An emphatic yes to my rhetorical question aimed at no one in particular. Last year has come and gone, so now I have nothing to do but look forward to the future. Maybe I'm just writing with an optimistic high that was caught from the New Years cheers, but I feel that the new year will bring something amazing. This is pretty out of character for me (I tend to be a realist with a pessimistic charm) just to inform those of you who don't really know me. I just felt that a blog entry was necessary to welcome the new year and to wish everyone out there on the Interweb to a Happy Holidays (sorry for that being so late). Also, I just turned eighteen on the 30th so that has also got me pretty excited, further contributing to ecstatic disposition. Happy New Year and see you another time.

Well, I just wanted to give a little update about whats been going on with me. I have a labtop, but for the past year or so it's been a stationary one. The battery died a while ago (according to the rating on Dell's website, that particular model seems to die alot) and I just haven't had the motive to replace it, because I was fine with just using the ac adapter. But, my mind was changed the night before last because the ac adapter wire ripped a little near the top and since there were little copper wires outside of the extra insulation (to tell the truth I know nothing about what I'm talking about because I'm not reallya techinical guy) they ripped too, rendering the wire useless. So, now with no power being run to my labtop, I decided it was time to get a new adapter and a battery a long with it. I was MIA from Gamespot for a whole day, that is how long it took me to replace it. I guess Dell was running so special Christmas sale, because when it came to decide on shipping times everything was free. With that option, who would pass on the next day delivery? It was delivered on my doorstep this morning, it took a total 17 hours or so to get here. I though it was going to be delayed becuase of the snowstorm that is hitting the Northeast right now, but that did not hinder the delivery at all, especially since it was delivered before the storm hit. So, now I'm back on Gamespot after a days hiatus and I now have a lot of free time since the semester is almost over. My teachers have been real cool about finals. For English I had to a quick in class essay on the degradation of society because of new technology, which I disagreed with of course. Then I turned in my portfolio yesterday before my Anthropology class so I did not have to show up to English that day. My collge forum teacher allowed us to either turn in our final journals (reflections on the class mostly) via email anytime we wanted, so I did that before my Anthro class yesterday, actually I wrote the whole thing then too. As for Anthro, my final will be on Monday and that will consist of a reflective essay on how Anthropology can be used outside of academia and stuff of that matter, it should be pretty easy. With that I am done with my first semester of Community College and I have to say that Ifind it a better experience than High School, especially socially. The people are nice, most of the bad seeds have been rooted out (I say most because there are still some of the kids who prefer hanging out in front of the school rather than actually attending it, hey its their money), and the techers are actually passionate about what they teach. It also helps that it isn't in a semi urban area like my high school was. That is what is going on in my life for the time being. Since school is coming to an end I'll probably be putting up more blogs/reviews in the near future so look forward to it. The snow here along the coast isn't that bad, but I don't want to take any chances so I'll go out an shovel now. For now, see you another time.

I just finished a 12 page Anthropology research paper (which was average at best, but it sure is a pain to write about the agriculture of the Igbo and Kapauku Papuans) so I figured I should do a blog update. Now, I'd just like to say that I love amazon.com, they truly are a profiecient site that knows how to treat their frequent shoppers. I shop there a lot (for videogames, anime dvds, books, and movie dvds) and the only time I have ever had a problem was when they messed up my Okami order a while back. I preordered it, but they had the shipment date as about a month later than when it came out. So I canceled the ordered and bought it at Gamestop. No big deal. But, when they do things right, they do it right.

Recently I made another order. This order consisted of a $19 copy of Bully (PS2) which I will review when I'm finished with it and also the regular edition version of Ghost in the Shell Solid State Society (which I will review in this blog). I ordered it I believe Wednesday night. Shipping was confirmed Thursday and I received the package through the postal service Saturday afternoon, everything seem to be in order. But, what I forgot to mention was the fact that amazon has a free shipping service deal with orders over $25. Since I was in no rush for these items, I decided that it seemed like a fitting deal. The deal with the free shipping is that the delivery will take 5-9 days. Lets count the days it took, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (that is if you count Wednesday at all because technically it was only a few hours to Thursday when I placed the order). In no way is that 5-9 days.

This is a lot like another instance, when I ordered speakers for my labtop. The speakers came a day after I placed the order. Also, I opted for regular shipping (which tacked on about $3-4) but was not charged any extra costs other than the speakers. The moral of the story, amazon.com knows how to keep you shopping there. If you are looking to buy something online, go to amazon. It has my highest regards.

Now, like I stated before, I have some to time to write and what better to do then review something that I just watched today. But, fair warning, because as far as reviews go, this will probably my most biased (in a good and bad way). I absolutely love the GiTS universe and everything associated with it (except the games, never played them). So, understanding that shows that this infatuation will affect my praises and disappointments with the product. Now if your ready, my second anime review will start in 2, 1, GO!!

Ghost in the Shell is probably the greatest most unaccessible piece of fiction ever produced. It is a masterpiece in every sense of the word, but the fact remains that it's brilliance will go over most people's heads. Whether it is the dry humor of the manga, the philosophical seriousness of the movies, or the combination of philosophical seriousness blended with grand scale social and political ideas of the tv series. But someone, somewhere must of noticed it's excellence to make so many adaptations of it. That is where the most recent rebirth of the GitS universe comes in.

Ghost in the Shell Solid State Society is a continuation of the acclaimed (by me and anyone else who is sane, told you it was going to be biased) Stand Alone Complex series. Set two years after Major Motoko Kusanagi (the unofficial leader of the counter cyber terrorism specialists, Public Security Section 9) decided to leave Section 9 (how long after the SAC series ended I don't know because she did not leave at the end of the series), the movie follows Section 9 as they are faced with yet another cyber terrorist attack. This time people connected to a certain General who was granted asylum in Japan are committing suicide after acts of terrorism (I assume they only show one situation which is mid completion with a hostage, the crime really isn't shown or spoken of). I don't want to delve to deep into the story because that is definitely half the fun of GitS. Lets just say that the story is complex as ever with many twists and moments that will keep your heart beating fast.

The complaints of many with GitS is the technical talk. In the SAC series I personally thought that the technicality was toned down compared to the social and political discussions, this is the case in this movie too (yes there are moments of long talks, an aspect I always enjoyed but if you didn't like it in the series then your not going to like this movie). The talk can seem overly complex at times, but the pacing of said talks are done well. There aren't any moments that I just wanted them to move on and the talks were very informative.

The story was pretty basic if looked at in a larger view. It was complex as you watch, but if you think it over you can figure out the plot. Which also means that it has to be looked at in a larger view to be understood, so the complexity that is to be expected from the GitS universe is still there. Though I was disappointed with the end. The writers built up this complex plot, but kind of used a cheap way to get out of it. I do not think they thought out the ending very well, they focused more on the meat of the movie thinking the resolution was just good enough. And that is what it was, just good enough, but not amazing like it could have been.

The cast is the same as SAC, more specifically 2nd Gig. All the familiar faces are there but it pays a little more attention to Batou this time out. It seems that the creators were watching GitS 2: Innocence when they were thinking of ideas for this movie because the focus is taken directly from it. With the Major gone, Batou has taken the reins of the respected figure, but Batou doesn't want this. That is why Togusa was given the position of the Section 9 leader. If you are familiar with the GitS characters you will understand the fact that Batou is by far the most emotional member of Section 9. He has become a lone wolf since the Major left, an outcast in his own mind. This is a plot aspect that was used in Innocence and the creators decided to use it once more in a different situation. The Major does show up and the movie does end up placing focus on her. But, it is the same as with the show, the Major isshown as a super hero character that is being watched by Batou (at least this is how I interpret it). I like this formula which is why I hated the ending and basic story of 2nd Gig (damn you Kuze you were boring and your back story with the Major made her out of character).

But alas, I could go on for a long time ranting about the characters of Section 9 but that isn't what I set out to do, back to the review. The animation is top notch, I'll admit it is the most realistic animation I have ever seen (aside from the Major's eyes, they are very anime looking in comparison to the rest of the cast). Production IG did a bang up job once again with this one. Having said that, it didn't seem that much improved from the animation of the 2nd Gig. There weren't many moments to really showcase it either, unlike the many times in 2nd Gig. One part in particular should have attention paid close to it. Near the end, they,they being Section 9,are infiltrating a building and right next to the building is a field of sorts. The luscious greens in this brief scene were especially exquisite.

The music was done by Yoko Kanno once again (who always makes great things) but I felt it was misused for many parts in this movie. A lot of bongo sounding drums in action sequences that just felt out of place. Since I have all of the soundtracks made for the series and the movie too, I know what caliber music Kanno supplied the creators with. But, of course this was all forgotten when Togusa's cyberbrain was hacked (I won't give away any more than that so no specific details) and the brilliant title song (find that song and listen for yourself ) was played, that was a perfect sequence all together. Also, the opening song was a had lackluster quality (it included a English rap from a Russianwoman(Origa, I think she rapped too, it might be a different woman but it sounds terrible all the same) that just ruined the song).

Despite some of the music falling flat, the sound is great. I not that technically apt (and neither is my TV) so I can't test out things like the surround sound or anything, but I can tell you that the sound was fitting and appropriate. I saw the movie about a year ago with subs so I decided to watch it as a dub this time. The dub was superb as is the case with the SAC dubs. All the same voice actors are back giving it a sense of continuity and professionalism by the people in charge of the dub. The voices fit the characters, though Togusa's daughter voice was a wee bit high pitched (which is a problem with most dubbers, they can not seem to voice children correctly). Special attention should be paid to Batou (Richar Epcar) and the Major (Mary Elizabeth McGlynn) who do a great job. Of course, just like in most cases the dub is not better that the original. I did not watch the sub so I cannot comment of the subtitling itself but I can say that the Japanese woman who does the Major's voice, has one of the sexiest non singing voice I have ever had the pleasure of hearing.

I guess the review wasn't as biased as I thought it would be (it also wasn't as descriptive so I'm sorry to all of the people who have no idea what GitS). It was a good movie and DVD and I am very satisfied with my purchase. The movie has it's short comings (which is mostly due to a mischaracterization which can be found in 2nd Gig which I will not get into now). So if you are looking for a cyberpunk crime story set in the most immersing setting I know of, then this is for you (of course watch the series first). I give it a personal score of 95/100 and a critic score of 89/100.

There is my fourth blog post. Once again I am working off meh material because of a lack of things to write about. Hope you enjoy this one more than previous entries because I did. See you another time.

I do not have anything to write (at least nothing that would be considered blog worthy, in my mind at least) which is a sad thing. It thought by number three I'd have some sort of muse guiding me to what my next blog will be. But alas, my muse must be plastered or something. So, once again I will do a sort of personal recording, but alot less personal than the last. I am a big anime fan and I am always watching new (and older) shows to satisfy my urge. The shows are of varying genre and do not have any particular order. I usually watch six or seven new shows at once, depending on the season (for those who do not know, anime follow the same basic idea as primetime US tv shows, there is a surge of new material during the fall and spring seasons). But, every now and then I'll find a new (new to me) show that I either overlooked or I was not into anime when it came out (only became a big fan about three years ago) that I will check out, which is the case with this show, Hidamari Sketch. Now that I introduced it, here is the review:

Hidamari Sketch is a four panel comic strip that was turned into an anime the beginning of this year. I passed it off as a series with overly cute characters with too much moe (cuteness that is used as sexual stimulation rather than a more mature look, yes boys and girls that is what it is, so do not use it so lightly). But, after viewing it in it's entirety this weekend (my gf is away so too much time to myself) this is not the case at all. True the characters are overly cute, but they are not moe in anyway. Even wikipedia rules it as a seinen but I just do not see it. The show is about the life of a first year high school girl named Yuno (which is the only name given). She lives in the small Hidamari apartment building by herself so she can go to Yamabuki Art School which happens to be located across the street from the building. Though she lives by herself, she is often accompanied by her best friend, Miyako, and her seniors, Hiro and Sae. The anime follows her as she experiences days at the school and most importantly, the apartment building. In fact, I'd say about eighty percent of the show is takes place there. Now, it is not the most inventive plot but it was the charm of the series that made me continue. Yuno was as cute as a button but other than that she didn't have much personality. Miyako was the best character in the show, think Miu from Strawberry Marshmallow except less selfish. Her eccentric attittude provided a lot of the comedy in the show especially moments such as when instead of walking around and down the stairs to get to the lower level of the complex, Miyako decides she can fly and jumps off the balcony on to the grass, such wackiness. Sae works both as a straight man but also as the inexperienced liar. She is the one that tries to act very mature, but comes off as naive as the rest of them. Hiro is the worst and most replaceable of the group. Sae is also shown to have what can be misconstrued as lesbian feelings for Hiro, but I see it as just admiration. She is voiced by Yuko Goto of MoHS and Shuffle! fame and if you are familiar with those shows then don't expect any difference in character, she is exactly like Asahina and Kaede. She is nice, helpful, and smiles for everyone. One part that is a bit improved with this character is and ongoing fat joke, at least there is an attempt at a joke. Seriously, do they create these characters just so that screechy voiced woman can play them. But, I digress. Aside from the main four there are four other characters who get minimum face time. Two of these characters are Yuno and Miyako's home room teacher, Yoshinaya sensei (I'm not sure if I spelled that right), and the principal of the school who is creatively named, Principal. These two oddballs add alot of comedy, whether it be sensei's obsession with modelling and cosplaying or the principal's odd manerisms. The show is only twelve episodes which is the perfect length. It was shown in anachronic order which did not hinder the plot (since there wasn't one) but you do notice little hints at episodes to come. The animation was pleasant but nothing really special, bright colors and cute drawings. The music wasn't very noticeable but I feel it is not an important aspect for shows of this genre. One complaint in particular is the lack of male characters and what I mean by that is a boyfriend or something of that matter. I mean, where is the realism in a show of four high school girls who do not seem to have any interest in boys (it was the same in Lucky Star). Though my review might seem negative or I was arguing that the show was uninspiring, thats isnt the case. I'd personally say the show is above average. I found that I watched every episode to its entirety which I have not done in a while (discounting Seirei no Moribito which I will be doing a review of soon, and a while isn't a very long time to me). So, for a number score I give it 65/100 but that is a reviewer score. My personal score would be at least 83/100, because for some reason I actually enjoyed it a lot. Based on that, you might want to look into it, but if your not a fan of the slice of life/cuteness genre skip over it, you will not enjoy it.

(from left to right; Hiro, Sae, Yuno, Miyako)

Well, there is my first anime review. Probably not the best show to start with but it is the freshest in my mind having finished it just this night. I'm not sure when the next review will come, but it will probably be soon unless I can think of something more important to write. I was thinking about putting some of my stories up but I have not copyrighted them and I just don't trust people on the interwebs. See you another time.

This is my second blog post and due to the overwhelming attention brought to my first post (0 comments) this post will be more of a self evaluation rather than commenting on anything. When I say self evaluation I really mean self organizer. So without further adieu, this is the the second time coming, Favorites.

Favorite Bands:

1. Radiohead

2. The Pillows

3.The Pixies

4. Modest Mouse

5. The Rolling Stones

Favorite Rappers:

1. MF Doom

2. Illogic

3. Canibus

4. Ghostface Killah

5. Lyrical Commision (group)

Favorite Show/Movie Composer

Yoko Kanno

Favorite Producers

1. Fat Jon the Ample Soul Physician

2. Nujabes

3. MF Doom

4. RZA

5. Dj Premier

Favorite Movies

1. Le Samourai

2. Road to Perdition

3. Hero (Jet Li one not Dustin Hoffman)

4. The Godfather Part II

5. Ghost Dog: The Way of The Samurai

6. Lost In Translation

7. The Professional

8. Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind

9. Saving Private Ryan

10. The Seven Samurai

Favorite Anime

1. FLCL

2. GitS SAC (both)

3. RahXephon

4. Cowboy Bebop

5. xxxHolic

6. Monster

7. Mushishi

8. Kino's Journey

9. Last Exile

10. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya

Favorite Anime Movies

1. Castle in the Sky

2. Princess Mononoke

3. Ghost in the Shell

4. The Place Promised in our Early Days

5. End of Evangelion

6. Cowboy Bebop: Knockin' on Heavan's Door

7. The Girl Who Leaped Through Time

8. xxxHolic: A Midsummer Night's Dream

9. Spirited Away

10. Bleach: Memories of Nobody

Thats all for now, it really was an off topic post. I'll probably edit in my favorite books some time and then have a list of my favorite games in a seperate post, that is until I think of something useful to post.

Hi all at GS or those who read this, not many then, this is my first blog post here, or anywhere, so I just thought I'd try it out. The idea for this entry was conjured up when I watched Children of Men recently. It wasn't my first time viewing it, but this time I was looking at the movie in a different context. I am a writer and have many different ideas for stories, one of those stories about a anarchistic society. But, rather then comment on society as a whole I'd take a different route and showcase a citizen as they experience this harsh life full force and the adaptions said citizen would have to make. For some reason as I was watching Children of Men, probably due to it's gritty atmosphere, I thought that maybe this would make for a good FPS. Now the post apocalyptic setting has been done before, almost too much, but what would be different is the experience. Rather than being a soldier fighting off another faction, this game would include normal people fighting for survival. The objectives would be open ended, why they would be fighting would be up to how you play the game. You want to be an religious extremist, join that group. You want to try to maintain order in that world, join a group of that matter. This would be an open ended game with no clear objectives. The only thing keeping a player from exploring a place would be the fact that a sniper in the tower is forcing them back. No barriers, no unlockables, full access from the beginning. Of course this game would be semi realistic so as far as weapons go, you would have to find all of them. No standard issued pistol, just your fists. I'm debating whether this would be an online game or something more like Elder Scrolls: Oblivion. But, just think how awesome a game like that would be. Maybe I'm just crazy and my subconscious is screaming for chaos, I don't know. So that is my first post, jeez it just feels like I am writing in a diary. More to come when the time comes. For now I will be enjoying Reaper.