So itako , Matthew, Claire and I were invited by these Japanese students from an English Club to go on an "Akihabara Tour" with an interview for their article of sorts. I ended up buying a Kurapika and Leorio cellphone strap (that I now hang lovingly on my wall, because they are meant to be) and going to all these different places with anime goods. Dined in a maid cafe called "Cure Cafe" (whatever that means) which had this crazy Evangelion theme going on. The maids wore those weird clips Asuka and Rei wear, they sold Eva merchandise, and Zankoku na Tenshi no You Ni played over and over again. That, and posters of Rei being naked everywhere. When is she not naked? Anyway, if it wasn't for the epic rain I would have hung out more, but alas, had to go back home because I felt really sick. I did learn a LOT of things. One of the girls (named Tomomi) was a big Hagaren fan, and a fujoshi. Jacinda, Tomomi and I would sometimes giggle in a corner, talking about pairings and stuff. I realize I am still quite in the closet, which is sad.

Anyway, our lesson for the day starts with a conversation about MOTHERFUCKING METAL GEAR SOLID, YO! I started talking about Metal Gear Solid to Takuya, who was also a big fan. Ended up raving about it. (following conversation in Japanese:)

Takuya: Who do you like in Metal Gear Solid?
Me: SOLID SNAKE. AND OTACON.
Takuya: Ooh, Otacon! Shibui!
Me: Huh?

Takuya and Tomomi then tried to explain to Jacinda and I what Shibui means. Apparently it's one of those very cultural expressions, they had a hard time explaining it, but here's a list of what they could mean:

SHIBUI
- Something that is simple, maybe flawed, yet beautiful.
- If you have refined taste
- If your tastes lean towards something a bit older <-- JACKPOT
- and many others

So yeah, I would call myself "shibui" in a sense that I like older people (THAT EXPRESSION WILL BE PUT TO GOOD USE), but apparently Takuya meant that I had refined taste. Which...I wouldn't exactly associate with liking a Metal Gear Solid character who's ripped, and another one who pisses in his pants. It could also mean that Otacon is simple, flawed, yet elegant. Wat

Takuya: What about Raiden? (obviously, he likes him. I think only Japanese people have boners for Raiden, America thinks he's too fruity)
Me: Too young.
Takuya: What about Ocelot?
Me: Too old!!! *lol*

And then while going home, Tomomi and I were chatting about our favourite pairings. I tried to use my broken japanese meep.
Tomomi: My type of BL pairing are the adults!
Me: ME TOO ME TOO
Tomomi: For example I like Kakashi/Iruka, and in Full Metal Alchemist, I like Roy/Hughes!
Me: How about Hunter x Hunter?
Tomomi: Ooh, I like Leorio...
Me: ME TOO OMG --
Tomomi: ...with Hisoka!
Me: wat

Contrary to popular belief, Japan is not all about mecha, samurai, ninjas, and lolis. It's not all about anime.

However, that does not stop me from buying random shiz, for myself and for other people. I swear to god, BOOK-OFF will be the death of me. They sell manga for only 105 yen, and the Book-off near our uni has an entire huge basement dedicated to books written in English. They even have cheap art books asdfghjkl; Most people spend on food, others spend on shopping. I splurge on books.

Everything is expensive in Tokyo, but if you convert anime merchandise and books in peso and then compare them to prices back at home then they're really cheap. Plus they have anime merchandise of ANYTHING. I have yet to see the used panties vending machine (and I don't really want to, anyway), but they do sell cookies featuring anime characters, and life-sized pillows with underwear-clad girls printed on them. Lol Japan.


Escaflowne and Utena artbooks, my new loves

( Haul of the month...Kakairu, Metal Gear Solid, HxH, etc. )

AHAHAHAHAHAHAH I'LL JUST LEAVE THIS HERE.

...if you've truly played the original Final Fantasy VII series then you'll know the "Date" portion in Gold Saucer. In our first game Cloud dated Tifa because we simply loved her, but we tried dating everyone else for kicks. The date with Yuffie was sweet. When Cloud dated Barret however, we felt strangely ill.

BUT ALL I CAN THINK ABOUT WHEN I SAW THIS PICTURE WAS THAT "SWEET JESUS DAMN THIS IS WHAT WAS SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN. BARRET IS FUCKING HOT. Also, Cloud looks good in tight purple. Vincent is chillin', probably preparing for his quality roommate time with Cid Highwind (again, if you've played the game, you'll know what I'm talking about).I can't believe what GayRoughNecks.Com has done to me

( More crack pairing photos that made my day -- because the weirder they are... )

Hajime no Ippo Season 2 Episode 1 ♥

This episode excites me so much (I think I just screamed at my computer screen while watching the opening song), but at the same time it's tugging at my heartstrings and allowing a feeling of dread -- here Miyata is back in Japan again, trying his best so that he and Ippo can have their epic match at last.

But I'm really so nervous for him because of certain circumstances. *shakes fist at the heavens* I won't spoil you, but events are making me nervous. Watching Ippo's devotion and sheer idolatry towards Miyata is heart-breaking, too. In his head Miyata is still the Best Rival Ever (I bet Sendo feels miffed until now), but in truth the gap between them is wide, and Miyata still has to catch up.

That's probably why I find their rivalry so refreshing -- for once the handsome, brooding rival of the easygoing protagonist is the one struggling to seek the hero's acknowledgment. Ippo is already established as strong and he wants to be even stronger; he also wants to take Miyata to the top with him.

in short, LOL TL;DR I CARE ABOUT MY BOXING ANIME SO MUCH UHUHUHU

HAJIME NO IPPO: NEW CHALLENGER

The first episode of the 2nd season is finally here! My brother and I watched it immediately. It's funny AND wrong (clue: disturbing shower scenes with Takamura again), just like the original, but the animation is still A++. Wow, finally I'll watch anime again!

Hajime no Ippo is my number one sports shounen anime. Yes, to me it defeats other sports series like Slam Dunk, Eyeshield 21 (sacrileeege!), Prince of Tennis (lol) ETC. At first glance it's a series that most girls wouldn't like, because of the

1) Crude, weird, "guy" humour
2) Overly-muscular physiques
3) Not-so-bishounen looks (though I can contest this by the mere existence of Alexander Volg Zangief)
4) Violence (also contestable, since in Prince of Tennis anyone can get a severe head injury even if they're only fifteen. BLOOD EVERYWHERE LOL.)
5) It's about BOXING, for crying out loud. Even I don't like that sport!
6) Lack of Gay VERY ARGUABLE, OHOHOOHOHOhohoho

However I believe that if you don't watch this anime because of your own misconceptions then you're missing out on a lot: it's a funny, heart-warming story that will keep you glued to the screen, anticipating Ippo and his battles, their next moves, the fluid animation, and the emotions that feel very genuine, at least to me. :3

*

( If Jim Carrey's character in YES MAN initially finds it hard to say YES... )

And now I'm off to have lunch with the lovely luvien. ♥

PHOTO OF THE YEAR

Nothing is more awesome than The Pizza Delivery Guy, Manila, Philippines 06/23/08.

GAY COUPLE/"HETEROSEXUAL" LIFE PARTNERS OF THE YEAR

OH MAN, THIS IS HARD. But with Metal Gear Solid 4's release and my subsequent obsession with Old Snake's hard ass that shakes like a pair of milk-filled breasts I would have to say Snake/Otacon and their Ultimate Bromance.

PERSON OF THE YEAR

Heath Ledger. :)

BOOK OF THE YEAR

Watchmen, goddamnit. I've reread it like a bajillion times already, and I've spent hours poring over the stuff going on in each and every panel to get all the references.

MUSICAL ACT OF THE YEAR AND FOREVER AND EVER AMEN

Don't know if you've noticed, but most of the songs I list here in LJ as "music" are from The Beatles. Feels right that I ended the year with their music videos and documentaries.

MOVIE OF THE YEAR

Ke-ki Yama and Ke-ki Melody Camp Rock for inspiring me to be who I really am, and for showing me that rock truly is all about -- teeny-boppers who can't sing. (see: Abomination of the Year)

Seriously though, it's a tie between Ironman and The Dark Knight. You can't let me choose, they're both unique, very Marvel and DC, and I love them both for what they are.

ABOMINATION OF THE YEAR

♥ It's a tie between Miley Cyrus AND Hannah Montana! ♥

FAVOURITE PLACE I'VE BEEN TO...OF THE YEAR

Banaue and Sagada. I really want to take my family there someday -- it's like a cooler Baguio minus the pollution.

ANIME OF THE YEAR

CHII'S SWEET HOME, MOTHERFUCKERS.

WTF OF THE YEAR

The Eraserheads Reunion Concert at The Fort. I didn't expect I'd be roaming around High Street with my two guy friends and with a severe case of depression.

QUOTE OF THE YEAR

"My interest lies between the legs of Japanese Animu Schoolgirls." - neiarc, 08/11/08, as echoed by millions of other people in the internet

GREATEST ORGASMIC MOMENT OF THE YEAR

Rafael Nadal versus Roger Federer in the Wimbledon Finals. You KNOW I'm right.

MUCH, MUCH LOVE AND SPARKLES TO minnow_53! ♥♥♥ She gave my broke, pathetic self a paid account and extra userpics for free! ;m; She is too kind, I am not worthy...but I shall try my hardest with your christmas gifts! I hope you enjoy them! *3*)/ I've been working on at least two art gifts per day, and deciding on which to colour. They cheer me up, especially the crack pairings (Batman/Joker made me lol so hard, and geek boy has me excited).

Updated requests for the Christmas Art-Gift Project (those with an asterisk are finished):

fera_festiva: Tonks/Ginny *
numi_nami: Geeky dude with glasses *
ember_frost: Penguin
gigacat: Batman/Joker *
cynicade: Edward Cullen/Sarah Palin *
minnow_53: Geek Boy Christmas Special! *
amaterasu08: Geek Boy, too! *
jougetsu: Aziraphale/Crowley *
ranalinde: Doumeki/Watanuki *
smokexscribbles: Doumeki/Watanuki *
star_flare Feel good fluff
dia_aren_marie: Black Jack/Chii's Sweet Home/Something gay
ashlynwashere: Seiya/Usagi *
jeneko: Tifa/Cloud Zack/Cloud (lol my bias is showing)
mooguriklaine Ichigo/Rukia *
kirke_novak Zoisite/Kunzite or Fisheye/TigerEye
tinzedesu Cloud/Tifa
l_trickster_l her fashionable self *
evercool Abe/Mihashi

If you wish to change your request (if it isn't done yet) or if you want to make your own, then don't hesitate to comment! All art will be posted on Christmas day. *3*)/

( A woe so timely that I can only lol | I can't draw Animu, cue angst and tl;dr )

I've been on a nostalgia-trip lately; if I'm sick of staring at my half-done papers I go watch old anime. And boy, does everything change when you view them as a nineteen-year-old who proudly lists "pornography" as entertainment.

Things in Anime That Have Escaped Me Completely Back in the Days When I Was a Wee Child (Yes We Were All Innocent Back Then)

1. I denied the gay in Card Captor Sakura, even if it was waving its ass at my face. When Sakura confessed to Yukito and it was revealed that Touya was Yukito's "number one" (CANON WORDS, PEOPLE), I deemed it as a loving, devoted friendship. Even when even Sakura shipped them in the end. The blatant pedophilia (TeradaxRika, MizukixTouya, heck almost everyone in this series) I also regarded as something weird, but pretty much a normal background plot device.

Card Captor Sakura = CUTESY? What, with Tomoyo's strange obsession? I still fucking ship SyaoranxSakura, anyway, and I won't let Tsubasa ruin my "feel-good" ship. CLAMP, YOU BITCHES

2. I shipped het in Gundam Wing. YES, ALL FIVE OF THEM. I paired up Quatre with Dorothy Catalonia. If that isn't fucked up, I don't know what is. (and you know what? I still don't like the gay. xD)
3. I also shipped het in Weiss Kreuz, which is gayer than a rainbow. Especially since their straight relationships go down in the end...
4. When Haruka and Michiru were revealed as lovers (I love the Philippine dub, they didn't change anything at all) I didn't think of it as OMG LESBIANS but more like "Oh, so they're lovers. Okay." Now I ship them just as hard. ♥
5. I shipped Kurama x Botan. WHAT THE FUCK
6. I didn't know Shinji was masturbating to Asuka. Then again, there was so much going on in End of Evangelion and everyone was naked so I lost all consciousness.


Hunter x Hunter was what made me come out of the closet, and I ended up being a rabid Leorio x Kurapika fan. I still am. Also, my eyes were opened by Hisoka's disturbing preferences and uh, general behavior. Thank you Yoshihiro Togashi, for raping my brain.

*

My big brother's blood pressure is abnormal so I decided to live a healthy lifestyle and promptly banned fried, oily food in the house (my parents are abroad, so I'm in charge for now ;_;). kotomine and I went to to grocery store and bought oranges, apples, bananas, imported apple cranberry juice and orange juice with pulp, salads, and a lot of other healthy stuff. What's ironic is that we spent so much money on fruits and vegetables, whereas unhealthy food costs less. It really is tough to live healthy if there is no other option. Seems like the food companies are determined to kill you. T_T

Lately I realize that my interests are slowly leaving the realm of what is "anime" in general. I've been collecting classic movies and absorbing all the pop culture references. I've been reading nothing but science fiction and academic books about art history and theory. I'm starting to collect Western comic books that are not in the world of DC or Marvel (more like the independent series). My new fandoms consist of games, books, and um, real people who play tennis (oh holy fuck). I've been listening to the Beatles, The Doors, Bob Dylan, and other avant-garde artists.

Even my preferred art style is a departure from the "classic" anime style. Sure, I love my chibis and they're very anime-ish, but with my normal art I tend to lean towards the realistic nowadays. I can't draw big eyes anymore, they're all small and without detail. (This is in a general sense. We all know that not all anime characters have big eyes).

When I finished rewatching The Vision of Escaflowne I realised how beautiful it was--some would say that with limited technology there would be limited creativity but it did not apply. It was wonderful. It breaks my heart to see Sunrise fuck things up. :(

Nowadays watching anime makes me extremely exhausted and I don't know why. Perhaps because of the flurry of harem anime with fanservice that should've been enjoyable but it ends up predictable (I mean come on, I could predict when the girl would fall and expose her panties at every opportunity). I like fanservice like any normal, horny teenager would but too much is too much, after all. Most anime are just too long -- the story has to end.

Perhaps because after reading 3106510965 yaoi manga you'd want something fresh; something that does not involve a sensei having a relationship with his student, or an unfeeling seme. There are exceptional exceptions, of course, but some themes have been tackled incessantly over the years.

Hell, I don't even talk about anime to my closest friends and the ASTERISK people anymore.

Perhaps this is a phase, and I'll return to anime someday. Maybe even tomorrow, if they release something epic. Maybe it's just me being cranky -- they say that rejection of emerging trends (this case, in anime) is a sign of old age, lol. Besides, why can't I just like everything at the same time, right? I thirst for different kinds of knowledge as if I only have a few years left, and I'm not exhibiting signs of stopping any time soon.

Did you ever have a Not-Into-Anime phase?

( Last night I couldn't sleep because I couldn't breathe. )



While working on up_ame pubmats, I watch Vision of Escaflowne. Each episode just proves to me how great an anime it is. I've been disillusioned with anime lately; they mostly focus on fanservice like panty shots and exaggerated cleavage and hip-hop music and crazy parodies. I enjoy them sometimes, but for the longest time I've been thirsting for an EXCELLENT STORY.

WHY ESCAFLOWNE?

1) Things are not black-and-white. The so-called villains have interesting motives regarding their desire to "rule all of Gaea".
2) YOKO KANNO. (famed composer of Macross Plus, Cowboy Bebop, Wolf's Rain, Ghost in the Shell series, Record of Lodoss War, etc.)
3) MAAYA SAKAMOTO.
4) All the characters are wonderful, even with their little flaws and insecurities. They all start out seemingly shallow, but they become compelling people as the show goes on.
5) THE MECHA (guymelefs) are beautiful. For fucking serious. They may look as bulky as gundams sometimes, but they can be very graceful and the designs are distinct depending on their function and origin. There is fluidity in their animation. mikkikoron told me that the mecha designer is the same as the dude who designed the robots in Macross. NO WONDER.
6) HAS ALL THE ELEMENTS. Shoujo, shounen, fantasy, mecha, EVERYTHING
7) YOKO KANNO.
8) Lol I just realised it was made by Sunrise (so they can actually make something short that's not a Gundam series *A*)

I AM TOTALLY PIMPING THIS. I'M WILLING TO LET YOU BORROW MY CDs IF YOU WANT TO WATCH IT~!

I'll probably make a post dedicated to Escaflowne. I've done nothing but screencap every Van x Hitomi moment, being the fangirl that I am. Jesus Christ I can be such a girl sometimes when I'm not being a dyke.

...What


P.S. I just saw some old letters of mine in which I signed my name as "Van Slanzar de Fanel". So I actually pretended I was Van. Who's a GUY.

NADAL TOPS FEDERER IN 5 SETS TO WIN WIMBLEDON

If you look closely in the photo you can see Nadal's nipples I mean uh, their rivalry is so beautiful. And stuff


When I watched the end of the game with Rafa looking so fucking adorable and happy I just cackled madly. Cackled, as in MWAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH.

You see, I'm the only Nadal fag in this house. The rest are Federer fags. Even the announcer seemed like a Federer fag, what with his flowery descriptions of Federer's movements. The audience seemed to cheer more for Roger as well--when he started jumping around when Nadal missed a shot, the Londoners were screaming as hell, too. Everyone thought that he'd win, since Roger kept on reiterating in interviews that he remains undefeated in grass courts.

BUT NADAL PUSHED THROUGH. AND HE WON.

I think my sheer enthusiasm for Nadal (I kept on making these really weird comments and clapping my hands) made my Dad root for him in the end, anyway. xD Although my mom was really disappointed, lol.

Damn that match was fucking long. I didn't know tennis matches were that epic in length, until I found out that it's the longest in history. Wow. It surely was a battle of technique, strength, and stamina.

People keep on saying that Federer is "losing it". But I don't think so. I think Federer was in his game. It's just that NADAL HAS GOTTEN BETTER. He really practised for grass courts. Now he's just not the King of Clay. He's a Wimbledon champion.

NADAL I AM SO PROUD OF YOU, HONEY. NOW GIVE ME SOME SPANISH BOOTY. Let me repeat myself: YOU MAY BE THE WORLD'S NUMBER TWO, BUT YOU'RE STILL NUMBER ONE IN MY HEART ♥♥♥

(Also, I felt sorry for Federer, too. It's a big blow if you're a winning streak and some dude with a tight ass the NUMBER TWO defeats you. But I still love you, Roger! You were a great sport. Thanks for such a wonderful game--it really showed that your on-court rivalry is one of the best things I've ever witnessed.)

...AND JESUS CHRIST I'M SERIOUSLY STARTING TO SHIP THOSE TWO, IT'S LIKE A SPORTS ANIME ALL OVER AGAIN YES OH YES--I MEAN NOO IT'S NOT RIGHT

SOMEONE SHOULD MAKE AN ANIME OUT OF THIS

I WANT NADAL'S BUTT CHEEKS ANIMATED

So I'm down with the flu because the weather is shitty and the AC in my Fil 180 class was horrible. I went home 4 PM yesterday, slept, forced my ass out of bed to eat dinner, and slept again. I woke up an hour ago to strong rain, but now it's all sunny again. Global warming, what the fuck!

I was supposed to enter this Anime Quiz Contest today, but I can't even talk. Nobody in this house understands me because my words come out like "gugugugaaamuhhahafhah*SNOT*"

[/random]

Code Geass R2

Getting dumber and dumber with each new episode, but I can't stop watching. It's like a really nasty scab you can't stop scraping off your skin. Still, not as bad as Gundam Seed Destiny. Which doesn't exist, by the way.

School Rumble

...is breaking my heart. I've expected the pairing, but I really dislike it. Not enough to wank over it though. I'll just silently mourn in a corner. :(

Metal Gear Solid

News of Metal Gear Solid 5 are already rampaging in the net. Kojima says MGS 4 is the end of Solid Snake's story though, so I'm guessing MGS 5 will feature Sunny in a Snake suit and being ten billion times hotter than anything. She'll continue where her "adoptive" parents left off *ehemehemehem* I'm not sure how I'd feel with no manly ass to control, though.

What Anonymous thinks: Takes place twelve years later. Main characters are Sunny (gun-expert+computer skills, like a combination of Snake and Otacon) and Raiden's son (obligatory ninja)

Thanks to kuro_inu everytime someone sends me a text message Mei Ling shouts "Snake! Answer meee! Snake! Snaaaaaaaaaake!" in all its Metal Gear Solid 1 glory. It makes me insanely happy. IT'S LIKE I'M ON A MISSION, GUYS

Wimbledon

Been watching tennis a lot with my dad lately. Contrary to popular belief, I've been fascinated with tennis because of my dad's obsession, and not because of uh, Prince of Tennis. Anyway, I love Roger Federer's grin but my heart goes out to the World's number 2, RAFAEL NADAL. ♥ I mean, come on. LOOK AT HIS GLORIOUS ARSE. He keeps on plucking out his shorts from in between his ass, too (Don't believe me? Watch the Nadal vs. Murray match. Count how many times he does it), which is also affectionately called "the backward grab at the seat of his tennis shorts." Uh, or removing a wedgie.

Bit sad that Tanasugarn was defeated by Venus Williams (right after Tanasugarn defeated Jankovic!), because I find her strangely cute. She's definitely not pretty or sexy unlike the others, she's quite short and stumpy, but I don't care! She has great control, too. Williams' has stronger shots, though. And I still admire Williams as well.

I'm going to leave the computer now because everything is sho fuzzy. I might rewatch Vision of Escaflowne until I fall asleep. Whee. BUT WHEN I COME BACK I EXPECT SOMETHING NICE AND SHINY. Please? *3*)/

In this journal, I always talk about the gay relationships I enjoy in fandom. They're a huge part of my fandom life, and they helped me open up about my sexuality issues and a lot of other things.

What I don't get to talk about that much are my favourite het couples. It's not that I dislike het--definitely not! I can be quite a shoujo fan, if it is done right. :3 Actually, I tend to be a bit more possessive with them, and I do not tolerate pairing them up with someone else.

HET COUPLES I LOVE, AND WHY I LOVE THEM

(And no, MiakaxTamahome is NOT one of them. Yeuuch.)

( Pics and details under the cut, featuring a lot of anime and game series )

(Lol I'm such a bipolar LJ poster.)


Over the years my "ships", also known as "pairings", "OTPs" and "strange and wild obsessions" have either sunk completely, haven't sunk but is about to hit the iceberg, too ambiguous to be together, have a bittersweet separation, or have a certain catch.

It's either one of them gets married to someone else, dies, has sex with another person, or they separate forever during a heart-wrenching moment. I don't know why I'm attracted to them, but they make me cry all the time. It certainly helps that my fandoms contain really good writers (I tend to lean towards fandoms with good fanfiction), so when I read a particularly angsty one I just bawl my eyes out.

Why oh why are my fandoms so achingly tragic? HAHAHAHA I'M NOT LOOKING AT YOU METAL GEAR SOLID 4***

Lately I cry when I read or see pairings wherein one party cheats on the other. I don't know. The whole concept of cheating just pains me in a way that really hits me emotionally, and as a result I may have developed a phobia even through fictional works.

Is it the same with you guys? What situation would you NEVER want to see your favourite pairings in? Unless it already happened to them... *cough*SiriusxRemus*cough*.

Now's your time to bitch about something that happened to your pairing. Haha, in before fandom is epic, serious business. :3


[edit] *** I JUST LEARNED THAT MY SHIP THERE HASN'T SUNK AFTER ALL BWAHAHHAHAHAHHAH

fera_festiva linked me to this awesome video entitled We are Small, which basically shows that the Earth is even tinier than a speck in our vast, growing universe.

Thinking about it, it makes me feel somewhat insignificant, because anything you do won't actually make a huge impact in our universe, whereas if something shitty happens in the outside we'll all disintegrate just as fast. Made me think about mortality. Cue existential angst. That sort of thing.

Then I thought about the end of the world. How should the world end? Any theories?


Poll #1207390
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All

What will you do today if the world will end tomorrow?

What causes the destruction of the world?

Will there be survivors?

What next?

I've seen the dark, batshit crazy side of certain fandoms simply by lurking in fandom_secrets, and I've almost forgotten that there ARE good points. I am a disillusioned, cranky old woman, so I made this list to stop me from losing faith...

♥ Why I Love Fandom, Why I love YOU ♥

1. Making new friends

is the most obvious reason why I love fandom. I've met the best people (yes I'm biased) ever, with amazing skills and wonderful personalities and CHARACTER FLAWS (because I think flaws can be beautiful, worship my brilliant Otacon/Metal Gear Solid reference)! Their posts, fics and fanart make me laugh, cry, and dance, possibly all three in unison.

2. Such diversity!

I am a five-footed flat-chested girl from a third world country who divulges her secrets to a talented English woman with kids *ehem*, a lovable dude who shares my love for hot men *tee-hee*, a girl who writes gay for me even if she digs het *lol*, and loads of other people who are just as cool and witty. We don't even have to have the same interests all the time--I mean, that would be extremely boring, wouldn't it? I get to learn more about other cultures, ideas, interests. And that is why I find it important to

3. Share

...because fandom is all about sharing. The reason why I dedicate a lot of time to make screencaps and detailed reviews about a recent beloved show/comic/manga is because I just find it so lonely to rave about it by myself. That'd look extremely psychotic, if you ask me. Think your fandom is the best thing ever? Why don't you upload everything you've got if you can? If it's the best, then it definitely deserves a wider audience!

4. But what about the labeled "losers" of fandom? (so-called Narutards, crazy HP fans, etc.)

Surely we've all written something horrible in our misspent youth (and I speak as if I'm a hundred years old). I distinctly remember writing a story where I (hello, self-insert!) was a half-elf, half-hobbit princess with an army of dwarves. Don't ask. Best thing you can do is a) laugh at it in private learn from her or his mistakes, b) give constructive criticism, and c) wait for your efforts to come into fruition. If the writer/artist thanks you for your help and improves as time rolls by, then congratulations! You are an angel of the fandom. If he or she is a complete asshat, wanks through ten billion sockpuppets, and deletes her account, then congratulations! You have provided amusement for the whole community to enjoy.

5. But wank is horrible!

Yes, wank is horrible. In fact it's so horrible, I can't stop reading about it in Fandom Wank! It's just so precious. I disapprove of deleting offensive comments in communities because I think it could be a lesson to most people, and it could make for an interesting (and laugh-inducing) discussion. If you post or comment something very passionate, then you've got to stick to it, right?

6. You can cope through RL troubles

Is real life shitting you? Well, shit real life. But most importantly, through fandom I get to meet friends who help me cope. Fandom shouldn't be the most serious of businesses, but the people you meet through it can certainly help. Even if it's something as simple as a writing a poignant fanfic or offering a virtual gift, those gestures can touch many lives. I believe that fandom and RL can go hand in hand.

Of course, too much of something is bad for you. If your fandom is screwing with your life and vice versa, then you may have to take a step back. That's the warning.

7. I am.

If I talked to my guidance counselor and told her that hot, older professors, male or female, really turn me on, she would probably go into a frenzy and contact my parents. In fandom, I assume that I can talk about it freely, maybe even write a steamy sex fic or two. Sex, the ultimate taboo EVERYONE is thinking about, can be expressed in creative ways. Even the craziest ideas can be cherished. And no, this does not make us a bunch of hedonists. We've found out that there's no need to be afraid of anything. Except maybe the internet police, or if you really are a psychotic pedophile. But the F.B.I. can't and won't bring us down, that's for sure.

I mean, jesus christ, after all the Deathly Hallows wank, the Harry Potter fandom is still alive and kicking. Nothing can stop us now.

So remember, fandom can be a major part of your life, but it is not your whole life. No one is contesting its importance to you, and I doubt anyone would, but always remember to take care of ALL aspects of yourself.

So if you need anything, offline, or online, I'm here for you. :)

Otacon from the Metal Gear Solid series: from Geeky Piss-boy to Geeky McCreamy


"Otacon is like Snake's gay side kick...in a platonic way." - David Hayter, (Solid Snake's VA) um, wat

1. METAL GEAR SOLID 4: GUNS OF THE PATRIOTS COUNTDOWN IS HERE! Come on everyone, join in the fun! I spent my countdown drawing MGS fanart, rewatching both Metal Gear Awesomes, and fapping to Otacon playing the mini-games in the official teaser website by Konami, in which Otacon talks to YOU, as in Old Snake!you (check the photo above!). My heart is filled with fanboy-ish glee. ♥

I also downloaded the MGS4: Official soundtrack, and while most of them make me want to wage war (hell yeah!), a certain song entitled "Here's To You" had me in tears. Fuck you, Hideo Kojima, and your highly effective publicity! The hype is so strong that leaks have been posted already.

2. Film-wise, I decided to take a break from watching classics for a while; I took neiarc's advice and downloaded a bunch of documentaries. I have Michael Moore's Bowling for Columbine and Fahrenheit 9/11, which moved me so much that I cried and felt like vomiting, especially after seeing the atrocities done in Iraq. Our government is shit for supporting this "war" based on fucking business matters. Although the film is slightly one-sided, it did pack a great punch. We live in a shitty world, yes we do. Most of the documentaries are too Western, however, so I viewed An Inconvenient Truth again for its ideas are a bit more international. Oh, and to see Al Gore again, squeaa (what?).

Next up in my list is Michael Moore's Sicko, a film that investigates the health care system in America, and how health insurance can be fucked up. Anyone else recommend other documentaries? Besides the ones shown in National Geographic, because I've probably seen those already. I rewatched Super Size Me, still one of the best, and now I'm trying to look for docus about aliens. Yes.

Meanwhile, I also snagged MONTY PYTHON. Monty Python and the Holy Grail is the most retarded thing I've ever seen. I laughed myself sick. It's like the British equivalent of 4chan, or something. I didn't know watching this movie would make me understand a hell lot of parodies and references that were taken from this film. "Sir-Not-Appearing-In-This-Film", anyone? Next up is Life of Brian!

3. As for anime, I watched all Ghost in the Shell films, from the first one that inspired The Matrix, Ghost in the Shell: Innocence, and finally to Solid State Society, which is my favourite. I realised that I ship Major Motoko Kusanagi and Batou, I really, really do. And for the first time it's totally okay for me if they don't really get involved, because their relationship *cough*unresolvedsexualtensioneverywhere* is precious enough as it is!

Manga-wise, I tried to follow Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle and face-palmed all throughout. I mean, come on. Everyone has a clone, Fai is NOT only cursed like twice but is now a vampire and has a missing eye and Kurogane fucking cut his arm off for him and dude, aren't they having sex like rabbits already? Apparently not. xxxHolic is on another hiatus and I seriously can't wait how they'll show what's inside, uh, Doumeki's egg. No pun intended.

I woke up and realised that Code Geass R2 is all about the social, cultural, and political ramifications of Kallen's breasts.

4. I've read and enjoyed Batman: Arkham Asylum as recommended by my Aste buddy, ember_frost! Thanks budz! (Torrent found here.) It's absolutely brilliant. The story is this: Batman meets the villains he has sent to Arkham Asylum, and realises that it just like coming back home.

I decided to collect Brian Vaughan's Ex Machina. I actually love it so much that I'm going to buy the issues! I already purchased Smoke, Smoke. I'm heading to Sputnick comics in Cubao Expo for the other issues, since I already contacted them. Who wants to go with me? *3*)/

5. In my world of books: Haroun by Salman Rushdie, History of Art by Jensen

...and I'm not going to pretend that I can understand Haruki Murakami, because I don't.

1. I think the major reason why I can't seem to place Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion in my favourite anime list is because of Suzaku. I know, I know, I've ranted about him enough, but! Seriously. I have never felt so much hatred towards a character. *cries* Every time he shows up on screen I whisper "fuck you" and imagine myself stabbing him with a spork. Probably also the reason why I just can't pair him up with Lulu. The mere idea depresses me. Another reason: the whole "Geass" thing is like a major plot device AND a plot hole all at once. The moment everyone got their own geass powers I just groaned inwardly. Maybe they should call it Geass Wars, or something.

Code Geass R2 = fanservice, fanservice, and more fanservice. Each episode brings us new and creative angles that feature titillating parts of Kallen's anatomy. Not that I'm complaining, but I find it hard to concentrate on the OMGSUSPENSEFULPLOT when it seems like I'm peeking from behind Kallen's ass.

SOMEONE JUST GIVE TOUDOU-SAMA AND HIS BERKS MORE SCREEN TIME, PLEASE. I totally agree that Japan should be completely independent from Britannia; none of this Special Administrative Region bullshit. It sounds ideal, but who will control the whole area? Britannia, of course. Not to mention that the place doesn't cover ALL of Japan. Hypocrites.

This show makes me more opinionated than ever, which also means one thing: I am deeply affected by it, so it's a great show. Even if it makes me want to throttle the characters, sometimes. That's the beauty of Code Geass, I guess; everyone is fucked up. (Oh, am I the only one in the fandom who thinks that the Student Council members are the shallowest people ever? ;_;)

2. My brother and I have been re-watching One Piece, and I remembered why it's one of my most beloved anime, even if I discontinued following it because COME ON. 300+ EPISODES, WHY.

While Luffy was still in the process of collecting people for his pirate crew, I remember bawling my head off EVERY FUCKING EPISODE. Like, when they revealed the characters' pasts I just cried and cried like the characters themselves. I couldn't believe that such a happy-looking crew could make me cry like a baby. The character design makes One Piece seem like an anime on crack but it's really more than that. One of the greatest shounen, definitely.

The episode that made me cry the most? Sanji's. God that episode broke my heart. A hundred episodes later, however...

WHERE THE FUCK IS THAT "ONE PIECE", ANYWAY?

Also, I can't imagine anyone from Going Merry having a romantic relationship with ANYONE, much less with EACH OTHER. I'm sorry. I just can't imagine them having sex drives. I know, I know, they're only human and the penis hormones are difficult to ignore, but they're like a FAMILY. They're like a big bunch of bratty toddlers. Although I read a doujinshi featuring Shanks and...someone, and it has scarred me until this day.

3. Also in the process of watching Spice and Wolf. I find the merchant-talk fascinating; it's a story set in a fantasy AU world, but it does not focus on magic and so on, rather on peddling and the secrets of trading. Other people would most likely find it boring, but I was entranced. Not to mention the religious issues in the later parts of the anime. Good stuff.

4. I plan to cosplay as Kino from Kino no Tabi. I've got her costume ready; I only need her guns and the holster. Oh, and the goggles. non_malarkey said he could help me make 'em. (Yay!) I also plan on visiting Divisoria soon...

Due to (extremely) insistent public demand *looks at brother* I finally decided to watch Code Geass and see what the fuss was all about. So my siblings and I held this marathon, and I've got only one major thing to say:

FUCK YOU, SUZAKU.



...Which is not to say that I won't continue watching. I was pleasantly surprised, however. It proved quite interesting. Sadly the only characters I care about are Toudou (hot old man is hot), Kallen (I like her boobs), Milley (a female Tamaki, obviously), Guilford (another hot man WITH GLASSES), C.C. (because she's hot) and Lelouch (because I want him to rule the world). Oh, and the pink-haired princesses.

Yes. I want Lelouch to rule the fucking world. I just hope he doesn't delve into the realm of emo and despair--that would just be too meh. Anyway, I've no patience for Suzaku's narrow-minded idealism and his selfish messianic complex. It's like Andres Bonifacio versus Jose Rizal: one wants to gain complete independence, the other wants to create peace by serving the enemy and changing them. HAHA. Have you heard of a successful revolution without bloodshed? He thinks that peace can be restored between the Britannians and the Elevens as long as there is no bloodshed, but he completely forgets the fact that discrimination will always reign in that sort of setting (he even experiences it himself, and puts up with it, he has no spine). Ugh. I hate his guts.

He's all like "as long as nobody dies we'll all be happy". Well I've got news for you, Suzaku. There are things far worse than death.

Uhm sorry to the Suzaku fans. You can try to defend him though, and I'll listen. (>_<)

The end. I still find the concept of the Geass a little off-putting, but we shall see.