IDEVASW
IDEVASWby V.E. on December 17th, 2009
filed under politics, sex, sex work
Inspired
by V.E. on December 14th, 2009
filed under beauty
… by Kracken
“To me art has become a puzzle, almost like a math problem. I spend a lot of time staring, fiddling, and staring some more until I figure out just how something should look. Sometimes, it flows like it’s supposed to, the way it used to before I scrambled my brains. It’s magic, then, and perfect, but, that doesn’t last long. This one pic I’m doing for the novel has been a complete struggle, fighting me like a tarpon on a fishing line. Finally, though, it clicked and I realized how it should look, and why it wasn’t looking that way. I reeled in the art and a static picture that I didn’t much like, suddenly breathed fire.”
“New Moon” (movie) review
by V.E. on December 12th, 2009
filed under entertainment, recap/review
Official | Wikipedia | IMDb | Amazon
I went to see New Moon yesterday. By myself so I wouldn’t have to drag some poor friend along, and long after opening day so I wouldn’t have to deal with screaming Twifans. I paid a fair $9 to see it, too, something I promised myself I wouldn’t do. But, c’est la vie; what’s done is done. (As a side note, did you know that a small drink costs $4.50 now? A small drink costs $4.50. Four-goddamn-fifty. But, I digress…)
Honestly, I don’t think it was as good as the Twilight movie was. That’s saying something, since Twilight wasn’t that good in the first place. To be fair, I only checked my watch once, and it was about halfway through. At about that time, I was sorta like, “Can we be done now? [yawn]”
Basically, my review is: It was a decent movie for the little with which it was given to work. Being that the book wasn’t awesome to start out with, the movie wasn’t awesome either. Too bad, too, because I usually like vampire movies. I’m totally rooting for the werewolves in this series, and that never happens.
Also, WTF, Victoria? You don’t get any lines? WTF? Oh wait… that’s because you’re not even really in the movie (or the book) until the next goddamn movie(/book). I like your red hair, though. And you as Lady of the Lake was awesome for the split second that Bella actually thought she might die.
Worst scene: “The Talk” with the Volturi.
Best scene: Wolf pack fight. Woo, go wolfies!
Worst character: Aro (creepy guy made creepier when he can read your thoughts through touch).
Best character: Jacob Black, hands down.
Most underdeveloped character: Emmett and Jane.
Most annoying character: Mike (sorry, Mike).
Ugh. I need to go watch Interview with the Vampire and eat some Pocky to get the bad taste out of my mouth. Ugh. New Moon ugh.
Building a Better Party, V.E. style
by V.E. on December 7th, 2009
filed under anime/manga
So, I got this idea from rakuen42 over at her blog and it’s been mulling in my mind for over a month while NaNo and other craziness happened. The rules:
I’ve been wanting to do just a fun post to get our readers thinking for a while now, and I think this is a pretty good prompt for you all. We’ve all thought about what would make the ideal group, party, or what have you, from fictional characters. The most likely setting is a fantasy RPG world, but if you want to pick out somewhere else (school?), go right ahead. The limits are any media derived from Japanese culture, this includes video games, anime, manga, drama series, and so forth.
Now, when you do this, I want you to try and be creative about it. Sure, you can make a party of Cloud, Squall, Vincent, and Riku, but, everyone’s thought of it, and it’s not a terribly interesting group choice as is. Of course, if you want to write a 10 page dissertation proving me wrong, more power to you. Also, keep in mind that your characters need to be balanced. They need to be able to work together not just on the field of battle, but also everywhere else as well. It’s no good to have a bunch of expert warriors if no one knows how to cook!
Generally, the party system is either a four- (tank/magic user/healer/thief) or five- (leader/tank/smart guy/chick/lancer) person archetype, so I’m going to see how well I can do while only choosing four or five characters.
#1 Hitsugaya Toshiro
…from BLEACH. This guy is bad ass and can use a sword like nobody’s business, and he doesn’t like it when people make fun of his height. (But he’s sooo cute all short like that! Kawaii!) He’s level-headed and has leadership experience, and he’s the first guy I thought of to put on my team. I actually like other BLEACH characters better, but I’m going for companion ability and overall fitness for a team, not just who’s coolest.
#2 Sailor Pluto
…from the Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon metaverse. She could also step into the leadership role if necessary. Powerful, easy-going, and damn—she has the key to Time itself. How can you go wrong with a power like that? She doesn’t use her power lightly, however, and that could be troubling if other party members don’t take her seriously. Fortunately, she’s a serious character, so there’s no worry. (Sailor Moon, on the other hand…)
#3 Eve Neuschwanstein
…from NEEDLESS. She can’t remember anyone’s name, so she’ll probably end up calling everyone something like “Yamada” or “Uchiro” but she’s proven to be a capable fighter when it matters. She needs a lot of calories to keep up her power, though, which is “Doppelganger” and which allows her to transform herself into various shapes and weapons and also lets her heal other party members.
#4 Himemiya Anthy
…from Shoujo Kakumei Utena. Beautiful and submissive, Anthy works best under the direction of a strong leader and with group members who will respect her. She can cook, clean, and she houses the Sword of Dios in her own body. Though she appears selfless and loving, she can be passive-aggressive and has a tragic and sinister past which partially dictates her current behavior. She makes things interesting, to be sure.
So, those are my four. What do you guys think? Who would you choose to be in your party?
Irregular Roundup #10
by V.E. on December 6th, 2009
filed under anime/manga, entertainment, nanowrimo, personal, politics
Masque of the Red Death: a comic.
In case you want to read about a manga before you actually buy it, check out MangaViews.com.
So, I listened to a couple of Tokio Hotel‘s songs and I LOVE. Please, there are twin brothers in the band, and that means… LOVE. ^__________^ They’re very pretty men >_> in German, no less.
And for once, I actually know the inside scoop about what really happened in this Greek fiasco because I was there. I lived it. The part at my school, anyway. Sigh. Crappy sorority drama. I miss Esther like nobody’s business. She always made everything better.
Here’s a pep talk in honor of NaNoWriMo from Neil Gaiman. Yes, the Neil Gaiman.
Possibly not-safe-for-work reimaginings of classic fairytales. (Let’s just say the ladies are wearing… very little in most of the drawings.) I like most of them, but I have to say, sometimes more clothing can be sexier than less. Just puttin’ that out there.
I officially call Munroe’s Law into place. Seriously. (Ten geek laws that don’t exist but should.)
Ever wondered what those “H rate” stamps in your drawer are worth? It’s no longer a mystery: a guide to non-denominated U.S. postage. (“H rate” stamps are worth one cent.)
The really big guide to secret menus, like In-N-Out and Starbucks.
This iconmaker, El Jay (L-J… get it? hahaha; it’s so funny to me) makes some good userpics/avatars/icons with one note of caution, though: you can only undo your very last action. After that, if you want to “undo” you have to start completely over. My userpic for this post was made with El Jay.
The most inarticulate generation ever.
Two links about learning German. Now if I’d only commit the time and make it a habit.
nirai kanai: on earth as it is in heaven; life, the universe, and everything… but it ends up being mostly anime and manga. who knew, right? ^_^ Google says the newly hosted site (referenced with a link in his latest post) is an attack/phishing site, but it isn’t. Perhaps I should email him and let him know he’s being shunned by the internets?
“The Heartache Can Wait” lyrics
by V.E. on December 5th, 2009
filed under lyrics
SONG: The Heartache Can Wait
BY: Brandi Carlile
You’re talking about leaving
It’s right about Christmas time
Thinking about moving on
I think I might die inside
I’m thinking about years gone by
I’m thinking about church at midnight
I’m thinking about letting go
I think that might finally be all right
But this is where we shine
Silver bells and open fire
And songs we used to sing
One more chance to be inspired
Is what I’m offering if love is not enough
Then stay with me because
The heartache can wait
It’s not about hanging on
It’s making my deal with God
If I could call one last truce
We’ve given it all we’ve got
Then I’m gonna catch my breath
And make it a long December
If we’ve got nothing left
This could be worth remembering
With a smile upon my face
Silver bells and open fire
And songs we used to sing
One more chance to be inspired
Is what I’m offering if love is not enough
Then stay with me because
Silver bells and open fire
And songs we used to sing
One more chance to be inspired
Is what I’m offering if love is not enough
Then stay with me because
The heartache can wait
Finished Nano!
by V.E. on December 1st, 2009
filed under nanowrimo
Well, well, well. Fancy meeting you here, doll.
*cough cough hack cough*
I mean, I finished NaNoWriMo—and with a few words to spare!
Final word count: 51,019
Times participating: 3 (2005, 2008, 2009)
Times won: 1 (2009)—third time’s the charm, apparently
This year’s title: A Great Actress or a Great King
The easiest scene to write: the Valentine’s Day rape talk between Bennett and me (don’t ask)
The most difficult scene to write: the stuff immediately after the thing that happened with Nathan
What I did while procrastinating: talked to friends online; anime; RL; sleep
Will I try again next year?: ask me again next year
Was it worth it?: the way I did it, yes
Excerpt:
I visited Bennett in late March for his birthday. His birthday was actually in early March, but I hadn’t been able to get away from school before the third week for a weekend in New York with him. I visited on the pretense of seeing my little brother, John, who was in New York City for a choir tour with the high school Concert Choir. I only did get to see Johnny once that weekend because of what I discovered in Bennett’s room. But, before that, I wanted Ben to know that I hadn’t forgotten his birthday.
“Happy birthday,” I said, handing him a small present shaped like a book.
“Thanks, doll,” he replied, ripping open the wrapping to reveal a science fiction novel set in the Star Wars universe. He was always reading them, so I figured I should get him the next one in the series. “Just what I always wanted.” He grinned and tossed the book on the bed beside me. Taking my face in his hands, he pulled me close and kissed me hungrily, making me aware of his immediate desires. He took one of my hands in his and pressed them both into his lap so I could feel his erection. I blushed under the kiss, but I wasn’t so shy as to pull away.
It wasn’t going to happen, unfortunately. Just at that moment, his younger brother, James, bounded into the room without knocking and said, “Bennett! There’s something on the computer I want you to see.”
He’d gotten me started, but I managed not to growl as he broke the kiss and bounced up after his brother, saying, “What? Is it about…” before the words were lost in the next room, and I was alone. I knew he’d be back and would make it up to me, but it was frustrating to be turned on like that and not have a… resolution, if you will.
Not that it happened often. He was usually more attentive.
I didn’t suspect anything until I found a photograph of him and another woman. Actually, it was a photograph of their hands intertwined with a poem she’d written in a frame stuffed under his desk, hidden from view. I read the poem—I don’t remember now what it said—and I knew.
