Friday, December 3, 2004

   I scream, you scream...

We all scream for ice cream! I really didn't do much today so I don't have much to talk about today. Thus, the ice cream. Get some ice cream and read this super short post. You guys get off easy today, no boring Panda ramblings. Let's just go straight to a bishie break. Goku and Sanzo. Question of the day- What are you doing for the holidays? I am celebrating with John's parents, brother, my brother all at my parents' place. It should be nice to get the family all together again. We are also going to be making mochi (sweet rice cakes) for the new year. Definitely one of my favorite family traditions. ^_^ Don't forget, December 3rd is "National Roof over Your Head Day" and "National Fritters Day"! Well, take care all and I will chat with you all later. Love you all. ::huggles::

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Thursday, December 2, 2004

   Tis' the Season!

Panda knows who has been naughty and nice! To begin with I want to give a big thank you to all who voted on my Totoro fan art. I am glad you guys liked him. ^_^ I also wanted to make sure everyone noticed the latest news announcements on the front page. Adam has added a few new hubs to the site. If we want these hubs to stay open there needs to be things submitted under them. I did make some wallpapers and greeting cards for the Gungrave hub. If you know anyone who has art/wallpapers/greetings submitted under the "original" section and they actually fit into any of the new hubs, be sure to tell them to transfer them over. Empty hubs will become closed hubs unless submissions are made. Go my evil minions, tell the masses of the changes to the site!! Submit!! Submit!! SUBMIT!!! Submit to the new hubs that is. :P I am all alone this week. John is away on a business trip so I am flying solo this week. ::looks around:: It sure is quite around the house without him here. I did go out to dinner with my parents tonight. We had some yummy Chinese food. My fortune cookie said: "You will receive the pleasant surprise of money in the near future.", now that would be a very pleasant surprise! I could really use the money right now! ::opens wallet, moth flies out:: Let's take this moment for a holiday bishie break! Happy Holidays! My question of the day is fitting with the theme of today's post. I want all of you to tell Santa Panda what is on your holiday wish list! Let's narrow it down (or increase it for those of you who aren't greedy) to five items. Make sure these are realistic items that are a real possibility in getting. So no trips to Mars in your own personal spaceship piloted by bishonen guys or big breasted anime school girls! Get out the bamboo cookies since Santa Panda is ready to read those lists! My wish list consists of: 1. Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex on DVD. 2. Subscription to Newtype. 3. Inu Yasha series and movies on DVD 4. Castle in the Sky on DVD (I only have it in Japanese!) 5. Paranoia Agent on DVD Just for fun, if I had one wild wish it would be for the movie Xanadu to be re-enacted by the staff of theOtaku with James in the role of Olivia Newton-John. A roller skating musical extravaganza for the senses!! Come on now, you know you all want to see James on roller skates singing the Xanadu song...or is that just me? What?! Haven't you ever seen a roller skating Greek Goddess before?! Now it is time for your Bizarre and Unusual Holiday reminder for December 2nd!! It is "Eat a Red Apple Day" and "National Pie Day"!! If you were to eat an apple pie made from Red Delicious Apples you can celebrate both holidays at the same time!! I am a crafty one aren't I! Or for you fans of Strong Bad, how about a tall refreshing glass of pie-monade! Ok, enough of that silliness. I am off to visit sites. I hope you are all having a wonderful week filled with much happiness and holiday cheer. Love you all and I'll be seeing you around the site. ::huggles::

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Wednesday, December 1, 2004

   Celebration is in the air!

Happy Birthday to the December Babies! It may be the last month of the year but it is definitely not void of reasons to celebrate! To start off let's wish all the December birthdays the very best on their special day! In addition to that all of December is "Bingo Month" and "Write a Friend Month"! Let's not forget our daily Bizarre and Unusual Holiday reminder! December 1st is "AIDS Awareness Day". Not really that bizarre or unusual, but a holiday none the less! Oh yes, and there is that little known holiday of Christmas this month too! Hopefully by the time you make it to the last day of the month you won't be completely pooped out from all the parties and festivities so you can ring in the new year! Phew! Lots of stuff going on this month! I think we need a bishie break! All I want for Christmas... Now time for your question for the day! Well, another easy one for you guys since I am at a loss as to what to ask you guys. So, in honor of the holiday season...What is your crappy little elf name? Just use that link to the Rum and Monkey site and have a go at it! My crappy little elf name is Grizzle Nobblewit. What's yours? Powered by Rum and Monkey. Ah yes, like R & M said, I do feel smaller... faster... pointier... elfier! Now before I end my post for today I wanted to give you all a gift. Happy Holidays Everyone!! I decided to draw Totoro with a surprise gift for you! I drew it from the heart as a thank you for all your support and friendship. I love you guys very much and hope all the happiness in the future for all of you. ::huge hug:: I am also submitting him to the fan art section of the site so if you get some time go vote on him. ~_^ Happy Holidays to all my friends on theOtaku!! ::huggles::

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Tuesday, November 30, 2004

   Huzzah!!

I need to take that advice. I felt soooooo much better today. I am still trying to catch up on everyone's sites so if I haven't made it to you yet, don't fear, a panda is near! I should be finishing making the rounds by today. Thanks for being understanding. Thanksgiving, my anniversary, major RA flare up, chemo injections...I can make excuses til the yaks come home. You guys have always been great friends and so supportive. Thanks. ::hugs:: I felt so good I actually started some new fan art for the site. It is going to be my holiday picture gift to all of you. I should have it posted soon. I'll let you know when I submit it. Speaking of which, I did submit my December convention list. It's posted in the news section for your enjoyment. ^_^ Today I figured I would post my autograph from Toshiharu Murata to share with you guys instead of the typical bishie break. Well, it does have Katana in it so I guess you can still consider it a bishie break. Anywho...you might be familiar with Toshiharu Murata character design work in "Blue Submarine #6", "Burn-up Scramble", and "Hellsing". Murata also had a major role in the mechanical layout of "Gad Guard", "GetBackers", and "eX-Driver". He also worked on the mecha in the "You're Under Arrest!" comic book. Sorry the very bottom of it was cut off, my scanner isn't wide enough to get it all. Enjoy anyway! Toshiharu Murata's autograph. The question of the day-Are you a Mystery Science Theater 3000 fan? Do you prefer Mike or Joel? What is your all time favorite episode? "Good?! He's the best!" My all time favorite episode is "Pod People". I won't even start explaining why this episode is the best one ever! I do prefer Joel to Mike, I was sad when Joel left. ::cries:: Mind you, I like Mike, but Joel is just the best with the bots. Joel: All right! All right, let's do it again! You come in late girls, again, you're out. All right? All right, from the top. With a pickle mind, we kick the nipple beer. Steady as a goat, we're flying over trout. Ghetto down the highway at the speed of light. All I want to feel now is the wind in my eyes. Sack of monkeys in my pocket, my sister's ready to go. Joel, Crow and Servo: Hear the engines roll now. Gypsy: Hear the engines roll now. Joel, Crow and Servo: Idiot control now. Gypsy: Idiot control now. Joel, Crow and Servo: Hideous control now. Gypsy: Hideous control now. Joel, Crow and Servo: Nitty on the road now. Gypsy: Nitty on the road now. Joel, Crow and Servo: Midi in control, wheels on fire, burning rubber tires! Gypsy: Rubber tires! Dr. F: He's pretty good. Frank: Good? He's the BEST! Joel, Crow and Servo: Near each other rolls now. Gypsy: Near... now. Joel, Crow and Servo: He really loves me, go now. Gypsy: He... loves... go. Joel, Crow and Servo: Needy inches bow down. Gypsy: Bow down! Joel, Crow and Servo: Pity and a poor boy. Gypsy: Poor boy! Joel, Crow and Servo: Hear the engines roll, bees on pie, burning rubber tires. Gypsy: Tires! Dr. F: Oh great. Frank: Say! Dr. F: Pretty good. Frank: Yeah! Dr. F: Whadda ya think? Joel: It stinks! Your Bizarre and Unusual Holiday for November 30th is "Stay At Home Because You Are Well Day"! I really don't think I need to explain to you guys how to celebrate this holiday! ~_^ Stay home and party like a Panda! I guess that is about it for today. I love you all and I am off to finish visiting the sites I haven't made it by yet. Have a great day and don't forget to celebrate the holiday today! ::huggles::

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Monday, November 29, 2004

   Panda and the PS2?

You want MY art? Something interesting happened to me today. I am sure I have mentioned before that John had illustrated the cover to a kids' book, well, the author of the book wants to make a PS2 game and wanted John to do some character designs. It's not a sure thing since this is all just "in the works" and they are just getting ideas put together. John suggested I submit some of my own work and see if they (the author and the team putting together the game) like the characters. So I am going to send off some of my original character design and let them take a look at them. What a trip huh! Wouldn't that be crazy if my design became the character design for a PS2 game?! Not like I am holding out much hope since John is also submitting work and he actually is a good artist. Darn him and his years of practicing, art school degree and talent!! If John's design gets picked I will be just as, if not more, happy about it. Keep your fingers crossed they actually decide to make a game. ^_^ Let's take a bishie break! Peacemaker guys! Now, question time! Let's take a walk down memory lane. With the holidays upon us I thought this was fairly appropriate for the season. What was your favorite toy as a child? Was it an action figure? Doll or stuffed animal? A game of some type? Legos? What toy did you absolutely love as a kid? My horse was named Charlie. My favorite toy was a stuffed horse who looks very much like the picture above. I named him Charlie. Yes, he was a Charlie Horse. Yeah, I know, I was only 3 years old when I named him. I had no idea that a leg cramp was also called a "charlie horse". I got Charlie when I was in the hospital after a farming accident. He is still with me now. He gets to hang out with a huge pile-o-pandas in the game room. I really should post a picture of that. It's pretty funny. All these stuffed pandas and one little old brown horse in the middle. ^_^ Now, moving on to your Bizarre and Unusual Holiday reminder! November 29th is Square Dance Day!! So everybody grab your partners and get ready for a knee slappin' good time! Dance panda dance!! Well, I am feeling a bit better today. I did make it to a few sites, but not everyone. Sorry to those of you I haven't visited yet! I love you guys so much. ::giant panda bear hug:: I hope to be back on my normal schedule this week. I did take some of my heavy duty pain meds which is why I am feeling better...but it makes me feel a bit medicine-y. I feel like I am in a fish bowl. I am sure you guys have felt that way when taking too many cold meds. Well, pain meds are like that, but they can also make you see things. @_@ Lucky for me John has been home with me this entire time to keep track of me. Put it this way. Brynner's fish toy ended up in my underwear drawer. If I am putting dog toys in my dresser, where am I putting my underwear?! I better go search around my house for other misplaced items. >_<;; ::huggles::

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Sunday, November 28, 2004

   Still not up to par.

Arrrgh! I am still not feeling my best so this is going to be a bit of a short update. Today I spent most of the day trying to get my joints working. It was also the first day we had some snow. It didn't stick around but it looked pretty while it was falling. The weather change really messes with my arthritis. Bah. I just feel icky. I appreciate all of you who are still visiting me during this rough patch. I appreciate it, it really does bring my spirits up. ^_^ I watched a video tape of a bunch of Japanese shows my mom gave me. The low point was a variety show where all the guests were singing "Tomorrow" from "Annie" in Japanese and English. This was the big closing number. What made it even better than the normal broadway version, it was like a loungy remix. O_o;; At least right after that was a Lupin the Third movie. ^_^ Let's break for some bishies! Spike and Vicious. I don't think I have ever done a bishie break from Cowboy Bebop. So here ya go Bebop fans. ^_^ Now let's move on to the question of the day! What is the longest you have ever stuck with an activity in a sitting? In other words, what is the longest consecutive time you have spent reading a book, watching movies, playing a game, drawing...without leaving to do something else? Bathroom breaks and meals are exempt from the rule. For me it would have to be an anime marathon. I watched Ranma 1/2 for 2 full days straight. Only leaving the living room to grab some food and bathroom breaks. It was tedious! Needless to say, I don't think I can watch that much Ranma in one sitting again without going crazy...err...crazier. @_@ Speaking of crazy, your Bizarre and Unusual Holiday for November 28th is...Red Planet Day! Everyone needs to go out and so something to celebrate their favorite Red Planet! I think a movie (not marathon!) would be an appropriate way to celebrate! How about this one! It's by Cinemagic! Well I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend. I love you all and hope to be feeling better soon so I can make it to sites soon. ::huggles::

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Saturday, November 27, 2004

   Shampoo?!

Unfortunately for you guys I am at a loss as to what to write about. I think I will theme my post after whatever commercial comes on next. ::waits for commercial break:: And the winner is......shampoo!! No, not that Shampoo...the kind for your hair. Useless Hair Trivia! -The combined strength of all the hair on a human head when you weave it into a rope can support the weight of about 400 people. -The average adult human hair can stretch 25% it's length, unless it isn't healthy. -Hair grows fastest in summer, slowest in winter. Now we all know that the best hair in the world is ANIME HAIR!! It's so big! It never tangles! It comes in so many different colors! Can you even imagine having to deal with hair like Chii?! Styling hair like Yugi?! Anime hair is truly amazing. Now let's take a break for some really great anime hair that could be real hair! It's time for a great hair bishie break! Why can't my hair look like Duo's?! Time for your easy question of the day! What kind of shampoo do you use? I use KMS Color Vitality Shampoo and Conditioner. It's one of those shampoos that you can "only get at a salon". I usually pick up more when I go to get my hair cut and colored. I have red and copper highlights in my black hair. I really love that shampoo. It makes my hair smell really good and very soft. It costs a bit more than the stuff you can buy at the local "Mart" but I think it is worth it. If there is one thing I spend money on dealing with my looks is my hair care. I guess you can say it is a little treat for myself. ^_^ Panda's Shampoo! Now time for our Bizarre and Unusual Holiday reminder! November 27th is Pins and Needles Day! I have enough of needles every week that I don't think I am going to celebrate this holiday today. I can say I am celebrating it next Tuesday when I get my injection. :P I guess that is about it. Sorry I haven't been around much. My RA really flared up and I am having a rough time. I can't even hold my phone up to my ear to call anyone. Lucky John is off from work to keep me company. I would be at a total loss if I didn't have him here to help me out. When I am feeling better I will make the rounds. I love you all and hope you are having a great weekend. ::huggles::

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Friday, November 26, 2004

   Thanks everyone!

I am so full!! Just a quick update for everyone. We had a wonderful time celebrating Thanksgiving and our anniversary. I just got in the door so I have to take care of stuff around the site. Special thanks to Solo for being ever so wonderful as to watch the OL today. You rock. ::big bear hug:: Now everyone go visit Solo to tell him just how groovy he is. ^_^ I will make the rounds to visit everyone after a good nights rest. I love you all and hope your day was as wonderful as mine. ::huggles::

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Thursday, November 25, 2004

   Happy Thanks-Ani-giving-versary!

Happy Anniversary John! Well, many of us are celebrating Thanksgiving today, but John (Novapup) and I are also celebrating our 9th wedding anniversary! Yup, November 25, 1995 we got hitched. So today is going to be an extra special Thanksgiving. We are traveling with my parents and brother up north to visit John's parents and his brother to all have the holiday together. It should be very nice. It seems like it was only yesterday... We should be having a nice traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings...Turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, pies, sushi, steamed rice....you know, the normal Thanksgiving stuff. I shall go eat until I can't eat anymore! It's going to be nice to be able to spend our anniversary with our family. Hey, doesn't everyone have sushi and rice during the holidays?! Time for a Thanksgiving bishie break! Goku is ready for Thanksgiving! Now for your highly anticipated question of the day!!! ::pulls string, 2 pieces of confetti, one streamer and a deflated balloon fall:: Well that wasn't to impressive. Thanksgiving is today for those of us in the States but that doesn't mean we can't all be thankful all around the world. My question to all of you is this: What are you thankful for? I am thankful that I have supportive friends and family. With my health not being so great everyone has been a great source of strength for me. I know there is no way I would be able to continue on with out you guys. Visits from my friends to check in on me, phone calls to cheer me up, emails with encouraging words...it all means so much for me. When I feel like giving up and drowning in my own pity party these sentiments gives me the much needed strength I need. I have days when I am so painful and sick I can't get out of bed, those are the days I will get an email or call from someone to help me along. I am so thankful for a wonderful group of friends and my family. I really am blessed. ^_^ Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!! November 25th is also National Parfait Day! To quote Donkey from Shrek, "Everybody loves parfait!" Well, I wish you all the best and hope everyone is having a wonderful week. I love you all and hope everyone has a very Happy Thanksgiving. Now, Christmas is only one month away...are you ready?! @_@ ::huggles::

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Wednesday, November 24, 2004

   You just can't please them all.

I got poo-pooed on my review rating! Well, that is to be expected. ::chuckles:: Everyone who is a fan of an anime will think it deserves to be rated higher than whatever you give it. I saw in the comments on "Wolf's Rain" that someone felt it should have been given a 10/10 rating. I like "Wolf's Rain" but a 10, I don't think so. . After all, it's a review and those are based on opinions. Everyone has their own opinions afterall. At least I didn't get roasted like Adam did on his Vampire Hunter D review! >_<;; I wonder how the other reviewers decide their rating system. I break it down this way for those of you who are curious. -Is the story cohesive, does it make sense or does it have lots of loose ends and plot holes? -Are the characters well developed? Will the viewer bond with the characters or are they too bland to care about? -Is the animations quality superb? Does it have glitchy animation? -Is it something fans of the genre will enjoy? Will the target market enjoy the film? -Is it ground-breaking in some way? An instant classic? Innovative in storytelling/animation/music? And the most important in my decision making on ratings... -Will it be widely acceptable to all different demographics. Will adults, teenagers and children all enjoy the anime? Those are my main criteria in deciding on my rating. I feel the last one is the most important and carries much of the weight of my rating decision. I feel that is pretty reasonable rating system. I try to keep my review and rating separate. It's really tough deciding, after all many reviewers are reviewing anime they enjoyed watching. If everyone gave their favorite anime a 10/10 rating there really wouldn't be a point in a rating system. That's why I try to keep them separate. Why am I going on about this? Well because I am having a brain fart as to what to write about. Let's take a bishie break! Poor Jiro, he's upset I gave his anime a 6/10 rating. I figured I would at least give the poor guy a moment in the spotlight, or at least my bishie break, since I gave his anime such a poor score. ~_^ Now let's move on to the question of the day! With Thanksgiving tomorrow for those of us in the US many people will be indulging in the time honored tradition of over eating. Don't worry, I am not trying to make you think of that picture from yesterday...oops, I guess I just made you think of it. >_<;; Sorry! Anyway, back on topic...what is the most unusual (to you) thing you have eatten? I know I have asked this before but in between that time you could have eaten something interesting! Jellyfish! For me it's jellyfish. It has a really weird texture to it. Squishy on the outside with a crunchy inside. Very salty too. I ate it, but I don't think I will ever get it on my own. I know many foods that are unusual for one person may be completely normal to someone else. For instance, I ate buffalo a couple of nights ago. I am not sure how many people eat buffalo but I am guessing it is probably not as many as eat beef. So spill the beans and let's share our own "bountiful harvest" of unusual foods in honor of Thanksgiving! Oh! Speaking of bizarre, there is no Bizarre and Unusual Holiday for November 24th...how bizarre and unusual! Well, I love you all and I am now off to visit sites, submit my latest piece of Azumanga Daioh fan art and a bunch of new wallpapers and greetings and one summary for an anime hub that was missing one. I've been a busy bee huh. lol Hugs and Kisses to all of you! ::huggles::

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