar Galactica","link":"http:\/\/www.xjaymanx.com\/toyboxx\/category\/sci-fi-titles\/battlestar-galactica\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":90,"url":"http:\/\/www.xjaymanx.com\/toyboxx\/2006\/02\/22\/post-332-a-sixth-wait-a-seventh\/","url_meta":{"origin":3294,"position":5},"title":"post 332 ~ a sixth!!! wait– a seventh!!!","author":"xjaymanx","date":"February 22, 2006","format":false,"excerpt":"post 332 ~ goddamn!... while having dinner, i'm watching yet another episode of \"dark angel\" season 2... this time, the episode is \"hello, goodbye\"; one of the best episodes of the season... and i find another actress from \"battlestar galactica\" season 1!!! Kandyse McClure, who plays Anastasia Dualla (petty officer),\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Battlestar Galactica"","block_context":{"text":"Battlestar Galactica","link":"http:\/\/www.xjaymanx.com\/toyboxx\/category\/sci-fi-titles\/battlestar-galactica\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.xjaymanx.com\/toyboxx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3294"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.xjaymanx.com\/toyboxx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.xjaymanx.com\/toyboxx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.xjaymanx.com\/toyboxx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.xjaymanx.com\/toyboxx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3294"}],"version-history":[{"count":110,"href":"http:\/\/www.xjaymanx.com\/toyboxx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3294\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5817,"href":"http:\/\/www.xjaymanx.com\/toyboxx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3294\/revisions\/5817"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.xjaymanx.com\/toyboxx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3294"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.xjaymanx.com\/toyboxx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3294"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.xjaymanx.com\/toyboxx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3294"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}