Naruto - Ep 5

First off - the opening and ending themes to this series are so much fun. I know I said that before, but I want to say it again. They're great. I especially like the ending song, it's just really catchy with the lyrics and the flutes. Refer to one of my first posts on Naruto for a link to download the themes if you want.

Well, here's my take on the last episode of Naruto for us, and the last episode of Digital Spams 24 Hours of Anime!

Ep. 5 picked up where Ep. 4 left off, on a cliffhanger. Naruto had been assigned to a three man team and their sensei had instructed them to remove two bells from his belt. The two who managed to remove the bells would stay, the one who didn't would have to go back to the Ninja academy.

The episode left off with Naruto hanging from a tree, thanks to a trap, and the Sensei being hit with a slew of weapons by one of the other team members.

This episode was a good one. It showed a beginning of the building of a team between these members and a relationship between the team and their teacher. It had a good conflict/resolution situation that was needed between the characters. It didn't solve all the problems, but it'll help the character development along quite a bit. Naruto was still Naruto: loud, annoying, egotistical, and whiny.

Each episode has a good amount of humor to it as well. I like them when they're funny the best. Or the ones with flesh eating cowboy zombies, but that's a whole different story all together.

My rating for the first five episodes of Naruto? It's:




Five Duckies!

It got the highest rating of the Project, although Full Moon and oddly enough Melody both come very close to hitting a five as well. I very much plan on downloading the rest (100000+ it seems like) and seeing what happens further on in the series.

I didn't get to see all the anime we planned on watching, but we did watch a good amount of it, roughly 40 episodes, and I'm happy to say that our random picking paid off. We most definitely got some good ones.

This is my last post! Thank you SO much to all of our sponsors, thanks to Torny for being my partner in crime for this fiasco, and thanks to you for reading this! Don't forget, there is still time to sponsor if you can, we would appreciate it so much!

I'm always sad to see these things end, and this year was weirder then normal because it wasn't the offical Blogathon (not that it wasn't as good) and most of the people who do the Blogathon didn't this year, and I missed them. Torny and I are probably going to do another 24 hours of Anime next year, with better planning even to squeeze more in. You're more then welcome if you're interested! It would be cool to have a whole big group of people.

Well, my tushy is totally killing me from sitting here for so long and I've got to go get some sleep. I have a class to teach in five hours. Now, go to bed like good little boys and girls, and I don't want to hear any more noise out of you, we've let you stay up far too late as it is.

See you later, or as you'd say in Japanese 'Ja matane!'

Mahoujin Guruguru Ep. 5 & Torny-sama

Second to the last post! Wow, this Project Blog really went by fast. I had a lot of fun and watching the anime really kept me awake.

This anime was cute, silly and sweet. It really was plotted like a RPG, and had some pretty adorable humor to it. I reccomend it for anyone looking to have a good time watching an anime.

Here is the final post on Mahoujin Guru Guru and my rating for it:




Four and One-half Duckies (that seems to be everythings rating!)

Now it's time to move on and watch the last Naruto that I didn't get to watch earlier, and then post the last post of the project!

Fan Art - Drawings depicting characters or scenes from an anime, drawn by fans.

Current Anime: Naruto Current Episode: 5

Missing Torny-sama

Once again Torny has vanished, and I can't watch any of the anime without him so here's what I'm doing: I will give him until 4:00 and then I will watch the last episodes of Guru Guru and Naruto and post my thoughts on them both, and then high tail it out of here.

Hopefully he comes back soon, I'm thinking he might have fallen alseep though. :) Silly Torny.

Fandub - An anime (or live action series) that has been dubbed over, usally in English, by fans.

Current Anime: Guru Guru pending Torn's return Current Episode: 5

Next episode update soon!

4 and the majority should be done in time for the the 3:30 - 4:00 post! Hurray! Then the last two posts will be Naruto since we didn't get to finish it earlier.

Eyecatch - The little quickie logo mini-skit type thing shown in the middle of an anime to signify the begining and end of a commercial break.

Current Anime: Guru GuruCurrent Episode: 4

Mahoujin Guruguru Ep. 2 & 3

Both of these episodes were super cute, and followed Nike and Kukuri as they travel to the King's castle for the hero tryouts (and make it) and go to North Town, the first town they're supposed to save from the monsters.

On to ep 4! Whee!

Yoshi - Exclamation used when you're getting ready to do something. Like "Let's do this", "All right!" or "Here goes!"

Current Anime: Mahoujin Guruguru Current Episode: 4

Mahoujin Guruguru Ep. 1

This anime was totally cute in a weird cute sort of way! It follows the adventure of Nike, who's thrust out of his house by his overzelous parents to become a hero, and Kukuri, the magic user on their quest to defeat the Evil King Giri.

The animation is cute, a little grainy but I don't know if that's because it's a VHS rip or because it's suposed to be that way. The music is cute and catchy, the voice acting is great, and I really like the goofy jokes.

On to episode 2! Only 6ish more episodes of anime to go before we're done for the night.

Udon - A type of thick Japanese noodle that is served in a broth. It's very tasty. I'm very hungry. I got to stop posting about food.

Current Anime: Mahoujin Guruguru Current Episode: 2

Well, shoot

We decided to drop Da Capo for tonight and move on to something else. We will now be watching the first episode of Mahoujin Guruguru.

Ok? Ok...here's what AnimeNfo has to say about that:

Story begins with "heroism obsessed father" forcing his own son to become the "Hero" to save the world from the Emperor of Evil. He says that he himself wanted to be hero once, but it was too peaceful era and had no world to save! Well. Of course the son whose name is Nike (it is pronounced Nee- Keh, not Nike although his name is intentionally came after the brand name), refuses, saying that he'd rather be a wizard because it is a cool profession. His mother, disagrees and says "Whoever says whatever, the main character of the story is the Hero. It is a highly competetive profession, but once successful, it is THE job to have!" ...and presents the chart titled 'Asked to 100 village people!' which has the reasons why being Hero is cooler than anything else.... Well. That is how the story starts.

From the few minutes I've seen it's wildly silly and funny. Great keep me awake anime.

Shinu - "To die". :)

Current Anime: Mahoujin Guruguru Current Episode: 1

Da Capo Ep. 2

Perhaps it's just because I'm starting to get tired, but Da Capo really isn't catching my attention. It's not badly done, it's just...typical. None of the characters are really unique, and most of them are so similar to each other that even when watching it it's hard to tell them apart. ;)

The plot is seriously slow in picking up as well. Mostly it's focused on a weird 'feelings' triangle that's just sort of not right.

Hrm, anyway, on to Ep. 3.

Oh, one cool thing about it is all the episodes (all 2) so far have had full length J-pop music videos after them. Both songs have been pretty good too. That's almost all it has going for it so far.

J-Pop - Japanese Pop, it's like American Pop but not. It's pretty good stuff.

Current Anime: Da Capo Current Episode: 3

Da Capo - Ep 1

I'm not sure what I think about this one. The animation is nice, the music is ok, the voice acting is good. It has good humor, but I'm not so sure there is going to be a whole lot of plot.

Let's try Ep. 2 and see where we stand then.

Anyone want some dry cherrios?

Ryoukai - It means, 'Roger!'. Because I know you wanted to know.

Current Anime: Da Capo Current Episode: 2

Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne - Ep.5

In the last episode of this series Jeanne is faced with hard choices - does she remove a demon that's possessed a fine artifact and risk having her best friend's father who's in charge of protecting it get in trouble, or does she leave it and risk people being possessed?

A good episode with a couple fun twists, but no more information on Sinbad! Argh!

All in all I rate Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne:





Four and One-half duckies.

Fantastic. I'm downloading more as I type this, so when I'm finally not sick of the computer or anime anymore, I can watch it.

Now, on to the next series of the night:

Current Anime: Da Capo

Current Episode: 1

What's It About?:


AnimeNfo says:


Every year the flowers bloom. Mysterious Cherry Blossoms blooming all over a crescent shaped island. That island is the island of Hatsune...

The main character who goes to Kazami Academy, Asakura Junnichi, has the power to see the dreams of other people in his sleep. He was also taught magic by an old lady that allows him to create sweets.

One day, Junnichi seems to have seen someone's dream again while he was sleeping. Inside that dream, a girl who was a childhood of his appeared. But, he was woken up by his sister Asakura Nemu, forcing him to come back to his regular life. Nemu doesn't actually have any blood relation to Junnichi but their bond is deeper than other real brothers and sisters. So deep that it gives the illusion that they're lovers.

It was another peaceful normal day waking up early in the morning and going to Kazami Academy. Together with childhood friend Tenze Mika, the academy idol Shirakawa Kotori, the two sisters Mizukoshi Moe and Mika who eats the school lunch's sauce for some reason. Going through their day as usual, their childhood friend, Yoshino Sakura, who they thought had moved to America suddenly appears. It was a surprise for Junnichi and Nemu. Sakura tells them, "I came to finish the promise I we made during our childhood"...


Sounds interesting. Let's boogie!

Tempura - Fantastic batter fried veggies and fish/seafood that is served with yummy dipping sauce. I'm hungry.

Current Anime: Da Capo Current Episode: 1

Wow! Thank you!

Thank you to whoever sponsored us $30.00! Thanks SO MUCH! That brings our total up to $60.00! There is still time to sponsor us, so if you can, please do!

Thanks again!

Tsukareta - Japanese for tired. Enough said.

Current Anime: Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne Current Episode: 5

Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne Ep. 4

Ep. 4 finds Jeanne having to capture a demon that has possessed a classmates grandfather and turned him into a money hungry business man. After running from all the traps set by the police and Miyako she is finally caught in a net.

Guess who shows up to rescue her though? It's that Sinbad fellow, and not only does he rescue her, but he steals her target and 'checkmates' the demon, getting the chess piece from it. His are black though, while hers are white. Interesting, maybe it's some sort of Godly chess game?

Now to watch episode 5! I'm sad all the episodes for this one are almost done, I'm having a blast with it.

Okonomiyaki - Japanese 'Pancake Pizza' a type of meal made by mixing cabbage with certain things and frying it, and topping it with all your favorite toppings, like eggplant and squid. Mmm mmm good.

Current Anime: Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne Current Episode: 5

Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne Ep. 3

In this episode Maron's teacher, Pakkyamlamao-sensi (say that three times fast) gets posessed by a demon. Maron, forced to save her, has to go up against the entire school when Pakkyamlamao-sensi tells them to protect the vase (that is the demons home) no matter what.

This episode also introduces a new angel. A Black Angel and in this episode we learn that Chiaki, the annoying perverted classmate and neighbor, is Kaitou Sinbad, who saves her from almost being caught again, and says he's there to 'challenge and beat' Jeanne. Beat her at what, we wonder. Beat her at collecting those nifty chess peices?

Of course, right there with Maron is Miyako, doing everything in her power to capture Jeanne and doesn't even have a clue who Jeanne really is.

Now! On to episode 4! These ones are going fast.

Youma - Youma is a demon or a phantom. These are in all sorts of anime!

Current Anime: Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne Current Episode: 4

Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne Ep. 2

This episode shows us another one of Jeanne's adventures - she has to defeat a demon that has turned a normally kind father evil. Fin, an angel who only Maron can see, informs her of this job she needs to do. Come to find out, the family she needs to save is the one she met earlier that day. There was actually a part in this ep that made me gasp, I wasn't expecting it!

Also in this episode is the 'introduction' (even though he was in the first episode too) of Chiaki, a completely perverted and shadowy guy who is also Maron and Miyako's neighbor. In fact, he lives right next door to Maron, much to her dismay.

He turns up later at the scene of her robbery dressed in a weird costume, and helps her by diverting attention away from her. Hmm..just who is he anyway?

Let's see what happens next! Ep. 3 time!

Kowai - To be afraid. Kowaii is 'I'm afraid' not to be confused with Kawaii, which is cute. I suppose you can think something is cute but scary at the same time. Like Torny over there.

Current Anime: Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne Current Episode: 3

Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne Ep. 1

The first episode of Jeanne was really cool. Maron is a plain highschool student who's really the reincarnated soul of Joan of Arc, at night she transforms into Kaitou Jeanne and seals demons that are trying to take pure souls into chess pieces.

Very, very cool. This anime is a lot different then the last one. The last was mellow, with soothing music and lots of drama with very little comic relief. The animation was glowy and hazy and very fitting. This one is bright and loud and has quite a bit of good humor too it.

So far, I like it.

On to episode 2!

Sugoi - Sugoi! Sugoi! It means 'wow' 'awesome' 'amazing' ect. You pronounce it 'Si-goy' have to say it like you would Kawaii, in a high pitched voice.

Current Anime: Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne Current Episode: 2

Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne Ep 1

Almost done with episode 1. Review coming in just a few minutes.

Shinto - The native religion of Japan.

Current Anime: Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne Current Episode: 1

Yay!

Torn is back so we'll be starting episode 1 of Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne right away! Yay!

Doki doki - The sound your heartbeat makes. Doki doki! I love it

Current Anime: Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne Current Episode: 1

Maria-sama Ep 5

I can say now that this is an anime I will be adding to my list of ones to watch after we're all done with this. It's sweet, charming, and gorgeous.

Episode 5 showed us the reunion of the broken up girls as well as more into the personalities and backgrounds of the characters. It also showed new friendships being formed between Yuki and the other girls.

I really liked what I've seen so far of this anime, I rate it:




Four and One-half Duckies

Now it's on to the next anime in the list:

Current Anime: Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne

Current Episode: 1

What's It About?:

AnimeInfo says:



As the end of the century draws near, God's and the Devil's agents are racing to gain power. The Devil has been preparing by placing demons in beautiful works of art in order to lure unsuspecting humans into protecting them. It is up to Kaitou Jeanne, the reincarnation of Joan of Arc, and her angel guardian Fin Fish to seal these demons and prevent them from corrupting the souls of the innocents they posses. During the day, Jeanne is really high school student Marron, who along with her friends Miyako (a wannabe detective who's life's dream is to capture Jeanne) and Chiaki (who is also Jeanne's rival, Kaitou Sinbad) tries to make it through to the next day...


Sounds good donit? Yep! Let's get boogin', we'll start as soon as Torn is back from the store. Picking me up snacks like a good little slave.

Arigatou - It means 'Thanks', because it's the informal version of 'domo arigatou gozaimasu'. Arigatou, Torny, for getting me yummy snacky cakes at the store!

Current Anime: Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne Current Episode: 1

Maria-sama Ep 5

Ep. 5 won't finish in time for the 8:30 - 9:00 post so I'm posting so you know that! :) We're running a tiny bit behind.

Gesu - It means jerk or lowlife. Yeah, it's not very nice. Gesu Torny!

Current Anime: Maria-Sama Current Episode: 5

Maria-sama ga Miteru Ep. 4

Wow, my thoughts on this anime have changed quite a bit from the first episode. It's really turning into a sweet anime about relationships and friendships.

Episode 4 finds our highschoolers in a drama where the groups are breaking up. It also shows a lot more about each characters backgrounds, likes, dislikes and friendships with the other characters.

On to the last episode of Maria-sama ga Miteru of the night - Ep. 5

Eeto - It's like "um..." what you say when you don't know what to say at all, or when you're excusing yourself.

Current Anime: Maria-sama ga Miteru Current Episode: 5

Maria-sama ga Miteru Ep. 3

Episode 3 moves the plot along nicely. We find out why Sachiko hates men - this boy especially. We see some more of the friendships between the girls form, and we get to see some resolutions of issues from the past episodes. This mainly is Yumi accepting Sachiko's crucifix (accepting to be her Souer) and sealing their friendship.

I'm very much enjoying this anime. It will be interesting to see where the next two episodes go. On to ep. 4!

Gaki - Gaki is a word meaning immature. The majority of the time you see it, it's translated as 'Brat' or 'Punk'. Torn is a Gaki!

Current Anime: Maria-sama ga Miteru Current Episode: 4

Maria-sama ga Miteru Ep. 2

Well, episode 2 was pretty good. Still chalk full of drama, but the characters weren't so spiteful and backstabbing in this episode.

This episode basically continued the last one, with Yumi taking dance lessons because of the play and dodging people who wanted her to explain herself. It also deals a lot with Yumi's feelings and what she wants. Some of the characters who came off as pretty bad last episode really redeemed themselves in this one by befriending Yumi.

Even though there isn't any big battle scenes or major mystery plots, the story line is still interesting enough to want to know what happens next.

On to episode 3!

Saa - A noncomittal sound usually used as a reply or a confirmation that you heard what someone else said. Can be translated as "So!" "Well!", "Ah" and "Beats me!"

Current Anime: Maria-sama ga Miteru Current Episode: 3

Not quite done yet.

Ep. 2 isn't quite finished in time for the 6:30-7:00 post, so I'm posting to say I'll be posting it soon!

Fan service - Fan service is drawn with things for 'fans', usually always male fans. Nudity, breast shots, underwear shots, skimpy clothing, ect. I'm not a fan of fan service.

Current Anime: Maria-sama ga Miteru Current Episode: 2

Of St. Mary and Vanishing Men

First off - Torny's back. I don't have to flog him now. I have to say though that I'm a mite disappointed, I was looking forward to giving him a good lashing.

Second - The first episode of Maria-sama ga Miteru. This episode is entitled 'The Troubling Soeur Declaration' and it introduces Yumi, a first year student at Lilian School For Girls. In this school is a sort of 'sister' system, where the upper-classmen of the student council take lower-classmen under their wing, so to speak, and groom them to become the new student council.

Thanks to a bunch of situations, Sachiko, an upper-classman declares Yumi her sister, but Yumi declines because of the behavior of the other council members who's tempers are already heated because Sachiko is refusing to play the lead in the school's rendition of Cinderella because the prince will be played by a boy from a near-by boy's academy.

A challenge is issued, if Sachiko can make Yumi her Souer, then Sachiko doesn't have to play Cinderella; if Yumi declines then she does. But if Yumi accepts, then Yumi has to take Sachiko's place as the lead in the play.

The episode ends with Sachiko telling Yumi she will 'definitely become her Souer'

This show, so far, really surprised me. I was thinking it would be some cute, perhaps slow and dry, show about friendships, but so far it's a whole lot of drama! If this involved males instead of females some of it's characters might even be considered slightly unbalanced or even stalkerish.

The music is wonderfully soothing, all instrumental and fit the scenes nicely. The colors are soft and there is a lot of flowing/falling things such as leaves and blossoms that give it an otherworldly feel, which fits great with the whole religious private school theme.

The voice acting is also good, and the drawing is fantastic. My only complaint so far is that all the females have the same similar look, and although they are all unique, at first it is hard to tell some apart.

On to the next episode! More in a bit!

Crossover - An anime that attempts to satisfy both shoujo and shounen audiences. Like Escaflowne, which combined battles, magic, death and mayham with a fantastic plot, good character development and romance.

Current Anime: Maria-sama ga Miteru Current Episode: 2

Full Moon Wo Sagashite - Ep. 5

Episode 5 involved Mitsuki meeting for her first real 'job' a photo shoot and interview. During the interview she gets flustered because she's not sure how a 'real' sixteen year old would respond to the questions. During the photo shoot the photographer gets angry with her because her poses and movements aren't natural. After they take a break, she goes for a walk and goes to a hill where she sings a song. A group of high school girls overhear her and begin talking to her, and during this conversation she realizes that she doesn't have to act sixteen, she only has to act like herself.

Yay! Touchy-feely moral cutesy episode! I'll be totally watching this one after today. My rating on Full Moon Wo Sagashite episodes 1 - 5?




Four and One-half Duckies

In other news, Torny is nowhere to be found and it's slowly approaching on two hours. I'm seriously thinking about quitting if he's not back by 7. Nobody is reading this anyway right? (If you are, leave a comment and let me know if you think I should bother.)

Anyway, it's on to the next Anime!

Current Anime: Maria Sama ga Miteru
Current Episode: 1
What's It About?:

AnimeNfo is back up, and here's what it has to say about Maria Sama ga Miteru:

"The story takes place at the Lilian private boarding school for girls, founded 1902,
proud proud of its long tradition and elegant school style. Surrounded by the rich
environment of Musashino, Lilian boarding school owns a kindergarten, a primary
school, a middle school, a high school and a college (home economics/literature) and
a postgraduate college. The school educates young ladies from noble families and
equips them with a rich knowledge and fine manners. A cherry tree alley leads to the
school and after passing the school gate you'll find yourself on a gingko tree
alley.



In order to keep the tradition of a clean pure campus, a system called "sisters" has
been established in the high school. By exchanging rosaries in a ceremony the
"senpai" (seniors) swear to look after and guide the younger sisters, "Kôhai" (the
juniors). Yumi just moved on to her first year in high school and has yet never had
a "sister" before, when the admired second year student Sachiko suddenly declares
that she will be her "sister"."

Slotted as 'Drama/Romance/Schookids' it will be interesting to see how this one turns out. It sounds like it may be a bit dry, but you never know right? It sounds cute, anyhow. Well, here we go, episode 1! Review will be here around 5:25, watch for it! :)

Shounen-ai - Meaning, literally, 'boy love' this refers to anime in which two male characters are attracted to each other. Usually these are Bishounen or androgynous characters. These types of anime are still considered Shoujo (girls anime) and don't have a whole lot of ecchi or pornographic material, they mostly focus on relationships and story development.

Current Anime: Maria Sama ga Miteru Current Episode: 1

Winging it?

Ok, it's 5:15 and Torny isn't back yet, so I'm going to go ahead and watch this episode and give my review on it. Hopefully he shows up partway through and can catch up with me. I hope he didn't fall asleep. It's only 5:15! That's only 8:15 EST, the wimp.

I'll give him `till 5:30 and then I'll call and yell at him. It'll be tons of fun. Should I record it? ;)

Henshin - A transformation scene, generally in Mahou Shoujo. You know, like when Usagi turns into Sailor Moon.

Current Anime: Full Moon Wo Sagashite Current Episode: 5

Urm

Well it seems that my partner in crime has gone missing. Hopefully he'll be back soon. Until then you're stuck with me, and I'm stuck not watching anything because he asked me to wait for him. Maybe he melted?

He's got until 5:15, then I'm watching this dang thing without him. You hear that Torny? Without you!

Cosplay - Costume Play. Where fans dress up as their favorite characters and sometimes even act out scenes. Usually at conventions.

Current Anime: Full Moon Wo Sagashite Current Episode: 5

The Return of the Three Minute Shower

I popped into another shower. I think I'll have to do that a few more times before we're finished tonight. It's just so dang hot.

However, I have another bottle of tea brewing in the fridge - and get this - tropical punch sugar-free Kool-aid! Who woulda thunk I'd be sitting here drinking a bottle of half-frozen crap drink? Not me, that's for sure.

We'll be watching Ep. 5 of Full Moon Wa Sagashite soon, I'm just waiting for Torny to finish his shower and get his Hot Pockets. Which, by the way, he is not sharing with me.

Ep. 4 was a good one as well. Mitsuki meets her producer and is shown the song she will sing for her debut, but she's very unhappy with it, (It's a very Cristanny Aguspears type song) she hopes that her singing and songs will capture the attention of Eichi, (the guy she's in luvr with who went to America two years before and hasn't contacted her since) but feels this type of song won't do. The producer tells her, sarcastically, to write her own - so the episode mainly revolves around her figuring out how best to harness her emotions to write her own song. I won't spoil the ending for you, but it ends in typical cutsie anime style.

Also deveoping slowly on the side is the potental that Takuto, one of the Shinigami, is totally crushing on Mitsuki, much to the anger of the other Shinigami Meroko, who has decided that Takuto is all hers. I could be wrong, and the series could never even expand on this, but that's where it seems to be going. I'm seriously rooting for for Takuto at this point then Eichi, who's non-exsistant other then some of Mitsuki's flashbacks.

I'm a sucker for a good romance.

Seiyuu - A Japanese voice actor or actress who may also double as a singer.

Current Anime: Full Moon Wa Sagashite Current Episode: 5

Just a quickie

This is just a fast post for 3:30 to ask you to please sponsor us if you can. We've only made $30.00 so far, and we do appreciate every cent.

If you're wondering who we're blogging for, we're blogging for the H.O.M.E Center YCC, a non-profit children's activity class. Once a week we get together and do activities, take trips and other fun things. I currently run the program, and we're in desperate need of funding to continue the program through fall, and also to add more classes during the week, or extra activities like our most recent: a group camp-out.

It costs roughly $300 each 'season shift' of the class. Each shift is three months long, and usually encompasses the major three months of each season. Right now we're smack dab in the middle of Summer (June - August) and we have no funding for Fall or Winter at all. For a while everything was coming out of my pocket, but the Center was nice enough to buy the supplies for the last few months of classes.

I would love to eventually get enough funding that I could turn it into an entire youth program with classes that are more age based, and meet more often.

It would be awesome if you could donate just a few dollars so that I can continue to bring activities, trips and classes to these kids. We've worked really hard to form a good community in our program and I'd hate to lose that because we don't have the funding. :)

Thanks so much, and I hope you can help us. :)

Did you know 'blogging' comes up as 'flogging' with Bloggers own spellcheck?

Ep 4 review right after the hour!

Gomen Nasai - Gomen Nasai is the more formal version of "I'm sorry". I say it all the time, ask anyone.

Current Anime: Full Moon Wo Sagashite Current Episode: 4

Full Moon Wo Sagashite - Ep 3

This one just keeps getting better! If they all keep being this good I'll have a whole list of ones to keep downloading when this is all over.

Episode 3 was a good one. It was about Mitsuki meeting her new Manager and trying to juggle her story between her new Manager and her Doctor while keeping everything a secret. Lies and silly transformations abound!

On to episode 4, once this is over I'll be caught up with Fred, we'll do 5 and then move on to whatever series is next. I don't know which one it is, I don't call the shots on that one.

Kawaii - Kawaii means cute. It's pronounced like Hawaii but with a K. If you're going to say it, you have to say it right: high pitched and with an elongated 'aiiiii'. All together now: "Cowboys are kawaiiii!" Mmm..cowboys.

Current Anime: Full Moon Wo Sagashite Current Episode: 4

Full Moon Wo Sagashite - Episode 2

The second episode is just as good as the first. I recommend this anime if you're looking for a cute romantic comedy that has a bit of Mahou Shoujo in it.

Unlike Torn, I think the voice actors fit the characters really well. And like most other anime, if they're weird at first they grow on you after a while.

On to episode three!

Mahou Shoujo - Means 'Magical Girl' and refers to anime such as Sailor Moon - animes that have magical girls in them. But you knew that, because you're smart, right?

Current Anime: Full Moon Wo Sagashite
Current Episode: 3

Full Moon Wo Sagashite - Ep 1

I am very much liking this one! Even after the first episode I'm hooked, it is extremely sweet and cute. It follows basically the information I posted before:

Mitsuki is a 12-year-old with throat cancer and all she wants to do is sing, but can't because of the pain. One day she's visited by two Shinigami (Gods of death) and she can see them (they say that only humans who are dead can) and they slip up and tell her she only has a year to live.

So, deciding that if that's all the time she has, it's better to live then do nothing, she sneaks out of the house to go to an audition. As she's attempting to climb up a drain pipe to go in the window instead of going in the front door, one of the Shinigami, Takuto, asks her why she doesn't just go in the front. When she tells him that it's because she doesn't look sixteen (and gets weepy a bit on them) he takes a drop of his blood (ew) and turns it into a pill which she swallows. On his command it turns her into a 16-year-old (and she has him turn her hair blonde for some reason...psha! I liked her better as a brunette) and of course, she goes inside and nails the audition.

The voice acting is great, I love the music (It's very J-poppy, and suits the show well) and the animation is very colorful and clear. So far I like this one a lot, on to the next episode!

-Sama - A suffix that is very respectful and often translated as "Lord" or "Lady". You may now all address me as Jamie-Sama.

Current Anime: Full Moon Wo Sagashite Current Episode:
2

Shower

It's about 100 degrees outside and I'm sticking to my computer chair (All hail faux leather!) and melting. It's very unnatractive and I think I smell, so I'm going to go take a very fast cold shower, and then I shall be back.

Miss me, you cute things you.

Chibi - Means 'small' also refers to those weird animated characters whose heads are three million sizes too large for their bodies, thus making them more 'cutsey' and dramatic. Or some such thing. See also 'Super Deformed'

Current Anime: Full Moon Wo Sagashite Current Episode: 1

Still on the phone.

I'm still on the phone, so I still haven't started it yet. However, Torny'll probably post about it, because he's watching it and really enjoying it.

I'll post about it soon. Not, that anyone cares.

Otaku - Otaku is a insulting word really, meaning 'you' it also means 'house' and in Japan refers to someone who's over obsessive with their hobby and never goes outside their home. In America, it more means a really big fan. Also, it can be a term used to call someone a geek of sorts. Fred and I are Otaku, but the American version.

Current Anime:Full Moon Wo Sagashite Current Episode: 1

Full Moon - Ep. 1

Ally called me so I haven't been able to post or watch the first ep of this. It makes me sad, but I get to talk to Ally, so that's good!

Yatta - Yatta is another word that's used alot in anime. It means "I did it", and is said in an overly happy way, it's also somtimes translated as 'Yay!'. Yatta!

Current Anime: Full Moon Wo Sagashite Current Episode: 1

Melody of Oblivion Ep. 5

Well, we're all done with the first five episodes of Melody of Oblivion. I have to say that this one actually got good enough that I'm going to finish downloading the episodes avalible and keep watching it to see what happens.

All in all I reccomend this one if you're looking for a good action drama anime. My rating?



Four Duckies!

Now on to the next anime. What is it? Well...

Current Anime: Full Moon Wo Sagashite
Current Episode: 1
What's It About?:

AnimeInfo (AnimeInfo is down!) Anime DB says:


Full Moon o Sagashite is a based on manga with the same title by Tanemura Arina. The story focuses on 12-years old Mitsuki who loves to sing and wants to become a singer. However she has a tumor on her throat, which might only be cured at the cost of her voice. Her time is running out because she has only one year before the cancer kills her.

In order to realize her dream to become a singer, she is transformed into a 16-year old girl with the help of two Shinigami (god of death from japanese mythology) and takes a singing audition. Of course, she passes the audition and starts singing. But her time is running out as she only has one year left before she can’t sing anymore...

Sounds good but sad! Let's see ok?

Hentai – In Japanese this means completely sexually perverted, but they don’t use this term to refer to pornographic anime like the American’s do, but I’ll list it here because it’s what you mainly see. Hentai is anime porn. Period.

Current Anime: Full Moon Wo Sagashite Current Episode: 1

Melody Of Oblivion Ep. 4

This is really growing on me. The plot is unfolding nicely. If you're looking for a good mystery sci-fi type anime this one is a good one to check out.

Now we're on to ep. 5, I'll post my final thoughts when it's done! :)

Licensed – Licensed is when an American company buys the rights to release an anime or Manga in the US. In some cases the anime is released in the US, but in most cases it is not. Usually all Manga is released. These licenses expire over time, and the anime then becomes unlicensed.

Current Anime: Melody of Oblivion Current Episode: 5

Melody Of Oblivion Ep. 4

Ep. 4 was also late in starting thanks to my computer deciding to turn off and not want to turn back on. I have it going now and a nice fan to keep it cool. It's supposed to hit 100 today.

Episode 4 starts off pretty strong, explaining a few things in the episode before that was really overlooked. I'm actually enjoying this series. It's got a nice mystery feel to it. Parts are pretty creepy to boot.

Anyway, I'm going to finish watching this ep, and then I'll post some more.

Baka - Baka is a common Japanese word that's said alot in anime. It means 'stupid' or 'idiot'. Plus, it's fun to say. Baka, baka...baka...baka....well, you get the point.

Current Anime: Melody of Oblivion Current Episode: 4

Melody of Oblivion Ep. 3 Again

This anime is...odd. It has a good story line but it's one of those you have to pay attention to and be willing to wait out to see what exactly is going on. It's not for those of you who can't pay attention, don't want to, or just want something mindless to entertain you.

If you're easily baffled, skip this one.

I am now drinking my way tasty iced tea (raspberry and chamomile) with another bottle brewing in the fridge. I'm going to have soba for lunch I think, since it fits the day perfectly!

On to episode 4.

Shounen - Where there is one, there must be another right? Shounen is guys anime, that is anime with fighting, violence, sports, weird sci-fi plots, or ‘fan service’ as the main theme. Some of these are pretty good, some are way way too guyish for me.

Current Anime: Melody Of Oblivion Current Episode: 4

Melody Of Oblivion - Ep 3

I'm on episode three but due to some problems I just now got to start watching it, so no vauge information or insights from me this post!

However, next post will be lots different. I'm too tired to be funny, so it'll be boring as well.

Shoujo – Shoujo anime is a type of anime that is concitered 'girls'. These animes have either girls as the protagonist, have what is known as Mahou Shoujo (magical girls) like Sailor Moon, or rely mostly on cutesy, friendship, or romance plots. Shoujo can also refer to a type of drawing and inking style. I watch mainly Shoujo because I find the plots to be better in them, and I don’t like violence.

Current Anime: Melody of Oblivion Current Episode: 3

Melody of Oblivion Ep. 2

This one is odd, but strangely addictive. It's got a bit of fan service in it but it's not nearly as bad as some shows.

I like the background music though, and the OP.

Ecchi – This means ‘perverted’ and refers to anime that has a slight sexual humor to it, but no (or very very very little) nudity and no pornography. Some may have slight fan service, such as girls in towel shots, or something. The Pervert Club would be considered Ecchi.

Current Anime: The Melody of Oblivion Current Episode: 3

The Melody of Oblivion - Ep 1

I'm not sure how I feel about this one. It seems to have a good plot and good music, and the animation is well done. Although I'm always curious as to why they draw their guys to look like girls.

The story seems to be about Bocca, a guy who becomes a warrior to fight monsters that took over the world (?) but nobody remembers. Or something like that.

It's interesting. On to the next one.

Bishoujo – Bishoujo means ‘beautiful girl’ and refers not only to pretty girls in anime, but types of anime with pretty girls in them that vary from genre to genre.

Current Anime: The Melody of OblivionCurrent Episode: 2

Naruto - Ep 4 / MoO - Ep 1

Wah! A cliffhanger! I don't have episode 5 because the batch torrent (5 - 9) didn't finish, so I can't watch 5 for another three hours. :(

So, I won't rate it until then, but I will tell you this: I really like this anime!

Now we're moving on to the next one, totally out of the order we picked. What is it, you ask? Here you go:

Current Anime: The Melody of Oblivion
Current Episode: 1
What's It About?:

Animeinfo says:


There was a war between human race and those who called "Monster".
After the fierce battle far beyond the imagination, it was "Monster"
who won.
After long years have passed, it is a new century when people have
forgotten the event. A boy, Bokka, is determined to go on a new
journey of his choice.

Ok, so AnimeInfo's description isn't all that clear, so we'll just have to see for ourselves, won't we? On to the first episode, back in just a bit!

Scanlations - Scanlations are scanned pages of Manga translated from Japanese to English, usually these are done of popular anime so fans in American can follow the Manga plot line, since the majority of the time the Manga hasn’t been licensed in the US. `Cause it's sad like that.

Current Anime: The Melody Of Oblivion Current Episode: 1

Naruto - Episode 3

I really like this series. It's very cute and funny. I'm impressed and greatful, especally after our first series of the day.

Looking for Naruto stuff? Here's a good site: Naruto Fan It has all the music from the show too. Yay!

Manga – Manga means ‘whimsical pictures’ and is basically Japanese comic books (although in Japan any type of comic from anywhere is Manga), read from right to left. (I add this incase you ever want to download some) Most anime is based off popular Manga, but sometimes it's the other way around too.

Current Anime: Naruto Current Episode: 4

Naruto Episode 2

I really like this one. It's touching (in a silly way), funny and the plot is really good. Plus, it's a zillion episodes long. I love long anime, I hate it when you get one you really like and it's over at episode 21.

I seriously love the ending theme too. I wonder if I can find it someplace.

I'll watch the next while I eat my breakfast and squint at the sun that's finally up and blaring in my window. What's for breakfast? Something I don't know why I wanted, but am eating anyway. An egg and ham sandwich with grilled onions. Heartburn city. I've got tea chilling in the fridge (raspberry vanilla) and so I'm all set for tasty things to drink. Yay!

On to episode three!

Fan Girls – Girls who are over-the-top fans of Bishounen or an anime in which they appear.

Current Anime: Naruto Current Episode: 3

Naruto - Episode 1

Well, I like this one.

The animation is fantastic, the music is good (I absolutely love the Ending theme) and the story so far is a good one.

The episode basically covers the main character (Naruto's) background and history, and I won't say what because I don't want to ruin it for you. If you want to know more about the show itself, scroll down to my previous post about it. :)

On to episode 2!

Bishounen – Bishounen means, literally, ‘beautiful boy’ and refers to guys in anime who are drawn to be pretty. Pretty, pretty cartoon boys. Mmm.

Current Anime: Naruto Current Episode: 2

The final result - Ippatu Kikimusume

Well, after watching the first five episodes of Ippatu Kikimusume I can honestly say I have never seen an anime quite like it.

Each episode is this poor girl trying to get out of some weird situation she's gotten herself in. (Crab stuck on her face, trapped in a barrel, starting a fire while stuck in a yoga position) Although it sounds funny (I have to admit it is) there is a certain crudity to the one other female character that's really just annoying.

It's very adult, so if you decide to get it you might want to make sure you watch it where no kids or easily embarrassed old ladies are.

My rating is pretty fair, especially since you can't honestly judge a series off the first five episodes. So, my rating for the first five episodes is:



Three and a half duckies

Of course, I'll let you know what I think when I'm done watching the rest of the series later tonight.

Now, the next anime:

Current Anime: Naruto
Current Episode: 1
What's It About?:

Animenfo says:

"In a concealed village, a young man hides within a bunch of leaves. His name is Uzumaki Naruto, a mischievous boy attending Ninja Academy.

Everyday, he does nothing but cause mischief and making Iruka-sensei mad. And above all, it's doubtful that he'll be able to graduate from the Academy. But Naruto has a dream... A dream that he'll become the head of the Ninja village, following Hokage and will become the best ninja around.

However, all the adults in the village give Naruto cold looks. The truth is, Naruto has a secret about his birth. 12 years ago, "Kyuubi no Youko" (Nine Tailed Fox - A kind of evil spirit who tormented the village, was sealed within Naruto's body who was, at the time, a baby. The head of the academy, Mizuki, uses Naruto to steal the "Fuujin Scrolls" and makes Naruto understand his past. Naruto is outraged.

Even with Iruka's help, Naruto just barely defeats Mizuki. Knowing Naruto's secret, Iruka knows Naruto will meet someone who'll help him and so, makes a decision. Naruto is allowed to graduate safely from Ninja Academy. Along with his classmates, Uchiwa Sasuke and Haruno Sakura together, they make their first step as Ninjas!"

Sounds good! Here we go!

OVA/OAV – This means original video animation or original animation video and refers to Japanese anime that goes directly to video instead of airing on TV or in movies first. Most noticeably OVA/OAVs are based on popular video games or are new episodes of already released animes with alternative plots or story lines. These are generally of high quality because they have bigger budgets then they do with a 75+ episode anime.

Current Anime: Naruto Current Episode: 1

Ippatu Kikimusume - insanity continues

Now that we're on episode four, I don't think my opinion of this one has really changed any. It's funny in the way watching skate borders hit their crotch on stair railing is funny.

I don't think it'll get high ratings from me when we're done. It's not that I don't think that it's amusing, it's just that I feel so very badly for the character. I guess it's good for a cheap thrill.

Like Fred says "Saetan SaDiablo: You know a guy drew it." Yeah, exactly.

Fansubbing/Fansubbers/Fansub: Fansubbing/Fansub is when a group of ‘fans’ takes the raw show and edit it with English subtitles and releases it for all the rest of us to enjoy. Fansubbers are the groups that do this lovely service. Fansub is the episodes they release. There are tons of different groups, and some are much, much better then others. Fansub groups generally stop subbing when a series has been licensed.

Current Anime: Ippatu Kikimusume Current Episode: 5

Kikimusume Episode 1

I'm not sure I can do 16 episodes of this.

First off, let's start with the OP - that's opening theme for those of you who don't watch anime. It's bumpy and scratchy and reminded me of a record of the Chipettes winding down because of dead batteries.

The animation quality isn't that great, but it's probably a TV or VHS rip so actually the fansub group did a pretty good job.

The anime itself is short - only about three minutes long - and was completely disturbing. It's totally about a girl who gets herself into bad situations. This one was her being in a sauna and dislocating her shoulders and legs (???) and not being able to get out. It continues with her trying to use her mouth to open the door, and ending up with a hemmoriage and passing out.

Fred and I were both slightly unsettled by it.

I'm not sure what I think, time to watch the next one, then I'll let you know. We will be watching episodes 2 & 3 back to back, and then I'll post again.

At the end of each post I'm going to post an anime term for those of you who don't really know squat about it, so that some of it makes more sense. Or maybe I'm doing it to fill up posts. Who knows. Let's start with the basics shall we?

Anime – This is a given right? Inside Japan anime is any animated cartoon from anywhere, outside Japan anime refers to Japanese animation. Now you know, and knowing is half the battle.

Current Anime: Ippatu Kikimusume Current Episode: 2 & 3

Ohayo gozaimasu!

Good morning! Welcome to Digital Spam's Project Blog...project. For our event we will be watching 24 hours of non-stop anime goodness and then posting our thoughts, reviews, and other mindless nonsense on the whole thing.

Some thing to remember is we picked these anime mainly at random, so we're not to blame if they turn out to be incredibly scary. If you're wondering what we'll be watching, here you go:

Hour 1: Ippatu Kikimusume episodes 1-5
Hours 2, 3, & 1/2: Naruto episodes 1-5
Hours 4, 5, & 1/2: Melody of Oblivion episodes 1-5
Hours 5, 6, & 1/2: Full Moon Wo Sagashite episodes 1-5
Hours 7, 8, & 1/2: Maria Sama ga Miteru episodes 1-5
Hours 9, 10, & 1/2: Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne episodes 1-5
Hours 11, 12 & 1/2: Da Capo episodes 1-5
Hours 13, 14, & 1/2: Monster episodes 1-5
Hours 15, 16, & 1/2: Denshin Shugogetten episodes 1-5
Hours 17, 18, & 1/2: Mahoujin Guru Guru episodes 1-5
Hours 19, 20, & 1/2: Cooking Master Boy episodes 1-5

The last few hours will be spent watching all episodes for series who's batch files had over the 5th ep.

So, here we go!

Current Anime: Ippatu Kikimusume
Current Episode: Episode 1
It's About:

I'm not really sure, but according to AnimeNfo it sounds bizarre:

Kunyan is just a girl with a talent for getting herself into improbably bad situations. Each episode begins with her stuck in a bizarre and physically painful position. It doesn't really matter how she got to that point - as far as we know she just has an instinct for this sort of thing. What matters is how she can get out of them. Faced with these challenges, she must use strength, skill, the laws of physics, and what little wits she has to extricate herself - preferably after much trial and error and ultimately in the most difficult way possible.

Yeah, should be fun right? Well here we go, let's hope this one is good for something. Also, layout will be up within the hour. Sorry about that.

Current Anime: Ippatu Kikimusume Current Episode: 1

Also! Watch this space, a new layout will be here by Tuesday, with all sorts of fun stuff for PB. Then, after PB is over, the new DS layout will be here.
 
You can't wait right? I knew you couldn't.

Project Blog

For those of you who don't know, Digital Spam will be participating in Project-Blog, a 24 hour charity event that happens July 24th and 25th. We will be raising money for the H.O.M.E Center YCC, a children's program.
 
We will be blogging for 24 hours straight, and have to make a post every 30 minutes. To keep us entertained we will be watching the first five episodes of 16 anime - one every 30 minutes, and posting nonsense reviews and opinions on them. We're doing this because we're big geeks, and we can't help it.
 
I will also be changing the layout for each anime series, and giving away the layouts at the end of the event.
 
If you'd like to join our group - there is still time, just E-mail me with your interest and I'll get back to you with the information on how to join us.
 
If you'd like to sponsor us - please go to Project-Blog, create an account and go to 'sponsor a blogger' and fill out the information there. Please please plleeeease, even if all your can sponsor is five bucks, it would totally help us out.

Fairy Tales & Newsie Things

First off - wow, first post to DS! Hopefully I can rebuy the domain and rehost it so we can really get our writing community up and running. I'm also going to make a layout, because Bloggers suck. Unfortunately someone bought digitalspam.com out from under me, so we'll have to be .net or something of the like.

We will have tons of stuff eventually: resources, prompts, our writings, writings of other people, great tools for writers and more. Mostly we will just be writing what strikes us, looking for ideas and just posting whatever we feel like at the time.

This site is here to encourage us and our readers to write, because it's important. It doesn't matter what you write, just that you write, right?

I'm a member of 'Your Everyday Write' and each week a writing prompt is sent to me, and I rarely ever do them, but each week I'm going to start posting them here, so other people can do them with me. I think this is a good starting point for people to just get writing beyond journal entries, really fleshing out characters and plot points in a one page writing assignment of sorts is a great challenge.

Today however, since I am missing the prompt I was going to post, I'm going to post a prompt of my own that may or may not be similar to the one that was going to be here. YEW prompts this week are fairy tale themed, so, so is mine. Ready?

Write a story that shows a character reflecting on their fairy tale. This can be Cinderella thinking about her experiences, or anything of the like. You can use any character in any tale. Avoid simply retelling the tale, and avoid writing from the perspective of a character not involved in the story, rather try and write how the character felt, and feels now, how it effected and changed them, and what their plans for the future are. Write a page.

I'll write mine, and post it in just a few minutes. Good luck!