Went to see the family doctor today and got a note. Seems like it'd be fine in a few days.
Got the long-awaited Tales of Destiny for PS, but the screen would go black while the BGM continues to play after the introductory cut scenes. Haven't been able to find the solution to that so far... -__-
Saturday, September 25, 2004
Friday, September 24, 2004
Thursday, September 23, 2004
A very productive day. Dropped by the library for a couple hours, went out for lunch, then back to the library again for another few hours. Finished a book on blogs, a couple computer magazines, a reference book on mythological creatures and places, and a dictionary of symbols.
The little Chinese cafe changed owner and became Philipino Express Cafe. They still have the same bubble tea, but the food is completely Philipino. I had the milk fish dish, which was not bad. I liked the rice mixed with coconut milk a lot. :)
The little Chinese cafe changed owner and became Philipino Express Cafe. They still have the same bubble tea, but the food is completely Philipino. I had the milk fish dish, which was not bad. I liked the rice mixed with coconut milk a lot. :)
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Some info on Gundam SEED DESTINY (Source: シャア専用ブログ)
GAT-02L2 Dagger L (ダガーL)
Earth Alliance mass production MS. Improved from Dagger (ダガー) and has stronger armaments.
ZGMF-601R GuAIZ R (ゲイツR)
ZAFT mass production MS. Minor-change version of GuAIZ (ゲイツ), the shield and the extensional arrestor on the waist are replaced by railguns.
TFA-4DE GAZuOOT (ガズウート)
Upgrade of ZAFT's heavy MS ZuOOT (ザゥート). The cannons on the shoulders are replaced by beam cannons and the dual barrel cannons are replaced by large missiles; stronger firepower.
Exass (エグザス)
Earth Alliance Special Task Force commander Neo Lorrnoke's destinated MA, equipped with dual railguns and four special all-range weapons. Despite being a MA, it has high offensive power that even several of the old ZAFT MS wouldn't be a match. It has the all-direction assult system Gunbarrel, which was put on the famous Moebius Zero in the war in CE 70 and later on GAT-01A1 Dagger (usually called 105 Dagger).
Madd Aves (マッド・エイブス)(seiyuu: Kusunoki Taiten)
Leader of the Minerva MS staff which includes Yolan and Vino; has the air of a middle-aged workman.
Ian Lee (イアン・リー)(seiyuu: Saizen Tadahisa)
Captain of the Earth Alliance Special Task Force's mother ship Girty Lue (ガーティ・ルー). He believes in Neo who is commanding the squad and assists him in strategic combats. Rank is Major.
Vino Dupre (ヴィーノ・デュプレ)
17-year-old mechnic crew of the ZAFT new ship Minerva. He works diligently for the launching ceremony of the new warship but can't hide his sense of lost when the Earth Alliance suddenly assulted. Usually has a bright personality and harmonises those around him.
Yolant Kent (ヨウラン・ケント)
17-year-old youth soldier, also a mechnic crew member of Minerva like Vino. He gets along well with those similar in age: Shin, Vino and Lunamaria, and he would go out with Shinn in private.
Cagalli Yula Athha (カガリ・ユラ・アスハ)
As the daughter of the former chief Uzumi, she is the new chief representative of the Orb State Union, which has regained independency after the Yakin Due battle. In order to ensure that war does not break out again, she is busily going between various forces. However, many argue whether her position allows her such political standing.
Neo Lorrnoke (ネオ・ロアノーク)
Belongs to the Earth Alliance; ranked Colonel. Commander of the Special Task Force of which Auel and the others are part of that's responsible for seizing the Gundam. He is a loyal soldier and very trusted by his subordinates. Always wears a mask to hide his face.
Arthur Trine (アーサー・トライン)
Adjutant of the new ZAFT warship Minerva built for transporting Gundam-type MS. Direct superior of the pilots including Shinn, but sometimes having difficulty dealng with the reckless Shinn.
Lord Djibril (ロード・ジブリール)
Successor of Multa Azrail as the leader of Blue Cosmos, a political organisation established for the purpose of eliminating the Coordinators. He aims to bring the organisation back to life with his hands and build an ideal world where Coordinators are annihilated.
DESTINY ASTRAY
Takes place after ASTRAY R. The Li Homu (リ・ホーム)corps that uses Genesis-alpha left for Mars, and Jess (ジェス) remained on Earth with only Hachi.
MWF-JG71 Raysta (レイスタ)(Main Works Figure Junk-Guild C.E.71)
A.k.a. "Civilian Astray," civilian MS built by the Junk-Guild from the Astray data leaked from the previous war. It is in fact not brand new but diverted from junk, and 40% of the parts are shared with M1 Astray. Military purposes is forbidden, and it is sold or rented out by the guild. Normal unit looks similar to Dagger but there are a lot of people remodelling it to look like Gundam's face, and there are manufacturers that specialise in this. Different kinds of option parts can be equipped on the back and the feet can transform into giant cranes. However, because any combat purpose is forbidden there is absolutely no weapon.
*I'm not familiar with Astray so I won't attempt to translate the rest at this moment*
ZGMF-1017AS GINN Assult (ジンアサルト)
この機体をもとに、ザフト軍は奪取したデュエル用のアサルトシュラウドを製作した。
武装、装甲、推力が強化されている。アサルトシュラウドは、すべてのMS用に製作可能だが、
ザフト軍の設計思想が、追加装備を持たせる発展から、新型機の投入へとシフトした為、生産数は多くない。
マディガン専用機と製色彩容器は別カラーで存在する。出撃中でもASをはずすことが可能であり
ASや追加バーニアを全て外せば、ノーマルのジンになる。
アストレイ アウトフレーム
ジャンク屋のロウが、ザフトのジェネシスαの中で発見したMS。
発見時には、装甲がついておらずフレームが剥き出しの状態だった。
そこでロウは『アウトフレーム』と命名。つまり、正式なアストレイではない。
それどころか、どういった経緯で開発された機体なのかも分からないのだ。
ザフトの機体である可能性が高いが、ザフトが鹵獲した他軍の機体という可能性もある。
現在の姿にしたのは、ロウであり、作業用MSとして完成させている。背中の上部に
アーマーシュナイダ―を装備する以外武装を持たない。腰パーツの中にはウインチとワイヤーが内蔵されている。
青白黄のトリコロール。
ドレッドノートイータ
プレアの乗っていたXアストレイ（ドレッドノート）をカナード専用に装備変更した機体。
カナードが操作できないドラグーン系の装備が全て外され別装備へと変わっている。
製作者はロウ・ギュール。「イータ」とはギリシア文字の「H」に装備形状が似ていることから命名された。
砲撃モードや、白兵戦モードなど、戦局に応じて変形する。傘発生装置は腰にある。本体部分に変更は無い。
ジェス・リブル
ナチュラル。20歳。フォト・ジャーナリスト。この世界でも珍しいMSに乗ったカメラマン。
性格は熱血。あまり考えずに現場に飛び込んでしまう。「自分の見た真実をみんなに伝えたい」という使命感を持っている。
ウワサや、他の報道が間違っている場合、特に強く反発する。自分では絶対に嘘をつかない。
MSは、レイスタ（ジャンク屋製民間用MS）を使用。ガンカメラで決定的瞬間を狙う。
カイト・マディガン
コーディネイター。22歳。プロのMSパイロット。ただし、組織には属していない。立場としては傭兵に近いが、
傭兵が戦闘のプロであるのに対し、彼はMSを使った任務ならなんでもこなす。
彼は、任務にあわせMSを乗り換える。どんな機体を使用するときでも、自分専用の銃を装備させている。
普段は、常にスーツで決めており、よほどのことが無い限りMSに乗るときもスーツのままだ。女に目が無い性格。
マティアス
ナチュラル。年齢不明。本名不明。通称マティアス。人によっては彼をサー・マティアスと呼ぶ。
素姓が全くわからないナゾの人物だが、大きな屋敷を所有しており、かなりの財産を持つと思われる。
ジェスのことを高く評価しており、仕事の斡旋をしてくれる。なぜか女性言葉でしゃべる。
GAT-02L2 Dagger L (ダガーL)
Earth Alliance mass production MS. Improved from Dagger (ダガー) and has stronger armaments.
ZGMF-601R GuAIZ R (ゲイツR)
ZAFT mass production MS. Minor-change version of GuAIZ (ゲイツ), the shield and the extensional arrestor on the waist are replaced by railguns.
TFA-4DE GAZuOOT (ガズウート)
Upgrade of ZAFT's heavy MS ZuOOT (ザゥート). The cannons on the shoulders are replaced by beam cannons and the dual barrel cannons are replaced by large missiles; stronger firepower.
Exass (エグザス)
Earth Alliance Special Task Force commander Neo Lorrnoke's destinated MA, equipped with dual railguns and four special all-range weapons. Despite being a MA, it has high offensive power that even several of the old ZAFT MS wouldn't be a match. It has the all-direction assult system Gunbarrel, which was put on the famous Moebius Zero in the war in CE 70 and later on GAT-01A1 Dagger (usually called 105 Dagger).
Madd Aves (マッド・エイブス)(seiyuu: Kusunoki Taiten)
Leader of the Minerva MS staff which includes Yolan and Vino; has the air of a middle-aged workman.
Ian Lee (イアン・リー)(seiyuu: Saizen Tadahisa)
Captain of the Earth Alliance Special Task Force's mother ship Girty Lue (ガーティ・ルー). He believes in Neo who is commanding the squad and assists him in strategic combats. Rank is Major.
Vino Dupre (ヴィーノ・デュプレ)
17-year-old mechnic crew of the ZAFT new ship Minerva. He works diligently for the launching ceremony of the new warship but can't hide his sense of lost when the Earth Alliance suddenly assulted. Usually has a bright personality and harmonises those around him.
Yolant Kent (ヨウラン・ケント)
17-year-old youth soldier, also a mechnic crew member of Minerva like Vino. He gets along well with those similar in age: Shin, Vino and Lunamaria, and he would go out with Shinn in private.
Cagalli Yula Athha (カガリ・ユラ・アスハ)
As the daughter of the former chief Uzumi, she is the new chief representative of the Orb State Union, which has regained independency after the Yakin Due battle. In order to ensure that war does not break out again, she is busily going between various forces. However, many argue whether her position allows her such political standing.
Neo Lorrnoke (ネオ・ロアノーク)
Belongs to the Earth Alliance; ranked Colonel. Commander of the Special Task Force of which Auel and the others are part of that's responsible for seizing the Gundam. He is a loyal soldier and very trusted by his subordinates. Always wears a mask to hide his face.
Arthur Trine (アーサー・トライン)
Adjutant of the new ZAFT warship Minerva built for transporting Gundam-type MS. Direct superior of the pilots including Shinn, but sometimes having difficulty dealng with the reckless Shinn.
Lord Djibril (ロード・ジブリール)
Successor of Multa Azrail as the leader of Blue Cosmos, a political organisation established for the purpose of eliminating the Coordinators. He aims to bring the organisation back to life with his hands and build an ideal world where Coordinators are annihilated.
DESTINY ASTRAY
Takes place after ASTRAY R. The Li Homu (リ・ホーム)corps that uses Genesis-alpha left for Mars, and Jess (ジェス) remained on Earth with only Hachi.
MWF-JG71 Raysta (レイスタ)(Main Works Figure Junk-Guild C.E.71)
A.k.a. "Civilian Astray," civilian MS built by the Junk-Guild from the Astray data leaked from the previous war. It is in fact not brand new but diverted from junk, and 40% of the parts are shared with M1 Astray. Military purposes is forbidden, and it is sold or rented out by the guild. Normal unit looks similar to Dagger but there are a lot of people remodelling it to look like Gundam's face, and there are manufacturers that specialise in this. Different kinds of option parts can be equipped on the back and the feet can transform into giant cranes. However, because any combat purpose is forbidden there is absolutely no weapon.
*I'm not familiar with Astray so I won't attempt to translate the rest at this moment*
ZGMF-1017AS GINN Assult (ジンアサルト)
この機体をもとに、ザフト軍は奪取したデュエル用のアサルトシュラウドを製作した。
武装、装甲、推力が強化されている。アサルトシュラウドは、すべてのMS用に製作可能だが、
ザフト軍の設計思想が、追加装備を持たせる発展から、新型機の投入へとシフトした為、生産数は多くない。
マディガン専用機と製色彩容器は別カラーで存在する。出撃中でもASをはずすことが可能であり
ASや追加バーニアを全て外せば、ノーマルのジンになる。
アストレイ アウトフレーム
ジャンク屋のロウが、ザフトのジェネシスαの中で発見したMS。
発見時には、装甲がついておらずフレームが剥き出しの状態だった。
そこでロウは『アウトフレーム』と命名。つまり、正式なアストレイではない。
それどころか、どういった経緯で開発された機体なのかも分からないのだ。
ザフトの機体である可能性が高いが、ザフトが鹵獲した他軍の機体という可能性もある。
現在の姿にしたのは、ロウであり、作業用MSとして完成させている。背中の上部に
アーマーシュナイダ―を装備する以外武装を持たない。腰パーツの中にはウインチとワイヤーが内蔵されている。
青白黄のトリコロール。
ドレッドノートイータ
プレアの乗っていたXアストレイ（ドレッドノート）をカナード専用に装備変更した機体。
カナードが操作できないドラグーン系の装備が全て外され別装備へと変わっている。
製作者はロウ・ギュール。「イータ」とはギリシア文字の「H」に装備形状が似ていることから命名された。
砲撃モードや、白兵戦モードなど、戦局に応じて変形する。傘発生装置は腰にある。本体部分に変更は無い。
ジェス・リブル
ナチュラル。20歳。フォト・ジャーナリスト。この世界でも珍しいMSに乗ったカメラマン。
性格は熱血。あまり考えずに現場に飛び込んでしまう。「自分の見た真実をみんなに伝えたい」という使命感を持っている。
ウワサや、他の報道が間違っている場合、特に強く反発する。自分では絶対に嘘をつかない。
MSは、レイスタ（ジャンク屋製民間用MS）を使用。ガンカメラで決定的瞬間を狙う。
カイト・マディガン
コーディネイター。22歳。プロのMSパイロット。ただし、組織には属していない。立場としては傭兵に近いが、
傭兵が戦闘のプロであるのに対し、彼はMSを使った任務ならなんでもこなす。
彼は、任務にあわせMSを乗り換える。どんな機体を使用するときでも、自分専用の銃を装備させている。
普段は、常にスーツで決めており、よほどのことが無い限りMSに乗るときもスーツのままだ。女に目が無い性格。
マティアス
ナチュラル。年齢不明。本名不明。通称マティアス。人によっては彼をサー・マティアスと呼ぶ。
素姓が全くわからないナゾの人物だが、大きな屋敷を所有しており、かなりの財産を持つと思われる。
ジェスのことを高く評価しており、仕事の斡旋をしてくれる。なぜか女性言葉でしゃべる。
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
Lost Universe 完食。
Frankly, I picked up the series only because it's supposed to be somewhat parallel to Slayers, and that the cast is not bad. While some of the concepts in the show are pretty interesting, the story doesn't hold up and the ending is rather disappointing. It's still entertaining, but not one of those must-see series. I guess I'll give it a C+~B- overall...
Frankly, I picked up the series only because it's supposed to be somewhat parallel to Slayers, and that the cast is not bad. While some of the concepts in the show are pretty interesting, the story doesn't hold up and the ending is rather disappointing. It's still entertaining, but not one of those must-see series. I guess I'll give it a C+~B- overall...
Dropped by a walk-in clinic in the afternoon and was told that my head was perfectly fine. Perfectly fine? So it was normal for me to not remember what happened and how much time elapsed, and fine for me to not be able to turn my head with the swell and cut? Well, I didn't have much hope to begin with anyway...
Monday, September 20, 2004
Sunday, September 19, 2004
Gundam SEED ep.27-33
After Orb shelters AA, Kira is asked to assist in writing the OS of M1 Astray for Naturals and busies himself with work to escape thinking. The students are given the chance to meet with their parents, but Kira never went. On one hand, he might be feeling sorry for Flay, but equally important, he is trying to restrain himself from asking the question. "Why did you turn me into a Coordinator?" Like Flaga says, all parents want happiness for their children. Kira might not be able to understand it now amidst all the war and conflicts, but when this is all over, wouldn't he be glad that he has the power to do something?
Seeing the others reunite with their parents plunges Flay into a deeper stage of dejection, but it only reaches bottom when she finds out that Kira also declines the meeting. Despite losing everything she holds dear in an instant, her ojou character demands her to keep her chin high and refuses to let herself be pitied. Especially if that pity comes from Kira. She is the one taking advantage of Kira's weaknesses and using him to her purpose. He is the one giving all he has out there so he can protect her, kill the enemies, and die. Who is he to be considerate of her?
It's absolutely heart wrenching to watch the scene. Flay clenches onto Kira's shirt and hits his chest looking much in pain, while Kira holds her and tells her in an equally painful expression that they were both wrong. By now, Kira has grown up enough to stop relying on Flay, and his eyes have been opened to see what Flay is trying to do. Flay isn't just seeking revenge because she's lost everything. She is trying to destroy everything, including herself, so she can no longer feel the loneliness and desolation. He's realised, but he keeps being there for her and supports her quietly, hoping that one day he could turn that broken and frozen heart of hers back. That gentle embrace and look tell her everything. Kira is not hers to manipulate any more. What's more, he is turning the table and choosing to do this for her, if she would accept it. Hit with the sudden realisation, Flay yells and storms out the room away from Kira in a mixed state of shock, defiance, fury, bashfulness, and a sting of ruefulness. By the time the rush of emotion calms down and she's had the chance to clear her mind and sort things through, however, it's too late. She turns down Kira when she had the chance of healing together with him. Later her attempt to talk things over with Kira before the fateful sortie would be her last time seeing him...
The secret of the twins is revealed (though all evidence already pointed to this outcome...) but still concealed to the two themselves.
The Zala squad sneak into Orb to search for AA, in vain. Drawn by the sound of Torii, Athrun watches with wide eyes as the mechanical bird lands on his hand in a familiar manner. And there, coming out from the factory in a mechanics' suit calling for the bird, is Kira. Under the watchful eyes of the others, the two can only convey their feelings with casual talk and subtle implication. They are glad to see each other again and grateful for the confirmation of their friendship. But they are on different sides of the fence now, and they are destined to face each other on the battlefield as soon as they leave this place. With a dreadful determination, Athrun walks away from Kira and Cagalli and returns to his teammates. Cagalli recognises him from afar, but there is nothing she can say or do, for this is their fight.
The fateful battle which takes place right afterward marks the end of the climb and starts the rapid descend down the roller-coaster ride. With a strike of the sword, the 15-year-old piano-loving Nicol dies in the hands of Kira. With a throw of the sabre, the 16-year-old friend-loyal Tolle dies in the hands of Athrun. The death of their friends adds to the already desperate situation between the two and kills their last rational thoughts. Both throw away all that they shared and, their minds now plagued by regrets and despair and clouded by rage and agony, fight the ugliest battle of their memory as the best of friends since little exchange blows and slashes. And finally, Athrun punches in the code to self-destruct Aegis at point zero. The battlefield is engulfed in a blanket of light, accompanied by earth-shaking explosions.
Aegis is no more, and Strike suffers damage as well as a melted but empty cockpit. There is no sight of Kira, but Athrun survives the self-destruction physically and is rescued by Orb. In a room on the rescue boat, Cagalli and Athrun confronts each other in an emotional outburst, both shedding tears and trembling for what they lost. Cagalli, a kind and gentle friend; Athrun, a close childhood friend that he has no choice but to kill.「あいつは…俺が殺した…」Athrun cries with resignation,「敵なんだ、今のアイツは、もう！なら倒すしかないじゃないか！」Cagalli fists the front of his shirt and cries with agitation,「殺されたから殺して、殺したから殺されて、それでホントに最後は平和になるのかよ！」Having enough with people dying, Cagalli gives the stone charm to Athrun when Yzak comes to bring him back.
Even though he still bad-mouths him, with Nicol killed and Dearka MIA, having Athrun back alive no doubt puts Yzak's mind to rest a little bit. He is probably happiest than anyone else to see his last teammate. With the order of Athrun returning to PLANT as the pilot of the latest MS, the squad is essentially disbanded. Being rivals, Yzak surely notices the recent change in Athrun after his battle with Strike. With the parting threat from Yzak of having him as a subordinate next time, Athrun smiles a little and leaves the sorrowful Earth.
Unbeknownst to all the people mourning on Earth, Kira opens his eyes in the glass garden with Lacus by his side. He is still overwhelmed by the shock of his death battle with Athrun, among many other things. Lacus watches over him quietly and smiles kindly to support him. This is an important period for Kira as he thinks over all that have happened and come up with a resolution for all that is to come; to end the mental tortures and to end the meaningless war.
Onboard ArchAngel, the battleship is in an uproar as a result from the recent battle against the Zala squad. Tolle dies on the battlefield and possibly Kira as well, and the surrender of Dearka with Buster. Without Kira there, Flay is at a lost and seeks comfort from Sai. She tries to reconcile with Sai and denies her feelings for Kira, but Sai yells and renounces her denial. Perhaps all this time when she thinks she's using Kira as a tool of revenge, she has unknowingly and slowly fallen for him. With her mind set, she doesn't consider that as a possibility, but from the eyes of the others, it is as clear as daylight.
As a POW, Dearka remains his careless self which evokes the crew greatly. Having lost Tolle and constantly mocked, Milliaria loses her temper and allows herself be driven by hatred to seek revenge against Dearka. Sai finds out in time and withholds Milliaria from trying to stab the ZAFT prisoner. Flay witnesses everything with cold eyes and steps in, grabbing the gun without hesitation and points it at the Coordinator, ready to get rid of another of her sworn enemy race and do the dirty work herself. In her mind, if even Kira is dead, then all Coordinators should just die. By now Milliaria awakes from what she's doing and jumps in to stop Flay, because nothing would change from her pulling the trigger and killing Dearka. Seeing the girls' violent outbursts and struggles, Dearka finally realises the seriousness of the situation. Flay is blaming the Coordinators for everything especially now that Kira is gone, and Milliaria is bitter and sad from losing Tolle. They are all suffering from the war. They are just ordinary girls looking for happiness, but they have been turned victims with a blink of an eye.
These sure are some of the most emotion-filled and moving episodes of the series, and each one of these heart-wrenching scenes plays a crucial role of shaping the characters and preparing them for the final showdown. The real actions are about to start, and the war is going to turn even more twisting.
After Orb shelters AA, Kira is asked to assist in writing the OS of M1 Astray for Naturals and busies himself with work to escape thinking. The students are given the chance to meet with their parents, but Kira never went. On one hand, he might be feeling sorry for Flay, but equally important, he is trying to restrain himself from asking the question. "Why did you turn me into a Coordinator?" Like Flaga says, all parents want happiness for their children. Kira might not be able to understand it now amidst all the war and conflicts, but when this is all over, wouldn't he be glad that he has the power to do something?
Seeing the others reunite with their parents plunges Flay into a deeper stage of dejection, but it only reaches bottom when she finds out that Kira also declines the meeting. Despite losing everything she holds dear in an instant, her ojou character demands her to keep her chin high and refuses to let herself be pitied. Especially if that pity comes from Kira. She is the one taking advantage of Kira's weaknesses and using him to her purpose. He is the one giving all he has out there so he can protect her, kill the enemies, and die. Who is he to be considerate of her?
It's absolutely heart wrenching to watch the scene. Flay clenches onto Kira's shirt and hits his chest looking much in pain, while Kira holds her and tells her in an equally painful expression that they were both wrong. By now, Kira has grown up enough to stop relying on Flay, and his eyes have been opened to see what Flay is trying to do. Flay isn't just seeking revenge because she's lost everything. She is trying to destroy everything, including herself, so she can no longer feel the loneliness and desolation. He's realised, but he keeps being there for her and supports her quietly, hoping that one day he could turn that broken and frozen heart of hers back. That gentle embrace and look tell her everything. Kira is not hers to manipulate any more. What's more, he is turning the table and choosing to do this for her, if she would accept it. Hit with the sudden realisation, Flay yells and storms out the room away from Kira in a mixed state of shock, defiance, fury, bashfulness, and a sting of ruefulness. By the time the rush of emotion calms down and she's had the chance to clear her mind and sort things through, however, it's too late. She turns down Kira when she had the chance of healing together with him. Later her attempt to talk things over with Kira before the fateful sortie would be her last time seeing him...
The secret of the twins is revealed (though all evidence already pointed to this outcome...) but still concealed to the two themselves.
The Zala squad sneak into Orb to search for AA, in vain. Drawn by the sound of Torii, Athrun watches with wide eyes as the mechanical bird lands on his hand in a familiar manner. And there, coming out from the factory in a mechanics' suit calling for the bird, is Kira. Under the watchful eyes of the others, the two can only convey their feelings with casual talk and subtle implication. They are glad to see each other again and grateful for the confirmation of their friendship. But they are on different sides of the fence now, and they are destined to face each other on the battlefield as soon as they leave this place. With a dreadful determination, Athrun walks away from Kira and Cagalli and returns to his teammates. Cagalli recognises him from afar, but there is nothing she can say or do, for this is their fight.
The fateful battle which takes place right afterward marks the end of the climb and starts the rapid descend down the roller-coaster ride. With a strike of the sword, the 15-year-old piano-loving Nicol dies in the hands of Kira. With a throw of the sabre, the 16-year-old friend-loyal Tolle dies in the hands of Athrun. The death of their friends adds to the already desperate situation between the two and kills their last rational thoughts. Both throw away all that they shared and, their minds now plagued by regrets and despair and clouded by rage and agony, fight the ugliest battle of their memory as the best of friends since little exchange blows and slashes. And finally, Athrun punches in the code to self-destruct Aegis at point zero. The battlefield is engulfed in a blanket of light, accompanied by earth-shaking explosions.
Aegis is no more, and Strike suffers damage as well as a melted but empty cockpit. There is no sight of Kira, but Athrun survives the self-destruction physically and is rescued by Orb. In a room on the rescue boat, Cagalli and Athrun confronts each other in an emotional outburst, both shedding tears and trembling for what they lost. Cagalli, a kind and gentle friend; Athrun, a close childhood friend that he has no choice but to kill.「あいつは…俺が殺した…」Athrun cries with resignation,「敵なんだ、今のアイツは、もう！なら倒すしかないじゃないか！」Cagalli fists the front of his shirt and cries with agitation,「殺されたから殺して、殺したから殺されて、それでホントに最後は平和になるのかよ！」Having enough with people dying, Cagalli gives the stone charm to Athrun when Yzak comes to bring him back.
Even though he still bad-mouths him, with Nicol killed and Dearka MIA, having Athrun back alive no doubt puts Yzak's mind to rest a little bit. He is probably happiest than anyone else to see his last teammate. With the order of Athrun returning to PLANT as the pilot of the latest MS, the squad is essentially disbanded. Being rivals, Yzak surely notices the recent change in Athrun after his battle with Strike. With the parting threat from Yzak of having him as a subordinate next time, Athrun smiles a little and leaves the sorrowful Earth.
Unbeknownst to all the people mourning on Earth, Kira opens his eyes in the glass garden with Lacus by his side. He is still overwhelmed by the shock of his death battle with Athrun, among many other things. Lacus watches over him quietly and smiles kindly to support him. This is an important period for Kira as he thinks over all that have happened and come up with a resolution for all that is to come; to end the mental tortures and to end the meaningless war.
Onboard ArchAngel, the battleship is in an uproar as a result from the recent battle against the Zala squad. Tolle dies on the battlefield and possibly Kira as well, and the surrender of Dearka with Buster. Without Kira there, Flay is at a lost and seeks comfort from Sai. She tries to reconcile with Sai and denies her feelings for Kira, but Sai yells and renounces her denial. Perhaps all this time when she thinks she's using Kira as a tool of revenge, she has unknowingly and slowly fallen for him. With her mind set, she doesn't consider that as a possibility, but from the eyes of the others, it is as clear as daylight.
As a POW, Dearka remains his careless self which evokes the crew greatly. Having lost Tolle and constantly mocked, Milliaria loses her temper and allows herself be driven by hatred to seek revenge against Dearka. Sai finds out in time and withholds Milliaria from trying to stab the ZAFT prisoner. Flay witnesses everything with cold eyes and steps in, grabbing the gun without hesitation and points it at the Coordinator, ready to get rid of another of her sworn enemy race and do the dirty work herself. In her mind, if even Kira is dead, then all Coordinators should just die. By now Milliaria awakes from what she's doing and jumps in to stop Flay, because nothing would change from her pulling the trigger and killing Dearka. Seeing the girls' violent outbursts and struggles, Dearka finally realises the seriousness of the situation. Flay is blaming the Coordinators for everything especially now that Kira is gone, and Milliaria is bitter and sad from losing Tolle. They are all suffering from the war. They are just ordinary girls looking for happiness, but they have been turned victims with a blink of an eye.
These sure are some of the most emotion-filled and moving episodes of the series, and each one of these heart-wrenching scenes plays a crucial role of shaping the characters and preparing them for the final showdown. The real actions are about to start, and the war is going to turn even more twisting.
Saturday, September 18, 2004
Friday, September 17, 2004
Since I'm picking up a friend for the cell group at a&b sound, thought I'd drop by and see if there's anything worth getting...
The Gundam Trilogy Movies? I was tempted, but the fact that I've never even seen the Original Series and the high price tags was enough to keep my hands in my pocket.
...that's it? You guys sure don't really have anything in terms of anime, do you? What does one have to do to get one's anime ration? Surrey is a good place to live in, but it sure can't compete with some other cities in this aspect. *sigh*
The Gundam Trilogy Movies? I was tempted, but the fact that I've never even seen the Original Series and the high price tags was enough to keep my hands in my pocket.
...that's it? You guys sure don't really have anything in terms of anime, do you? What does one have to do to get one's anime ration? Surrey is a good place to live in, but it sure can't compete with some other cities in this aspect. *sigh*
Thursday, September 16, 2004
Gundam SEED ep.25-26
Under the hot pursuit of Athrun's squad, AA enters the peaceful neutral country, Orb. Cagalli's true identity is revealed to be the daughter of the Orb Prime Minister Uzumi Athha, and sudden realisation hits Athrun as he listens to her claim amidst the chaos.
モーメント is the mid-point summary episode with Nishikawa as narration, wrapping up all the story so far as well as the feelings and emotions between the five youth: Kira, Athrun, Flay, Lacus, and Cagalli. Almost no new stuff here, but the insert song "meteor" is definitely one of the best songs of SEED!
The slow climb is nearly over and the stage is about set for the roller coaster ride to begin.
Under the hot pursuit of Athrun's squad, AA enters the peaceful neutral country, Orb. Cagalli's true identity is revealed to be the daughter of the Orb Prime Minister Uzumi Athha, and sudden realisation hits Athrun as he listens to her claim amidst the chaos.
モーメント is the mid-point summary episode with Nishikawa as narration, wrapping up all the story so far as well as the feelings and emotions between the five youth: Kira, Athrun, Flay, Lacus, and Cagalli. Almost no new stuff here, but the insert song "meteor" is definitely one of the best songs of SEED!
The slow climb is nearly over and the stage is about set for the roller coaster ride to begin.
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
*taken from my post in the Gundam SEED DESTINY thread at AX.Com*
Saw some scans from the monthly Bon Bon. Shin's little sister is named Mayu in the manga, and the preview page ended with Lunamaria calling Athrun by his full name and Athrun denying the name, "I am..." Is there just no way of getting his alias before we hear it when the show airs?
The scan also shows Neo's MA, but it's kinda small so it's hard for me to make out its structure.
Personally I like the art of the DESTINY manga (by Takayama Mizuho) a lot better than the SEED manga (by Iwase Masatsugu).
Saw some scans from the monthly Bon Bon. Shin's little sister is named Mayu in the manga, and the preview page ended with Lunamaria calling Athrun by his full name and Athrun denying the name, "I am..." Is there just no way of getting his alias before we hear it when the show airs?
The scan also shows Neo's MA, but it's kinda small so it's hard for me to make out its structure.
Personally I like the art of the DESTINY manga (by Takayama Mizuho) a lot better than the SEED manga (by Iwase Masatsugu).
Tuesday, September 14, 2004
Got a call from another store tonight requesting a transfer of 20 TI-83+ graphing calculators. After some counting and making sure that we have enough left after the transfer, I said yes. A minute later, our manager saw me moving the boxes and inquired. Apparently, we've been selling 50-60 of these per day so we only have enough to last one more day. So I immediately phoned back and cancelled the transfer.
Good thing it was found out and stopped in time. Yokkata~
Good thing it was found out and stopped in time. Yokkata~
Monday, September 13, 2004
The Lord of the Ring: The Return of the King.
I don't remember much of the movie, but I do recall it being very beautiful and has battles of great scale (which is always good, as I'm accustomed to these from watching anime and such). Never gotten the chance to finish the novel --I'm still at the first book-- so I can't really compare the two, but I know that I wouldn't be able to imagine the grand settings myself just from reading the text. On the other hand, I am glad that I'm not fan to any of the actors so I can still see the characters as I originally saw them when they were first introduced to me in the novel, no more and no less.
The Lord of the Ring has always been dubbed one of the central masterpieces of Western fantasy. I will have to squeeze some time to read the whole book to get a real feel of it. Nothing against the movie. I just prefer the original version, as I have yet to see any alternative media representation outperforming their original novels.
I don't remember much of the movie, but I do recall it being very beautiful and has battles of great scale (which is always good, as I'm accustomed to these from watching anime and such). Never gotten the chance to finish the novel --I'm still at the first book-- so I can't really compare the two, but I know that I wouldn't be able to imagine the grand settings myself just from reading the text. On the other hand, I am glad that I'm not fan to any of the actors so I can still see the characters as I originally saw them when they were first introduced to me in the novel, no more and no less.
The Lord of the Ring has always been dubbed one of the central masterpieces of Western fantasy. I will have to squeeze some time to read the whole book to get a real feel of it. Nothing against the movie. I just prefer the original version, as I have yet to see any alternative media representation outperforming their original novels.
Sunday, September 12, 2004
Gundam SEED ep.18-24
The infamous Desert Arc. I have to argue though, that it also sets the foundation of development for many characters, especially Kira.
After a series of hellish events, Kira's mental state is tense as usual. He's been depending on Fllay for support, but here is a fresh ray of light, Cagalli. Granted, she doesn't know he's a Coordinator until Andy reveals it, but her attitude towards him remains the same after knowing it. Fllay, too, notices the potential threat Cagalli might pose, and she tries harder to keep Kira under her influence. It's almost official that it's over between Kira and Sai.
The (re)encounter with Cagalli and Andy brings Kira out of his former state somewhat, for better and for worse. On one hand, he's been able to express himself more freely, but on the other, he is thrown into yet another whirl of confusion. While he shouts「気持ちだけで何が守れる！？」, he is met with「この戦いを、どうやって終わらせればいいと思うのか？敵を全て滅ぼして終わらせるのか？」He realises the grimness and the irony of war from the so-called enemy, and he begins to be conscious of his role as a participant in the war, starting with his duel with Andy.
While Kira and Cagalli are at Andy's place, there is chaos onboard ArchAngel. Sai anguishes at his failure of even moving Strike, and tears roll down Fllay's cheek while she turns her back. At this point, she is probably mainly using Kira. There might be the factor of both of them being wounded inside, but she is approaching Kira out of vengeance more than benevolence. She no doubt still holds some feeling toward Sai, and it pains her to see him like this. The moment she bets on Kira returning and wins it, she's set to see her master plan through. She wouldn't allow anyone to interfere, but isn't that also her kindness, to keep others from getting involved and hurt?
On PLANT's side, Athrun gives Lacus a long overdued visit. Sadly, Lacus reveals that she likes Kira. Poor Athrun. He is truly surprised and taken off-guard. Yeah, yeah. I knew from the beginning that Lacus would end up with Kira. The OP is more than obvious. But I shall remain faithful and supportive to the couple. Though, if you really look at it, Athrun is the youngest of the four... Not my usual style to have the male younger than the female. *sigh* Oh well...
When I saw the title in the preview, I knew that the destined encounter refers to Athrun and Cagalli. Yeah, again, we all saw that coming. I don't hate this pairing (just disliking it a little XP), and the island episode is one of my favourites. Up until now, Kira has been the one under the spotlight. Athrun's finally getting some deserved development time. The atmosphere for the episode is very nice, and the scene with the insert song "暁の車" is very moving. I immediately fell in love with the song.
Aisha sounded kinda weird to me the first time I watched this part but didn't pay it any mind. I thought it might be intentional (you know, the native accent for the desert people or something). Then Neko-kun told me that it's Vivian Su, the one that also sings the 2nd OP. No wonder. That was really bad acting. -__-
Natarle has quite a few instances where she shows her shy and cute side: bringing water to Norman, giving treat to a kid and getting surrounded by more, calling Kira "少...少年" It must be hard for her to watch over the young crews like a hen to her chicks, what with a humanitarian captain and all. ご苦労さま。やばり、いいおんなだ。:)
The infamous Desert Arc. I have to argue though, that it also sets the foundation of development for many characters, especially Kira.
After a series of hellish events, Kira's mental state is tense as usual. He's been depending on Fllay for support, but here is a fresh ray of light, Cagalli. Granted, she doesn't know he's a Coordinator until Andy reveals it, but her attitude towards him remains the same after knowing it. Fllay, too, notices the potential threat Cagalli might pose, and she tries harder to keep Kira under her influence. It's almost official that it's over between Kira and Sai.
The (re)encounter with Cagalli and Andy brings Kira out of his former state somewhat, for better and for worse. On one hand, he's been able to express himself more freely, but on the other, he is thrown into yet another whirl of confusion. While he shouts「気持ちだけで何が守れる！？」, he is met with「この戦いを、どうやって終わらせればいいと思うのか？敵を全て滅ぼして終わらせるのか？」He realises the grimness and the irony of war from the so-called enemy, and he begins to be conscious of his role as a participant in the war, starting with his duel with Andy.
While Kira and Cagalli are at Andy's place, there is chaos onboard ArchAngel. Sai anguishes at his failure of even moving Strike, and tears roll down Fllay's cheek while she turns her back. At this point, she is probably mainly using Kira. There might be the factor of both of them being wounded inside, but she is approaching Kira out of vengeance more than benevolence. She no doubt still holds some feeling toward Sai, and it pains her to see him like this. The moment she bets on Kira returning and wins it, she's set to see her master plan through. She wouldn't allow anyone to interfere, but isn't that also her kindness, to keep others from getting involved and hurt?
On PLANT's side, Athrun gives Lacus a long overdued visit. Sadly, Lacus reveals that she likes Kira. Poor Athrun. He is truly surprised and taken off-guard. Yeah, yeah. I knew from the beginning that Lacus would end up with Kira. The OP is more than obvious. But I shall remain faithful and supportive to the couple. Though, if you really look at it, Athrun is the youngest of the four... Not my usual style to have the male younger than the female. *sigh* Oh well...
When I saw the title in the preview, I knew that the destined encounter refers to Athrun and Cagalli. Yeah, again, we all saw that coming. I don't hate this pairing (just disliking it a little XP), and the island episode is one of my favourites. Up until now, Kira has been the one under the spotlight. Athrun's finally getting some deserved development time. The atmosphere for the episode is very nice, and the scene with the insert song "暁の車" is very moving. I immediately fell in love with the song.
Aisha sounded kinda weird to me the first time I watched this part but didn't pay it any mind. I thought it might be intentional (you know, the native accent for the desert people or something). Then Neko-kun told me that it's Vivian Su, the one that also sings the 2nd OP. No wonder. That was really bad acting. -__-
Natarle has quite a few instances where she shows her shy and cute side: bringing water to Norman, giving treat to a kid and getting surrounded by more, calling Kira "少...少年" It must be hard for her to watch over the young crews like a hen to her chicks, what with a humanitarian captain and all. ご苦労さま。やばり、いいおんなだ。:)
Saturday, September 11, 2004
Gundam SEED on YTV! Well, I never go for the English dub but I just wanted to watch more SEED...
The OP was cut down to about 15 seconds, showing just Strike with the Gundam SEED title and the last sequence of Strike shooting out from Archangel. The staff names were squeezed in during those 15 seconds. I wasn't too happy about that. The OP sets the mood and impression of the show, especially if a person was watching the show for the first time.
The ED was completely intact just like you would watch it in Japan. I didn't mind that, but that means no listing of the English VA anywhere. Not that I really cared, but it's weird to be watching the dub version and seeing the names of the original Japanese seiyuu.
I don't remember much of the English voices, one reason being I was still watching J's SEED DVD until 9:20pm (SEED shown at 9:30pm) so I had a hard time adjusting. That, and I never pay attention to the English VA. They all sound too similar to me and simply can't compare to the original cast.
As for other edits, I don't think there was any. None that I noticed anyway. Episode 1 was pretty 'clean' as I remembered.
Witch Hunter Robin also premiered on YTV tonight after Inu Yasha. Both OP and ED are the original ones (Why, oh, why can't you give SEED the same treatment?? -__-**), but otherwise the same boring and slow-paced plot. I did finish the episode but I doubt I'll continue to watch it.
The OP was cut down to about 15 seconds, showing just Strike with the Gundam SEED title and the last sequence of Strike shooting out from Archangel. The staff names were squeezed in during those 15 seconds. I wasn't too happy about that. The OP sets the mood and impression of the show, especially if a person was watching the show for the first time.
The ED was completely intact just like you would watch it in Japan. I didn't mind that, but that means no listing of the English VA anywhere. Not that I really cared, but it's weird to be watching the dub version and seeing the names of the original Japanese seiyuu.
I don't remember much of the English voices, one reason being I was still watching J's SEED DVD until 9:20pm (SEED shown at 9:30pm) so I had a hard time adjusting. That, and I never pay attention to the English VA. They all sound too similar to me and simply can't compare to the original cast.
As for other edits, I don't think there was any. None that I noticed anyway. Episode 1 was pretty 'clean' as I remembered.
Witch Hunter Robin also premiered on YTV tonight after Inu Yasha. Both OP and ED are the original ones (Why, oh, why can't you give SEED the same treatment?? -__-**), but otherwise the same boring and slow-paced plot. I did finish the episode but I doubt I'll continue to watch it.
Friday, September 10, 2004
*taken from my post in the Gundam SEED DESTINY thread at AX.com*
[some information translated from various magazines]
The title for the first episode will be called "Angry Eyes."
According to the Q&A section in New Type (the 'we' refers to the staff):
- Whether Kira will make an appearance is yet a mystery. Even though Kira, Lacus, and Milliaria are seen in the OP, it doesn't mean they will be in the actual story.
- Yzak has a lot of fans, but who knows what will happen to him and Dearka.
- We are worried about the relationship between Milliaria and Dearka as well. What will happen to them?
- (I can't understand the question about Haro and Shiho Hanenfuss. Something to do with the manga version?)
-Lunamaria is a spirited and tidy person. The relationship between Lunamaria and Shin seems like that siblings or in-law siblings. She would fix the button on his uniform if it's not done properly and scold him, and he would in return tell her to stop because he isn't a kid.
- Shin isn't a bad person. Even though he has a dark past, he doesn't succumb to it like Kira. He is a normal youth. The only thing is that he carries his little sister's cell phone around wherever he goes.
- The uniform skirt Lunamaria wears is not standard. She modified it herself.
- Rey is a leader type, and people pay attention to him naturally when he, Shin, and Lunamaria stand together. He is cool and a man of few words. He is Shin's roommate, but these two probably don't talk much. He's the type that would clean and tidy up his room.
- Meyrin is the type of person who is easily misunderstood by guys (whatever that means...)
- Neo (the masked guy) is the captain of the Earth Alliance Special Task Force and the commander of Stellar and the others. He is thoughtful for his subordinates and has an unexpectedly sparkling personality. He is trusted by his subordinates.
- We don't know why he is wearing a mask.
- Fukuda is secretly anticipating the real identity of Neo to be someone people know and like (not too sure about this one; don't tell me it's Fraga...)
- The three different colours of Impluse is not the result of different parts. The Silhouette system changes colour in addition to the change of weapon pack. The colour also indicates the level of energy (Blast Impulse eats more energy and has a shorter moving time, etc.)
- Even though Impulse and Zaku can equip external packs, they are developed independently. The packs are designed to be universal.
- As in SEED, DESTINY, GUNDAM, and ZAKU all stand for something.
- Lord Jibril (voiced by Hori Hideyuki, who played George Glen in SEED) is the new leader of Blue Cosmos. The organisation flourishes under his leadership and strength, and he is scheming to eliminate all Coordinators.
The Junius Treaty was signed in an EA battleship parked at the former location of Junius 7 in the first half of CE 72, ZAFT erected a monument at the site of Junius 7. The treaty stated that it is forbidden to use neutron jammer cancellers and mirage colloid for military purposes, and it limited the number of MS units that can be kept. Even though both sides signed the treaty, the hatred didn't disappear. They started focusing on developing new weapons and arsenals. Due to the cap on MS unit stock, they concentrated on the quality instead of quantity, resulting in the birth of models of high performance. That's the Zaku and the new Gundam series.
Earth
- cities have revived and returned to the level of normal life
- the discord between Naturals and Coordinators are not resolved; Blue Cosmos is still there
- Orb, which was occupied during the war, returned to the state before the war
- the leadership role of Orb was succeeded by Uzumi's daughter Cagalli
Space
- Dullindal is considering taking a harmonic policy route with the Earth Alliance
- Shin is attracted by such humanity from Dullindal
- ZAFT erected a monument at the former site of Junius 7 after the war
Shin
- moved to PLANT after the war and entered the military at the age of 15
- possibly holding a grudge against the leaders of Orb for getting involved in the war
Rules of War
- banning of Neutron Jammer Canceller
- limited number of MS can be kept
- the race to develop single units with high attack power started
- Saviour might be able to carry another MS unit and fly
- Chaos' claws are similar to those on Aegis
[some information translated from various magazines]
The title for the first episode will be called "Angry Eyes."
According to the Q&A section in New Type (the 'we' refers to the staff):
- Whether Kira will make an appearance is yet a mystery. Even though Kira, Lacus, and Milliaria are seen in the OP, it doesn't mean they will be in the actual story.
- Yzak has a lot of fans, but who knows what will happen to him and Dearka.
- We are worried about the relationship between Milliaria and Dearka as well. What will happen to them?
- (I can't understand the question about Haro and Shiho Hanenfuss. Something to do with the manga version?)
-Lunamaria is a spirited and tidy person. The relationship between Lunamaria and Shin seems like that siblings or in-law siblings. She would fix the button on his uniform if it's not done properly and scold him, and he would in return tell her to stop because he isn't a kid.
- Shin isn't a bad person. Even though he has a dark past, he doesn't succumb to it like Kira. He is a normal youth. The only thing is that he carries his little sister's cell phone around wherever he goes.
- The uniform skirt Lunamaria wears is not standard. She modified it herself.
- Rey is a leader type, and people pay attention to him naturally when he, Shin, and Lunamaria stand together. He is cool and a man of few words. He is Shin's roommate, but these two probably don't talk much. He's the type that would clean and tidy up his room.
- Meyrin is the type of person who is easily misunderstood by guys (whatever that means...)
- Neo (the masked guy) is the captain of the Earth Alliance Special Task Force and the commander of Stellar and the others. He is thoughtful for his subordinates and has an unexpectedly sparkling personality. He is trusted by his subordinates.
- We don't know why he is wearing a mask.
- Fukuda is secretly anticipating the real identity of Neo to be someone people know and like (not too sure about this one; don't tell me it's Fraga...)
- The three different colours of Impluse is not the result of different parts. The Silhouette system changes colour in addition to the change of weapon pack. The colour also indicates the level of energy (Blast Impulse eats more energy and has a shorter moving time, etc.)
- Even though Impulse and Zaku can equip external packs, they are developed independently. The packs are designed to be universal.
- As in SEED, DESTINY, GUNDAM, and ZAKU all stand for something.
- Lord Jibril (voiced by Hori Hideyuki, who played George Glen in SEED) is the new leader of Blue Cosmos. The organisation flourishes under his leadership and strength, and he is scheming to eliminate all Coordinators.
The Junius Treaty was signed in an EA battleship parked at the former location of Junius 7 in the first half of CE 72, ZAFT erected a monument at the site of Junius 7. The treaty stated that it is forbidden to use neutron jammer cancellers and mirage colloid for military purposes, and it limited the number of MS units that can be kept. Even though both sides signed the treaty, the hatred didn't disappear. They started focusing on developing new weapons and arsenals. Due to the cap on MS unit stock, they concentrated on the quality instead of quantity, resulting in the birth of models of high performance. That's the Zaku and the new Gundam series.
Earth
- cities have revived and returned to the level of normal life
- the discord between Naturals and Coordinators are not resolved; Blue Cosmos is still there
- Orb, which was occupied during the war, returned to the state before the war
- the leadership role of Orb was succeeded by Uzumi's daughter Cagalli
Space
- Dullindal is considering taking a harmonic policy route with the Earth Alliance
- Shin is attracted by such humanity from Dullindal
- ZAFT erected a monument at the former site of Junius 7 after the war
Shin
- moved to PLANT after the war and entered the military at the age of 15
- possibly holding a grudge against the leaders of Orb for getting involved in the war
Rules of War
- banning of Neutron Jammer Canceller
- limited number of MS can be kept
- the race to develop single units with high attack power started
- Saviour might be able to carry another MS unit and fly
- Chaos' claws are similar to those on Aegis
Thursday, September 09, 2004
Someone came in today to complain about his fried computer. Apparently he tried to install memory himself without using any antistatic measure. Because he bought the memory from us, he wanted us to repair his computer at no cost.
Now, now. First of all, you were the one that wrecked the computer. Second of all, that's why we told you we have a technician who can install it for you. You declined the offer. You proceeded at your own risk.
Of course, he didn't get what he wanted. He did threaten not to buy from us again, but with this kind of mind-set and attitude? Fine. You can try that somewhere else, and you still won't get it.
Now, now. First of all, you were the one that wrecked the computer. Second of all, that's why we told you we have a technician who can install it for you. You declined the offer. You proceeded at your own risk.
Of course, he didn't get what he wanted. He did threaten not to buy from us again, but with this kind of mind-set and attitude? Fine. You can try that somewhere else, and you still won't get it.
Wednesday, September 08, 2004
Finally saw First Attack.
The scene where Shin's family was escaping was shown, but it was truncated so it's hard to say who fired the fatal shot. It's also uncertain whether Shin saw exactly who did it. On a side note, I wouldn't be surprised if it was Kira. He is already the tragic main guy in SEED anyway...
The full version (I think) of ignited is played, and transformation sequences for Chaos, Abyss, and Saviour are added to the previously shown Gaia sequence. Athrun is shown with Saviour, which officially confirms the rumour. Lunamaria is in a red Gunner Zaku Warrior, and Rey is in a white Blaze Zaku Phantom. A few scenes, presumably from the 1st episode, are shown, including the meeting between Cagalli and Dullindal. Athrun is sporting a shade while acting as Cagalli's bodyguard. Ridiculous looking disguise, I must say. Athrun and Cagalli are in a cockpit a few shots later and looking shocked, probably from seeing the new units.
The scene where Shin's family was escaping was shown, but it was truncated so it's hard to say who fired the fatal shot. It's also uncertain whether Shin saw exactly who did it. On a side note, I wouldn't be surprised if it was Kira. He is already the tragic main guy in SEED anyway...
The full version (I think) of ignited is played, and transformation sequences for Chaos, Abyss, and Saviour are added to the previously shown Gaia sequence. Athrun is shown with Saviour, which officially confirms the rumour. Lunamaria is in a red Gunner Zaku Warrior, and Rey is in a white Blaze Zaku Phantom. A few scenes, presumably from the 1st episode, are shown, including the meeting between Cagalli and Dullindal. Athrun is sporting a shade while acting as Cagalli's bodyguard. Ridiculous looking disguise, I must say. Athrun and Cagalli are in a cockpit a few shots later and looking shocked, probably from seeing the new units.
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
NJStar me. It now puts a impassable end to the trial period of its products, regardless of version as long as it's installed after they engaged the detection system.
So New Type's stuck with no Chinese input, which is a no-no 'cause Mum needs it for replying emails. After much searching and failing to find a free and easy to use input program, I threw in the white towel and went to the Microsoft website.
So New Type's stuck with the MS IME, which is fine as long as Mum can type Chinese. The biggest pet peeve about the MS IME is that it's turned on all the time and one needs to manually change the mode to English in order to type English. I sure am glad that both Coordinator and Little Black still have usable NJStar. -__-
So New Type's stuck with no Chinese input, which is a no-no 'cause Mum needs it for replying emails. After much searching and failing to find a free and easy to use input program, I threw in the white towel and went to the Microsoft website.
So New Type's stuck with the MS IME, which is fine as long as Mum can type Chinese. The biggest pet peeve about the MS IME is that it's turned on all the time and one needs to manually change the mode to English in order to type English. I sure am glad that both Coordinator and Little Black still have usable NJStar. -__-
Monday, September 06, 2004
Sunday, September 05, 2004
Saturday, September 04, 2004
ちょびっツ完食
I watched the first 6 episodes or so a long time ago. At that time, the only impression I had was that it looked pretty and must had a twisted tone because it's CLAMP.
Thanks to someone posting the series, I was able to finish it. Have my impression of it changed? Not really. On one hand, some of the main cast were good (桑島法子, 関智一, 田中理恵, and I've learned to recognise 杉田智和) and the art was beautiful as its original manga. On the other hand, I felt that I gained nothing from it. I guess romantic relationship between a human and a robot just isn't the thing for me, and I found the plot to be rather shallow.
I guess overall... B- at best and possible C+.
I watched the first 6 episodes or so a long time ago. At that time, the only impression I had was that it looked pretty and must had a twisted tone because it's CLAMP.
Thanks to someone posting the series, I was able to finish it. Have my impression of it changed? Not really. On one hand, some of the main cast were good (桑島法子, 関智一, 田中理恵, and I've learned to recognise 杉田智和) and the art was beautiful as its original manga. On the other hand, I felt that I gained nothing from it. I guess romantic relationship between a human and a robot just isn't the thing for me, and I found the plot to be rather shallow.
I guess overall... B- at best and possible C+.
Friday, September 03, 2004
I was just chatting with out tech on how trusty my Little Black was yesterday, and guess what happened today? Little Black gave up the ghost.
It's like this. I turned off Little Black the night before leaving for the 4-day summer camp. Since Coordinator is here, it didn't get turned on until earlier today.
It couldn't find the hard drive.
That instantly threw me into a fit of panic. My stuff! My writings! My webpages! My pictures! My pouring of heart and energy over the years!
I broke off more parts (one of the supporting stands on the bottom, 2 white little things inside somewhere) and cut my hand while trying to get the hard drive out, hoping it would be possible to extract the data using another computer in case the hard drive wasn't completely dead. After much frustration and struggles, I managed to pull it out. My blood ran cold the moment I saw it. It's not gonna be compatible to anything. I tried taking it out and putting it back a few times, but all failed.
Such was the burden I carried with me when I went to the cell group in the evening. When Soph said to pray for what we want during praise and worship, Little Black was the first thing that came to my mind. So I prayed for it.
Sugoi! could not describe the surprise and shock I felt when I went home, ran straight to Little Black, and saw the familiar howling wolf on the DOS background. Uso!! was more like it. :D
Thank You so much, God!!! You listened to my prayer and resurrected Little Black!!
~>___<~
Thank You. *^__^*
It's like this. I turned off Little Black the night before leaving for the 4-day summer camp. Since Coordinator is here, it didn't get turned on until earlier today.
It couldn't find the hard drive.
That instantly threw me into a fit of panic. My stuff! My writings! My webpages! My pictures! My pouring of heart and energy over the years!
I broke off more parts (one of the supporting stands on the bottom, 2 white little things inside somewhere) and cut my hand while trying to get the hard drive out, hoping it would be possible to extract the data using another computer in case the hard drive wasn't completely dead. After much frustration and struggles, I managed to pull it out. My blood ran cold the moment I saw it. It's not gonna be compatible to anything. I tried taking it out and putting it back a few times, but all failed.
Such was the burden I carried with me when I went to the cell group in the evening. When Soph said to pray for what we want during praise and worship, Little Black was the first thing that came to my mind. So I prayed for it.
Sugoi! could not describe the surprise and shock I felt when I went home, ran straight to Little Black, and saw the familiar howling wolf on the DOS background. Uso!! was more like it. :D
Thank You so much, God!!! You listened to my prayer and resurrected Little Black!!
~>___<~
Thank You. *^__^*
Thursday, September 02, 2004
Today I had the honour of doing the first Telus activation in our store. Which also meant that I had no one to rely on except for the 'orange book.' Cell phones were never my forte as I don't even use one and therefore don't pay attention to them.
Anyhow, we managed to go through most of the processes as outlined without much problem. Of course, it took me 5 minutes to get a print-out of the info sheet. Otherwise, everything went relatively smoothly.
It took me at least a good half hour. An interesting but time consuming experience, I say.
Anyhow, we managed to go through most of the processes as outlined without much problem. Of course, it took me 5 minutes to get a print-out of the info sheet. Otherwise, everything went relatively smoothly.
It took me at least a good half hour. An interesting but time consuming experience, I say.
Wednesday, September 01, 2004
Hn. So this is what Wacom is like. Took me a while to set up the tablet and install the software. Hopefully I will learn to use this (provided that I have the time) and end the long period of art drought.
Returned to KK Mud once more after nearly a year of absence. All my characters are still there; the LV.1 ones were all deleted in the char cleanup a long time ago. Now I know how to properly enjoy KK: CMODE. JMODE works, too, but there're lines all over the place, and I can't see the Chinese text I type before sending. Everything looks so nice and clean under CMODE. Though because changing modes require restarting the system, considering my usage habits, it'd probably be some time before I login again...
Returned to KK Mud once more after nearly a year of absence. All my characters are still there; the LV.1 ones were all deleted in the char cleanup a long time ago. Now I know how to properly enjoy KK: CMODE. JMODE works, too, but there're lines all over the place, and I can't see the Chinese text I type before sending. Everything looks so nice and clean under CMODE. Though because changing modes require restarting the system, considering my usage habits, it'd probably be some time before I login again...
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