Virtual Gaia

Best Quote of the Week ~ [2/26/12]

2012-02-26T00:06:00.002-05:00

"Children are the future. Especially if ya think that future is going to be Mad Max."

~Leon Thomas from Heart of Gaming (Episode 58: The Store [Watch Here])

For more, um, colorful quotes and great videos visit his site Heart of Gaming here.

Great picture--Who's up for another movie night?

All Your Devices Can Be Hacked

2012-02-25T12:58:00.001-05:00

This can happen.

This is a very interesting video about our everyday devices can be hacked and the unorthodox methods some hackers use. Watch it below.

SOURCE: TED

The Last Story Finally Getting US Release!

2012-02-25T04:14:00.000-05:00

I'll be brief. I forgot to post that Nintendo revealed in will release Hironobu Sakaguchi's The Last Story Stateside! It's due sometime in Q3 of this year. Operation Rainfall worked!

Check Out Time Level-5's Time Travelers

2012-02-25T04:05:00.001-05:00

Take responsibility and kiss me!

This is a game that I am excited about that I hope makes it Stateside. Time Travelers takes place in the year 2031, eighteen years after an explosion destroys central Tokyo. Now rebuilt, and with greatly advanced technology since the event of the Lost Hole, Tokyo is powered by 2000 meter tall tower called Space Elevator. And now, an another event is about to occur that could change the fate of the world forever.

The game's composer, Hideki Sakamoto, revealed that Time Travelers is due out in Japan in early summer. The game will be released on PSP, 3DS, and Vita.

SOURCE: Gematsu

Tim Schafer And Ron Gilbert Talk Adventure Games

2012-02-24T22:29:00.000-05:00

Listen to talk adventure legends talk about adventures, their relevance today, and their own Kickstarter project below. Join their Kickstarter project here.

Enter the Midnight Arena!

2012-02-22T02:36:00.000-05:00

Persona 4's Back!

I'll be brief. Hooray! Atlus has announced that it with be releasing Persona 4: Arena, Persona 4 based fighting game, Stateside this Summer! Yeah! The story is being done by the Persona Team and the gameplay is being handled by the awesome guys at Arc System Works (BlazBlue and Guilty Gear fame). Great News--I'm so tired. Good night.

In other gaming news...The demo for the new SSX released to today on PS3 and X360! Double Yay!

Best Quote of the Week ~ [2/19/12]

2012-02-19T00:13:00.001-05:00

"How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?"

~Sherlock Holmes in The Sign of the Four (Chapter 6, Page 111)

Hedge-Fund Manager Allegedly Attained $900,000 Through Inside Tips

2012-02-16T12:22:00.000-05:00

Roomy Khan pictured above

Doug Whitman, North Californian hedge-fund manager, allegedly attained $900,000 for his company through insider tips on technology firms. Whitman, 54, is said to have traded confidential information on publicly traded companies as well as payed for tips, specifically tips from Karl Motey and neighbor and business associate Roomy Khan between 2006-2007 on companies such as Polycon Inc. and Google. Both, Motey and Khan have pleaded guilty to their own instances of insider-trading and are currently working with authorities to testify against others of similar crimes. Whitman’s case is one that stems from a larger insider-trading case against Raj Rajaratnam, founder Galleon Group. Whitman has pleaded not guilty and was released on a $1.5 million bond. Whitman’s lawyer holds that he traded using only lawful research and information.

SOURCE: The Wall Street Journal

Dead Drops (Not The Ones In Infamous)

2012-02-15T13:14:00.000-05:00

Hey, this is a cool project I discovered thanks to one of my friends on Facebook. The project is an offline, peer-to-peer file sharing network. The project was started by Aram Bartholl and works by embedding flash drive in walls in the public space. Everyone is invited to use the Dead Drops--putting files on them and/or taking files off and more importantly making their own. Watch their video below and check out there website here. (Grammar, if there are issues, will be fixed when I get home tonight.)

Dead Drops Website

Dead Drops 'How to' - NYC from aram bartholl on Vimeo.

Mega Kingdom Hearts 3D Trailer Released

2012-02-15T12:59:00.001-05:00

Square has released a 9 minute long mega trailer for Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance. It's a really cool trailer, watch it below.

Enter Mars Volta's New Single: The Malkin Jewel

2012-02-14T01:29:00.004-05:00

Mars Volta released there new single, The Malkin Jewel, for their up-coming album Noctourniquet today (err, I guess that was yesterday, now). Also, you can pre-order the album from there website. For $29.99 (+shipping and tax) you can get the album (both physical and digital[mp3]) upon release, a T-shirt upon release, and the single as soon as you order it. Hear the single below or go to their website here.

Pre-order Noctourniquet ($29.99)

The Malkin Jewel by The Mars Volta from Noctourniquet

Best Quote of the Week ~ [2/12/12]

2012-02-12T00:05:00.000-05:00

BFF #1: "I summon my fist! In attack mode. (punch) You lose 500 life points."
Yugi: "But I was in face down position."

~Exchange between BBF #1 and Yugi from Yu-Gi-Oh! Abridged (Season 0, Episode 2)

Whitney Houston Dies At 48

2012-02-11T23:53:00.000-05:00

Rest In Peace Miss Houston

Now Get Badges Too!

2012-02-10T20:47:00.003-05:00

On top of the Loyalty Program I added a few weeks ago I have now added a Badge system, too. Get cool badges for doing stuff around the site and brag about it to your friends! Get out and try now!

Navy To Test Fire Prototype Railgun Next Week

2012-02-10T18:17:00.001-05:00

The Navy is set to fire off a sufficient number of shots to test the BAE Systems-built version Railgun's barrrel structural integrity and life. The railgun is designed to fire the same rounds as the ones aboard U.S. warships. The gun works by propelling the round through the barrel not by gunpowder but by the electomagnets lined inside the gun. The Navy is planning the fully developed version to fire its rounds at speeds of Mach 7.

Once the Railgun is complete it is expected so save the Navy millions in maintence cost since the weapon uses electromagnetic energy and won't have to use traditional rounds. Watch a video of it below.

SOURCE: AOL

Lollipop Chainsaw - Nick & Juliet Trailer

2012-02-10T17:26:00.000-05:00

This is the new trailer for Suda51 and Grasshopper Manufacture's new game Lollipop Chainsaw. This trailer is really funny. I can't wait for this to come out. Check it out below.

Gravity Rush 15 Minute Gameplay Video

2012-02-10T17:08:00.001-05:00

Hey, guys, yesterday a 15-munite gameplay video of the upcoming Playstation Vita title Gravity Rush, Gravity Daze if you're Japanese, went online. I've been following the game for awhile and it looks even better than the last time I saw it. The concept of gravity manipulation is cool. The battle systems looks fun, too, though, it's not a Devil May Cry or Bayonetta. It's not that kind of game. In the preview video they showcase a lot of the game's music and I gotta to say I'm in love with it. The music here is great--kind of ethereal, Jazzy, poppy--it's cool. Anyway, check it out for yourself by watching the video below.

SOUCRE: GEMATSU

IST 331: Database Design Class Recordings

2012-02-09T12:57:00.003-05:00

I'm putting all my recordings of IST 331 Database Design (CSU, Spring 2012, Lab Days) with Professor Schumaker here. The links below will direct you to the first part of that day's recording. The other parts should show up in the descriptions.

Professor Schumaker's Website

83-Year Old Women Receive First 3D Printed Jaw

2012-02-07T12:10:00.000-05:00

A few month ago in Belgium, an 83 year old woman has become the world's first recipient of the coolest implant ever: A '3D printed' titanium jaw. That's right, that jaw see above was printed using technology developed by the University of Hasselt BIOMED Research Institute, which took titanium dust and literally printed the three dimensional jaw. It weighs a tiny bit more, but the procedure only took hours instead of the normal few days it usually take and the woman was able to get her daily habits by the next day! True amazing.

If you want to learn please visit the links below.

SOURCES: Engadget, Inhabitat, The Blaze

Help Kinuyo Yamashita: Have You Heard This Song?

2012-02-07T08:28:00.000-05:00

Kinuyo Yamashita is a video game composer who has done great music for many great games including: Castlevania and Mega Man X. She needs your help to help her find a game she composed music for. Read her plea below.

Plea from Kinuyo Yamashita,

I composed music for a game called "Crying Dragon" a while ago. I tried to search for the game on the internet, but I wasn't able to find it. Maybe they changed the title of the game? I don't know. The title of this song is "Cecil". Please tell me if you recognize this music or know what game it is from. Thanks!

Ghibli's The Secret World of Arrietty Opens February 17

2012-02-07T07:46:00.003-05:00

Studio Ghibli's 2010 film, The Secret World of Arrietty, will open in 1200 theathers from February 17 to March 8. 1200 screens makes this the Studio's largest American release. The film is based off the book The Burrowers (1952) by Mary Norton. Arrietty was directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi and supervised by Hayao Miyazaki.

See the English trailer after the jump.

SOURCE: Anime News Network

Arrietty's US Website Here
Buy Tickets Online Here

UPDATE 1 (12/10/12): Preview Clips and Interviews Added

Best Quote of the Week ~ [2/5/12]

2012-02-05T00:27:00.004-05:00

Superb Image By just.K

"There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so."

~William Shakespeare from his play Hamlet: Act 2, Scene 2

Here's hoping this releases someday. Take as much time as you want

Square, as long as you release it and it's good.

Nano Quadrotors Swarm Video

2012-02-04T14:58:00.000-05:00

Another quick post. This is a very interesting article/video I found for my IST homework. It's about GRASP Labs research and development of next-gen Quadrotors that can handle complex formation autonomously as well as other cool things. See the videos after the jump.

SOURCES: Slash Gear, Engadget

NASA High-Definition Images Of Earth

2012-02-04T14:27:00.000-05:00

Short post. NASA releases a pair of HD images of the our Blue Marble. The Earth really does look spectacular. See the other photo as well as the original 1972 image after the jump.

SOURCE: Huffington Post

Loyalty To The End: Membership Program

2012-01-30T00:43:00.005-05:00

Boss: "There's a saying in the Orient: 'Loyalty to the end.' Do you know what it means?"

Hey, everyone! I got an exciting announcement to made, as of today I have added Membership/Loyalty/Rewards Program to the blog! The program is powered by PunchTab and they are providing three great to my readers! Become a member by clicking the button on the right and start earning point (look for the red flags) to earn prizes!

Must have a Facebook account to sign up. Make sure to sign in before earn more points!

Earn points by:

Visiting – for your first visit to the site every day you will earn 100 points
Liking the blog – for your first Like on the site every day you will earn 100 points
Tweet the blog – for your first Tweet on the site every day you earn 100 points
Commenting – for your first comment of the day you earn 100 points
Important: 500 point limit per day

Current Prizes:

$25 Restaurants.com Gift Card
$15 Groupon Gift Card
$10 Barnes & Noble Gift Card
$5 AMC Theatres Gift Card

Share And Enjoy!

2012-01-29T13:55:00.001-05:00

Don't Panic: It's not a bug! It's a new feature!

I've added a new share feature to the blog so you can now share this blog's posts with a whopping 56 other social network (55 since I shouldn't count blogger, 52 since I shouldn't count the ones that were already here)! Just click on the specific post and you'll see the new share feature under the old one at the bottom of the post. All you have to do is hover over it and left click on one of the 56. Thanks goes to the guys over at Spice Up Your Blog. So, like the motto of the Sirius Cybernetics Corporation Complaints division says "Share and Enjoy!"

Best Quote of the Week ~ [1/29/12]

2012-01-29T00:28:00.000-05:00

"I am defeated, and know it, if I meet any human being from whom I find myself unable to learn anything."

~George Herbert Palmer

Resident Evil 6 Announced...Last Week

2012-01-28T00:27:00.000-05:00

Okay, school's been really tough this new semester and I've been working like crazy to keep up with the demand and that will most likely continue throughout the semester. This blog might go through some dry spells again. What can I do? I need to get my degree.

Anyways, last weeks (or earlier this week--it's all starting to blend in) Capcom announcing Resident Evil 6, but to with some little press release, but one of the most exciting and awe-inspiring trailers I've seen in long while. I'll keep this short as most of the gaming site on the Internet have cover this in extensive detail. It looks awesome! Like revitalizing the franchise (cough, cough, like RE4, cough) awesome. The game will one of my personal favorites RE protagonist Leon S. Kennedy, Chris Redfield, and mystery third guy. It aims to blend classic RE horror with the action-pack-ness of RE5. I'm thinking Leon section will play like RE4 (a good blend of horror and action) and Chris' part will like RE5 (action-packed block buster movie). It looks really good. Also, normal zombies are finally back!

Trailer and pics below and after jump.

Photo Ops: From Some Time In 2011...

2012-01-27T23:14:00.003-05:00

This is a test to see if this, Flickr slideshow in Blogger, work as I'm running low on space on both Flickr and Picasa (Google a.k.a. Blogger's photo hosting service). As the title suggest these pictures are from the far off and mystical time of 2011...

P.S.: My newer photos will have to wait until I solve this space issue.
Photobucket is not a good solution.

Best Quote of the Week ~ [1/22/12]: Censorship Edition

2012-01-22T00:06:00.014-05:00

‎"How anybody expects a man to stay in business with every two-bit wowser in the country claiming a veto over what we can say and can't say and what we can show and what we can't show — it's enough to make you throw up. The whole principle is wrong; it's like demanding that grown men live on skim milk because the baby can't eat steak."

~Robert A. Heinlein from his 1950's novella The Man Who Sold the Moon

Steampunk Palin - That Really Does Exist!

2012-01-19T04:12:00.003-05:00

There is nothing I can say that would be sufficient enough to describe my awe nor joke funnier than the one going through your mind right now from just the mere sight of it.

Source: Comics Alliance

Just A Reminder: Wikipedia Protest Blackout In Less Than 7 Hours

2012-01-17T18:08:00.000-05:00

Just a reminder: In less than 7 hours, the English Wikipedia will be blacked out globally to protest SOPA and PIPA.

Noctourniquet Is Mars Volta's Next Album

2012-01-17T17:01:00.001-05:00

Noctourniquet's Cover Art

Today Mars Volta announced the name, Noctourniquet, and date, March 27th 2012, of their next album, as well as the track list. I'm super excited about this album. I can't wait to hear more. Check TheMarsVolta.com and back here for more details in the coming weeks.

Track Listing

The Whip Hand
Aegis
Dyslexicon
Empty Vessels Make The Loudest Sound
The Malkin Jewel
Lapochka
In Absentia
Imago
Molochwalker
Trinkets Pale of Moon
Vedamalady
Noctourniquet
Zed And Two Naughts

Best Quote of the Week ~ [1/15/12]

2012-01-15T00:24:00.009-05:00

Official Zelda Timeline

"It's dangerous to go alone! Take this."

~Old Man from The Legend of Zelda

Best Quote of the Week ~ [1/8/12]

2012-01-08T00:46:00.000-05:00

"I'm going to catch a cold from all the ice inside my soul."

~Todd In The Shadows on twitter

My Top Ten Best Quotes from my 2011 Best Quotes of the Weeks

2012-01-02T05:58:00.000-05:00

Awesome photo whoever made it. Thank You!

Hey everyone! Happy New Year’s! I’ve decided to do my Top Ten Best Quotes from my 2011 Best Quotes of the Weeks. This is my biggest feature of the site (I did a little over 40 posts for this this year) so why not. I love quotes! If you’re reading this then you, too, love quotes! Without further ado, here are my Top Ten Best Quotes 2011! My Grand list is after the jump.
[Disclaimer: Quotes may or may not have been spoken in 2011 but were put on the site in 2011]

Best Quote of the Week ~ [1/1/12]: Akimashite Omedeto Gozaimasu! Edition

2012-01-01T00:17:00.005-05:00

Happy New Year's Everybody!!

"Hooray for zero gravity."

~Renton Thurston from Eureka Seven (Episode 10: Higher Than The Sun)

Eureka Seven Episode 10: Higher than the Sun (Dub)

Seriously, How Old Is The Blonde One?

2011-12-31T19:34:00.005-05:00

Okay, I've got a question: How old do you think the blonde chick in this book is? I thinks she looks X age but the book says she is Y age. I don't want to lead anyone's answer so I'm not giving away the book's title or author or what I think and what the book claims. Because maybe I'm crazy and everyone in the world thinks she's Y age.
So, tell me your answer. I scanned a bunch of picture from the book. Man, this drove me crazy while I was reading the book. Anyway, the rest of the pictures are after the jump.

P.S.: My 100th post!

Still Here, After Wednesday Night Version 4.9.7.36 and 4.11.8.39 Differences

2011-12-31T17:52:00.003-05:00

This is just a small post to show some of the differences between Version 4.9.7.36 of Still Here, After Wednesday Night and the new update Version 4.11.8.39 (released today). Click on the pictures to enlarge them. Also, I've included a link to the updated game. See the other two pictures after the jump.

Still Here, After Wednesday Night (Version 4.11.8.39) [12/31/11]

Input Markers to make knowing when to input keywords easier
Reworked Item Bag
Minor fixes and additions

Still Here, After Wednesday Night (Version 4.11.8.39) [12-31-2011].rar (49.02kb) [Recommended Download File]
Still Here, After Wednesday Night (Version 4.11.8.39) EXE File [12-31-2011].rar (41.67kb)
Remember to uninstall your old version first

The Worst of Derek Russell Soundtrack

2011-12-31T00:00:00.003-05:00

As a New Year's Eve gift to the visitors of the site I am giving you guys the soundtrack to the story I wrote: Castella in Theory: The Worst of Derek Russell. It a compilation album consisting of 33 song referenced in the story (Three of the weren't actually referenced in the story, but were strongly connected to the scenes when I was writing them). I actually completed this awhile back, it was going to be a prize for the contest. Anyways, enjoy and thank you for visiting the site. Happy New Year's Eve!

The Worst of Derek Russell Soundtrack (Disc 1) (141.30mb)
The Worst of Derek Russell Soundtrack (Disc 2) (141.33mb)

Disc 1

Anarchy In The U.K. by Sex Pistols
After All by David Bowie
Something Better Change by The Stranglers
Rebel Girl by Bikini Kill
Boss of Me by They Might Be Giants
Swallowtail Butterfly (Ai no Uta) by Chara
Steel Claw by Tina Turner
Stop Me if You Think You've Heard This One Before by The Smiths
I Won't Share You by The Smiths
Nothing Else Matters by Metallica
There Is A Light That Never Goes Out by The Smiths
The Unforgiven by Metallica
They Are Night Zombies by Sufjan Stevens
Live Forever by Oasis
Chop Suey! by System Of A Down
Little Toy Gun by Honeyhoney

Disc 2

Strange Little Girl by The Stranglers
Come As You Are by Nirvana
Atrocity Exhibition by Joy Division
By the Way by Red Hot Chili Peppers
A Simple Desultory Philippic by Simon And Garfunkel
London Calling by The Clash
Time Machine by Chara
England Made Me by Black Box Recorder
Sugar by Bikini Kill
Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me by The Smiths
Funhouse by P!nk
It's Only The End Of The World by Black Box Recorder
My Friends by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Ashes To Ashes by David Bowie
Tomorrow Never Knows by The Beatles
Fortune Faded by Red Hot Chili Peppers
For Tammy Rae by Bikini Kill

P.S.: I'm actually missing a reference. Do you know who it is?
P.S.S.: It's two.

Eureka Seven: Astral Ocean Announced!

2011-12-26T23:57:00.000-05:00

Kid..., I'm excited, too.

Short but sweet post! A sequel to the amazing Eureka Seven anime was announced Friday entitled: Eureka Seven: Astral Ocean! It going to be about a youth named Ao who set 'destiny' in motion again when he held the 'power.' Both a manga and anime series will be produced for January and April 2012, respectively. This is great end of the year news!
Check out Eureka Seven: Astral Ocean website here.

P.S.: I know what The New Year's Best Quote of the Week is going to be!

Best Quote of the Week ~ [12/25/11]: Merry Christmas Edition

2011-12-25T00:00:00.011-05:00

The only Christmas-y thing on the post.

And this too--Christmas-y

"Don't pray for opportunities. Pray you'll be ready when opportunities come."

~Edwin Louis Cole

Still Here, After Wednesday Night (Version 4.6.2.15) Update 5

2011-12-21T04:15:00.007-05:00

Version 4: Huge Update + a ton of small addition + some secret 'secret story' prep work! Download it below!

Still Here, After Wednesday Night (Version 4.6.2.15) [12/21/11]

New Major Addition: Added Secret Story Prep Work (Version 4 Start)
New Minor Addition: Return to Title Screen method added
New Minor Addition: Added Check for Updates
New Minor Addition: Help evolves into Current Objectives!
New Minor Addition: Redesigned Main Menu
New Minor Addition: In-game Adjust Window Height
New Minor Addition: Saved Data can now be found by users (C:\Users\Public)--Still need to check on other PC (Only for the recommended file, the .exe file always saves data in it's folder)
A ton of minor fixes and additions

Still Here, After Wednesday Night (Version 4.6.2.15) [12-21-2011].rar (206.66kb) [Recommended Download File]
Still Here, After Wednesday Night (Version 4.6.2.15) EXE File [12-21-2011].rar (72.48kb)

I couldn't get the .exe file to recognize it version, so if you check for updates it will always say that an update is available. Just know that the current version is 4.6.2.15. When the update say a version higher than that update away. Otherwise you will just be dowloading this version again.

Keep your save file so you can use it when a new update comes around

Report errors to me so I can fix them especially save file related one

Save your cleared game file. (This is unlocked under certain conditions)

P.S.: This will most likely be my last Post on this game as you can check for new update within the game. I probably will make another post when the extra content is fully completed, but that going to be away.

Best Quote of the Week ~ [12/18/11]

2011-12-18T00:43:00.003-05:00

Great Wallpaper *hinty hint*

Guy in the background 1: "If she's a dude I'm super gay."
Guy in the background 2: "Word..."

~From Scott Pilgrim's Finest Hour (Vol. 6)

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance Reannounced

2011-12-13T01:51:00.007-05:00

Just some quick bullets.

UPDATE 1 (12/15/11): The Truth Behind Rising video added after the jump.

Platinum Games (Bayonetta and Vanquish) is now handling the game design while Kojima Productions will still be handling the story, characters, and the cut-scenes.
The original team couldn't find balance between the stealth and action or an identity. Hideo Kojima stopped the project until he brought in Platinum Games who saved it.
Has a new story that is now taking place after MGS4 instead of in-between MGS2 and MGS4. This was to give Platinum much more freedom.
Platinum Games is really quick with coming up with new ideas and do it.
The game will focus on action--Cutting and how good it feels to cut.
The Zan-datsu (Cut and take) element is still there, but is no longer a main part of the game. It's optional now.
Quinton Flynn is reprising his role as Raiden and Kris Zimmerman, Voice Direction Goddess, will be the voice director.
Raiden seems to have fallen back to his Jack the Ripper self ("He sounds like the Devil!").
The game will run at 60fps.
Hideki Kamiya will not be the director. The director will be announced in due time.
Yuji Korekado will be the producer.
Not a part of the Metal Gear Solid series (I'm thinking this means it's non-canon, but not exactly confirmed)
It a Metal Gear game, but is a complete new Metal Gear experience
Will be available for Playstation 3 and Xbox 360. PC version may have been dropped.
Playstation 3 is the lead platform.

A extended trailer is on the new Kojima Productions Metal Gear site (add your memories!): http://www.metalgearsolid.com/. More pictures after the jump. Also, check out the KP Report Session 152 for more info. (The KP Report is a great podcast by the way! I've been listening to it for years now.)

Fumito Ueda Leaving Team Ico

2011-12-13T01:41:00.003-05:00

Fumito Ueda is leaving Team Ico after the completing of The Last Guardian. Gamasutra has confirmed from Sony. This is really sad, but I'm sure that Team Ico and Mr. Ueda will both go on to make great things. Mr. Ueda along with made the brilliant Ico and Shadow of the Colossus for PS2 (Both games you should own, but don't!). The Last Guardian is still on its way (some time in the foreseeable future...) with Fumito Ueda at the helm.

See some of The Last Guardian trailers after the jump.

Best Quote of the Week ~ [12/11/11]

2011-12-11T03:14:00.003-05:00

"We're almost there and nowhere near it. All that matters is we're going."

~Lorelai from Gilmore Girl (Season 2, Episode 3: Red Light on the Wedding Night)

Watch it! Especially if you like well written, witty shows with a billion music
and pop culture references.

DmC: Devil May Cry Looks Good

2011-12-10T00:29:00.005-05:00

DmC's new protagonist: Derek

I final watched the two new DmC trailers and they look good. Really good. There's a little bleakness and some weird aerial animation (in that ~~Dante~~ Derek can stay in the air a really long time), but like they said at the start of the trailer: It's a work in progress. Ninja Theory was a good choice for an outside company to take over Devil May Cry. The graphics look nice and COLORFUL and Ninja Theory always has great art direction.

Year End Photo Ops + My Signed Copy Of Skyrim Came In Today!

2011-12-09T22:31:00.001-05:00

I won a signed copy of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim earlier this week and it just came in! That was really awesome. I'm always entering contest, but this is really the first time I ever won before. Woohoo! Thank you RPGamer and Bethesda! Anyways, these are a couple (define a couple) of pictures I've been taking lately. Feel free to browse through them. More after the jump.

College Life

Best Quote of the Week ~ [12/4/11]: Think Different Edition

2011-12-04T01:47:00.000-05:00

"I want to put a ding in the universe."

Steve Jobs

Think Different Commercial

Steve Jobs talks about the Crazy Ones - who think different

"Here's to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes...the ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules, and they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, 'bout the only thing you can't do is ignore them because they change things -- They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the people who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do."

Rest in peace Steve Jobs

To us living... be bold enough to dream, think different.

Heavenly 777

2011-12-03T00:08:00.000-05:00

Last month my blog reached a magical 777 hits! A crazy 418 more hits then my blog has ever reached in a single month! Also, 777--that's pretty special. Yay!

Here's to new heights and more adventure!

Funimation Releasing Princess Jellyfish Stateside

2011-12-02T21:58:00.003-05:00

Funimation recently announced that it is releasing Princess Jellyfish (a.k.a. Kuragehime) stateside! Princess Jellyfish is a very sweet and funny anime that aired in Japan and made available online via Funimation's website subbed in America (or I guess anywhere the net is available) last year. Funimation will be releasing the anime on Blu-ray and DVD February 28, 2012. They have also provide us with a sample of the English voice cast through the trailer below (I like Tsukimi's voice, but Kuranosuke's voice seems to bit too masculine at times). Watch the show's intro after the jump.

The cast for the dub is as follows:

Tsukimi - Maxey Whitehead
Kuranosuke - Josh Grelle
Banba - Mariela Ortiz
Chieko - Cynthia Cranz
Jiji - Leah Clark
Mayaya - Monica Rial
Clara - Lara Woodhull
Shu - Ian Sinclair
Inari - Jamie Marchi
Koibuchi - Charlie Campbell
Negishi - Jerry Russell
Hanamori - Christopher Bevins
Tsukimi's Mother - Wendy Powell

I'm loving the background music in this trailer

Still Here, After Wednesday Night (Beta) Update 4

2011-12-02T21:26:00.006-05:00

My game is an old school adventure with hopefully the fell of classic
Silent Hill or Resident Evil (on a very small scale).

I added a huge redesign to the game's save/load/continue system today! Not only can you make multiple save files, but you can also delete them within the game. On top of that, the whole save/load interface (if you can called it that) is snazzier and hopefully user-friendly. Other than that, there are some small changes and additions. I haven't yet extensively tested out the save/load/continue system, but I'm still pretty confident I got all the bugs out. This game is still a Beta as there is one more HUGE special feature I want to add. It's going to take little while to do and I have finals coming up, so maybe when I start my break. The links to download the files are below. I've added pictures of my game after the jump.

UPDATE 1 (12/5/11): Added in-game loading, a few minor fixes, as well as some minor additions and some more pictures below. Enjoy. (P.S. Only the program file has been updated)

Still Here, After Wednesday Night (Beta) [12-05-2011].rar (202.32kb) [Recommended-->Updated]
Still Here, After Wednesday Night (Beta) Straight Console File [12-02-2011].rar (62.11kb)

Sickness Unto Foolish Death by Akira Yamaoka from Silent Hill 3 OST

Best Quote of the Week ~ [11/27/11]

2011-11-27T00:07:00.002-05:00

This is an amazing photo of George Harrison

"Sometimes I feel like I'm actually on the wrong planet, and it's great when I'm in my garden, but the minute I go out the gate I think: 'What the hell am I doing here?'"

~George Harrison

Still Here, After Wednesday Night (Beta) Update 3

2011-11-25T21:21:00.005-05:00

Hey, everybody, great news! I got the save feature to work and spent several hours getting all the bugs out and making sure everything was actually saved! On top of that, I added a good amount of little fixes and feature to the game. I'm going to take down the old versions and upload these new ones. Again I'm putting two different styles, because I like choice: An actual program file (recommended one--also more awesome one) and a straight console file. How to make it work is exactly the same as how I said on the other post HERE. Refer to that post if you forgot. All files are zipped.
I still need someone to beta-test the puzzle difficult--so download (though not on you phone *smile*), play, have fun, leave comments.
Mata ne.

UPDATE 1 (11/28/11): Added Continue option after dying, a few minor fixes, as well as some minor additions. Enjoy. (P.S. Only the program file has been updated)

Still Here, After Wednesday Night (Beta) [11-28-2011].rar (201.15KB) [Recommended-->Updated]
Still Here, After Wednesday Night (Beta) Straight Console File [11-25-2011].rar (139.07KB)

Can you solve everything?

This album gets better with every listen.

This video is really cool. The Red Hot Chili Peppers always have cool videos.

Save Added!? To My Test Game

2011-11-25T03:33:00.001-05:00

I've added saving to my game! It mostly works, but I'm still testing/fixing bugs. I've a bunch of bugs already and may have got them all but I have to do a thorough test. It's too late and I'm too tired to do more. The real main problem I have to figure out is to keep time. The current system won't work properly if the player saves and continues. I'm so tired...I can't think, but it stuck on my brain--I can't stop thinking...

Namada
Because all my posts need a picture and she's adorable

...The time was 3:33!!! I'm halfway to hell....! Could this, 333, possibly mean something else!?

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T22:00:00.001-05:00

Happy Turkey Day Everyone!

Video Find!/musica es musica: Rhian Sheehan - Standing in Silence

2011-11-23T02:32:00.005-05:00

Hey, I found this cool movie blog today, http://magnoliaforever.wordpress.com/, that led me to this really beautiful song with a nice little video that accompanies it (Warning the little girl is Nightmare Fuel), and I wanted to share it with everyone. Have a listen.

Best Quote of the Week ~ [11/20/11]

2011-11-20T10:35:00.002-05:00

"The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist. And like that...he's gone."

~Verbal Kint from The Usual Suspects

Woo! The Site Made 600 Hits This Month!

2011-11-19T17:30:00.012-05:00

Melissa is so happy. Yay, Virtual Gaia!

Previous Highest Month: September 2011 with 359 Hits
Current Hits: 777 Hits! (This is ridiculous!)

Still Here, After Wednesday Night (Beta) Testers Wanted

2011-11-19T01:41:00.009-05:00

It's a text-based game--this is really the only screenshot I have.

Hey, I need someone test this game I made to see if its puzzles are challenging and not impossible and also able to be solved within about 30-60 minutes. Another thing I want the beta-tester to look for is usability; is it user friendly. Lastly, did you have fun and how was the dialogue and story. The game is a text-based old adventure game. It's a test project. I really do need your help and to express myself better, here are The Beatles with Help!

Would-be beta-testers will get their names in the credits! I will leave two mediafire links below so anyone can download the beta. The two link are just alternatives to each other. They are in zipped folders. The first link is a program file version: just open it and double click on the file named 'Still Here, After Wednesday Night (Beta)'; the second one is a straight console file version, just open it and double click on the file named 'Program'(NOTE: Not Program.cs).
Thanks and enjoys. Mata ne.

~~Still Here, After Wednesday Night (Beta) (231.74KB)~~
~~Still Here, After Wednesday Night (Beta) Straight Console File (58.93KB)~~
~~Still Here, After Wednesday Night (Beta) [11-25-2011].rar (281.06KB) [Recommended]~~
Still Here, After Wednesday Night (Beta) Straight Console File [11-25-2011].rar (139.07KB)

P.S. The game is about 30 to an hour on the first playthroughs (depending on how difficult the main puzzle is), about 5-10 on sequential playthroughs. Also, tell me if it's too easy to solve or is challenging, but I put in too many hints.

What I've been listening to the past two weeks along with VII, IX, X, X-2, XIII and MGS series OSTs.

Site Update ~ [11/19/11]

2011-11-19T00:59:00.000-05:00

I decided to update the look of the site today. I think this makes the blog feel more inviting. What do you think?

Best Quote of the Week ~ [11/13/11]

2011-11-13T03:07:00.001-05:00

"Because my stepfather tried to rape me and he's a werewolf."

~Jerboa from Howling III: The Marsupials

In full Content:

Priest: "You should not run away from home."

Jerboa: "I don't like home."

Priest: "Why, child?"

Jerboa: "Because my stepfather tried to rape me and he's a werewolf."

Adventure Game Test: Still Here, After Wednesday Night

2011-11-12T21:12:00.001-05:00

Hey, check out the title screen of the game I create in my IST class.

It's an old school adventure game

I've been working on it for the last three week and I really proud of what I've accomplished, seeing as I original started it as just a way to get a little better at programming. I thought I would come to a point where it would just be to far beyond my skill level and I would stop. I doing beta testing now and making it more user friend. If anyone wants to help me beta test, please do!

Best Quote of the Week ~ [11/6/11]

2011-11-06T03:12:00.002-05:00

Shigeru Miyamoto

"Video games are bad for you? That's what they said about rock 'n' roll."

~Shigeru Miyamoto

Eiji Aonuma

Best Quote of the Week ~ [10/30/11]

2011-10-30T01:03:00.001-04:00

Detroit's looking pretty hot. Good for them.

"For more on barren wastelands that might kill you: Google Detroit."

~Greg Miller in his Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception Video Review

I can't wait for this game!!

Castella In Theory 4: Rumor: A Tale Of Two Watches

2011-10-26T03:48:00.006-04:00

Has nothing to do with my story, but I'm loving this song.

Hey, Vahsol here. I just finished the fourth installment of Castella. This time it's the promised light story. It's just a fun tale of rumors and the crazy kids at Castella High. That's it. Please read, enjoy, comment.
Lastly, I'm seriously going to take a break from writing Castella for awhile. At least until 2012 (I'm thinking summer), so I can focus more on other projects, school, and work. Mata ne!

Read Here> Castella In Theory 4: Rumor: A Tale Of Two Watches [13 pages; some language]
(Click to read; right click and save as to download.)

UPDATE 1 (2/29/12): Minor fixes.

Paradise from the album Mylo Xyloto

Very short musica es musica: I love the song, especially the strong refrain, and the video is unique and interesting. Watch the video, buy the single or the album: Mylo Xyloto.

Something I Drew At School ~ [10/24/11]

2011-10-24T23:59:00.003-04:00

It's not perfect, but I still think I did a really good job on it.
Especially, still I haven't really drawn anything since I started Castella In Theory--19 months ago.
The eyes are the main issue. I think either one could be good, but not together.
Best viewed in full size.

Best Quote of the Week ~ [10/23/11]

2011-10-23T03:11:00.008-04:00

Dai Satō: I love the stories, worlds, characters, and themes he can create.
[See his Major Works after the Jump]

“If we are always escaping from reality and real problems, when will we face them?”

~Dai Satō

Feed the Future: Let's put an end to famine

2011-10-16T12:50:00.000-04:00

The famine in Somalia has killed 30,000 children in 3 months. In 2011 we have the opportunity to make famine a thing of the past. Lives are in your hands. Please fully fund Feed the Future and help break the cycle of famine for good. Help Congress Know by signing the petition here at one.org.

Best Quote of the Week ~ [10/16/11]

2011-10-16T03:09:00.001-04:00

"To see clearly and without flinching, without turning away, this is agony, the eyes taped open two inches from the sun."

~Margaret Atwood (Notes Towards A Poem That Can Never Be Written)

Weekend Theater: Croton Falls and XOXOSMS

2011-10-14T17:57:00.003-04:00

I need to invest in Photoshop

Hey, guys, welcome to first edition of Weekend Theater, something that probably won't happen again for a long while. Anyway, about a year ago I backed a few short films on Kickstarter and two them are finished and and doing a full streaming this weekend. The first one is Croton Falls by Joseph Marconi, video and description below, and the other one is XOXOSMS by Nancy Schwartzman. XOXOSMS is having free full preview of the movie on their website here only for this weekend! Go watch it them both and support the filmmakers, cast, and crew!

CROTON FALLS from Joseph Marconi on Vimeo.

Description: In the near future during the bleak winter of 2015 mankind is discovering that the mind is evolving… people are experiencing and manipulating their realities through a communal shared consciousness. Will Kent awakes on a train headed upstate New York to his hometown of Croton Falls. After his fiancé leaves him and his writing career tailspins he leaves New York City to reconcile with his emotions and restore some sense of purpose to his life. But after reconnecting with his parents and some old friends he finds his reality slowly unraveling blurring the lines between the real and the imaginary. And as Will fights to hold on to his sanity a disturbing truth begins to emerge.

Best Quote of the Week ~ [10/9/11]: Maya Edition

2011-10-09T14:55:00.000-04:00

Maya Edition!

"Let's Think Positive!"

~Maya Amano from Persona 2: Innocent Sin

Extra Quote:

Empusa (Rating: Demon): "What are you, like, thinking about?"

Maya (Rating: Awesome): "Killing this demon right here."

~It can be done with any character, but the first time I did it was with Maya. Persona 2: Innocent Sin

Best Quote of the Week ~ [10/2/11]

2011-10-02T01:14:00.001-04:00

"The report of my death has been greatly exaggerated."

~Mark Twain

musica es musica: Strange Mercy

2011-09-25T22:44:00.001-04:00

Album Cover

It’s like nightlife meets Space Invaders? It’s poppy, rocky—definitely alternative, with some electronica, maybe glitchy, maybe hip-hoppy type of sounds, and sometimes kind of soft, yet sad and soulful, but somehow being energetic and heavy. Duffy-esque, Bjork-y? Sometimes. Unique—Always. Experimental—Yes. Fun—Oh yeah. Soooo, what the hell is it that I’m listening too and who’s responsible for this audible bewilderment? St. Vincent’s Strange Mercy—(with a little help from my friend…) a smorgasbord of sounds, genres, and textures all meshed together into a delightful buffet of musical wonderment.

The extraordinary woman herself.

This is the third album (recently released) from Annie Erin Clark (who goes by the handle St. Vincent), an American born multi-instrumentalist. The album is a pleasure to listen to, though it is a pain to try and describe what exactly the album is as a whole because of St. Vincent’s skill at combining genres and use of many different instruments, vocal styles and effects. Though, there are some things I can say hold true for the entire album: It has a very cool feel to it—a sort of night time atmosphere, the music is solid with pretty much every beat sounding like it was placed purposefully, it is very unique, and while it may at first not seem too approachable, upon hearing it once, you are almost compelled to listen again. This is a great album in my opinion and you should give it a listen.

Sidenote: I listen to a lot, A LOT of music and am really good at picking out good stuff but I’m probably one of the worst at describing why I like or dislike some music or even just describing it, which is why this musica es musica (and future) took so long and was so short.

Anyway, I’ve provided some of my favorite tracks from the album after the jump. Have a listen.

Best Quote of the Week ~ [9/25/11]

2011-09-25T00:05:00.001-04:00

"I'm not going to rape you! I'm a little boy."

~A joke by John Mulaney

This guy is a really funny comedian. Youtube's not letting me embed so I will leave a link to the full joke here. LINK.

Best Quote of the Week ~ [9/18/11]

2011-09-18T00:05:00.003-04:00

By the time you read this I will have been done rereading the Scott Pilgrim books.

"He is as hot as the flames of hell you bitches are going to."

~Joseph, Hollie's roommate, from Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World (Vol. 2)

In full Context:

Hollie: "But the real reason we're here is because Joseph has a crush on their bass player."

Kim: "I haven't seen him. Is he hot?"

Hollie: "I don't know. Is he hot Joseph?"

Joseph: "He is as hot as the flames of hell you bitches are going to."

Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Ramona in the film) holding up Scott Pilgrim Vol 2

Video Find!: Japan and Color

2011-09-16T23:09:00.000-04:00

I somehow found these three cool videos online just now. They're all Japanese with the last two being made my the same person (I think?). The first video, Loop Pool, by Daiki Aizawa is a short video that seem dream like with it's ambient music (which Aizawa also created) and cool visual. It's about the cycle or flow of life or food chain. The last two videos, Memory Player and Which Color Do You Choose For A Rainy Day?, are simpler that I just really the art direction and use color, which is sparingly, yet bold. Have a look.

Loop Pool

Memory Player

Which Color Do You Choose For A Rainy Day?

Get $1.50 off Select New Indie Releases on Amazon

2011-09-13T22:09:00.000-04:00

Hey, guys, Amazon is having a great deal right now. Get $1.50 off Select New Indie Releases by entering the code INDIE150. For full instructions click here. The selection is pretty and today $3.99 album is also included: Strange Mercy by St. Vincent. Get it for only $2.49. This is a really good album, I got it today and listened to it three times already! It's late, I know, but I had busy day and that was a lot considering the time I had. So stop reading and go for it! It only last until Sunday, September 18!

Chloe In The Afternoon from the album Strange Mercy

Best Quote of the Week ~ [9/11/11]

2011-09-11T00:01:00.001-04:00

"You want to love everyone equally, and that's worse than impossible—it's wrong."

~Edward Morgan Forster

Best Quote of the Week ~ [9/4/11]

2011-09-04T00:13:00.002-04:00

“Believe you can and you're halfway there.”

~Theodore Roosevelt

Big News in the World of Persona

2011-09-02T23:59:00.007-04:00

Welcome to Persona

This has been a big week for Persona and its fans with not one or two games announced but three as well as the launching of a new Persona website! Japanese magazine Famitsu broke the story this week with their interview with Persona 3 and 4’s director Katsura Hashino. The new games are: Persona 4: The Golden, Persona 4: The Ultimate in Mayonaka Arena, and the now 100% confirmed Persona 5. Hit the jump for a ridiculous amount of news and information and pictures!

UPDATE 1 (9/9/11): The debut trailer for Persona 4: The Ultimate in Mayonaka Arena has released! Find it after the jump near the bottom of the page.

Castella In Theory 3: Self-Righteous Suicide

2011-09-02T14:36:00.007-04:00

Hey, guys, I just finished the third story of Castella in Theory: Self-Righteous Suicide (in just under 2 weeks. Only 11 days!), it's a continuation of the first story. It takes two months after Ecila's passing and is about how Greg is dealing or not dealing with her death. I don't think that summary quite fits, but it's okay. Please read and comment! Hope you enjoy. The link for the story is below.

I'm so glad I now know I can write a full story in less than 14 months or even less than a month! The first story actually took 30 days to complete. Fun fact: this story was originally going to be the second story, but I was having a lot of trouble writing the opening scene and had just come up with some ideas for the current second story and thought that that story was going to be an easier write. Wrong! Anyway, here's the third story.

This story can be surreal at times--this is just the picture to use

Read Here> Castella In Theory 3: Self-Righteous Suicide [It's only 12 pages]

(Click to read; right click and save as to download.)
P.S.: If there are any mistakes, let me know and I'll fix them.

UPDATE 1 (9/3/11): Minor fixes added.

UPDATE 2 (10/23/11): Added a little to the ending. It feels more complete now.

UPDATE 3 (10/26/11): Minor fixes to format and story.

UPDATE 4 (11/26/11): Minor fixes and tweaks to story. Plus a random picture added!

UPDATE 5 (2/29/12): Minor fixes.

Photo Ops at the Marina

2011-08-28T20:06:00.001-04:00

I was going for a look reminisce of the Pink Floyd Animal cover.

How do you think I did? It almost looks like painting.

I went out with my dad today biking and I took a little time to do a Photo Ops. I think I got some pretty good pictures today. View the rest after the jump. If you like them, free to use them as long as you credit me, Vahsol. I might edit some of these later.

Best Quote of the Week ~ [8/28/11]

2011-08-28T00:01:00.002-04:00

“Empty the coins in your purse into your mind and your mind will fill your purse with coins.”

~Benjamin Franklin

The Third Evangelion Has Finally Been Dated!

2011-08-26T22:06:00.002-04:00

New Production Image of Asuka

The third of the Rebuild of Evangelion films: Evangelion Q [Quickening], has finally been dated for Fall 2012 in Japan. This was announced by Hideaki Anno's (writer and director of the Neon Genesis Evangelion series) anime studio Khara earlier today.

Rebuild of Evangelion is a four part film project started in 2002 with the first film being released in Japan in 2007 and 2009 in America. The second film was released in 2009 and 2011 in Japan and USA, respectively. Originally, it was planned to have the third and the forth film released alongside each other, but it is currently unknown if that is still the case.

They have also released a new short preview: See it below.

P.S.: Follow Khara on twitter @khara_inc: or visit their website here: http://khara.co.jp/

Best Quote of the Week ~ [8/21/11]

2011-08-21T00:02:00.000-04:00

Debs leaving the White House, the day after being released from prison in 1921.

"I have no country to fight for; my country is the earth, and I am a citizen of the world."

~Eugene Victor Debs

Video Find!: Did You Know 3.0

2011-08-14T11:04:00.001-04:00

This is a really cool video that they played at work yesterday for a special meeting (The meeting wasn’t about this, this was just for fun). The video shows a bunch of random and interesting facts about our growing world and how much faster information is able to circulate with all of our increasing technology.

Best Quote of the Week ~ [8/14/11]

2011-08-14T00:02:00.000-04:00

1. "I am like a god! I piss on you...from a great height."

2. "Only DEATH can retire Jason Slade!"

~Jason Slade from Honor and Glory

Best Quote of the Week ~ [8/7/11]

2011-08-07T00:01:00.013-04:00

"Clever people are never credited with their follies: what a deprivation of human rights!"

~Friedrich Nietzsche

Best Quote of the Week ~ [07/31/11]

2011-07-31T12:03:00.000-04:00

"I'm not sad, I'm French."

~Oancitizen from his review of Exterminating Angels

Oh My God!! Galaxy Express 999 Rereleased!!

2011-07-26T02:45:00.006-04:00

After God knows how long, Galaxy Express 999 and it's sequel Adieu Galaxy Express 999 have finally been given another American release with both Japanese and English voice! I'm so happy. These are two great films and deserve being watched whether or not you like anime. If you like film in general or a good heart wrenching story -- buy it. The are both cheap at only $17.99 each. No one knows how completely jacked I am right. I needed this. Amazon links below!

UPDATE 1 (7/26/11): Deepdisount.com is even cheaper with Galaxy Express 999 at $14.71 and Adieu Galaxy Express 999 at $11.99. Also, for those who don't know, Deepdisount.com has free standard shipping on all items and Amazon has free standard shipping on all orders exceeding $25.

UPDATE 2: Amazon lowered the price of Adieu Galaxy Express 999 from $17.99 to $16.99. Deepdisount.com still has the best deal.

Amazon links:

Buy Galaxy Express 999

Buy Adieu Galaxy Express 999

Deepdisount.com links:

Buy Galaxy Express 999

Buy Adieu Galaxy Express 999

The creator is the one and only Leiji Matsumoto. Look him up if you don't know!

Best Quote of the Week ~ [07/24/11]: The French Revolution

2011-07-24T22:20:00.000-04:00

Eugene Delacroix - Liberty Leading The People 1830

"The Third Estate is the People and the People is the foundation of the State; it is in fact the State itself... It is in the People that all national power resides and it is for the People that all states exist."

~Louis-Alexandre de Launay, comte d'Antraigues

Jacques Bertaux - Prise du Palais des Tuileries 1793

Jean-Victor Schnetz - The Battle for Town Hall 1830

musica es musica: School Food Punishment

2011-07-21T23:36:00.002-04:00

School Food Punishment

School Food Punishment is a Japanese, post-rock, electronica band fronted by Yumi Uchimura. They were formed in 2004 by Uchimura and the current lineup includes Uchimura on guitar, Masayuki Hasuo on keyboard, Hideaki Yamasaki on bass, and Osamu Hidai on drums. The band’s music is characterized by Uchimura’s strong and passionate voice, Hasuo’s great keyboard work, as well as fast and furious guitar riffs and drumming. Their sound is almost always unique and interesting thanks to their use of genre blending. School Food Punishment is constantly mixing rock and pop together with electronica sounds that at times are ambient and at other times more glitch sounding (mostly this). School Food Punishment is a great band that makes great music and if you have the time definitely give them a listen.

Yumi Uchimura

They are currently signed with Sony Music Japan's Epic Records Japan record label. To date they have released five albums, including EP’s: school food is good food (April 4, 2007), air feel, color swim (November 21, 2007), Riff-rain (December 10, 2008/January 14, 2009 ~ My personal favorite), amp-reflection (April 14, 2010), and Prog-Roid (July 13, 2011). Their single ‘futuristic imagination’ was used as the ending theme to the excellent Eden of the East anime. Light prayer was used as the main theme for the first movie, The King of Eden, and future nova/after laughter were used as the opening and ending themes of the next film, Paradise Lost, respectively.

Eden of the East (The King of Eden)

I’ve provided a few songs and more pictures after the jump.

musica es musica: Introduction

2011-07-20T17:08:00.000-04:00

Random Music is evolving... Random Music has become musica es musica!

Today, I’m introducing new, or to be precise, an evolution of an old feature: Random Music as musica es musica.

Now, what exactly is musica es musica? You may have noticed that most of the posts on this site that contain music also bear this phrase in its tags. Well, I’m big into music, all kinds of music, and am always looking for more and new music. I just think it’s foolish to say “I like rock and all I will listen to or look for is rock.” Or “Classical is the only type of music worth calling music.” There is just so much great music from all genres if you are willing to search. So, awhile back I created this phrase ‘musica es musica’ – music is music – as sort of a banner or motto that means all music should be embraced. All music is music. All music should be sought out. Now, that’s not to say that a person should like every song on the radio. It just means to explore as much as possible and to not limit your view of music to just a single genre, sound, or term.

Frank Zappa once said: The Ultimate Rule ought to be: “If it sounds GOOD to YOU, it’s bitchin’; and if it sounds BAD to YOU, it’s shitty.” The more varied your musical experience, the easier it is to define for yourself what you like and what you don’t like. American radio listeners, raised on a diet of_____ (fill in the blank), have experienced a musical universe so small they cannot begin to know what they like.

I’ve used this quote before, but it perfectly sum up my idea of musica es musica.

Okay, second, what exactly is the feature musica es musica? It’s going to be pretty much what Random Music was, just slightly more in-depth of the information side and varied on the music side, as well as having a more consistent format. I will showcase music I like in all its forms, highlighting single bands, artists, albums, games, movies, etc and will give a little information on the highlighted person, band, album, you get the picture and have several select songs from them so you guys can give them a listen.

Also, I want to make this very clear -- this is a showcase and information piece not reviews. If I’m showcasing it assume I like it.

Welp, hope you guys enjoy the feature when I roll it out and please check out my short story: Castella in Theory Story 2: The Worst of Derek Russell. Read and comment.

P.S.: Having phrases in Spanish just makes them cooler. Also, I didn’t know how to say it in Japanese at the time.

(Another Belated) Best Quote of the Week ~ [07/19/11]

2011-07-19T22:48:00.000-04:00

"A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on."

~ Winston S. Churchill

Best (Belated) Quote of the Week ~ [07/15/11]: "We choose to go to the moon."

2011-07-15T00:56:00.003-04:00

"We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon... we choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too."

~ John F. Kennedy on September 12th, 1962

Video Find!: RSA Animate - Drive: The surprising truth about what motivates us

2011-06-28T12:43:00.001-04:00

This is a cool video I found today about what motivates people and the science behind it. Give it a watch.

New Red Hot Chili Peppers Album Announced

2011-06-27T19:37:00.004-04:00

Album Cover

Release Date

The Red Hot Chili Peppers have announced the name and release date for their up coming tenth album! The album, entitled "I'm with You", will release August 28, 2011 and will also be the first album to feature the new line-up: Chad Smith, Flea, Anthony Kiedis, Josh Klinghoffer. Klinghoffer replacing John Frusciante who departing in 2009. The album's first single is to be "The Adventures of Raindance Maggie." I am really excited for this!

The new line-up

And of course some past music from the group. Hit the jump for the videos.

UPDATE 1 (7/28/11): The single was released! Listen to it at the bottom of the page after the jump.

UPDATE 2 (8/24/11): The Adventures of Raindance Maggie music video released! View it after the jump. (It's the very last video on the page.)

Best Quote of the Week ~ [06/27/11]

2011-06-27T19:13:00.001-04:00

"Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”

~Albert Einstein

P.S.: Please read and comment on my short story Castella In Theory Story 2: The Worst of Derek Russell!