durendal

Currently finished with volume 3 of the novel and it looks like some harem would be involved. I hope it's not going to be a lasting feature. So far, I'm enjoying the story thus far despite the disappointing theme of the second arc. I too am not really fond of the fairy theme. But some of the fighting in this arc looks good. And some things are just too overpowered if you asked me. I liked the pacing of the Aincrad arc, at least you don't get to see the level grinding that every MMO player has to deal with, but they still show how tedious it was. Kirito for example exudes an aura that he has been spending all his waking moments level grinding.

I don't see a big deal with Siri. Siri is not really a voice recognition program but just some nice lady apple hired and put in an office to let you think that you are talking to your iphone. Here's the proof: But yeah, with the passing of Steve Jobs, apple seems to be losing it's hold in the market. There seems to be less innovation in the apple headquarters. Since any new product they launch are actually inferior products compared to their competitors. iphone 5? SIII wins hands down. And the ipad mini? They have to wait until everyone has it until they released it. In fact, my playbook is actually better than the ipad mini, and I got it at half the price of the ipad mini. These days, the hardware of apple products no longer justifies their overpricing.

Have you updated to the latest OS? I hear that the IOS was recently updated to 6. An update that turns you map into crap.

Right? I just love the way how the characters interact. And it's not just about the fighting and all that. They show the fight scenes only when necessary, or during the integral parts of the story. I get a warm feeling everytime I watch kirito interact with other players. I'm actually done with the Aicrad arc and I felt that it was a good ending and a point way to end the story. I'll see if the next arc will still fulfill my expectations.

Didn't you have an iphone? So it's having problems now? That's unexpected from an apple product. Or were you talking about your older nokia phone?

I think I'm gonna be needing a new phone soon. My personal phone, the Nokia E66 which I bought I think around 4 years ago is starting to act weird. I plugged my phone to charge it at 10 in the morning, and now it's already 8 in the evening and it's still charging. I hope it's just the charger, but if it's the phone, then I might be needing a new phone soon. Then just like the phone can read what I was typing, it suddenly beeped that the phone is fully charge, just as I am typing this post. Really weird. I really do hope it's the charger, since I really hate to have to change phones. Anyway, any suggestions as to my next phone in case my E66 bit the dust? I am leaning away from an Iphone and the Galasy S III is kinda big and too thin for my pockets, it's gonna break easy if I use it.

Odin has suggested to me a wonderful anime and I am currently enjoying it. It's so great that I had to create a thread for it. In summary, Sword Art Online is a story about Kirito, who is playing a virtual reality massively multi-player online or VRMMO game. It's a game that utilizes the Nerve Gear, a helmet that you wear which intercepts the information of your brain and allows you to act out your actions in a virtual environment. So it means while you are inside the game, your body will lie still in the real world. Imagine playing a game console with a setup similar to Matrix, but instead of a bigass needle sticking in the back of your head, you wear a helmet. What's different about this setup? Well. the clincher is that due to some twisted turn of events, the players cannot log out, and if their HP reaches zero, they will die in real life. In order to leave the game alive, they have to clear the game. This anime came from a light novel, and upon learning that it exists, I immediately searched for it. Fortunately, Baka-Tsuki has all 10 volumes of it. I'm reading the light novel while simultaneously watching the anime, and so far, the anime is pretty faithful to the original source. The difference is that the anime depicts the story in a straight timeline, while the novel starts at the first chapter then jumps to 2 years after, detailing the stories in between via side story. Obviously the next question would be - who's also following this?

Wow, we're like comparing Super Robots and Real Robots. whereas the Super Robots rely on "Guts" or "strong emotions" to power up their attack, real robots uses strategy and skill to defeat their opponents. I would say that Goku and Vegetta is more of the Super Robot sorts, while the Guyvers are more of the real robots. One can beat the other based on a certain scenario. So if you ask me as to who will win, my answer is - who would you like to win?

Interesting, dates on the tombstone has dates as late as 2009. So it means that it's more than 10 years since x-day? And Natsuki is still in college? Unless explanation is made, we might consider this as a plot hole?

Good luck with that. But might I suggest that instead of waiting for someone to commission you, you might want to try joining some design competition which private companies hold. The basic logic is that the company will specify a design need, you answer that need by submitting a design to them. Once they chose your design, you get a generous sum for your efforts. I think that will keep you busy while waiting for any commissions. Perhaps those companies will help you strategically price your work.

Well, I was watching the anime and reading the novel simultaneously, and there are many scenes in the anime that was not in the novel, while some scenes that are revealed later in the novel are shown early in the anime (Sachi). The "dual-wielding" really impressed me and I am waiting to see it in the anime. It's not just about attaining the skill, but more like the feeling of how a nobody did something so epic.

Well, I think it would be best to concentrate on one series at a time. The last time I spread my attention to a lot of anime (I think its close to decades ago), I wasn't able to finish some of them. Since I just finished watching Gundam AGE, I have no other anime that I am currently watching. That's just me, so I'm not sure how it will apply to you. Although I am reading the novel simultaneously while watching the anime. I just finished episode 1 last night and I'm already to the point where 2 years has already passed in the novel. Wow. I just gotta say wow to this series. Even by just reading the novel, I can't stop thinking about how great this series is. This is not a cutesy series mind you, as Odin has mentioned, there are psychological stuff at work here. You might not get this, but just reading about the dual wielding, WOW, it gave me an excitement that I haven't felt since a long time ago. When Odin mentioned this, I did a youtube search of the series. Sad to say, none of the youtube videos did justice to this series. You have to watch and digest the story in order to truly appreciate Sword Art Online.

Well, I voted 3 times since I have internet access from 3 different locations. (one at office, one at home and one from my mobile )

Wow, as it turns out, Baka-Tsuki has the light novels up to volume 10. Nice. And I can't believe how similar my playing style with Kirito is. I can really relate to this series.

You'll have to beat the transforming bumblebee first to beat the iron man. I think those are the only two who has votes that are in the thousand. We got your back. But there's only so much some of us can do.

My friend. Thank you for the suggestion. I have tried watching episode 1 of Sword Art Online and I love it. I can relate to this anime as I myself am also an MMO player. Now for me to hunt down the light novel.

Why not take a shot at posting these. Who knows one certain people might be able to help you translate this.

Do pardon my comments as I now understand how passionate you are about this movie. But I still find some of the things that they did as pure stupidity. You actually used the perfect example as that is the exact situation that I was referring to. Come on, you're on an alien planet and you found a corpse, which you know was killed by something, or at least was being chased by something horrifying. You found something alive, and the first instinct you have is to touch it? Our animal instinct is naturally to be on guard of anything we are not familiar with. Sure curiosity may have played a part of it, but as they say, curiosity killed the cat. I guess you can attribute it to the token stupid guy. Talking about this movie actually still gives me the chills. *shudder*

For the "pink faced" guy at the end is a major character of sorts in the comics. I was not happy with how Captain America was portrayed. He looked like an idiot in most part of the movie. And that's coming from a Captain America fan. Although I do understand why the producers did that. It emphasizes his transition from the 40's to the modern era, trying to adjust. And he proves his worth in the final battle. And to be completely honest, I hated his suit in the Avengers. I prefer his world war II uniform over this anytime.

Well the thing is about this version of the Hulk, it is actually Mark Ruffalo's acting. They placed all this sensors in him and captured his movement as he plays the savage brute, unlike the previous movies where the movement of the hulking beast was purely CGI. I think I understand where you're coming from considering that you're not much of a comic book fan. Majority of the Hulk fanboys sees the Ang Lee movie as a total failure. I myself was not impressed how he "comicalized" the movie with all those comic book like panel in the movie. (which I find somewhat annoying) It was a nice idea to emphasize that it is a movie about a comic book character, but it's not what the fans wanted. Coming from someone like you saying that you enjoyed the Avengers movie, I would like to think that the producers and directors accomplished their task. The task being able to let non-followers to enjoy a movie that caters to fanboys.

Ahaha! That was funny. ahem. were you a fan of alien? although prometheus is a very different style, it seems to have it's roots in suspense horror of alien but moving away towards a more gentle and creepy sci-fi. I'm not sure about the story myself, but I don't really come for the story with this one, more for the universe and the richness and detail of the culture. the atmosphere, the premise, the design, etc. (20 hrs , wow that is a long flight! my flight from paris to narita was around 12-14 hrs...) Let's just say that Alien left a big impact on me that gave me issues whenever watching movies like these. I just can't help but feel some of the characters as just plain stupid, and was the reason for the whole fiasco that happened to them. And that is one bigass face hugger.

So I've heard. I don't know how I feel about this, but won't it feel like it's being rushed? I mean, announcing it just like that, have they already started with any of the planing and stuff? If ever the movie will not deal with the Skywalker clan, perhaps they will appear as support characters instead of being in the lead role. Maybe Luke will be doing a Gui-Gon Jin on episode 7 and pass on the mantle of lead character to another Jedi to be the master of his kids? I dunno. That's what I'm thinking if they won't be following any of the established stories in the comics.

Oh, I wasn't aware of that. This is the only place that I look for any info regarding Guyver, so do pardon me if I do not explore other sites. Anyway, here's the translation: Page 995 big text: Hidden in the temporary public peace An omen for a "calamity" Page 996 p1. box: Nippari Asou residence p2. balloon: Oh Taga-kun huh p3. balloon 1: huh balloon 2: Asou-san is here during this time of day? p4. balloon 1: Well sorry about that, I'm going to work now balloon 2: have a safe trip box at right: Shou and the others who are assemble in Asou's residence.... Page 997 p1. balloon 1: Having been living alone the way I always used to be It's going to be a little noisy for a while p2. balloon 1: Hello- balloon 2: Ah welcome back p3. balloon: Aptom has come too p4. balloon: Natsuki-san how was your college? p5. balloon 1: Today my class ended in the afternoon balloon 2: There's been a lot of things happening Lectures have been cancelled a lot of times Page 998 p2. balloon: I'm sorry because of us you've been put into harms way p3. balloon 1: eh...no, that's not what I meant balloon 2: Speaking of which, do you have any progress? like for example... p4. balloon: Things concerning "Apollon" Unfortunately we have gathered zero p5. balloon: We've also asked the cooperation of Asou-san p6. balloon 1: Anyway about Guyot and Guyver II F balloon 2: There were absolutely no information that relates to "Apollon" Page 999 p1. balloon: It's not information control p2. balloon 1: Having captures a number of Zoanoid that holds important position in the control bureau I "searched" inside their head balloon 2: they don't even know the name "Apollon" p3. balloon 1: Anything related to "Apollon: balloon 2: is even TOP SECRET among inside Cronos p4. text 1: Most probably only a handful of people knows about it text 2: That's the highest management class.... p5. balloon: You don't mean.... Page 1000 p1. balloon 1: Zoalord balloon 2: Members of "Cronos 12 Holy Commanders" p2. box: United States of America - Washington DC Page 1001 p1. box: Cronos North American Control Bureau Pillars of Heaven p2. balloon 1: Richard Guyot is alive balloon 2: ...you say!? p3. balloon: that is correct p4. balloon 1: That is not possible balloon 2: Shin, I saw it with my own eyes Page 1002 p1. box 1: That guy, with Alchanfel's hands the Zoacrystal was ripped from his forehead box 2: he disappeared with the gushing of the boiling magma.... p2. balloon 1: It was also unbelievable for me Venerated Balcus balloon 2: I'm sending you a video p3. balloon: 1! Page 1003 p1. balloon: This is....!? p2. balloon: ...that is right p3. balloon 1: That is Guyot himself for certain Do you recognize the one who is with him p4. balloon: That Guyver IIF is the one with the most problem p5. balloon 1: Impossible.... balloon 2: That woman Guyver Has joined with Richard!? Page 1004 p1. balloon: and then p2. balloon 1: The mansion that they attacked balloon 2: What we Cronos has "controlled" We have established that this place was used by Guyver I to stay hidden p3. balloon 1: what? And then Richard balloon 2: learned of the Guyver's whereabouts....? p4. balloon 1: additionally balloon 2: The day before, we managed to obtain information that in Shinjuku there was a death match between Guyvers p5. balloon: The attack on the refuge was on the middle of it In other words, he went there when Guyver I was not present.... Page 1005 p1. balloon 1: Guyot has already understood the movements of the Guyver better than us balloon 2: ...that's what it means p2. balloon: muh... p3. balloon 1: There were large traces of "creatures" in fierce fights around the burning mansion balloon 2: We do not know how many of those were there It could be possible that Guyot p4. balloon 1: ...if that were the case, the ones behind Richard It seems that there are those who is supporting him balloon 2: yes balloon 3: and also, most probably it is... Page 1006 p1. balloon: Kurumegnik and the others p2. box: At the same time / Tokyo Shinjuku Page 1007 p1. balloon 1: The implication of the incident in Shinagawa pier balloon 2: During that night here in Tokyo p2. balloon 1: A battle that we Cronos took part but had no knowledge balloon 2: At the same time on three different places p3. balloon 1: What relationship does that three battles have to do with each other balloon 2: Is that what you are telling me? p4. balloon: There is nothing else but that Page 1008 p1. box 1: The appearance of the red giant "Gigantic Exceed" when Kabral let loose the Draglord p2. box 2: The attack of the mysterious enemy "Apollon" who targets the Zoacrystal of us Zoalords p3. box 3: And also the sudden awakening of Alchanfel.... Page 1009 p1. balloon 1: All of these events happening at the same time balloon 2: For me... p2. text 2: I think that it is an omen of a "Great Calamity" text 1: of something that will shallow up this world p3. balloon: Shin... Page 1010 p2. balloon: I can see it p3. text 1: That is 12 Holy Commander text 2: Shin Rubeo Amnicalus!! box at right: The mysterious being that is approaching Shin....! box at bottom: Bioboost Armor Guyver - Continues in January Issue

I've only recently finished watching Gundam AGE. As I have mentioned in the shout box, it was a satisfactory Gundam series. I hope that they don't repeat the fiasco that was Seed Destiny. After Gundam 00, AGE seems to be a fine successor. You just gotta love the Gundam AGE-2 Normal. That's one sexy Gundam. I hope that the next Gundam series will still be a good one.

I'm done reading AVX, I must say, I quite liked it. Better than Fear Itself though I've only read the core series of AVX. It seems like Marvel keeps changing the status quo, and then only to bring it back where it was. Let's see if they will be keeping what they changed here. I'm currently following AVX consequences, and does this mean that our fearless mutant leader has turned into a villain on his own volition? Influences from Cosmic entities does not count, do they? As for DC, after the new 52, I completely stopped reading any DC comics. I read Justice League once in a while, only because Jim Lee was drawing it.