Hisashiburi!

Mina! Hisashiburi! It's been like 3 months? More? Well, never mind. A lot has happened in those last three months like for example me getting a job and quitting the job (That was too fast! I know… but I had my reasons). I took the entrance exam for the master's degree (yes! Me!) and I am currently waiting for the results. I should know within a couple of days, I might have not finished this post yet when the results are announced. I caught up with Naruto: Shippuden, I watched Hanasakeru Seishun, Kuroko no basket and I am currently watching Hakuouki. I discovered this brilliant soundtrack from that weird anime and it's playing in my head right now. I attended another anime related event: Summer Cosplay Party, hosted by Egycon organizers, and it was great (I bought stuff! :3 ). I read 4 books, a trilogy and the first book in a series. I watched 3 J-dramas. I completed a 500-piece puzzle… with mum. She did most of it. And, I ate, possibly the tastiest fried chicken sandwich I've had in a long while. Surely, I've done other stuff. It has been three months! But, that's all I can remember now. So, where do I start?

Maybe, the job? Well, I found a job online, I sent my CV and I got an interview. I was told ,after the interview and a small test, to start work the next day so it all happened so fast. It was a small design studio. I tried different kinds of stuff, and I realized, I'm really not interested! However, everyone was satisfied with my work so I thought I'd try harder to be interested, but I just couldn't and things happened. Conclusion, I realized I am not suited for that kind of work: physically, mentally or socially. And, that was around the time I decided to take the master's entrance exam. I came up with an interesting topic and I thought I'd give it a try. I will not talk about it now, since I don't know if I am accepted or not. I don't feel comfortable talking about it when I don't how things will end up. Now, let's go to what matters more than any job in the world! Anime! XD 

So, I caught up with Naruto, and I've got to say I'm disappointed. Naruto was more than awesome! And then it just kept getting from bad to worse. I'm still watching of course, I mean it's Naruto! I cannot just drop it. I love that anime. It's really a shame how things got so weird, cheesy and boring. Let's move to Hanasakeru Seishounen, and that's another boring for you! Hanasakru Saishounen is a shoujo anime but unlike most of the shoujo anime it's a bit long: 39 episodes. The anime is different from your typical shoujo manga with a high school setting. It involves politics, action and stuff like that. It's a reverse Harem. The main character Kajika was kind of interesting in the beginning, and different, but the closer we go to the end the more boring she became. As for the guys who happen to be four, I like all of them generally. And like most of the shoujo anime, she ends up with the most predictable and boring one. I knew she would but deep down I was wishing she'd surprise me. I guess that's my fault. Moving to the highlight of my anime-watching experience in the last 3 months: Kuroko no basket! I fell in love with it from the very first episode. I absolutely loved the story, the characters, the art and everything about it. I think I should write about it in a separate post or this post will be too long. As for Hakuouko, I haven't finished it yet, so I'll talk about it later, but, for now let's say that the best thing about it is the art. Now what? The soundtrack, yes! I discovered that one yesterday. I was playing that game where I have to recognize the anime from the soundtrack (yes, I had that much free time) and I came up on one of the best soundtracks I've ever heard. I don't think I'll ever watch the anime though.

Our next stop: Summer Cosplay Party. Well, that was good! For starters, I bought lots of stuff: key chains, pins, t-shirts, necklace and an alarm clock (a cute One Piece themed one). I usually don't buy stuff because I am a very hesitant person and I can't make fast decisions, so that was good for a change. There was like 50 – 60 cosplayers, and a cosplay contest which was kind of cool and funny. There was karaoke; I missed that and I don't really mind. All in all, it felt good being there with people who share your interests and don't think you're weird or childish. Oh! I forgot the most important part! In preparation for the awaited event, I, and Summar, designed our own anime themed t-shirts. They were kind of matching and they were so cool! I love them! 

Now, the four books.. Well, the trilogy was Rachel Hawkin's Hex Hall. It's about Sophie Mercer a witch who goes to a boarding school for the Prodigium (Supernaturals) trouble makers called Hecate Hall for using her magic in public. There she meets friends and foes, and faces all kinds of mysteries. It was a very enjoyable read, but very predictable all the same. The characters were likable but lacked depth. All in all, it was good, except for the rushed ending, of course. As for the fourth book, it's the first in a series and it's called A Throne of Glass, it's about a notorious, young, female assassin who joins a competition to be the king's champion, in exchange for her freedom.  I liked the idea and I was excited about the competition but I didn't get much of that. Instead, I got a long mystery, and a love triangle. It was good, indeed, but it could have been much better.

The Japanese dramas… Well now they were Papa to musume no nanokakan, a comedy, family drama, funny and enjoyable; Buzzer Beat a sports drama that turned out to be a romance drama actually, and Kaseifu no Mita which was kind of weird and troubling but it was good, I looked forward to watching it.

Now, let's skip the puzzle and get to the sandwich. A new Texas Chicken branch opened nearby, so I got myself last Friday's dinner from there: a Mexicana Sandwich, and it was brilliant! The chicken tasted and felt good, the Jalapeno sauce was just perfect not too spicy or too bland, and the nachos on top made it my ideal chicken sandwich! Now, I'm hungry!

Well, I guess that's it for now. Hopefully, I'd be writing more posts soon… see you, then!  

Rumiko Takahashi Anthology

Hey there blog!Aitakatta! I know it's been too long, but when your life seems like an infinite loop sometimes you lose the will to do the things you love. Any way yes I'm still job-less and maybe still not certain where I'm headed but somehow I'm not depressed anymore, it'll come when it comes and it'll be worth the wait :D

So, if you're facing some depression phase like I did and need something to cheer you up taking into account you like anime, I'd recommend Rumiko Takahashi's anthology.

The anthology is a collection of 13 short stories by the mangaka Rumiko Takahashi that are featured in 13 individual episodes.
I can't begin to describe how much fun I had watching those episodes; they were so colorful and beautifully different. I was blown away by the different ideas, characters and themes, they were definitely not the typical story lines I'm used to. You've got to admire Rumiko-san or should I say Rumiko-sama, she quickly gained my respect; because she made me laugh when I needed it most ^_^.

I'll give you some insight from my favorite episodes, which hopefully will encourage you to watch :D

5. The tragedy of P

This was the first episode, which was a great start! It has a cute penguin!!! Dude! A penguin! If that doesn't grab your attention I don't know what will. Anyway, it's about a family who has to take care of a penguin for a while in their- no pet- residence. It was very amusing to watch :D

4. Aberrant family F

I was laughing all through this episode. Hazuki thinks her father takes the family on a trip -despite being financially in trouble- so he can attempt a family suicide! I loved how freaked out she was the whole time and felt sorry that she missed some fun times.

3. As long as you are here

This episode was heartwarming! It has my second favorite character out of the 13 stories.
It's about Mr.Domoto who recently lost his job, and decides to fill in for his sick wife in her part-time job at a convenience store. It was enjoyable watching the scary looking Domoto-san trying to deal with a new world to him.

The character that I loved was the foreign student Achara-chan. She was so cheerful and always had a smile on her face and was the only one who didn't fear Domoto-san. I loved her accent especially when she says "nihon no wakarimasen!"

2. Extra-large size happiness 

Imagine a huge baby wearing a kimono, ruining your life and you're the only one who can see it! This is Hanako's problem which arises when her mother-in law moves in with her and her husband. The huge cute baby keeps putting her in trouble, but you just can't hate him because he's so adorable! ^_^

1. One hundred years of love

My favorite story with my favorite character. This one is about an old lady who dies and somehow comes back to life with super powers ;) All the more she has a crush on a young patient she sees at the hospital who reminds her of her past! Risa-san was hilarious, she was a talkative lady with a mouth shaped like a beak XD
I loved the contradiction between her version of flashbacks and the one we see at the end of the episode :D

Note: I loved that you can see characters from previous episodes, they were connecting the stories :D That reminded me of Pixar's hidden messages intertwining the worlds together making them more real and interesting.

Another note: The ending song was really good! At first it seemed energetic and cool, but when I concentrated on the lyrics it turned out somewhat sad. Listen to it and see for yourself ;)

Forever....

I'm still in shock, trying to process that I've seen the last of one of my favorite shows! and since the only two people I can fuss about this with are unavailable, you dear blog are my savior.

"Forever" was about Dr. Henry Morgan who works in New York city's morgue and also happens to be immortal.
I wouldn't want to spoil much, but I want to explain why I think highly of this show. So, here we go!

1- Ioan Gruffudd

Honestly, the only other time I saw him was on the "Fantastic 4" movie. I had no idea he was British nor he had this talent. (Superhero movies don't often show the actor's range of abilities)
The accent got me from the first episode :D and then I warmed up to his peculiar character. 
After I learned about the cancellation of the show. I jumped to the internet to see how people reacted, and Ioan's response was heartbreakingly beautiful :'(
If it has proven anything, it was that Ioan was truly shocked and hurt as much as the rest of us which sorrowfully makes me feel a bit better. Knowing that he loved the show as much as we did, and how he appreciates the fans, definitely gave him credit in my book.

2- Henry and Abe's relationship

I don't know if this is a spoiler or not, since it was revealed in the first two episodes. To put it bluntly, Abe is Henry's adopted son. This relationship is simply beautiful to watch. The complexity of parenthood, friendship and secret keepeing give it this shine! I don't know if the writers meant them or not, but I always enjoyed the little things.

The way Abe would call Henry "Papa".
Henry kissing Abe's forehead in a fatherly manner.
Their looks, the way they worry and care for each other. I just love it!
There was this moment in episode 15 , that was so beautiful I had teary eyes! 

3- Abe 

Apart from their relationship, Abe was a very enriching character to the show. He made Henry human, he kept him sane and gave him a reason to keep returning back from death.
He was a warm character ^_^ He had great sense of humor and like his father he had little sense of self preservation :D 

4- The flashbacks

Imagine someone living for 200 years, witnessing history, meeting famous personalities and watching how mankind likes to repeat its own mistakes.

I loved how they connected the murder cases of the present with Henry's visions of the past. I found the stories fascinating and amusing.
I liked Abigail and how she rocked the 40's look :D It suited her very well. But more importantly how she was Henry's anchor and Abe's savior. I'm glad Henry got to have her after all his sufferings, shame her days were numbered unlike his.

5- The team

Using his "sherlockian" wit Henry was able to change Detective Jo Martinez 's perspective of him from a suspect to a partner, giving us an amusing couple who despite their differences manage to have a great partnership. Jo was a good detective and I liked how she trusted Henry and followed his crazy path. I loved how she was gaining Henry's trust and maybe that she might be an opportunity for him to live again ;) .

Lucas, Henry's lab partner or rather student. Lucas was a very entertaining character, he was a geek who loved comics (graphic novels in his own words :D) and was not so socially popular. I admired his confidence, and how he proved to be a great friend. You could tell he admired Henry and respected him a lot!
There is this scene in the last episode that was his master and I absolutely loved it! (I teared up a bit to tell you the truth), on the other hand he had what I call "a golden moment" in episode 20 that cracked me up and I thank him for that!

Hanson, Jo's partner though he didn't have many moments, but he managed to deliver a likable character and I appreciated how he loved his job and did it well. He had a couple of funny moments and one when he finally knew something Jo didn't :D .

Lt. Reece, also known as the boss! She's the chief of the NYPD and she sure deserves it. She's a powerful woman, who not only knows how to manage her team but also cares for them. I liked how she knew EVERYTHING that was going on in her department :D

6- Adam

A.K.A. Henry's stalker :D So, Henry gets this phone call and a man's voice tells him he knows his secret. This adds to the show as we don't only follow the cases and Henry's past, but we we also see him struggle with the fact that there is someone out there who knows his secret.
Adam's character is quite complex, but I can't say I hate him. I wish we could know more about him and what made him the way he is.

7- The classiness

Henry being a 200 year old Englishman, the atmosphere of the show had to reflect that and a great opportunity for it was Abe's antiques shop. I loved seeing those antiques around, opposing all those New York style scenes. 

Henry's outfits were definitely a part of that class, I was amused by the fact that he had a tailor :D 

And let's not forget about the pocket watch! I'm a fan of them.

8- The soundtracks

One of a TV's show appeal factors is their choice of soundtracks.
The show managed to pick a nice collection from Henry's classics to modern day songs. They helped set the mood especially when it came to the flashbacks or the intense moments. 

9- The quotes

In my humble opinion I think "Grey's anatomy" is the master of quotes, they've given humanity tons of powerful quotes for 11 years!
And so, when "Forever" had Henry's voice at the beginning and end of each episode, I was thrilled. They give you an idea of what the episode wants you to learn and there were some that deserved to be hung up on your walls :D Here's one of my favorites 
"The truth is, each of us is related. It's just a question of how far back you trace your family tree. Deep down, all of us have shared blood in our veins. Although, individual tastes may vary. And if we're all related then all of us have royal blood, which is why every child should be treated as a king or queen no matter how old our children may be." 

It reminded me of this one :D

10- Seeing an old friend

The very last episode featured "John Noble" as a guest star and I was so happy, because I used to watch his show "Fringe" and his character "Walter" was my favorite. I considered this, the show's last gift for me. ^_^ 

To sum this up, TV networks can be cruel and greedy, and abc has proven once more that they're only after their own agenda. They had a great show with great potential, but they chose to drop it only after one season and we didn't even get a complete closure.
Despite the broken heart, I'm glad I got to watch "Forever" I enjoyed my time, thank you "Forever" team! 

There is no better closure to this post than these words:
"It has been said that a man is not dead while his name is still spoken. That we are only truly gone when we disappear from the memories of those who loved us, meaning a great artist never dies along as his books are read, his paintings admired, as long as our songs are sung, may each of us live forever. As for me, maybe its time to learn a new song, fortunately i have an excellent teacher" Henry Morgan, Forever.

Naruto: Shippuden #7

Mina! Konnichiwa! I've decided to stop this!

Well, it has been really enjoyable to share my thoughts and whims, but things got REALLY serious, and since I'm sharing the posts on Google plus, I thought someone might accidentally see a spoiler and they'd hate me. I know how painful it is to see a spoiler and especially if it's something as big as the stuff that has been happening recently. So, that'll be it, for now. Honestly, I had a few more posts prepared before this one, but I don't feel like posting them any more, they are mainly about how Sai is becoming one of my favorite characters, and Yamato's helplessness, and how in Naruto they don't like to surprise you when someone dies, there are these ominous signs. Beware if you're not past where I decided to stop those posts, your heart will be broken, well, many times! And if you're then you know what I mean! 

Finally, I'd like to post this note and make it the last, for now.

I absolutely love that scene! <3

Music for the soul

In an attempt to balance this crazy stream of Naruto related posts, I present to you a piece of music! :D
After more than 30 Japanese dramas, I can confidently say that Japanese composers are among the best there are. We've enjoyed a great variety of soundtracks that help set the mood from joy, sorrow, excitement to pure comedy!
So, today I chose a soundtrack that is amongst my favorites and hopefully you'll enjoy it as well ^_^
Hit play, close your eyes, imagine a brilliant sky full of midnight stars, you're lying on your back on the roof of a small harbored boat, you're with your dearest friends listening to the music of the silenced night not wanting to break the silence but feeling that security of having someone around.

Naruto: Shippuden #6

Kakashi's silly giggle when he's reading Jiraiya's books! XD

Naruto: shippuden #5

I can't believe I'm saying this but Sakura is cool! Best character development ever!