"And what do you want your birthday present to be?"
"A bottle of Seroquel. And health insurance."
I don't ask for much at this point in my life...except for much.
---
Today was bizarre and underachieving. Dilemmas upon dilemmas upon more dilemmas make this day a load of crap, if you ask me.
It started with a trip to this clinic I never heard of, at the corner of Anaheim and Chestnut. I tried to check it, but they told me to schedule an appointment in the afternoon. Got that done. I would come back later. More on that in a bit.
The next stop I went to was this place near San Antonio Drive and Long Beach Blvd. They asked me, are you here to file an unemployment appeal?
Crap. Why did that old guy at the Social Security Office refer me over here? Bastard.
So, I went down to the Career Transition Center, near my work at the Long Beach Bar Foundation. Guess what? In what I feel is a blatant attempt to fuel my paranoia, they changed the rules at the beginning of the month. Now I DO NEED my Social Security Card. That same card that I lost with my wallet from hell. Motherfuckers. Tomorrow I could reregister...but my bus pass would be invalid, since tomorrow begins that month of August.
With little else to do, I completed what was a brisk two hours of work at the Bar, then went back home to refuel. This huge-ass lady, who is barely getting by on welfare and smoked one too many cigarettes, one too many chitterlings and way too many bottles of alcohol, gets on board. She has cellulite from the top of her forehead to the bottom of her cankles, and her teeth were few, yellow and brown.
Ugh. All I could do was turn away and wait for the bus to drop me at the stop.
So, you think this story is over, right? Wrong. Here's some more stuff to pile on.
After I got to the clinic, the doctors there (who clearly would not be hired by the likes of Kaiser-oh God, I actually MISS having decent doctors for a change) told me that I was at the wrong place. I should have gone to the Long Beach Mental Health Clinic, near the Social Security Office. One of the staff there, called my name as if I have the hots for her. Based on her appearance, "Sorry, I'll pass. I have my limits."
So I go to that clinic up the boulevard, and the receptionist there (who, in spite of a bad hair job [ditch the mad fro, lady], was courteous) told me to check in Monday morning. EARLY MOnday morning, a la 4 or 5 a.m.
I thought at the back of my head, "Oh please, let some hot anime chick rape me now. I've had too many bizarre things happen today, get me the hell outta here!"
Not kidding, mind you.
The earthshaker!
Would you believe it; the first big earthshaker here in Los Angeles has arrived. I am posting this from my work at the Bar Foundation while preparing some grants, and what do you know, an earthquake sways this building, as well as the whole of Southern California and Vegas.
Strong quake shakes Southern California
By ROBERT JABLON
Associated Press Writer
A strong earthquake shook Southern California on Tuesday, causing buildings to sway and triggering some precautionary evacuations. No immediate damage was reported.
The jolt was felt from Los Angeles to San Diego, and slightly in Las Vegas.
Preliminary information from the U.S. Geological Survey estimated the quake at magnitude 5.8, centered 29 miles east-southeast of downtown Los Angeles near Chino Hills in San Bernardino County.
Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey said there were no immediate reports of damage or injury in Los Angeles. San Bernardino County fire dispatch also had no immediate reports of damage.
The quake struck at 11:42 a.m. PDT. Buildings swayed in downtown Los Angeles for several seconds.
Workers quickly evacuated some office buildings.
"It was dramatic. The whole building moved and it lasted for a while," said Los Angeles County sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore, who was in the sheriff's suburban Monterey Park headquarters east of Los Angeles.
In Orange County, about 2000 detectives were attending a conference on gangs at a Marriott hotel in Anaheim when a violent jolt shook the main conference room.
Mike Willever, who was at the hotel, said, "First we heard the ceiling shaking, then the chandelier started to shake, then there was a sudden movement of the floor."
Chris Watkins, from San Diego, said he previously felt several earthquakes, but "that was one of the worst ones."
Delegates and guests at a cluster of hotels near the Disneyland resort spilled into the streets immediately after the quake.
The 1994 Northridge earthquake under Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley was magnitude 6.7. It killed 72 people, injured more than 9,000 and caused $25 billion in damage in the metropolitan area.
The damage created by an earthquake depends greatly on where it hits. A 7.1 quake - much stronger than Northridge - hit the Mojave Desert in 1999 but caused only a few injuries and no deaths.
California is one of the world's most seismically active regions. More than 300 faults crisscross the state, which sits atop two of Earth's major tectonic plates, the Pacific and North American plates. About 10,000 quakes each year rattle Southern California alone, although most of them are too small to be felt.
Associated Press Writer Thomas Watkins in Anaheim contributed to this report.
A great day for Team USA...and Saskatchewan
It's been a great day for the national teams. First, Team USA wrapped up the gold medal in the FIVB World League (men's volleyball), downing Serbia in four games. The USA Collegiate National Team outlasted Japan in Brno, Czech Republic for the 4th World Collegiate Baseball title. And the women's U-17 national football (soccer) team crushed Costa Rica, 4-1, a few days after edging Mexico in the last minute of stoppage time, 1-0.
The only downers were my Galaxy (weaklings couldn't lay a finger to soon-to-be player of the year in MLS, Kenny Cooper and FC Dallas, 3-0) and the Angels, who saw Baltimore snap a four-game winning streak. But that couldn't take away from Sparks finding their winning track after dropping a couple of stinkers due to a brawl in the Palace at Auburn Hills.
Or the fact that the Saskatchewan Roughriders are 5-0 after getting the benefit of the doubt in a 28-22 win over the Toronto Argonauts. The funny thing about that touchdown by Wes Cates was that the priopr play should have been a touchdown, but was not, even after head coach Ken Miller challenged it.
It makes you wonder if the officlas wanted to make up for it.
A nice summer excursion
On the experience I had working as an intern at the Long Beach Bar Foundation
Time flies very quickly when you are making the most of it. That was the mindset I had heading into my last day working with the Long Beach Bar Foundation as an intern. I could not believe it at first, but I realized that today was the last day that I was going to work with LBBF as an intern. Five months of assisting a humble and merciful cause-helping young children stop short of committing crimes-culminated with this week.
I was slow to get up this morning, but after my breakfast, I took the Route 1 to Wardlow Station, then walked up a hill to get to my work. All I did today was translate some documents, and edit a couple others. It wasn’t as intense as the day before, where I helped prepare another box of student homework packets for future sessions. This was surprisingly light.
As I wrapped up my work, I was a bit cautious. At the back of my head, I knew that I could not lose sight of what I needed to do: find a paid position that was stable and a position where I could work for about 40 hours per week. Once I submitted the documents tomorrow, I had completed one year of experience as an intern-without the need of having to go through the fall semester.
It’s going to be a weird feeling. But at least I can now place some focus on the GMAT, which I will be taking on my birthday.
Time flies very quickly when you are making the most of it. That was the mindset I had heading into my last day working with the Long Beach Bar Foundation as an intern. I could not believe it at first, but I realized that today was the last day that I was going to work with LBBF as an intern. Five months of assisting a humble and merciful cause-helping young children stop short of committing crimes-culminated with this week.
I was slow to get up this morning, but after my breakfast, I took the Route 1 to Wardlow Station, then walked up a hill to get to my work. All I did today was translate some documents, and edit a couple others. It wasn’t as intense as the day before, where I helped prepare another box of student homework packets for future sessions. This was surprisingly light.
As I wrapped up my work, I was a bit cautious. At the back of my head, I knew that I could not lose sight of what I needed to do: find a paid position that was stable and a position where I could work for about 40 hours per week. Once I submitted the documents tomorrow, I had completed one year of experience as an intern-without the need of having to go through the fall semester.
It’s going to be a weird feeling. But at least I can now place some focus on the GMAT, which I will be taking on my birthday.
Quick hits, July 23, 2008
Quick hits, July 23, 2008
I am surprised by the inability of Toronto FC to do anything against the Montreal Impact last night. This match marks nine straight games without a victory. A 1-1 draw gave the second-worst team in the USL (at least in the standings) the Voyageurs Cup-and the right to represent Canada in the CONCACAF Champions League.
John Carver, the coach of the team, was more than graceless in defeat, blaming everyone and anyone he sees-from the media, to the sporting events, to even Jeff Cunningham, who, for all the goals he has scored, is now past his prime, and is in the twilight of his career.
My take on it is: bloody move on. Here is this manager from England who has not been in Toronto long enough to appreciate these events that the city hosts, events that have helped, in more ways than one, Toronto to make a name for itself-and he disses thenm. Mercy,
It's these daft comments that are not going to make him any friends up there. Add an uncanny gracelessness in defeat, and John Carver's time as manager is starting to run out.
---
What the heck is up with the Sparks? I can't believe what I just saw. The Damnation of Artest Revisited? Why is it that the Palace at Auburn Hills might be a place to host a crapload of boxing matches?
Sure, we did beat Detroit, but we are in trouble against Connecticut. Madness. We might as well have women's ultimate fighting start up this year.
---
Here are the Bedlam's Top 5 Reasons why You Can't Blame Jason Armstead for giving Saskatchewan the victory over Montreal last Saturday.
5. Rayshaun Kizer. A boneheaded roughing the kicker penalty for flattening punter Jamie Boreham gave Saskatchewan the ball back on one of their posessions. The Roughriders would score on that drive in the 2nd half.
4. Darien Durant. Here is a quarterback that might stir some controversy in Regina. Durant is more than capable of filling in for Marcus Crandell. But will Ken Miller have a headache in choosing who to start when the Argonauts come to town?
3. Anton McKenzie. Defensively, he is clutch. He made some key interceptions to prevent the Alouettes offense from becoming a threat in the last 3 minutes of the game.
2. The touchdown to Matt Dominguez confirmed through instant replay. Yes, because it was a simultaneous catch, by rule, it's a touchdown. Jim Trestman must have felt snakebitten, because that play set the stage for the rally by the Riders at the Mosaic Stadium.
1. A questionable, if not, "brain asploded" decision by Montreal's special teams coach to bring out the "hands" team, or the onside kick unit. Personally, I could not believe that Montreal brough out that team with just less than three minutes remaining. And to make matters worse...Jason Armstead was on that unit.
Canadian football. Tough day on the field for the Als.
I am surprised by the inability of Toronto FC to do anything against the Montreal Impact last night. This match marks nine straight games without a victory. A 1-1 draw gave the second-worst team in the USL (at least in the standings) the Voyageurs Cup-and the right to represent Canada in the CONCACAF Champions League.
John Carver, the coach of the team, was more than graceless in defeat, blaming everyone and anyone he sees-from the media, to the sporting events, to even Jeff Cunningham, who, for all the goals he has scored, is now past his prime, and is in the twilight of his career.
My take on it is: bloody move on. Here is this manager from England who has not been in Toronto long enough to appreciate these events that the city hosts, events that have helped, in more ways than one, Toronto to make a name for itself-and he disses thenm. Mercy,
It's these daft comments that are not going to make him any friends up there. Add an uncanny gracelessness in defeat, and John Carver's time as manager is starting to run out.
---
What the heck is up with the Sparks? I can't believe what I just saw. The Damnation of Artest Revisited? Why is it that the Palace at Auburn Hills might be a place to host a crapload of boxing matches?
Sure, we did beat Detroit, but we are in trouble against Connecticut. Madness. We might as well have women's ultimate fighting start up this year.
---
Here are the Bedlam's Top 5 Reasons why You Can't Blame Jason Armstead for giving Saskatchewan the victory over Montreal last Saturday.
5. Rayshaun Kizer. A boneheaded roughing the kicker penalty for flattening punter Jamie Boreham gave Saskatchewan the ball back on one of their posessions. The Roughriders would score on that drive in the 2nd half.
4. Darien Durant. Here is a quarterback that might stir some controversy in Regina. Durant is more than capable of filling in for Marcus Crandell. But will Ken Miller have a headache in choosing who to start when the Argonauts come to town?
3. Anton McKenzie. Defensively, he is clutch. He made some key interceptions to prevent the Alouettes offense from becoming a threat in the last 3 minutes of the game.
2. The touchdown to Matt Dominguez confirmed through instant replay. Yes, because it was a simultaneous catch, by rule, it's a touchdown. Jim Trestman must have felt snakebitten, because that play set the stage for the rally by the Riders at the Mosaic Stadium.
1. A questionable, if not, "brain asploded" decision by Montreal's special teams coach to bring out the "hands" team, or the onside kick unit. Personally, I could not believe that Montreal brough out that team with just less than three minutes remaining. And to make matters worse...Jason Armstead was on that unit.
Canadian football. Tough day on the field for the Als.
A great day to be young and Australoia
I think today is a great day to be young, Australia, and rich in faith. It's World Youth Day down in Sydney, Australia, and it's a great day to be a young Australia boy or girl. And it's not just because of His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI presiding over the pilgrims who descend on the largest city in OZ. A young group of footballers brought home what the Bedlam reckons as the first piece of hardware for the country as a member of the Asian Football Confederation.
First, a little take on World Youth Day 2008 from Sydney.
And some of the football:
ASEAN Football Federation
First, a little take on World Youth Day 2008 from Sydney.
World Youth Day 2008
Pope Benedict XVI will meet thousands of young Catholics from all over the world in Sydney
Faith Central: Gangster who found God to speak at WYD
Billed as the largest youth event in the world, World Youth Day’08 is a five-day long international Catholic youth rally, where young people gather to meet Pope Benedict XVI. It begins in Sydney, Australia on Tuesday July 15 and ends with a Mass said by Benedict XVI on Sunday July 20. The Pope arrived on Sunday, July 13.
Around half a million young people are expected to attend the closing Mass, while around half that number are expected in the days before the Mass.
To date, there have been ten World Youth Days since the initiative was begun in 1986 by Pope John Paul II. He invited young Catholics to meet with him on a regular basis, approximately once every two years, for a gathering of worship, prayer, talks, Mass and teaching. Each WYD is centred on a Bible passage. The passage for WYD 2008 is "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses" (Acts 1, 8).
The largest WYD to date took place in Manila, the Philippines, in 1995 and was attended by 4 million young people. Nearly half a million are expected to attend the closing Mass at WYD08 on July 20, 2008. Approximately 2,000 have come from the United Kingdom, including Rick Brewin and Rebecca Coyne, who are providing an online diary of WYD08 for Faith Online.
WYD08 has attracted criticism over the cost of the event, paid out of the public purse although the major expenses will be paid by the Catholic Church, and also from protesters who plan to highlight their opposition to Roman Catholic teaching on sex, and contraception by handing out condoms to pilgrims. They also object to a new law introduced in New South Wales, banning protesters from “annoying” World Youth Day pilgrims.
Articles from Google
And some of the football:
| BULUT GIVES AUSTRALIA WIN IN GRAND FINAL | |
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JAKARTA (19 July 2008) – Kerem Bulut made all the difference when his sudden death penalty conversion gave Australia the crown in the AFF Under-16 Youth Championships here this evening at the Stadion Lebak Bulus.ASEAN Football Federation
I don't want anything to do with those fuckers again.
Some quick hits from today...
After nearly a year of relative peace...I get my first deletion notices on deviantART, albeit a couple of random desktop screenshots.
Took you guys a while, didn't it? Bastards.
---
I got the feeling my friend Diane from Cal State Long Beach was a bit nervous about telling me why I did not get into that goddamn Graduate Program in Sport Management. It wasn't about my GPA being lower than the others. It was about the unfortunate incident at the Gold Mine in Men's Volleyball last year against those sons of bitches from Northridge. Aghhh, it just mystifies to have that thing weighed more than the other stuff.
Now don't get me wrong, I don't have any bad feelings for those guys. If I did, everyone at the gymnasium would be in a large pool of blood by now. Seung-Hui Cho's fighting spirit would have left no one alive, including me, today. But to hear this news, and to acknowledge that I would be wasting my time trying to apply for Spring 2009 down there...I will have to consign myself to the fact that I don't own these motherfuckers any more obligations to them beyond my (auxiliary) role as an alumnus.
Your loss will be someone else's gain. I apologize for wasting your time, guys. Do me now a favor you Sport Management turds. Kindly piss off and don't waste my time ever again. Ungrateful assholes.
---
With that said, I am convinced that finding the right business school will be in my crosshairs. The question is: who will I apply to, and what type of program will I choose for my MBA? The upcoming GMAT on my birthday could answer a few of those questions, if faintly.
Anime Expo 2008 Reflections, Part 3
Anime Expo 2008 Reflections, Part 3
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Day 4
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Day 4
For a fleeting moment, I thought I was back in my bedroom, thinking that Anime Expo 2008 was nothing more than a dream in my head. But when I woke up, I saw that I was still in the Westin Bonaventure...and I had one more day to work. Crap! So, I finished packing my bags, and after I went down to the Beaudry Room for the final breakfast of the convention, I went over to the Guest Services desk, and I asked them why they automatically charged us for parking, even though I commuted by bus, train, and foot. What are they, extortionists in training. Gag me with a ski mask, guys.
Naturally, they expunged it from the record. I was a bit sleepy when I got back on the shuttle for the last time, but I was excited about wrapping up my work at this convention.
There is an old adage: "The third time's the charm." For me, hearing rave reviews about Registration in my third year as a staffer was especially sweet.
Aside from the string bikini fetishes and the Masquerade fix I had last night, I watched a stream of cosplayers listen to the music as if the Pied Piper of Otakumlin came to play. I said, "Sorry guys, I've got work to do." That's the thing: here at AX, you have the power (within reasonable constraints) to live your own fantasies.
So I went down to the auction after my final shift next door at West Hall B to take note of the items up for bid, and how high they went. Here's a sample of what was there, and what the final bidding price unded up to be.
* Item 25, an Anime Expo 2008 autographer poster by all of the Guests of Honor. Sold for $350.
* A Boise State "Otaku for Obama" shirt signed by David Hayter. Sold for $100.
* Item 2, a Batman Gotham Night Poster signed by Brian Ezorio, Greg Ruen, Bruce Tim, ALan Burnett, David Goyer, Josh Olsen, Chris Drake, and Jordan Calabria (my handwriting sucked, so if I got the names wrong, I apologize). Sold for $225.
* Item 31, a Masamitsu Hidaka-signed Linebarrels of Iron shirt, Size M. Sold for $45.
* Item 13, a Yu Yu Hakushoposter autographed by Chris Sabat, Jerry JEwell and Justin Cook. Sold for $75.
* Item 16, an autographed Shoko Nakagawa Happy Coat worn during the concert. Sold for $350.
* Item 10, a Jyukai hat, by Dewa, worn during the concert. Sold for $40. (Can you get something like that at Ross!? And cheaper!!?)
* Item 27, an autographed attendee shirt, autographed by David Hayter, size L. Sold for $60.
* Item 22, A Black Sword of the Stranger shirt, size L-SS, autographed by Masahiro Ando. Sold for $160
* Item 23, a Patlabor poster signed by Akemi Takada. Sold for $160.
* Item 20, an autographed shikishi board, autographed by Jyukai. Sold for $70.
* Item 17, an Ouran High School host club blazer, signed by the English dubbing crew at the panel. Sold for $300.
* Item 33, Batman Gotham Night poster (see 2). Sold for $275
* Item 9, another Jyukai hat by Dewa. Sold for $45. (I got at Ross! Just kidding. I got it at Marshalls. Also kidding.)
* Item 21, another Jyukai-autographed shikishi (same as 20). Sold for $60.
* Item 24, a Patlabor poster autographed by Akemi Takada. Sold for $250.
* Item 26, another Anime Expo 2008 poster signed by all the Guests of Honor (see 25). Sold for $600.
* Item 34, Another Batman Gotham Night poster (same as 2). Sold for $250.
* Item 8, a dress worn by Manami of Jyukai at the concert, size 2. Sold for $100. (A perfect present for your waifu! Should have had matching apron for some kinky hadaka tricks.)
* Item 29, two Black & Red passes for Anime Expo 2009. Sold for face value ($1,000).
* Item 5, a Batman Gotham Night DVD, autographed from those who signed Item 2. Sold for $400.
* Item 28, another David Hayter autographed attendee shirt, size L. Sold for $110.
* Item 30, a shikishi board signed by Masamitsu Hidaka. Sold for $300.
* Item 7, a color sketch by Hiromi Kato, showing characters from "I'm Gonna Be An Angel!" Sold for $1,600.
* A KImagure Orange Road drawing by Akemi Takada. Sold for $3,000
* Item 1, a drawing by Hiromi Kato, featuring Chiyo MIhama, Ayumu "Osaka" Kasuga, Utena Tenjou, Mokona, Sakura Kinomoto, and other charactes from Beck, Paradise Kiss and I'm Gonna BE An Angel!. Sold for $7,000.
The auction, after deduction, about $14,000 was raised for Children's Hospital of Orange County.
All in all, the convention was capped by Vic Mignogna closing the convention, and Mr. Ando wrapped it by dotting the other eye on the daruma head. Perfect.
And thus my reflections on the convention have been revealed.
Anime Expo 2008 reflection, Part 2
Amine Expo 2008 reflections, Part 2
Day 2
They are people looking for results. The targets are answers looking for questions. In a business fueled by money swimming in a drowning economy, the entertainment business is a machine owned and operated by people on the hunt for those who can deliver the fuel-the results-early and often.
Thus, is wasn't surprising that the poster for AX Idol featured someone who had the results in her hands, reaching out for the microphone to give it to the ones chosen by the judges (including Shoko-tan and the Bang Zoom! crew By the way, Shoko-tan was also a Masquerade judge this year). Ironically, this was the very first AX Idol I went toi. Add the fact that this was held at the Nokia Theater (funny, the staff checked my phone, even though it was a Nokia. Ironic, isn't it?) and it became something very special. More on that in a bit.
If there was real downer at the convention, it had to be the food at the Tradewinds Cafe in Kentia Hall. Not only was the fare unsophisticated, but the staff were clearly unnaturalized (at least a majority of them) citizens. The evidence was there: lack of English, poor communication skills, and a take-it-or-leave-it attitude that would make it feel like I was in San Quentin without the prison riots or confinement decor. Next thing these guys will do is feed us Ensure down our throats a la Guantanamo Bay. Absolutely horrible.
It was a big downer. I mean, come on: if turning a family away at Registration due to their lack of planning and preparation for the event (and it DID happen, and it wasn't our fault; the would-be attendees didn't help themselves by not taking a look at the prices, the plans that weekend, and pre-registering) was bad enoguh, this was nothing compared to the abominable manners of these guys. Next year, I expect to see a new staff with a friendlier demeanor when I am getting my fill at Kentia. In the meantime, get the Tijuana trucks ready, guys.
On the other hand, taking cosplay photos on my mobile and getting my mascot plushies to make out, combined with AX Idol, made up for it in a big way.
Vic Mignogna and Jon Mexa are experts and true veterans of what they do. I expecioally like Vic. The Enlgish voice behind the likes of Ichigo Kurosawa and Edward Elric, Vic knows his schtick. He's a good singer, too. We love the hair.
God bless Steve BLum. Over a couple of decades at the forfront of English dubbing will make one-half of the Risen Bull Rangers (the other half is Vic) a tough act to follow.
As I went down the elevator after changinmg into some new shorts due to a zipper malfunction, I saw a couple of Tokyo Mew Mew cosplayers in bikinis step in.
"Cosplaying in swimsuits?" I asked
"No, we cosplayed a few hours ago, but we decided to go to the pool," said the Ichigo cosplayer. She was in a matching white beiking with red strings and dots. It matched her hair and form perfectly.
"I see. Well at least you made the right choice on which two-piece to pick. It looks great on you," I said, with a delightful laugh as I headed for the shuttle.
That's the thing: when you are cosplaying, and you want to show that hot body at the pool, you'd better bring an outfit that emphasizes your curves and bust, as well as matches your outfit when you strut yout stuff to the photographers out there. She was even in twintails, which added to her moe aesthetic. She easily could pass for cosplaying in a swimsuit.
I decided not to take a photo of her in it. Besides, she was out of uniform, she did not request to be shot, and we were in an elevator. And I was staffing. Of course I had high standards. But it was clear than in those fleeting seconds, my string bikini fetish had reached dangerous levels. Naturally they lowered to more healthy ones when I took the shuttle.
I would think that Ichigo would be wearing something like that in the anime. Of course, I don't watch Tokyo Mew Mew as much as the other ones I follow. I prefer the Japanese version way more than the 4Kids version.
As I reach out for a box of tissues typing this to post, I would like to let you know that AX Idol was a success. In my view, Pamela Moss would have amde a lot of headway on American Idol. Her rendition of Kouga Ninpou Chou" from the series Basilisk was epic. Chalk up a big point for whoever decides to give her a lucrative contract.
And chalk up a coup of a hire if Caitlin Chang is giving a contract to dub for Bang Zoom!. Her rendition of Gurren Lagann's very own Yoko Ritona was unlike anything we ever saw. Of course, the candidates who voices as Simon and Kamina were competent as well. But the night belonged to Caitlin. I was wondering if she ever did any fandubbing in the past. Or there was a rule preventing that. In any case, if she was doing fan dubs previously, those days are long gone now. Enjoy your September business trip to Japan, Caitlin Chang. May it stimulate you in more ways than one.
The moe possibilities were there. Darn that Richard Kong, though. First he buys a Haruhi dakimakura for 35 smackaroons. And then he gets even luckier and wins an autographed shikishi board from one of the GoH's (I didn't know if it was THE Shoko-tan, but it was, the third atomic bomb went off in my room at the Westin Bonaventure. To add insult, he was happily snoring.
Oh, those AX Staffers.
Day 3
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"Aficionados, ¡que viven la intensidad del manga y anime!"
That was the mantra as I went off to Video Room 3, donning my polo over my Astro Boy shirt. For me, the thought of Nicholas Cage doing Astro Boy's role just gave me the shivers. Anyway, my first shift was scheduled for 10:30 a.m., so I had some time to wander about.
I was able to take some shots of KOnata, KAgami and the Lucky Star crew, though I couldn't stand next to Kagami in a back to back pose. I twas some damn crowded and hot inside the Exhibit Hall.
Mou...those sweaty, smelly otaku. Oh God.
=_=+
Otherwise, any chances of not fulfilling my wish went out the you-know-what. Now surpriusingly, there was a long, long, looong line for the Masquerade. This was our showcase event, and I told the people to come down for the event at the Nokia Theatre. There should be some seats available if you hurry, I said to them.
Sure enough, we were treated to something special. I saw Funky Fresh cosplay doing their LUcky Start tribute skil. Needless to say, I was happy with their performance. They got the second place prize (which, overall was a symbolic third place if you take into account Best in SHow, the true first place winner). As I took a couple of shots of them (one of them is on my deviantART plage), I was vindicated, and assured that they validated the relevance of Kagami Yoshimizu's classic to our interests. It was relevant to the mindsets of those who followed it, who supported it, and will never forget it. And they won't.
Props to the Orange County Anime Society for winning it all. These guys were the cream of the crop, and rightfully deserving of the title.
Special props to the band from Faye Ross Middle School, located in Artesia, CA. Their tribute to the convention and to Final Fantasy drew a standing ovation. (Partly because I got them to do so, but that's beside the point). I mean, come on now. These guys were nervous kids in their tweens and early teens, but after they got on stage and played their hearts out, we had to acknowledge their courage, commitment, and sacrifice just to BE HERE. And, I know that a lucky few of them might play for a college marching band, namely USC's, or UCLA's, or whatever drum & bugle corps is willinhg to give them a chance. You never know.
Pamela Moss put on another great encore performance.
Teas Tea. Pure green. And a great chug. Yummy. I need to know where I can buy me a bottle. Perhaps the nearest Famima! might enlighten me a bit?
The crowd was alive. I told my folks at Registration to come out for the event. And they came out in DROVES. Sure, there were a few empty seats here and there, but most were filled, and they were into it.
Nick Perkins, one of the hosts for the event, was awesome. He chugs tea like a chugger should. Period. It's like drinking a bottle of water, with different flavor and body. Slightly.
I like Main Events's choice of the second season opening of Kyo Kara Maoh! to fire up the crowd. Ver good decision.
COconut Bubble Sex Cosplay. Say that ten times fast. A household name indeed.
Day 2
They are people looking for results. The targets are answers looking for questions. In a business fueled by money swimming in a drowning economy, the entertainment business is a machine owned and operated by people on the hunt for those who can deliver the fuel-the results-early and often.
Thus, is wasn't surprising that the poster for AX Idol featured someone who had the results in her hands, reaching out for the microphone to give it to the ones chosen by the judges (including Shoko-tan and the Bang Zoom! crew By the way, Shoko-tan was also a Masquerade judge this year). Ironically, this was the very first AX Idol I went toi. Add the fact that this was held at the Nokia Theater (funny, the staff checked my phone, even though it was a Nokia. Ironic, isn't it?) and it became something very special. More on that in a bit.
If there was real downer at the convention, it had to be the food at the Tradewinds Cafe in Kentia Hall. Not only was the fare unsophisticated, but the staff were clearly unnaturalized (at least a majority of them) citizens. The evidence was there: lack of English, poor communication skills, and a take-it-or-leave-it attitude that would make it feel like I was in San Quentin without the prison riots or confinement decor. Next thing these guys will do is feed us Ensure down our throats a la Guantanamo Bay. Absolutely horrible.
It was a big downer. I mean, come on: if turning a family away at Registration due to their lack of planning and preparation for the event (and it DID happen, and it wasn't our fault; the would-be attendees didn't help themselves by not taking a look at the prices, the plans that weekend, and pre-registering) was bad enoguh, this was nothing compared to the abominable manners of these guys. Next year, I expect to see a new staff with a friendlier demeanor when I am getting my fill at Kentia. In the meantime, get the Tijuana trucks ready, guys.
On the other hand, taking cosplay photos on my mobile and getting my mascot plushies to make out, combined with AX Idol, made up for it in a big way.
Vic Mignogna and Jon Mexa are experts and true veterans of what they do. I expecioally like Vic. The Enlgish voice behind the likes of Ichigo Kurosawa and Edward Elric, Vic knows his schtick. He's a good singer, too. We love the hair.
God bless Steve BLum. Over a couple of decades at the forfront of English dubbing will make one-half of the Risen Bull Rangers (the other half is Vic) a tough act to follow.
As I went down the elevator after changinmg into some new shorts due to a zipper malfunction, I saw a couple of Tokyo Mew Mew cosplayers in bikinis step in.
"Cosplaying in swimsuits?" I asked
"No, we cosplayed a few hours ago, but we decided to go to the pool," said the Ichigo cosplayer. She was in a matching white beiking with red strings and dots. It matched her hair and form perfectly.
"I see. Well at least you made the right choice on which two-piece to pick. It looks great on you," I said, with a delightful laugh as I headed for the shuttle.
That's the thing: when you are cosplaying, and you want to show that hot body at the pool, you'd better bring an outfit that emphasizes your curves and bust, as well as matches your outfit when you strut yout stuff to the photographers out there. She was even in twintails, which added to her moe aesthetic. She easily could pass for cosplaying in a swimsuit.
I decided not to take a photo of her in it. Besides, she was out of uniform, she did not request to be shot, and we were in an elevator. And I was staffing. Of course I had high standards. But it was clear than in those fleeting seconds, my string bikini fetish had reached dangerous levels. Naturally they lowered to more healthy ones when I took the shuttle.
I would think that Ichigo would be wearing something like that in the anime. Of course, I don't watch Tokyo Mew Mew as much as the other ones I follow. I prefer the Japanese version way more than the 4Kids version.
As I reach out for a box of tissues typing this to post, I would like to let you know that AX Idol was a success. In my view, Pamela Moss would have amde a lot of headway on American Idol. Her rendition of Kouga Ninpou Chou" from the series Basilisk was epic. Chalk up a big point for whoever decides to give her a lucrative contract.
And chalk up a coup of a hire if Caitlin Chang is giving a contract to dub for Bang Zoom!. Her rendition of Gurren Lagann's very own Yoko Ritona was unlike anything we ever saw. Of course, the candidates who voices as Simon and Kamina were competent as well. But the night belonged to Caitlin. I was wondering if she ever did any fandubbing in the past. Or there was a rule preventing that. In any case, if she was doing fan dubs previously, those days are long gone now. Enjoy your September business trip to Japan, Caitlin Chang. May it stimulate you in more ways than one.
The moe possibilities were there. Darn that Richard Kong, though. First he buys a Haruhi dakimakura for 35 smackaroons. And then he gets even luckier and wins an autographed shikishi board from one of the GoH's (I didn't know if it was THE Shoko-tan, but it was, the third atomic bomb went off in my room at the Westin Bonaventure. To add insult, he was happily snoring.
Oh, those AX Staffers.
Day 3
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"Aficionados, ¡que viven la intensidad del manga y anime!"
That was the mantra as I went off to Video Room 3, donning my polo over my Astro Boy shirt. For me, the thought of Nicholas Cage doing Astro Boy's role just gave me the shivers. Anyway, my first shift was scheduled for 10:30 a.m., so I had some time to wander about.
I was able to take some shots of KOnata, KAgami and the Lucky Star crew, though I couldn't stand next to Kagami in a back to back pose. I twas some damn crowded and hot inside the Exhibit Hall.
Mou...those sweaty, smelly otaku. Oh God.
=_=+
Otherwise, any chances of not fulfilling my wish went out the you-know-what. Now surpriusingly, there was a long, long, looong line for the Masquerade. This was our showcase event, and I told the people to come down for the event at the Nokia Theatre. There should be some seats available if you hurry, I said to them.
Sure enough, we were treated to something special. I saw Funky Fresh cosplay doing their LUcky Start tribute skil. Needless to say, I was happy with their performance. They got the second place prize (which, overall was a symbolic third place if you take into account Best in SHow, the true first place winner). As I took a couple of shots of them (one of them is on my deviantART plage), I was vindicated, and assured that they validated the relevance of Kagami Yoshimizu's classic to our interests. It was relevant to the mindsets of those who followed it, who supported it, and will never forget it. And they won't.
Props to the Orange County Anime Society for winning it all. These guys were the cream of the crop, and rightfully deserving of the title.
Special props to the band from Faye Ross Middle School, located in Artesia, CA. Their tribute to the convention and to Final Fantasy drew a standing ovation. (Partly because I got them to do so, but that's beside the point). I mean, come on now. These guys were nervous kids in their tweens and early teens, but after they got on stage and played their hearts out, we had to acknowledge their courage, commitment, and sacrifice just to BE HERE. And, I know that a lucky few of them might play for a college marching band, namely USC's, or UCLA's, or whatever drum & bugle corps is willinhg to give them a chance. You never know.
Pamela Moss put on another great encore performance.
Teas Tea. Pure green. And a great chug. Yummy. I need to know where I can buy me a bottle. Perhaps the nearest Famima! might enlighten me a bit?
The crowd was alive. I told my folks at Registration to come out for the event. And they came out in DROVES. Sure, there were a few empty seats here and there, but most were filled, and they were into it.
Nick Perkins, one of the hosts for the event, was awesome. He chugs tea like a chugger should. Period. It's like drinking a bottle of water, with different flavor and body. Slightly.
I like Main Events's choice of the second season opening of Kyo Kara Maoh! to fire up the crowd. Ver good decision.
COconut Bubble Sex Cosplay. Say that ten times fast. A household name indeed.
Anime Expo 2008 reflections, Part 1
I am breaking this blog into pieces. Here we go.
Anime Expo 2008 reflections, Part 1:
Day 0
Well, they didn't see this coming.
I came into Anime Expo 2008 understanding a few given things: a new registration system, faster lines, less worries, Shoko-tan, photos filled to capacity on my cell phone, the first time that it will be at the Los Angeles Convention Center, Jyukai, Shoko-tan, a giant Totoro rolling around the hall, the Downtown LA atmosphere proving to be tempting, cosplayers, and lots of fans drenching in sun, sweat, and love. Did I forget to mention Shoko-tan?
No I didn't. I just mentioned her three times in that last paragraph. Anyway, I was in my third year going through the process as a esteemed staffer. And so it began. I took the Metro Blue Line to the 7th Street MEtro Center/Julian Dixon Station, and walked up Figueroa Street to the Westin Bonaventure to drop my bags before making a 20-minute walk down Figueroa to the Concention Center. Later that day, my legs would give out due to the fact that I would be walking back to the Convention Center a second time. Bloody DASH F. Mou...
As I made my way through the halls, understanding which room would host where, I checked in, picked up some specially-designed swag, as they call it, and got to work patrolling the lines, preparing the booths with a Totoro forest theme, and proceeded to 4 1/2 days of having "Sorairo Days" and all that Shoko-tan scriptures being ingrained in my psyche, all the while making sure that there was order as the attendees scanned and went.
Later at the All-Staff meeting, I gained a couple of plushies and a new hat. Me and my folks on my team chased our manager, LIz Wang, around West Hall B, also known as Live Programming 1 for the convention.
That was Day 0.
---
Day 1
Day 1 was a bit of a different story.
The good news was that I got some mascot plushies. The bad news was: they weren't the twins. Those would not be out until next year due to some defects in the design. Instead, I got the cat and bunny mascot plushies. They would be my puppets, and when things really got boring, a little make-out session didn't hurt anyone.
At the Exhibit Halls, pacing around hither and thither, I got to work of taking cosplay photos, some which are already posted on my deviantART page. I had to be done. I had a NOKIA ready to go, and go it did. My deviantions were also posted on the dA kiosk, so that was nice to see.
The funny thing about the day was that my squad's first shift was not until 12:00 p.m. Four hours was an eternity in my book. Thanks to the other squads, as well as the temporary workers there, we were on our way.
Some props from my on Day 1:
* Ethan Nguyen (Assistant Manager, AX Reg 08) as Totoro: harcord work.
* Richard Kong, one of the folks who I roomed with, bought this huge Haruhi dakimakura (which was priced at $35-cheap!). I had to take a photo of it, and tuck it into the sheets. Later that night, he placed it with the rest of the luggage.
* Westin's food: thumbs up. Aramark's food (at the Kentia Hall's Tradewinds Cafe): all fours with a bowed head (a la orz).
My eyes soon became red as I got back to my room, and
I fell into a huge sleep. Damn. I was only two days into my five days of fun, and already I was feeling the aftermath of it.
---
I have returned from Anime Expo 2008. Hallelujah
And so I have returned from Anime Expo 2008. Expect a huge entry soon on the event. You can also check my page on deviantART for more photos that I took of the event.
BoBA is going to take the week off ue to AX
The Bedlam is going to take a few days off due to Anime Expo staffing duty. It will return with an entry highlighting the convention on Monday.
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