Tricia's Mandatory Blog

Blankety-Blank

2007-02-07T12:32:00.000-08:00

Dear lord I'm facing the same problem my sister has over on her livejournal: a lack of topics to write about. However, I hope the end to Ralph's story in 52 isn't crass-tastic.

Return of From the Bookshelf

2007-02-04T15:59:00.000-08:00

Hiya today I review more comics for you:

Rg Veda Vol 8: Knowing what I know about Kokumoten I actually feel sorry for him since his bitchy wife and daughter actually do care about him. (In a wierd dysfunctional way). The Six Stars predictions on how the story will end is a hoot.

Yu-Gi-Oh Vol 10: Mai seems to change pretty quickly while Kaiba is still the same, Joey really didn't need to be yelled at.

Ghost World: Nice that they poked fun at revolunaries, I wonder if the title comes from the fact that the two main characters don't know very much about the people they talk about.

Green Lantern #16: When is Cowgirl going to become the sluttified Star Sapphire? At least the JLA is easier on Hal.

The Helm of Fate: Ibis the Invincible #1: Not actually bad despite the fact that it suffers from second-stringer syndrome. I bet Danny secerely imprinted the new costume so he could look cool.

Transformers Spotlight #2: Nightbeat: Nice to know that the Ark's disapperance has been noted by Cybertron. At least Nightbeat investigates things during this so-so story.

Maybe I should start a fan club in the vein of K.N.O.B.B or H.E.A.T in order to bring back certain second-stringers, Ladies of Infinity Inc. anyone?

I gave blood yesterday.

2007-02-03T13:35:00.000-08:00

I freaked out because my blood pressure was 90/60! I repeately asked the nurse if this was normal and she said it was. I never had low blood pressure before, it's ususally good.My Mom sometimes had low blood pressure so I wonder if I inherited this from her. I had to wait a long time to give blood, this happened before which makes me wonder if students really want to give blood. I ate lunch and looked at jewerly. After that I went to the mall, bought strawberry body butter and looked at books.

The Tragety of Jean Teasdale (Online edition)

2007-01-31T11:39:00.000-08:00

Holly and I are reading The Onion, we are mostly into the life of one of the fictional characters Jean Teasdale. At first it looks like she is bubbly and sweet but then it turns out she is shallow and uses her sweetness to hide from the world. She is also unable to handle criticism, seeing as an attack by people who "can't see the joy in life." Holl thinks she's going to break down and hold her husband Rick hostage until he impregnants her.

I have to admit her fuzzies pictures are cute.

Mom Came Yesterday.

2007-01-28T13:57:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we met our Mom at Ala Moana, it was a short visit in which Mom took some kids to Science Bowl. (A state science quiz show with competing schools). We met the kids and ate dinner at the Food Court. Mom also tried to get a new cell phone, don't know if she succeeded. Also found out about the new Pokemon which has a baby form of Chancey! Can't wait to buy a Pinpuku plushie, or whatever they call her in America;)

The Movie was better than the Book!

2007-01-26T12:36:00.000-08:00

I read the short stories that make up Akira Kurosawa's movie Rashomon, In a Bamboo Grove and the movie-title story. Let me say that this led me to believe the movie made the story BETTER. Mostly by allowing the woodcutter to witness the crime. In the short story it stops with the dead husband. But by allowing someone who didn't particpate, we can attend a small degree of distance. The story is made deeper by showing all the people involved in the crime sillier than they paint themselves out to be. It also makes a stronger case for the story's theme of the subjectivety of truth and that people will willingly lie to make themselves look good.

Anyway it's still better than the story!

Me and Silent Movies

2007-01-24T11:58:00.000-08:00

For some reason, I enjoy watching silent movies. Anyway I borrowed Treasures from the American Film Archives disk one and I found some surprising things. Mostly that even during the first part of the American century women could be strong and westerns can be harsh. (However this may be the exception that proves the rule). If I find any more intresting things I'll be sure to tell you.

To Everybody In the Low-Rise Wainani Buildings

2007-01-21T17:56:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry that the fire alarm went off last night. My friend Quincy was trying to make Spam with flour and he put the flour in the pan. It didn't burn, but it did cause a lot of smoke. The guy next door had to call security to turn it off and I apologized immensely. He was cool about it, and I want to extend it to all of you, please don't be angry with me!

Chair Advosry Board

2007-01-18T14:15:00.000-08:00

Please be aware that if you rock your chair violently for fun while watching Kagemusha understand that it may fall backwards with the dumb-ass included. At the very least you should clear the floor of any breakable items. Although you can break bones doing this, often you can also get a mild bruise.

Thank You.

My Weekend

2007-01-16T14:31:00.000-08:00

Hi, a lot happened this weekend, Mom and Dad came to visit and we went to Costco's to restock. It was uneventful for Holly and I but not for Mom. She came down with stomach flu and had to leave Honolulu, I was worried for both me and her since I shared some water with her but it never developed. Saturna Cakes near Boarders opened and guess what they have: Kona Coffee Blancmange! I may want to try it out.

Jack Levin: Cool Guy

2007-01-11T14:45:00.000-08:00

A water pipe broke near Hale Wainani! As a result we have low water pressure, but enough about that, I'm going to tell you how I finally learned to love F-Zero.

I would be intrested and read up on it, but I never did got the game until the controverisal F-Zero: GP Legend/Legend of Falcon anime came out then I became a fan! (If it helps although I don't hate Rick Wheeler I felt that he should have been in the games first before starring in the anime. Similar problems plauged the Kirby series). I have yet to play X, Climax, or Maximum Velocity but want to track them down.

Oh by the way Holly and I like Jody Summer, Jack Levin and Octoman among others, (We're still pissed that Octoman became a bad guy in the anime).

I Love F-Zero!

2007-01-10T13:52:00.000-08:00

Besides Pilotwings I also have a great fondness for F-Zero, the futuristic car racing game from Nintendo. Right now I'm playing through F-Zero GX trying to unlock all the cars, it's hard but fun. (In fact I think two reviewers from EGM gave it a 7 because of it). Come back tomorrow when I talk about how I got interested in the series.

I'm Back

2007-01-08T15:56:00.000-08:00

Okay, school's started up again and I'm already tired from having to buy books, food, trash bags, Paxil, and pick up checks until a new box arrives. Furthermore I have to wait until I pay my Housing before I can get my ID validated and for a practice first-aid kit I need for my KLS class.
Other than that it's been ok, not the worst thing that's happened in this world.

Point/Counterpoint: Justice Society Vol 1

2007-01-04T21:05:00.000-08:00

This is my response to The Comic Treadmill's review of the All-Star revival in the late 1970's. First, the reason the comic may not be very good in my view is that Gerry Conway is one of the writers on it. Conway does not have a very good reputation in the comics field, heck everybody heckled his Justice League run. But it is not as bad as Geoff John's run where the characters constantly faced bleak adventures with no hope or joy in sight. I would say it's middling.

Power Girl: cool character, (despite the fact that the artists tend to draw her with huge MacGuffies) she works best as a cocky young feminist with something to prove. "You've always been a violent neanderthal Uncle Ted!" "Grrrrr....."

I'm not surprized that Sir Justin would opt to stay in Camelot, wasn't he flunged to the 20th century by accident? He and Danielle would probably shuttle back and forth between their two homes;) (I'm talking about Pre-Crisis.)

Why do visions of Titus go through my head when I read about GL losing his TV station: *mimicking Erin's neice Amy* "I'm going to inherit a station and run it into the ground. Oh wait, THAT'S YOU."

Most of the stories are connected by events that hint at the future. It's nice, though they need to work out their drama by varying the various happy/sad events that happen to them.

As a bonus treat we get "The Untold Origin of the Justice Society" and if you are a member of the Yahoo Earth-2 Prime group. Liberty Lawrence has taken that story and added a little more meat into it in "The Dying Days of Degaton" check it out even if it is mostly a recap of the JSA's origins and the comic. However it is an AU so don't be surprized if you see some mentions of Fawcett superheroes, including an appearence by the Big Red Cheese himself.

2007

2007-01-02T15:59:00.000-08:00

Well on New Year's Eve we go up to Grandpa's, eat and set off fireworks. Only this year Aunt Janet was drunk, she's a friendly drunk but I was a little scared until Mom told me about it. We spent most of the time breathing clean air and lighting crappy Morning Glories. (they're these multik-colored swirled sticks that change color as it burns down). We went home early this time since my parents and Uncle were "getting old." Taffy freaked out at the loud noises so we had to pry her out of the back room closet and cover her with a blanket. We then just hanged out until 12 am in which we then went to bed.

New Year's

2006-12-31T14:49:00.000-08:00

Right now its ten to one in Hawaii which means my Dad is cooking food for New Years Eve and Sci-fi channel is running it's obligatory Twilight Zone New Year's Eve-a-thon. What makes New Year's Eve more creepy than the other days. The only truly creepy things is the drunken people lying in their own vomit after chugging down a whole bottle of vodka.

I'll tell you how our party came out, but it will probably be dull and boring. A real Nerds on Parade;)

Old Memories

2006-12-29T20:20:00.000-08:00

So I'm watching old cartoons on Youtube and I notice that Mother Brain sounds like a bitchy black woman. (Sometimes her voice is gender-blurred, but I'm pretty sure most people wouldn't think she really sounded like that, but since she was meant to be comic....) However Mario and Luigi sound great, their voices really reflect what they're like.

We're watching Titus, one of our Christmas presents and it never fails to put a smile on my face. (And I come from a happy family!) Intrestingly, there are a few episodes I haven't seen, but we've seen most of them.

Sorry I'm late.

2006-12-27T19:14:00.000-08:00

I couldn't get onto blogger on Christmas, however we did get the Disinfo "Things We Are Not Supposed to Know" in which we are not surprised at half of the things in there. (We may be angry at the dumb things some of them do, but our illusions were often shattered. Heck we knew the legal age of consent wasn't 18 by watching an episode of Reno 911!)

I'll talk more about the cool stuff we got later.

My God, What is it?

2006-12-23T16:11:00.000-08:00

Today I had to go with Mom to do Christmas grocery shopping, it led to me having to put on my medicine at lunch. (I use ProActive, it really does work, I'm not being paid by them. It may be a bit expensive but trust me when I say do it). Dad and Uncle Rob commented that people are going to buy a lot today. (Pine Isle's and Richard's don't open on sundays). So we should expect to see empty shelves. Maybe I'll get lucky and see Holly say "we're doomed!" she did it last Christmas. We also saw the last half of Big Trouble a movie based on Dave Barry's book of the same name. We thought it worked though we wanted to see scenes from the book they didn't use and lost opportunities for new ones. (Maybe Holly or I will write it down one day).

Nothing Much

2006-12-21T19:52:00.000-08:00

Today frieght, (that's when Uncle Rob's chips and soda comes in). was unusally easy although someone got hurt down at the harbor. Mom wants to make Chex Mix after receving some Muddy Buddies as a gift. I have also rented Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds. For the record, a Scientific American article says it may have been pollutants that made the birds go kaka. I leave you with that cheery thought.

Time's Person of the Year: Tricia Alise Saiki

2006-12-19T11:07:00.000-08:00

My family has heard that Time gave the person of the year award to everybody who uses the Internet. Dad is not impressed, he thinks it's a cop-out. No matter what it is great cannon fodder. So keep on uploading copyrighted shows and music America;)

Christmas Vacation starts

2006-12-17T16:25:00.000-08:00

So I'm back home for the holidays, just before I read The Far Side. Ironically it's content is very mild compared to other comics I've read. Which makes me think that newspaper readers are an easily offended bunch. It's too bad because it is one of the most unique strips during a time when comic strips were using less and less genres. (I dare you to find another dramatic strip besides For Better or Worse that isn't in an alternative paper).

Met up with one of Holly's Lj friends

2006-12-14T22:47:00.000-08:00

Met up with Rice_kracker today, (One of Holly's friends, I am not going to tell you her real name). She came late but we were cool about it. Went to Kaimuki to buy more Christmas presents and make fun of over-sexualized female comic characters. After she left Holly and I had a snack at Cafe Laufer and some Pizza.

PBS Hawaii

2006-12-11T15:02:00.000-08:00

So yesterday I went to the PBS station near our school because I had volunteered to answer phones during their pledge drive. Before hand we ate food and talked to LCC students, they were the ones wearing TV Pro shirts. A person gave us instructions and we went back and forth in cycles to answer phones and wait for the next break. Dessert came later, the shows on were Alisson Krauss/Union Station and Celtic Woman concerts. Some of the highlights of the evening included:

*One or more prank callers who called serveral of us and hanged up.

*Me filling out a form for a fellow student who had her hands full.

*One donor who actually lived in California but wanted to make a contrabution to PBS Hawaii.

*The LCC and Manoa students staying to tour the rest of the studio.

*And free T-shirts.

One more thing: despite what Becky said about us I am actually the low woman on the Communications totem pole. I am not yet a professional in anyway, but it was fun to help out.

So Just What Is Inu-Yasha

2006-12-10T17:15:00.000-08:00

With all respects to that one critic, Inu-Yasha is actually a Fushigi Yugi for boys.

With all that said I actually feel netural towards it, the fandom I love right now is *surprize, surprize* Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door.

Reincarnation doesn't work that way

2006-12-07T15:37:00.000-08:00

Read The Return of Hawkman, I can spot serveral problems with this. For one if Kendra's soul actually went to Heaven then Sheria would actually have no memories of Kendra's life. The same soul is reborn again and again, it is NOT the transfer of memories from a dead person to a living one.

Unless Kendra's memories were put into Sheria in order to keep her safe until Carter came back then I'd understand;)

Our parents visit: the final post

2006-12-05T12:25:00.000-08:00

So on monday Mom and Dad took a rest, we were supposed to meet them at one but it ended up being at four o'clock. We went to Costco to buy toilet articles, I searched for toilet tissue. First I couldn't find it, then I found out it was in a cardboard box, then I had to carry said box around. An old guy took a big package of dried blueberries from our cart and Mom caught him. She wouldn't let up on that, we then decided to go to Outback Steakhouse and later Boarders. I did buy L.A. Confidental, Holl bought a Doc Savage reprint, my Dad used to read those books. While we didn't get chewed out by Dad for our sloppy apartment we got chewed out by MOM. We said goodbye, we can't meet today since my last class ends at 2:30 pm. So that's it.

Our parents visit: part two

2006-12-05T00:02:00.000-08:00

So on sunday we went to Pearlridge to pick out a piece of expensive jewelry, we went to three stores before we picked out a piece. I chose a pair of emerald/diamond earrings and Holly chose a pearl crab with diamond eyes, it's quite cute. Dad and I made fun of old ads at Hallmark, they had these "nostalgia booklets" that has facts from the year you were born. We had dinner and went back home. I'll wrap it up tomorrow.

Our parents visit: part one

2006-12-04T00:18:00.000-08:00

On saturday we went to Ala Moana for Christmas shopping, also they bought A Fish Called Wanda to Honolulu so Holly could watch it. I bought gifts which I can't tell about in my blog because my friends and family might read this. (I might tell after Christmas). We had lunch at Ruby Tuesdays in which most of us had burgers and a Blonde (A Chocolate Chip Walnut cookie with caramel syrup and vanilla ice cream). that was better than the last time I ate it. We were very tired at the end of the day so we ate fast food and went home.

More tomorrow.

Margret Atwood

2006-12-01T14:43:00.000-08:00

I was at the library yesterday as part of a writing exercise from A Writers Book of Days and I finished Margret Atwoods Good Bones and Simple Murders. It's a very small book that contains "flash fiction" very short stories. In it she talks about things like bats, creating your own man, a love affair with Raymond Chandler and Holly and mines personal favorite "Happy Endings." I now have a growing respect for Margret Atwood since she has a morderent wit amongst her heavy subjects. I remember her first short story collection Dancing Girls depressed the hell out of me. But Bluebeard's Egg nicely balanced it out with humor, not to mention that I love her poetry;) Still need to finish Alias Grace and The Blind Assassin.

Go Goom U!

2006-11-30T16:55:00.000-08:00

Holly and I are obsessed with Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door. Especially with Christine/Goombella and the Punies. Our parents are coming here this weekend to go to the Doctor's and to get all their Christmas shopping done early. Which means Holly and I have to clean our apt. I'll give you updates as it comes.

Good to the Last Drop

2006-11-28T12:47:00.000-08:00

Something wierd happened in my Tea class, apparently my guest has a cold and couldn't drink the tea so I had to drink it. The TA gave me a cracker, it also happened to be the day I drunk a small latte. Anyway I had to refuse to be a guest since I didn't want to drink too many cups of tea;)!

DVD's: Psycho and The Navigator

2006-11-27T15:01:00.000-08:00

Now I'm going to talk about the movies I rented from Netflix:

Psycho: It is a good thriller all in all, at the end I thought Norman's dead mother had come to comment on her son's pathetic life. Then I realize that's just his own voice talking. We are treated to more shots of the corpse after the inital shock which is far more scarier. The infamous shower scene was actually bloodier in conception. To be honest I watch movies from beginning to end which is why I looked at Psycho's PR stunt in indifference. (Granted this was during matinees where you can walk in at any time).

The Navigator: At first this movie is more like Rich Gits Try to Fend For Themselves, as it progresses they become more self-suffient. For that alone the movie is worth a peek, (besides the star power of Buster Keaton). Also on the disk is The Boat where the main character does stupid guy things and Love Nest, (an ironic title since most sailors will become 'gay' during long trips to satify their sex cravings).

Hi kids, I'm back!

2006-11-26T18:23:00.000-08:00

I'm back from my trip, it was great I mostly relaxed and ate very good Thanksgiving food. Mostly twice-baked potatoes, won-tons and shrimp, (I'm not a big fan of turkey, though I did ate some). I caught a damn cold on friday, luckily we didn't have to do freight since Uncle Rob took care of it. Holly and I did have to do the stores by ourselves since Dad was very tired, but we didn't mind. Taffy stayed outside while we prepared the meal. Come back tomorrow when I'll have reviews of the movies I watched at home.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2006-11-22T14:29:00.000-08:00

My #@~! Super NES went on the fritz and won't respond to a good cleaning! Oh well, at least Holly and I get to go home for Thanksgiving tomorrow. So you may not get a new post from me until Sunday. See you soon!

Jigglypuffs will always be there

2006-11-20T15:04:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I saw a butt load of video game commericals both Japanese and American, and it's so intresting that I have to share:

Damn Japan has some cool ads, among them are the cinematic Rocket Slime ad, Mario welcoming the Super NES by singing and then attacking Bowser, Yoshi singing to an example song from Mario Paint and the Sega! chant said whenever Sega products appeared.

In fact sometimes the Japanese ads are different from the American ads, The American Super NES ads mostly showed screen shots from Super Mario World.

But there are times when they are exactly the same such as the Nintendo DS Pokemon Trozei ad and the Super Mario Kart ad. (Only difference in the latter was the Japanese narration talked about what's happening on the screen and the American narration treated it like a traffic report).

But Americans can make good ads too: there's one Nintendo 64 ad where the young men rudely sang how their Christmas sucked.

Ads I remember: Space Invaders, Sonic the Hedgehog, the Disco Boogie-Galaga ad, The Nintendo 64 train ad, the Sega! scream and much more.

No wonder the Atari-Intellivision ads are well remembered: it really did make the Intellivision look good. Though I wonder how many kids had nightmares from the synthesized Intellivoice.

What's up with all the fat middled-aged guys? From the Disco Dancer to the men training in the Japanese Kirby's Superstar ad video games loved to use them for humor.

Only in Japan: hey 16-bit fans remember the SNK games you could only here about in speciality shops and video game mags? It turns out they have TV ads for them in Japan, (SNK is not as popular in America). complete with Mai yelling ____! to whomever is in the ad usually Terry, Andy, or Joe.

It's not that bad: the white guys 'Zelda Rap' is not bad though the guy singing the rap for A Link to the Past is more techincally competent.

Irony Alert!: The black guy in the Sega CD ad who said "What are you waiting for? Nintendo to make one?" (Both because Nintendo DID considered making one and that the Sega CD is one of the reasons why Sega lost to Nintendo in the 16-bit wars).

Tricia's blog: Now you're playing with power! Super power!

Have a Bates Motel Thanksgiving

2006-11-19T17:38:00.000-08:00

Quite a lot to talk about actually, my friend Qunicey stopped smoking. We're going home for Thanksgiving, as a result I have rented movies from Netflix Psycho and The Navigator. I do have a few reviews for you:

Angel Sanctuary vol 7: Didn't Alexiel say she WANTED to be reborn as a man?

Earthian vol 4: The end of a confused tale, on the plus side we do find out why there are black angels.

Excel Saga vol 1: Or 'what if Team Rocket got their own series?'

Please no more Christmas ads until AFTER Thanksgiving.

It's the Great American Smokeout!

2006-11-16T15:19:00.000-08:00

Today's the day that the smoking ban goes into effect. One of the articles in Ka Leo says it won't work because the buildings are too packed-in and the smoke may roam around. Since I got a notice about the ACS's festival through college mail I decided to go there. I mostly read pamphets and ate samples, including a bit of health food. Falun Gong is posting up meetings, RUN FOR YOUR LIVES! it's a cult that suckers you in by these classes. (My sis had a book about cults, it did mentioned Scientology.)

Remember these immortal words: "Books should hurt the user." literally;)

"Die silver age old fart!"

2006-11-14T13:15:00.000-08:00

Hawaii is going smoke-free this thursday. I wonder how my friend Qunicy is going to react to this. I think he'll just be rebellous and blantently smoke in the smoke free areas or blow smoke in people's faces.

In other news does anyone else notice that Hal Jordan is being hunted by everybody? I mean first it was the Manhunters, then the Global Garudians, (and possibly Alan Scott) then the revived GLs and now Abin Sur's kid is hunting him down. Eesh, and I thought psycho!Hal was bad.

Mokona gives to people what the Big three don't.

2006-11-12T17:33:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Holly, Quincy, and I went to the Jellies in the Pearlridge area, (Yes one is still around for you Hawaii readers out there). I'd also like to point out that kids are still reading comics, they're just not reading American comics. Why do you think manga is so popular?

We are AAA fresh.

2006-11-08T14:33:00.000-08:00

I didn't vote on election day, (I don't care much for mid-term elections) but I did went to Ala Moana with my sister. Hence I can give you an all manga edition of From the Bookshelf:

Aishitezere Baby Vol 2: I like this series but Holly prefers Baby and Me.

Alice 19th Vol 5: Nyo actually says it's okay for Alice to use the Lotis words for personal gain?! In most other stories the people don't because it would give them an unfair advantage over others.

Alichino Vol 1: This is more a "supernatural war" story than a "magical shop" story, beside from that there's nothing new about this series.

Tricia's Mandatory Blog: shameless pimper of Mokona's ;)

Yes!

2006-11-06T15:13:00.000-08:00

I found a page with scans of Golden Age comics! I was simply looking for stuff on Fawcett comics super-hero Spy Smasher, (That name just sounds wonderful, say it a few times) and I found scans for Quality and Fawcett comics.

The All-Floppies Edition of From the Bookshelf

2006-11-05T19:09:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I read mostly single comic issues, other than that it's still the same:

Justice League of America #3: Holly's right it's dragging out, it more seems like the Hal, Dinah, and Roy show right now.

Justice League Unlimited #27: Aw how sweet I'm sure Tony Isabella would apporve.

Checkmate #2-3: Isn't Fire supposed to be a fashion model, not a killer? Someone should tell Greg Rucka that. (Of course Holly still wants Alan Scott to be the White King of the operations, someone who makes sure all the deaths are kept to a minimum).

Superman Confidental #1: It's by Darwyn Cooke so you know he's good.

Remember if you write bad Monty Python fic tiny Graham Chapman dolls will bean you senseless. So please don't do it, for the sake of the cute anime-like poofter dolls.

Just a Thought

2006-11-03T15:19:00.000-08:00

I remember reading a postive review for Short Program, a slice-of-life manga. The reviewer praised it for showing the quiet drama in everyday life. I wondered then how was that possible.

Switch to present day me:
I now understand FULLY why he enjoyed 'quiet' drama and now am an advocate of it myself.

Halloween Update

2006-11-01T14:58:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we went to Dave and Busters where we split a chocolate foundue dish and played video games. Beforehand we hung around at Barnes and Nobles, Holly also had two bandages from when she gave blood, (This has happened before). We went to Borders and Other Realms before taking a taxi home thereby sparing any panic Holly had about being out late at night. So I leave you with new reviews:

Justice League Of America #0: Actually this wasn't bad I bet the woman Hal's marrying is either Cowgirl or Arisia;)

JSA Classified #17-18: Finally a story about Miraclo that doesn't use addiction as a crutch. Now let's have an Hourman story that doesn't mention drugs.

Happy Halloween!

2006-10-31T12:27:00.000-08:00

I finally donated blood! Yippee! Now I don't feel so guilty anymore. Anyway while I waited to give blood I read Parents magazine, one article talked about how people are being rude to families. The author did get it right why some people hate children, me I'm more neutral though I hate hearing kids cry.

Holly and I are going out to dinner tonight, I'll have an update on that tomorrow.

From The Bookshelf

2006-10-29T17:16:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Holly didn't catch up with us until late and my phone was at home, well here are more comic reviews:

Yu-Gi-Oh! Vol 9: One of the episodes used the story from vols 6-7, I thought it was much cooler that way.

Zodiac Vol 4: I would have preferred Western Zodiac characters that were more like their signs.

Justice League of America #2: What's with the RGB Tornadoes? Also Batman, that was totally uncalled for what you said about Booster. Someone needs to talk with Meltzer about DC's goal of making Batman nice.

Michael: I'm Booster Gold and I approve this review;)

Update

2006-10-27T16:08:00.000-07:00

It turns out my Dad has a pinched nerve, he got it during one of the "evil assemblies" (the pep rallies at Lanai High and Elem that have no educational value whatsoever). His arm alternatively hurts and is numb so he and Mom have to come here for a check-up. Nothing serious.

My Dad's hurt

2006-10-25T15:16:00.000-07:00

I have just found out that Dad hurt his arm and has to come here in 2-3 weeks. I'm gonna have to grill Holly for more information. But I will be back to give you updates.

"It's an earthquake, not a new premier"

2006-10-23T18:30:00.000-07:00

The Ka leo is planning to do articles about the earthquake after it hit. I'm glad it was a minor one, too bad I couldn't see the panicky mainland reports. To be honest except for updates and exposes, I really think we don't need to talk about the earthquake. Though it was great that they scolded the Noelani people and yes I am one of those who are woefully unprepared for an earthquake.

In other news I am FINALLY certified on my COM431 stuff so I won't have to worry about getting kicked out of class on Oct. 25;)

From the Bookshelf

2006-10-22T18:23:00.000-07:00

Now earthquake and blackout free!

The League of Extrodinary Gentlemen vol 2: From he of the holy comic book writers pantheon, extra bonus points for the one who figures out which story Oymphia, Queen of Toyland, is from.

Ultra Maniac Vol 3: How come I like this more than Marmalade Boy? Gotta be the magic.

Video Girl Ai Vol 1: The famed OAV series is okay.

W Juilet Vol 2: I like it when the stories are set in the drama club, also the female villians are more sympathetic than the male ones.

Always remember: I don't hate the new Infinity Inc. I just wish they changed the name.

New Ideas

2006-10-20T14:15:00.000-07:00

I went to a Business fair yesterday and besides eating candy and looking at job opportunities I've been thinking about the Peace Core. It looks very promising, I think I'll have to talk to Mom and Dad about it.

The Delayed From the Bookshelf

2006-10-17T17:11:00.000-07:00

Okay we get right to the meat of the tale:

Sorcerer Hunters Vol 4: Is it me or is does Onion look like an older version of Carrot?

Tokyo Mew Mew ala Mode Vol 2: It wrapped up way too fast, the author could have least doubled the pages or left out the bonus story, (sorry about that Petite Mew Mew fans;( ).

Justice League Unlimited #26: Since when did Kent grew a bread? Oh well I want a story where Dr. Fate is doing ordinary things without having to realize it, otherwise the story was not bad.

Woah, an Ibis the Invincible mini? I'm intrested in the character but I thought he was relegated to the "not going to write about anymore" along with other fellow Fawcett heroes Spy Smasher and Mr. Scarlet. I wait and see on the mini.

The Big Earthquake

2006-10-16T19:06:00.000-07:00

I am going to delay my weekly "From the Bookshelf" to talk about the earthquake that started on the Big Island (My birthplace and home for the first three years) and spread out the entire Hawaiian Island chain.

I was asleep when it happened, it felt like an amusement ride that violently rocks. I stayed in bed praying it wouldn't get worst. It stopped but later on all the lights went out, as a result the room was hot for the whole day. (Manoa is very hot during the fall, during blackouts it excabates the situation). Holly and I didn't have a portable radio so we had to call Mom and Dad to find out what happened. They were luckier than us, they only had their T.V. connection go out and that came on again at noon. Holly went out to meet a friend, I just stayed home and ate pop tarts. At night we decided to go out to find something to eat and Hale Aloha the cafeteria was open because they had a generator. Hale Mokihana also had one so we stayed in their til about 9:30. A good thing too because Hale Noelani was affected by demons of stupidity and they went nuts. It was so bad they had to bring in campus security. I washed up using the light on our game boy advance and went to bed. The lights came on at 11:10 as of right now lighting is spotty.

That's it for the earthquake, FTB will be back tomorrow.

Taffeta Wormy Saiki

2006-10-13T14:20:00.000-07:00

Today I am going to talk about our cat Taffy. We found her under the house, Holly noticed this constant mewing that would not stop. She told Mom and Dad about it and they searched outside of the house, even looking behind the dryer. She was rather thin, (Mom thinks she may have been meowing in pain) and shy. We had to coax her to eat some sliced turkey we grabbed in a hurry in order to feed her. I guess she decided to stay since our act convinced her that we were nice people.

However she still stayed out of the house until she had to get fixed so she went in the house so Mom and Dad could find her easily. That pretty much led to her hanging around in the house, (unless she's bad). She loves to sleep on Mom's and Dad's Bed and one of the boxes in the computer room. Taffy could never come into our room until we put in a new bookshelf and cleaned it. She's very shy around new people but loves Dad. It's so cute how he pets her and teases her. Taffy likes to flop around for belly rubs, even if we are outside gardening. Our Aunt Janet who doesn't like animals hasn't forgiven Mom for bringing in a stray;)

That's all I have to say about our 1st 'offical' pet.

Snakes in a dream

2006-10-12T16:57:00.000-07:00

Damn Snakes on a Plane. It made me dream about snakes, actually Mom and Dad bought the snakes and a cute fuzzy white kitten as pets. Unfortunately the snakes got loose and we had to kill them, some had just eaten and you could see a bulge in the middle. The kitten stayed and became a companion to Taffy until she got lost, then I woke up.

I'd like to add something to the immigrant issue, the Sierra Club did their own study and found out the only real problem was overpopulation. They wisely decided to remain neutral on this. Next time I will talk about this "Taffy" I mentioned.

Video Game News

2006-10-10T14:38:00.000-07:00

Ralf and Clark in Metal Slug 6? Now that's really hardcore.

It's the All-DC Comics Bookshelf!

2006-10-08T18:21:00.000-07:00

This saturday Holly, Qunicy and me went to Pearlridge, besides drinking an Apple Martini which overflowed I have read comics. So I give you another chapter in "From The Bookshelf!"

Batman: Haunted Knight: Despite the fact that it shares a similar cover with and The Long Halloween and Dark Victory. It is actually a collection of Halloween specials that take place before those mini-series. Okay but I think using the villians as guiding spirits might be in poor taste.

JSA Vol 4: Fair Play: I loved it when Mr. Terrific stood up to Batman. However it is somewhat dark, (especially if one knows what happened after this volume). and Al seems to have become an angry superhero.

DC: The New Frontier: Vol 1: So I read this afterwards, the heroes get the respectful truly mature update that they deserve. (Though it reads more like 1960's space opera than superhero work). Created by the same guy who wrote a wonderful Dr. Fate story in JSA All-Stars.

See you, I'm off to write New Frontier lemons;)

Can you taste the love?

2006-10-06T14:28:00.000-07:00

Today my COM 431 class has a booth out in the Campus Center for casting calls. It's for our dating show Crave in which people bring food and answer questions to find their dream date from one of three people. I came early and I am on stand-by to help out the class if there aren't many people at the booth. So I may update this again.

Mint Chocolate Chip Crack

2006-10-05T15:32:00.000-07:00

They're selling flavored COCAINE? Jeez, we've already had a minor shit-storm from the anti-smoking people complaining that tobacco companies target kids by selling flavored cigerettes!

What's next? Chocolate LSD? Filet Mingon Heroin?

Idiocy Awards

2006-10-03T18:16:00.000-07:00

Finally finished White As Snow, it's the type of book that doesn't seem intresting at first but slowly sucks you in.

Now three things I've noticed:
1. I guess rude behavior on MMORPGS is still around because one Warcraft clan killed another while they were mourning a player who died in real life. I say that it is rude and they should be kicked off. They said that they were being 'realistic' in the context of the game. Yeah right.

2. I hate to say this but the CIA has a right to recruit on college campuses. You can protest it but you can't prevent them from doing it.

3. College students should stop taking Adderall and work harder. I take a prescription drug and I would not like it if I had to hide it just because my friends were using it to study.

Why to I hear "dee dee dee" in the background?

From The Bookshelf

2006-10-01T18:18:00.000-07:00

Okay here's the latest Bookshelf:

Green Lantern #13: Hell froze over, they ressurected a FEMALE superhero, namely Arisia. Also that nude pic of Superboy freaks me out given the context of the story.

Earthian Vol 3: Although it wraps up nicely, it does not know what type of story it wants to be. The fate of the Earth? The Black Cancer? A message how all creatures no matter if they are naturally or artifically born are precious? The plots flounder until the end.

Harlequin: Never Kiss A Stranger: The theme of this book is really "People are okay if you get to know them." Since the bitchy romance writer has a soft side and one of the employees who stoled stuff from Aircraft doesn't want anybody to die.

Inuyasha Vol 12: As well as this volume as we hear an inner monolouge showing Inu-yasha's thoughts, (though you'll have to catch him off-guard before he'll confess;).) and one woman's half demon son is okay.

See you around and give praise to the Eternal Oddish!

You are not Infinity Inc.!

2006-09-29T15:39:00.000-07:00

I'm intrested in Infinity Inc, I don't know exactly why. I have a few of the issues and Obisidian seems like an intresting character. When I found out 52 was going to bring out a new team with this names I was not happy. Other people noticed this too and the debate was reasoned and intresting. So now here are my views on the whole thing:

Infinity Inc was unique because as it says on the box they are the sons, daughters and heirs of the JSA. When you take that away they are just another bland superhero team.

With that in mind maybe Lex should have named his team "Team Luthor."

I do like the idea that a Pemberton who didn't give a frig about the name allowed Luthor to buy it.

Starlight and Trajectory are good names, Everyman however isn't.

Unfortunately only five of the original Infinitors are alive, so reviving the group would be very hard to do without a reboot. Comments are welcome.

Arrgh! Republicans!

2006-09-27T16:31:00.000-07:00

Read today's This Modern World and I'm wondering if Dan Perkins thinks that conservatives are like the boogeyman and no one will listen to him.

Now I'm not saying we're not facing shitty times, (with the governments boneheaded ideas to protect us from terrorists). But I'm wondering if Perkins is becoming paranoid, although people still complain about protestors and can be horribly rude to them. Many people argee with them.

Or maybe Perkins is using exaggeration to prove his point. Oh well, next I'll tell you my feelings on the New Infinity Inc.

A shorter Bookshelf than usual

2006-09-24T18:13:00.000-07:00

Since this saturday I went to meet up with a potential boss, my "From The Bookshelf" will only have two enteries.

Green Lantern: Emerald Dawn: They've kinda launched Hal's redebut far beyond 1986, while okay (Hal redeems himself in the end) there is a very serious flaw. The premise of becoming a GL is dumped, what made it unique was that the person was fearless before getting the ring not after. It basically turns Hal into an average self-doubting hero who has to prove himself and waters down the story.

Green Arrow: Quiver: While it has it's share of flaws, (Stanley and His Monster anyone?) Kevin Smith is a good writer. I would actually like to see him write Aquaman since he made Arthur likeable.

More later.

Spotlight on: The Elongated Man

2006-09-22T16:53:00.000-07:00

Finished up Showcase Presents: The Elongated Man (before my sis). It is actually not bad.

King Kyrpton said that EM was a "watered-down" Plastic Man Clone. I can see where he got that idea. Ralph can sterch but not change shape. However he is able to turn into a ferris wheel, go through tiny openings, strech only parts of his body and generally use his powers to the best of his abilities. (It should be noted that another famous elongated superhero Mr. Fantastic can't change his shape either).

And it's certainly refreshing to see a traveling married superhero! It must have been very unique in the Silver Age to see both Ralph and Sue travel around the world as a Nick and Nora Charles like couple. The mysteries are much more meatier than in Clamp Campus Dectectives.

Here's hoping DC reboots Elongated Man before all the charm is sucked out of him.

She who must not be named

2006-09-21T18:15:00.000-07:00

Paris Hilton is famous because she is willing to advertise anything? ARRUGHHH!!!!

On a brighter note I was finally able to watch Pushing Hands for my ASAN 473 class.

From The Bookshelf

2006-09-18T19:12:00.000-07:00

Batman: City of Crime: I'd just like to say that the phrase "Gotham City. Where Dreams Go To DIE!" was created by me. I let Holly use it on her Livejournal.

Superman Returns and Other Stories: I didn't read the adapatation, I only read the bonus stories. The best had to deal with Lex's attempt to impress Lois and Superman fighting Major "I stuff women in refriderators" Force at a baseball game. But the stories should have been more epic in scope.

Superman in the 70s: Like this volume, I was surprized to find that the Pre-Crisis Pete Ross tried to hurt Superman for "taking" away his son. Kind of puts Ruin Revealed into a new perspective, (I still need to read it though). My favorite part is when Superman eats the now-harmless Kyrptonite. We love you Snarky!Superman;)

Harlequin Pink: No Competition: Wow I liked this sensible escapist romance, there's a plausible reason why the heroin is antagonistic to her crush. She helps her sister out in her love troubles and her twinnie, although stubborn is not half bad!

Tokyo Mew Mew a la Mode Vol 1: At first I thought Mew Berry was going to be the new leader but Ichigo comes back to help out. I don't know if Berry's genes come from endangered animals.

Akira Vol 3: Is it me or is the author delibertaley drawing his comic book like a movie?

Alice Vol 4: This series is slowly growing in intrest to me but hurry up and learn the rest of the lotis words Alice!;)

Angel Sanctuary Vol 6: I'll miss Kato, he would have made a good friend of Setsuna's

Digi-Chart Vol 4: I wonder why they introduced Earth-Digi Fantasy? (Don't worry Digi Chart fans this world and Digi Chart-Prime crossover). I don't know any of the manga authors who contributed to the book!

Justice League Unlimited #21 and #24: They're okay but it confirms a suspision of Holly's Dan Cassidy has turned into a true demon. Also a lot of Dr. Fate lovin'! (The Absorbacon's right a Herald of Order who aged very rapidily into an adult really can't be defined as 'normal').

The story nobody wants to hear

2006-09-17T16:33:00.000-07:00

Now I am going to tell you how I got interested in Pilotwings, it actually started in January 1997 when I was looking at a back issue of EGM and started at the pictures for the article about it. For the longest time I hid my obessisson, fearing that Mom and Dad would not want to buy another system for us. (Mom had shot down my request to buy a Neo-Geo). But when I finally told them they already knew about it by observing me. We struck up a deal: they would buy the system and I would buy the game. On our birthday we set out to find a Nintendo 64 and Pilotwings 64. It was an almost fruitless journey as most of the stores had the system but not the game. I actually got impatient and grouchy until we went to the Software Etc. at Ala Moana and found it. (Ala Moana is a tourist destination and not many gamers are into tourist traps, or so I observed).

Well that's the 'origin story,' don't even mention Pilotwings and fanfiction in the same sentence or I will spew out serveral half-baked ideas that never took off. (And with good reason too as that serveral of them were really awful XD).

My Brain Hurts!

2006-09-13T13:36:00.000-07:00

Last night I had this horrible sinus headache that was also making me nausious! Anyway I've noticed that I can't get on to Johnny Triangle's website. I'm sure it will go away, oh I will write my next post on why I heart a certain little-known Nintendo series;)

Cold Fairy Must Die!

2006-09-12T13:17:00.000-07:00

Damn cold, I couldn't sleep until I took some pills. On another note I saw the new exhibition at the East-West center today. The Kip'uk really like to use red, blue and white beads don't they? I find it very interesting that they don't have a hell, only a heaven. But of course many African ethnic groups have a similar view.

Almost Forgot

2006-09-11T19:35:00.000-07:00

My sister has a livejournal, you can go to livejournal, type rayshell22, click username and hit enter.
She writes original fic and DC Comics fanfiction.

From The Bookshelf

2006-09-10T17:37:00.000-07:00

Started reading The Urth of the New Sun and Showcase Presents: The Elongated Man Vol. 1. I also bought some Starbuck's 35th Anniversery coffee, it is very bold in taste. It also had to be the day after my Black and Decker coffee pot broke. However I did read serveral other comics that I can review.

Ultra Maniac Vol 2: I think this series is cute in the way magic is applied in everyday situations. Also the bonus story where Nina's cat meets up with Ayu's Dog is triple the cuteness.

W Juilet Vol 1: I had a hard time figuring out the main characters genders. I almost thought it was a yaoi comic!

Yu-Gi-Oh Vol 8: I'm a little worried because it's in the Duelist arch. I saw some of the show and was not impressed. A card game does not make for a compelling show because it often translates into a bad commerical for the cards instead of a wonderful story.

Batman:Dark Victory: Is it me or is this a repeat of The Long Halloween?

Seven Soliders Vol 3: Now this is more like it! Lots of good storytelling, enought character development to make us care and none of those pesty allusions to Identity Crisis.

Wonder Woman The Early Years:Destiny Calling: The story is well written enough but Perez doesn't really make Diana into a compelling character and what we do see is not very good. (I really don't think she's that naive). Hell, even her Mom is more intresting than her!

Justice League of America #1: Okay this has got to stop. Batman should have his faith in Hal Jordan restored after what happened in Green Lantern. Also I'm worried that Meltzer might decide to kill Kathy and Traya, (sorry I am still hestitant about this guy, they should have gotten a different writer).

Well that's it for now. Keep your teeth clean!

Sympathy for the devil

2006-09-08T15:32:00.000-07:00

I enjoy looking at Geoff John's Writer's Workshop because I look for good advice when I want to write. (What he's like as a writer is a completely different story. When he's not putting the DC heroes through hell, his writing is actually bland or he has to reference current continuity again and again. Green Lantern #11 referred again to the damn 'history of Parallax).

Anyway some of the advice is pretty good:

"So how would your favorite obscure character thrive in their respective universe? Find their place in it. Mold your stories around it. See what no one else has seen...yet."

As someone whom counts many obsurce characters among my favorites this is a very good idea. (It also helps that Black Adam is actually likably complex).

But even he has ideas and such that I actually have problems with. On killing Pantha:

"And then I realized, as strange as it sounds, we needed to use someone obscure. I hated to say it, but this moment was not about who died, but about Superboy-Prime killing."

Now I know that obscure characters die, and sometimes it's more about the event in question rather than the characters death. But DC Comics is known for killing off obscure characters because they're "obscure" (Hell just look what happened to the Golden Age JSA). So his comment more feels like pouring salt onto the wound.

So how do you guys feel about the new column? Like it? Hate it? Drop me a line

I had to do this

2006-09-07T13:18:00.000-07:00

Hi, my name is Tricia Saiki and I had to do a blog for my Communications class. Hopefully I will also be able to write up fun stuff as well, especially my manic obsession with the Super NES/Nintendo 64 game Pilotwings;).