Happy New Year!

With a new year comes a fresh start. Happy new year everybody :)

Take this frighteningly accurate color quiz! It will tell you your darkest secrets and greatest shames! Ok no it won't, but it's still accurate.

www.colorquiz.com

color me impressed. and also somewhat frightened. at the accuracy. good god its the accuracy!

Boredom: The Year in Review (Part 2)

Hey, who's your daddy? Most Compelling: Veronica Mars

Despite the dad's rather disturbing inclination to spout that line off to Veronica as often as he can, Veronica Mars remains in my eyes the most endearing, enjoyable, and overall best show of 2005. With its stellar cast, impressive dialogue/writing, and a thoroughly good mystery, there is little that this show lacks. Every episode brings forth new character development, crazily clever antics, and development of the season's story arc. I haven't seen such good tv since Buffy! And Buffy was good.

And on that note, there have been a lot of comparisons of Veronica Mars to Buffy, both having strong and independent female leads. Not to mention Joss Whedon himself is a huge fan of Veronica. Still, there are some significant differences, most notably the fact that Veronica Mars is, at heart, still only a teenage girl. And she doesn't have any super powers. She has weaknesses (her "fight" with Aaron Echolls for example) and faults (I would hardly attribute her vengeful nature as something good. Entertaining though). And these really make her character believable and likable.

Season Two continues in the same fashion as season 1, except with even more veronica-y goodness. I can't wait till the next veronica mars marathon at sproul.

Runner-ups: Battlestar Galactica. As I'll mention soon, this show just manages to suck you in, no matter how much you might hate sci-fi. Ok fine, I don't know that for sure...

Who can resist sexy cylon #6?. Most Surprising Hit: Battlestar Galactica

BG may not have Star Trek's super-futuristic technology, or Star Wars' jedi force/lightsabers...but what it doesn't have it makes up with believable characters, a great plot, and ... something, I don't know what that keeps me coming back for more. Seriously, it's hard to pinpoint exactly why Battlestar Galactica is so captivating. I mean, other shows have the same qualities...what is it that sets BG apart?

Oh well. Let's just say it's the pretty people and move on.

Runner-up: Veronica Mars. Yes, even I was skeptical about how good a show about a teenage girl in high school could be. And I'm sure all of you out there still are. IT"S GOOD I TELL YOU. WATCH IT.

A Show that I know I should have watched earlier but stubbornly refused to and now regret doing so. Best Anime Series Ever: Full Metal Alchemist

I still fondly remember those lazy summer days where I had absolutely nothing to do and was dying of boredom. Suddenly, out of a haze of google websites came narutofan.com and with it all the episodes of Full Metal Alchemist. I've already reviewed it, so let's just say that Full Metal Alchemist will capture both your hearts and minds if you haven't seen it already. And if you have, I'm sure you feel the same as me...waiting for that distant day in the future when you come back to the old classics and stumble across this jewel of a show, turn it on, and relive the greatness.

Runner-up: Bleach. While Bleach has that more "cater-to-viewers-for-commercial-purposes" feel (FMA was an art...Bleach is less arty), this anime still manages to deliver a good combination of action and story. The current arc is almost riveting...I was right about the main villain, but that's not to say the show's not good.

One word: Shocking. Most Disturbing: Nip/Tuck

Yes, I've already raved about this show and only a week ago...still. Nip/Tuck takes this award hands-down. I have yet to see another show that manages to twist everything up so bad you actually start feeling bad for the characters...even the ones that you know you should hate. The show may not be perfect, but it definitely is disturbing. And the surgery part is perhaps the least squeamishness of the show. Sick relationships, startling character flaws, and of course the big mystery twists at the end of the season are all done well and believably. Disturbingly believably.

Runner-up: Speed Grapher. There are some rather dark and uh...not-so-pleasant scenes in this anime. But Speed Grapher wasn't nearly as good as Nip/Tuck...and the disturbing factor had more of a shallow quality. As in a lot of it was gore-related. Meh.

Still leaving us wanting more. Most Mysterious: Lost

Lost is such a tease. I almost hate it at times, but after watching almost the entire first season within 48 hours I'm addicted to it as I am to ramen. I just hope that it doesn't go the way of Smallville. It probably won't. Or at least that's what I tell myself.

The first season was brilliant. A fresh and original series that relies heavily on both character development AND storyline plot is definitely a good thing. The second season has been heavily character-based however, with a lot less main plot going on...at least so far. The latest episode gave a little more of a hint to the secret base on the island, but not enough! I want more and I want it now! Yes, I'm spoiled.

Runner-up: Veronica Mars. I totally could not predict the ending to the first season of VM. And it was good. And what's good about it is that Veronica Mars actually had a resolution...perhaps why it's less mysterious than Lost. Which in my opinion, isn't a bad thing.

Boredom: The Year in Review

So, another year comes to a close, and my endless journey to escape from boredom comes one year closer to its inevitable outcome. Which is, of course, death. I mean, what could be more boring than death?

I guess that's subjective.

Anyway, here are my awards to the the entertainment's industry most notable products this year. I'll start off with the more dubious ones because I like to end on a good note.

Dreams are for crushing. Biggest Disappointment: Smallville

Oh Smallville, you had such promise. But as the seasons go on, I've started to realize that this show about Superman really has none of what Superman should actually be about. And that is? Violence! Combat! Beating helpless mortals into little piles of pulp, leaking all sorts of bodily fluids in all directions. Ok maybe not that much, but COME ON. Smallville is about SUPERMAN, and yet the most fighting I've seen is Clark and Brainiac duking it out for...about 30 seconds. And there wasn't much to it. Blasting each other with eye beams. Huzzah. Not to mention the tired and repetitive breaking-up and reunion of Clark and Lex. God, turn EVIL already.

The pretty people just aren't enough to cut it anymore, Smallville. Unfortunately I've already become addicted to you like you are - dare i say it - RAMEN. So I can't stop watching. Damn.

Sliding down a muddy hill. Most Dramatic Decline in Quality: Naruto

Dattebayo! Damn the fillers. Everything about this show has gone to ABSOLUTE CRAP. I can understand wanting to wait awhile for the manga, but inserting shoddily made meaningless drivel is not the way to go. Up until about may, this show was fantastic. Great fights, interesting characters, a compelling story...

Now it's the exact opposite. Story? What story? Naruto's storylines now are pointless, filled with characters acting completely out of character, plotholes, and general waste-of-timeness. And even worse, the fights have dramatically decreased in quality. The animation is dreadful, especially when compared to such excellent choreography as those of the naruto-sasuke battle. Bah...We can only hope the new year will bring an end to the filler.

The average of average Joe. Most Unremarkable: Basilisk

There were several other shows that I considered for this category, including Trinity Blood and Speed Grapher. Several things distinguish those shows from simple mediocrity however (Trinity Blood I would classify more as annoying than unremarkable, and Speed Grapher was at least innovative in its combat). Basilisk takes home this award with its protracted and now dull storyline, and its characters who have a tendency to die before any connection can be made.

Sure, the combat is interesting, but it's nothing special if you've already seen the better episodes of Naruto. And I have yet to see an actual conclusion, while both Trinity Blood and Speed Grapher were kind of disappointing. So I guess it still has a chance to redeem itself. Just not this year.

Acting that makes soap operas look like epics. Most Dubious Performance: Anakin Skywalker

Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith was in my opinion, one of the best movies of this year in terms of storyline, but it was marred by the all-together unimpressive performance of the lead actor, whose name I do not know and am too lazy to find out. Admittedly, it may not all be the actor's fault, as a serious transition to the dark side is undoubtedly hard, especially when the entire change is limited to 3 hours. Coupled with some cheesy dialogue, and you have a potential disaster, but they did well with what they had I guess.

And that about wraps up the less honorable honors. I don't feel like there was anything worth mentioning as the crappiest of crap, but feel free to suggest something.

Endings that aren't endings. Most Angering Resolution: Halo 2

The original Halo was perhaps the perfect game in its genre. A singleplayer story mode that combined great action with a engaging story, and a multiplayer mode that let you link up to 16 players at once in team battles or free-for-all mayhem. Still, what I found most surprising was Halo's presentation and execution of the story, which was probably one of my first experiences with a good story outside RPGs. Needless to say, hopes were high for an equally well-done tale in Halo 2.

I was not let down...until the end that is. Because...the game ends right in the middle. There's this huge cliffhanger right when you should be fighting the climactic battle. WTF (f for fudge). What a sad and pitiful excuse for what should have been another epic ending. I can understand the developers wanting to milk the franchise or whatever, but it's sorely disappointing. Halo 3 better be good. Or I'll be angry.

The Book of Narnia

So apparently nobody liked who the Carver turned out to be. I still think it was done well though, although now that I've had some time to mill over the details there are some things that don't make sense to me. Still...

I missed seeing Chronicles of Narnia with my friends last night because I left my phone on silent. You idiot, roy. I wanted to see that movie too! Now i'll have to watch it all by my lonesome. Like those weird creepy people that go to movies alone. Yup, that'll be me.

I re-read the entire Chronicles of Narnia over summer and I think I mentioned this before already, but the entire thing is filled with religious references. Which for some reason makes it less authentic in my eyes. I remember when I was a kid I could just read the books and enjoy them for the stories they told. Now I have to freaking see symbolism. Damn symbols. I'll symbol you!

Something about the series being a big symbol for Christianity somehow takes away from the magic and the awe that I used to feel when I was kid reading these books (although admittedly, part of that may also be because I'm no longer10). I dunno. I hear Lord of the Rings is supposed to have a lot of christian symbols and references too, but it's a lot less apparent to me. At least...the movies didn't make it that apparent. Maybe Narnia the movie will be the same.

Ah well. I'm hungry. Gimme ramen.

Pure Perfection

Wow...

wow.

Wow.

Wow!

The twists never let up...the writers have got this down to an artform.

Wow.

...wow.

Perfection is...disturbing.

So, the season finale of Nip/Tuck is tonight at 10. Watch it on FX.

I have to admit when Aisa brought over cynthia's season 1 dvd's of this show I was somewhat skeptical about how good it would be, despite its self-description as a "disturbingly perfect drama". I mean...a show about plastic surgery generally wouldn't be my cup of tea. Or for that matter, any type of surgery generally wouldn't be my cup of tea (which is why I don't like ER or Grey's Anatomy I suppose). And therein lies the brilliance of Nip/Tuck. I realized that the show really isn't about plastic surgery...the plastic surgery part of Nip/Tuck's very own mask. Instead, the real story is about the lives of the two surgeons, Christian Troy and Sean McNamara...and boy do their lives SUCK.

Christian(Left): Tell me what you don't like about yourself...biatch. And then sleep with me.

Sean (Right): I have sex with dolls.

I really have no idea what draws me to this show. Maybe it's the fact that there's a lot of uncensored sex (matt says the show is practically softcore porn...which I have to agree. yay for porrnn!). But more than that, the show is basically a soap opera. The twists that the writers pull are at least at that level. The difference though, I guess is that Nip/Tuck is compelling. Everything is believable, and with its cast of superb actors, everything is pulled off with undeniable skill.

I don't want to give away any of the details in case there are any budding nip/tuckers out there, but let's just say if I were christian or sean i'd have thrown myself off a cliff. Their lives are like layers and layers of crap...I used to feel like I needed a break when I had nip/tuck marathons with aisa, because everything was just so depressing. The show still had me hooked though...I'd be back as soon as possible (which often ended up to be several days...damn aisa's busy schedule!).

Oh, I will showcase one little detail. The Carver! There's some crazy maniac running around cutting people up because he believes "beauty is a curse upon the world." Oh Carver, who are you! The season finale promises to reveal his true identity, but I have a guess. I'm kind of hoping I'm wrong though, because while my guess makes sense, it's not as twisty as I'd like it to be. I'm used to Nip/Tuck shocking my jaw off (as in the season 2 finale...that was a jaw-dropper - Oh Jean Grey, I will never see you the same way...).

So...Yes, I am looking forward to what this disturbingly perfect drama is going to dish out tonight. In fact, that's all I'm doing right now besides writing this blog. Waiting. For a tv-show. That starts at 10:00PM. And right now it's what like 4? ...

Shut up and leave me alone...or I'll carve you! That's right, I am the carver.

...

Oh um...Children, look away.

End, Hecticity

So I am finally done with fall quarter. I don't know why but it went by insanely fast, unlike spring quarter last year which seemed like it would never end. And I spent a LOT of this quarter studying too. damn 4 major classes! But it still went by quickly. Mmm...

I met a lot of cool people this year, for which i am thankful. I was worried that after last year I would return to my hermitness but that seems to have passed...i hope. Now, I just need to learn to be social enough so i can get a job. The one bad thing though I guess is that I haven't seen friends from last year as much. It's my fualt, I know...but Hedrick is just so far away from everything else...bleh...

Oh, that reminds me I haven't done anything for BAY in awhile. I'm pretty sure everbody i've met there has forgotten me. Oh well. Second impressions are just as important as the first (or so I like to tell myself...).

I got an A- in PIC 10A, i'm so grateful. I was so close to the border it wasn't even funny. What was funny was that I was below the grade percentage that you need to get for an A-. 0.2% below. i was pretty depressed about that for awhile yesterday. Cynthia knows.

Oh, cynthia s hsu is the coolest person in the world, and i am glad to have her as my friend. :)
even if she says she wants to kill me all the time. haha...ha.

Ok, now I have nothing to do for the rest of break. Damn. I can't wait till school starts again.

Harumph

The X3 trailer is up! Go watch it at apple.com. If you can't find the link to it from there, then you suck!

That's all, until finals are over at least. I'm heading back on the 16th i believe. I will see all you norcalers sooN! i will see all you ucla-ers in a few weeks!

time to hermitize so i can study.

The Meaning of Life, as told by Roy.

Make of it what you will...and it will have meaning.

The end.

Gimme Ramen

Last week was so depressing. Not only did I have to stop eating the ramen that my mom sent me (to save up for thanksgiving break, which btw, i'll be staying here at ucla), I was unable to get noodles of any sort in the dining halls thanks to stupid PIC hw.

I had it all planned out. I was gonna skip lunch on thursday to finish my hw, sacrificing Hedrick ramen for my academics. As it turned out, I didn't finish homework. It was harder than I thought it would be. So then I decided that on friday, I would have to get udon, because I had not eaten that in a while actually (also thanks to pic...damnable pic). But due to time constraints, I knew I probably wouldn't be able to do it unless I skipped at least one class...

...so the ironic part of this story is that on thursday I skipped food for academics, and then the very next day i sacrificed academics for udon. Yay Roy, you're so smart. I know, thanks.

Of course, the sad part is I didn't make it in time. AND I ended up turning in a really really really crappy homework. I'm gonna go cry now.

And just to tantalize myself even more, here are some pictures of ramen! OMG I WANT RAMEN!! PLEASE HAVE MERCY ON ME AND GIVE ME RAMENNNN!!!!

...i'm in heaven...

This ramen is really good, but it's hell for my bowels the next day...yes, you needed to know that.

HE"S TAUNTING ME WITH HIS RAMEN! ILL KILL HIMMM!!!!!!

Sweet Salvation

My god I have been so busy lately. I feel like every week all I'm doing is preparing for an upcoming midterm, and in order to do so, I have to put everything else on hold. And of course then I get behind in all my other classes. And of course there are midterms for that class too. So I'm stuck in an endless cycle of studying for midterms. good god please kill me.

On the other hand I can take a short break...until like, tomorrow. When i have to start studying again.

...

BLAH!

my only consolation is cheesecake, which matt got for me. mmmm

I AM SO BUSY

...that is all. good day.

Footcake and Cheeseball

What a great weekend. Until today that is. Today I have to study. But I shall put that off by writing an entry! w00t, go me.

On friday, Me, Julie, Cynthia, Paul, Michael, Stacey, Dana, and Dana's boyfriend Ryan all went to cheesecake factory. I don't know why. We just randomly went there to spend money cuz we're all rolling in dough...or 'bank' as paul says. Unfortunately I am not rolling in banks, because that would hurt and also I don't have money.

The food was delicious! But the cheesecake was ABYSMAL.

BLEARGH. STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM?! *BARF*

I'm lying of course. The cheesecake was fantastic. So rich and creamy...god i want more. But they're priced at like 7 bucks a slice. those monopolistic price setting bastards!

Afterwards we all went to cynthia's apartment where we hung out doing nothing...nothing funner than doing nothing! it's my favorite pasttime :)...also my only pasttime.

Sunday was even crazier. Around 3:00 in the afternoon me and my mgmt group were going to work on our group case. Of course, we ended up watching the football game instead. OMG I have never been so into a football game. I apologize to all ucla fans out there. The reason we were doing so crappily during the first 3 quarters was because I was watching. I finally decided to stop jinxing our team, and looked away.

Down by 21 with 8 minutes left and we came back to WIN! GEEZUS CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS.

yea, that was a great day....but now i have to study. So I will go be sad now.

P.S. Stanford sucks :P

Just for you julie :P

Get to know yourself better

Your view on yourself: Other people find you very interesting, but you are really hiding your true self. Your friends love you because you are a good listener. They'll probably still love you if you learn to be yourself with them.

The type of girlfriend/boyfriend you are looking for: You are not looking merely for a girl/boyfriend - you are looking for your life partner. Perhaps you should be more open-minded about who you spend time with. The person you are looking for might hide their charm under their exterior.

Your readiness to commit to a relationship: You prefer to get to know a person very well before deciding whether you will commit to the relationship.

The seriousness of your love: You like to flirt and behave seductively. The opposite sex finds this very attractive, and that's why you'll always have admirers hanging off your arms. But how serious are you about choosing someone to be in a relationship with?

Your views on education: Education is less important than the real world out there, away from the classroom. Deep inside you want to start working, earning money and living on your own.

The right job for you:You're a practical person and will choose a secure job with a steady income. Knowing what you like to do is important. Find a regular job doing just that and you'll be set for life.

How do you view success:You are afraid of failure and scared to have a go at the career you would like to have in case you don't succeed. Don't give up when you haven't yet even started! Be courageous.

What are you most afraid of:You are afraid of having no one to rely on in times of trouble. You don't ever want to be unable to take care of yourself. Independence is important to you.

Who is your true self:You like privacy very much because you enjoy spending time with your own thoughts. You like to disappear when you cannot find solutions to your own problems, but you would feel better if you learned to share your thoughts with a person you trust.

I took this here: http://quizbox.com/personality/test82.aspx

[edit] im not a flirt! or am i?

omg...omfg (f for fudging).

cynthia s hsu: i can't believe you just said that

wangxiuming: i can

cynthia s hsu: i can't

wangxiuming: i can

cynthia s hsu: i can't

wangxiuming: i can

cynthia s hsu: i can't

wangxiuming: i can

cynthia s hsu: i can't

wangxiuming: i can

cynthia s hsu: i can't

wangxiuming: i can

cynthia s hsu: i can't

wangxiuming: i can

cynthia s hsu: i can't

wangxiuming: i can

cynthia s hsu: i can't

wangxiuming: i can

cynthia s hsu: i can't

wangxiuming: i can

cynthia s hsu: i can't

wangxiuming: i can

cynthia s hsu: i can't

wangxiuming: i can

cynthia s hsu: i can't

wangxiuming: i can

cynthia s hsu: i can't

did you think there was a point to this? because if you did, you were sorely mistaken. Sorely!

...oh and it goes on. I got bored of color-coding the names.

And so it begins.

What have I been doing all day, you ask? Not that you care, you're just making forced conversation with me because otherwise it'd be even more awkward.

Anyway, basically today I procrastinated my work till right now, doing absolutely nothing. Well, not nothing. I finally figured out how to get the KotOR 2 music files to play on itunes (all you do is rename the extension to .mp3). That took me about 2-3 hours. 2-3 hours I could have used to study for the midterm i'm so worried about. i love hypocrisy :(

For another two hours i watched Futurama. That was a good show. Perhaps I'll review it in the future when I'm bored. Perhaps not. Indeed. As you wish. Good god man. Bloody hells. Strength and Honor.

...and the highlight of today, i found the usb cord for my digital camera!

I have no idea what caused this facial expression in me. Probably Aisa.

And here's a picture of my one true love. I'm sorry May. :(

Yes, the horror. I now possess full digital camera power. Beware, for I will take incriminating pictures of you so I can blackmail you. I'm thinking this is probably going to be my primary source of income once I graduate, cuz i'm such a bum.

Yea im dumb...but you already knew that

Because I am debilitatingly sick (not really), and also because of my horrifying (not really) midterm this upcoming thursday for the accursed (yes, really) mgmt 120a class, I will keep this short (maybe).

Battlestar Galactica - 4.5/5

A compelling plot combined with a stellar set of characters truly makes this show a star. A battlestar. Battlestar Galactica.

I hate cliffhangers though. Both season 1 finale and the season 2 intermission ended with horrific cliffhangers. Well done, yes. Evil? Also yes.

Here are two screens from the intro video, and a spoiler screen...not that you can tell what's going on just by looking at it.

Look what I got you for your 14th birthday...three naked clones! ;)

Oh...My...God.

What's going on? What does this have to do with anything? You can't tell? Well, watch the series and you'll find out!

Updated?!

just kidding.

O:)

Shiny New Pianos

I can not tell you how grateful I am to my parents for forcing me to learn piano. Piano has helped me through some tough times...and plus, learning and then mastering a new song that I like makes me feel...good. haha. I don't know, I feel like I can be a little more arrogant when I'm playing piano sometimes.

Sadly, I'm not even that good. In all honesty, I'm not. Seriously. Everybody I know who plays piano plays better than me. I think part of it is because my teachers weren't really that great. They didn't really push me to try harder. The other part is my fault. I did not put any effort into learning or practicing piano. Which I now completely regret...sigh. Oh well, I'll make do with what I have now.

Anyways, I suck at playing. I have a tendency to get really nervous when playing in front of other people. I also can't multi-task. I can't talk and play at the same time...my brain doesn't like it. My fingers don't strike the keys with any semblance of consistency and I can't control how quickly they hit...especially in faster pieces. Accursed fingers!

I think the reason why I like Steven Cravis's songs is because despite any outward appearances, in reality most of them are pretty basic. The left hand boils down to a basic sequence of notes and broken chords that repeat in different orders, while the right hand carries the melody. It's pretty remarkable what the guy can do with it though.

The one bad thing for me is that all his songs require the use of the pedal...at least for me. There's a lot of legato (basically at least one finger is playing a note to make the piece sound flowing and connected, as compared to staccato, where all your fingers leave the keys for a time, to make a more broken, jumpy sound). The pedal really helps me with this, because I can just let the pedal carry most of the legato while i focus on getting the notes right. But that means, I tend to rely on it too much...

Oh, I was walking back up to Hedrick, and I remembered that one of Matt's Sha friends had told me about the new piano in Rieber, so I decided to check it out. It's pretty cool. If you've ever seen a UCLA piano, you probably know most of them are old, beaten, craptacular crap crap pianos that look like they might collapse. The one in Hedrick even has its pedals mixed up. But this new Rieber piano looks like it's BRAND new. It's a Kohler & Campbell Piano, and the notes are so smooth and crisp, it's like ucla piano heaven.

Imagine this, but much nicer looking. Then you have the new Rieber Piano. My precious...

Whereas, all the other pianos are chipped and dead looking. The hedrick one even has keys that are way out of tune. bleargh! damn rieber, why do they get everything?

Imagine this...but a lot crappier and broken-looking. Then you have Hedrick Sproul pianos...Yea, I should've picked better pictures.

The one bad thing about the new Rieber Piano is that the note-joining pedal is really weak...which means I have to work harder to make my steven cravis songs more legato. Freaking legato.

Oh...I have no idea what the other pedals do. There are two other pedals. And I don't know what they're called. Or what they do. Yes, I learned piano for six years. Shutup!

Being Late Late is good sometimes...

I have horrible aim etiquette. I don't know why. Something about the impersonalness of aim I suppose. I have a tendency of leaving in the middle of a conversation without giving any warning. So uh...please forgive me if I do :(

It's horrible I know. I'll try to stop from now on! You betcha.

See, this is what happens when I don't have tv to talk about. Really short entries.

Smallville sucked. I have yet to see Lost or Veronica Mars. Boston Legal was good.

Oh, I was at a tv-taping of the late-late show with Craig Ferguson (The boss guy on Drew Carey Show). It was pretty funny. Guests included Macy Gray, some actress from Six Feet Under (Elisha something I think), and Dominic Monaghan (! - the hobbit on Lost. Go hobbits!). I may or may not be on the show, so watch it and tell me :P It airs on CBS at 12:30.

Dominic Monaghan was pretty funny. It was pretty cool seeing somebody I actually recognized from tv in person. I should've gone up to him and been like "dood, I saw you on tv the other day."

...no, that's stupid. Me and my stupidity.

[Insert Clever Title About Veronica Mars here...]

I've discovered that i talk like cynthia in this blog. That is unacceptable! I must purge myself of this horrible trait!! garrrr

...yea, ok.

I'm supposed to put more things about my actual life in this blog...but I have no pictures. And we all know it's the pictures that make the blog. And I am pictureless. Because I'm too lazy to buy batteries for my camera. And plus my life is decidedly dull. It's much more interesting to look at other people's lives...say for example, a certain Veronica Mars' life...

Veronica Mars - 5/5

I don't care what you think, Veronica Mars is a GOOD tv show. In fact, I'd say it's as good, if not better than Lost...definitely better than smallville, that's fosho.

Basically Veronica Mars is a mystery show...and while the mysteries aren't as mind-boggling as those of Lost, they are deeply satisfying nonetheless. The introduction of each episode's mystery, its development, and finally its climax and resolution, coupled with the hints of each season's mystery are all executed with superb style and effectiveness. There is not a single episode that I did not enjoy from the first season.

The mysteries aren't all either. The characters are extremly well-crafted, and throughout the first season went through tremendous character development. You can relate to the characters pretty easily. Sometimes I think I know them better than I know some of my friends...though not any of you who are reading this I'm sure :P

Last season's storyline was excellent, with Veronica Mars discovering her best friend's killer. I totally did not see that coming...the identity of the killer that is. It'll blow your mind.

I watched the second season premiere last night, and it has met my high expectations for this show. Hey, even Buffy creator Joss Whedon has bountiful praise for the show, so you know it's got to be good! WATCH IT.

Sadly, UPN hates itself so it's airing Veronica Mars against competitors like Lost. Those idiots. Still, hopefully UPN will see that axing Veronica will be the biggest mistake of its life.

There's nothing funny about a good show like this being underappreciated! You don't know what you're missing!

...what, not all the captions have to be sarcastically lame. Some can be for advertisment!

Television's Forsaken

So...I was looking forward to a sunday of fun and more fun with new episodes of Family Guy and Simpsons.

...Instead, I was horrified to discover that neither series would be airing new episodes. And they just started their new seasons too. Those bastards.

...and on saturday, i was further horrified to further discover that Justice League was not new either.

...well, technically since Saturday was before Sunday, I guess i wasn't really "further" discovering...

...and then Benson told me that the season premiere of Veronica Mars had already aired...and that I had missed it.

...yes, my life revolves around tv.

Just to spice things up, here's some animated nudity! Oh yes, everybody loves animated nudity!

Take me back, please! I can't live without you, you big tub of lard, you!

I swear, Peter strips every single episode. There hasn't been a single episode of Family guy in a looooong time where Peter retains his clothing. What is the dealio with that? Not that big tubs of lard aren't arousing...oops, did I just say that out loud.

Smallville Makes Me Sad

Smallville...I'm not gonna bother giving background on this show because frankly if you don't know, then you shouldn't waste your time on this entry...or maybe this blog for that matter. The WB heralds this season as "Legend," and while the season premiere entitled "Arrival" does make some references to two "legendary" Superman movies, the episode itself is ultimately disappointing. The only saving grace is the hint of a better storyline than last year's series of unfortunate episodes (most of which had no plot at all).

Smallville Season Premiere: "Arrival" - 3/5

Oh, if you haven't seen the episode yet...I may or may not include spoilers, I haven't decided yet. Don't look at the pictures :P

Arrival continues from last season's finale, with Clark trapped in a frozen wasteland. The episode is filled with Superman references, including the Fortress of Solitude, two evil kryptonians who I'm told are also in the Superman movie, making it worth a look just for the hardcore superman fans.

I'm sure Lana would love it.

In terms of character development...

...

...so that's what this show never had.

Oh wait, I suppose Clark and Lana finally getting together formally counts. And Clark finding out that Chloe knows. And Clark and Lois's relationship extending beyond annoying bickering.

Scary...

Plotwise, the episode is pretty good. Clark faces two of the most powerful beings he's ever had to fight. Unfortunately, the climactic battle of the episode is dreadfully lame, and has to be the most disappointing fight scene in Superman history. You'd think a Superman show would have Superman fighting a bit more often, but the climactic battle of this season premiere is Clark pushing the two bad guys into a dimensional prison...that's right. They don't fight. At all. They take turns pushing each other. Clark pushes better apparently.

...or maybe not so much. You two need to learn how to push better.

All references aside, the episode was a big let-down. Despair not, however, for there is yet hope. Arrival ends with a haunting scene of a certain James Marsters materializing out of physics-defying elements...with an alien spacecraft in the background. I, having spoiled it for myself, already know who this person is going to be...and i'm sure a lot of you have guessed it already.

It's Spike! Superman is no match for William the Bloody!

Let's just hope this season has more good episodes than the last one.

Naruto Makes Me Sad

Sigh...

...i wonder who he will forgive.

...does that even make sense?! WHY NARUTO WHY DO YOU SUCK NOW :'(

Screenshots come from the latest naruto episode. When will the filler end?!

For Love of Legal

I think the hardest part of blogging is making up interesting and relevant titles. I think I succeeded this time tho! Or maybe i just succeeded at being lame...probably the latter. well, fudge you too :P

Boston Legal - 4/5

Anyway, today's title references the critically acclaimed but relatively unknown show called "Boston Legal." A spinoff of "The Practice," Boston Legal continues the story of Alan Shore and his wildly unorthodox legal practice with the firm Crane, Poole and Schmidt. Featuring an...interesting...cast (including James Spader and William Shatner), this legal drama is highly entertaining and I highly recommend it.

Here's Alan Shore telling off the judge in front of a courtroom of people. Ballsy.

Like The Practice, Boston Legal deals with current events and issues, moral quandaries, and has a whole crapload of character development (always a plus). Alan Shore's character in particular is especially interesting, because he alternates between an amoral jackass to champion of justice. Unlike the Practice, however, Boston Legal is much more upbeat and has a very...light-hearted feel to it. There are serious and dramatic moments, of course, but Practice was much darker (especially towards the end of the series).

The Black Widow...Alan's latest client. Supposedly she killed her 70-year old rich husband. Will we ever know the truth?!

Personally I like the Practice's storylines better (much more twisty), but Boston Legal is a worthy spinoff that stands on its own. The show flip-flops between deep, thought-provoking discussion about issues such as evolution v. creationism, the death penalty, etc. to complete absurdity that I'm sure no one will ever see in an actual courtroom. Alan Shore talks back to the judges so much I'm surprised he hasn't been disbarred.

The staff of Crane, Poole, and Schmidt...looking at porn. No, seriously.

Unfortunately, ABC decided to shelve the last third of the first season in favor of Grey's Anatomy...which supposedly is also good and brought in better ratings. All I know is that Boston Legal is good...and you should watch it. ABC is airing the remaining episodes of the first season and then continuing on with the second season on tuesdays at 10:ooPM. Be there...or I'll sue you.

The numbers are bad...

For all you Lost fans...look carefully at that bottle...and what the guy does with it.

Honey, I'll be right there. Just let me inject myself with cursed number medicine first.

And I thought this was somewhat amusing...

I wanna play Feet Fighter too! Smelly Foot attack yarrr!!!

Rediscovering the Classics: Dragon Force

Sega Saturn...sigh. That system had some truly great titles, but unfortunately they never gathered the following that some other games have had...(*cough* final fantasy *cough*). And since then most of these games and the saturn itself have faded from memory...which, I suppose nicely foreshadows Sega's decision to stop making consoles. Interestingly enough, I never personally owned a Saturn system, and only played it on my friend's very rarely.

I guess that wasn't that interesting. Poo.

Dragon Force (Sega Saturn) - 5/5

Wein and Mikhal duke it out.

Anyway, the one game that I always wanted to play but probably played only once or twice on an actual Saturn system was Dragon Force. Dragon Force was I'd say revolutionary at the time it came out, because it combined real-time strategy with role-playing elements, and a nice albeit somewhat generic storyline. You played as one of 8 chosen warriors (all who happen to lead countries, conveniently) destined to stop a great threat. Each leader then had his/her own officers and cities etc. As you made your bid for power across the land, you'd encounter other chosen warriors who would join you (after you beat them into submission that is).

In short, the gameplay was fantastic and I think Dragon Force is what inspired a lot of my own fantasy storylines. Unfortunately, when I really wanted to play, my friend had somehow lost or loaned his copy away...and then the Saturn was shelved for other projects.

The world map...spritey.

I tried desperately to find some way to play the game without having to buy an outdated system, but to no avail. At the time, emulation with the Saturn was extremely difficult and there was no working emulator that could emulate commercial games.

Yum...tastey soldier dinner tonight!

Until very recently that is. A decade after I was first introduced to Dragon Force, I finally managed to obtain a working emulator and a copy of Dragon Force. It's remarkable how satisfying such old gameplay mechanics and sprite-based graphics can still be. Dragon Force is a definite classic in my book, and you should definitely give it a try...if you're bored enough :P

...I'll be right back. Forgot my fork.

Moving in and Final Fantasy VII: Last Order

So I'm sort of moved in to my dorm at ucla now...sort of, because i'm not technically supposed to be here. eh, oh well. Most of the rest of my stuff is with somebody who I do not know. I'm supposed to call him, but I haven't yet. Oh well.

Hedrick 7 South is...the same. I already miss Sproul so much...the walk is seriously twice as excruciating, especially since it's up two more hills. They better have udon here or i will be pissed.

I got to see most of the Sproul 4 North gang yesterday, although I only saw may for 2 seconds cuz she was moving in and I was lugging my monitor up the hill. Still, it was good to see you guys. Come up tonight for Lost! The second season premieres at 8PM on ABC. Be here...or be...uh...fear.

Anyway, my anime wanderings has led me to this:

Apparently it's some sort of single episode of Final Fantasy VII describing what happened during those mysterious 5 years that are so vague in the game. I'm not sure if it's gonna become a series, but I doubt it.

Like Advent Children, you'll really need an understanding of what happened in the game to be able to understand what's going on here. A lot of the scenes are actually taken from the game, so veterans will be able to recognize things like this:

Burn, baby, burn!

The episode is passable, but nothing really special. There are a few action scenes, none of which are really that great, either compared to other anime or to Advent Children. The story is interesting, simply because it's ff7, although nothing new is revealed...The sound is alright...there were only a few music themes that I recognized...although I suppose they couldn't cram it all in a 20 minute episode.

Cloud pulls a Naruto. He forgot the 'Dattebayo!' at the end though.

Mildly entertaining, but not as good as Advent Children. It has the potential to get better though...if they make more episodes that is.

You want a number? Fine.

Final Fantasy VII: Last Order - 3/5

Advent Children Review / I don't want to finish packing

Why is it that I don't want to finish packing even though I'm 95% done? In any case, if you don't want to be spoiled at all for Advent Children, don't look at the pictures, don't read the review, and don't...well...don't come to this site, cuz this is probably gonna be here for awhile. Oh, just as a warning, i'm going to be using the word "pretty" a lot in this review.

Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children - 8/10

Advent Children came out in Japan on the 13th of September 2005, and I've had the great fortune of watching it twice already, once on a laptop, and once with a projector (I recommend the projector :D). For those of you awaiting an American release - i fear the dub - as of this date there has yet to be word on that. But I think I read somewhere that the american release would follow the Japanese one by a month at latest.

Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within was admittedly a big flop, and like a multi-billion dollar net loss (or something like that) for Sony. I wouldn't say Advent Children affords a complete redemption for Final Fantasy cinema, but it's definitely a big step in the right direction. I have to say I was very satisfied with the movie (even though some parts of it were admittedly disappointing), and would recommend it to anybody. Do note that a good background with the game will make the movie a lot easier to understand however...

To get right to the point, the best part of this movie are the graphics/animation/cg...whatever. You know what I mean. This movie is PRETTY. So pretty that I'm not ashamed to use the word pretty. Multiple times. Pretty. Pretttyyyyyy. PRETTY. The things they do...let's just say it's like a feast for your eyes. I mean, I got the feeling that some scenes were just put in to show off what technology can do now. Admittedly, some of the animation is still a little clunky, but overall its fantastic. And not just the battles too, although they were definitely the highlight. Just look:

Look at that detail! You can practically see the dandruff in her hair, and that pimple on her nose.

Of course, there are other things that movies generally tend to have in this day and age besides graphics. Like story, and characters, and sound and all that crap. WHO CARES. BEHOLD THE PRETTY.

Fine, I do care. And unfortunately, it's the story that ultimately prevents Advent Children from being perfect. While the premise is interesting enough, the execution and delivery of the meat of the story leaves me somewhat confused, skeptical, and otherwise unimpressed. Certain plot points just seem too convenient. Admittedly, the version I watched was fan-subbed, so some things may have been lost in translation. Still, I felt that the whole experience could have been dramatically better if the story were up to par with that of the original game.

...but hey, it's so pretty.

The sound and music are excellent as well. Fans of the original FF7 will definitely notice how the developers include very...memorable pieces of music from the game into the movie (all changed slightly of course...there are a lot of piano solos...I want that sheet music).

And hey, in the end, it's a movie about the cast of FF7. Just watching them kick ass guarantees an enjoyable time. Any self-respecting Final Fantasy fan should definitely watch this...and uh sure...buy the dvd when it comes out.

(left): the annoyingest one of them all...her and her materia stealing.

(center): the fairest one of them all...i heart you...

(right): ...or maybe he's the fairest one of them all!

...what, his hair is the most blonde.

Farewell Norcal

Mmm...goodbye to you msj people. It's been fun...(when we were actually doing things that is...not the boring parts). I will see you guys in december!

don't kill me, ucla freshmen...or I'll steal all the condoms.

Seriously, I wonder what this year is going to be like...Me, matt and the RAs are probably going to be the only non-freshmen on the floor...if they're social maniacs then I fear i will be returning to my hermit crab shell.

Then again, for me it's easier meeting people younger than myself...I don't know why. Ah well, we'll see. I miss sproul 426. May and Mela you better take good care of it. And remember, matt has uh...done it...on both the beds! and the room is also infested with his self-made chemical weapons. Matt, you sly devil you.

*upcoming posts in no particular order*

- Summer Movie Reviews

• Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children
• ...and other ones that I feel like reviewing.

- UCLA Move-in 2005

- whatever the heck else i want to bore you with

Basilisk Review

Basilisk - 3.5/5

You can never get enough action in an anime...or at least, that's my opinion. Basilisk is essentially Naruto, except it's much darker, doesn't involve annoying kid ninjas who spout the same 4 lines over and over, and is set in Japanese history. Oh, and did I mention there's lots of action?

The best thing about Basilisk, has to be its ample use of cool ninja fighting. The story behind all this fighting is somewhat generic, but its passable I suppose...anyway, it's all about the fight sequences.

Basically, two ninja clans with a deeply-embedded hatred for one another are trying to kill each other off. Why? Basically because they can. There's very little nonsense, and each episode is filled with...you guessed it. lots of action.

Where Basilisk falls short is with its characters... Unlike Trinity Blood, where the characters are just annoying, Basilisk has several very interesting characters, all of them ninja, each with their own special ability. Unfortunately, you're never given a chance to really connect with these characters, because I can guarantee that at least one major character dies every one or two episodes or so. And since there's only around 20 of them or so, and there's already been 14-15 episodes...you can imagine that there's not many of the original cast that's made it this far.

So basically it comes down to the fighting. And it is cool. And that's good enough for me.

Where are his arms and legs?! Oh wait, that's his special ability. To be able to move without his arms or legs.

Trinity Blood Review

Trinity Blood - 3.5/5

I had just finished Full Metal Alchemist and was looking for something slightly more action packed...and this is what I found. Another vampire anime, there are some new concepts in this one (I think, I haven't seen any other vampire anime...though I hear Hellsing is highly recommended), and overall I'd say it's worth a look. Don't expect to be blown away though. Trinity Blood has a lot of things going for it...but it balances that out with a lot of things that (to me) just aren't that great.

Take for example the main character, Abel Nightroad (above). He may look cool now, but let me assure you - 90% of the time he is a complete idiot. And this is coming from me... Basically this guy has to be the most incompetent main character of any series I've ever seen. It's not even funny how clumsy, awkward, and generally ridiculous this guy acts. You'd think a special agent would be able to...uh, let's see, WALK without falling down once in awhile. Not to mention his voice...it's reached new levels of annoying.

Ok, so my main beef with this show is probably the main character. Everything else is pretty well done, the cg in particular is done very nicely along with the animation. Trinity Blood also features some very nice music that sets the atmosphere well. In terms of story, there are some slow points in the beginning, but right now it's definitely picking up (it's still ongoing, so I have yet to see the ending).

Combat is very nice to look at...the action scenes are very well done - and another bonus -when the main character is in combat, he's not as annoying. Now, if only he were forced to be in combat at all times...

Imagine looking at this for 20 out of 22 minutes, and there you have Trinity Blood.

This is a lot cooler, but remember, you have to sit through 20 minutes of omgiwanttokillthatannoyingbastard before you get to the 2 minutes of this.

Mai Hime Review

Mai Hime - 4/5

Laugh at me and die, but Mai Hime is shamefully similar to Sailor Moon in many respects...and Power Rangers in others. It's basically about this academy whose female students have special powers and can call out special robot summon monster thingamablobs to fight for them as well.

Now, before you've lost all respect for me, let me just say that this series is deceptively good. After you get past the fact that the basic premise is so sad, the series is actually quite deep. The characters are likable, the plot is thick and interesting, and the series gets very dark and tragic towards the end.

It's not perfect though...I was disappointed with the battles mostly because I thought they relied on their summons too much (but then, I think that about all shows/games/etc with summons.) Also, the first half of the show is somewhat slow in terms of plot. It tries to spice it up with some humor, some pervertedness, and some perverted humor, but it doesn't always work.

I didn't like the ending either...a little too much "deus ex machina" for me. Although, that might just be me.

Stop staring you pervs.

Speed Grapher Review

Speed Grapher - 4/5

I was somewhat skeptical about this anime when I first read about it. I had just finished Full Metal Alchemist, and all the episodes of Trinity Blood I could find, and was looking for another series with more action in it to sate my bloodlust, and I stumbled across this series on narutofan.com . At the time it was rated #1 anime series there, so I decided to give it a shot.

Overall, this series is pretty good. The basic premise is about a photographer and him suddenly stumbling upon the ability to blow things up by taking a picture of it. This is actually what gave me pause the first time I was looking at it on narutofan...I mean, I'm all for innovative combat, but killing people by taking their picture?...that's just...weird.

Fortunately, Speed Grapher has a lot going for it besides the action (which admittedly isn't bad at all...it's actually pretty interesting how the guy manages to do it...and there are a lot of other characters who have cooler abilities too. Noteworthy is the main bad guy, who has the ability to use his blood as a weapon. That was really cool, if a bit gross). The plot is suitably interesting...a lot of political intrigue, if you're into that stuff...and then there's the whole thing with how the heck did these guys get these powers.

There are some flaws...some episodes just aren't that interesting, and the female lead can get kind of annoying. Also, personally I just don't like the main character's power. There, I said it. Camera-exploding powers just aren't that cool to me.

...that doesn't look fun...or does it?

The series is still ongoing, so I have yet to see the ending...I'm sincerely hoping that somewhere along the way the main character will have his power...improved. We'll see, I guess.

Oh, and just to warn you if you want to check this series out, there's a lot of graphic...er...well, everything. Nudity, sex, violence, there's even a scene where the guy's girlfriend has sex with him while's he's comatose...i'm not sure if that counts as rape or not...but anyway, be warned.