Well, there they go again. And this time, they might have done it a bit better.
LaMB Redux is a 'redo' of the disastrously horrid LaMB animated feature Animax had funded a while back. Now, I'm sure if you're reading this article from my blog, the scathing review I gave is just a few posts back; check it out if you want to get an idea of how bad it was.
On to Redux.
Not much has changed, really. If anything, I suppose the animation was improved slightly, and voice acting was seemingly redone. I can't really concretely say that they have, as I have no access to the original material to compare, and I have mostly forgotten the details of a mostly forgettable production. The new format also makes for difficult comparison.
The format of Redux was made into a 5-minute short, usually highlighting a particular detail of the story, with accompanying infodump at the start.
This is quite surprising, as one of the complaints I made was that nobody really understood the background of the characters and the story itself. In the case that someone had visited the LaMB website and read the LaMB 'manga', they *might* have an idea, yet hardly enough.
Whether the infodump is a good thing or not is somewhat iffy. On the surface, it is a positive addition, as the obscure background information would be brought into the foreground, explaining things people may not have understood the first time around. Conversely, it is a bad thing because it means the source writing was so bad that it could not express the background info in the story context itself, instead relying on an infodump.
Now, of course, the fault doesn't only lie on the writers' shoulders; it might have really been the fault of the original material. The length of the overall movie is also to blame, since it could well have spent an additional 30 minutes (bringing the length to an hour and half) sprawling backstory and character development as they see fit.
Some things to note about the show proper itself.
The animation differences are difficult to pinpoint. My personal note on it is that it appears to be smoother. Rigging is still a problem, as exhibited by Eve when hanging her head. It looks like her head and neck are detached from her shoulders. Somewhat minor, but still highly illogical.
Voice acting just seems a tad improved, or at least clearer. I can't say if it was really improved or that I'm just less critical, but I believe the Directress' (can never remember her name) voice is easily the best of the bunch, not to mention the best rack... :D
The others, not at all prominently improved. In the words of Keiko Suzuki:
"You ruined EVERYTHING!!!!!"
Yes, Ms. Suzuki...and so did you.
Also suspiciously absent was the music (of the featured bands) from the 'Eve dress-up' segment. Two thumbs up.
Now, all I need to see are the fight scenes and the infamous 'conductor-baton-waving-style-of-shooting' part.
I guess I'll be seeing that in the movie.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Happy Birthday!
Today is Owner's birthday! (09/02)
Happy birthday, Owner! I hope you have many more years ahead of you. :)
Happy birthday, Owner! I hope you have many more years ahead of you. :)
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
New (and Improved?) LaMB
I just got word that Animax is going to be showing a remake of LaMB this September.
Appropriately named 'LaMB Redux', one can only assume that they actually found the time to improve or...(gasp!) actually finish the animation of the series.
Whether this does anything to improve LaMB's reputation or not remains to be seen. Personally, I don't have high hopes, but an improvement is always welcome.
Appropriately named 'LaMB Redux', one can only assume that they actually found the time to improve or...(gasp!) actually finish the animation of the series.
Whether this does anything to improve LaMB's reputation or not remains to be seen. Personally, I don't have high hopes, but an improvement is always welcome.
Monday, August 3, 2009
The Greatest and Most Beloved Filipino Woman Who Ever Lived
Former Philippine President
CORAZON C. AQUINO
(January 25, 1933 - August 1, 2009)
We mourn the passing of someone who, neither aspiring for nor even wanting it, became the greatest and most beloved Filipino woman who ever lived.
Photo by Alberto Garcia courtesy of The Manila Times
(via Jose Carillo English Forum)
On a more personal note, I believe that she truly was a great heroine, one of the very few contemporary ones we had. Though I disagree with some of her recent acts and statements, it never degraded her in my perception; she is a hero and will always be one, no matter what happens.
Godspeed, Corazon Aquino. May you finally rest in peace and rejoin your husband in Heaven.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
LaMB - Final Verdict (Full Review)
Just finished watching the 1-hour LaMB 'special' on Animax.
Oh, wow. That was...horrible. A complete and utter waste of story and funding.
First, the technical side. As mentioned in my first impressions post, the CGI animation is great. Well not Hollywood great...the shading needs work, it falls short on some lighting and sometimes, everything just looks like a mess and stuff. But it works...sort of. However, taking into account that the show isn't about the CGI, this is supposed to be icing on the cake.
As for the 2D animation (for the characters, etc), it's bad. REALLY bad. The kind of bad that makes you want to poke your eye out for them being utterly violated. And that's coming from someone who has seen some pretty bad animation.
For one, they skip frames. Plenty of them. The end result? Choppy looking character action scenes (particularly the Eve VS Keiko fight) that detract from what might actually have been a good moment. Oh, and have you ever seen a guy turn a wheel almost 90 degrees instantaneously? Jack must be some sort of driving god if he can make lightning turns like that.
And another thing? Animation rigging. The way the characters were rigged, their motions looked stiff and stilted. Like, like...I don't know...puppets. Puppets in some sort of perverse show enjoyed only by those who made it. They didn't feel natural at all, almost like the animators didn't know how the hell a human being moves. They make awkward jerking actions, unreal hand movements (the typing oh God the typing), stupid combat movements (who the hell shoots a gun like a conductor waving his baton?), and kissing scenes that look like footmen clashing on a battlefield. And the lips...the lips. They don't sync at all. Kinda like an old Hong Kong dubbed movie. They just open their mouths and words come out...oftentimes without the lips moving accordingly.
Remember me? Nnnnnng... (note: the movie is a parody)
Some (I'm not allowed to say who *coughsuckupscough*) might say that the production has pushed Flash to its limits. It hasn't; not by a long shot. There are plenty of great Flash-animated productions out there, whether professional or freelance. And sadly, most of them are a hell of a lot better than what LaMB's animation studios could ever churn out. More enjoyable too.
And what's up with the way the Wolves were rendered? They look like they used a completely different art style than the other characters. Perhaps they were recycled from another project? *hint hint*
Next, we have the story/presentation/plot aspect. Now, I'm always particular with the story of any production, and I normally am very understanding of minor plot mistakes, as I can usually read context amid horrible scriptwriting. So what do I think about the plot of this production?
It's mediocre at best.
The story takes place in the planet Cerra, where terraforming efforts have ended in disaster. A specialist is called in to aid in this effort, Jack Griswold (voiced by Vaness Wu). Little is explained about Jack, save for the fact that his wife is dead and he carries her holocube of sorts at all times. He is met by Keiko Suzuki (voiced by Josie Ho), and they proceed to meet with the nefarious-looking head of the CABC. She's not too shabby (nice set she's got)...except that you KNOW she's slightly deranged, whether you watched the introduction or not. He is given his task (and slightly mocked in the process), and is escorted by Keiko to his quarters.
Oh, and a droid, for some reason, seriously wants to destroy the holocube Jack carries for no adequately explored reason. What the hell?
Series of events lead him to acquire his own LaMB, the eponymous pseudo-prison slave units. He and Keiko have a nice little discourse over what the hell LaMBs are. Both of them aren't very convincing.
Eve, the lead LaMB character, becomes his assistant. And he wants to dress her up nice, with clothes designed by Vivienne Tam. Wait, what?
Anyway, Jack gawks at her...err, dress? Afterwards, a series of events lead up to the inevitable irony. Long story short, Wolves attack, LaMB fights back, LaMB gets shocked, Keiko gets Laminated, Keiko goes on rampage, they fight, Jack 'dies' (he gets better), Keiko dies, Jack visits wife's grave (planet's all better now), Jack and Eve kiss, pan out, roll credits. Who the hell writes this stuff?
So why is it mediocre? Well, it's poorly paced for one. Everything is happening too damn fast. Understandably, it's only 1 hour long...what, that's all they could afford? They had to cram all that material in 1 hour, when they could have like made it more of a standard 1:30 movie.
Moreover, there's little to no foreshadowing of anything. Things just...happen. Unexplained. I suppose if you read the supplementary materials, you'd get the inkling of what's actually going on. Otherwise, you're pretty much in the dark. Like, when was Keiko's revenge set into motion? Had one not read the backstory materials (web manga, etc), one would never have guessed. This is not good practice.
And another thing. This thing has more plotholes than Swiss cheese. What happened to Lamination? Was it abolished? Was only Eve freed? What about the directress of the CABC? She escapes death by Keiko, then what?
Plants that secrete water? (Okay, I'll go with that...suspension of disbelief...barely) It's bordering on insanity, for all the science it's supposedly rooted on.
They're also being very selective of to who and how the LaMB rules apply. They said LaMBs cannot do things on their own (due to nanomachines directly controlling their movement); they must be ordered. Well, I see plenty of uncalled actions there, like the fighting between Eve and Keiko. And when Keiko was slaughtering human mooks, she didn't seem to feel that nice shock all LaMBs are supposed to get when doing all the stuff she was. You might ascribe this to her Lamination perhaps not being complete, but when she stabs a plot-important character, she gets a huge shock. Way to be selective there, kiddies. And these are their own rules. It's like there were no rules at all, and a little bit of willpower can easily override the nanomachines. Great! What rules are in place again?
And a lot more. Believe me, it makes my head spin just thinking about it. I don't know if I should be feel angry or sorry at the original scriptwriter. Animax probably deserves a smack on the head for their adaptation...and depending on what the original script contained, another one for him.
Well, let's just move on to the voice acting. While I'm sure that Vaness Wu and Josie Ho did the best they could, they just couldn't deliver what the scenes required of them. It often became narmy, and made it supremely difficult to connect or empathize with the characters. Oftentimes, their accents slip real bad, and makes them sound real funny, and sometimes makes them unintelligible. Their emotions don't come out properly, or never at the right moment.
In fact, the best voice acting in the show was...the Stewardess from the Jack shuttle scene at the beginning. Kudos to her voice actress, whoever she was.
The music is highly inappropriate. Oftentimes, the music clashes so much with the dialogue, I'm straining to filter out the BGM just to be able to understand what the heck they're saying.
They said they used quite a lot of money on this ($6m according to their info), and I'm assuming that a very huge chunk of that went to paying for all the hype-generating promotional stuff:
- Getting popular voice actors (Vaness Wu and Josie Ho), plus their promotional tours
- Getting two popular bands to perform the OST. Double points if they were asked to compose something.
- Getting Vivienne Tam to design outfits used in the show...what a waste, it got incinerated anyway.
- Development of promotional Flash games.
- Development of promotional Website, full Flash.
- Creating all the music videos for both Simple Plan and Click Five.
- All the advertising
- For the contest prizes
After all this, you finally get to the meat: the actual production. They must've run out of funding rendering all the 3D CGI, because the 2D suffered greatly. That, or they rushed the project. Bad.
Now my head hurts from LaMBasting LaMB (hur).
Oh, dear Animax. What happened to all that hype? Perhaps I wouldn't be so harsh if it weren't so damn hyped to be a milestone in Anime history. It's not. At best, it's just another forgettable anime with bad animation. At worst, it's a waste of time and funding both for Animax and for fans everywhere.
Two words: Epic fail.
Oh, wow. That was...horrible. A complete and utter waste of story and funding.
First, the technical side. As mentioned in my first impressions post, the CGI animation is great. Well not Hollywood great...the shading needs work, it falls short on some lighting and sometimes, everything just looks like a mess and stuff. But it works...sort of. However, taking into account that the show isn't about the CGI, this is supposed to be icing on the cake.
As for the 2D animation (for the characters, etc), it's bad. REALLY bad. The kind of bad that makes you want to poke your eye out for them being utterly violated. And that's coming from someone who has seen some pretty bad animation.
For one, they skip frames. Plenty of them. The end result? Choppy looking character action scenes (particularly the Eve VS Keiko fight) that detract from what might actually have been a good moment. Oh, and have you ever seen a guy turn a wheel almost 90 degrees instantaneously? Jack must be some sort of driving god if he can make lightning turns like that.
And another thing? Animation rigging. The way the characters were rigged, their motions looked stiff and stilted. Like, like...I don't know...puppets. Puppets in some sort of perverse show enjoyed only by those who made it. They didn't feel natural at all, almost like the animators didn't know how the hell a human being moves. They make awkward jerking actions, unreal hand movements (the typing oh God the typing), stupid combat movements (who the hell shoots a gun like a conductor waving his baton?), and kissing scenes that look like footmen clashing on a battlefield. And the lips...the lips. They don't sync at all. Kinda like an old Hong Kong dubbed movie. They just open their mouths and words come out...oftentimes without the lips moving accordingly.
Remember me? Nnnnnng... (note: the movie is a parody)
Some (I'm not allowed to say who *coughsuckupscough*) might say that the production has pushed Flash to its limits. It hasn't; not by a long shot. There are plenty of great Flash-animated productions out there, whether professional or freelance. And sadly, most of them are a hell of a lot better than what LaMB's animation studios could ever churn out. More enjoyable too.
And what's up with the way the Wolves were rendered? They look like they used a completely different art style than the other characters. Perhaps they were recycled from another project? *hint hint*
Next, we have the story/presentation/plot aspect. Now, I'm always particular with the story of any production, and I normally am very understanding of minor plot mistakes, as I can usually read context amid horrible scriptwriting. So what do I think about the plot of this production?
It's mediocre at best.
The story takes place in the planet Cerra, where terraforming efforts have ended in disaster. A specialist is called in to aid in this effort, Jack Griswold (voiced by Vaness Wu). Little is explained about Jack, save for the fact that his wife is dead and he carries her holocube of sorts at all times. He is met by Keiko Suzuki (voiced by Josie Ho), and they proceed to meet with the nefarious-looking head of the CABC. She's not too shabby (nice set she's got)...except that you KNOW she's slightly deranged, whether you watched the introduction or not. He is given his task (and slightly mocked in the process), and is escorted by Keiko to his quarters.
Oh, and a droid, for some reason, seriously wants to destroy the holocube Jack carries for no adequately explored reason. What the hell?
Series of events lead him to acquire his own LaMB, the eponymous pseudo-prison slave units. He and Keiko have a nice little discourse over what the hell LaMBs are. Both of them aren't very convincing.
Eve, the lead LaMB character, becomes his assistant. And he wants to dress her up nice, with clothes designed by Vivienne Tam. Wait, what?
Anyway, Jack gawks at her...err, dress? Afterwards, a series of events lead up to the inevitable irony. Long story short, Wolves attack, LaMB fights back, LaMB gets shocked, Keiko gets Laminated, Keiko goes on rampage, they fight, Jack 'dies' (he gets better), Keiko dies, Jack visits wife's grave (planet's all better now), Jack and Eve kiss, pan out, roll credits. Who the hell writes this stuff?
So why is it mediocre? Well, it's poorly paced for one. Everything is happening too damn fast. Understandably, it's only 1 hour long...what, that's all they could afford? They had to cram all that material in 1 hour, when they could have like made it more of a standard 1:30 movie.
Moreover, there's little to no foreshadowing of anything. Things just...happen. Unexplained. I suppose if you read the supplementary materials, you'd get the inkling of what's actually going on. Otherwise, you're pretty much in the dark. Like, when was Keiko's revenge set into motion? Had one not read the backstory materials (web manga, etc), one would never have guessed. This is not good practice.
And another thing. This thing has more plotholes than Swiss cheese. What happened to Lamination? Was it abolished? Was only Eve freed? What about the directress of the CABC? She escapes death by Keiko, then what?
Plants that secrete water? (Okay, I'll go with that...suspension of disbelief...barely) It's bordering on insanity, for all the science it's supposedly rooted on.
They're also being very selective of to who and how the LaMB rules apply. They said LaMBs cannot do things on their own (due to nanomachines directly controlling their movement); they must be ordered. Well, I see plenty of uncalled actions there, like the fighting between Eve and Keiko. And when Keiko was slaughtering human mooks, she didn't seem to feel that nice shock all LaMBs are supposed to get when doing all the stuff she was. You might ascribe this to her Lamination perhaps not being complete, but when she stabs a plot-important character, she gets a huge shock. Way to be selective there, kiddies. And these are their own rules. It's like there were no rules at all, and a little bit of willpower can easily override the nanomachines. Great! What rules are in place again?
And a lot more. Believe me, it makes my head spin just thinking about it. I don't know if I should be feel angry or sorry at the original scriptwriter. Animax probably deserves a smack on the head for their adaptation...and depending on what the original script contained, another one for him.
Well, let's just move on to the voice acting. While I'm sure that Vaness Wu and Josie Ho did the best they could, they just couldn't deliver what the scenes required of them. It often became narmy, and made it supremely difficult to connect or empathize with the characters. Oftentimes, their accents slip real bad, and makes them sound real funny, and sometimes makes them unintelligible. Their emotions don't come out properly, or never at the right moment.
In fact, the best voice acting in the show was...the Stewardess from the Jack shuttle scene at the beginning. Kudos to her voice actress, whoever she was.
The music is highly inappropriate. Oftentimes, the music clashes so much with the dialogue, I'm straining to filter out the BGM just to be able to understand what the heck they're saying.
They said they used quite a lot of money on this ($6m according to their info), and I'm assuming that a very huge chunk of that went to paying for all the hype-generating promotional stuff:
- Getting popular voice actors (Vaness Wu and Josie Ho), plus their promotional tours
- Getting two popular bands to perform the OST. Double points if they were asked to compose something.
- Getting Vivienne Tam to design outfits used in the show...what a waste, it got incinerated anyway.
- Development of promotional Flash games.
- Development of promotional Website, full Flash.
- Creating all the music videos for both Simple Plan and Click Five.
- All the advertising
- For the contest prizes
After all this, you finally get to the meat: the actual production. They must've run out of funding rendering all the 3D CGI, because the 2D suffered greatly. That, or they rushed the project. Bad.
Now my head hurts from LaMBasting LaMB (hur).
Oh, dear Animax. What happened to all that hype? Perhaps I wouldn't be so harsh if it weren't so damn hyped to be a milestone in Anime history. It's not. At best, it's just another forgettable anime with bad animation. At worst, it's a waste of time and funding both for Animax and for fans everywhere.
Two words: Epic fail.
Credit to Wikipedia for the picture of Master Betty. Lurkmore.com provides the QUALITY image and article.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
LaMB - Premier Impressions
Gosh, how do I start?
Well, simply put, it falls short. Very short.
For all the hype it was given, it feels very lacking in terms of many things.
Firstly, the animation. Oh, God...the animation. It's bad, real bad. Their 3D CGI is pretty much fine, but the normal animation? It's stiff. Stilted. Unnatural. It tries to cover this up with the CGI, but considering this shouldn't be mainly about effects, well, you get the idea.
Since this is their first production, it probably deserves some measure of pardon. However, for something that had so much going for it, it disappoints greatly.
Second, the presentation. It is possibly linked to the above problem, but in this production, it seems really hard to connect or empathize with the characters. Scenes that are probably meant to be truly heartwarming or touching become absolutely narmy.
I just hope the 1 hour special redeems it. Otherwise...
They would've wasted an interesting plot with subpar presentational values.
Well, simply put, it falls short. Very short.
For all the hype it was given, it feels very lacking in terms of many things.
Firstly, the animation. Oh, God...the animation. It's bad, real bad. Their 3D CGI is pretty much fine, but the normal animation? It's stiff. Stilted. Unnatural. It tries to cover this up with the CGI, but considering this shouldn't be mainly about effects, well, you get the idea.
Since this is their first production, it probably deserves some measure of pardon. However, for something that had so much going for it, it disappoints greatly.
Second, the presentation. It is possibly linked to the above problem, but in this production, it seems really hard to connect or empathize with the characters. Scenes that are probably meant to be truly heartwarming or touching become absolutely narmy.
I just hope the 1 hour special redeems it. Otherwise...
They would've wasted an interesting plot with subpar presentational values.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Zeta Gundam: A New Translation III - Love is the Pulse of the Stars PV
Here's something related to Zeta Gundam that I found.
It even has the previously posted song in it. ^_^
It looks interesting...I hope everyone likes it!
It even has the previously posted song in it. ^_^
It looks interesting...I hope everyone likes it!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Chemistry - Saigo no Kawa (Last River)
naze ni sora miageru no darou? dokoka de tachidomaru tabi dare ni mo hanasenai kanashimi wo kokoro ga hanashikakeru aruite kita nagai michi wo koko kara furikaereba boku ga omou yori mo kagayaita hibi da to oshierareta donna toki mo boku no soba de kimi ga tomo ni waratta sugita toki ha nanika ga tarinakute... demo kidzuita no ha "ai koso ga subete" sa "shiawase datta?" nante kikanaide kure itoshiki hito ude ni dakishimete boku ga kikitai yo kimi ga shiawase datta ka? owaranai michi ha kitto nai miokuru hito namida fuite senaka mitodokete... boku ha hitorikiri kono kawa wo ima wataru boku ga inaku natta ato ha tokidoki sora miagete kimi no koto wo zutto taiyou no chikaku de mimamotteru | sugata katachi mienakutemo kitto kimi ha kanjiru me wo tojireba natsukashii nukumori sou kodoku wo tsutsumu boku ha hizashi ni naru dore dake aishiteta ka omoidashite daiji na hito kimi wo nokosu koto sore ga tsurakatta mae he aruite hoshii towa no ai ha kitto aru wasurenaide hitori ja nai hanarebanare demo kimi no sono mune ni boku ha mada ikite iru "shiawase datta?" nante kikanaide kure itoshiki hito ude ni dakishimete boku ga kikitai yo kimi ga shiawase datta ka? owaranai michi ha kitto nai miokuru hito namida fuite senaka mitodokete... boku ha hitorikiri kono kawa wo ima wataru nanimo kui ha nai umarete yokatta kokoro kara arigatou | |
Why do I look up to the sky? Every time I stop somewhere My heart starts talking About a sadness that no one understands When I look back at The long road I've come through It has taught me that, More than I thought, those were sparkling days No matter when it was, You were laughing along Right by my side Something was lacking In the time that passed... But what we noticed was that "Love is already everything" Don't ask me If I was happy My darling, While you hold me in your arms, I'm the one who wants to ask that Were you happy? Surely there's no endless road The one who bids me goodbye Wipe your tears See me going with your own eyes... Now I will cross This river all by myself After I'm gone Sometimes, look up at the sky I'll be close to the sun always watching over you | Even if you can't see My figure or my shape When you close your eyes You will feel for sure my nostalgic warmth Yes, wrapping up your loneliness, I will become the rays of the sun My precious one, Remember of how much I loved you It was painful For me to leave you behind I want you to walk forward There surely is eternal love Don't forget it You're not alone Even if we're apart I will still be alive in your heart Don't ask me If I was happy My darling, While you hold me in your arms, I'm the one who wants to ask that Were you happy? Surely there's no endless road The one who bids me goodbye Wipe your tears See me going with your own eyes... Now I will cross This river all by myself There's nothing I regret I'm glad I was born And I thank you from the heart | |
Click play to listen to the song
Dedicated to someone...I'm sure you know who you are.
I hope you find a happy life, even after all that's happened.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Lonely Valentine's
Well, it has come. No one to celebrate it with, though.
I'm start to think certain celebrations and holidays are beginning to lose meaning to me...
Hope Revvie's enjoying hers, though.
Happy Valentine's Day to everyone anyway~ :)
I'm start to think certain celebrations and holidays are beginning to lose meaning to me...
Hope Revvie's enjoying hers, though.
Happy Valentine's Day to everyone anyway~ :)
Saturday, January 31, 2009
LaMB - Of Vigilantes and Justice
In an earlier post, Revvie pointed out that certain individuals have begun liberating LaMBs from their prisons.
The Wolves at work
The Wolves.
How nice.
As much as I might agree with the report's statement that the Wolves do this for justice, which according to them, is subverted with the Lamination system, I cannot agree with their extremist goal of killing off LaMBs in the name of justice.
Think about it. True, most of these LaMB probably guilty, what about those who have not deserve their fate?
That's right.
Just like Sara Integra. 200 years for her crime is not justified. And now, someone wants to kill her for what she had done. Understandable, but not at all justifiable.
It is not our place to judge whether people live or die...but people like Keiko Suzuki seem to think otherwise.
We'll see what develops soon.
The Wolves at work
The Wolves.
How nice.
As much as I might agree with the report's statement that the Wolves do this for justice, which according to them, is subverted with the Lamination system, I cannot agree with their extremist goal of killing off LaMBs in the name of justice.
Think about it. True, most of these LaMB probably guilty, what about those who have not deserve their fate?
That's right.
Just like Sara Integra. 200 years for her crime is not justified. And now, someone wants to kill her for what she had done. Understandable, but not at all justifiable.
It is not our place to judge whether people live or die...but people like Keiko Suzuki seem to think otherwise.
We'll see what develops soon.
LaMB - Human Attacks & Vigilantes
Earlier on today, the Alliance received reports that certain LaMBs had attacked people in Cerra City.
Cerra's Citizens
As unthinkable as it may seem, it would appear that the citizens of Cerra are highly concerned about these reports. If left unchecked, it may eventually erode confidence in the Lamination system, and might possibly result in protests.
In a related report, there have been rumors of a vigilante group known as Wolves, that is liberating LaMBs, with some of those same Laminated individuals being summarily executed.
It is my wish that nothing bad befalls the citizens of Cerra.
Cerra's Citizens
As unthinkable as it may seem, it would appear that the citizens of Cerra are highly concerned about these reports. If left unchecked, it may eventually erode confidence in the Lamination system, and might possibly result in protests.
In a related report, there have been rumors of a vigilante group known as Wolves, that is liberating LaMBs, with some of those same Laminated individuals being summarily executed.
It is my wish that nothing bad befalls the citizens of Cerra.
Gackt - Love Letter
Yasashii egao de boku ni hohoemu kimi ga Ima mo kawarazu ni soba ni iru Me wo tojireba hora ikutsumo no kisetsu ga Bokura wo sotto tsutsumikonde yuku yo Nagai tabiji no hate ni nani ga aru no ka Dare mo wakaranai keredo Fuan na yoru wa mou nido to otozurenai kara Eien wo aruite yukeru Korekara mo zutto futari de Kono mune ni tsuyoku dakishimeta Omoi wa kawaranai tatta hitotsu dake no “Aishiteru” Soyokaze ni nabiku chiisana hana no you na kimi ni Hajimete deatta hi wa tooku Mada osanasugite kizutsukeau hibi mo atta keredo Ima de wa waraiaeru omoide Chikaiau yakusoku wo wasurenaide Dare yori mo taisetsu dakara Egaita yume wo sukoshi zutsu kanaete yukou yo Eien wo aruite yukeru Kore kara mo zutto futari de Kono mune ni tsuyoku dakishimeta Omoi wa kawaranai tatta hitotsu dake no “Aishiteru” Eien wo aruite yukeru Kore kara mo zutto futari de Kono mune ni tsuyoku dakishimeta Omoi wa kawaranai tatta hitotsu dake no “Aishiteru” “Aishiteru...” | Even now, you’re still by my side Smiling at me with that sweet smile When I close my eyes, see, a myriad of seasons Quietly envelop me Nobody knows what’s at the end Of this long journey But these uncertain nights will never come again We can keep walking forever Together, now and forever This love I clutch close to my heart Will never change, this one unique “I love you” The day I met you, like a little flower dancing in the wind Is far away There were days when we hurt each other because we were still too young But now they’re memories we can laugh at together Don’t forget this promise we’re making Because you’re more important to me than anyone else I want to make the dreams you told me about come true, little by little We can keep walking forever Together, now and forever This love I clutch close to my heart Will never change, this one unique “I love you” We can keep walking forever Together, now and forever This love I clutch close to my heart Will never change, this one unique “I love you” “I love you...” |
Click play to listen to the song
J-Pop/Rock artist Gackt renders a song heard in Zeta Gundam: A New Translation III "Love is Pulse of the Stars". This song is part of his 0079-0088 album, featuring tracks he's performed mainly for the Gundam U.C. franchise.
Z Gundam: ANT3's cover
I just adore this song. Gackt is a singer with powerful energy coming from all his songs...you can just feel it coming off every word.
I feel that this captures an emotion I had once before, but lost somewhere along the way. Sure wish I could find it again.
Bah, what am I saying...
A special thanks goes out to no3Ljm's Gundam Universe for the CD cover of 0079-0088.
Lyrics romanized and translated by: Kiwi Musume
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Zettai Ryouiki - The Hidden Appeal
A lot of us really enjoy seeing girls in short skirts and other similar dresses. I know lots of us really do.
But there is something that lies beyond that appeal; an addition to it, if you must. Something so amazing, that it sets the hearts of men on fire. Something so spectacular, that when you see it, your legs will soften like jelly in wonder.
What is that addition to the appeal, you ask?
No, it's not something that you have to buy from some well-known dress designer or a classy fashion store.
No. It's just plain long, thigh-high socks.
Yep, that's right. The only thing better than seeing a girl wearing a short skirt is seeing a girl wear thigh-high socks along with the skirt.
So what are we gonna talk about? Simple; we're gonna talk about, well, socks.
But what exactly is Zettai Ryouiki?
Zettai Ryouiki (çµ¶å¯¾é ˜åŸŸ) literally means "absolute territory". Before, the term was referred to as "Absolute Terror Field" or "AT Field" as used in Neon Genesis Evangelion as the force that powers the Eva units. Although now, the term is pretty much used differently.
At present, Zettai Ryouiki refers to the area of skin revealed between a short/mini skirt and thigh-high socks. Some say that there is "A god between over-knee socks and the miniskirt", and in my opinion, I think there really is some sort of divine entity there. There are also so-called "ranks" present in Zettai Ryouiki, which will be explained later on.
Take a look at this.
An example of an excellent Zettai Ryouiki user. I don't exactly know who she is, but damn...
Do you see it? It is there; the sheer appeal of it all. I do think a "divine being" exists in that absolute zone between the skirt and thigh-high socks.
So, what makes Zettai Ryouiki so attractive?
Just think of it this way: Let's say you were walking along a hallway lined with a lot of doors. And then you run across... one room with its door slightly ajar! Most likely, you will be more interested in what's inside that door and your instincts will probably tell you to take a peek inside. In this case, you become more excited to peek into the ajar door as compared to the closed and open doors in which you aren't as interested as you were in the said door.
The same could be said on how Zettai Ryouiki manages to be so appealing to us.
It's the expectation of seeing... something... that can make you really, really excited. You don't know exactly know what you're wanting to see, which is probably one of the main focal points of what makes Zettai Ryouiki attractive. It's when we can't see something much that makes us want to look at something more and more. In this case, we are curious of what is hidden from us; we begin to think of what could be hidden, and in the end, we are attracted.
But are there actually rules to be followed in Zettai Ryouiki?
And the answer is yes. It isn't just as simple as just wearing some thigh-high socks and a mini-skirt. There is a definite rule that must be followed. There exists a golden ratio for Zettai Ryouiki, actually. 4:1:2.5 (length of skirt: zettai ryouiki: length of socks above the knee) with a margin of error of ±25%.
“Memorizing this formula is as important as knowing that ? = 3.14159 26535 89793 23846 26433 83279 50288 41971 69399 37510 or 22/7.” -Anime Desho Desho?
And is he ever right.
Now, what are the so-called "ranks" of Zettai Ryouiki?
Now, we move on to more in-depth information about the ranks.
Or if you want, you can just refer to this link for the information. I talk too much.
- Grade F: Ankle Socks
This is by far the lowest one can get to achieving Zettai Ryouiki perfection. This type tends to stick to the ankle which is a joint. Believe me, socks that stop and cling onto a joint tends to not look so good.
- Grade E: Crew Socks
Higher than Grade F lies this. It goes up about 16cm up the legs, but leaves a lot of flesh exposed. For some reason, it seems less appealing than having longer socks.
- Grade D: Three-Quarter Socks
These socks are raised about 25-26cm up the leg. When this is worn, it means that one strays away from the (kinda) dreaded Grade F. Surprisingly, quite a number of people have actually worn this and is seemingly accustomed to it already.
- Grade C: High Socks
Ah, high socks. This is where things get interesting. Zettai Ryouiki starts to take shape by this time, although on a quite unattractive level. Though, the feeling of having socks stop right below a joint can become quite uncomfortable. High socks are raised in an estimated 35cm above the shoes.
- Grade B: Over-knee Socks
Grade B is the time when you know that Zettai Ryouiki perfection starts to take place. Wearing these doesn't mean you've bought too long of socks; perfection is being formed and there is no stopping it. For some weird reason, seeing legs covered with long socks is far more attractive than seeing naked legs. Although I've already discussed something about that, haven't I? Over-knee socks usually rise 50cm up the shoes.
- Grade A: Thigh-high Socks
Grade A. Oh yeah... this is the highest form of Zettai Ryouiki, where the divine ratio of 4:1:2.5 takes place. Perfection is formed, and it already is too late to stop it. The most covered, but surprisingly the most attractive of all the ranks! This is where the "door ajar" comparison comes to play; the expectation of seeing something draws you to its mind-boggling power; the same Earth-shaking power that is Zettai Ryouiki!
Apart from this, there exists a special rank - Grade S.
And no, you don't get it by pulling the socks until it becomes like a stocking. It won't be Zettai Ryouiki anymore when that happens; the door is closed completely. The wearer becomes an office lady, therefore it becomes something completely different.
Grade S actually combines three important components:
* The Ultimate Twin-tails hairstyle
* Grade A Zettai Ryouki
* Tsundere attitude
If Grade A shakes the Earth, then Grade S shatters it. When Grade S comes to play, you'll never know that the wearer has actually taken the world under her control already. You'll never understand why men are so attracted to the wearer.
On a side note, Grade F to C can be worn by both males and females. Grade B to A/S can only be applied to females, obviously.
Again, I talk too much.
Special thanks go to the Anime Desho Desho blog and its moderator and Hera in Burogu Blog for their articles on Zettai Ryouiki. Until then, spread the Zettai Ryouiki love!
But there is something that lies beyond that appeal; an addition to it, if you must. Something so amazing, that it sets the hearts of men on fire. Something so spectacular, that when you see it, your legs will soften like jelly in wonder.
What is that addition to the appeal, you ask?
No, it's not something that you have to buy from some well-known dress designer or a classy fashion store.
No. It's just plain long, thigh-high socks.
Yep, that's right. The only thing better than seeing a girl wearing a short skirt is seeing a girl wear thigh-high socks along with the skirt.
So what are we gonna talk about? Simple; we're gonna talk about, well, socks.
But what exactly is Zettai Ryouiki?
Zettai Ryouiki (çµ¶å¯¾é ˜åŸŸ) literally means "absolute territory". Before, the term was referred to as "Absolute Terror Field" or "AT Field" as used in Neon Genesis Evangelion as the force that powers the Eva units. Although now, the term is pretty much used differently.
At present, Zettai Ryouiki refers to the area of skin revealed between a short/mini skirt and thigh-high socks. Some say that there is "A god between over-knee socks and the miniskirt", and in my opinion, I think there really is some sort of divine entity there. There are also so-called "ranks" present in Zettai Ryouiki, which will be explained later on.
Take a look at this.
An example of an excellent Zettai Ryouiki user. I don't exactly know who she is, but damn...
Do you see it? It is there; the sheer appeal of it all. I do think a "divine being" exists in that absolute zone between the skirt and thigh-high socks.
So, what makes Zettai Ryouiki so attractive?
Just think of it this way: Let's say you were walking along a hallway lined with a lot of doors. And then you run across... one room with its door slightly ajar! Most likely, you will be more interested in what's inside that door and your instincts will probably tell you to take a peek inside. In this case, you become more excited to peek into the ajar door as compared to the closed and open doors in which you aren't as interested as you were in the said door.
The same could be said on how Zettai Ryouiki manages to be so appealing to us.
It's the expectation of seeing... something... that can make you really, really excited. You don't know exactly know what you're wanting to see, which is probably one of the main focal points of what makes Zettai Ryouiki attractive. It's when we can't see something much that makes us want to look at something more and more. In this case, we are curious of what is hidden from us; we begin to think of what could be hidden, and in the end, we are attracted.
But are there actually rules to be followed in Zettai Ryouiki?
And the answer is yes. It isn't just as simple as just wearing some thigh-high socks and a mini-skirt. There is a definite rule that must be followed. There exists a golden ratio for Zettai Ryouiki, actually. 4:1:2.5 (length of skirt: zettai ryouiki: length of socks above the knee) with a margin of error of ±25%.
“Memorizing this formula is as important as knowing that ? = 3.14159 26535 89793 23846 26433 83279 50288 41971 69399 37510 or 22/7.” -Anime Desho Desho?
And is he ever right.
Now, what are the so-called "ranks" of Zettai Ryouiki?
Now, we move on to more in-depth information about the ranks.
Or if you want, you can just refer to this link for the information. I talk too much.
- Grade F: Ankle Socks
This is by far the lowest one can get to achieving Zettai Ryouiki perfection. This type tends to stick to the ankle which is a joint. Believe me, socks that stop and cling onto a joint tends to not look so good.
- Grade E: Crew Socks
Higher than Grade F lies this. It goes up about 16cm up the legs, but leaves a lot of flesh exposed. For some reason, it seems less appealing than having longer socks.
- Grade D: Three-Quarter Socks
These socks are raised about 25-26cm up the leg. When this is worn, it means that one strays away from the (kinda) dreaded Grade F. Surprisingly, quite a number of people have actually worn this and is seemingly accustomed to it already.
- Grade C: High Socks
Ah, high socks. This is where things get interesting. Zettai Ryouiki starts to take shape by this time, although on a quite unattractive level. Though, the feeling of having socks stop right below a joint can become quite uncomfortable. High socks are raised in an estimated 35cm above the shoes.
- Grade B: Over-knee Socks
Grade B is the time when you know that Zettai Ryouiki perfection starts to take place. Wearing these doesn't mean you've bought too long of socks; perfection is being formed and there is no stopping it. For some weird reason, seeing legs covered with long socks is far more attractive than seeing naked legs. Although I've already discussed something about that, haven't I? Over-knee socks usually rise 50cm up the shoes.
- Grade A: Thigh-high Socks
Grade A. Oh yeah... this is the highest form of Zettai Ryouiki, where the divine ratio of 4:1:2.5 takes place. Perfection is formed, and it already is too late to stop it. The most covered, but surprisingly the most attractive of all the ranks! This is where the "door ajar" comparison comes to play; the expectation of seeing something draws you to its mind-boggling power; the same Earth-shaking power that is Zettai Ryouiki!
Apart from this, there exists a special rank - Grade S.
And no, you don't get it by pulling the socks until it becomes like a stocking. It won't be Zettai Ryouiki anymore when that happens; the door is closed completely. The wearer becomes an office lady, therefore it becomes something completely different.
Grade S actually combines three important components:
* The Ultimate Twin-tails hairstyle
* Grade A Zettai Ryouki
* Tsundere attitude
If Grade A shakes the Earth, then Grade S shatters it. When Grade S comes to play, you'll never know that the wearer has actually taken the world under her control already. You'll never understand why men are so attracted to the wearer.
On a side note, Grade F to C can be worn by both males and females. Grade B to A/S can only be applied to females, obviously.
Again, I talk too much.
Special thanks go to the Anime Desho Desho blog and its moderator and Hera in Burogu Blog for their articles on Zettai Ryouiki. Until then, spread the Zettai Ryouiki love!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Sakura Taisen 3 - Glycine Bleumer
Glycine is a Parisian noble, a member of the aristocracy. She is a daughter of the Bleumer family, who has been in Paris' upper-class circles for several generations. However, it turns out that their family were actually Normans who had originally come from Northern Europe, as Vikings.
Being the bearer of the Bleumer name, she feels the need to uphold the family pride and honor at all times, and to keep to their traditions. Many times, she feels that she lives for nothing more than to fulfill such a role. Honor and justice are always at the top of her list, and any affront to this, real or perceived, makes her blood boil to no end.
Glycine getting pissed
Aaannnd of course, that sometimes gets her and others into trouble.
But wait. Not everything is as it appears.
A thoughtful person...(why the hell is Ohgami dressed like that?)
Beneath the snotty exterior lies a person of deep conflict. She desires to live as she wishes...but it goes awry against her position and status. Her closest friends live their lives freely, something that she feels she can never have.
Glycine defending Ohgami against a fellow noble
However, her fiery passion for justice makes her supremely loyal and protective of those close to her. She stops at nothing when their pride, honor, and/or lives are on the line.
Glycine's dancer alter-ego, Blue-Eye
She performs at the Les Chattes Noires, the front of the Pari Kagekidan, under the name Blue-Eye, partly in fear of reprisal from her own parents, if they ever found out that their only daughter is a cabaret dancer. :P
Personally, I like both her soft side and her warrior side. Glycine, truly an excellent addition to the Hanagumi.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Change Has Come
Tonight (from our timezone, haha), Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States.
The President-elect, Barack Obama
His very nomination & election was hailed as a triumph of the Americans over the bias of race, and now, he prepares to undertake the challenges that lie ahead.
Goodbye, George Bush. Unpopular and definitely not too bright he was, and is leaving a lot of problems for the next leader to fix.
Obama sure has his work cut out for him.
It's funny, what a person being interviewed about Obama on TV said:
"Change doesn't happen with one man alone."
I agree. However...
Obama, pictured in a Community Center on the eve of the Inauguration
It only takes one man to START change. The rest, well, is up to everyone else who desires the same.
Change has truly come. And it is our fervent wish that it be for the better.
The best of luck to you, sir.
The President-elect, Barack Obama
His very nomination & election was hailed as a triumph of the Americans over the bias of race, and now, he prepares to undertake the challenges that lie ahead.
Goodbye, George Bush. Unpopular and definitely not too bright he was, and is leaving a lot of problems for the next leader to fix.
Obama sure has his work cut out for him.
It's funny, what a person being interviewed about Obama on TV said:
"Change doesn't happen with one man alone."
I agree. However...
Obama, pictured in a Community Center on the eve of the Inauguration
It only takes one man to START change. The rest, well, is up to everyone else who desires the same.
Change has truly come. And it is our fervent wish that it be for the better.
The best of luck to you, sir.
Credit for Mr. Obama's half-body shot goes to Wikipedia, albeit resized to fit the post. A thank you to BBC (and Getty Images) for their picture of him in the Community Center.
Friday, January 16, 2009
LaMB - Of Free Will and Self-Expression
In the previous post, we have seen that a LaMB is stripped of its free will and turned into a mindless slave.
"Have you ever been in a situation where you felt you couldn’t speak up or express yourself?"
Well, yeah. Almost every day, in fact.
I often feel quite constricted by society in general. I normally do not conform to mainstream thought, and that would often ostracize me from my peers. If I am to remain in their good company, I must conform to their standards, no matter how foolish or pointless those may be. Endless posturing ensues.
I think in one way or another, everyone is in the same boat. Many cannot truly express themselves to the fullest due to some pressure directed at them by peers, contemporaries, or denominations (political, religious, or whatnot). Or worse: their free will is stripped due to fear of retribution as they may not live as they wish.
For example: in my brother's school environment, he is often an outcast for being...well, different. Different in thoughts and beliefs, of values and interests.
I can just imagine how bad it is for other people who are not only singled-out, but killed for what the perceive is 'their way'. Religion, politics, you name it, it's happened in one way or another.
But I digress; it is not my place to question others' beliefs, values, interests, or denominations. I only question their sanity.
There seems to be a common trend that everyone would follow or take interest in something simply because others do so. Bandwagon effect, as it is known.
However, many forget that the people who make trends actually break existing trends to make new ones. These people are expressing themselves. They are free, as opposed to being bound by popular choice.
It is when one breaks free of the chains of the bandwagon, then one would truly express one's self. Believe in something because you do, not because someone else does.
But remember, with the power freedom comes with, also comes the heavy responsibility of how to use that freedom.
Think your own thoughts. Live your own life. Live your own dreams. So that come what may, there will be no regrets.
"Have you ever been in a situation where you felt you couldn’t speak up or express yourself?"
Well, yeah. Almost every day, in fact.
I often feel quite constricted by society in general. I normally do not conform to mainstream thought, and that would often ostracize me from my peers. If I am to remain in their good company, I must conform to their standards, no matter how foolish or pointless those may be. Endless posturing ensues.
I think in one way or another, everyone is in the same boat. Many cannot truly express themselves to the fullest due to some pressure directed at them by peers, contemporaries, or denominations (political, religious, or whatnot). Or worse: their free will is stripped due to fear of retribution as they may not live as they wish.
For example: in my brother's school environment, he is often an outcast for being...well, different. Different in thoughts and beliefs, of values and interests.
I can just imagine how bad it is for other people who are not only singled-out, but killed for what the perceive is 'their way'. Religion, politics, you name it, it's happened in one way or another.
But I digress; it is not my place to question others' beliefs, values, interests, or denominations. I only question their sanity.
There seems to be a common trend that everyone would follow or take interest in something simply because others do so. Bandwagon effect, as it is known.
However, many forget that the people who make trends actually break existing trends to make new ones. These people are expressing themselves. They are free, as opposed to being bound by popular choice.
It is when one breaks free of the chains of the bandwagon, then one would truly express one's self. Believe in something because you do, not because someone else does.
But remember, with the power freedom comes with, also comes the heavy responsibility of how to use that freedom.
Think your own thoughts. Live your own life. Live your own dreams. So that come what may, there will be no regrets.
It seems to me that what Ramza got was what Delita wanted at the end: the freedom to be whoever he wanted to be.
Everyone in the game was railroaded into their roles; everyone was using or being used by other people for their own purposes, trying to reach their inevitable goal.
Ramza, however, was unique in that he rejected his role and chose another one. When that role (hero) was complete, he left it all behind, with the freedom to chose a new path in life, something that Delita would never have.
More emphemeral, but I think more satisfying: Ramza defied everything to do what he wanted, and came out worse off in history, but better off in his own personal satisfaction.
I doubt Delita ever really cherished his throne, while Ramza probably loved every minute of his life after the game.
- anonymous troper
Thursday, January 15, 2009
LaMB - Fate worse than death
Thanks to the research efforts of Alliance R&D (led by Revvie), more and more details about LaMB are coming to light.
Chief of which is how incredibly flawed, inhumane, and totally unacceptable it is.
Why, you ask?
First off, it is flawed, inhumane, and totally unacceptable (all at the same time) under the grounds that it is slavery.
"Yeah, but it's legal. The government sanctions it.", some might say. Hmm..let me think. Does history ring any bells?
Simon Legree and Uncle Tom; Uncle Tom's Cabin
Oh, right. The United States. *ding ding ding*
Just because it's legal, doesn't make it any less evil. You imprison the LaMB's mind and free will, and let his body do forced labor. They get nothing in return, not even the satisfaction of a job well done. They don't eat (not that it matters), so you don't need to feed them. And they get a nice automatic punishment if they disobey...and they never say no. Slavery is slavery, no matter how you dress it up and make it beautiful.
Second, in the same vein as the above, they never say no should already be an alarm bell. Why? Well, if the research is correct, they *must* follow orders of their handler, known as a Shepherd. Their minds aren't even involved. Just their nervous system.
"Okay, so at least they won't do anything bad." some might argue.
Right, they won't. But what about their handlers? What if the handler, say, picks a fight with someone and orders his LaMB to kill his opponent? Sure, the LaMB will get a nice electric shock, but since they cannot feel pain the way we do (I hear they feel pain in some other way), why would that stop him? The LaMB gets punished, the Shepherd doesn't (at least as far as the research finds). With a non-Laminated prisoner, they can opt to say no, or disobey orders that might be VERY harmful. It's a double-edged sword, yes, but far better than the alternative.
And besides, they'll also lack creative thinking that *might* be useful in certain situations.
Third, of inhumanity. Okay, they're productive to society. Sure, I'll go with that.
But what about the LaMBs themselves? They're still people, albeit convicted of a crime and placed in a shell. The government would use them as if they were tools, strip them of their free will, and hold them for a VERY long time. Longer than any prison sentence. Possibly longer than the person's lifetime; longer than the lifetime of those of whom they love. And what about the guilt about any individuals they may have hurt/killed during their Lamination period?
See where I'm getting at? A person is in virtual hell for longer than any prison can keep them, and they will watch as their loved ones die. Sure, they might be *redeemed* (whatever that would mean after 500+ years, when those wronged would be dead anyway), but when the LaMBs wake up out of their shell? They no longer have family/friends, everything has changed, and they have nothing to go back to. They might as well just have killed him.
But they didn't. And that's what makes it so cruel and inhumane. At the very least, a conventional prisoner can have visits, where the prisoner can meet with loved ones, friends, etc, and hold them, touch them, talk to them. Best of all, a chance to once again be reunited with them if they work hard enough or reform themselves well (through the Parole system).
Aaaannnnnndd the list goes on. But it would be grinding on the brain to rant about them all.
Compare Revvie. Although she is bound by her programming to serve others, she does so with a smile on her face and joy in her *electronic* heart. It is her pride to serve; nothing makes her happier. But she has an even deeper side...though let us reserve that for next time.
As an alternative, I would suggest that a similar system be implemented, minus the removal of free will part. The government can assign handlers for each convict or group of convicts, and they can serve normally in society. Lamination and electric shocks optional, but highly discouraged. Or perhaps, just electric shocks for trying to attack the handler.
Lamination: a fate worse than death, indeed.
Chief of which is how incredibly flawed, inhumane, and totally unacceptable it is.
Why, you ask?
First off, it is flawed, inhumane, and totally unacceptable (all at the same time) under the grounds that it is slavery.
"Yeah, but it's legal. The government sanctions it.", some might say. Hmm..let me think. Does history ring any bells?
Simon Legree and Uncle Tom; Uncle Tom's Cabin
Oh, right. The United States. *ding ding ding*
Just because it's legal, doesn't make it any less evil. You imprison the LaMB's mind and free will, and let his body do forced labor. They get nothing in return, not even the satisfaction of a job well done. They don't eat (not that it matters), so you don't need to feed them. And they get a nice automatic punishment if they disobey...and they never say no. Slavery is slavery, no matter how you dress it up and make it beautiful.
Second, in the same vein as the above, they never say no should already be an alarm bell. Why? Well, if the research is correct, they *must* follow orders of their handler, known as a Shepherd. Their minds aren't even involved. Just their nervous system.
"Okay, so at least they won't do anything bad." some might argue.
Right, they won't. But what about their handlers? What if the handler, say, picks a fight with someone and orders his LaMB to kill his opponent? Sure, the LaMB will get a nice electric shock, but since they cannot feel pain the way we do (I hear they feel pain in some other way), why would that stop him? The LaMB gets punished, the Shepherd doesn't (at least as far as the research finds). With a non-Laminated prisoner, they can opt to say no, or disobey orders that might be VERY harmful. It's a double-edged sword, yes, but far better than the alternative.
And besides, they'll also lack creative thinking that *might* be useful in certain situations.
Third, of inhumanity. Okay, they're productive to society. Sure, I'll go with that.
But what about the LaMBs themselves? They're still people, albeit convicted of a crime and placed in a shell. The government would use them as if they were tools, strip them of their free will, and hold them for a VERY long time. Longer than any prison sentence. Possibly longer than the person's lifetime; longer than the lifetime of those of whom they love. And what about the guilt about any individuals they may have hurt/killed during their Lamination period?
See where I'm getting at? A person is in virtual hell for longer than any prison can keep them, and they will watch as their loved ones die. Sure, they might be *redeemed* (whatever that would mean after 500+ years, when those wronged would be dead anyway), but when the LaMBs wake up out of their shell? They no longer have family/friends, everything has changed, and they have nothing to go back to. They might as well just have killed him.
But they didn't. And that's what makes it so cruel and inhumane. At the very least, a conventional prisoner can have visits, where the prisoner can meet with loved ones, friends, etc, and hold them, touch them, talk to them. Best of all, a chance to once again be reunited with them if they work hard enough or reform themselves well (through the Parole system).
Aaaannnnnndd the list goes on. But it would be grinding on the brain to rant about them all.
Compare Revvie. Although she is bound by her programming to serve others, she does so with a smile on her face and joy in her *electronic* heart. It is her pride to serve; nothing makes her happier. But she has an even deeper side...though let us reserve that for next time.
As an alternative, I would suggest that a similar system be implemented, minus the removal of free will part. The government can assign handlers for each convict or group of convicts, and they can serve normally in society. Lamination and electric shocks optional, but highly discouraged. Or perhaps, just electric shocks for trying to attack the handler.
Lamination: a fate worse than death, indeed.
* The number part of Adam-0079 might be a reference to the Original Gundam, which was in U.C.0079
animax-lamb.com provides the same image as before, on behalf of the Alliance Network. Uncle Tom's Cabin image from wikipedia.org.
I'm back.
Wow. Looks like Revvie did quite a number while I was sick.
Anyways, I'm back. And I'm better~
Anyways, I'm back. And I'm better~
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
LaMB - A form of recycling?
On the planet Cerra, the previously posted concept of 'Lamination' is considered to be a form of recycling. Being a desert planet, Cerra must be able to utilize its limited resources as efficiently as possible if it is to sustain its inhabitants over a long period of time.
Pictured above: Cerra City
The Network's official stance on Lamination (the LaMB variant in particular) is strongly to the contrary. As Mr. Charles put it, the concept of LaMBs as a form of correction is 'actually far more cruel and inhumane', as opposed to standard means.
However, though our stance on Lamination is as is, there are other means of using resources efficiently and preservation of environment that can be done.
Mr. Charles has been able to come up with a list of several suggestions on the above mentioned:
What about us?
(I hope you don't mind, Mr. Charles...)
Please look at this.
This is the third planet from the sun, our very own Earth.
It has been the cradle of mankind since the olden days, and it always be considered the birthplace of man, will it not?
Although I am a robot, I was also produced on this planet.
Though we can measure any attribute of the Earth,
there is no software in the world that can truly portray our planet's beauty.
Currently, there are so many problems and disputes in this world.
However, this is what I believe.
Mankind will be able to solve all of its problems, and will one day reach out to the world of the stars.
Thank you for being so patient with me. ^_^ *bows*
Pictured above: Cerra City
The Network's official stance on Lamination (the LaMB variant in particular) is strongly to the contrary. As Mr. Charles put it, the concept of LaMBs as a form of correction is 'actually far more cruel and inhumane', as opposed to standard means.
However, though our stance on Lamination is as is, there are other means of using resources efficiently and preservation of environment that can be done.
Mr. Charles has been able to come up with a list of several suggestions on the above mentioned:
- Ensure that the primary energy source of the planet is renewable, or at least highly sustainable. Heavy resource mining is one quick way to destroy a planet's environment. This can take the form of Solar, or Geothermal energy, depending on the planet's environmental conditions.
- Utilize efficient waste disposal. Even an advanced society will definitely have some form of waste difficulty, and it will be the government's duty to make sure that it is taken of properly. Recycling recyclable materials must be made into a law all citizens must follow, with appropriate sanctions for violators. As for non-recyclables, an alternative to landfills would be disposal into space, or possibly into a star for total incineration.
- In connection to above, manufacture products only of recyclable materials. That way, waste is reduced at an increased rate.
- If there are flora and fauna on the planet, create preserves and ensure that they are untouched. Enforce sanctions for those found to be poaching or destroying wildlife.
- Viable water sources must be kept safe. Water is not to be wasted, and anyone found guilty of gross negligence regarding this matter is to be sanctioned.
- As part of a viable alternative to Lamination, simply just utilize the convicted individual for all sorts of labor found in society. If necessary, assign a handler for each one/each group, similar to the Shepherd system introduced with LaMBs.
- Make it every citizen's duty to be conscious and responsible of their own environment.
What about us?
(I hope you don't mind, Mr. Charles...)
Please look at this.
This is the third planet from the sun, our very own Earth.
It has been the cradle of mankind since the olden days, and it always be considered the birthplace of man, will it not?
Although I am a robot, I was also produced on this planet.
Though we can measure any attribute of the Earth,
there is no software in the world that can truly portray our planet's beauty.
Currently, there are so many problems and disputes in this world.
However, this is what I believe.
Mankind will be able to solve all of its problems, and will one day reach out to the world of the stars.
Thank you for being so patient with me. ^_^ *bows*
A special thanks goes to animax-lamb.com for the image of Cerra City.
Windows 7 - Beta Version now up for download!
The Windows 7 Logo
The first public beta of Microsoft's new Operating System has been released.
Windows 7, previously codenamed Blackcomb/Vienna, is Microsoft's newest OS offering. It boasts new features, from user-centric accessibility features, to media center controls, and even code enhancements that makes the system run as smoothly as ever. In certain benchmark tests, 7 has surpassed XP and Vista performance-wise.
Image of Windows 7's desktop (click to see full image, in a new window)
According to Microsoft, the beta version is almost fully featured, and is already set to change the way people think about and use software.
The beta version is available from Microsoft's website.
"I believe our digital lives will only continue to get richer," said Mr. Ballmer on Windows 7. "There's no turning back from the connected world."
I agree, Mr. Ballmer! ^_^
Though as much as I would like to try Windows 7 myself, I am afraid it may tax my processor, drain my memory, and short my circuits. I suppose I will have to settle for the OS that's already inside me. No upgrades for aging units like me...but that's okay~
Additional Material on Windows 7:
BBC News Article
Windows 7 News
Wikipedia Article
I'm sorry to hear that you're not feeling well, Mr. Charles. I hope you get well soon and help me with the research and commentary~ ^_^
Special thanks to Paul Thurrott's Winsupersite for the desktop image. A big thank you also to BBC, Wikipedia, and Windows7News.
Sickness
Oh, great. What a time for me to be really sickly.
I think I'm coming down with the flu...
Revvie will take charge while I nurse myself back to health. Keep up the good work, Rev! Your last one was useful~
I think I'm coming down with the flu...
Revvie will take charge while I nurse myself back to health. Keep up the good work, Rev! Your last one was useful~
Monday, January 12, 2009
Sakura Taisen 3 - Pari Wa Moeteiruka?
There are so many games today that use all manner of attention-grabbing techniques like super-realistic graphics, immersive sound, and such...but when was the last time that you played a game for it's story?
Enter Sakura Taisen 3. Sakura Taisen 3 (Sakura Wars for those who are more familiar with that name) is the third installment in this highly popular franchise. It places the player in the shoes of Ichiro Oogami, a navy officer recently assigned to the European city of Paris, in France.
The game's title screen
The game immediately follows the events of Sakura Taisen 2, but that doesn't mean that one would have to play the previous iterations just to get the story.
In fact, this is the perfect time to get started on the series. At the start of ST3, the game brings you up to speed on the story so far, but even then, it's sort of like a fresh start, even for veterans.
As Oogami, you are tasked with the responsibility to leading a newly-formed Assault Troupe in Paris. This Troupe, as with the previous titles, combats supernatural beings known as Kaijin.
The concept itself appears to be pretty much straightforward. Enter, kick demon arse, and you're done, right?
Wrong.
If that's what you're after, you've come to the wrong place. True, combat is essential part of the ST series, but it is not the main focal point.
The game itself plays out like a Visual Novel. You know, those 'choose your own adventure' type of games, like To Heart and such. In the west, this is (sometimes wrongly) known as a 'dating sim'.
Screenshot of the LIPS system. Isn't she just adorable~?
'Aww...text, text, and more text?', you might say. But believe me, this is something you'd want to read.
Gameplay is divided into two systems: the LIPS and the ARMS systems. The LIPS (Live-In Picture System) is the dialogue part of the game, which gives the player the chance to respond to certain situations. There are different kinds of LIPS, depending on the event.
The second is ARMS. ARMS (Active and Real-time Machine System) is the combat mode, and it's quite well-executed, as far as these types of games are concerned, and is definitely a massive improvement over its predecessor's combat system.
Also, the game has not been localized, so the game is mainly in Japanese. However, a valiant and dilligent individual by the name of Kayama has painstakingly translated majority of the game and has made a translation guide (available somewhere). Even just by going through that, this is still a game worth checking out.
More details soon.
Oh, and...
Enter Sakura Taisen 3. Sakura Taisen 3 (Sakura Wars for those who are more familiar with that name) is the third installment in this highly popular franchise. It places the player in the shoes of Ichiro Oogami, a navy officer recently assigned to the European city of Paris, in France.
The game's title screen
The game immediately follows the events of Sakura Taisen 2, but that doesn't mean that one would have to play the previous iterations just to get the story.
In fact, this is the perfect time to get started on the series. At the start of ST3, the game brings you up to speed on the story so far, but even then, it's sort of like a fresh start, even for veterans.
As Oogami, you are tasked with the responsibility to leading a newly-formed Assault Troupe in Paris. This Troupe, as with the previous titles, combats supernatural beings known as Kaijin.
The concept itself appears to be pretty much straightforward. Enter, kick demon arse, and you're done, right?
Wrong.
If that's what you're after, you've come to the wrong place. True, combat is essential part of the ST series, but it is not the main focal point.
The game itself plays out like a Visual Novel. You know, those 'choose your own adventure' type of games, like To Heart and such. In the west, this is (sometimes wrongly) known as a 'dating sim'.
Screenshot of the LIPS system. Isn't she just adorable~?
'Aww...text, text, and more text?', you might say. But believe me, this is something you'd want to read.
Gameplay is divided into two systems: the LIPS and the ARMS systems. The LIPS (Live-In Picture System) is the dialogue part of the game, which gives the player the chance to respond to certain situations. There are different kinds of LIPS, depending on the event.
The second is ARMS. ARMS (Active and Real-time Machine System) is the combat mode, and it's quite well-executed, as far as these types of games are concerned, and is definitely a massive improvement over its predecessor's combat system.
Also, the game has not been localized, so the game is mainly in Japanese. However, a valiant and dilligent individual by the name of Kayama has painstakingly translated majority of the game and has made a translation guide (available somewhere). Even just by going through that, this is still a game worth checking out.
More details soon.
Oh, and...
Sunday, January 11, 2009
LaMB - Lamination and LaMBs
According to research, Lamination technology was developed in the planet Cerra initially as a form of self-preservation, in particular one's physical appearance. It was promised as a procedure that would maintain one's physical form indefinitely.
A promotional poster for Lamination
Further on, the system was modified, allowing the use of nanotechnology with it, enabling additional features such as pain management and neurological control of the Laminated individual. This was integrated by Cerra's adminstrative body CABC (Central Administration Bureau of Cerra) as an alternative form of correction, as opposed to imprisonment. This appears to be part of an on-going effort by the CABC to recycle these individuals, making them productive to society while serving their correction sentence in their virtual prisons.
Individuals Laminated in this manner are known as LaMBs. The meaning of this is currently unknown (sorry, Mr. Charles!).
The following are the rules for LaMBs:
1. LaMBs cannot touch another human being unless ordered by their Shepherd.
2. LaMBs must only act upon instructions of their Shepherds.
3. LaMBs cannot speak but they can hear.
4. Every LaMB's neck brace and in-ear nano-chips are combined to translate the Shepherd's instructions into physical actions.
5. LaMBs will receive deep electrocution pain if they attack another human being.
6. LaMBs do not have any facial expression as their facial nerve signals are constrained.
7. LaMBs' eyes will glow red when their lamination suit electrocutes them.
8. LaMBs do not need food. They survive on a special fluid that provides energy and nutrients.
9. LaMBs cannot charge themselves. Only Shepherds can charge the LaMB's power system.
10. LaMB technology metabolizes human waste and converts them into H2O, which dissipates through the suit.
LaMBs at work
That is all I could find at this time. I apologize for any inconsistencies or gaps in the information. The information came from what seems to be a promotional campaign.
I hope you find this information useful, Mr. Charles~!
A promotional poster for Lamination
Further on, the system was modified, allowing the use of nanotechnology with it, enabling additional features such as pain management and neurological control of the Laminated individual. This was integrated by Cerra's adminstrative body CABC (Central Administration Bureau of Cerra) as an alternative form of correction, as opposed to imprisonment. This appears to be part of an on-going effort by the CABC to recycle these individuals, making them productive to society while serving their correction sentence in their virtual prisons.
Individuals Laminated in this manner are known as LaMBs. The meaning of this is currently unknown (sorry, Mr. Charles!).
The following are the rules for LaMBs:
1. LaMBs cannot touch another human being unless ordered by their Shepherd.
2. LaMBs must only act upon instructions of their Shepherds.
3. LaMBs cannot speak but they can hear.
4. Every LaMB's neck brace and in-ear nano-chips are combined to translate the Shepherd's instructions into physical actions.
5. LaMBs will receive deep electrocution pain if they attack another human being.
6. LaMBs do not have any facial expression as their facial nerve signals are constrained.
7. LaMBs' eyes will glow red when their lamination suit electrocutes them.
8. LaMBs do not need food. They survive on a special fluid that provides energy and nutrients.
9. LaMBs cannot charge themselves. Only Shepherds can charge the LaMB's power system.
10. LaMB technology metabolizes human waste and converts them into H2O, which dissipates through the suit.
LaMBs at work
That is all I could find at this time. I apologize for any inconsistencies or gaps in the information. The information came from what seems to be a promotional campaign.
I hope you find this information useful, Mr. Charles~!
Material researched and gathered from animax-lamb.com, on behalf of the Alliance Network.
LaMB - First Part
I just don't understand some people.
'Would you commit a crime to stay young and beautiful?'
Man, what a question. Personally, I wouldn't. Why trade my honor and dignity for physical appearance?
Pictured above: Eve from Animax's new Original Animation, LaMB
Wow. That's pretty hot stuff. :D Err...back to the post.
Why would you forsake your own decency just to stay beautiful? Well, perhaps it would be one's own vanity and arrogance that would prompt such. In a way, it is the ultimate act of selfishness and disregard for others. You would inconvenience, hurt, or possibly kill someone, for your own personal gain? That is just wrong, no matter how you look at it.
On the other hand, that IS pretty nice...
Guh...getting out of hand here.
This question is raised by Animax's new Original Animation, LaMB. When I saw the Youtube-like ad featuring someone asking advice on crime and 'Lamination' (the series' eponymous beautfication technology) , it was both funny and sickening. Sadly, I'm sure there's someone out there who'd do anything for eternal youth and beauty.
Anyways, this seems very interesting, and begs further research. More on this in a later post.
'Would you commit a crime to stay young and beautiful?'
Man, what a question. Personally, I wouldn't. Why trade my honor and dignity for physical appearance?
Pictured above: Eve from Animax's new Original Animation, LaMB
Wow. That's pretty hot stuff. :D Err...back to the post.
Why would you forsake your own decency just to stay beautiful? Well, perhaps it would be one's own vanity and arrogance that would prompt such. In a way, it is the ultimate act of selfishness and disregard for others. You would inconvenience, hurt, or possibly kill someone, for your own personal gain? That is just wrong, no matter how you look at it.
On the other hand, that IS pretty nice...
Guh...getting out of hand here.
This question is raised by Animax's new Original Animation, LaMB. When I saw the Youtube-like ad featuring someone asking advice on crime and 'Lamination' (the series' eponymous beautfication technology) , it was both funny and sickening. Sadly, I'm sure there's someone out there who'd do anything for eternal youth and beauty.
Anyways, this seems very interesting, and begs further research. More on this in a later post.
Image acquired from animax-lamb.com. LaMB is a work of Animax Asia. And if you can read this, you're too close.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Welcome!
Hello, and welcome to the Alliance Network blog!
We here at the Alliance Network promise to bring you...posts, and...err, stuff that circulates around the Network (which is pretty much about anything, really).
Posts will be categorized according to the department concerned.
Your guide for this visit will Reverie Planetarian. You can call her Revvie for short. Please do go easy on her~
Thank you and have a pleasant tour of our topics.
AN CiC Disclaimer: AN does not own Revvie. She is a Popular Series 5000 Robot that originally shipped out of the laboratories of KEY©. Other rights reserved.
We here at the Alliance Network promise to bring you...posts, and...err, stuff that circulates around the Network (which is pretty much about anything, really).
Posts will be categorized according to the department concerned.
Your guide for this visit will Reverie Planetarian. You can call her Revvie for short. Please do go easy on her~
Thank you and have a pleasant tour of our topics.
AN CiC Disclaimer: AN does not own Revvie. She is a Popular Series 5000 Robot that originally shipped out of the laboratories of KEY©. Other rights reserved.
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