Sunday, February 20, 2005

   Sheesh! Tough Crowd!!

Bah. So my interview which I thought was pretty good, probably my best yet, has already been voted down. Ouch. I guess people out there are tough critics. Last I checked it was now tied as my lowest rated article yet. Bah. Apparently the article was not interesting to some people. I guess this just goes with the nature of the work, you can't please all the people all the time. I suppose the worst part for me is the fact that I was really excited about this article and there are people poo-pooing on my parade. Part of me feels hurt and wishes I could find out who these poo-pooers are so I could tell them to do an interview of their own and let's see how well they do! They should at least have the guts to say why they didn't like it! It also feel like turning into Roberto from Futurama: I'm gonna go practice my stabbin'! Another part of me feels like I should just let it go since we all know what there are lots of people who just go around, mindlessly voting down articles and art for some pseudo sense of power. Me vote NO, Me vote NO... I could probably ramble on and on about who/what/why people voted my article down. I really need to get over the percentile of my article. I think I should have a bishie break right now. I should take Sanzo's advice...or else! I need to concentrate on the positive comments. There were people who enjoyed my interview and one of the comments I got said the following: "I read an interview on her in an Animerica magazine once. She is so impressive! I hope to amount to her status one day! This interview was way more insightful than Animericas". I appreciate all the positive comments from everyone and have to remember that the NO voters didn't even bother to say why they didn't enjoy the interview. All you guys who left me positive feedback and enjoyed my article, you rock my panda socks! The ones who didn't enjoy it... At least I got to meet someone in the anime industry I admire. My question for today is this: What kind of articles/interviews would you like to see on theOtaku? I have a few ideas of who I want to interview next. I would really like to know who you guys would like to hear from. Leave me a comment and let me know. For those of you in the Northern Hemisphere every February 20th is "Hoodie-Hoo Day"! On this winter day, people go out at noon, wave their hands over their heads and chant "Hoodie-Hoo". It is a day to chase away winter and bring in spring. After all, everyone in the northern hemisphere are sick and tired of winter at this point and a little crazy being cooped up inside all winter and not seeing the sun. So "Hoodie-hoo" to you! Well, I am off to visit sites and check out the OB. Hey, did you guys notice Saturday's episode of Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex on Adult Swim had the Tachikomas in it. Rebecca voiced the one that "belongs" to Batou. Neato huh. Take it easy and I hope you are all having a great weekend. I feel much better getting that rant outta my system. Love you all!

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Saturday, February 19, 2005

   Are pesky giant aliens invading?!

All you need is a pop princess to save your planet! I shall now share the post I wanted to put up earlier but was too busy to get too. I am in a pretty good mood right now. I have been doing some independent contractor work for an anime company and I have almost finished that up. I only have one more assignment to finish and then I am all done. Phew! It's been a bunch of work, but fun. It seems like when I have stuff to do it all piles up at one time. Oh well, at least there is work to do! Thank goodness my RA has flared up in my hands, it has decided to go to my toes....weird disease. >_< I also finished up my latest interview and it really was a lot of fun putting together. I decided in honor of the fun interview I just finished I would put up a few pictures of some of the characters Rebecca has voiced. I don't think I need to tell you guys how excited I was about getting to interview her. I have been listening to her work for years so this really was a big treat for me. ^_^ You better have all read the interview already. It's on the front page of theOtaku. If not, I command all of you to go read the interview...NOW!! "What? I just told you right now!" I have been a fan of anime for as long as I can remember, but I didn't really become obsessed until I saw Robotech back in the mid 1980's. I guess that is because up til that time all the anime I saw was "in the raw" no subs, no dub...just in Japanese. I understand Japanese but not nearly as well as I understand english...so nothing really hooked me like Robotech. When it first came out there was nothing else like it on US television. An animated show that killed off main characters, had a soap opera like themes, interracial relationships...transforming planes!! It didn't talk down to kids which was just amazing. Nowadays we take it all for granted. We have so many anime shows on t.v. but back then, this was a groundbreaking series. I have been a fan and always will be a Robotech fan. Heck, watching Robotech, I am sure, is what planted the seed in my brain that pilots are super sexy. I love pilots. While other little girls dreamt of their "knight in shining armor", I waited for my Veritech flying pilot to come rescue me. Ok, so John doesn't fly a Veritech, but he is a pilot...a flight instructor no less! Now getting to the point, this interview with Rebecca was really special to me. I got to visit with a main character of my all-time favorite anime. Some people don't like Minmei but no matter what, there wouldn't be a story without her. She is the most important character in the story. Rebecca did an amazing job with her voice work with Minmei. I am a fan, what can I say. Let's not forget Rebecca's work as a Tachikoma! If you have been watching Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim you probably saw the episode that followed a Tachikoma out and about on it's own. The voice for that Tachikoma is Rebecca! Like I said in the interview I really love those Tachikomas. I think this is the first time I have ever felt like a piece of mecha was CUTE! Even though they are so spider-like too they are still cute! I really think it has to do with the voice acting. The cute voices make all the difference. I would totally be like Batou and be attached to the Tachikomas! Hooray for Rebecca!! She rocks!! Now for a very old school bishie break for all those Robotech fans. How can the guy in today's bishie break NOT be a bishie. Tall, thin build, over the top anime hair, pilot who will fly in and risk his own life to rescue you...has not just one but TWO very successful and beautiful women fighting over him...all guys should be so lucky! My bishie break for today is none other than... Rick Hunter! Now for your question of the day! Seeing how Rebecca did some singing for Robotech it made me think about anime and gaming music. What is your favorite anime or gaming song? "This is my time to be a staaaaar!!" I love Rebecca's work but I have to say my favorite anime music is from Yoko Kanno. I think her work on Cowboy Bebop is my all time favorite. How can you just not love "Tank!". That just rocks my jazz lovin' socks off!! Oh yes, don't forget that today is "National Chocolate Mint Day"! It's been ages since I had some mint chocolate chip ice cream...that or maybe I should have a York Peppermint Patty!! Hmmmm, yummy, chocolate. I best be getting back to my work. I hope you all liked the new interview and I will be by your sites to chat as soon as I get this work done. I love you all and thanks for always being her for me. You guys totally rock my world! ::huggles::

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   Busy, busy, busy!

Have one, it's organic! Sorry for the lame-o update. I will have something very soon to chat about. Just keep an eye on the front page of theOtaku. Until then, have an Organic Crispy Rice Bar and sit tight. It's Panda approved!!

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Thursday, February 17, 2005

   I'm the Panda...

...in the box. I have been a very busy bear today. I am completely pooped out. I stayed up waaay past my bed time trying to get caught up with all my obligations. I think I am pretty close to getting caught up...but still. I worked on 2 intro banners for myO friends, got my PMs all caught up, guest book caught up, started a background for a friend's myO site, dinked around the OB, approved a bunch of stuff for theOtaku, proof-read a review for a friend and worked though some freelancing work too. Now for some more quoting from Alice in Chains, oh and kudos for those who got the reference in the post title. ^_^ "Won't you come and save me, save me." I need a break from the computer for a bit. >_< I did want to thank you all so much for your positive reviews on my new layout. The minty green-ness of it shall stay until St. Patrick's Day. It sounds as though many of you would like to see what a devil panda theme would be like. I think that will be the next. Not to worry, I will get to the other themes in due time. You guys gave me some great suggestions that cannot be ignored. Well, I think it is time for a bishie break! Aren't they just bishie-licious?! Your question of the day! If you were do dive into a swimming pool filled with something...what would that something be? Chocolate pudding? Stuffed yaks? Nacho cheese? Marshmallows? Styrofoam packaging peanuts? Circus Peanuts? Peanuts? What would you want to dive head long into? Perhaps swimmin' with the sharks? First off, did all of you imagine the items I listed filling a swimming pool? I know I did and the nacho cheese just seemed a bit gross to me. But the marshmallows I am diggin'. I am not a very good swimmer so I don't think I would pick anything I could possibly drown in...like chocolate milk. I love chocolate milk but I wouldn't want my death to be caused by it. I think I would have to choose something like the marshmallows. It would be so soft! I could just get me a nice mug (or a few hundred) of hot cocoa and I would be ready to party! Hot chocolate and marshmallows...yummy. Well, I best be getting back to my writing. I love you all and appreciate all your comments yesterday. I feel loved. ::huggles everyone:: I hope your week is going great and you are having an oh so groovy time. Laters all!

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Wednesday, February 16, 2005

   Always after me Lucky Charms!

Peek-a-boo! Well, I know my posts as of late have been a bit, well, lacking in substance. I am sorry about that. Valentine's Day just puts me all out of sorts. It's been a rough few weeks with my RA and all kinds of craziness going on in my little life. Not to worry, I am still in good spirits. It's all good. Now, let me see here, I am sure you have noticed that I have updated my site layout. I needed to get away from the sugary sweetness of Valentine's Day for something a bit more green. It's been awhile since I had green on my site and I was beginning to miss it. I have also updated my banner and avi on the OB. I did submit a review for Puni Puni Poemy for the site. I just need to wait to see if it gets posted. I think I am a tougher "rater" than the other reviewers. Most reviews have this scoring of 8 to 10. I think I am one of the few (Adam being one of the other reviewers) who rates around the 6 and 7. What can I say, I am a tough critic. Heck, if everyone says their favorite anime is a perfect 10 the rating system is pretty much useless. To each their own right. Anywho... Now I know I have been ignoring the poor guys who visit my site with my bishie breaks. To make up for it I am going to put up a saucy anime girl picture for you guys. I decided to go with one of John's favorites... Mink from Dragon Half! Now for your question of the day! What do you think of the new minty fresh look of my site? Do you like the new St. Patty's Day theme? What theme do you think I should do next? I was thinking about doing something like a devilish panda theme. I haven't done reds on my site in a while. Either that or the other direction and do an angel theme. Or do you think ninja? Sumo? Just a plain ol' panda theme? I don't know. I am kinda leaning towards my true nature of doing a devil panda theme. Don't forget that today is "Do a Grouch a Favor Day"! Hooray, a holiday where you do something nice for someone who won't appreciate your efforts. Nice holiday. Sheesh! >_<;; Eegah, I just got a couple of emails that I need to take care of. The work of a panda is never ending. I hate being sick since all my responsibilities pile up...just like my dirty laundry. I love you all and I hope to be by your sites for a visit soon. You all rock my shamrocks!

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Tuesday, February 15, 2005

   Arrr!

Pludered this from another site! THREE NAMES YOU GO BY: 1. Gail 2. Panda 3. "You're alive!" -Usually the first thing my friends say to me. THREE SCREEN NAMES YOU HAVE HAD: 1. Panda 2. Panda chan 3. Bamboo Bear THREE THINGS YOU LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF: 1. My sense of humor. 2. My laugh. 3. My ablility to remember silly things. THREE THINGS YOU DON'T LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF: 1. Rheumatoid Arthritis. It so does not rock. 2. My weight. All those stupid drugs made me gain weight! Ugh! 3. My eyesight. I can't see without glasses or contact lenses. It sucks! THREE PARTS OF YOUR HERITAGE: 1. Japanese. That is it. 2. 3. THREE THINGS THAT SCARE YOU: 1. Disappointing those who count on me. 2. Being alone. As in no friend or family to care about me. 3. Guinea Pigs. Damn those nasty vicious rodents! THREE OF YOUR EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS: 1. Laptop/internet 2. Anime 3. Using my laptop to write about anime on the internet. THREE THINGS YOU ARE WEARING RIGHT NOW: 1. Nothing but a smile. No, just kidding. Panda Print Pajamas. 2. Panda hoodie. It's cold! 3. Fuzzy black slipper boots. Makes me look like I have panda feet! THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE BANDS: 1. They Might Be Giants. 2. Linkin Park 3. Pearl Jam SIX OF YOUR FAVORITE SONGS AT PRESENT: 1. Lithium Flower- It's been stuck in my brain for days! It's from GITS: SAC 2. Breaking the Habit by Linkin Park- My cell phone ringtone. 3. Open up your Mind from Saiyuki 4. Black by Pearl Jam 5. Tomorrow by Morrissey- Oh the pain in my arms... 6. Love Song by The Cure- No one can ever do this song justice except The Cure! FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR: 1. Vanilla 2. Ben and Jerry's Peanut Butter Cup. 3. Ben and Jerry's Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. THREE NEW THINGS YOU WANT TO TRY IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS: 1. Getting published in a magazine. 2. Dying my hair a brighter color. 3. Lose all the extra weigh I gained from the meds. THREE THINGS YOU WANT IN A RELATIONSHIP (love is a given): 1. Understanding. 2. Shared sense of humor. 3. Compassion. TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE if you can guess the lie, you are amazing: 1. I am missing a finger. 2. I killed a litter of kittens, it wasn't an accident. 3. I have flown a plane. THREE THINGS YOU JUST CAN'T DO: 1. Speak fluent Japanese. 2. Play the piano well. 3. Answer this last question. THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE HOBBIES: 1. Writing. 2. Going to anime conventions. 3. Visiting friends online. IF YOU COULD BE THREE THINGS, WHAT WOULD THEY BE : 1. Wealthy. 2. Healthy. 3. Wise. THREE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO REALLY BADLY RIGHT NOW: 1. Win the lottery. 2. Eat something bad for me like chocolate. 3. Rip out my sore joints. THREE CAREERS YOU'RE CONSIDERING: 1. Freelance writing. 2. Exotic dancer. 3. Stalker. THREE PLACES YOU WANT TO GO ON VACATION: 1. Japan 2. Alaska 3. Europe WHY DO YOU WANT TO GO THERE: 1. Visit family and friends. 2. Go see wildlife. 3. Go visit all theOtaku members and sightseeing. THREE KID'S NAMES: 1. Kamiko 2. Jonathan Kevin 3. Karyn THREE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO BEFORE YOU DIE: 1. Feel comfortable in my body. 2. Travel out of the US. 3. Be completely happy. THREE PEOPLE WHO HAVE TO TAKE THIS QUIZ NOW OR DIE PAINFULLY: 1. Shawn. 2. Kevin. 3. Anyone who is a Panda's Pirate! Arrr! ::huggles::

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Monday, February 14, 2005

   Valentine's Day.

Will you be my Valentine?! My Valentine's Day update is a bit of a downer. So if you are having a very happy holiday I suggest you just skip down til you see the bamboo heart. What can I say, I have some issues with Valentine's Day I need to vent about. Valentine I made a rule about you I made a plan for getting my feet back on the ground. Bury my face in clouds for hours on end but time only flies when you're around. It was cold and dark the last time I saw you. Your hair was long and falling in your eyes. You said my hands were warm and that I was special to you Valentine, You know that I'm fighting this love in vain the sun's been shining for a week but it just feels like rain Valentine. I know you're not mine you're somebody else's flame But when those hearts and flowers fade Oh my darlin', look my way. You say that it's complicated but baby you're wrong. There's nothing more obvious to me. That we're on a trip together 33,000 light years long and I'm hurting so bad 'cause you don't see. The night you walked me home, I gave you a picture of Eden's trees falling to the ground and now I feel, I feel like you're a perfect stranger Without you Valentine, You know that I'm fighting this love in vain the sun's been shining for a week but it just feels like rain Valentine. I know you're not mine You're somebody elses flame. But when those hearts and flowers fade Oh my darlin', look my way Valentine. I know you're not mine And I don't know why you stay But when those hearts and flowers fade Oh my darlin', look my way And I don't know why you stay But when those hearts and flowers fade Oh my darlin', look my way. I have actually typed up a long post, deleted it, started over...twice. I guess I will muddle through this post as best as I can. It is now 2:14am on 2/14. I am listening to the above song as I have every year since 1989. I have always had negative feelings about Valentine's Day. Part has to do with the commercial part of it. Another part has to do with how many people I see depressed on a holiday that is suppose to be such a happy day filled with love. The truth of the matter has to do with a Valentine's Day I had back many, many years ago. Back in grade school we all passed out Valentine cards to our classmates. I had my very first crush and he was in my class. I had been debating between two cards. One that was very generic the other a bit more mushy. I opted for the generic one since I didn't know how he felt about me and I was afraid of loosing him as a friend. When I received my card from him he had handwritten in, in pencil, the words "I like you." At that point I knew I should have given him the other card. I was too scared to let him know that I liked him too, but I held my tongue and didn't say anything. I was afraid he didn't like me the way I like him. I missed my opportunity to find out. Years went by and we were really good friends. We would go to school dances together, dinner and hang out. I always had a crush on him, but kept it pushed all the way down in my heart. I wasn't going to take the chance of loosing a friendship if I said something and he didn't feel the same way. I basically figured we would just be friends and that was it. Every Valentine's Day I hoped for a second chance. Another Valentine so I would know how he felt about me. That Valentine never came. I knew I was just a friend and that was it. I kept that Valentine's card for years and years. We have gone our separate ways now and we each have our own Valentines to spend the holiday with. But for me the years of wishing for a Valentine that would never come has really left me a bit bitter at the holiday. A Bamboo Valentine! Now I don't want anyone to think I am not happy with the Valentine I have now, I love John. He knows that I don't like the holiday. Plus, we don't need a holiday to tell us that we need to tell each other that we love each other! Oh bother, I just need to get over it. Let's have a bishie break. And like I said, I don't need a holiday to remind me of who I love, so it's not going to be Sanzo! Back in the day I felt like Sakura in that little animation. The guy I liked didn't even know I existed. Go figure. Now for your question of the day. Do you like Valentine's Day? Do you have someone special to celebrate with? What was your favorite Valentine? To answer all my own questions: NO, I do not like Valentine's Day. YES, I do have someone special to celebrate with...John! My favorite Valentine was from John and it was a panda card and a single long stemmed red rose. He brought it into my work for me. I wasn't expecting it so it was a pleasant surprise. ^_^ Well, it is late...early...whatever. I best be going to bed before I fall asleep at the computer. I hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day and remember that this little Panda loves you all very much. ::huggles::

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Sunday, February 13, 2005

   Your regular Panda has been replaced...

...with a walking, stalking electronic Panda! I guess this panda is when you need hours of Panda stalking action. :P I am sure many of you have noticed the down time with theOtaku. Currently the site is going through a server change so there are a few glitches. It should all be taken care of by tomorrow. So no worries. I figure right now poor Adam and Justin are getting slammed with emails and PMs about the site being down. They know. Just give them some time to get the site moved over to the new servers and the glitches taken care of. Thank you all for your well wishes. This last few days have been really tough. The RA flare up went from my wrists to include my shoulders. So basically I was a useless torso. I couldn't even answer the phone to put it up to my ear! John did stay home from work to help take care of me. I am such a lucky panda. ^_^ Enough of that let's move on! My bishie break today is Goku! I absolutely love this picture. Now for your question of the day. In the spirit of the Bizarre and Unusual Holiday for today which is "Get a Different Name Day", I would like to know what your name would be? If you can't think of one just use this Retarded Anime Fan Name Generator from Rum and Monkey. My Kawaii Kawaii Sugoi Nihongo Namae is Magical Pretty Girl Angel Bentou Box -Chan. Take The Retarded Anime Fan Name Generator today! Created with Rum and Monkey's Name Generator Generator. So my name is Magical Pretty Girl Angel Lunch Box? Now that is a lame Otaku name! Oh well, this all in fun anyways. Well, I need to take care of some work. I love you all and I hope you are all having a great weekend! ::huggles::

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Friday, February 11, 2005

   Ouch.

Bah. I am sorry, I am still not feeling well. I hope to be back soon. I love you all. ::huggles::

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Wednesday, February 9, 2005

   I'm tired.

literally. I am sorry I haven't been by to visit. I have been trying to get that stuff done for the magazine. Bah. As soon as I am done with that I will be by to visit your sites. Happy Chinese New Year to everyone. I love you all! ::huggles::

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