Yaho~

As you can see, I have been reaaaallly lazy in not updated this very much since the new year...In my defence, I was on holidays, so it's not like I have had steady access to a computer either!!

To celebrate my first entry in nearly a month, I will provide a few thoughts on a few films that I have seen during my vacation time :)

Firstly, I watched Anna Karenina. When it came down to it, our choice came down to this and Safe Haven, and seeing as I couldn't sit through The Notebook (I didn't like it, hate me!). It is quite interesting from a structural sense, it was produced such a way so it looks like it is a theatre/stage performance caught on camera. The set and costume were also quite elaborate and detailed, making it quite a spectacle to watch. As for the narrative... At first I thought it was rather great, then Keira Knightly, who plays the title character, begins to lose the plot. It gets to that point where you just hope that it gets better for her but it just doesn't...I recommend you wiki or google it before you watch it if you want to understand it better. It was also quite a  lengthy film, almost two and a half hours :o

The second film I watched was Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters. Well, if you like blood and guts and death and brutality, then this one is right up your ally. That aside, the first thing I thought was that Hansel has had a very hard life, looking so much older than Gretel XD. I felt that I was watching a guide in ways to gruesomely murder people. Seeing it 3D was just the cherry on top, as you get to sleep the blood splatter all over you. Honestly, if you think it will be a comedy given the producer list (Will Ferrel and co.) you're not entirely wrong, the film does have some comedic moments, but just don't expect too much other than blood and guts.

And finally, I saw I give it a Year just this week. This one was rather funny. It also is rather unique as it starts with the 'Happily Ever After' at the beginning with the lead characters' wedding, and then focuses on the struggles and temptation of marriage in a rather hilarious manner. The characters compliment each other rather well, in particular The highly inappropriate best friend of the male lead whom took inappropriate to a whole new level. A word of warning: It isn't something you would take your mother to, and I speak from experience, the humor is aimed at a younger demographic.

Well, that's about it for now, until next time :)

Meow!

I'm a cat!

Anyhoo, just a lazy update because I feel obliged to let everyone know that I am still actually alive. I get up today and do my usual thing, you know, brush my teeth, make breakfast etc. before turning on the television, and when I turn it on, there is mass rage over this drugs and crime in professional sport and such, and all I can think is a mass *facepalm*. I mean the timing of this report is just oh so convenient, given the soccer fixing and Essedon football scandal. It is a horrible thing to hear about, but really? Why now?! For all we know, this research was probably completed months ago, but was withheld only until now, to make a bigger splash on the audience.

On that note, I am truly upset about there being an 8 month election campaign...I already hate the fact that I have to take time out of my weekend to vote between a muppet and...another muppet. I would much rather see non-fictional characters such as pikachu and captain feathersword to run for Prime Minister, because quite frankly, their non-existence would already be a great big step up from what is currently running Australia.

On to the usual, I am still going through my Harlequin phase! They are really quick and easy to read, and man, I wish those men in the stories were real, because if they were, I would be right onto them!

Anyways, that's about it for now, until next time: :)

Lazy Birthday Greetings!

Yeah, I know, it's been two weeks since I posted anything, but forgive me okay, I'm just lazy!! In all seriousness, I have been rather busy visiting relatives and such seeing as I recently celebrated my birthday, YAY! As part of the celebrations, we opened a very old bottle of port, and I can tell you, it does not suit my tastes at all, I will probably never have it again! But all was good, as I got to eat cake, and that is what is most important!

Although I haven't been on much recently, it does not mean I have stopped reading as such, but there is nothing real interesting to report, because I have recently taken a liking to the oneshot manga adaptations of harlequin romance novels, and they are all pretty similar, just a lot of sexy time, so nothing new there.

On another note, I have finally started watching the series of films I have recorded to my foxtel box. Firstly, Ichi was amazing! Me and a friend were watching, and we are very blood-thirsty beings, we love to see blood and guts and people dying in our movies, and Ichi did not disappoint, although it was awkward when my sister walked in on the sex scene -________-. I mean, it's a two hour movie and a 40 second scene, and she saw that bit, although me and my friend had to laugh, because it just sounded so fake. Anyway, it was rather enjoyable, now to read the manga adaptaion.

I also watched Kamui, this one was about a ninja who abandons his clan and is on the run from them, as betrayal means death in ninja terms. This one has a lot of double-crossing and fights, and death...again. It is kind of sad, because Kamui had found somewhere where he belonged, and then everyone dies from poisoning, including his love interest *sad face*. On a side note, for a moment there, I thought that it was turning into jaws at one point when the killer sharks came along. Overall its pretty awesome.

Finally, my personal favourite, Yatterman! Well, there is only one way to describe it-Power Rangers x Hi-5 x Transformers x adult version. It was quite entertaining, mainly because I didn't know what was happening half the time, but it was really good in terms of entertainment value. plot not so much...There seems to be an anime of this aswell, so I will be sure to check that one out too.

Anyways, that's about it for now, until next time :)

Steel Rose

Ermygerd, I actually bothered to update! Admittedly, I have been procrastinated about updating because I simply time to post a full update, but I have been hoarding updates at the same time, so it's not like I spent long periods of time on this...anyways, moving on...

I have read Steel Rose by Ryan, which I believe is a Taiwan manhwa. It is completed both in Taiwanese and English with 7 volumes I believe and It follows Le Ting as she struggles to find her passion in life after she retires from elite sporting competition.

The story is about Le Ting, the Olympic Kickboxing (Tai Kwon Do) gold medalist. After the Olympics, she finds that she no longer has the passion to continue professionally as she felt forced to compete by her grandfather. She adruptly decides to retire from professional sport and runs away to her friend in America. In the meanwhile, Louis, an eligable bachelor sought after by many women sees footage of Le Ting and decides that he would like to persue her romantically. 

Once in New York Le Ting struggles to settle in because of the language barrier and her dire financial situation. It isn't until an encounter with Louis that leaves him hospitalized that Le Ting is provided with an opportunity to gain some financial stability...through modelling. Although reluctant due to her belief that she is not capable of being a model and her general hatred towards Louis, she eventually excepts the job. 

Le Ting's friend (I don't remember her name) along with her (the friend's boyfriend) are the photographers for the shoot, and Le Ting's friend takes a picture between Louis and Le Ting that ends up being used as the campaign/advertising poster. This pisses off Le Ting, who then finds out that 'old man' (what she calls her friend's boyfriend because he is 30) and Louis are brothers (step brothers I think it was).After this one incident with modelling, Le Ting decides that it isn't for her, and she decides to enrol into a university as she never had the chance to study like normal kids. 

In the meanwhile, Louis tries to gain favour with Le Ting, but fails. Le Ting encounters an Indian woman reknowned for being able to forsee the future tells Le Ting that she will ultimately decide Louis' fate. Le Ting presumes that this means that being with her means certain untimely death for Louis, but the woman reassures Le Ting that it is not too late (that is, her hatred/stubborness will kill him and her love will save him). This is the first time where Le Ting no longer knows her feelings. 

In the meanwhile, Le Ting's photohrapher friend finds out she is pregnant. This upsets Le Ting because she doesn't like the 'old man' and that she said this would happen. She runs away and Louis follows her, and tells her that her friend wanted to tell Le Ting, but couldn't because she knew this is how she would react. Louis continues saying that her friend really cares for Le Ting, but it's hard when Le Ting can get angry and upset and stubborn, shutting herself off to the world. 

At a later time, when getting Rings for their friends' shotgun wedding, Le Ting and Louis argue whether to go the long way or short way back. Louis argues that the long way is better as it is safer, but Le Ting is stubborn and suggests saving time the short way. In the end, Le ting wins and they go the short way, which results in the pair being approached by a group of theives. After a brief scuffle, Le Ting is knocked out and Louis is shot. 

Louis begins to recover when his half brother Cloud visits him in the hospital (being french, I think it is meant to be 'Claude' but it translated as 'Cloud') attempts to violate him (sexually) before Le Ting interupts them and gets cloud to leave. After a long recovery, Louis finally returns to full health and is told that his father (real father) is ill and that he should return home to France. For some reason, Le Ting decides that she must go with him out of guilt/responsibility for almost killing him. 

In France, after an alcohol filled evening, Louis and Le Ting almost have sex, but Louis stops as he knows Le Ting does not want this. After a while, Louis finally meets his father along with Cloud and it is revealed that Cloud is hung up on 'Charlotte', a girl (cross-dressed Louis) that Cloud met some years ago and has had an obsession with since. Cloud finally admits his obsession. 

In the meanwhile, Louis' father and mother decide to marry, as Louis was an illigiemate child between the two. At the wedding, Cloud brings a man as his date that looks like Charlotte/Louis. Le Ting decides that she wishes to return to Taiwan to have another crack at kickboxing glory at the Olympics. She decides to return alone in order to sort out her feelings for Louis, as she no longer knows what she feels for him. 

After recommencing her training, Le Ting discovers that she truly does love Louis. They decide to start a relationship on the provision that Le Ting can still continue kickboxing rather than get married and have children, which was what was expected of her. Le Ting is successful in gaining a second gold medal, this time for herself rather than her grandfather/country. With this, everyone is happy, the end.

So, although I always love a strong heroine that doesn't cry every three pages, there is a limit, I mean, I found that Le Ting was overly stubborn -.-. Although I do like the match of the overly stubborn and slightly masculine Le Ting and and feminine-looking and playboy Louis. I also liked the mature themes in the series, such as mugging and attempted murder and attempted rape and such.

Anyways, that's about it for now, until next time :)

Too hot to bother

I swear, I will do a big, long-winded update tomorrow, but seeing as it is hot, I am tired, and exhausted and slightly burnt from work, I am not bothered enough to write anything at the moment...Again I am hoarding because I am lazy

Anyways, until next time :)

ok ok...

I will kind of update tomorrow, I have become lazy (not really), I have virtually been living at work for the past two weeks with Christmas and New Years, while everyone else has time off, I am working my ass off, literally!!

That's all for now, until next time :)

Also, Happy 2013 to all!!

Ryouko no Shinrei Jikenbo

I honestly can't be bothered to put much effort into updating this blog anymore, it's just to hard to find the time, especially if I'm working more shifts a week than there are days. Anyways, here is one of the series that I have hoaded. It is Ryouko no Shinrei Jikenbo by Chie Shinohara, a short series by her standards, only 4 volumes long, but enjoy.

The story starts off with the protagonist Ryouko finding her beloved pet cat has drowned in the bath tub. Initially shocked, Ryouko ponders at how unusual it was for her cat, Pow, to die by drowning when it was afraid of water. Ryouko and her family bury the cats' remains in the back yard. That night, Ryouko starts hearing strange noises, only to find her dead cat floating in mid-air, although he is no longer dead. Pow has now been possessed by a spirit who was seperated from his body (the body is still alive) and needs help finding his body. He believes that Ryouko has a strong spiritual power, as she is able to communicate with the possessed pow when no one else can. 

The man reveals that he also can not remember who he was before he was seperated from his body. At first, Ryouko doesn't believe him, but after a few encounters with some less-than-friendly spirits that attempt to harm both herself and Pow, Ryouko has no choice but to trust Pow and search for his body. After a while, Ryouko and her family move back into the house where Ryouko and her brother were born  (they left after the death of their father) and begin to encounter a hostile spirit that nearly kills Ryouko.In the meantime, Pow remembers that his name is Taku and that he was living alone in an appartment when he got seperated from his body. It soon appears that there is a second spirit lingering in the house. 

One night, Ryouko is able to see one of the two spirits, and it is revealed that the second spirit was Ryouko's father trying to protect her. Ryouko's father warns he saying that these spirits are after both her and Pow/Taku as they have the potential to seal the evil spirits. The spirit continues saying that if it's Taku, everything should be fine, then disappears. The evil spirit in the house attacks again, but it is finally beaten in the end. Afterwards, Ryouko has a strange encounter with a person whom she was involved in an accident with. The two quickly become friends, and for a while it is believed this friend was a boy, making Pow jealous. It is revealed that the friend is indeed a girl, and is in fact, Taku's younger sister. 

Pow suspects that this can't be a coincidence, and he is right when it is revealed that Taku's sister has been possessed and attempts to kill them. Taku manages to exocise the spirit from his sister, and she continues her friendship with Ryouko. This friendship allows Taku and Ryouko to search his home for clues, but are unable to find any. Ryouko then leaves to attend a school field trip. Once at the hotel, she notices some strange things, and then her room-mates/friends are possessed by the spirits of school girls who died in an accident at the hotel 5 years prior. As the girls attempt to kill Ryouko and the teleported Pow (yes, the cat can teleport), the 'boss' spirit appears and it is revealed that it is the same spirit responsible for Taku's disappearence. 

Somehow, Taku and Ryouko manage to escape once again. After returning home, a stray cat appears on Ryoukos doorstep and Ryouko and her family decide to adopt it. Pow is suspicious of the cat, but Ryouko believes it is an ordinary cat as she can't sense any spiritual powers from it. Pow says that strong spirits can disguise themselves and he feels a strange sense of deja vu. After some time, it is revealed that the cat is in fact the 'boss' spirit, the one who seperated Taku's body and spirit. While chasing Nero (boss), Taku kisses Ryouko, and immediately after this, Ryouko sees a bright shining light, believing it to be where Taku's body and Nero may be. She follows that light and arrives at an amusement park. 

Taku has possessed Ryouko's brother in the meanwhile. Once at the amusement park, Ryouko loses control of her body and is forcibly led into to the grounds. Taku then arrives and the two search for Taku's body. Eventually, they find the body, but after a fight with Nero and his minions, they, along with Taku's body retreat. Afterwards, Ryouko has a dream of a mountain and believes that this is the new location of Taku's body. she convinces her mother to let her go to the mountain in search for the body with her brother and Taku's sister. 

Once at the campsite, Ryouko and gang go searching for the body. It isn't long before they run into trouble with Ryouko and Pow falling into a crevasse. It is there that they once again find Taku's body frozen in the mountain. After another fight with the spirits, the body becomes dislodged and unfrozen, with Pow, Ryouko and the body falling to the bottom of the monutain. When she comes to, Ryouko notices that Taku's spirit isn't within Pow or Taku. It is believed that Taku is dead by his family and they plan to have his body cremated. Ryouko then uses her spiritual power to be sucked into the spiritual world in an attempt to save Taku. In the spiritual world, Ryouko finds Taku, but she is unable to save him, until she too seperated her soul from her body and the two kiss (this seems to unleash some sort of power). 

Afterwards, Taku returns to his body and Ryouko to hers. It is believed that all is over, until the spirits once again attempt to kill Taku and Ryouko. This time, the spirit possesses Taku's body, forcing Taku's soul back to Pow's body. The two are about the drowned at sea when a spirit saves them.The spirit that saves them is none other than Ryouko's father. Then there is some strange explanation as to why the spirits want Ryouko and Taku dead (something to do with the numbers 12 and 13). Ryouko and Taku defeat the spirits once and for all, and can go back to leading a normal life (for now).

To be honest, it wasn't a great series, but it's Chie Shinohara, so it has merits on that alone. Anyway, that's about it for now. Until next time :)

Merry Christmas to all (because there is no way I am posting this tomorrow) sigh so busy! But seriously, whether you believe in it or not, I hope everyone has a wonderful holidays *if you have them!!*

Anyways, I'll be honest, I do have stuff ready to post, but I am kind of hoarding it until my day off later in the week as I simply do not have to time to edit my ramblings at the moment. It seems even if you are organized and have everything done, it's still a busy time of year, especially if you work in hospitality. 

Anyways, that's about it for now, until next time :)

The Apocalypse is like to boy who cried wolf

Yay, we survived another apocalypse, in my short 20 years of life, I think this is about the 6th or 7th apocalypse I have survived. With that being said, Christmas is really taking it out on me (that and constant work) and am really tired, so that's all I want I wanted to say, maybe a full update tomorrow

Anyways, until next time :)

Blast from the Past

Cleaning out my iPod the other day to make more memory room, I came across a rant about a particular Sailor Moon character known as Mamoru Chiba (Tuxedo Mask) and I couldn't help but share it. This is probably one of the more offensive things (language wise) I will post, you have been warned!! So here it is:

Differences between manga and anime Mamoru/Tuxedo Mask:

Manga Mamoru: All round likable character, not a douche-muncher, doesn't have the lame ability to kill villains/enemies with vegetation AND actually has a legitimate super power. He doesn't perform sexual misdemeanors at government facilities (Reference to First Volume, Arc 4 "Masquerade" of Manga/Ep 22(JAP)/18(ENG) Anime 'Worth a Princess's Ransom" / "Romance Under the Moon! Usagi's First Kiss") and cares about his girlfriend who is age appropriate (Manga Mamoru is 17/18 yrs old)

Anime Mamoru: Wanker character and in general comes off as a bit of an asshole, has the extremely lame ability of killing people with vegetation and has no other legitimate powers, kisses intoxicated AND under-aged girls who are unconscious at international embassies (Reference to First Volume, Arc 4 "Masquerade" of Manga/Ep 22(JAP)/18(ENG) Anime 'Worth a Princess's Ransom" / "Romance Under the Moon! Usagi's First Kiss") and in general does not give a shit about his girlfriend who is not age appropriate (Anime Mamoru is around 22 yrs old)

Similarities between Manga and Anime Mamoru: The end result is they both produce an evil pink-haired, red-eyed offspring

I would like to mention that these observations were made for comedic/personal purposes only and are not intended to offend anyone in any way, shape or form. I in no way take these views seriously, as I freaking love Sailor Moon, this were just some observations that my friends and I have made.

Anyway, that's about it for now, until next time :)

Majo no Koi wa Kindan to Haitoku de Tsukurareru

Wah! So busy, even though I am all prepared for Christmas, it seems that others aren't as I am flat out with work. Being December everyone is coming to have their functions at my work. First time I have ever run out of wine glasses, jugs and car parks (and our car park is HUGE!!). Here's hoping I don't have to deal with New Years.

Moving on, I am going to talk about a one shot that I got lucky and got to typeset it and has yet to be released (although hopefully it will be soon), so I thought I might share it with you (Or at least tell what it is about). The one shot is called Majo no Koi wa Kindan to Haitoku de Tsukurareru (yes, quite the mouthful) and it is by Kawamaru Shin. Quite a long one shot, about 90 pages long.

The oneshot starts with a cat roaming the streets when it comes across a young boy called Ryou who asks why she (the cat) is pretending to be a cat. It is revealed that the cat is actually the witch Marika and that this is the first time she has encountered someone who could tell that she was not in fact a cat. Marika's younger sister, who is also a witch reminds her that it is taboo for a witch to interfere with the human cycle of life and death. Aware of this, Marika follows Ryou home one day, where she witnesses a dispute between the young Ryou and his mother over why Ryou. Ryou comments saying that he can't purchase alcohol for his mother without money (not to mention it is illegal). Ryou's mother then blames Ryou for all her misfourtune, stating that 'than man' (Ryou's father) would not have left if he wasn't born and was better off without him. Ryou's mother then attempts to kill Ryou by strangling him. Trying to call for help, Marika, still observing, breaks the taboo and helps Ryou by causes a pile of boxes to fall onto his mother, killing her.

Ryou notices it is the same cat as before and Marika reveals that she is a witch. As a result for breaking the taboo of interfering with the human life and death cycle. As a result, Marika is exiled from the Witches world and is stranded in the human world. Marika's younger sister tells her to always follow three rules: 1. Don't let anyone realize your a witch, 2. Do not mingle (have sex with) humans and 3. Do not use magic, then the door to the witches world may one day open for her again. After the death of Ryou's mother, Ryou takes Marika in as his sister and the two begin to live in an orphanage.

10 Years pass, and Ryou is now a highschool student. He has since been adopted by a company executive who sees the potential in Ryou to become his heir. Ryou accepts on the condition that the man also adopts Marika and provides her with an education (as she is a witch, she is not registered, thus ineligable to attend school in the human world). The two live in a luxurious mansion and have since begun playing "make-believe" (because they can't have sex, they 'play' with each other). Their adopted father dislikes the closeness of the relationship between Ryou and Marika, constantly telling Marika to seperate herself from her brother.

At school, it is revealed that Ryou is at the top of his class and target of the girls affections. Meanwhile, Marika is being tutored at home. Ryou returns home and walks in on Marika's tutor touching her shoulder. Ryou immediately fires the tutor because he believes that it isn't necessary for the tutor to physically touch a student in any way, sexual or not. Ryou then takes Marika and throws her on the bed and starts to "make-believe"again, although he gets aggressive and hurts Marika.

Marika states that since that day, Ryou has changed. The scene changes to a love hotel, where Ryou is with a girl (presumedly from school), having sex. During the process, Ryou says Marika's name instead of the name of the girl he is with. When Ryou returns home late, His adoptive father wishes to discuss something with Ryou/ Meanwhile, Marika sneaks into Ryou's room as Ryou has not allowed her to do so recently. Ryou tells Marika to leave, and informs her that he was asked to get a fiance, which he initially turned down. Marika states that she understands that Ryou will one day have a fiance/wife and that they should stop playing make-believe.

Meanwhile, A relative of Ryou's adoptive father inquires if things with Ryou are going well, in which he replies that he may have to leave the company to him (the relative he is talking to) as he may not get a favourable answer. Back at the house, Marika answers the door and it is Ryou's classmate (the one he had sex with) returning his phone. A maid is heard calling Marika, and the girl at the door freaks out over that Ryou called out his sister's name during sex. Marika is happy about this, and ultimately decides that it's okay for her to have sex with Ryou as being with him is what she really wants, even if she has to receive further punishment as a result. Ryou declines, saying if she is punished with death, then it is better for them not to progress than for her to potentially disappear.

Ryou decides to follow his adoptive father's request to take a fiance. Meanwhile, Marika's little sister is able to visit Marika for the first time since her exile. Little sister informs Marika that the door to the witches world will open on the next full moon. Ryou's adoptive father tells his nephew of his decision to keep Ryou as his heir since he has accepted the engagement. The nephew is angry over the decision and pushes the director into oncoming traffic. He gets hit by a car. Ryou and Marika are informed of the accident as just as Ryou is about to head to the hospital, an intruder can be heard in the house.

The intruder is the nephew who injured the director, and he is now attempting to burn down the house, killing Ryou as a hopeful result. The nephew attempts to stab Ryou, but Ryou defends himself by kneeing his opponent in the stomach. The nephew then attempts to harm Marika, as it would make Ryou miserable. Ryou covers Marika, and as a result, Marika uses her magic to avoid Ryou getting killed. The nephew is now dead as a result.

Marika then restates her desire to be embraces by Ryou, saying she will gladly take any punishment. It is revealed that because Marika used her magic, the door, along with the full moon never came, meaning that Marika never returned to the witches world. She states that she would never be forgiven for committing another taboo while in exile, but that she isn't scared. While Ryou embraces Marika for the first time for reals, he tells her that he will always be with her forever. While this is happening, the mansion is being engulfed in flames.

The scene changes to three children who ask what happened next, and the story teller replies 'I don't know'. The story teller is Marika's younger sister, who says that since the first time Marika was embraced by Ryou, she (the little sister) was no longer able to sense her (Marika's) presence. The children ask questions such as 'did she disappear' and 'is she living in the human world'. The little sister replies that this is a story from hundreds of years ago. One of the children thinks that the story is quite romantic and wanders off to the human world. Transformed as a cat, a human asks 'Why are you pretending to be a cat?' with the final narration 'One day, the door will open. Until that day...END

I actually have quite a few thoughts about this, firstly, is the adoptive father alive or did he die in is accident!! On a more serious note, with the ending, I think it implies one of two scenarios. The first being that Ryou and Marika died as they embraced each other in the burning mansion, with the unknown person asking 'why are you pretending to be a cat' and the young child-witch being their respective reincarnations. This would make sense as the last words would imply that Marika was able to be reborn into the witches world, meaning that the door to that world had finally opened for her again. The second scenario being that Ryou and Marika escaped from the mansion. The little sister says that she was no longer able to sense Marika once she was embraced by Ryou, so maybe having sex with a human, the punishment for a witch that has an infinate lifespan is life as a human? With this scenario the person who asks 'why are you pretending to be a cat' could be a decendant of Ryou and Marika, as they too said the exact same thing that Ryou said to Marika in the beginning. The last narration saying that Marika will wait for the door to open again could also mean that if she gets to be with Ryou, she is happy to wait for the door to open for however long it takes, even if she can't ever go back. I think either of these scenarios are possible, but preferably, I'd pick the second, mainly because I am a 'glass half full' kind of person.

Anyways, that's about it for now (kind of long) but until next time :)

Akagami no Shirayukihime part 2

 Firstly, I have to say, I don't believe in this superstition stuff, I think that you have unlucky and lucky days, but the dates of these days is absolute BS! So instead of 12/12/12, Happy 346th day of the year!! In all seriousness though, I am very happy Christmas is coming, mainly because my shopping is done for the year and I get to watch everyone else suffer the last minute rush...moving on back to Akagami no Shirayukihime

When the test takes place, the Lord interferes by locking Shirayuki in a room and throwing the bird whistle into the lake. Shirayuki jumps from the room and as a result is injured in the lake. Despite all this, the Lord is captured for his attempted sabotage, and the bird used passes the test, meaning that the birds will no longer be hunted. After this incident, Zen kisses and confesses his romantic feelings for Shirayuki. At first, Shirayuki is startled but soon after she confesses her feeling in return. 

Meanwhile, Izana gets a letter from Tanburn, inviting Shirayuki to Raji's castle for a ball. Zen is not happy about the invitation, but allows Shirayuki to go on the condition that he may choose her escort.In the meantime, the man who kidnappted Shirayuki way back in the beginning goes to the main castle in Clarines and informs Zen that there is a pretty boy, around 13/14 years old, who is looking for Shirayuki. This alarms Zen and co, as the intentinos of this mysterious person are unknown. Everyone tries to gather information before Shirayuki leaves but are unable to do so. 

Shirayuki leaves for Tanburn and arrives with little issues. While there, Shirayuki tells Raji that she hopes to become better friends with him during her stay. This is misinterpreted by Raji's younger brother and sister, who attempt to turn the two into a romantic couple during her stay in Tanburn. Meanwhile, back in Clarines, Zen states his intentions of marrying Shirayuki to Izana. Information on the mysterious boy is soon found, and it is revealed that he is following Shirayuki to Tanburn. It is the day of the ball, and Shirayki is getting ready when the mysterious boy breaks into the Tanburn castle and kidnaps Shirayuki. During this process, Shirayuki is knocked out, and when she comes to, she is told that her kidnapper was kidnapped himself, meaning Shirayuki has been kidnapped twice. 

It is revealed that the two are on a boat owned by 'The Talon' a group of bandits who roam the sea/docks. It is revealed that the mysterious boy used to be a part of the Talon, before leaving and joining the 'Mountain Lions', the group that originally tried to kidnap Shirayuki. Meanwhile, Zen and company have arrived in Tanburn to assist in the search of Shirayuki. On their journey, they team up with the mountain lions, as they too have the common goal of eleminating the Talon. 

As part of their plan, Kiki is captured by the Talon to aid Shirayuki when they escape. This proves uneccesary as Raji uses the navy to block the Talon from sailing to their allies. Raji also gives Shirayuki the title of 'Friend of the Royal Palace'. As a result, the Talon flee to the hidden cave-dock, where they are again ambushed by Raji, Zen and company. After fighting Raji, Zen and the mountain lions succeed in their fight. The mountain lions invite the others back to their village where it is revealed that the chief/head is actually Shirayuki's father. After a night spent in the village, Raji, Zen, Shirayuki and the rest head back. Before Shirayuki, Zen and company leave to head back to Clarines, Raji makes a remark saying that next time, he may take Shirayuki for himself (again, but seriously instead of out of curiosity). 

Once everyone is back in Clarines, Izana is still frustrated with the situation between Zen and Shirayuki, mainly because Shirayuki does not have status. He then receives a letter from Raji with Shirayuki's official title of 'Friend of the Royal Palace' (yes, it was legit). This somewhat raises Shirayuki's status, but not to the level needed for Izana to accept her. Izana makes a point of this by telling Shirayuki that she has not stated her intentions to him as Zen has. But before Shirayuki can worry about that, she is informed that she will be leaving for pharmacist travels with Ryuu in the coming days. Shirayuki and Zen are seperated once again, and Shirayuki head norths with Ryuu. 

At their destination, Ryuu and Shirayuki begin to study various pharmacist and medicinal research available to them. Shortly after, a child displaying strange symptons is bought to Shirayuki and Ryuu and it is revealed that the number of people infected is rising. Izana also arrives where Ryuu and Shirayuki are, and informs them that he is going undercover as an assistant in order to observe the situation. Zen, Mitsuhide and Kiki also are headed north, but to deal with other issues which Izana could no longer tend to. Zen and Shirayuki meet again once the pharmicist research village goes into lockdown.

That's about it for now, don't know what's happening next (besides a lot of work for me) but until next time :)

Akagami no Shirayukihime Part 1

Ok, so I lied, but my free time was suddenly taken up. I also seem to be having one of those meh days...I blame the hay fever. Anyways moving on.

So, I read some time ago Akagami no Shirayukihime by Akizuki Sorata. It is currently ongoing with about 8 volumes, most of which have been scanlated into English, so it is pretty up to date, which I figured was the best seeing as it was such a good series.

Shirayuki is a girl living in the mountains of Tanburn (varies somewhat depending on various translations) who is noticed by her country's prince, Prince Raji for her unusually coloured apple red hair. Unwilling to become a consort for the selfish Prince, Shirayuki escapes to a forrest in the neighbouring country of Clarines. In the forrest, she bumps into Zen, Mistsuhide and Kiki. After their enounter, Raji sends a poisoned apple to Shirayuki which is eaten by Zen. As a result, Shirayuki decides to permanently leave Tanburn and live in Clarines. It is only then revealed that Zen is actually the second Prince of Clarines. 

Once in Clarines, Shirayuki frequently visits the castle to meet with Zen and co, and one day goes out to find herbs. As a result of going out on her own she is kidnapped and held prisoner by a man who wishes to sell her for a high price. Zen eventually comes to the rescue, with the kidnapper escaping. After some time, Shirayuki decides she wishes to become a pharmacist due to her knowledge of herbs and basic medicine she learned in Tanburn. She studies and undertakes the test that would allow her to become a pharmacists' apprentice should she pass. During the test, it seems that Shirayuki is sabotaged by an unknown person because it is known that she has a strong friendship with Zen. This attempted sabotage results in Zen and Shirayuki being locked overnight in the herb house. It is because of the sabotage that Shirayuki realizes she mis-identified the plants. With the help of Zen, Shirayuki ammends her error and as a result passes her test. 

She becomes and apprentice phamracist for Ryuu, who is considered a genius as a pharmacist at the age of 12. As Shirayki begins her apprenticeship in the castle, Zen's older brother and First Prince of Clarines, Izana returns to the castle. Immediately he is informed of Shirayuki and becomes aware that in the futre, it could become an issue as she is of no status (meaning she is not a noble). Once Izana finds out that Shirayuki was once pursued by Raji of Tanburn, he invites the Prince to Clarines. Izana intends to get Raji to take Shirayuki back to Tanburn, but he declines, as he says he has no interest in her anymore. As he is about to leave, Raji and Shirayuki bump into each other. They settle their differences and can be seen as friends. 

After Raji has returned home, A Lord of an island and a resident come to the castle to settle a dispute about hunting the native birds. Although Zen and the rest know that the hunting of the local birds is wrong, they cannot stop it, as the Lord has jurisdiction over the area. Kiharu, the resident of the island, claims that the birds are trained in order for them to assist in the residents making their livlihood. Zen uses this information as a means to trial whether or not birds can be used as a form of communication. 

So I am going to leave it for there for now, this turned into a rather long-winded plot summary, so the rest will be put up later as to not make it too long and boring...Anyways until next time :)

Pretty Good Day

Ok, so as we are nearing the 21st of December 2012, the supposed Apocalypse, there have been many theories, including that the world was meant to end on the 7th of December rather than the 21st. Well I can say that this 'apocalypse' came in the form of a very good day.

Firstly, I completed my Certificate 3 in hospitality, so hopefully that will benefit me not only in my current job, but also future jobs may have in the next couple of years as I work through university. Not only that, but I heard that I may get a bonus for completing this certificate, so essentially, I am getting paid to study...pretty sweet deal.

Then if things could not get any better, I went to the first game of the 2012/2013 20/20 Big Bash season between the Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars where I witnessed three amazing scenes: A century by a Renegades Captain Finch, the worse bowling figures in domestic T20 cricket by great Shane Warne (0/41 from 2 overs), and some guys doing back-flips on motorbikes while on fire.

And just when it couldn't get in better, top it all off with some pretty awesome uni results. Quickly doing the maths, I figure in one exam, the absolute worse I could have done was 37/40. Definition of 'Nailed It' right there.

Anyways, that's about it for now, I will try and get another update up in 24 hours which I am currently working on, but until next time.

Summer, you're doing it wrong!

Despite living in Australia, I feel as if I live on the other side of the world where it is currently winter. It's cold, it's wet and it's windy and it makes want to crawl into bed and not come out again until the Australian Open in January as that is the only time it is guaranteed to be hot and summery in Melbourne. On a side note, I have noticed that a lot of the younger people I know are complaining about not liking or not wanting to go to school...then I see their grammar or listen to them speak and I think to myself 'Sweetie, you need all the help you can get, so stop wagging'.

Moving on, as mentioned previously, I have read the Manhwa 50 Rules for Teenagers by Na Yeri, about 4 volumes have been scanlated at the moment into English, and the series is complete in Korean with 8 volumes, so it's about half done at the moment. The story starts with fraternal twins Mi-Roo (female) and Ma-Roo (Male) who are about to start their first year of High School. Mi-Roo acts in place of her mother, who is abroad on work, and takes care of all the household chores. Ma-Roo on the other hand uses his good grades in order to coerce his father to get whatever he wants. 

Soon after, it is revealed that the company that their father works for is suffering financial difficulty and Mi-Roo is left in charge of the family finances. She uses this opportunity to control her brother's wasteful lifestyle, teaching him about the importance of money and budgeting, which he still doesn't get, and to understand that everything can not go Ma-Roo's way.

Ma-Roo doesn't like Mi-Roo's method of restricting his freedom, and as a result he hangs out with Chang-Soo. Although they appear to be friends, Ma-Roo always denies they are friends. It becomes apparent quickly that Chang-Soo has some interest in Mi-Roo and the two become friends. On Multiple occasions, Ma-Roo threatens Chang-Soo that he won't give him his sister. Although this could be seen as a sister complex, it appears that Chang-Soo has a less that favorable history although it is yet to be revealed as to what happened in the past. 

Over time, Chang-Soo and Mi-Roo continue to strengthen their friendship and ultimately join the same school club and eventually underground/secret dance group. In the meanwhile, Mi-Roo catches the attention of a senior who asks her out. Initially she agrees to meet him, but ultimately she chooses to reject as she realizes that she has romantic feelings for Chang-Soo. Her and Chang-Soo start dating, and shortly after find it difficult to spend time with each other as Chong-Soo is scouted for a chance to become an Idol. And that's where it ends for now.

I found this a very relaxed series, what I mean is that so far, there is not a lot of suspense and drama that will leave you at the edge of your seat, but it is still quite a good read

Anyways, next time will be (hopefully) Akagami no Shirayukihime, which I am currently reading and it is awesome, if I do say...Until next time :)

Airconditioners will be the death of me

Sigh, Why oh why does the air conditioner at work have to break down during the hottest/busiest time of the year? Because it has to, that's why! Feels like I spend hours in a Sauna whenever I have to work. But it's okay, because according to the patrons, it is my personal fault that the air conditioner is not working...

Moving on, had to do a mass insect extermination of my room today, because of the sudden change in temperature and numerous rain storms, A family of small spiders have chosen to take up residence in the vent that leads to my room. This would explain why I have been bitten multiple times in the past week. Clearly, as I am still alive, they weren't venomous, because if they were, then it might be a bit of an issue.

Unfortunately, I still haven't really read anything worth mentioning, mainly because it has only been a few chapters long, or it was really bad. I am currently half way through 50 rules for teenagers which is a manhwa series, so I will talk about that one next time, but until then :)

Rage and random stuffs

Ok, so to start off with, I am going to go on a bit of a rant...It has come to my attention on my newsfeed that there were quite a few expectant mothers in my facebook friends list. Firstly, I must say that the ratio is kind of shocking, because I'm only 20 myself, so 90% of people on my facebook are around that age, but I say facebook friends, because other than facebook, I don't really talk to them. That's all well and good, but seriously, guys! I do not need a play by play update on how your childbirth is going...Frankly, as long as they are not struck by some tragedy or what not, I really don't care, but I'm pretty sure at that point in your life you have more pressing issues to deal with than updating your Facebook status! Especially considering nowadays a lot of people have strangers as friends through social networking, so it's really not the kind of information I want to be seen by someone I barely know or have never even met. It's only logical. Rant end!

Moving on, to be honest, I could rant about this topic forever, so I thought it would be best to move on...In terms of reading things, I haven't really read anything overly significant, just a few short series here and there. One such series being 'Bird of Youth'. I am actually kind of disappointed in this series, as I feel that the plot as kind of sidetracked into a different tangent and I can't see it reverting to the main plot point anytime soon.

On a side note, as mentioned a few months ago, I am helping with some typesetting for a scanlation group, and my most recent project is WTF! It's called Kimi to Kemono na Yume o Miru and it is a series of oneshots by Ayukawa Mio. It is farely out there, very smutty! I have so far done the first two stories and it seems that the female characters tend to be sadists. It is probably the most bizarre thing I have read in a while, so watch out for that one being released in the near future!

Anyways, thats about it for now, until next time :)

Sekai de Ichiban Utsukushii Namae

Ok, so I can safely say that I am definitely in the wrong industry in terms of employment. I can confidently say that I don't like people. It's not a personality issue, like I don't suffer from social anxiety or anything, but I feel that some people are just so dumb and do such stupid things that I wonder if some of us are even of the same species. 

Been rather busy lately, with work and social life and what not. Me and a friend spent the night drinking Tsing Tao and  watching dvd's which was a lot of fun, more money efficeint than going to a niteclub. Also, if we did choose to go clubbing which was the original plan, we would not have got there until 2am, so it almost wouldn't be worth it.

(Hibari and the Spirit above)

Other than that there really isn't a lot to talk about. I read  a cute one shot by Toyota Yuu, Sekai de Ichiban Utsukushii Namae which translates to 'The most beautiful name in the world'. I usually don't like to read one shots because they are only one chapter long, so I find that there is no character development, just a very short story, but I really enjoyed it. It's about Hibari, a daughter of a family who finds her a disgrace for repeatedly being rejected for marriage with eligable bachelors. Hibari is subsequently locked in the family warehouse as punishment, where she stumbles upon a Japanese-English dictionary where the spirit of a young man lives. Opening the dictionary releases the spirit who decides to teach Hibari English as a means to kill time and to help her family. The spirit develops feelings for Hibari despite knowing that he can never make her happy. One day, Hibari meets William, a man from England who is trading goods with Japanese merchants. As a result of now being able to speak both languages, Hibari grows close and develops feelings for William while acting as his interpreter. Her father discovers this, and locks her in the warehouse again for being a disgrace. A letter is delivered to the warehouse from William, and Hibari asks the spirit to read it. At first he does not read out the letter but makes it up, but when he realizes that he can never have Hibari, he leads her to the dock where William's ship is departing. The spirit then returns to his original paper/dictionary form except for one page, which Hibari frames as a part of a shrine when she starts her new life with William in England

So, as i said I thought it was rather cute. I felt a lot happened in the space of 40 pages. Anyways, that's about it for now, until next time :) 

Yami no Papuru and no more exams!

So yay! Last exam over and done with exams for the year now...Although today's was an open book exam, so it definitely made things a lot easier. I am pretty confident that I have passed all my subjects for this semester, so onto year two next year.

Ok, so I think I may have said something about writing about Love SOS, but I think I can summarize it in a sentence: Read anything by the kkotnim company, and I'm sure you will get the jist. The beginning is failry interesting, the protagonist is blind for the first little while, but after that it was kind of standards, fights and all.

So moving on, I would much rather talk about Yami no Papuru by Chie Shinohara. Let me just say, I love Chie Shinohara's works, the story is never the cliche shoujo/josei story, and I love how gruesome it can be, it is quite refreshing. The series is quite old, published during the 80's, and is complete with 12 volumes, only the first 9 have been scanlated so far.

So the story is about Rinko, a 1st year high school student who is dating her childhood friend Shin'ya, who starts to notice changes within her, in particular, her eyes beginning to change to purple at times (hence the title, which roughly tranlates to purple eyes). She is captured by 3 men who lock her in a shed with the intention to 'attack/rape' her at the request of a third party. Before she is attacked, Rinko eyes change purple and she disappears, only for a 'beast' to appear shortly after. The beast brutally murders the three men before escaping. The next morning, Rinko awakens and has no clue how she got home. The incidents catches the attention of Sonehara, a science teacher at Rinko's school who set up the incident in the hopes she could catch a transformer in the action.

Sonehara believes in her late father's research that there are humans who are capable of transforming into animals, and believes Rinko to be one such being. Sonehara kidnaps Rinko and locks her in a small compartment under the floor. Shin'ya notices that Sonehara is up to something, and eventually manage to escape. Sonehara then abducts Rinko's younger sister Maiko, in the hopes that she too can transform. Rinko and Shin'ya find Sonehara's villa and find Maiko. They attempt to escape but Maiko is attacked by Sonehara's dogs and is killed. This causes Rinko to transform, with Sonehara capturing the scene on tape as evidence. Rinko is then captured again and is betrayed by Shin'ya who drugs her and traps her for Sonehara. While captured, it is revealed that Sonehara's father is alive albeit mentally and physically disabled and he is eventually killed. Eventually it is revealed that Shin'ya planned to use Sonehara as a means of getting money and the evidence so he can hide Rinko from Sonehara.

While escaping they note a man going to Sonehara under the pretense that he is a freelance journalist interested in the transformer theory.  He reveals himself to be Odagiri, a man who later reveals himself to be a transformer. He takes interest in Rinko, claiming it is the first time he has encountered a transformer like her, mainly because she is female (In the second arc of the story it is revealed that he was part of a 'clan' that claim to preserve them, but acts otherwise). After he departs, Sonehara chases after Shin'ya and Rinko, Shin'ya being shot in the shoulder in the process and Rinko transforming once again. Once Rinko untransforms, she is found by Odagiri who has taken Shin'ya with him. The three stay in an isolated cabin, with Odagiri suggesting Rinko should be with him, a fellow transformer, instead of someone who doesn't know what it is like. After a fight, Shin'ya and Rinko escape, only for Rinko to be captured and taken to Odagiri's apartment. It is revealed that Odagiri does not have long to live. He also hints Rinko's mother may have had the ability to transform, as she only lived to 35 years of age (died young like other transformers).

Rinko somehow leaves the apartment and return home with Shin'ya. A couple of months have passed since Rinko was first kidnapped by Sonehara, so her father had long been looking for Rinko and Maika. Rinko decides that Odagiri is right, and that she can no longer live with Shin'ya and her father because she is different and does not know when she will turn on them. She returns to Odagiri and agrees to be his lover on the concession that he gives her time. Odagiri drugs Rinko then has sex with an unconscious Rinko because he 'doesn't have time to wait for her'. After she regains consciousness, she escapes. After a spate of incidents involving both Rinko and Odagiri in panther form Sonehara knows about her whereabouts and captures Rinko once again. Still hellbent on her research, Sonehara quickly discovers that Rinko is pregrant (This all happened in like a space of 50 pages btw). Rinko does not wish to have the child because she feels that she is not ready and because she still loves Shin'ya. Shin'ya finds Rinko in Sonehara's villa and finds out about Rinko's situation. They escape, but when Rinko transforms the police attempt to shoot Rinko. Meanwhile, Sonehara lures Odagiri into a warehouse where is only option is to transform. This results in Odagiri sacrificing himself to allow Rinko and Shin'ya to escape. Unfortunately, Rinko has been shot repeatedly and is seriously injured. The only option left is for Shin'ya to allow Sonehara to take Rinko to a doctor she knows (already sounds shifty).

The shifty doctor manages to save Rinko's life. Shin'ya decides he wants to marry Rinko because he loves her, even though he isn't the father of Rinko's baby. A few months later Rinko gives birth to a daughter and names her Mai (mainly in rememberence of her dead sister). At first the three seem happy until they realise Sonehara plans to steal the baby an commence even crueler experiments on her. Shin'ya and Rinko escape,  and take sanctuary in a church where they are married by the priest. It is then that Rinko knows that she does not have long left to live. After a rockslide caused by Sonehara kills the priest, this allows an opportunity for Sonehara to steal Mai, which she does, however, she is caught by a transformed Rinko, who lunges herself, along with Sonehara, over a cliff.

15 years have passed since Rinko and Sonehara presumedly died, and Shin'ya  has raised Mai as his own daughter. He has since become a doctor in the hopes of finding a way to extend the lifespan of a transforming being. Mai comes to the attention of the 'clan' for being a pureblood, and she is almost killed as a result. She is only saved by Akio, a university student who can transform who realizes the clan is wrong for trying to kill Mai. At first Akio had also tried to kill Mai, but no longer does so for his feelings for her. it is then revealed that Sonehara did not die and has been helping the clan for the entire 15 years since she fell off the cliff. Sonehara also reveals that Rinko is not dead.

This leads Mai and Akio to go to the lab where Rinko is supposedly being held. Sonehara attemtps to capture Mai and Akio but is unsuccessful. Mai is at this point attacked by Rinko. Eventually Mai returns in order to meet her mother. It is revealed that Sonehara had no intention of letting Mai talk to Rinko, instead, attempting to brainwash her like she did Rinko (hence why Rinko attacked Mai). This backfires and ends up destroying most of the lab. It is revealed that Rinko has lived until now due to her being almost always cryogenically frozen, except when needed by Sonehara.

And that's about where the story is up to currently. First of all, I think Sonehara needs to seriously get laid. I mean, I reckon she would chill out a lot. She also needs some hobbies like sewing, or fishing, just something to keep her from being even crazier. The story has dual protagonists, the first 6 volumes focusing on Rinko and the other 6 focusing on her daughter, Mai, I thought having the split narrative was really good. I was really sad when I got to the time skip. I felt especially bad for Shin'ya, as he believes that Rinko was the only one for him. I felt the 15 years demonstrates his decision to stay alone with Mai for his life. it probably makes it harder that Mai is suppose to look a lot like Rinko too. By the sounds of some spoilers, it sounds like that Shin'ya may actually find a way to extend the lifespan of transformers, as it seems that Akio is still alive at the end of the series despite the fact that he is clearly already very ill.

Anyway, that's about it for now, until next time :)

Sensei! and stuffs

Oh god, I don't know what to do now that I have so much time on my hands. I have more time than I feel I need. Ah. I seriously don't know what to do. Especially this week seeing as I only have work on  the weekend. 

Anyways, Moving on, I have read Sensei by Kawahara Kazune, it is complete in Japan with 20 volumes and 13 and a half volumes have currently been scanlated into English on a fairly regular basis recently. It is quite an old series, starting in 1996, so it has been around for quite a while.

So the story is about Hibiki Shimada, a second year high school student who has never really liked anyone before. She admires her teacher, Itou-sensei, and soon realizes that she has developed feelings for him. She confesses her love for him, but he dismisses her confession because she is a student and he is a teacher. Shimada continues to take interest Itou. Meanwhile her friends, Kousuke and Chi-chan have their own love interest, Kousuke with Nakajima-sensei and Chi-Chan with Sekiya-sensei. Chi-chan shortly after loses interest in her love interest and moves on when she realizes that he likes Nakajima. Nakajima in the meanwhile, likes Itou (It's like a love hexagon).

Soon after, Shimada finally gets Itou to return her feelings and they start a secret relationship. Kousuke in the meanwhile 'attacks' Nakajima and as a result gets suspended from school. Shimada begins to doubt Itou when his ex girlfriend comes to their school as a student teacher. The ex, Misaki, tries to take back Itou, claiming that she still loves him. She goes to his apartment, and he lets her stay the night while he sleeps in his car. When Shimada finds out that Misaki spent the night in his apartment, she breaks up with Itou without hearing the whole story.

After this, Shimada decides that she wants to start following the trends of regular teenage girls, such as wearing make up and going on group dates. After a brief relationship with some random guy, Shimada realizes that she only will ever love Itou and the two begin to date again at the beginning of the new school year.

At the start of the school year, Kousuke is the captain of the archery club, with Shimada as vice captain. A new first year student, Nagisa joins the archery club and Chi-chan develops feelings for him. Nagisa takes interest in Shimada and threatens to expose her relationship with Itou if she doesn't go out with him. The incident sorts itself out when Chi-chan takes charge and literally beats sense into Nagisa. This results in the two of them later dating.

The story then kind of drifts along, until Kousuke's ex meets him again through cram school. She still has feelings for him, but he is not interested in pursuing a relationship with her. This leads to a massive misunderstanding between Kousuke and Nakajima, which results in Nakajima revealing that she is willing to wait for Kousuke until he graduates and grows up a little more and if he still feels the same, then something might happen.

Anyway, that's pretty much all there is at the moment. A lot of the story deals with teenagers coming-of-age, what makes and 'adult' and a 'child', and the issues surrounding a student-teacher relationship. Next time, I will talk about Love SOS, which is a manhwa series. Until next time :)