Link of the Day [6.15.08]

broderic on June 1, 2008

A while back, my cousin came back home for a couple days. He tells me that he’s now commuting to work on a bike. He’s also looking to get a junker to convert into a cargo bike. Here’s a company that makes just that.

http://nihola.info/

Psycho

broderic on May 31, 2008

Psycho was playing at The Charles. I’ve never seen it straight through, so what better way to watch it but on celluloid in a revival theatre.

And it was great. I got chills when “mother” comes out and kills the detective. It was enough to make me jump a bit.

Afterwards, I got to arguing with the seed about if it was a modern movie or not. He says it was because of the editing. I said no because of the staging and framing. I’ll give him the editing as it is more modern than the studio films of 40s and 50s, but I feel that it had some of the mise-en-scene you get from a film noir of the earlier era. The closeups and the tight shots highlighting the tension of the story. It’s a toss up. I won’t give ground and he won’t either.

It’s a good movie for this fact.

4 of 5 stars.

Quote of the Day [5.31.08]

broderic on May 31, 2008

“History appears poised to confirm what most Americans today have decided: that the decision to invade Iraq was a serious strategic blunder. No one, including me, can know with absolute certainty how the war will be viewed decades from now when we can more fully understand its impact. What I do know is that war should only be waged when necessary, and the Iraq war was not necessary.”

Scott McClellan, What Happened: Inside the Bush White House and Washington’s Culture of Deception

Link of the Day [5.30.08]

broderic on May 30, 2008

Chris Bishop is an illustrator who did the Pretty girl and robot series that I loved looking at. He also is exhibiting at ARTOMATIC in DC. CapitolSwell had mentioned it awhile back, but in reference to a friend of his showing. I hope he had a chance to admire some of Chris Bishops work.

Maybe one of these days, I can but his a piece. Until then let’s enjoy the sublime, Girl versus Pig.

http://girlvspig.com/

Kimikiss Pure Rouge

broderic on May 30, 2008

At first, I didn’t understand the meaning of the title. Was it one of those cute japanese word mash ups that didn’t mean anything? Then, with all the characters blushing I finally understand.

That is one tear jerker of a series. Here’s the score for me: 1 couple cheered, 1 couple shrugged. What happens now to the girls that lost? Sakino will end up alright, but Yumi sad, but bravely sallying forth. Gah! Man what a series?!

The Love Triangle

broderic on May 29, 2008

So, as you’ve probably noticed, I’ve been watching a lot of anime (and reading plenty of manga). You would think that I would stick to the tried and true big robot genre. Yet, I am digging any of the romance stuff, both comedy and dramas. It’s not as silly or girly as you think because most of the ones I’ve seen and read stick are targeted at Japanese males. I’m staying away from the shojo anime for now.

The story lines for them all follow the similar structure. Love is unrequited. The dream girl is being sought after. Then a third (or more) enters the fray to create the drama and tension for the series. A couple will emerge from the triad, but their story is circuitous.

If these anime were american, one of the three would be an idiot or shrew or jerk or milquetoast. He or she would not be worthy and the screenwriters spend their time highlighting that fact. The dream one will be almost perfect. You’ll end up rooting for the perfect couple to emerge disengaging the shrew/idiot/jerk in a discourteous way.

In anime/manga, the rivals for the heart of the protagonist are equally matched. They have they’re good sides and they have they’re bad sides. An argument can easily be made for either one. You end up liking both, and you can’t stand for anyone to get hurt.

I’ve been watching Kimikiss Pure Rouge, and every triad is like that. I’m pissed off, because I don’t want to see any of them hurt. Still, I know that the story must choose a couple, and I can’t help but want the shy, quiet one to be it. It’s most convenient that she is moving away though, but why must he break her heart.