Kingdom Hearts 2 (:

Thursday, January 29, 2009 , 4:05 AM Y

&` I LOVE KINGDOM HEARTS (:

For my last post, I shall post about one of my favourite things in the world... from the title it should be pretty obvious...

Obvious isn't it? Who doesn't like anime?

Anime, or manga art, pretty much has its origins in Japan. After World War II, the number of manga artists had increased drastically. Boys and young men were the first audience early manga was aimed at, known as shonen manga, then came along manga for females, notably shojo manga. Also, popular themes back then were sci-fi, sports and many others. Not to mention, there was manga for everybody, including some which are more... perverted.

Also, drawing styles also began to evolve. Now, if you watch a variety of different anime, you would notice the differences in drawing techniques. Some include the eyes, body and also maybe the choice of colours. But what makes manga and anime so appealing? Is it the drawing technique, characters? Or some more personal reasons? No matter the reason, anime is now a international influence in modern cartooning and popular among all age groups.

Now, I'm going to introduce you some of my personal favourites.

Inuyasha was my first anime. And its artist was Rumiko Takahashi, who also published the famous mangas Ranma 1/2 and others.

It talks about Inuyasha, a hanyo (half-demon) teenage boy who was sealed to the Tree of Time by miko (priestess) Kikyo for stealing the Shikon no Tama (Jewel of Four Souls). After sealing Inuyasha, Kikyo died from a fatal injury. 50 years later, 15 year old girl Kagome Higurashi goes to fetch her cat, Buyo from the Bone Eater's Well in her temple, only to have a demon centipede monster drag her into the well and feudal Japan, where she finds the jewel, in an emergency, she frees Inuyasha and he defeats the monster. After that incident, Kagome accidentally shatters the jewel into millions of shards and they must both work together to retrieve them. Along the way, they meet lecherous monk Miroku who has a wind tunnel in his hand that sucks everything in there into oblivion, Shippo, a young fox demon in training, and Sango, a demon slayer who lost her family to a demon named Naraku and accompanied by her demon cat Kirara. Also, trouble comes in the form of Naraku, who is the source of their troubles, Sesshomaru, Inuyasha's half-brother who is a full demon and despises his brother, and Kikyo, who is raised from the dead with the desire for revenge.

This anime is one of my favourites, since it involves battling, the supernatural and humour with the hint of romance. Much like the other animes.

Most people may recognise this anime, because it's shown internationally. It's Naruto, famous for its still-running anime and manga by Masashi Kishimoto. It involves Naruto Uzumaki, a boy in the Village Hidden in the Leaves (Konohagakure) and the host of the demon, the Nine-Tailed Fox, trying to be the top ninja in the village, also known as the Hokage, or the Fire Shadow. But he still has a lot of work to do, and practise too. Together with his teammate and crush Sakura Haruno , rival Sasuke Uchiha and sensei Kakashi Hatake, they all aspire to become a better ninja.

This anime is full with characters, heroes and villains included. From the other rookie ninja in other teams to the Akatsuki, an organization of powerful rogue ninja with evil intentions of using the hosts of the tailed beasts. Also, romance is also involved, especially with this much characters and a complicated love web. Also, this also has plenty of funny moments, whether it involves Sakura's bad temper or just plain awkward. The battle scenes are also pretty epic and a lot of drama is shown. I have to say that this is a great thumbs up! Here is a video of a collection of funny moments. Watch out for the end though >_<

Here is the third and final anime th

at I want to introduce. This is famous for its trading card game, Yu Gi Oh , by Kazuki Takahashi. This is the story of Yugi Muto, who had just solved a 1000-year old ancient Egyptian puzzle, the Millenium Puzzle. This artifact actually has an ancient Egyptian spirit in it, which during duels in Duel Monsters, gives him skill and courage. Together with his friends Joey Wheeler, Tea Gardner and Tristan Taylor, they have to work their way up the duelist rankings. Also, they are antagonists to this show as well. It includes Seto Kaiba, the boss of Kaibacorp, a large virtual reality producer for Duel Monsters who is Yugi's self-proclaimed rival, Ryo Bakura, even though is one of Yugi's friends, he has an evil spirit inside him from a similar Egyptian ring. Along with many other greedy villains seeking to gain power and wealth, Yugi must defeat them to prevent their evil plans from succeeding and to save the world from certain destruction.

This anime is one of my favourites, because unlike other animes with epic fight scenes, the fight scenes are card games, namely Duel Monsters. Yet you can remain calm and it gives it an aura of suspense. This actually helps me with planning and strategy, along with it, it also gives the idea that the villains would never win.

Here's Yugi's duel with Kaiba! Sorry I couldn't get the first one :(

Anime has let me pursue an interest in art, also, the storylines for these series has also help in my writing. Also, I intend to do a little more research and maybe, more anime? But of course, I wouldn't let it take over my life completely, as there are more beautiful things out there other than anime. Well, one last thing now.

さようなら！

, 12:29 AM Y

&` I LOVE KINGDOM HEARTS (:

For my fourth post, I'll be talking about my favourite game: Wizard 101! It's pretty much wizard school in a way, with the school crest on the left. Ravenwood School is in the world of Wizard City, along with a cluster of worlds in the Spiral.

Merle Ambrose is the current headmaster of Ravenwood Sc

hool. Along with seven teachers for each of the various Magic Schools, namely, Fire, Ice, Storm, Myth , Life , Death and Balance. Each magic type has its special and unique spells and abilities, whether is it the power to do extremely high damage, heal, or even summoning minions onto the field.

You begin as a novice wizard who just enrolled in one of the schools, you have to work your way up the ranks by defeating monsters in duels and beating bosses. Spells come in the form of cards, as pictured below. Each card, whether an attack, trap or any special card have clear description of its use and its cost in power points, or pips. The border colour also shows which school the spell is from. A wizard gets better spells through leveling or doing certain quests for them to build a subtle deck. Also, training points allows wizards to learn spells from other schools.

Quickpost this image to Myspace, Digg, Facebook, and others!other than their own. Also, certain items like amulets, wands and pets or any special clothing give certain cards.

Speaking of clothing, this is also a game for those who like to dress up their characters. Usually, clothes can be bought at shops or dropped from monsters. Those dropped from monsters usually in your school colours, which differ within the schools and have great stat boosts. Wizard Apparel, which includes hats, robes, shoes, athames , wands , decks, rings and amulets and occasionally pets, differ with each world in the Spiral.

Unfortunately, things had started to spin out of shape when Professor Malistaire Drake of the Death School had started an evil ambition for power. He caused the Death School in Ravenwood to fall to the depths of Wizard City and left. Ambrose is now looking for young wizards to find Malistaire and undo what he had done. After completing quests vanquishing bosses and saving people, you may get a Spiral Key that allows you to visit other worlds in the Spiral. Currently, there are five worlds in the Spiral that can be explored. First , I had mentioned Wizard City. Let me intoduce you the other worlds.

First off, Krokotopia. This Egyptian-themed land is home to the Manders, bug-eyed lizard-like people. Apparently, this land was also the home to the Kroks, crocodile-esque people who were driven out of their lands from a plague. The kind Mander people offered them help, but evil Kroks called the Tuts decided to take advantage of it and enslaved numerous manders. A secret society of Manders and Krok wizards called the Order of the Fang then cast a spell from the Krokonomicon, the ancient book of powerful Krokotopian Life and Death spells, putting the Kroks to sleep for

centuries. Then, Marleybonian archeologists had accidentally released them from their eternal slumber by accidentally reciting a chant from the mystic book. Now, Malistaire wants the Krokonomicon's powerful spells and wizards must prevent him from taking it. Also, tyrannical Tuts must be quelled to bring peace back to the once peaceful desert land.

Then there's Marleybone. An 19th century Victorian English world, the bastion of science and canine nobility. The starry night sky is filled with balloon-powered vehicles and below it, many buildings of brick and the people under never seem to sleep. But Marleybone isn't just bones and tea, Marleybonians are plagued with feline and rodent thieves, outlaws and bandits that frequent the underworld of Marleybone. Ironic as it is, the underworld of Marleybone is among the rooftops. Balloon cars at Digmoore

Station are the only way to get up there.>

Also, Newgate Prison near the Scotland Yard building holds Marleybone's most dangerous criminal, Meowiarty, a feline thief who is extremely notorious for stealing from the Royal Museum and ready to be broken out at any time...

To the right is Marleybone's famous balloon car, the driver is also famous for being identical to each other and for some reason, they never blink or move at all. Queer, eh?

The fourth world is Mooshu, the land based off ancient Japan and the land of cows, goats and pigs. The Emperor had fallen ill from a disease and Mooshu is a mess. One of the emperor's warlords had started a war, the pure waters had been tainted and Onis, also known as demons had invaded this peaceful world. To cure the Emperor, his body, mind and spirit must be restored, which means getting his prized sword from Warlord Katsumori, purifying the water tainted by disease and plague, and finally retrieving the fruit of the Tree of Life.

Mooshu is also famous for katana-like wands, rarely dropped from certain bosses. I was lucky enough to get one of my own on my first try. So I feel pretty grateful. :D

Apparently, you have to watch out for ninja pigs, yes, ninja pigs running in the trails between locations. Surprisingly, they are rather fast runners...

Finally, the fifth world was only out on the test server. Dragonspyre, a great world full if its own unique magical heritage. Dragonspyre was ravaged when the Great Dragon Titan on the volcano was awakened and destroyed the world. The ghosts of the people still remain, and apparantly, Malistaire was last seen here, you have to find out his motive and stop his plans. I have yet the venture it yet, so I'm afraid that's all I can say...for now. But it has proved to me as a challenge.

This is one great game. Not only is it fun, it also has great graphics, clean chat and you could meet with many friends. But naturally, too much of a good thing is bad for you. So I don't play too much of it. Also, this game had improved my strategic thinking and my teamwork with others. Before I end this post, enjoy a battle video of Wizard 101! Sorry about the quality though... :(

Wednesday, January 28, 2009 , 3:09 AM Y

&` I LOVE KINGDOM HEARTS (:

You may not of heard of this story, but it has become one of my favourites. Its one of my favourites. It's the Black Magician trilogy by Trudi Canavan, an Australian writer.

The story begins with the Purge. The Purge was a ritual in Kyralia, the main place in the story. The Purge involved magicians from the Guild in Imardin, the capital, driving people out of the slums. Sonea, a girl living with her aunt and uncle, was prepared to defend herself along with her friend, Cery. As the magicians loomed closer, Sonea attempted to throw rocks at the magicians, despite it being futile as the magicians had set up a barrier. Unexpectedly, she had discovered her own powers as a magician as she broke the strong barrier and knocked a magician, Lord Fergun, out cold.

As the magicians discuss this matter, they decide to convince Sonea to enroll in the Guild to train her powers. However, it was more of capturing the girl. Sonea doesn't trust the magicians as they were the ones leading the Purge. They decide to seek refuge with the Thieves, as Cery had relations to them. As they keep dodging the magicians, they end up sneaking into the Guild and they discover a black-robed figure performing a strange ritual. Sonea is tehn discovered by Lord Rothen, a kind, elderlty magician who offers his guardianship and to train her. Meanwhile, Lord Fergun has plans for revenge against the "slum girl". He captures Cery and hides him in the underground chambers beneath the Guild. Soon, a trial is held to see who gets Sonea's guardianship. In order to prove Fergun's guilt, Sonea allows her mind to be read. Then, Lord Lorlen, the Administrator, comes across the memory of the black-robed figure, which happened to be the High Lord, Akkarin. Thus, Rothen gets Sonea's guardianship and she decides to stay in the Guild for everyone's, including her own's sakes.

The second book, the Novice, Sonea starts her studies at the Academy, where she would choose a profession as a Warrior, a Healer or an Alchemist. There, she meets Regin, a powerful novice from a noble family, who dislikes her because of her heritage. He constantly bullies her and even spreads a rumour that she and Lord Rothen shares a bed. This results in Sonea moving into the Novices' Quarters, he also frames Sonea for stealing, evidenced by her unwillingness to submit to a mind-read because of the secret of the High Lord using black magic. Sonea then studies hard and gets promoted to a higher class from her hard work.

Meanwhile, Lord Dannyl, Rothen's student decides to investigate Akkarin's using of black magic with a librarian in the Elyne Magic Library, Tayend of Tremmelin. In which resulting them in going to Lonmar, the home of the strict Mahga religion and the Splendid Temple, Vin, the sea-bound islands and its people with their trading obsession and the Tombs of White Tears and Elyne, in which the people are extremely frivolous.

Also, Rothen's son, twenty-four-year-old Healer Lord Dorrien, takes a visit to the Guild and helps Sonea expose Regin, teaches her levitation and also shows her a quiet place in the forest behinfd the Guild. Before he leaves, he shares a kiss with her.

Soon, the High Lord had assumed new guardianship over her as he wanted to protect his secret. he forbade her to speak with Rothen and takes her as his hostage. Also, mysterious killings happen in the slums.

Now, even as the High Lord's favoured novice, Regin continues his bullying, this time attacking her with magic. Soon, Dorrien advises her to challange him to a formal duel in the Arena. In which she wins 3-2 rounds using her skills. Also, she managed to heal Regin after defeating him.

The third book, The High Lord, is the final book in the trilogy. Sorry that I can't give a review for it. I haven't read it yet and I can't give a summary without spoilers. >_<

Well, this is an amazing trilogy of books and so far, the story is well-written and it is positively enchanting in its own unique way. Even though it may not seem like much, give a shot and take a peek!

Wednesday, January 21, 2009 , 5:06 AM Y

&` I LOVE KINGDOM HEARTS (:

Familiar? You probably seen these books lingering around on the bookshelves, waiting for someone to pick them up and read them. Mention the word 'Twilight' and you can be sure that some people would give you a positive answer.

The Cullen family, from left to right, Emmett, Rosalie, Esme, Edward, Carlisle, Alice and Jasper.

The series started in 2005, when the first book of the Twilight series, naturally Twilight, was released by Stephenie Meyer, the book has received many positive reviews and has been translated into various languages, allowing language barriers to be surpassed. Now, it is received all around the world. Along with its three sequels, New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn, published in 2006, 2007 and 2008 respectively. Now it is major bestseller, and there are even plans to release them in movies, Twilight the movie had already been shown to the public in November 2008.

This book is about Bella Swan, a girl who moves to the town of Forks, Washington to stay with her father, Charlie Swan, who is a police chief. During school, she notes the Cullen children, Alice, Jasper, Emmett, Rosalie and Edward Cullen, easily identified by their good looks and pale skin. One day, after school, Bella is almost caught in an accident and saved from certain death from Edward Cullen, soon, she discovers he and his family's secrets. They are all vampires with powers like none other, like all the vampires' abnormal strength and speed, also special abilities like Alice'sclairyovance, Edward's ability to read minds and Jasper's ability to change emotions.

But, things weren't all good for Bella getting involved in the world of the vampires, soon, at a baseball game with the Cullens. Three nomadic vampires, James, Laurent and Victoria soon come along. James is caught by the scent of Bella's blood and soon start a hunt for the girl. The Cullens decide to send Bella back to her hometown, Phoenix, Arizona and while at an old dance studio, James manages to corner Bella, not before Edward, Emmett and Jasper come to destroy James. After which, Edward takes a reluctant Bella to prom. That marks the end of the first book.

The second book, New Moon, involves Bella turning 18. Bella is upset about it because that would make her biogically older than Edward, who is 17 for eternity. To make things up, Alice throws a party for her, but when Bella accidentally cuts her finger, Jasper's lust for blood make it a disaster. Fearing for her safety, Edward and his family leave Forks. With her lover gone, it marks the darkest time of Bella's life, reminiscent of the title of the book, New Moon, meaning the darkest part of the lunar cycle, where the moon cannot be seen in the night sky. Bella then finds out about the werewolves in Forks, which include a part where Bella's best friend, Jacob Black, is also one of them. Things get from bad to worse when Bella goes cliff-diving and Edward misinterprets it as Bella trying to kill herself. Then, Edward decides to kill himself too by going to the most powerful coven of vampires. The Volturi in Italy.

The third book,Eclipse, is about choices. Bella must now choose between her love for Edward or her friendship with Jacob. She is now caught between the everlasing war between the vampires and werewolves. Meanwhile, Victoria, the mate of the fallen James, aims to avenge him by taking the life of Edward's mate, Bella. She plans to change people in the city of Seattle into newborn vampires. As the Cullens are about to prepare to subdue the newborns in Seattle, Bella must subdue the conflict in her heart as well.

Finally, the last book is Breaking Dawn, the concluding book to this famous series. Edward and Bella are finally engaged. At the wedding, Jacob Black, who is actually also in love with Bella, is forced to accept the reality of Bella's love for Edward. After the wedding, the couple goes on a honeymoon to Isle Esme is South America, where they consummate their marriage. Then, a twist of fate occurs, Bella discovers that she is pregnant with a half-vampire child. Then, Edward hears rumors of the mothers of vampire childs dying in childbirth, he wants Bella to lose the baby. Even though Bella doesn't want to lose the baby, the baby is tearing up Bella as her health weakens drastically. Serious compliations during the birth of the baby pushes Bella to the brink of death, in which Edward is forced to change Bella into a vampire. Even after Bella and Edward escapes this event, more trouble occurs as they find out that they are accused of breaking vampire law which sends the Volturi against them. Bella and the Cullens would have to escape trouble once again.

I have read most of the books and it is surprisingly well-written, even though some parts of the books are quite boring. it describes the emotions of the many characters excellently along with their personalities. I would highly recommend this book to others.
To wrap things up, enjoy this trailer of Twilight the movie!

Finally, to wrap things up, here's a video of Twilight's trailer!

Thursday, January 15, 2009 , 4:07 AM Y

&` I LOVE KINGDOM HEARTS (:

A air-conditioned computer laboratory? Anyone would rather prefer doing their work with the help of Information Technology or to summarize it, computers.

Our latest English project, which requires us to post blog entries, one which would be assessed for a whole chunk of our English marks. We came to the computer lab at about twelve noon. The numerous computers and air-conditioning made it distinctively better than an ordinary classroom. But it wasn't exactly perfect, some computer monitors were bugged and could not be used. So many of us had to share monitors with each other. And some weren't exactly sharers, or they could take up an awful long time to only do a little bit of work on their blogs.

Most of us would want a lovely blogskin for our blogs, usually something we like, whether is it cartoons, certain themes, or just about anything we like. My partner, Chen Jie was particularly fickle about his blogskin. In fact, he took about thirty-five minutes to choose a suitable blogskin while Edwin came in and took up almost the rest of the hour. I wasn't exactly happy.

The others sure had fun though, whether is it music or games, they sure looked happy. Probably they had their blogs pre-made the day before or earlier. I didn't have enough time for my blog after a maths assignment I had to do that night.

One hour sure passed quick in the computer lab, probably most have completed their blogs and added a post or two. I managed to touch up on my blog on the computer in the Library, so I managed to do what I needed to do in the computer lab.

Its pretty late now, so I guess I'll stop her for now.