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Inuyasha: The Final Act - Review

Wow, it is as good as I hoped it would be!

Where do I begin?
The humor is nicely timed; it feels natural. In fact, the timing generally quite nice.
The voice acting and the animation is more dynamic than the previous series. The graphics are beautiful and subtle; they add to the action without demanding attention.

My only gripe is that the pacing feels a little rushed. So far, Sunrise has been combining chapters in this new series. This decision makes sense, but I think adding a few seconds for a transition wouldn't have hurt.

All in all, it is a pretty nice continuation of the Inuyasha series.

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New Inuyasha Update - Location!

The first episode is on Shonen Sunday.

New Inuyasha Episodes!

Tomorrow, there will be new Inuyasha anime episodes for the first time in years!

Hulu is hosting Inuyasha. It looks like the entire series is on there. If you've already seen these episodes, then check this out! After October 3, there will be new Inuyasha eps on there too!

Alice in Wonderland

This looks promising! Many folks easily forget just how madcap(pun intended) Lewis Carrol's stories really are. However, I am hoping that Tim Burton will keep in mind that these stories were written to entertain a child.

We hope you had a happy Memorial Day.

Watch Memorial Day Fireworks in Family | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Treed Vampire: a comic

Click the image above to see it properly.

This vampire is just not having a good afternoon. First he ticked off a unicorn by trying to eat it. Then he stomped on the werewolf’s tail while he was chasing a rabbit. After that he woke an owl when he jostled her nest.
He’s going to need every ounce of his considerable speed to escape once he is out of that tree. ;)

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter!
If you click the image above, it will take you to see a larger version.
I hope God blesses you and yours this year and always. :)

More Quizzes

You Are 61% Creative

You are beyond creative. You are a true artist - even if it's not in the conventional sense of the word. You love creating for its own sake, and you find yourself quite inspired at times.

How Creative Are You?

I love making something unique as long as it is also nice. It can be nearly anything, too.
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Your Gemstone is Amethyst

Dignified, impressive, and wise. You have a deeply spiritual soul

What Gemstone Are You?

I don't know about that. I seek wisdom, but most days feel pretty darn silly. :P

Then again, the Biblical definition of wisdom is definitely not about feelings. Wisdom is a way of life, in more ways than one. It is about thinking things through, intelligently applying your knowledge to do what you know is right in God's sight, and relying on God.
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Your Nail Polish Color is Purple

How you're unique: You are artistic and expressive Why your style rocks: You pay special attention to color and fabrics What this color says about you: "I'm creative and know how to take care of myself"

What Color Nail Polish Best Fits You?

Purple nail polish is fun. :) You do have to be careful what you wear it with though. It's easy to make it look weird.
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Your Word is "Love"

You see life as possibility to form deep connections with a few people. Relationships are the center of your world, and you always take time to bond with those you love. You are caring and giving. You enjoy helping those you love. And when it comes to romantic love, you feel passionately ... even in a very long term relationship.

What's Your Word?

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Your Cupcake Says You Are Lovable

At parties, you tend to be a social butterfly. You enjoy making conversation and making sure everyone is having fun. You hardly have any restraint. You only hold yourself back when absolutely necessary. The most important thing in your life is love. You are laid back, flexible, and easy to get along with. To know you is to care for you.

The Cupcake Test

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You Are a Lynx

You are a quiet observer of the world around you. Your wisdom comes from listening carefully. You've always been extra sensitive and aware. And it's made it difficult for you to fit in. You see past people's outward personas. You are able to penetrate a stranger's soul. What you've learned about people is both beautiful and ugly. And you keep these secrets to yourself.

What Big Cat Are You?

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The Chocolate Oracle Says You're Creative

You are unique, creative, and fascinating. You don't do what's expected of you. You go for what's unknown and uncharted. You are lively, goofy, and a total blast. You're incredibly happy, and you always are lifting spirits. You love to be in love. You crave romance, whether you're single or not. You feel lost when you don't feel passion... you need someone to adore.

The Chocolate Oracle

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You Color Your Life With Subtle Coolness

You are a full of grace and peace. You don't let yourself get worked up. You tend to be a bit reserved. You only speak when you really have something to say. You aspire to a lot in life, and you're quietly working on your plan to take over the world.

How Do You Color Your Life?

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You Are Basil

You are a mild mannered person. People feel naturally calm around you. You are warm hearted and loving. You have a close knit circle of friends and family. You have the courage to be who you are in life, even if others disagree. You're proud of your uniqueness. You are good at caring for and healing others. You are naturally soothing.

What Herb Are You?

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You Are a Salty Person

When it comes to snacks, you're more likely to grab a bag of chips over a bag of cookies. There's a good chance you're male (men prefer salty snacks)... Or at least, you feel very comfortable in male dominated environments. Your taste tends to be complex, sophisticated, and adult. You tend to crave your favorite restaurant meal... or mom's cooking.

Are You Sweet or Salty?

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You Are "Wow"!

You are a firecracker. You're completely unpredictable. You love a good adventure, and you're always up to something a little crazy. You love surprising people and defying expectations. It's great to see the shock on someone's face. You are alert and ready to act. You know opportunities don't come often, so you jump on anything that comes along.

What Japanese Smiley Are You?

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Your Easter Egg Says You Are Religious

You are a deeply spiritual and passionate person. Easily moved, you feel emotions strongly and clearly. You are compassionate, loving, and kind. People feel inspired by your strength and convictions.

The Easter Egg Personality Test

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You Are a Pegasus

You are a perfectionist, with an eye for beauty. You know how to live a good life - and you rarely deviate from your good taste. While you aren't outgoing, you have excellent social skills. People admire you and feel very comfortable around you.

What Mythological Creature Are You?

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You Are: 50% Dog, 50% Cat

You are a nice blend of cat and dog. You're playful but not too needy. And you're friendly but careful. And while you have your moody moments, you're too happy to stay upset for long.

Are You More Cat or Dog?

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You Can Be Deeply Passionate Sometimes

You are a loner, and you're fine with that. You find the most fulfillment in solitude. And you never feel more lonely than when you're in a crowd. You fall in love with ease and confidence. Even if you've had bad experiences in the past, each new love is a reason to start completely over. You are deeply passionate about several things in your life. You're not passionate about much... and the few passions you have are truly obsessions. Your sense of humor is intellectual and obscure.

The Beach Test

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Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

I hope you're having a good one! I thought this quiz about the occasion and the history of Ireland was pretty cool.
Enjoy!

Potioneering Madness :D

I ran across this silly generator during a search trawl. :)

This was my result....

The Potion Maker
rebehmium is a cloudy, frangible gold solid pulled from the blood of an ostrich.
Mix with rebehm! Username:
Yet another fun meme brought to you by rfreebern

Mom got this one when we used an old username of hers...

The Potion Maker
salarium is a cloudy, porous grey solid drained from the bones of a sphinx.
Mix with salar! Username:
Yet another fun meme brought to you by rfreebern

Together, we got THIS!

The Potion Maker
salarium is a cloudy, porous grey solid drained from the bones of a sphinx.
rebehmium is a cloudy, frangible gold solid pulled from the blood of an ostrich.
Mixing salarium with rebehmium causes a violent chemical reaction, producing a milky ochre potion which gives the user protection from twisted plans.
Yet another fun meme brought to you by rfreebern

I ran Grandmother's username through the generator too. We all think it is cool that her result includes a colour she really likes.

The Potion Maker
uvaldeowlium is a cloudy, lumpy purple solid created from the leaves of a narcissus bush.
Mix with uvaldeowl! Username:
Yet another fun meme brought to you by rfreebern

Combining this with Mom's result yielded us another interesting potion!

The Potion Maker
uvaldeowlium is a cloudy, lumpy purple solid created from the leaves of a narcissus bush.
salarium is a cloudy, porous grey solid drained from the bones of a sphinx.
Mixing uvaldeowlium with salarium causes a violent chemical reaction, producing a milky opalescent potion which gives the user protection from death.
Yet another fun meme brought to you by rfreebern

I combined my result with Grandmother's. This is what came out.

The Potion Maker
uvaldeowlium is a cloudy, lumpy purple solid created from the leaves of a narcissus bush.
rebehmium is a cloudy, frangible gold solid pulled from the blood of an ostrich.
Mixing uvaldeowlium with rebehmium causes a violent chemical reaction, producing a milky sky blue potion which gives the user protection from angry glares.
Yet another fun meme brought to you by rfreebern

The Potion Maker
shushanium is a milky, runny lavender gel obtained from the bile of a sphinx.
uvaldeowlium is a cloudy, lumpy purple solid created from the leaves of a narcissus bush.
Mixing shushanium with uvaldeowlium causes a violent chemical reaction, producing a translucent orange potion which gives the user the power of x-ray vision.
Yet another fun meme brought to you by rfreebern

I also used a retired username.

The Potion Maker
ladyowlshadowium is a milky, runny red gel distilled from the muscles of a wolf.
Mix with ladyowlshadow! Username:
Yet another fun meme brought to you by rfreebern

The Potion Maker
ladyowlshadowium is a milky, runny red gel distilled from the muscles of a wolf.
salarium is a cloudy, porous grey solid drained from the bones of a sphinx.
Mixing ladyowlshadowium with salarium causes a violent chemical reaction, producing a translucent grey potion which gives the user the power of incredible speed.
Yet another fun meme brought to you by rfreebern

The Potion Maker
ladyowlshadowium is a milky, runny red gel distilled from the muscles of a wolf.
uvaldeowlium is a cloudy, lumpy purple solid created from the leaves of a narcissus bush.
Mixing ladyowlshadowium with uvaldeowlium causes a violent chemical reaction, producing a translucent purple potion which gives the user the power of transfiguration.
Yet another fun meme brought to you by rfreebern

New Trend in Anime? I sure hope so!

Yesterday, I found out that Bandai Entertainment has opened a new channel on Youtube to showcase a few of their products. Right now, they've got many hours worth of one series called Code Geass as well as samples of others, including the famous Gundam Wing. I've never seen those and as such can't vouch for it, but this way anybody can check it out easily. :) Since this is the copyright owners uploading it, people can watch it without guilt or worry. I hope other companies will consider showcasing their wares this way. It would draw in new people who like to try before they buy. Being unable to do that is why more people haven't gotten into anime. They had to rely on mere written reviews and just plain being in the right place at the right time.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day '09 by ~Rebehm

I hope you have a wonderful day with your loved ones.

Beautiful Dreams Emerging in a Tide of Song

I’ve been on a bit of a Sailor Moon kick lately, because I am writing a prequel to the comic Mom and I did. Someone also made a Poser outfit meant to look like the senshi uniform. I‘ve also had fun with that. I’m going to try making a skirt that looks more like the one in the anime to go with the rest of it, as well as the jewelry to go with it. I’m also trying to make Usagi’s hair. If I can make it work in Poser, I’ll make it available for download, ditto for the skirt and the jewelry.

Yes, I know I have a form of the hair to work with. However, I’d like a somewhat more realistic version to go with my style and figured that someone else might also like this option. They’re actually coming out reasonably well. If nothing prevents me, I may try making Naru’s hair too. I like Naru and wouldn‘t mind doing a picture of her sometime. She’s a sweet character.

I’ve even got an image done of ChibiUsa’s (for want of a better word) buddy Pegasus done! I’ve wanted to portray him for awhile now. I am especially happy with how his mane came out. To see a larger version, click on the thumbnail.

"Beautiful Dream Emerging"

His pose and the lighting are partially inspired by Eighties fantasy calendars. Mom had kept some especially beautiful ones of unicorns and pegasii that she also enjoys looking at. :)

This time, I painted his mane and tail. It wasn’t as tough to do as I had thought it would be. The main thing is making sure that the hair is flowing where you want it to. Imagining that the hair is water pouring over the character’s scalp helps with envisioning how it should behave.
I worked on this while listening to songs from the Eighties. "Glory of Love", "Kyrie", "Mad About You", "That’s What It Takes", and others seemed appropriate.

One set of lyrics in particular evoked some musings on the nature of love and why people admire the knights in old legends and fairytales.
The chorus from Peter Cetera‘s “Glory of Love” echoes two beautiful dreams. It embodies many maidens' dreams of true love and it evokes many a man’s desire to be heroic.

“I am a man who will fight for your honour.
I’ll be the hero that you’re dreaming of.
We’ll live forever, knowing together that we did it all for the glory of love.”

What’s even better about these dreams is that, with God, they can come true.

Another theme that comes to mind is this: Do lovers love each other enough to stand beside each other in spite of opposition?
It’s a reoccurring theme in classic literature as well as Sailor Moon. It keeps you wondering if the story will end well, doesn‘t it?
They are similar in that they are both born from choices. You decide to whom and what you will be faithful to.
You make this choice every time you have the chance to be kind or to be cruel.
You are not born with the knight’s creed inscribed in your heart and mind. You decide if you are a knight or not.
I know real knights like this exist and that they‘re every bit as inspiring as their written counter-parts. I’ve met a few. :)

As Dawn comes, Memories of the Night Fade into the Morning Light

In other news, I read the Twilight series, because they had been recommended to me in several places I like to visit and had been told that this series of books was a great romantic tale. I wasn’t impressed with Twilight. It isn’t my thing at all. I felt they were too much like someone’s messed-up romantic fantasies and not enough real story. I had been told these books get better as the go along. I have read books that weren’t wonderful at first but got a lot smoother, more intelligent, and more enjoyable as they went along. Not so with Twilight. The writing itself got a bit better towards the end, but the story just got less and less family friendly as it went along.
Mom says her literary forums think they are very poorly written too, so it’s not just my opinion.
The characterizations especially left much to be desired.

Take the vampire Edward for example.

His selfishness was being explained away in ways that, as we often say around here, wouldn’t hold water.

He was very rude to Bella when he met her. Officially, this is because he is close to attacking her in the classroom. Later he goes on (several times!) about how Bella seeks him out when it’s the other way around. He only protects her when he has no excuse not to, he is going to gain something from it, or when her father and the local Native American tribe will come after him if he doesn’t. He didn’t bother to research what would happen to her when they had a kid before actually fathering said child, even though he knew that she could easily die.
Edward kept getting angry every time she didn’t do whatever he wanted or even if she merely spoke to another guy about neutral topics like school assignments, the weather, and how gym class went, even early in the relationship when he was still being rude to her.

He led her on, dumped her, and then expected her to get back up with him when he finally waltzes back into town. He claimed he was letting her go, but he obviously still thinks he owns her. He doesn’t seem to think he should be starting over, or mending his ways.

Edward’s behavior stemmed from selfishness.

That is not love.

He wanted to be with her but he didn’t respect her or truly love her. If he had really loved her, he would have wanted to take much better care of her. He would have been a lot more concerned about her feelings and safety.
Please consider 1 Corinthians chapter 13 which outlines the nature of love. I feel that it is relevant, since love builds you up, not tear you down.
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1 Corinthians 13

1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
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Edward's behavior is not loving.

Love means caring about others. Love is wanting the best for the other person. Love means that you will look out for the other person’s interests. It also means being willing to let someone go if that person seeks to break ties, because by letting him go you are respecting his decisions.

I REALLY can’t condone his behavior. I don’t get why this mess is being held up as a romantic ideal. He’s an abusive jerk!
At least the actor who played Edward said he didn’t like the role. I was surprised the guy signed up for it at all, considering that the last role I saw him in he was playing a really nice guy. It may have been another case of the actor didn’t do his homework beforehand.

In real life, a relationship like Edward and Bella’s generally ends badly. I ended up witnessing one. Ultimately, the guy betrayed the girl. She wasn’t a nice person, but we did feel kinda sorry for her.

Whoof, needed to say that! It’s been awhile since I last read such an atrocious book. Even most of the fan fiction I’ve come across over the years hasn’t been this bad!

Another Round of Enthusiast Art Finds

This time, I felt like representing a few different stories as well as the usual. :)
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On the Road Again by *Wen-JR
I love what this gentleman has done with his lighting and texturing. The angle of the composition is dynamic. It looks as about as good as the movie did. :)
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Sailor Mercury by ~k-BOSE
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Sailor Jupiter by ~Lokklyn

Lokklyn's rendition of Sailor Jupiter is both cute and kinda unusual. She looks like a opaque glass figurine.
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::.Going Fishing.:: by =brigette
Even Link and Zelda like their down time. :)
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Indiana Jones card 239 by *icarus126
I really like this guy's character.
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mother by *EatToast
My little list just wouldn't be complete without a comic somewhere! So here's EatToast's take on the infamous confrontation scene. lol
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Sailor Moon II by =Giname


Sailor Saturn by *Giname
Giname did a great job with Hotaru's expression! She looks both formidable and gentle, not any easy balance to achieve. His watercolour technique is lovely.
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Sailor Soldiers by *soichiru-alan

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Muppet Music by *RobbVision

This is just CRAZY!

Not in the good way either.

"For those of you who haven’t heard the news yet, on February 10, 2009, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act comes into effect. One of the major changes that this program will bring into play is a mandate that everything sold for children 12 and younger will have to be tested for lead and phthalates, and anything that isn’t tested (or that fails) will be considered hazardous and cannot be sold. Read more about the CPSIA at the L.A. Times and some interesting blog commentary from the fashion industry.

For new products, this isn’t an issue at all and is in fact a good thing. Many products are already being screened with such tests, and those that are not will be required to begin such testing shortly or will be pulled from the market. In terms of safety for my children, I’m quite happy with the effects of this law on new products.

Where things get interesting is with used products. Consider your local resale and thrift shop. Currently, all of their secondhand children’s clothes will have to be tested for lead and phthalates. Given that many such stores aren’t high-income operations - many are nonprofits - these shops simply cannot afford to do the testing on the children’s clothes on their shelves.

So what happens? Most thrift shops are currently not accepting any children’s clothing at all. Sometime in the next month or so, all thrift shops will have to clear all of their children’s clothing from the shelves … and send them to the landfill.
"

from Bookroom blog on the same issue

"If changes are not made to CPSIA immediately, then we will see millions of items of children’s clothing, toys, and books destroyed because they can no longer be sold in the United States. Our already burdened budgets will be pushed to the extreme as soon as we are faced with a steep rise in the cost of children’s products, due both to the extreme costs of testing and the disappearance of thousands of products from the market. CPSIA doesn’t affect only toys. It also includes clothing and shoes, the very necessities of life.

Retailers will not be able to do their own testing. We are not permitted to buy equipment or test kits to evaluate our own products. Instead, we at Jacobsen Books would need to purchase testing for every copy of every children’s book in our inventory. Since lead testing costs $100-$400 per product, it’s obvious that we’ll no longer be able to carry $2 to $5 children’s books. Unless action is taken soon, our favorite corner in our little store will no longer invite children to come, look, read, and enjoy.

Back in 2007, we all read with horror about the lead contamination of products purchased from China by the biggest toy retailers in the country. Normally, we like to see the punishment fit the crime, but in this case it looks like the biggest offenders will be rewarded by the progressive elimination of their smaller competitors."

Whoever wrote this law clearly has not had to live the way a number of folks have had to. Sure it isn't a huge problem if you're rich and your kids like what is on the racks at the retailers. Never mind that many families have to budget their funds or might want to dress their sons and daughters more traditionally. Never mind the current depression! Never mind that many little girls like pretty dresses better than jeans and that boys also like to spruce up occasionally. Your average corporate run store just doesn't sell those kinds of clothes very often.

I am sorry for ranting, but this is going way too far.
This law really cuts down on choices people have. Being able to sell your own stuff or trade it is a right that folks have needed for as long as civilisation has existed.

If you want to make kids healthier, then get the corporations to quit putting out so much pollution!
On that topic, the new reusable bags that places like Farm Fresh have helped with this problem. It is good that folks can do that again.