For a while I kept seeing BL doujinshi of Tiger & Bunny. I was not familiar with Tiger & Bunny but I was seeing djs so often and it seemed like every mangaka and her sister were releasing djs of T&B. So I decided I should check it out and see what the heck all the fuss was about. I read a couple of djs and although I had no context for the source material, I liked what I was reading. I bit of research filled me in on what the source material was about and filled in some context. After reading more djs I finally started to watch the anime. So far I've watched a couple of episodes and I think its cute and funny but I have really come to love the pairing of BarnabyXKotetsu in the djs. I do wish were more reversible versions though. But anyway, I have become a total fan. And there seems to be no shortage of djs being released, so thats exciting. And I like how different mangaka have different spins on the characters and their interactions. Its refreshing in a way to see the same characters over and over but from different perspectives. It doesn't get old. And I also like seeing how mangaka who have distinct art styles interpret the character designs in their own way.

I'm always composing entries when I am away from the computer... but whenever I finally set out to make an entry I can't remember what it was I had composed.

Sometimes after I read a story/series I will read some of the reviews from other readers. I often find that some people are more critical than I. Perhaps I am not as bothered by flaws as some...or maybe its that if I get even a bit of enjoyment out of reading something then I don't feel that my time was wasted. I can definately say that certain stories are favorites that I truly loved the plot, characters, and artwork. But most other stories I find to be okay. Maybe I grade on a curve. On a scale of 1-10, I would only grant a small number of stories as worthy of a perfect 10... but I have a feeling that there are stories that other reviews would rate as a 3 that I myself would rate as a 5. I suppose I am more forgiving when it comes to reading material. People on the other hand...well, cross me once and get on my side for good. heh heh

Quiznos had a Tuscan Chicken sub that was so good. Its been off the menu for a long time but I keep hoping they'll bring it back.

I haven't made an entry in forever... While I am working I often compose entries in my head but then when I get home I never get around to actually posting.

Its been about two years that I've been reading manga.  I really love a lot of the things that I have learned about Japanese culture through manga. Of course, I understand that manga is a form of entertainment and therefore may not be a perfect portrayal of true culture. But under the fantasy, comedy or drama of the story there are often interesting tidbits about folklore, tradition, the arts, etc to give a glimpse into the Japanese culture that makes a person want to go look up real reference books for more infomation.

I'm becoming one of those fans who want to go beyond the manga. For example, I've read so many stories where people eat onigiri, make onigiri, talk about onigiri...that I really want to try to make onigiri myself. And I'm not an adventurous eater at all. Not that I think onigiri requires adventure...which is why I think I might like it.

A couple of years ago, I went to the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC. It was lovely but it was so crowded it was difficult to get an unobstructed view of the sakura. Perhaps this year I'll try a more quiet approach and go to a local park that has a few sakura and just pack a little picnic. Maybe I'll try to make some onigiri.

I haven't posted in a while and I feel a bit bad about it. I know that noone else is reading these but I feel somewhat like I'm letting myself down for not at least making a small entry now and then. I'll have to make a greater effort to post more going forward. I have some ideas floating around but its late now so I'll expound on them later.

So I sent an email to my state senator expressing my stance against SOPA and PIPA. I know it isn't much but I feel like in a tiny way I actively took part in our democratic "by the people, for the people" system. Now we just have to wait for the results of everyone's efforts.

I just typed a long entry and somehow hit the back button and lost it all... (sigh)  I guess that will have to be one for another day.

Happy New Year! Heres hoping 2012 is a great year for everyone!

Here I can say the things that I am thankful for that I CAN'T mention around the family dinner table...hahaha

I am thankful for all of the delicious manga that I get to read and all of the tasty bishies that come with said manga!
I am also thankful for all of the people who work so diligently to bring these manga to the rest of us!

(Of course I'm also thankful for my family, my health, my employment, etc. too...but this place is for my guilty pleasures, or not so guilty but not suitable for family-dinner-talk either)

Anyway, Happy Thanksgiving to all!