tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56802600784643823882024-02-07T18:42:18.896-08:00The OpinionatorA place to talk about my life, my passions, and my opinions.elvenchild2007http://www.blogger.com/profile/07190307584724687611noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5680260078464382388.post-84183459808134468072011-08-29T20:04:00.000-07:002011-08-29T20:04:19.495-07:005 Animes You Should Be Watching NAO!!!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sooo… a friend of mine, withmyredhair, recently asked for my advice on what anime shows she should be watching. Being an anime freak (I surpassed the title of fan looooong ago), I’ve decided to take some time to talk about some of my favorite shows that everyone, including withmyredhair should be watching.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">These are my first five recommendations. These are by no means my only favorites, and there a lot more that people should be watching. These are the ones I’ve determined that I would say “WHAAA WHY HAVEN’T YOU SEEN THIS!!??” if you happened to mention that you hadn’t seen this particular show.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let’s Begin!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60BLgiXo5zB2WoLYeY9K1-ijQ8HSIS_C5Vwm8_PqIYiFzOTwJQD-vkCV1AOz3NNAVUenA7Z67XF3eYhYNVApUTy7XFn-FafJz4txivC2yL9VrAPE-D7vJBiczupW58ITmZu-IOEmOXXs/s1600/Hellsing.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60BLgiXo5zB2WoLYeY9K1-ijQ8HSIS_C5Vwm8_PqIYiFzOTwJQD-vkCV1AOz3NNAVUenA7Z67XF3eYhYNVApUTy7XFn-FafJz4txivC2yL9VrAPE-D7vJBiczupW58ITmZu-IOEmOXXs/s320/Hellsing.bmp" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">HELLSING! (The Original)</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This show is so much fun, and a definite classic. An action with a supernatural twist, this is something that you should watch immediately if you plan on becoming an anime connoisseur. Meet Alucard (they say Arucard on the box but I disagree xD), a rogue vampire who is the secret weapon of the Hellsing Organization, lead by the bad ass Sir Integra Hellsing. A variety of artificial vampires are beginning to appear, and it’s up to the Hellsing organization to protect the mortal world from darkness. This also features Seras Victoria, a police officer turned vampire by Alucard, known for her finesse with the Hellsing ARMS Anti-Midian Cannon ‘Harkonnen’. Basically, this translates to FREAKING HUGE ASS ANTI-ARMOR GUN. </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBYuDBjItB59igg7abNp_P7TKzSX5YtMNCxuret8Ur4AG2zCT24V80flmBuN-ZWKvTvF-AFD9pT9kV8-glGFGX3x8WK8qxkKG0KzBDwsw0omaJ7UbsA_kCFY7iKAR6gl7Iswy4GYBUS80/s1600/walter_of_hellsing-13391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBYuDBjItB59igg7abNp_P7TKzSX5YtMNCxuret8Ur4AG2zCT24V80flmBuN-ZWKvTvF-AFD9pT9kV8-glGFGX3x8WK8qxkKG0KzBDwsw0omaJ7UbsA_kCFY7iKAR6gl7Iswy4GYBUS80/s320/walter_of_hellsing-13391.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He's like Albert...but BETTER.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Also….This includes Walter. All I’m going to say is he’s a butler…and he likes piano wire.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Ght70tVfOIUTRLYjOW-pH8nio1W1f21pNHOKnTSReYa5eyw8ea244iCispUO4l353WbeUxl7H3kURZv8FqO0UA_DU1XmAhnhErrB-CnKZzB1ww3idSUTmzX0uk76KxQoNxqo0IfLPiE/s1600/WitchHunterRobin1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Ght70tVfOIUTRLYjOW-pH8nio1W1f21pNHOKnTSReYa5eyw8ea244iCispUO4l353WbeUxl7H3kURZv8FqO0UA_DU1XmAhnhErrB-CnKZzB1ww3idSUTmzX0uk76KxQoNxqo0IfLPiE/s320/WitchHunterRobin1.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">WITCH HUNTER ROBIN</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is the show that was on my messenger bag that I carried around for my entire college career (and I still use to this day). Solomon, a secret international organization focuses on finding people who have inherited a witchcraft gene in their bodies, and capture or destroy these people before their powers awaken. The Japanese branch, whom the anime follows, involves Robin Sena, a young woman born with this particular gene, in the form of pyrokinetics. She also has the burden of the memories of thousands of years of witches, which creates a conflict within herself. Her partner, Amon, is actually voiced by the same person who voices Alucard in Hellsing. With one of my favorite openings (and theme songs), and characters that you really can connect to and sympathize with, this one has a special place in my heart.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_Jca9xNBuh4AK4I54Gi3jCOo8uNtkJXDRfjIcWMM83-LJOnS8Alq3G9CS6hrf_Qhg2z3GJMrbQTXo24ZLKbiWlnaOMNlFDM0eLCsS3y5pZOYkARTYRniE7qTz3mGkela3DyhjT8UYfk/s1600/rozenmaiden_wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_Jca9xNBuh4AK4I54Gi3jCOo8uNtkJXDRfjIcWMM83-LJOnS8Alq3G9CS6hrf_Qhg2z3GJMrbQTXo24ZLKbiWlnaOMNlFDM0eLCsS3y5pZOYkARTYRniE7qTz3mGkela3DyhjT8UYfk/s320/rozenmaiden_wall.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">ROZEN MAIDEN & ROZEN MAIDEN: TRAUMEND</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ever thought that China dolls could be cool? This show takes things to a whole new level with Rozen Maiden. The story follows Jun, a shut-in who has stopped going to school. After ordering a mysterious collectible off of the internet, he meets Shinku, a Rozen Maiden doll who says she’s taking part in the Alice Game. This show is a dark version of a fantasy theme, which a colorful array of characters that have unique sets of powers. Plus, the childish antics of many of the characters always keep me giggling. This has two seasons, and each season features new characters along with the classic protagonists. </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hopefully I will get to cosplay one of these characters sooner or later…</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiflXJpbj39Lh9ENRazXjy6oUha04Mz3pukGJp4JQfsWccTtbZX8W-2QuUGv-1VKMsuqEhWjPKve32LcfyZXhRm-gESCEXV2rfKP4VYcB2XTUksulNJPQElE0jdzLTVU1yClMTot-aoqe0/s1600/BCYTK8ovKntaG6w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiflXJpbj39Lh9ENRazXjy6oUha04Mz3pukGJp4JQfsWccTtbZX8W-2QuUGv-1VKMsuqEhWjPKve32LcfyZXhRm-gESCEXV2rfKP4VYcB2XTUksulNJPQElE0jdzLTVU1yClMTot-aoqe0/s320/BCYTK8ovKntaG6w.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pink haired one is a girl!!</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">CODE GEASS: LELOUCH OF THE REBELLION</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hands down I think this is one of the best animes that has come out in the past five years, and in my opinion the anime of the decade (that isn’t something like Naruto or Bleach). An amazing post-colonial-esque anime that deals with issue that reflect our actual world and deals with diplomatic issue in a believable way. A superb cast of characters and drama that keeps you on the edge of your seat, and filler episodes that are actually fun to watch makes this anime a great part of a collection. Seriously, this made me bawl at some points because you become so entwined with the actions of these characters. Also this is probably what has kept late night anime going on Cartoon Network/Adult Swim.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Another reason why this anime is awesome is because it is the ONLY anime I have seen so far with Gundam-esque machines that I actually like!! I usually hate super robot battling animes, but this one balances it with other components. Plus supernatural powers!? Can’t go wrong there!</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Besides, it’s an anime where you are having a hard time picking who to root for! I like characters from both the Brittanian side and with the rebels. I plan on cosplaying Cornelia at some point.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQ7kk8dNIj0b7_E1YnSlumQbQUIk6YLdA5L1LHbRXNOFkjZlkb6hhYZhHAO9wnUPP9ZRVN6VW-XG64xq2BQ3NLc24pWOrCzCGnoO7HGsvhaOpEMfGS0zZDVIkUrsCggkxEOy8VQBihtk/s1600/Cornelia40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQ7kk8dNIj0b7_E1YnSlumQbQUIk6YLdA5L1LHbRXNOFkjZlkb6hhYZhHAO9wnUPP9ZRVN6VW-XG64xq2BQ3NLc24pWOrCzCGnoO7HGsvhaOpEMfGS0zZDVIkUrsCggkxEOy8VQBihtk/s320/Cornelia40.jpg" width="273px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bitchin'...</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonIZeBwDC7qbElJlYYQsq7MAyM8lvP2KgWcz10zhJLmrKmNvnWVJCqueZB1LLeAH3MLadY23RVL-LYamMmcS20xpPkL-3N1m0jCg7k13Vhs9twRdpPUO0QRhtWbryjszxx8aDnCycPLo/s1600/utena.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonIZeBwDC7qbElJlYYQsq7MAyM8lvP2KgWcz10zhJLmrKmNvnWVJCqueZB1LLeAH3MLadY23RVL-LYamMmcS20xpPkL-3N1m0jCg7k13Vhs9twRdpPUO0QRhtWbryjszxx8aDnCycPLo/s1600/utena.png" /></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">REVOLUTIONARY GIRL UTENA</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Honestly, I saved my personal favorite for last. Utena is a young girl who comes to a new Academy in search of a prince that saved her from drowning one day. What she finds is that the student council, who bear rose signet rings just like the one her prince gave her, are having fencing battles to determine the fate of the world! With the power of the prince Dios and the powerful sword from the Rose Bride, Anthy, can Utena truly bring revolution to the world?</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It also has my favorite opening and closing…such a good song that I absolutely love listening to. Go look it up (or watch the anime!).</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I know how it ends…but you have to watch!! Another anime that I love dearly and want to cosplay.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj91m4A26cO-Sbk7JnXXHTxGDzUfGJcgyp-pWErmJqRGidVU1D7Y58vp77qdBltlBbd5GAJ1f4tfn5qbvnO6G31UmJn_EGHEnYX2dNiDG5FAOmpMnTiMeNaPD-QaLt8wf69z3gIyA2BLaQ/s1600/utena1_roseframechuchu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj91m4A26cO-Sbk7JnXXHTxGDzUfGJcgyp-pWErmJqRGidVU1D7Y58vp77qdBltlBbd5GAJ1f4tfn5qbvnO6G31UmJn_EGHEnYX2dNiDG5FAOmpMnTiMeNaPD-QaLt8wf69z3gIyA2BLaQ/s320/utena1_roseframechuchu.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CHUCHU!!!</td></tr>
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</div>elvenchild2007http://www.blogger.com/profile/07190307584724687611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5680260078464382388.post-90247537770903609552011-06-15T22:21:00.000-07:002011-06-15T22:21:01.229-07:007 Ways to Help You Get the Best Deals at Conventions<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCAE0oyyzxseW6aen9Lv2cMnXOvZrgWMygxg6KVpDEhOQq0FXlLWHqtftuMuwmBz7XN6yX5vQf4maPCibAXSsT6vkNhPSrn46YMTBuvK0GUMLeodKTRhaSQzqXsbz3YY8lOJB5X1rU1Ug/s1600/Totoro3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="173px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCAE0oyyzxseW6aen9Lv2cMnXOvZrgWMygxg6KVpDEhOQq0FXlLWHqtftuMuwmBz7XN6yX5vQf4maPCibAXSsT6vkNhPSrn46YMTBuvK0GUMLeodKTRhaSQzqXsbz3YY8lOJB5X1rU1Ug/s320/Totoro3.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what today felt like...except no Totoro...and no Cat Bus...</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So quite often I get asked by how I am able to afford my manga and anime memorabilia collection. I have around 400 volumes of manga, 35 anime series (the majority of which are complete), 70-80 figurines, in addition to t-shirts, cds, keychains, etc. When I tell people, they usually say “How the HECK are you able to afford all that?” So<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve decided to give away some of my secrets. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is one important thing that I want to make clear: I obtained everything in my collection LEGALLY! I do not support bootlegs, illegal downloading, or any instance where someone is taking something without paying for it…it is stealing! That’s my opinion but I have friends in the business and it’s not fair to the people who put their whole careers into making great things. It’s just the same if someone copied your paper in class and got the credit for it. You’d be pretty pissed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am here to give you advice on how to get the best deals, not on how to get handouts. I’ve been taught from a young age that if you want something, you work hard and earn it! I’ve worked to earn this collection, which makes me so proud of having it!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Knowing how to navigate a Dealer’s Room is very important to the experience. When I went into my first Dealer’s Room, I had complete sensory overload. There are sooo many things and such a variety of merchandise that it can be very overwhelming. Remember too that the whole point of a convention is to have fun, and a Dealer’s Room is an attribute of the convention, so it should be fun too! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So without further adieu, here are some things that I’ve learned over the years attending conventions. Because I usually attend anime conventions, so I will reference anime/manga items throughout. However, these ideas can be applied to similar conventions. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">TIP #1 – DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is a reason why conventions post links and information about dealer’s on their website, and it’s not just for advertising. It’s so you can learn more about the dealers and types of merchandise that are going to be in the dealer’s room. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Every dealer is going to be different. Some focus on selling manga and dvds, while others sell wall scrolls, towels, t-shirts, figurines, keychains, and a plethora of other merchandise. Check out the websites of the dealers and see what they have available, and take not of where they seem to have their focus on. Just because dealers sell a lot of one product doesn’t mean that’s where their best deals lie.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take a good look around the websites, and determine what you really like buying at conventions, and take notes of the names of those dealers/businesses. *NOTE: Sometimes the merchandise on their website isn’t exactly the same as what they have available at the convention. Dealer’s make active choices on what to bring in order to maximize sales, since they do put a lot into coming to conventions (travel and housing expenses, cost of selling at the convention). However, these will give you a general idea on where you should be looking.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">TIP #2 – CREATE A BUDGET!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It sounds silly, but it works! Deviate a section of money specifically for if you want to purchase things at the convention. This should be separate from all your other funds, and should be something that you focus on after you have money to actually get to the convention and stay there. Make sure you can pay for the trip before you decide how much you want to spend shopping.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">An important side note on this is your Dealer’s room (and Artist Alley budget if you include that in there) should be COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM YOUR FOOD BUDGET. I have had a situation where I spent too much money shopping, and then had to pull out extra funds to pay for a run through McDonald’s. I strongly suggest bringing your own food for your hotel room, and maybe allocating for one off-site meal per day or so. This way you’re not eating completely out of the Con Suite. While I agree the Con Suite is fun for getting snacks, you do not want to have to deal with your own stomach after eating and drinking only Mountain Dew and rice all weekend. Trust me – I speak from experience.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I tend to keep to it like if you were to go gambling – take a limited amount of funds in cash, and when you’ve spend it, no more shopping. Many dealers still do not accept credit cards, so it’s difficult to pay with anything but cash. Plus with cash, you can visually see how much you have left, as opposed to having to check your bank account. Some form of a budget, no matter what amount, will keep you from spending beyond what you have.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">TIP #3 – IF YOU SEE IT AND REALLY WANT IT…GET IT!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By buying at a convention, you can still save, mainly on shipping. Shipping can get very expensive depending on the size and weight on the item, so if you want that large statue of Sephiroth, and you have the means within your budget, buy it! Save yourself the cost of the shipping if you change your mind after the convention.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of my favorite things to stock up on at conventions is MANGA! Dealers have killer deals on thinks like manga, and even bulk anime. When you go to a dealer, don’t be afraid to ask what deals they have for that day or the weekend, and they are usually happy to tell you. There’s a dealer I frequent at conventions that usually sell manga for 20-30% cheaper than at normal bookstores, and there are others that will give you a free manga if you purchase a certain amount. You usually can get 2-3 manga free with deals like that. I still go to bookstores to pick up manga in between conventions, but conventions are the best place if you want to buy a whole or stock up on a variety of series. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dealers also tend to run deals at the last day of a convention. It’s a lot of work for dealers to bring their merchandise back, and the less they bring back, the better. Don’t be afraid to ask if they have any deals for the last day of a convention. However, be respectful of dealers in these situations, since you should be respectful to them at all times in the first place. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*NOTE: Beware of Bootleg items. I have yet to deal with bootleggers, but make sure to educate yourself about bootleg dealers, both at conventions and on the internet. Conventions also have panels about bootleg items and how to identify them, a source I recommend taking advantage of. General rule: you are not obligated to buy anything, so if you feel weary of a product, don’t buy it!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">TIP #4 – ALWAYS TAKE A COMPLETE WALK AROUND THE DEALER’S ROOM BEFORE YOU START SHOPPING! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is not Black Friday, so don’t run in like a crazed maniac (yes..yes it is fun, though). Take a good look at the dealers, and walk around and enjoy the merchandise. Once you have had a good look, you can begin your shopping experience. Too many times have I seen people start spending their money before they’ve had a good look around, and then they’re disappointed when they’ve already spent most of their money and they find something that they’ve been looking for for a long time.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Usually I take a good look around, go off and do something, and then come back. I’ve also found that Saturday afternoon shopping is the best time to go. It’s the time where people usually go to grab lunch or a quick nap, so the Dealer’s Room isn’t as crowded as it normally is. Toward the end of a convention is also another good time to go shopping.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUqMp476-gVNIfDSltR-fI13KqTiNjgpYS6Q6a3VuF_ZlasLfb5_ny0kMBKlXLR7hXQw5IPlraqB58VDI7uP4MoMLWOKNYZD2dalowRpRFXpQr0_SlvJM9RtJ3IKUo9NMBi4RmP-dF5s/s1600/ponyo-image-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="172px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUqMp476-gVNIfDSltR-fI13KqTiNjgpYS6Q6a3VuF_ZlasLfb5_ny0kMBKlXLR7hXQw5IPlraqB58VDI7uP4MoMLWOKNYZD2dalowRpRFXpQr0_SlvJM9RtJ3IKUo9NMBi4RmP-dF5s/s320/ponyo-image-4.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diagram of Dealer's Room moments after opening...</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">TIP #5 – COMMUNICATE WITH DEALERS!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dealer’s are very well informed on their product. They know exactly what their product is and the deals that they have because that’s their job! Don’t be afraid to converse with dealers, as many I have met are very nice and more than happy to converse with you on anything from their merchandise to their favorite shows and video games. You can learn a lot from a dealer, even if you don’t necessarily buy from them. I’ve purchased from a lot of dealer’s because they’re passionate about their merchandise and are well informed.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Another part of communicating with dealers is that sometimes they don’t have all their merchandise out. If you ask them about a particular series, in many cases they can show you merchandise that isn’t out on their tables. If you’re looking for a particular series or character, just ask! Someone I know when to a dealer and bought a whole bunch of stuff from them just by asking about a certain series, and the dealer had half a box of merchandise that he didn’t have room for on his table. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Communicating with a dealer also includes haggling. I’ve found that dealers in many cases are open to haggling, especially if you are buying in bulk. *NOTE: Use caution when haggling, and feel out whether or not the dealer is willing to haggle over price. If they have a great deal they’re offering already on an item, it is incredibly rude to try and haggle it down further. If they say “No”, understand that it is their decision, and you should be respectful of the offer that they give you on the item. Building a good relationship with the people you are buying from is not only a good way to get the best information on deals, but it’s a great way to make friends. I’ve met dealers that I talk to outside of conventions because their service and friendliness was above and beyond what I had expected. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Respect is another important component of working with people in the Artist’s Alley. These people work hard on their craft and they should be given proper respect for their work. Again be respectful of haggling over price. If the artist has a set of prices on commission work, don’t argue. By asking the artist what they are giving deals/specials on, you can create a positive dialogue with them. These people do beautiful work and put a lot of hours into their product. Give them the credit they deserve!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">TIP #6 – TRY AND HAVE SOME MONEY AT THE END!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You never know what will happen on the way home, so try and always come out with a little leftover. I usually try and aim to leave with $30-40 in my pocket. One reason is that conventions run next year’s registration super cheap. The money you save from shopping can go towards your registration for the next year, and then you don’t have to remember about registering down the road. Besides, you can usually save around $15-20 by registering early.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In addition, if you have any issues on the way home, you have money in reserve. It can be used to pay for gas, food, etc. Otherwise, use it to pay bills or start saving for next year’s convention with the extra money as your base. Besides, it will make you feel better about what you did spend and that you can get back to real life with as few financial road bumps as possible.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aaaaand finally….</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">TIP #7 – HAVE FUN!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is your time at the convention, so you do what you want to do with it. The number one person who impacts your experience at a convention is YOU! So make sure to have fun, make some great memories, and find some great stuff to take home!</span></div>elvenchild2007http://www.blogger.com/profile/07190307584724687611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5680260078464382388.post-14245037529222019362011-06-12T17:06:00.000-07:002011-06-12T17:10:01.571-07:00The Godzilla Awards!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">DUN DUN DUN DUN DUN!!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's time! The lights are set, the giant monster size appetizers and glasses of champagne are set, and it's time to get down to business with the Godzilla Awards!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Before I get into anything, this is my opinion. You as the reader are completely entitled to your own opinion, and if you disagree with me that’s perfectly fine. There are tons of lists out there with favorites of every subject imaginable, and many times they’re never the same. But that’s half the fun is seeing what everyone else comes up with!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Let’s begin, shall we?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">OLD SCHOOL AWARD<span style="mso-tab-count: 11;"> </span></span></span></b><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Godzilla (1954): <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Shōwa Series</span></span></span></b></div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnhCul53aekHSnHWXYZK5ZaziOBdaagfV5KsC_sZisHe5dPRfGiBZUsxVlefYH5UkCt1B0pOLv62NRsZaX7GUEGzQmqk6k9qJJQIgL7J8J9vlndSbIHwtYOwY-HY1iMJqPK-bss53x2A/s1600/11165_godzilla_1954_photo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnhCul53aekHSnHWXYZK5ZaziOBdaagfV5KsC_sZisHe5dPRfGiBZUsxVlefYH5UkCt1B0pOLv62NRsZaX7GUEGzQmqk6k9qJJQIgL7J8J9vlndSbIHwtYOwY-HY1iMJqPK-bss53x2A/s320/11165_godzilla_1954_photo2.jpg" t8="true" width="208px" /></a></div> <br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Seriously, what’s better than the original? Even though I only have the heavily Americanized version, I wanted to give this movie some credit. This movie was the beginning, even though the 1956 movie with Raymond Burr overshadowed this original, it is still the original. Godzilla isn’t yet the protector of Tokyo, attacking monsters more terrifying than himself: he IS the terrifying monster! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This movie also introduces one important piece: the oxygen destroyer. This is what is planted to kill Godzilla in this movie. Well…kill isn’t really the word…but you know what I mean. Anyways, this piece is important because it is the basis for the monster Destroyah. It is the one thing that is actually a threat to Godzilla.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I want to give credit where credit is due. The Americanized version (Godzilla: King of All Monsters, released in 1956), is largely responsible for introducing Godzilla to a wider audience, and helped make him the most recognized daikaiju, well, ever! However, it’s just not as old school as this movie is.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">SEE YOU IN HELL AWARD<span style="mso-tab-count: 10;"> </span></span></span></b><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Destroy All Monsters (1968): <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Shōwa Series</span></span></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIPdGTgyPr_yTXNpLN1cwqPdTdaWNMk8w7ZwOu4_3YoYgE6wunxie9k8knbsO6XMQ_brck36RNjjWoPffS-aVCuY42ypkzA5h6VrF-_QF8lNDp0GjDXxvQ8B5roO8KEr19NLaUPsUEkw/s1600/destroy_all_monsters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIPdGTgyPr_yTXNpLN1cwqPdTdaWNMk8w7ZwOu4_3YoYgE6wunxie9k8knbsO6XMQ_brck36RNjjWoPffS-aVCuY42ypkzA5h6VrF-_QF8lNDp0GjDXxvQ8B5roO8KEr19NLaUPsUEkw/s320/destroy_all_monsters.jpg" t8="true" width="226px" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ever had a family reunion or a large graduation party where everyone comes together? This is that movie, and I never get tired of it because it’s my favorite movie to see all the classic monsters in addition to the second-most classic monsters. It’s also considered the last of the classic<b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Shōwa movies, and a time where Godzilla begins his transition from the destroyer to the protector. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The monsters are all confided on Monster Island, where they are kept from humans and also researched. However, when an alien race called the Kilaaks come to destroy earth and release them, they begin attacking major cities, including Beijing, Paris, Moscow, and New York. However, they soon realize that their enemy is not the humans, but the aliens, who are controlling King Ghidorah.</span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkG9Hp-6S4EI01cHJxVOKJ_RWjUrHYNbAuxL1f0Ub8cUf34u21FNG2YhOIbG97_bImvqK7WBZl8yvNjW3Rab08PVvmScDC7VkzmETT4sUb4M91UH1T6Vgla42iwUN6bugI3sn4dOSlwDY/s1600/mecha_king_Ghidorah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkG9Hp-6S4EI01cHJxVOKJ_RWjUrHYNbAuxL1f0Ub8cUf34u21FNG2YhOIbG97_bImvqK7WBZl8yvNjW3Rab08PVvmScDC7VkzmETT4sUb4M91UH1T6Vgla42iwUN6bugI3sn4dOSlwDY/s1600/mecha_king_Ghidorah.jpg" t8="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Move the right foot...the RIGHT!!</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This movie also has the most monsters, featuring Godzilla, Minilla, Mothra, Rodan, Gorosaurus, Anguirus, Kumonga, Manda, Baragon, Varan, and King Ghidorah. This coupled with the plotline about the aliens really makes for some fun times. It is the movie that really lets it be about the monsters.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In addition, I honestly don’t get tired of watching this movie. I could watch it over and over again without getting tired of seeing all of my favorite monsters battling it out. Even though I don’t really believe in Hell, this is the movie I hope would be on loop if there was.</span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDC6Nb6Ccdx5ORr2925CvEF3JkGeWmb-_yd-Hwz9S_-pZnwwxv9Z10jMNQ_jPNWRuxVAXaPJ7ROIiREBFYbO2e86Zr1OMkO1lNJRzt9ytyxPoPIwEiACrlOvDdX-xNtulHBsP-Dlo5IJA/s1600/Kilaaks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDC6Nb6Ccdx5ORr2925CvEF3JkGeWmb-_yd-Hwz9S_-pZnwwxv9Z10jMNQ_jPNWRuxVAXaPJ7ROIiREBFYbO2e86Zr1OMkO1lNJRzt9ytyxPoPIwEiACrlOvDdX-xNtulHBsP-Dlo5IJA/s320/Kilaaks.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hopefully hell won't have this much sparkly alien fabric, however.</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">BEST ENEMY AWARD<span style="mso-tab-count: 11;"> </span></span></span></b><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Godzilla Vs. Biollante (1989): Heisei Series</span></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfZvdanhFkfF_8Cgmno_N0NCUAssZkARR9O3xWOJtSczXtSMaGpF5B0gKVV99WjFRr60044Lv9hKlwtvwwSl9KKDksmis8IBY5c7Rd3vYOGSGbHIaf-mmy12Wmvi3TRZnJ0-1W-5lAac/s1600/godzilla-vs-biollante-dvd-set-46fec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfZvdanhFkfF_8Cgmno_N0NCUAssZkARR9O3xWOJtSczXtSMaGpF5B0gKVV99WjFRr60044Lv9hKlwtvwwSl9KKDksmis8IBY5c7Rd3vYOGSGbHIaf-mmy12Wmvi3TRZnJ0-1W-5lAac/s320/godzilla-vs-biollante-dvd-set-46fec.jpg" t8="true" width="225px" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I absolutely love the organic nature of this character (she is a plant anyway). And yes, I mean a SHE, since she is the combination of Godzilla cells, rose cells, and the cells of the deceased daughter of the mad scientist who creates Biollante. She is also like Hedorah (Godzilla vs. the Smog Monster), Destroyah and Mothra where she actually evolves into new forms throughout the movie.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJPPYlGaZExgH6GQdc6lzy5OvIFBqKX0dMnVJWgCguZpee_0G3iqhoaKtaMYG88MYz3T2g0C75FLTmmHGu5ZTrEhzDKyWkFEl5tD5qqg52ZwfInH5PKNhXdB_vBpAAqJ2zNXJisZroco/s1600/440715-biollante_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJPPYlGaZExgH6GQdc6lzy5OvIFBqKX0dMnVJWgCguZpee_0G3iqhoaKtaMYG88MYz3T2g0C75FLTmmHGu5ZTrEhzDKyWkFEl5tD5qqg52ZwfInH5PKNhXdB_vBpAAqJ2zNXJisZroco/s1600/440715-biollante_large.jpg" t8="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can YOU guess my weak point?!</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">She’s not just a monster, she has the emotions and psychic energy of the human that she was created with. The battle scenes with her vine tendrils are really cool, and overall she has a cool design. In addition, her cry is one of the most memorable; it reminds me of a banshee.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This movie also begins to ask more of its viewers. Most of the monsters come from either outer space or under magical circumstances, but not from a combination of a human and a monster. Godzilla even seems to recognize that they are both the same monster, since they share the same cells. This movie also looks into the world of the psychic, and combines that magical element with science to create Biollante. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Overall the Heisei series is where even though Godzilla is becoming for of a protector, he is still the enemy according to the humans. While Godzilla is fighting his enemy (the enemy of earth), the humans are trying to destroy their “protector”. The relationship between humans and Godzilla begins to deepen, especially since the monster he fights in this movie is part human herself. The originality of this creature and her design concept made her a “natural” choice.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">HUMANS FIGHT BACK AWARD<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></span></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Godzilla Vs. Space Godzilla (1994): Heisei Series</span></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgg8xngrheBi5e3n34Aqi3GtYRIU0OLVhhBFsU_qtk0-eIB8RCIqiGqpGKDHeq1KNh6XbXOqRPCQH8j00wX5DxjvKvYU-gi0WLXkSebHQCyA4Y6MV-qR_4NXiAKg-dtfUjzSVrSV0hIA/s1600/65474610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgg8xngrheBi5e3n34Aqi3GtYRIU0OLVhhBFsU_qtk0-eIB8RCIqiGqpGKDHeq1KNh6XbXOqRPCQH8j00wX5DxjvKvYU-gi0WLXkSebHQCyA4Y6MV-qR_4NXiAKg-dtfUjzSVrSV0hIA/s320/65474610.jpg" t8="true" width="225px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are a lot of elements that make this movie worth watching, but for once, THE HUMANS AREN’T LAME!! There are a lot of Godzilla movies where the humans become awfully boring halfway through the movie. This one…they have the M.O.G.E.R.A. (Mobile Operation Godzilla Expert Robo Aero-Type), one of the few machines made by the humans that is ever able to withstand against Godzilla. The team that operates it creates another dimension to the humans that are battling Godzilla. In addition, you have the psychic, Miki Saegusa, who is chosen for Project T, which attempts to control Godzilla using her psychic powers along with technology that they’ve developed.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This movie is just a fun adventure, even though Space Godzilla is somewhat simplistic in his concept (though those giant crystal shoulder pads are quite spiff). This movie also includes Mothra, and my favorite version of Godzilla’s son, in this version called LittleGodzilla.</span></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0_Zzs8bSm76BWxB3kWeVtOsijuVRSydpN7vbvMVJqHoYX7oklgQlkSXVefw2rNVyAM_h1IVg9Tyn2NHrm5xk5D2rBdxJWXeavH8SYEN8nVM8HKvVI5sEOeptUZC0iY2YnaHzspNqyij4/s1600/Little_Godzilla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0_Zzs8bSm76BWxB3kWeVtOsijuVRSydpN7vbvMVJqHoYX7oklgQlkSXVefw2rNVyAM_h1IVg9Tyn2NHrm5xk5D2rBdxJWXeavH8SYEN8nVM8HKvVI5sEOeptUZC0iY2YnaHzspNqyij4/s1600/Little_Godzilla.jpg" t8="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wait...wait I've seen this before...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI5gW-Mb_BMyIqwbEf3qbT-ywnxMS3VIzh6P4-S0trYYiMlyBIrbaeDViAchNFcQGnYNlo72X4cOZkm3qc1iwUTBut9iOG1HEJLdBqrfJSEBazoq-xYUAShQXqdSxZWjDhDEcop1kPeow/s1600/kittysurprise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI5gW-Mb_BMyIqwbEf3qbT-ywnxMS3VIzh6P4-S0trYYiMlyBIrbaeDViAchNFcQGnYNlo72X4cOZkm3qc1iwUTBut9iOG1HEJLdBqrfJSEBazoq-xYUAShQXqdSxZWjDhDEcop1kPeow/s320/kittysurprise.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A-HAH!</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Unfortunately this movie is pretty flat in regards to the plot and the originality of the character, but epic battle scenes and probably the cutest version of Godzilla’s son to date.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tissue Box Award<span style="mso-tab-count: 11;"> </span></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Godzilla Vs. Destoroyah (1995): Heisei Series</span></span></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://uncannystudios.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/427px-1995-big1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="http://uncannystudios.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/427px-1995-big1.jpg" t8="true" width="227px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The only other movie I can think that made me cry this hard is either Lord of the Rings: Return of the King or Marley and Me. This is the death of the Godzilla from the Heisei series and the succession of his son, who has since evolved from Godzilla vs. Space Godzilla.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.wikia.com/godzilla/images/d/dd/Destroyah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215px" src="http://images.wikia.com/godzilla/images/d/dd/Destroyah.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holy @#*&%!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Destoroyah is created by the same machine that killed Godzilla: the oxygen destroyer (hence the name Destoroyah). This movie is the end of the Heisei Series, and the beginning of the new Godzilla. It makes me sad because Godzilla is genuinely heartbroken when he appears unable to save his son, but continues to fight against Destoroyah regardless. In few movies do we see Godzilla reacting in such a way (he does have some fatherly characteristics in Son of Godzilla) but we never see his emotions come out this much in battle. Godzilla becomes more than a monster – he is a wounded father facing death either from Destoroyah or from his internal body temperature becoming too high and causing him to melt down like a nuclear reactor. </span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Even though Godzilla Junior survives, it is the end of the Godzilla that I had been following for the majority of my childhood. The Godzilla Millennium Series hadn’t begun, so I didn’t know what the future would hold for my daikaiju friends.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is the only time where the battle was more serious than just a special effects and stunt show. These two monsters are actually fighting for their lives, and in the end, one of them fails to return from battle. This emotion contained in the movie was what eventually lead to me needing a tissue box.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And there you have it!! These movies are very close to my heart, and writing about them has made me want to watch them all over again. But for now, you should go watch the Tony’s, and help my sister root for Warhorse. </span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Oyasuminasai!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>elvenchild2007http://www.blogger.com/profile/07190307584724687611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5680260078464382388.post-60790859359442691442011-06-11T13:58:00.000-07:002011-06-11T14:06:50.200-07:00Award Preview!!<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">This week it’s time to get down into my Godzilla collection and choose what I found to be my favorites, and what I found was a bit troubling. I love all my movies! Even though they have the same premises, they’re all different in their own ways. I also realized that picking just three movies was particularly difficult, so after some pondering I decided that I was going to choose five. Each movie was selected for a particular award. Since it's Saturday, I wanted to give a preview of what these awards are and the criteria for receiving it. Like any award show, you are free to try and guess which movies you think will win!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8t6uSrSkP6ct9TH8jrBuL7SkjtwDPFAnsZ89nS1eihNK8TIKnDNPiDXPJLcZFP59_Ur8r8GthdkqbduK3hqqStV2s0QGzccTs_tw2C8GZBP4qPdplNHps4KoyQ1z4QuE_EWZTIsgu-lQ/s1600/godzilla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8t6uSrSkP6ct9TH8jrBuL7SkjtwDPFAnsZ89nS1eihNK8TIKnDNPiDXPJLcZFP59_Ur8r8GthdkqbduK3hqqStV2s0QGzccTs_tw2C8GZBP4qPdplNHps4KoyQ1z4QuE_EWZTIsgu-lQ/s320/godzilla.jpg" t8="true" width="305px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He's learning how to dance for the after party...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;">The awards are:</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span>Old school: The award for the Godzilla movie that is the definition of “Old School”. “Old School” is like the difference between the Nintendo 64 and the Wii. The Nintendo 64 is old school cuz it’s the original and…well…old!</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span>See You in Hell: The award for the Godzilla movie that I never get tired. I get super excited when I watch it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the equivalent of the movie that you couldn’t stop watching when you were 5 years old (that was Bambi and The Little Mermaid for me, much to my parent’s dismay). If there was a Godzilla movie that would endlessly loop in hell, it would be this one.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span>Best Enemy: The award for the Godzilla movie that has my favorite enemy. This enemy is one that isn’t a classic like Ghidorah, Rodan, Mothra, Gigan, etc. This one shows up only once.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span>Humans Fight Back: The award for the Godzilla movie that features humans that don’t completely fail at protecting themselves. The humans are able to create something that is able to (temporarily) withstand Godzilla and his enemies’ power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides, anything that resembles Voltron has to be awesome, right?</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span>Tissue Box: The award for the Godzilla movie made me cry. If you know me really well, I don’t cry easily. It takes a lot of a movie, book, etc. to make me tear up. But this movie somehow really got me.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">Find out tomorrow which one's are chosen! </div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">For now, here's my favorite version of Mothra's Summoning Song from Godzilla vs. Mothra, sung by the Shobijin, also known as the twin faeries.</div></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/HbfMLE4De2s?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>elvenchild2007http://www.blogger.com/profile/07190307584724687611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5680260078464382388.post-71686183406980302332011-06-06T22:17:00.000-07:002011-06-06T22:36:51.300-07:00Oh hai!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been wanting to start blogging for awhile, but never had the had been in the right place to do so. But now I've decided it's time, so welcome!</span><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I recently graduated from college, and one imporant thing I've learned is about contributing to the community. People don't volunteer/give back to the community enough in my opinion, so I've made it my goal to find a permanent position eventually that allows me to give back while still having an extensive (and hopefully secure) career. If there's one thing I know though, I can trust the chips to fall in the right place, even if it happens in a way that I don't expect.</span></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're wondering what </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">daikaijū is, it is the term for Japanese movie monsters, but more specifically - GODZILLA! I saw my first Godzilla movie when I was in elementary school, and I've been hooked ever since. I have around a dozen movies, including other famous </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">daikaijū like Mothra and Ghidorah, figurines, and even a t-shirt I proudly display. </span></span></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Manga and anime are also large aspects of my life. I'm currently working my way through Full Metal Alchemist, and just finished Inuyasha (it's considered a life achievement right now). I usually give any series a chance, and am really excited that they are starting to re-release some of the older series. Be ready to hear about Revolutionary Girl Utena sometime in the near future. </span></span></span></div><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">My pets include 3 cats and a puppy. They provide endless entertainment and love for my family and I. </span></span></span><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I think I've done enough talking about me for now >.< </span></span></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMV9CJazGLvlrYHCjZRBPr1T1V0prEgflHxhKNwcc-kk_leGj5fOKaucGaxjRIUIYFy7FYIu1t3fH2vw6WzVE3zUm1dvyac41IJsgWc2KNlNuna-0MCSSDI9HL6QShFJNYkM6Bow_VCkQ/s1600/omnom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMV9CJazGLvlrYHCjZRBPr1T1V0prEgflHxhKNwcc-kk_leGj5fOKaucGaxjRIUIYFy7FYIu1t3fH2vw6WzVE3zUm1dvyac41IJsgWc2KNlNuna-0MCSSDI9HL6QShFJNYkM6Bow_VCkQ/s320/omnom.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Omnomnomnom</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Tune in for the actual start of my blog next week. Subject: My three favorite Godzilla movies that I have in my collection!</span></span></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Oyasuminasai! <<Goodnight>></span></span></span></div>elvenchild2007http://www.blogger.com/profile/07190307584724687611noreply@blogger.com0