"Rideback"

Promising new anime. Only 3 episodes have been subbed as of right now. The artwork is really stunning. The "ridebacks" are motorcycles with arms that can stand up or be like a regular motorcycle.

The first anime I was hooked on...

Robotech - Macross Series

"Linda Linda Linda" (2005)

Charming coming-of-age comedy from Japan. Four high school girls, including a Korean exchange student, try to get a band together on short notice before the big school performance. Great music too.

"Welcome to the NHK"

This anime was a surprise. I expected an extreme comedy or satire. There are bits of this included, but on the whole it's about alienation and withdrawal from society. Attempted suicide is even a big part of the story. Not a knee-slapper, even rather depressing, but everyone ends up somewhat healed at the end.

"Bokurano"

"Bokurano" has got to be one of the most depressing animes I have watched. And yet I was compelled to finish it. The haunting opening music "Uninstall" leads your way into a dream world where Japanese school children hold the fate of the world in their hands. They hold this fate and must confront their own deaths at the same time. Heavy stuff, man. It is all a bit ridiculous. It's very psychological and covers topics not expected like child abuse, suicide, and molestation. I was going to drop it after the second episode, but I found myself wanting to find out what happens. There are a million loose ends by the time you reach the 24th episode finale. But there is a sense of satisfaction too. War doesn't wait for you to grow up and calls you to duty even when you aren't ready. I think I'll watch "Skip Beat!" now.

"Kung Fu Panda"

"Kung Fu Panda" is enjoyable and chock full of references to old kung fu movies. Starts a little slow, but gets interesting once the training stuff starts. Less "serious" than "Ratatouille" and "WALL-E." Makes me want to see "Mulan" on Blu-ray.

Captured by my phone's camera

Looks like this truck plowed through a wall of mud.

Stream Utada's "Come Back To Me"

Hikki's new English single is available to stream at Island Records!
I really like it! So glad to hear a new Utada Hikaru song!

Crunchyroll

Looks like all the fansubs are off crunchyroll. I was in the middle of "Library War" too! Nothing is for free anymore! (At least a little less is free.) :(