Luis Cruz

First time caller, long time listener

Posts by Tag

anime

Review: The Woman Called Mine Fujiko

6 minute read

While I have reviewed the individual episodes for FandomPost.com (find them here), I wanted to sit back and reflect on the series as a whole. Lupin fans hav...

Review: Macross 7 Dynamite

less than 1 minute read

When Macross 7 tries to give Moby Dick a happy ending, the result is the exact opposite of dynamite. This four part OVA is a thin two hour tale revolving aro...

Review: Macross 7

2 minute read

You can probably glean my overall opinion of Macross 7 by two facts. First, it has been eight months since I reviewed the first twelve episodes. Second, you ...

Review: Space Battleship Yamato (2010)

1 minute read

Ah, Star Blazers… You gave me hours of entertainment every morning as a child, and you taught me animation could do more than just portray the rivalries of ...

Review: Macross 7 Episodes 01 - 12

2 minute read

I had planned on writing up a review at the midpoint of the series, but episode twelve of Macross 7 ended on a decent cliffhanger to merit a "quarter way th...

Anime Boston 2011

5 minute read

Another year means another Anime Boston. Jm gave me a pass from the daughter duties to head in for Friday, as there was only one reason to go this year. Why?...

Anime Boston 2010

9 minute read

Anime Boston 2011 is rapidly approaching, and I have yet to write about my adventures at the 2010 offering for a variety of reasons. It mainly boils down to ...

Review: Lupin the Third: The Last Job

2 minute read

Synopsis A Japanese cultural treasure has recently been discovered in a former Nazi sanatorium. While it is quite valuable, Lupin knows its true worth lies i...

Reflections: Reviewing Evangelion

1 minute read

I am finally starting a project I have been meaning to do for some time. Over time, I’ve blogged in various places – LiveJournal, the AnimeOnDVD.com forums,...

Review: Inu Yasha: The Final Act Episode 04

less than 1 minute read

Another week, another review of Inu Yasha: The Final Act has been posted. You can go read the review, and then come back here to watch the episode and let me...

Review: Inu Yasha: The Final Act Episode 03

less than 1 minute read

Why did we get a filler episode so early on? This and other thoughts in my review for episode three. Drop a comment here and let me know what you thought of ...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 24

less than 1 minute read

An unknown government agency has decided on an interesting plan for dealing with terrorists. They plan to hire terrorists to take out other terrorists. Some...

Review: Inu Yasha: The Final Act Episode 01

less than 1 minute read

Slowly slipping back into my role as an AnimeOnDVD (at mania.com) reviewer, I’ll be tackling the weekly release of Inu Yasha’s "Final Act" as it airs on hulu...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 23

less than 1 minute read

Ah, sweet irony… Not two episodes ago, Duke Togo was hijacking a plane; now, episode twenty-three finds him aboard a hijacked plane. Four criminals hijack a...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 20, 21, 22

2 minute read

Episode twenty takes Golgo to the island of Malta on behalf of the British government. Arnold, an agent of theirs, went rogue, making his escape during his ...

Review: The Sky Crawlers

less than 1 minute read

It is a given that Oshii Mamoru’s works are visually stunning, and The Sky Crawlers is no exception. But how does the story rate? Find out in my review of h...

Review: Gurren Lagann Part 3

less than 1 minute read

Gurren Lagann spirals to an entertaining conclusion. How entertaining? Find out in my last review of the series… at least until the movies hit the US.

Anime Boston 2009: Saturday Edition

2 minute read

I have been holding off writing this up as there is simply not much to say. Headed into Boston to catch the AnimeOnDVD.com panel. Left a few minutes early to...

Anime Boston 2009: Friday Edition

7 minute read

Spring is here, and that means it is time for another Anime Boston. Given all the line related issues from last year, I was most interested to see how well t...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 19

1 minute read

A man has setup a lucrative trade in human organs for transplants and funnels the profits to a terrorist organization. Some government calls in Duke to stop...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 18

less than 1 minute read

After a lengthy hiatus, we’re skipping ahead three episodes to see what the latest target Golgo 13 is. An agent charged with compiling the medical secrets o...

The Joy of Being Mentioned

less than 1 minute read

Bright spot in an otherwise drab week… The Lupin III Encyclopedia was mentioned in the Episode 78 of the Anime World Order Podcast. I’m a shameless self-prom...

Review: Gurren Lagann Part 2

less than 1 minute read

While Gunbuster is still my favorite Gainax robot show, Gurren Lagann continues to be entertaining. Read why in my review of the second set. Let me know wha...

Review: Gurren Lagann Part 1

less than 1 minute read

Gainax proves they can build a fun and yet compelling giant robot show with the first part of Gurren Lagann. It has the right blend of comedy, action, and c...

Review: The Girl Who Leapt through Time

less than 1 minute read

Let’s get right to it; read my review of The Girl Who Leapt through Time, buy it, watch it, and then thank me in the forums for recommending this title. Sim...

Review: Macross Frontier Episodes 17 - 25

11 minute read

I finally managed to carve out enough time to sit down and enjoy the last nine episodes of Macross Frontier in one sitting. While it had its flaws near the ...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 15

1 minute read

Eva Kruger is a brilliant and beautiful assassin with a problem. Her recent job involved the head of one of the New York mafia families. Now, the other fami...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 14

2 minute read

When the CIA is discovered to be stockpiling an incurable poison, Golgo 13 is hired to eliminate all evidence the factory and poison ever existed. The Russi...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 13

1 minute read

Victor Lance is one of the top tabloid photographers; however, he knows his skills are declining. He decides it is time to get of the game while most believ...

Review: Noir Complete Collection

less than 1 minute read

Been awhile since I’ve reviewed something for AoD, and now, they’re not even called AoD anymore. For my first review under the Mania regime, I take a look a...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 12

less than 1 minute read

When Duke kills a star quarterback during a game, an aging detective makes it his personal mission to show his old fashioned ways can still deal with a mode...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 11

1 minute read

Katz is another in a long line of brash young bucks who believe they have the skills to retire Golgo 13. And this time, there is a chance he could be right....

Review: Macross Zero

2 minute read

With episode 10 of Macross Frontier tying back into the story of Macross Zero, it was a good excuse to go back and re-watch Zero. When Zero was released, i...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 10

less than 1 minute read

Ah… They finally managed to pen an interesting episode. Duke is hired to assassinate mafia boss Bugsy "Big" Gabole before the FBI can turn him into their st...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 09

less than 1 minute read

Duke finds himself in prison once again, but Pandora Island is renowned for being an inescapable fortress. Run by a sadistic little warden, many have tried,...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 08

less than 1 minute read

A small time mafia Don hires Golgo 13 to take down the New York Don trying to muscle in on his territory. The odds are stacked against him – bulletproof gla...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 07

1 minute read

Thomas Simpson was one of the world’s greatest violinists. However, a broken string during his encore with the London Symphony Orchestra has left him a brok...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 06

less than 1 minute read

Duke holds a bunch of balloons… That alone was worth the price of admission for this episode. It is the most incongruous image I’ve seen in quite some time....

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 05

1 minute read

Golgo 13’s mission this time out is a precision mission, one that must take place at an exact time and place. The president of a theater company has caught ...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 04

1 minute read

Duke’s mission this episode is to kill another mafia boss so his arm candy Linda can be free to start a new life in Florida. However, the boss is a recluse a...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 03

less than 1 minute read

Duke’s first physical battle of the series pits him against a gun manufacturer’s latest advanced models. While the manufacturer wants to show the superiority...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 02

1 minute read

This episode shows us that even the mighty Duke Togo isn’t immune from the whim of fate. His mission is as always a success despite the impossible odds of hi...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 01

2 minute read

Haven’t done as much writing lately as I should, so I’m going to give myself a kick in the pants by reviewing some of the anime I am currently watching for m...

Anime Boston 2008

3 minute read

Haven’t rushed to get this written, as there isn’t much to write about this year’s Anime Boston. Picked up my badge Thursday and spent most of Friday killing...

Lupin the Show: Episode 06

less than 1 minute read

Reed Nelson’s podcast soldiers on with much better audio in the sixth episode. Yours truly was invited back to discuss Geneon’s handling of the third episod...

Review: Wings of Honneamise

less than 1 minute read

While I do not have a HD-DVD player yet, I have managed to take a look at the DVD side of Bandai Visual’s release of the classic Wings of Honneamise. This f...

Review: Lupin the 3rd: The Fuma Conspiracy

less than 1 minute read

Cagliostro is the king of Lupin films, but Fuma Conspiracy comes damn close to matching it. Discotek has released their DVD, and I find it worth a double-di...

Figure: Revoltech VF-1J Super Valkyrie

2 minute read

Pre-ordered this from HobbyLink Japan as soon as I saw it cross the various Japanese figure blogs. Had heard good things about the Revoltech line of figures ...

Review: Afro Samurai

less than 1 minute read

Fusing pop culture from the East and West, Funimation has released Afro Samurai and its brutal tale of revenge. Read my review and find out how this fusion ...

Review: 3x3 Eyes Volume 02

less than 1 minute read

Geneon has re-released the second half of the classic series from the early 1990s on DVD; read and see if it fared better than the first volume. Add your th...

Review: 3x3 Eyes Volume 01

less than 1 minute read

Geneon has re-released a classic series from the early 1990s on DVD; read how well the first half of 3X3 Eyes has held up over a decade later. Add your thou...

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 55

less than 1 minute read

That’s it! I’m done! Finished! I wash my hands of Inu Yasha in my review of volume 55. Did anyone else make it through this dog and demon show? Tell me your...

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 54

less than 1 minute read

I’m just one volume away from washing my hands of Inu Yasha; how does volume 54 fare? Read my review and respond in the AoD forums.

Lupin the Box… I had $810

2 minute read

If memory serves me, I once wished I had $810; fate intervened back in March, when a friend contacted me about a consulting gig. Six weeks of nights and wee...

Figure: 1/7 Motoko Kusanagi SAC 2nd GIG PVC

less than 1 minute read

Ah… spring is finally here in New England, and some authentic sunshine means I can finally get some decent shots of my figures. Ordered this figure from Hobb...

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 53

less than 1 minute read

Almost there… nearly done with this beast as I knock back volume 53. Are you tired of this series? Wish there was more on the way? Let me know in the AoD fo...

Anime Boston 2007

7 minute read

The fifth Anime Boston is now behind me, and my collection of Japanese signatures has grown. I managed to roll in around 9AM on Friday, April 20 and did not ...

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 52

less than 1 minute read

Volume 52 provides some tension but resets us back to the beginning of the usual pattern. Not much else to say in my latest review. Sound off in the AoD for...

Review: Angel Links Complete Collection

less than 1 minute read

Angel Links wasn’t quite a hit with me, but it did have promise. You can read my review of the series and let me know what you think in the AoD forums.

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 51

less than 1 minute read

Back to back reviews just for you… Volume 51 scores a better result but not by much in this review. Sound off in the AoD forums.

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 50

less than 1 minute read

Reaching volume fifty, my latest Inu Yasha review will likely anger the hardcore fans. Sound off in the AoD forums; give me your best shot. I can take it.

Review: Original Dirty Pair OVA Collection

less than 1 minute read

Taking a break from the Japan travelogue to post my review of Original Dirty Pair OVA Collection. Old school fans sound off in the AoD forums and share the ...

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 49

less than 1 minute read

With all the Christmas joy of the past few days, I nearly forgot to post about my latest Inu Yasha review. As always, sound off in the AoD forums.

Tachikoma Trading Figures

less than 1 minute read

Another early Xmas present to myself from HobbyLink Japan (3600¥). Cute little buggers… Got a full set out of the case including two secret colors – silver a...

Review: Ranma ½ Movie Box Set

less than 1 minute read

I’ve owned Big Trouble in Nekonron China, dubbed no less(!), on VHS for a number of years; was interesting to finally review it and the second Ranma movie a...

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 48

less than 1 minute read

Only eight more volumes to go… Read my thoughts on volume 48 and sound off in the AoD forums.

Gunbuster One Coin Figures

less than 1 minute read

Picked up a case of these (6000¥) as an early Xmas gift to myself from HobbyLink Japan. I’ve been wanting these for quite some time, and I’m glad I picked th...

Review: Koi Kaze Complete Collection

less than 1 minute read

Sure to be one of the more controversial titles I’ve reviewed, Koi Kaze is not going to be a hit with everyone. Not an easy title to get through, and one I’...

If I had $810…

less than 1 minute read

I would buy this lovely limited edition DVD box set from Vap. All three Lupin the Third TV series (that’s 228 episodes for those playing along at home) are ...

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 46

less than 1 minute read

My latest review of the series that just doesn’t know when to quit is up for your perusal. Talk about it in the official forum thread if you like.

Review: New Getter Robo Box Set

less than 1 minute read

My latest review tackles the splatterfest OVA New Getter Robo. Talk about the review in the forum thread if you so desire.

My new project is super weird!

less than 1 minute read

Decided to break down and pick up a copy of Urusei Yatsura: Endless Summer from NCSX and use it as a tool to immerse myself in studying Japanese. My first t...

Lupin the Third: Seven Day’s Rhapsody

3 minute read

Finally had a chance to sit down and watch this year’s Lupin special. While I cannot say it was terrible, I cannot also say that it was particularly good ei...

Review: Inu Yasha Movie 04

less than 1 minute read

The last Inu Yasha film (at least for now) receives my attention. Agree or disagree with me in the forum.

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 45

less than 1 minute read

Only eleven more volumes to go; you can read the review and then savage me in the forums.

Reviewing the Sacred Bull - Disc 4 & 5

1 minute read

After a weekend marathon, I have finally seen the original version of Evangelion (episodes 16 - 26); time for some thoughts before diving into the director’...

Anime Boston 2006

7 minute read

While I did not spend as much time as I have in the past, this year’s Anime Boston proved to be my personal favorite simply because of the two Japanese guest...

Reviewing the Sacred Bull - Disc 2

2 minute read

Greetings all; I’m back from a much needed vacation with my thoughts on disc two of Evangelion (episodes 6 - 10). I’d like to say thank you to everyone who ...

Reviewing the Sacred Bull - Prologue

2 minute read

After reviewing for a few years now, it is high time for a bit of an experiment and give you, the readers, a chance to be a part of my reviewing process. Wh...

Reviewing the Sacred Bull - Disc 1

4 minute read

First disc is in the can; small disclaimer, this is not meant to be a review of the individual disc. This is merely a stream of consciousness note taking ab...

My God, it’s full of boxes…

1 minute read

This is a post that has been simmering in my mind for some time; however, I have been unable to articulate my thoughts in the past few drafts. Time to just b...

The Last Disk

1 minute read

The bittersweet day has finally arrived, and she mocks us from the screen. "See you next time" is her parting message to us, but there will be no next time, ...

End of an era

less than 1 minute read

In front of me stands something many of us never thought we would see… the final set of Urusei Yatsura DVDs, the last five discs of the long running series. ...

The Year of Reviews, 2005

3 minute read

While my official year anniversary as a reviewer is not for a few months, I thought I would take a look back at 2005 and recap the year. First, a few stats a...

Making the Grade

3 minute read

Out with the old and in with the new… Rather than cut and paste my old blog posts into the new system, this is the opportune moment to revisit and polish the...

My God… It’s full of snow…

4 minute read

Summary While I did not get to do or see everything I wanted to, I had a blast at Anime Boston. Kudos to the entire staff behind this event; having the deale...

Mokkori…

2 minute read

As you may or may not know, I began reviewing DVDs for AnimeOnDVD.com a few months back. Initially, I would send in my alternate angle reviews to AoD for Lup...

Anime Boston 2003

1 minute read

Below is a dump of my notes from the very first Anime Boston.

Back to Top ↑

review

Book Review: SQL Antipatterns

1 minute read

SQL is an interesting yet temperamental tool in the programmer’s kit. You can use it to find amazing insights in your data, but you can watch a poorly forme...

Book Review: Agile Retrospectives

2 minute read

*cough* *cough* Goodness… It’s a bit dusty around here. Nearly a year of silence will do that. One of the goals our team had last year was to blog more. Thi...

Review: The Woman Called Mine Fujiko

6 minute read

While I have reviewed the individual episodes for FandomPost.com (find them here), I wanted to sit back and reflect on the series as a whole. Lupin fans hav...

Review: Macross 7 Dynamite

less than 1 minute read

When Macross 7 tries to give Moby Dick a happy ending, the result is the exact opposite of dynamite. This four part OVA is a thin two hour tale revolving aro...

Review: Macross 7

2 minute read

You can probably glean my overall opinion of Macross 7 by two facts. First, it has been eight months since I reviewed the first twelve episodes. Second, you ...

Review: Space Battleship Yamato (2010)

1 minute read

Ah, Star Blazers… You gave me hours of entertainment every morning as a child, and you taught me animation could do more than just portray the rivalries of ...

Review: Macross 7 Episodes 01 - 12

2 minute read

I had planned on writing up a review at the midpoint of the series, but episode twelve of Macross 7 ended on a decent cliffhanger to merit a "quarter way th...

Review: Lupin the Third: The Last Job

2 minute read

Synopsis A Japanese cultural treasure has recently been discovered in a former Nazi sanatorium. While it is quite valuable, Lupin knows its true worth lies i...

Review: 14 Amazons & Shaolin Hand Lock

1 minute read

Have fallen behind in keeping things here up to date. So many entries that need writing… For now, I will start with posting about my reviews for the first t...

Reflections: Reviewing Evangelion

1 minute read

I am finally starting a project I have been meaning to do for some time. Over time, I’ve blogged in various places – LiveJournal, the AnimeOnDVD.com forums,...

Farewell, Heroes

3 minute read

Ah… Heroes… When you first told the world in 2006 "Save the Cheerleader; save the world", I did not start watching you despite intriguing previews. My enth...

Review: Inu Yasha: The Final Act Episode 04

less than 1 minute read

Another week, another review of Inu Yasha: The Final Act has been posted. You can go read the review, and then come back here to watch the episode and let me...

Review: Inu Yasha: The Final Act Episode 03

less than 1 minute read

Why did we get a filler episode so early on? This and other thoughts in my review for episode three. Drop a comment here and let me know what you thought of ...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 24

less than 1 minute read

An unknown government agency has decided on an interesting plan for dealing with terrorists. They plan to hire terrorists to take out other terrorists. Some...

Review: Inu Yasha: The Final Act Episode 01

less than 1 minute read

Slowly slipping back into my role as an AnimeOnDVD (at mania.com) reviewer, I’ll be tackling the weekly release of Inu Yasha’s "Final Act" as it airs on hulu...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 23

less than 1 minute read

Ah, sweet irony… Not two episodes ago, Duke Togo was hijacking a plane; now, episode twenty-three finds him aboard a hijacked plane. Four criminals hijack a...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 20, 21, 22

2 minute read

Episode twenty takes Golgo to the island of Malta on behalf of the British government. Arnold, an agent of theirs, went rogue, making his escape during his ...

Review: The Sky Crawlers

less than 1 minute read

It is a given that Oshii Mamoru’s works are visually stunning, and The Sky Crawlers is no exception. But how does the story rate? Find out in my review of h...

Review: Gurren Lagann Part 3

less than 1 minute read

Gurren Lagann spirals to an entertaining conclusion. How entertaining? Find out in my last review of the series… at least until the movies hit the US.

Review: Star Trek 2009

2 minute read

The 2009 blockbuster season continues with the eleventh entry in the Star Trek film franchise. Could this be the film that finally reverses the odd numbered...

Review: Dollhouse Season 01

4 minute read

Spoilers Ahead Despite the urging of many friends, I have yet to become of one Joss Whedon’s many followers; Buffy never interested me much despite the prese...

Review: X-Men Origins: Wolverine

1 minute read

Managed to get out to see Wolverine on opening weekend, an auspicious start to this season’s blockbuster frenzy. Some of the hyperbole around the film toute...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 19

1 minute read

A man has setup a lucrative trade in human organs for transplants and funnels the profits to a terrorist organization. Some government calls in Duke to stop...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 18

less than 1 minute read

After a lengthy hiatus, we’re skipping ahead three episodes to see what the latest target Golgo 13 is. An agent charged with compiling the medical secrets o...

Review: Gurren Lagann Part 2

less than 1 minute read

While Gunbuster is still my favorite Gainax robot show, Gurren Lagann continues to be entertaining. Read why in my review of the second set. Let me know wha...

Review: Gurren Lagann Part 1

less than 1 minute read

Gainax proves they can build a fun and yet compelling giant robot show with the first part of Gurren Lagann. It has the right blend of comedy, action, and c...

Review: The Girl Who Leapt through Time

less than 1 minute read

Let’s get right to it; read my review of The Girl Who Leapt through Time, buy it, watch it, and then thank me in the forums for recommending this title. Sim...

Review: Macross Frontier Episodes 17 - 25

11 minute read

I finally managed to carve out enough time to sit down and enjoy the last nine episodes of Macross Frontier in one sitting. While it had its flaws near the ...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 15

1 minute read

Eva Kruger is a brilliant and beautiful assassin with a problem. Her recent job involved the head of one of the New York mafia families. Now, the other fami...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 14

2 minute read

When the CIA is discovered to be stockpiling an incurable poison, Golgo 13 is hired to eliminate all evidence the factory and poison ever existed. The Russi...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 13

1 minute read

Victor Lance is one of the top tabloid photographers; however, he knows his skills are declining. He decides it is time to get of the game while most believ...

Review: Noir Complete Collection

less than 1 minute read

Been awhile since I’ve reviewed something for AoD, and now, they’re not even called AoD anymore. For my first review under the Mania regime, I take a look a...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 12

less than 1 minute read

When Duke kills a star quarterback during a game, an aging detective makes it his personal mission to show his old fashioned ways can still deal with a mode...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 11

1 minute read

Katz is another in a long line of brash young bucks who believe they have the skills to retire Golgo 13. And this time, there is a chance he could be right....

Review: Macross Zero

2 minute read

With episode 10 of Macross Frontier tying back into the story of Macross Zero, it was a good excuse to go back and re-watch Zero. When Zero was released, i...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 10

less than 1 minute read

Ah… They finally managed to pen an interesting episode. Duke is hired to assassinate mafia boss Bugsy "Big" Gabole before the FBI can turn him into their st...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 09

less than 1 minute read

Duke finds himself in prison once again, but Pandora Island is renowned for being an inescapable fortress. Run by a sadistic little warden, many have tried,...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 08

less than 1 minute read

A small time mafia Don hires Golgo 13 to take down the New York Don trying to muscle in on his territory. The odds are stacked against him – bulletproof gla...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 07

1 minute read

Thomas Simpson was one of the world’s greatest violinists. However, a broken string during his encore with the London Symphony Orchestra has left him a brok...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 06

less than 1 minute read

Duke holds a bunch of balloons… That alone was worth the price of admission for this episode. It is the most incongruous image I’ve seen in quite some time....

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 05

1 minute read

Golgo 13’s mission this time out is a precision mission, one that must take place at an exact time and place. The president of a theater company has caught ...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 04

1 minute read

Duke’s mission this episode is to kill another mafia boss so his arm candy Linda can be free to start a new life in Florida. However, the boss is a recluse a...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 03

less than 1 minute read

Duke’s first physical battle of the series pits him against a gun manufacturer’s latest advanced models. While the manufacturer wants to show the superiority...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 02

1 minute read

This episode shows us that even the mighty Duke Togo isn’t immune from the whim of fate. His mission is as always a success despite the impossible odds of hi...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 01

2 minute read

Haven’t done as much writing lately as I should, so I’m going to give myself a kick in the pants by reviewing some of the anime I am currently watching for m...

Review: Iron Man

2 minute read

Finally found a break in the busy month of May to see Iron Man; the first super hero tale you tell theatrically is always the hardest. You need to appeal to...

Review: Juno

2 minute read

Thanks to a pair of passes acquired at the company Yankee swap, Jm and I caught this two weekends ago (busy life = untimely blogging). I was interested in s...

Review: Cyber Familator Lite

6 minute read

When I first saw this cross the wires, I knew I had to have one; it didn’t matter I only own one Famicom cartridge, the Lupin game, of course. I had to have...

Review: Sweeny Todd

1 minute read

Went to see Sweeny Todd yesterday fully expecting the usual Tim Burton storytelling and aesthetic. He did not disappoint; the scenery was classic Burton – da...

Review: Wings of Honneamise

less than 1 minute read

While I do not have a HD-DVD player yet, I have managed to take a look at the DVD side of Bandai Visual’s release of the classic Wings of Honneamise. This f...

Review: Lupin the 3rd: The Fuma Conspiracy

less than 1 minute read

Cagliostro is the king of Lupin films, but Fuma Conspiracy comes damn close to matching it. Discotek has released their DVD, and I find it worth a double-di...

Figure: Revoltech VF-1J Super Valkyrie

2 minute read

Pre-ordered this from HobbyLink Japan as soon as I saw it cross the various Japanese figure blogs. Had heard good things about the Revoltech line of figures ...

Review: Afro Samurai

less than 1 minute read

Fusing pop culture from the East and West, Funimation has released Afro Samurai and its brutal tale of revenge. Read my review and find out how this fusion ...

Review: 3x3 Eyes Volume 02

less than 1 minute read

Geneon has re-released the second half of the classic series from the early 1990s on DVD; read and see if it fared better than the first volume. Add your th...

Review: 3x3 Eyes Volume 01

less than 1 minute read

Geneon has re-released a classic series from the early 1990s on DVD; read how well the first half of 3X3 Eyes has held up over a decade later. Add your thou...

Review: The Simpsons Movie

2 minute read

I took a long lunch on Friday to observe the holiest of holy days, The Feast of Maximum Occupancy. Yes, after years of waiting, The Simpsons Movie was final...

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 55

less than 1 minute read

That’s it! I’m done! Finished! I wash my hands of Inu Yasha in my review of volume 55. Did anyone else make it through this dog and demon show? Tell me your...

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 54

less than 1 minute read

I’m just one volume away from washing my hands of Inu Yasha; how does volume 54 fare? Read my review and respond in the AoD forums.

Review: Densha Otoko (TV)

3 minute read

Once again, I am behind the times, but I have finally managed to sit down and watch all eleven episodes of Densha Otoko and the special. This is your standa...

Review: 24 Day 6

4 minute read

The latest season of 24 had promise but did not have me on the edge of my seat, even during the finale. It had plenty of action and cool "I can’t believe Jac...

Review: Spider-Man 3

2 minute read

I finally managed to catch Spider-Man 3 this past weekend; a cold and familial obligations prevented me from seeing it the first two weeks it was out. As the...

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 53

less than 1 minute read

Almost there… nearly done with this beast as I knock back volume 53. Are you tired of this series? Wish there was more on the way? Let me know in the AoD fo...

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 52

less than 1 minute read

Volume 52 provides some tension but resets us back to the beginning of the usual pattern. Not much else to say in my latest review. Sound off in the AoD for...

Review: Angel Links Complete Collection

less than 1 minute read

Angel Links wasn’t quite a hit with me, but it did have promise. You can read my review of the series and let me know what you think in the AoD forums.

Review: 300

1 minute read

A co-worker and I took an extended lunch Friday to watch 300; I read that it was pretty much a frame for frame translation of the graphic novel of the same n...

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 51

less than 1 minute read

Back to back reviews just for you… Volume 51 scores a better result but not by much in this review. Sound off in the AoD forums.

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 50

less than 1 minute read

Reaching volume fifty, my latest Inu Yasha review will likely anger the hardcore fans. Sound off in the AoD forums; give me your best shot. I can take it.

Review: Original Dirty Pair OVA Collection

less than 1 minute read

Taking a break from the Japan travelogue to post my review of Original Dirty Pair OVA Collection. Old school fans sound off in the AoD forums and share the ...

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 49

less than 1 minute read

With all the Christmas joy of the past few days, I nearly forgot to post about my latest Inu Yasha review. As always, sound off in the AoD forums.

Review: Ranma ½ Movie Box Set

less than 1 minute read

I’ve owned Big Trouble in Nekonron China, dubbed no less(!), on VHS for a number of years; was interesting to finally review it and the second Ranma movie a...

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 48

less than 1 minute read

Only eight more volumes to go… Read my thoughts on volume 48 and sound off in the AoD forums.

Review: Koi Kaze Complete Collection

less than 1 minute read

Sure to be one of the more controversial titles I’ve reviewed, Koi Kaze is not going to be a hit with everyone. Not an easy title to get through, and one I’...

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 46

less than 1 minute read

My latest review of the series that just doesn’t know when to quit is up for your perusal. Talk about it in the official forum thread if you like.

Review: New Getter Robo Box Set

less than 1 minute read

My latest review tackles the splatterfest OVA New Getter Robo. Talk about the review in the forum thread if you so desire.

Lupin the Third: Seven Day’s Rhapsody

3 minute read

Finally had a chance to sit down and watch this year’s Lupin special. While I cannot say it was terrible, I cannot also say that it was particularly good ei...

Review: Inu Yasha Movie 04

less than 1 minute read

The last Inu Yasha film (at least for now) receives my attention. Agree or disagree with me in the forum.

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 45

less than 1 minute read

Only eleven more volumes to go; you can read the review and then savage me in the forums.

Reviewing the Sacred Bull - Disc 4 & 5

1 minute read

After a weekend marathon, I have finally seen the original version of Evangelion (episodes 16 - 26); time for some thoughts before diving into the director’...

Reviewing the Sacred Bull - Disc 2

2 minute read

Greetings all; I’m back from a much needed vacation with my thoughts on disc two of Evangelion (episodes 6 - 10). I’d like to say thank you to everyone who ...

Reviewing the Sacred Bull - Prologue

2 minute read

After reviewing for a few years now, it is high time for a bit of an experiment and give you, the readers, a chance to be a part of my reviewing process. Wh...

Reviewing the Sacred Bull - Disc 1

4 minute read

First disc is in the can; small disclaimer, this is not meant to be a review of the individual disc. This is merely a stream of consciousness note taking ab...

The Year of Reviews, 2005

3 minute read

While my official year anniversary as a reviewer is not for a few months, I thought I would take a look back at 2005 and recap the year. First, a few stats a...

Review: Lost in Translation

1 minute read

Jm and I finally sat down and watched Lost in Translation; we had heard mixed reviews from friends and relatives that had watched it. After watching all 100+...

Back to Top ↑

life

Anime Boston 2011

5 minute read

Another year means another Anime Boston. Jm gave me a pass from the daughter duties to head in for Friday, as there was only one reason to go this year. Why?...

My next big project

less than 1 minute read

Picture, 1000 words… Hopefully, you now understand why this blog has been fairly silent the past few months. Fear not… This will not turn into a "Look at th...

Anime Boston 2010

9 minute read

Anime Boston 2011 is rapidly approaching, and I have yet to write about my adventures at the 2010 offering for a variety of reasons. It mainly boils down to ...

Anime Boston 2009: Saturday Edition

2 minute read

I have been holding off writing this up as there is simply not much to say. Headed into Boston to catch the AnimeOnDVD.com panel. Left a few minutes early to...

Anime Boston 2009: Friday Edition

7 minute read

Spring is here, and that means it is time for another Anime Boston. Given all the line related issues from last year, I was most interested to see how well t...

This chapter is over… another begins…

2 minute read

Yes, after four plus years, I turned in my notice over two weeks ago and left my job with Astaro; it was an odd feeling saying goodbye to the place and reali...

Anime Boston 2008

3 minute read

Haven’t rushed to get this written, as there isn’t much to write about this year’s Anime Boston. Picked up my badge Thursday and spent most of Friday killing...

I’m big in Japan: Tōdai-ji (2005 May 15)

1 minute read

Next stop on the tour was Tōdai-ji, the largest wooden building in the world and home to a colossal bronze Buddha statue. The temple was in the middle of Na...

I’m big in Japan: Kinkaku-ji (2005 May 15)

less than 1 minute read

Next on the tour turned out to be one of my favorite spots near Kyoto, Kinkaku-ji, the "Golden Pavilion". The centerpiece of the large temple grounds is the...

I’m big in Japan: Akihabara (2005 May 11)

5 minute read

Today was slated for shopping at Akihabara, the mecca for electronics and anime shopping. Another pricey breakfast in the hotel (5082¥) filled us up for the...

Anime Boston 2007

7 minute read

The fifth Anime Boston is now behind me, and my collection of Japanese signatures has grown. I managed to roll in around 9AM on Friday, April 20 and did not ...

I’m big in Japan: Hakone (2005 May 9)

1 minute read

Our final stop of the tour took us on a boat ride across Lake Ashinoko and then a cable car ride to the top of an extinct volcano in Hakone. The lake was fo...

I’m big in Japan: Heiwa Koen (2005 May 9)

less than 1 minute read

Heiwa Koen in the city of Gotenba was our next stop; unfortunately, there seems to be no decent resources to link to for this wonderful sprawling park of gar...

I’m big in Japan: Mt. Fuji (2005 May 9)

2 minute read

It is another early morning as we awake at 6AM to prepare for our day trip to Mt. Fuji and Hakone. Breakfast at Jurin was simple and light, juice and croiss...

Jm’s YouTube Debut

less than 1 minute read

One of the short films Jm has done has finally been posted to YouTube! It is a strange little piece called .glen echo. written and directed by Michael Cimphe...

I’m big in Japan: Prologue

less than 1 minute read

It is a brand new year, and I still don’t have my on-line travelogue of my Japan trip up yet. It is coming close to the two year mark since I went, and I’m d...

Five years ago today…

less than 1 minute read

Two little words changed my life forever and made me one of the luckiest men alive.

Anime Boston 2006

7 minute read

While I did not spend as much time as I have in the past, this year’s Anime Boston proved to be my personal favorite simply because of the two Japanese guest...

Yarr… a rambling update

1 minute read

I look back at this journal and realize that I have failed utterly in what I wanted to do with it. I wanted to use it as a tool to write, but I’ve come to th...

The Lion King

less than 1 minute read

As a delayed birthday gift for my brother-in-law, Jm and I took him to the Lion King musical at the Boston Opera House. I had never watched the film due to t...

A little of this, a little of that

1 minute read

Been an interesting week so far; work has been mellow for the most part. This was due partially to the fact that I worked from home on Wed. Amazing how much ...

Don’t scare us like that

less than 1 minute read

The doctor’s ran their tests today and determined it was not my grandpa’s heart. Apparently, the new pillow he is using caused him to severely pinch a nerve ...

Damn it

less than 1 minute read

My grandfather had another heart attack on his vacation; he had one last year during his vacation. Lesson to be learned… stop taking vacations. Waiting for t...

It all happens at once…

4 minute read

Been awhile since my last real posting, but quite a bit has happened recently. This is going to be long, so it will be broken into a series of cuts. Pick the...

My God… It’s full of snow…

4 minute read

Summary While I did not get to do or see everything I wanted to, I had a blast at Anime Boston. Kudos to the entire staff behind this event; having the deale...

My God… It’s full of snow…

less than 1 minute read

I spent roughly four hours today shoveling snow. Four hours… Spent this morning digging my wife’s car out so she could go to work tomorrow. Helped another la...

First snowfall…

less than 1 minute read

While it was only a brief flurry where I live, this can only mean one thing. The eternal war between man and nature has entered the bitter, freezing stage. O...

Mokkori…

2 minute read

As you may or may not know, I began reviewing DVDs for AnimeOnDVD.com a few months back. Initially, I would send in my alternate angle reviews to AoD for Lup...

To absent friends, in memory still bright

4 minute read

If I am going to have a journal, I really need to update it more. I wanted to write more, but here I am letting day after day go by without jotting something...

Reflections…

2 minute read

It has now officially been over one year since I was laid off from PacketVideo. It’s been a very long and emotionally emasculating year. What follows are my ...

How Luis got his muse back

1 minute read

So… It’s been nearly a year since I became gainfully unemployed. I’ve taken up a temp job; doing data entry for a health care provider. Dreadfully boring, bu...

Anime Boston 2003

1 minute read

Below is a dump of my notes from the very first Anime Boston.

Quebec

8 minute read

Day 1 - May 24 Woke up early to catch the 6AM shuttle to the airport. Getting through airport security was no problem. Had to show ID numerous times. Jm was ...

Back to Top ↑

dvd

Review: 14 Amazons & Shaolin Hand Lock

1 minute read

Have fallen behind in keeping things here up to date. So many entries that need writing… For now, I will start with posting about my reviews for the first t...

Reflections: Reviewing Evangelion

1 minute read

I am finally starting a project I have been meaning to do for some time. Over time, I’ve blogged in various places – LiveJournal, the AnimeOnDVD.com forums,...

Review: The Sky Crawlers

less than 1 minute read

It is a given that Oshii Mamoru’s works are visually stunning, and The Sky Crawlers is no exception. But how does the story rate? Find out in my review of h...

Review: Gurren Lagann Part 3

less than 1 minute read

Gurren Lagann spirals to an entertaining conclusion. How entertaining? Find out in my last review of the series… at least until the movies hit the US.

Review: Gurren Lagann Part 2

less than 1 minute read

While Gunbuster is still my favorite Gainax robot show, Gurren Lagann continues to be entertaining. Read why in my review of the second set. Let me know wha...

Review: Gurren Lagann Part 1

less than 1 minute read

Gainax proves they can build a fun and yet compelling giant robot show with the first part of Gurren Lagann. It has the right blend of comedy, action, and c...

Review: The Girl Who Leapt through Time

less than 1 minute read

Let’s get right to it; read my review of The Girl Who Leapt through Time, buy it, watch it, and then thank me in the forums for recommending this title. Sim...

Review: Noir Complete Collection

less than 1 minute read

Been awhile since I’ve reviewed something for AoD, and now, they’re not even called AoD anymore. For my first review under the Mania regime, I take a look a...

Review: Wings of Honneamise

less than 1 minute read

While I do not have a HD-DVD player yet, I have managed to take a look at the DVD side of Bandai Visual’s release of the classic Wings of Honneamise. This f...

Review: Lupin the 3rd: The Fuma Conspiracy

less than 1 minute read

Cagliostro is the king of Lupin films, but Fuma Conspiracy comes damn close to matching it. Discotek has released their DVD, and I find it worth a double-di...

Review: Afro Samurai

less than 1 minute read

Fusing pop culture from the East and West, Funimation has released Afro Samurai and its brutal tale of revenge. Read my review and find out how this fusion ...

Review: 3x3 Eyes Volume 02

less than 1 minute read

Geneon has re-released the second half of the classic series from the early 1990s on DVD; read and see if it fared better than the first volume. Add your th...

Review: 3x3 Eyes Volume 01

less than 1 minute read

Geneon has re-released a classic series from the early 1990s on DVD; read how well the first half of 3X3 Eyes has held up over a decade later. Add your thou...

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 55

less than 1 minute read

That’s it! I’m done! Finished! I wash my hands of Inu Yasha in my review of volume 55. Did anyone else make it through this dog and demon show? Tell me your...

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 54

less than 1 minute read

I’m just one volume away from washing my hands of Inu Yasha; how does volume 54 fare? Read my review and respond in the AoD forums.

Lupin the Box… I had $810

2 minute read

If memory serves me, I once wished I had $810; fate intervened back in March, when a friend contacted me about a consulting gig. Six weeks of nights and wee...

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 53

less than 1 minute read

Almost there… nearly done with this beast as I knock back volume 53. Are you tired of this series? Wish there was more on the way? Let me know in the AoD fo...

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 52

less than 1 minute read

Volume 52 provides some tension but resets us back to the beginning of the usual pattern. Not much else to say in my latest review. Sound off in the AoD for...

Review: Angel Links Complete Collection

less than 1 minute read

Angel Links wasn’t quite a hit with me, but it did have promise. You can read my review of the series and let me know what you think in the AoD forums.

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 51

less than 1 minute read

Back to back reviews just for you… Volume 51 scores a better result but not by much in this review. Sound off in the AoD forums.

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 50

less than 1 minute read

Reaching volume fifty, my latest Inu Yasha review will likely anger the hardcore fans. Sound off in the AoD forums; give me your best shot. I can take it.

Review: Original Dirty Pair OVA Collection

less than 1 minute read

Taking a break from the Japan travelogue to post my review of Original Dirty Pair OVA Collection. Old school fans sound off in the AoD forums and share the ...

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 49

less than 1 minute read

With all the Christmas joy of the past few days, I nearly forgot to post about my latest Inu Yasha review. As always, sound off in the AoD forums.

Review: Ranma ½ Movie Box Set

less than 1 minute read

I’ve owned Big Trouble in Nekonron China, dubbed no less(!), on VHS for a number of years; was interesting to finally review it and the second Ranma movie a...

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 48

less than 1 minute read

Only eight more volumes to go… Read my thoughts on volume 48 and sound off in the AoD forums.

Review: Koi Kaze Complete Collection

less than 1 minute read

Sure to be one of the more controversial titles I’ve reviewed, Koi Kaze is not going to be a hit with everyone. Not an easy title to get through, and one I’...

If I had $810…

less than 1 minute read

I would buy this lovely limited edition DVD box set from Vap. All three Lupin the Third TV series (that’s 228 episodes for those playing along at home) are ...

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 46

less than 1 minute read

My latest review of the series that just doesn’t know when to quit is up for your perusal. Talk about it in the official forum thread if you like.

Review: New Getter Robo Box Set

less than 1 minute read

My latest review tackles the splatterfest OVA New Getter Robo. Talk about the review in the forum thread if you so desire.

Review: Inu Yasha Movie 04

less than 1 minute read

The last Inu Yasha film (at least for now) receives my attention. Agree or disagree with me in the forum.

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 45

less than 1 minute read

Only eleven more volumes to go; you can read the review and then savage me in the forums.

Reviewing the Sacred Bull - Disc 4 & 5

1 minute read

After a weekend marathon, I have finally seen the original version of Evangelion (episodes 16 - 26); time for some thoughts before diving into the director’...

Reviewing the Sacred Bull - Disc 2

2 minute read

Greetings all; I’m back from a much needed vacation with my thoughts on disc two of Evangelion (episodes 6 - 10). I’d like to say thank you to everyone who ...

Reviewing the Sacred Bull - Prologue

2 minute read

After reviewing for a few years now, it is high time for a bit of an experiment and give you, the readers, a chance to be a part of my reviewing process. Wh...

Reviewing the Sacred Bull - Disc 1

4 minute read

First disc is in the can; small disclaimer, this is not meant to be a review of the individual disc. This is merely a stream of consciousness note taking ab...

The Last Disk

1 minute read

The bittersweet day has finally arrived, and she mocks us from the screen. "See you next time" is her parting message to us, but there will be no next time, ...

Mokkori…

2 minute read

As you may or may not know, I began reviewing DVDs for AnimeOnDVD.com a few months back. Initially, I would send in my alternate angle reviews to AoD for Lup...

Back to Top ↑

inu yasha

Review: Inu Yasha: The Final Act Episode 04

less than 1 minute read

Another week, another review of Inu Yasha: The Final Act has been posted. You can go read the review, and then come back here to watch the episode and let me...

Review: Inu Yasha: The Final Act Episode 03

less than 1 minute read

Why did we get a filler episode so early on? This and other thoughts in my review for episode three. Drop a comment here and let me know what you thought of ...

Review: Inu Yasha: The Final Act Episode 01

less than 1 minute read

Slowly slipping back into my role as an AnimeOnDVD (at mania.com) reviewer, I’ll be tackling the weekly release of Inu Yasha’s "Final Act" as it airs on hulu...

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 55

less than 1 minute read

That’s it! I’m done! Finished! I wash my hands of Inu Yasha in my review of volume 55. Did anyone else make it through this dog and demon show? Tell me your...

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 54

less than 1 minute read

I’m just one volume away from washing my hands of Inu Yasha; how does volume 54 fare? Read my review and respond in the AoD forums.

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 53

less than 1 minute read

Almost there… nearly done with this beast as I knock back volume 53. Are you tired of this series? Wish there was more on the way? Let me know in the AoD fo...

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 52

less than 1 minute read

Volume 52 provides some tension but resets us back to the beginning of the usual pattern. Not much else to say in my latest review. Sound off in the AoD for...

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 51

less than 1 minute read

Back to back reviews just for you… Volume 51 scores a better result but not by much in this review. Sound off in the AoD forums.

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 50

less than 1 minute read

Reaching volume fifty, my latest Inu Yasha review will likely anger the hardcore fans. Sound off in the AoD forums; give me your best shot. I can take it.

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 49

less than 1 minute read

With all the Christmas joy of the past few days, I nearly forgot to post about my latest Inu Yasha review. As always, sound off in the AoD forums.

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 48

less than 1 minute read

Only eight more volumes to go… Read my thoughts on volume 48 and sound off in the AoD forums.

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 46

less than 1 minute read

My latest review of the series that just doesn’t know when to quit is up for your perusal. Talk about it in the official forum thread if you like.

Review: Inu Yasha Movie 04

less than 1 minute read

The last Inu Yasha film (at least for now) receives my attention. Agree or disagree with me in the forum.

Review: Inu Yasha Volume 45

less than 1 minute read

Only eleven more volumes to go; you can read the review and then savage me in the forums.

Back to Top ↑

travel

I’m big in Japan: Tōdai-ji (2005 May 15)

1 minute read

Next stop on the tour was Tōdai-ji, the largest wooden building in the world and home to a colossal bronze Buddha statue. The temple was in the middle of Na...

I’m big in Japan: Kinkaku-ji (2005 May 15)

less than 1 minute read

Next on the tour turned out to be one of my favorite spots near Kyoto, Kinkaku-ji, the "Golden Pavilion". The centerpiece of the large temple grounds is the...

I’m big in Japan: Akihabara (2005 May 11)

5 minute read

Today was slated for shopping at Akihabara, the mecca for electronics and anime shopping. Another pricey breakfast in the hotel (5082¥) filled us up for the...

I’m big in Japan: Hakone (2005 May 9)

1 minute read

Our final stop of the tour took us on a boat ride across Lake Ashinoko and then a cable car ride to the top of an extinct volcano in Hakone. The lake was fo...

I’m big in Japan: Heiwa Koen (2005 May 9)

less than 1 minute read

Heiwa Koen in the city of Gotenba was our next stop; unfortunately, there seems to be no decent resources to link to for this wonderful sprawling park of gar...

I’m big in Japan: Mt. Fuji (2005 May 9)

2 minute read

It is another early morning as we awake at 6AM to prepare for our day trip to Mt. Fuji and Hakone. Breakfast at Jurin was simple and light, juice and croiss...

I’m big in Japan: Prologue

less than 1 minute read

It is a brand new year, and I still don’t have my on-line travelogue of my Japan trip up yet. It is coming close to the two year mark since I went, and I’m d...

Quebec

8 minute read

Day 1 - May 24 Woke up early to catch the 6AM shuttle to the airport. Getting through airport security was no problem. Had to show ID numerous times. Jm was ...

Back to Top ↑

japan

I’m big in Japan: Tōdai-ji (2005 May 15)

1 minute read

Next stop on the tour was Tōdai-ji, the largest wooden building in the world and home to a colossal bronze Buddha statue. The temple was in the middle of Na...

I’m big in Japan: Kinkaku-ji (2005 May 15)

less than 1 minute read

Next on the tour turned out to be one of my favorite spots near Kyoto, Kinkaku-ji, the "Golden Pavilion". The centerpiece of the large temple grounds is the...

I’m big in Japan: Akihabara (2005 May 11)

5 minute read

Today was slated for shopping at Akihabara, the mecca for electronics and anime shopping. Another pricey breakfast in the hotel (5082¥) filled us up for the...

I’m big in Japan: Hakone (2005 May 9)

1 minute read

Our final stop of the tour took us on a boat ride across Lake Ashinoko and then a cable car ride to the top of an extinct volcano in Hakone. The lake was fo...

I’m big in Japan: Heiwa Koen (2005 May 9)

less than 1 minute read

Heiwa Koen in the city of Gotenba was our next stop; unfortunately, there seems to be no decent resources to link to for this wonderful sprawling park of gar...

I’m big in Japan: Mt. Fuji (2005 May 9)

2 minute read

It is another early morning as we awake at 6AM to prepare for our day trip to Mt. Fuji and Hakone. Breakfast at Jurin was simple and light, juice and croiss...

I’m big in Japan: Prologue

less than 1 minute read

It is a brand new year, and I still don’t have my on-line travelogue of my Japan trip up yet. It is coming close to the two year mark since I went, and I’m d...

Back to Top ↑

geek

Hammerspoon your way to a tidy desktop

4 minute read

I can be a very particular individual. My application windows must be arranged just so… Each in just the right size and in the right position. As my laptop m...

Belly up to the Bitbar

1 minute read

I have cultivated a decent list of programmers and techies to follow. A week or so ago, one of them retweeted this:

Google+, initial impression "meh"

1 minute read

If you follow tech news at all, you’ve seen countless headlines about the latest entry into the social network space, Google+. A friend of mine passed along ...

This chapter is over… another begins…

2 minute read

Yes, after four plus years, I turned in my notice over two weeks ago and left my job with Astaro; it was an odd feeling saying goodbye to the place and reali...

Review: Cyber Familator Lite

6 minute read

When I first saw this cross the wires, I knew I had to have one; it didn’t matter I only own one Famicom cartridge, the Lupin game, of course. I had to have...

Upgraded to MT4.01

less than 1 minute read

Decided to spend my Black Friday upgrading to Movable Type 4; so far, I like what I see though some of the new features don’t seem to be working quite right ...

An exercise in patience

2 minute read

Spent a good portion of late last night and today hacking away at a few site related things. After some stress at work, I remembered why Javascript is still ...

Nothing to see here…

less than 1 minute read

Testing a bit of functionality I’ve whipped up to easily include photo sets… No pics you haven’t already seen on here, so no reason to click into the post. G...

Making things pretty

less than 1 minute read

Finally took a bit of time to conjure up a spiffy looking banner for this blog. The source is a panoramic photo I took of Himeji Castle last year. Cropped it...

How I feed

less than 1 minute read

I follow various news and entertainment sites via their RSS feeds. With the explosion of blogs, RSS has become important enough to warrant numerous reader ap...

Upgraded

less than 1 minute read

I’ve recently upgraded to the latest revision of MoveableType. Everything appears to be fine, but please e-mail me if you find anything broken.

My new project is super weird!

less than 1 minute read

Decided to break down and pick up a copy of Urusei Yatsura: Endless Summer from NCSX and use it as a tool to immerse myself in studying Japanese. My first t...

Mission Complete

1 minute read

After finally securing a completely working DS Lite, I was able to sit down and enjoy the latest Mario incarnation aptly titled New Super Mario Brothers. Ha...

And so it begins…

less than 1 minute read

Behold my new blog… yeah, default templates are never pretty, but it will be improving over time. Basically, I’ve been running a LiveJournal for roughly two ...

Way cool

less than 1 minute read

Thanks to a tip from my brother-in-law, I just picked up one of these. Way cool item; just need a few more pieces, and I’ll be all set for Halloween.

Givin’ back

less than 1 minute read

At work, we use a CRM service called Salesforce; part of my job has been to use their API to integrate our web site with their service. Primarily, this consi...

Home split

less than 1 minute read

Yep, broke down and split things into Firefox and Thunderbird on my home box today. Doubt I’ll ever go back to using Mozilla for both; having separate applic...

Fire and Thunder

1 minute read

Decided to take the plunge on my work machine and dump Mozilla in favor of running FireFox and Thunderbird as my browser and mail client respectively. Both a...

Back to Top ↑

golgo 13

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 24

less than 1 minute read

An unknown government agency has decided on an interesting plan for dealing with terrorists. They plan to hire terrorists to take out other terrorists. Some...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 23

less than 1 minute read

Ah, sweet irony… Not two episodes ago, Duke Togo was hijacking a plane; now, episode twenty-three finds him aboard a hijacked plane. Four criminals hijack a...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 20, 21, 22

2 minute read

Episode twenty takes Golgo to the island of Malta on behalf of the British government. Arnold, an agent of theirs, went rogue, making his escape during his ...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 19

1 minute read

A man has setup a lucrative trade in human organs for transplants and funnels the profits to a terrorist organization. Some government calls in Duke to stop...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 18

less than 1 minute read

After a lengthy hiatus, we’re skipping ahead three episodes to see what the latest target Golgo 13 is. An agent charged with compiling the medical secrets o...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 15

1 minute read

Eva Kruger is a brilliant and beautiful assassin with a problem. Her recent job involved the head of one of the New York mafia families. Now, the other fami...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 14

2 minute read

When the CIA is discovered to be stockpiling an incurable poison, Golgo 13 is hired to eliminate all evidence the factory and poison ever existed. The Russi...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 13

1 minute read

Victor Lance is one of the top tabloid photographers; however, he knows his skills are declining. He decides it is time to get of the game while most believ...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 12

less than 1 minute read

When Duke kills a star quarterback during a game, an aging detective makes it his personal mission to show his old fashioned ways can still deal with a mode...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 11

1 minute read

Katz is another in a long line of brash young bucks who believe they have the skills to retire Golgo 13. And this time, there is a chance he could be right....

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 10

less than 1 minute read

Ah… They finally managed to pen an interesting episode. Duke is hired to assassinate mafia boss Bugsy "Big" Gabole before the FBI can turn him into their st...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 09

less than 1 minute read

Duke finds himself in prison once again, but Pandora Island is renowned for being an inescapable fortress. Run by a sadistic little warden, many have tried,...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 08

less than 1 minute read

A small time mafia Don hires Golgo 13 to take down the New York Don trying to muscle in on his territory. The odds are stacked against him – bulletproof gla...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 07

1 minute read

Thomas Simpson was one of the world’s greatest violinists. However, a broken string during his encore with the London Symphony Orchestra has left him a brok...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 06

less than 1 minute read

Duke holds a bunch of balloons… That alone was worth the price of admission for this episode. It is the most incongruous image I’ve seen in quite some time....

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 05

1 minute read

Golgo 13’s mission this time out is a precision mission, one that must take place at an exact time and place. The president of a theater company has caught ...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 04

1 minute read

Duke’s mission this episode is to kill another mafia boss so his arm candy Linda can be free to start a new life in Florida. However, the boss is a recluse a...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 03

less than 1 minute read

Duke’s first physical battle of the series pits him against a gun manufacturer’s latest advanced models. While the manufacturer wants to show the superiority...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 02

1 minute read

This episode shows us that even the mighty Duke Togo isn’t immune from the whim of fate. His mission is as always a success despite the impossible odds of hi...

Review: Golgo 13 Episode 01

2 minute read

Haven’t done as much writing lately as I should, so I’m going to give myself a kick in the pants by reviewing some of the anime I am currently watching for m...

Back to Top ↑

lupin the third

Review: The Woman Called Mine Fujiko

6 minute read

While I have reviewed the individual episodes for FandomPost.com (find them here), I wanted to sit back and reflect on the series as a whole. Lupin fans hav...

Review: Lupin the Third: The Last Job

2 minute read

Synopsis A Japanese cultural treasure has recently been discovered in a former Nazi sanatorium. While it is quite valuable, Lupin knows its true worth lies i...

The Joy of Being Mentioned

less than 1 minute read

Bright spot in an otherwise drab week… The Lupin III Encyclopedia was mentioned in the Episode 78 of the Anime World Order Podcast. I’m a shameless self-prom...

Lupin the Show: Episode 06

less than 1 minute read

Reed Nelson’s podcast soldiers on with much better audio in the sixth episode. Yours truly was invited back to discuss Geneon’s handling of the third episod...

Review: Lupin the 3rd: The Fuma Conspiracy

less than 1 minute read

Cagliostro is the king of Lupin films, but Fuma Conspiracy comes damn close to matching it. Discotek has released their DVD, and I find it worth a double-di...

Lupin the Box… I had $810

2 minute read

If memory serves me, I once wished I had $810; fate intervened back in March, when a friend contacted me about a consulting gig. Six weeks of nights and wee...

If I had $810…

less than 1 minute read

I would buy this lovely limited edition DVD box set from Vap. All three Lupin the Third TV series (that’s 228 episodes for those playing along at home) are ...

New Lupin PS2 game! Translation is tough!!!

2 minute read

A random comment in a post to the Y! Lupin the Third group combined with the recent Tokyo Game Show made me check out the official Banpresto game site to see...

Lupin the Third: Seven Day’s Rhapsody

3 minute read

Finally had a chance to sit down and watch this year’s Lupin special. While I cannot say it was terrible, I cannot also say that it was particularly good ei...

Back to Top ↑

macross

Review: Macross 7 Dynamite

less than 1 minute read

When Macross 7 tries to give Moby Dick a happy ending, the result is the exact opposite of dynamite. This four part OVA is a thin two hour tale revolving aro...

Review: Macross 7

2 minute read

You can probably glean my overall opinion of Macross 7 by two facts. First, it has been eight months since I reviewed the first twelve episodes. Second, you ...

Review: Space Battleship Yamato (2010)

1 minute read

Ah, Star Blazers… You gave me hours of entertainment every morning as a child, and you taught me animation could do more than just portray the rivalries of ...

Review: Macross 7 Episodes 01 - 12

2 minute read

I had planned on writing up a review at the midpoint of the series, but episode twelve of Macross 7 ended on a decent cliffhanger to merit a "quarter way th...

Review: Macross Frontier Episodes 17 - 25

11 minute read

I finally managed to carve out enough time to sit down and enjoy the last nine episodes of Macross Frontier in one sitting. While it had its flaws near the ...

Review: Macross Zero

2 minute read

With episode 10 of Macross Frontier tying back into the story of Macross Zero, it was a good excuse to go back and re-watch Zero. When Zero was released, i...

Back to Top ↑

tech

Upgraded to MT4.01

less than 1 minute read

Decided to spend my Black Friday upgrading to Movable Type 4; so far, I like what I see though some of the new features don’t seem to be working quite right ...

An exercise in patience

2 minute read

Spent a good portion of late last night and today hacking away at a few site related things. After some stress at work, I remembered why Javascript is still ...

How I feed

less than 1 minute read

I follow various news and entertainment sites via their RSS feeds. With the explosion of blogs, RSS has become important enough to warrant numerous reader ap...

Upgraded

less than 1 minute read

I’ve recently upgraded to the latest revision of MoveableType. Everything appears to be fine, but please e-mail me if you find anything broken.

An exercise in patience

1 minute read

I certainly hope the old adage is true; using the birthday money I received, I decided to treat myself to a shiny new DS Lite along with New Super Mario Brot...

Put not your faith in old adages

less than 1 minute read

Third time was not a charm; blew my entire lunch hour hauling DS#2 to the Watertown store for another exchange. The sales clerk tried pushing the extended wa...

Fab Four?

less than 1 minute read

DS4 is charged and tested; so far, no dead pixels or sound issues. I may finally have a winner here. The Braintree Best Buy finally had some in stock, and ...

And so it begins…

less than 1 minute read

Behold my new blog… yeah, default templates are never pretty, but it will be improving over time. Basically, I’ve been running a LiveJournal for roughly two ...

A little of this, a little of that

1 minute read

Been an interesting week so far; work has been mellow for the most part. This was due partially to the fact that I worked from home on Wed. Amazing how much ...

Home split

less than 1 minute read

Yep, broke down and split things into Firefox and Thunderbird on my home box today. Doubt I’ll ever go back to using Mozilla for both; having separate applic...

Fire and Thunder

1 minute read

Decided to take the plunge on my work machine and dump Mozilla in favor of running FireFox and Thunderbird as my browser and mail client respectively. Both a...

Back to Top ↑

film

Review: 14 Amazons & Shaolin Hand Lock

1 minute read

Have fallen behind in keeping things here up to date. So many entries that need writing… For now, I will start with posting about my reviews for the first t...

Review: Star Trek 2009

2 minute read

The 2009 blockbuster season continues with the eleventh entry in the Star Trek film franchise. Could this be the film that finally reverses the odd numbered...

Review: X-Men Origins: Wolverine

1 minute read

Managed to get out to see Wolverine on opening weekend, an auspicious start to this season’s blockbuster frenzy. Some of the hyperbole around the film toute...

Review: Iron Man

2 minute read

Finally found a break in the busy month of May to see Iron Man; the first super hero tale you tell theatrically is always the hardest. You need to appeal to...

Review: Juno

2 minute read

Thanks to a pair of passes acquired at the company Yankee swap, Jm and I caught this two weekends ago (busy life = untimely blogging). I was interested in s...

Review: Sweeny Todd

1 minute read

Went to see Sweeny Todd yesterday fully expecting the usual Tim Burton storytelling and aesthetic. He did not disappoint; the scenery was classic Burton – da...

Review: The Simpsons Movie

2 minute read

I took a long lunch on Friday to observe the holiest of holy days, The Feast of Maximum Occupancy. Yes, after years of waiting, The Simpsons Movie was final...

Review: Spider-Man 3

2 minute read

I finally managed to catch Spider-Man 3 this past weekend; a cold and familial obligations prevented me from seeing it the first two weeks it was out. As the...

Review: 300

1 minute read

A co-worker and I took an extended lunch Friday to watch 300; I read that it was pretty much a frame for frame translation of the graphic novel of the same n...

Jm’s YouTube Debut

less than 1 minute read

One of the short films Jm has done has finally been posted to YouTube! It is a strange little piece called .glen echo. written and directed by Michael Cimphe...

Review: Lost in Translation

1 minute read

Jm and I finally sat down and watched Lost in Translation; we had heard mixed reviews from friends and relatives that had watched it. After watching all 100+...

Back to Top ↑

webmaster

I’m not dead yet…

less than 1 minute read

Time passes, and my postings here have become infrequent. Life… It moves quickly, and I haven’t managed to post about so many things. Have yet to talk about ...

This chapter is over… another begins…

2 minute read

Yes, after four plus years, I turned in my notice over two weeks ago and left my job with Astaro; it was an odd feeling saying goodbye to the place and reali...

Lupin the Show: Episode 06

less than 1 minute read

Reed Nelson’s podcast soldiers on with much better audio in the sixth episode. Yours truly was invited back to discuss Geneon’s handling of the third episod...

Upgraded to MT4.01

less than 1 minute read

Decided to spend my Black Friday upgrading to Movable Type 4; so far, I like what I see though some of the new features don’t seem to be working quite right ...

An exercise in patience

2 minute read

Spent a good portion of late last night and today hacking away at a few site related things. After some stress at work, I remembered why Javascript is still ...

Nothing to see here…

less than 1 minute read

Testing a bit of functionality I’ve whipped up to easily include photo sets… No pics you haven’t already seen on here, so no reason to click into the post. G...

Making things pretty

less than 1 minute read

Finally took a bit of time to conjure up a spiffy looking banner for this blog. The source is a panoramic photo I took of Himeji Castle last year. Cropped it...

Upgraded

less than 1 minute read

I’ve recently upgraded to the latest revision of MoveableType. Everything appears to be fine, but please e-mail me if you find anything broken.

And so it begins…

less than 1 minute read

Behold my new blog… yeah, default templates are never pretty, but it will be improving over time. Basically, I’ve been running a LiveJournal for roughly two ...

Back to Top ↑

video game

Review: Cyber Familator Lite

6 minute read

When I first saw this cross the wires, I knew I had to have one; it didn’t matter I only own one Famicom cartridge, the Lupin game, of course. I had to have...

Prepare to qualify…

less than 1 minute read

I finally broke down and hooked up Mario Kart DS to my wireless network. Not sure how often I’ll actually seek out a net game, but feel free to drop me your ...

New Lupin PS2 game! Translation is tough!!!

2 minute read

A random comment in a post to the Y! Lupin the Third group combined with the recent Tokyo Game Show made me check out the official Banpresto game site to see...

My new project is super weird!

less than 1 minute read

Decided to break down and pick up a copy of Urusei Yatsura: Endless Summer from NCSX and use it as a tool to immerse myself in studying Japanese. My first t...

Mission Complete

1 minute read

After finally securing a completely working DS Lite, I was able to sit down and enjoy the latest Mario incarnation aptly titled New Super Mario Brothers. Ha...

An exercise in patience

1 minute read

I certainly hope the old adage is true; using the birthday money I received, I decided to treat myself to a shiny new DS Lite along with New Super Mario Brot...

Put not your faith in old adages

less than 1 minute read

Third time was not a charm; blew my entire lunch hour hauling DS#2 to the Watertown store for another exchange. The sales clerk tried pushing the extended wa...

Fab Four?

less than 1 minute read

DS4 is charged and tested; so far, no dead pixels or sound issues. I may finally have a winner here. The Braintree Best Buy finally had some in stock, and ...

Yarr… a rambling update

1 minute read

I look back at this journal and realize that I have failed utterly in what I wanted to do with it. I wanted to use it as a tool to write, but I’ve come to th...

Back to Top ↑

gundam

Back to Top ↑

programming

Hammerspoon your way to a tidy desktop

4 minute read

I can be a very particular individual. My application windows must be arranged just so… Each in just the right size and in the right position. As my laptop m...

Belly up to the Bitbar

1 minute read

I have cultivated a decent list of programmers and techies to follow. A week or so ago, one of them retweeted this:

Athena vs Q: Battle of the Data Parsers

11 minute read

What are we fighting for? Here at Traackr, we pull together data from a variety of sources and visualize it in various forms — bar charts, timelines, etc. Ty...

Book Review: SQL Antipatterns

1 minute read

SQL is an interesting yet temperamental tool in the programmer’s kit. You can use it to find amazing insights in your data, but you can watch a poorly forme...

A pipeline for cleaning up technical debt?

3 minute read

Traackr’s customer facing application is built on top of CakePHP and has accumulated its fair share of technical debt over time. One particular piece of debt...

Adventures in Two Factor Authentication

5 minute read

Off we go! Another hack week was upon us, and I had a definite idea in mind. I wanted to add two factor authentication to our web application. Having enabled...

Givin’ back

less than 1 minute read

At work, we use a CRM service called Salesforce; part of my job has been to use their API to integrate our web site with their service. Primarily, this consi...

Back to Top ↑

anime boston

Anime Boston 2011

5 minute read

Another year means another Anime Boston. Jm gave me a pass from the daughter duties to head in for Friday, as there was only one reason to go this year. Why?...

Anime Boston 2010

9 minute read

Anime Boston 2011 is rapidly approaching, and I have yet to write about my adventures at the 2010 offering for a variety of reasons. It mainly boils down to ...

Anime Boston 2009: Saturday Edition

2 minute read

I have been holding off writing this up as there is simply not much to say. Headed into Boston to catch the AnimeOnDVD.com panel. Left a few minutes early to...

Anime Boston 2009: Friday Edition

7 minute read

Spring is here, and that means it is time for another Anime Boston. Given all the line related issues from last year, I was most interested to see how well t...

Anime Boston 2008

3 minute read

Haven’t rushed to get this written, as there isn’t much to write about this year’s Anime Boston. Picked up my badge Thursday and spent most of Friday killing...

Anime Boston 2007

7 minute read

The fifth Anime Boston is now behind me, and my collection of Japanese signatures has grown. I managed to roll in around 9AM on Friday, April 20 and did not ...

Anime Boston 2006

7 minute read

While I did not spend as much time as I have in the past, this year’s Anime Boston proved to be my personal favorite simply because of the two Japanese guest...

My God… It’s full of snow…

4 minute read

Summary While I did not get to do or see everything I wanted to, I had a blast at Anime Boston. Kudos to the entire staff behind this event; having the deale...

Anime Boston 2003

1 minute read

Below is a dump of my notes from the very first Anime Boston.

Back to Top ↑

technology

Hammerspoon your way to a tidy desktop

4 minute read

I can be a very particular individual. My application windows must be arranged just so… Each in just the right size and in the right position. As my laptop m...

Belly up to the Bitbar

1 minute read

I have cultivated a decent list of programmers and techies to follow. A week or so ago, one of them retweeted this:

Athena vs Q: Battle of the Data Parsers

11 minute read

What are we fighting for? Here at Traackr, we pull together data from a variety of sources and visualize it in various forms — bar charts, timelines, etc. Ty...

Book Review: SQL Antipatterns

1 minute read

SQL is an interesting yet temperamental tool in the programmer’s kit. You can use it to find amazing insights in your data, but you can watch a poorly forme...

A pipeline for cleaning up technical debt?

3 minute read

Traackr’s customer facing application is built on top of CakePHP and has accumulated its fair share of technical debt over time. One particular piece of debt...

Book Review: Agile Retrospectives

2 minute read

*cough* *cough* Goodness… It’s a bit dusty around here. Nearly a year of silence will do that. One of the goals our team had last year was to blog more. Thi...

Adventures in Two Factor Authentication

5 minute read

Off we go! Another hack week was upon us, and I had a definite idea in mind. I wanted to add two factor authentication to our web application. Having enabled...

Back to Top ↑

evangelion

Reflections: Reviewing Evangelion

1 minute read

I am finally starting a project I have been meaning to do for some time. Over time, I’ve blogged in various places – LiveJournal, the AnimeOnDVD.com forums,...

Reviewing the Sacred Bull - Disc 4 & 5

1 minute read

After a weekend marathon, I have finally seen the original version of Evangelion (episodes 16 - 26); time for some thoughts before diving into the director’...

Reviewing the Sacred Bull - Disc 2

2 minute read

Greetings all; I’m back from a much needed vacation with my thoughts on disc two of Evangelion (episodes 6 - 10). I’d like to say thank you to everyone who ...

Reviewing the Sacred Bull - Prologue

2 minute read

After reviewing for a few years now, it is high time for a bit of an experiment and give you, the readers, a chance to be a part of my reviewing process. Wh...

Reviewing the Sacred Bull - Disc 1

4 minute read

First disc is in the can; small disclaimer, this is not meant to be a review of the individual disc. This is merely a stream of consciousness note taking ab...

Back to Top ↑

toys

Figure: Revoltech VF-1J Super Valkyrie

2 minute read

Pre-ordered this from HobbyLink Japan as soon as I saw it cross the various Japanese figure blogs. Had heard good things about the Revoltech line of figures ...

Figure: 1/7 Motoko Kusanagi SAC 2nd GIG PVC

less than 1 minute read

Ah… spring is finally here in New England, and some authentic sunshine means I can finally get some decent shots of my figures. Ordered this figure from Hobb...

Tachikoma Trading Figures

less than 1 minute read

Another early Xmas present to myself from HobbyLink Japan (3600¥). Cute little buggers… Got a full set out of the case including two secret colors – silver a...

Gunbuster One Coin Figures

less than 1 minute read

Picked up a case of these (6000¥) as an early Xmas gift to myself from HobbyLink Japan. I’ve been wanting these for quite some time, and I’m glad I picked th...

Way cool

less than 1 minute read

Thanks to a tip from my brother-in-law, I just picked up one of these. Way cool item; just need a few more pieces, and I’ll be all set for Halloween.

Back to Top ↑

television

Farewell, Heroes

3 minute read

Ah… Heroes… When you first told the world in 2006 "Save the Cheerleader; save the world", I did not start watching you despite intriguing previews. My enth...

Review: Dollhouse Season 01

4 minute read

Spoilers Ahead Despite the urging of many friends, I have yet to become of one Joss Whedon’s many followers; Buffy never interested me much despite the prese...

Review: Densha Otoko (TV)

3 minute read

Once again, I am behind the times, but I have finally managed to sit down and watch all eleven episodes of Densha Otoko and the special. This is your standa...

Review: 24 Day 6

4 minute read

The latest season of 24 had promise but did not have me on the edge of my seat, even during the finale. It had plenty of action and cool "I can’t believe Jac...

Yarr… a rambling update

1 minute read

I look back at this journal and realize that I have failed utterly in what I wanted to do with it. I wanted to use it as a tool to write, but I’ve come to th...

Back to Top ↑

nintendo

Review: Cyber Familator Lite

6 minute read

When I first saw this cross the wires, I knew I had to have one; it didn’t matter I only own one Famicom cartridge, the Lupin game, of course. I had to have...

Prepare to qualify…

less than 1 minute read

I finally broke down and hooked up Mario Kart DS to my wireless network. Not sure how often I’ll actually seek out a net game, but feel free to drop me your ...

My new project is super weird!

less than 1 minute read

Decided to break down and pick up a copy of Urusei Yatsura: Endless Summer from NCSX and use it as a tool to immerse myself in studying Japanese. My first t...

Mission Complete

1 minute read

After finally securing a completely working DS Lite, I was able to sit down and enjoy the latest Mario incarnation aptly titled New Super Mario Brothers. Ha...

An exercise in patience

1 minute read

I certainly hope the old adage is true; using the birthday money I received, I decided to treat myself to a shiny new DS Lite along with New Super Mario Brot...

Put not your faith in old adages

less than 1 minute read

Third time was not a charm; blew my entire lunch hour hauling DS#2 to the Watertown store for another exchange. The sales clerk tried pushing the extended wa...

Fab Four?

less than 1 minute read

DS4 is charged and tested; so far, no dead pixels or sound issues. I may finally have a winner here. The Braintree Best Buy finally had some in stock, and ...

Back to Top ↑

php

A pipeline for cleaning up technical debt?

3 minute read

Traackr’s customer facing application is built on top of CakePHP and has accumulated its fair share of technical debt over time. One particular piece of debt...

Adventures in Two Factor Authentication

5 minute read

Off we go! Another hack week was upon us, and I had a definite idea in mind. I wanted to add two factor authentication to our web application. Having enabled...

Givin’ back

less than 1 minute read

At work, we use a CRM service called Salesforce; part of my job has been to use their API to integrate our web site with their service. Primarily, this consi...

Back to Top ↑

boring

Upgraded to MT4.01

less than 1 minute read

Decided to spend my Black Friday upgrading to Movable Type 4; so far, I like what I see though some of the new features don’t seem to be working quite right ...

An exercise in patience

2 minute read

Spent a good portion of late last night and today hacking away at a few site related things. After some stress at work, I remembered why Javascript is still ...

Nothing to see here…

less than 1 minute read

Testing a bit of functionality I’ve whipped up to easily include photo sets… No pics you haven’t already seen on here, so no reason to click into the post. G...

Upgraded

less than 1 minute read

I’ve recently upgraded to the latest revision of MoveableType. Everything appears to be fine, but please e-mail me if you find anything broken.

And so it begins…

less than 1 minute read

Behold my new blog… yeah, default templates are never pretty, but it will be improving over time. Basically, I’ve been running a LiveJournal for roughly two ...

Back to Top ↑

star wars

Star Wars Episode III: Lucas’ Last Chance

less than 1 minute read

OK, so I downloaded the new Ep3 trailer that was shown on the OC last night. Damn, it looks like a sweet film, but the catch is that the trailers for Eps 1 &...

Way cool

less than 1 minute read

Thanks to a tip from my brother-in-law, I just picked up one of these. Way cool item; just need a few more pieces, and I’ll be all set for Halloween.

Back to Top ↑

playstation

New Lupin PS2 game! Translation is tough!!!

2 minute read

A random comment in a post to the Y! Lupin the Third group combined with the recent Tokyo Game Show made me check out the official Banpresto game site to see...

Mission Complete

1 minute read

After finally securing a completely working DS Lite, I was able to sit down and enjoy the latest Mario incarnation aptly titled New Super Mario Brothers. Ha...

Back to Top ↑

politics

Back to Top ↑

reflections

Reflections: Reviewing Evangelion

1 minute read

I am finally starting a project I have been meaning to do for some time. Over time, I’ve blogged in various places – LiveJournal, the AnimeOnDVD.com forums,...

The Year of Reviews, 2005

3 minute read

While my official year anniversary as a reviewer is not for a few months, I thought I would take a look back at 2005 and recap the year. First, a few stats a...

Making the Grade

3 minute read

Out with the old and in with the new… Rather than cut and paste my old blog posts into the new system, this is the opportune moment to revisit and polish the...

Back to Top ↑

gurren lagann

Review: Gurren Lagann Part 3

less than 1 minute read

Gurren Lagann spirals to an entertaining conclusion. How entertaining? Find out in my last review of the series… at least until the movies hit the US.

Review: Gurren Lagann Part 2

less than 1 minute read

While Gunbuster is still my favorite Gainax robot show, Gurren Lagann continues to be entertaining. Read why in my review of the second set. Let me know wha...

Review: Gurren Lagann Part 1

less than 1 minute read

Gainax proves they can build a fun and yet compelling giant robot show with the first part of Gurren Lagann. It has the right blend of comedy, action, and c...

Back to Top ↑

simpsons

Back to Top ↑

family

Jm’s YouTube Debut

less than 1 minute read

One of the short films Jm has done has finally been posted to YouTube! It is a strange little piece called .glen echo. written and directed by Michael Cimphe...

Five years ago today…

less than 1 minute read

Two little words changed my life forever and made me one of the luckiest men alive.

Back to Top ↑

book

Book Review: SQL Antipatterns

1 minute read

SQL is an interesting yet temperamental tool in the programmer’s kit. You can use it to find amazing insights in your data, but you can watch a poorly forme...

Book Review: Agile Retrospectives

2 minute read

*cough* *cough* Goodness… It’s a bit dusty around here. Nearly a year of silence will do that. One of the goals our team had last year was to blog more. Thi...

Back to Top ↑

sql

Athena vs Q: Battle of the Data Parsers

11 minute read

What are we fighting for? Here at Traackr, we pull together data from a variety of sources and visualize it in various forms — bar charts, timelines, etc. Ty...

Book Review: SQL Antipatterns

1 minute read

SQL is an interesting yet temperamental tool in the programmer’s kit. You can use it to find amazing insights in your data, but you can watch a poorly forme...

Back to Top ↑

open source

Hammerspoon your way to a tidy desktop

4 minute read

I can be a very particular individual. My application windows must be arranged just so… Each in just the right size and in the right position. As my laptop m...

Belly up to the Bitbar

1 minute read

I have cultivated a decent list of programmers and techies to follow. A week or so ago, one of them retweeted this:

Back to Top ↑

os x

Hammerspoon your way to a tidy desktop

4 minute read

I can be a very particular individual. My application windows must be arranged just so… Each in just the right size and in the right position. As my laptop m...

Belly up to the Bitbar

1 minute read

I have cultivated a decent list of programmers and techies to follow. A week or so ago, one of them retweeted this:

Back to Top ↑

reviews

Mokkori…

2 minute read

As you may or may not know, I began reviewing DVDs for AnimeOnDVD.com a few months back. Initially, I would send in my alternate angle reviews to AoD for Lup...

Back to Top ↑

rant

Back to Top ↑

urusei yatsura

The Last Disk

1 minute read

The bittersweet day has finally arrived, and she mocks us from the screen. "See you next time" is her parting message to us, but there will be no next time, ...

Back to Top ↑

environment

Back to Top ↑

google

Google+, initial impression "meh"

1 minute read

If you follow tech news at all, you’ve seen countless headlines about the latest entry into the social network space, Google+. A friend of mine passed along ...

Back to Top ↑

agile

Book Review: Agile Retrospectives

2 minute read

*cough* *cough* Goodness… It’s a bit dusty around here. Nearly a year of silence will do that. One of the goals our team had last year was to blog more. Thi...

Back to Top ↑

data

Athena vs Q: Battle of the Data Parsers

11 minute read

What are we fighting for? Here at Traackr, we pull together data from a variety of sources and visualize it in various forms — bar charts, timelines, etc. Ty...

Back to Top ↑