Renato the Weird's Random Blog

test

2011-05-09T18:10:00.001+10:00

Testing :P

Submitted.

2010-11-06T00:09:00.000+11:00

Although I submitted mine 6 minutes late (thanks to my capped internet), I at least had a working code submitted. Truthfully, I didnt get all the things that I wanted, but I at least had some visuals going on, as well as achieving lots of colour.

Ah well, I will work harder next time.

Problems...

2010-10-27T23:13:00.000+11:00

I dont think I can get some of the code that I had in the beginning to work. I might have to reduce the Particle System, as well as eliminating the bubbles. I will admit I am lacking time management skills for this project, but trying my best.

However, I've decided to at least get the basic parts right. For example, I have resorted to a BeatListener class for my project because it seems a bit more effective in collecting the beats, however, its hard to collect the snare beats, working hard on trying to get it.

Also added two waveforms. Originally it was just added there just to see the beats, but I think its a
permanent addition now.

A screenshot of the work. Needs more improvement, as well as movement of the bubbles.

Flight 404's Flint Ball

2010-10-19T17:08:00.001+11:00

In my previous post, I wanted the bubbles to show out fire or similar. This is an example of how it may look, using Flight404's flint ball exam, which I believe is excellent:

Flint ball from flight404 on Vimeo.

I want to try doing something like this.

Implementing a Particle System

2010-10-17T11:50:00.002+11:00

I want to use this Particle System (particlesystem4) from Rob Saunder's class for my bubbles. Basically, I like the particles to go outward according to the strength of the beats.

There will be also some added colour, with colours like red to show strong beats, as well as blue to show weak beats.

Kick Start Hat as a basis

2010-10-13T22:14:00.001+11:00

I'm using the Kick Start Hat Minim example as a basis.

As a start, I'm borrowing off the code form the Quickstart guide: http://code.compartmental.net/tools/minim/quickstart/

I like this as a start because the example of how beats are detected is already shown, and ready for modification.

Minim - What I am looking for

2010-10-04T10:51:00.000+11:00

If I'm aiming for a visualisation in music, I'm thinking of using the minim library.

After I presented in class, I have to admit the project I will be doing is very ambitious.

Bubbles.
Music.
Colours.
Particle Systems. <--- Maybe. This is what I am going to use for my project. I will admit that its been a long time since I have done processing, but I will do the best I can. Looking at the documentation from Code Log (http://code.compartmental.net/tools/minim/quickstart/), the quickstart code shown seems like a good place to start my project. And then possibly I would look into beatdetection and fft.

Thoughts on Future Project for Real-Time Multimedia

2010-08-27T13:55:00.003+10:00

When this assignment was announced, I was thinking what I could do for it. My mind is made of random thoughts, and I love things that cannot be explained in real life. So while this is only some thoughts, I'd like to do something with the following:

- Music
- Bubbles
- Bubbles that explode fire o_0

Yeah. It doesn't make sense, but I'm thinking something like that.

Messa di Voce - Fluid

2010-08-06T14:08:00.003+10:00

Direct link - http://www.tmema.org/messa/video/messa_ica1_fluif_01s.mov

What I find interesting about this Real-time multimedia is that voice and movement plays a huge part. The smokey, fluid substance on the screen is represened through the strength of the people's voices, as well as being produced from the location of where the person's mouth is.

Personally, I find it interesting that voice is used, and I would like to make a project that involves voice a lot.

SMASH! 2010 - AMV Competition Entrants

2010-07-24T15:42:00.005+10:00

Hi all!

First of all, I would like to apologise for the sudden change in voting for the People's choice award for the AMV Competition. I have (as well as those working with me) had a couple of difficulties setting this up, as we have had some problems putting them on the main SMASH! site. As a result, the AMVs made by our entrants who have worked hard on them, will be temporarily shown here, on my blog.

As for voting for the People's choice award, this method has changed. The poll didn't come up as I had planned, so for those voting, they will be in the following steps:

1. You decide which top three AMVs deserve to be in the running for the award. So from 1-3 (one being the best), choose which three AMVs you want to see to win the award. For example:
1. My AMV by Renato
2. This AMV by Renato's Evil Twin
3. Some AMV by Renato's Alter Ego

with i. being the highest ranking AMV to win.

2. Send an email to renato.gaylican@smash.org.au along with your three selections. Very simple. Just put in your top three, and send it to me by email. I will then count them up once I receive it. Votes must be in before August 5.

Notes:
- The winner will be revealed at SMASH on August 7.
- If you are an entrant and wish to vote, you may NOT vote for your own AMV entries.
- In the voting, first place is worth 5 points, 2nd = 4th, 3rd = 5th

That is all to it. Once again, I totally apologise for this inconvenience, it was not intended to happen. But I must let the show go on, regardless of the problems I am experiencing.

Hopefully by next Wednesday, they will be back on the SMASH! site. =)

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Renato Jean Gaylican
SMASH! 2010
AMV Co-ordinator

-----------------------------------

If there are any broken links here, please tell me ASAP so I can try to put these back up on different sites.

Action/Upbeat

“In Fate’s Hands” by Vanessa Moss

SMASH! 2010 AMV Competition - In Fate's Hands by Vanessa Mos
Uploaded by smash2010amvcomp. - Check out other Film & TV videos.

“LogIn (Reboot Parody)” by Gene Lehdey

“Given Up” by Travis Lakey

SMASH! 2010 AMV Competition - Given Up by Travis Lakey - Watch today’s top amazing videos here

“Young” by Travis Lakey

SMASH! 2010 AMV Competition - Young by Travis Laeky - Click here for the most popular videos

“Outta her head” by Storm Stratford

SMASH! 2010 - Outta Her Head - For more amazing video clips, click here

“Memories of Senna” by Alan Ko

SMASH! 2010 AMV Competition - Memories of Senna by Alan - These bloopers are hilarious

Comedy/Parody

“It’s Sugartime!” by Yining

SMASH! 2010 AMV Competition - It's Sugartime! by Yining
Uploaded by smash2010amvcomp. - Classic TV and last night's shows, online.

“Without L” by Darren (Daz)

SMASH! 2010 AMV Competition - Without L by Darren - Watch a funny movie here

“Sasuke is Stronger” by Darren (Daz)

Drama/Romance

“No Surprise” by Vivian Chan

SMASH! 2010 AMV Competition - No Surprise by Vivian Chan
Uploaded by smash2010amvcomp. - Classic TV and last night's shows, online.

“Back at one” by Travis Lakey

SMASH! 2010 AMV Competition - Back at One by Travis Lakey - The most amazing videos are a click away

“Reality Intervention” by Keith Harrison

SMASH! 2010 AMV Competition - Reality Intervention by Keith - Watch a funny movie here

“[Tamaki x Haruhi] “The one song left in my symphony”” by Marianne Ching

SMASH! 2010 AMV Competition - TamakixHaruhi by Marianne - The funniest videos clips are here

“Eva Refractor” by Darren (Daz)

SMASH! 2010 AMV Competition - Eva Refractor by Darren - The most amazing home videos are here

“Lips like Morphine” by Dion Monk

SMASH! 2010 AMV Competition - Lips Like Morphine by Dion - More free videos are here

“Some will seek forgiveness” by Dion Monk

SMASH! 2010 AMV Competition - Some Will Seek Forgiveness by Dion - Funny bloopers are a click away

“Screaming Infidelities” by Anna Khaov

SMASH! 2010 AMV Competition - Screaming Infidelities by Anna - A funny movie is a click away

“In the end, L won” by Alan Ko

SMASH! 2010 AMV Competition - In the End, L Won by Alan Ko - Celebrity bloopers here

“Superhuman” by Dion Monk

SMASH! 2010 AMV Competition - Superhuman by Dion - The best home videos are here

“Asuka can’t go home” by Storm Stratford

Day 1: Sydney -> Tokyo

2010-02-12T22:08:00.003+11:00

Although I am typing this in Day 2, I will still type this as though it was Day 1:

So I am now in my Tokyo Hotel in Akasaka, and it was a really long flight into Tokyo. But I am finally here. =)

Woke up at around 3:30 a.m. in the morning, since we had to catch a bus one hour later. I finished packing my bags the other night and now I was ready to leave. With my parents, we all said our goodbyes to my grandparents, and then left. We walked to Burwood where we caught the bus to the Domestic Airport.

We arrived at the Jetstar Terminal, 30 minutes before closing time (for check-in). I totally underestimated the amount of people there... all the check-in lines were full! There were long lines! For a moment I thought I was going to miss my flight, but luckily, we found a dedicated line for last minute Jetstar passangers to Cairns, and so we checked-in just in time.

However, we had a mishap with the Jetstar boarding system when my dad was refused entry to the plane. That was because my dad and mine had the same name, and the system only allowed one! Fail. Luckily a Jetstar rep came in and fixed the problem, and then we finally boarded the plane. However, we had a slight delay due to one of the cockpit computers failing. In the end, we left 40 minutes late, but it was no problem since we still had plenty of time for our flight connection in Cairns.

We arrived in cairns at around 9:30 a.m. (Queensland time) and we left the plane, got our bags, and then moved to the International Terminal. We checked in for the Star class line, since we would be in Star Class on the Jetstar A330, a Business Class/Premium Economy equivalent. We roamed around the Terminal for the next two hours until we boarded the plane.

Star class... I have to say... was awesome. We had a pre-flight drink (had Orange Juice), and then we took off into the air. Along the flight, we had the option of unlimted food! How awesome is that! Also, my feet room was much bigger than economy and I relaxed the whole way... Long flight, but it was comfortable.

We arrived in Tokyo (cloudy, windy and cold night) at around 6:30 p.m. and it took us almost an hour to clear Immigration. After that, we went down to the Narita Express station where we picked up our Japan Rail Passes, so that we could travel on all JR lines in Japan (including the Shinkansen=Bullet Train) unlimited. Then we travelled on the Narita Express to Tokyo. Although around 1 hour for the trip, the train (in my opinion) was already travelling faster than the CountryLink back in NSW...

Once we arrived in Tokyo station, we had to take two trains to our stop, which was Aoyama-Itchome station. We took the JR Yamanote line (the busiest railway line in the world) to Shimbashi Station. Then from there, we had to take a Tokyo Metro Subway to Aoyama-Itchome on the Ginza Line. The JR Pass does not cover this since the Tokyo Metro is not owned by Japan Railways. So we bought our one way ticket (130 yen) and it just took us around 5 minutes to arrive there. The disadvantage of these subways is that they lacked elevators! We had to carry our suitcases on so many flights of steps! After arriving at Aoyama-Itchome, we walked to our hotel (in the rain) which took 5 minutes. We checked in, and got oursleves a free amenity kit, as well as free water bottles! We finally arrived in our room and I just laid on my bed for a while before I typed this blog.

So that's it from me. Will enjoy tomorrow!

P.S. Internet is damn fast. =)

------

Pictures~!

At Cairns airport:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v251/as_swordsman/Japan%20Trip%202010/Day%201%20-%2011-02-2010/P2113042.jpg

My lovely parents!:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v251/as_swordsman/Japan%20Trip%202010/Day%201%20-%2011-02-2010/P2113041.jpg

My plane, the Airbus A330-200:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v251/as_swordsman/Japan%20Trip%202010/Day%201%20-%2011-02-2010/P2113045.jpg

Me in Star Class!:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v251/as_swordsman/Japan%20Trip%202010/Day%201%20-%2011-02-2010/P2113046.jpg

Look at me, I can stretch my legs!:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v251/as_swordsman/Japan%20Trip%202010/Day%201%20-%2011-02-2010/P2113049.jpg

Pre-flight drink:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v251/as_swordsman/Japan%20Trip%202010/Day%201%20-%2011-02-2010/P2113051.jpg

Over Queensland, after leaving Cairns:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v251/as_swordsman/Japan%20Trip%202010/Day%201%20-%2011-02-2010/P2113054.jpg

The Sunset from the air:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v251/as_swordsman/Japan%20Trip%202010/Day%201%20-%2011-02-2010/P2113057.jpg

Sorry no pics after that... got so tired...

Two Conventions, One worker

2010-01-22T13:45:00.002+11:00

So I have just learnt recently that I am now a staff member for SMASH, and Animania. The two Anime conventions that I have both attended and liked. Although I haven't volunteered in SMASH at all, I have done it in Animania, and I really like the experience. One day I hoped to do the same in SMASH. It seems I got sky rocketed to a higher position. lol

So why am I working for two different conventions that have their own qualities and unique things, and run differently? Well firstly, I love anime. I love to work in a convention and show other Anime fans what they can experience in a convention. Second, to promote anime, I joined both of them so that the fanbase in Australia can grow.

And thirdly, I took up job offers they both had, so I can achieve the first two reasons I just mentioned. So what are my jobs?

SMASH: AMV/Screenings Co-ordinator
Animania: Not sure, but likely Registration Manager, since I have volunteered in that one section for 4 years now

For those who read this, I would like to mention something. Both conventions have their own confidentiality policies, and I will gladly follow them. I totally swear by my heart, my soul, my religion (well I do have one, but lets not go further. :P), and my life that I will not share information, as I will not achieve the reasons that I mentioned earlier, if I break these policies. Both conventions are run differently, and I will work according to what they want to run. My ideas are made according to how they run, and I will be glad to follow the rules.

I'm just an anime fan, who wants to have fun, and also promote anime. This is never about competition.

Aside from that, I hope to enjoy working with them both! This is going to be an exciting year!

Holidays...

2009-11-07T14:57:00.002+11:00

So now, I am on my holidays. What should I do?

Firstly, I would say that I am now working for Myer, as a Christmas Casual. I haven't started working yet but I hope to start soon. I work in Menswear, which is not my field of Expertise, but I hope to start soon.

Secondly, I might go on an Anime marathon, watch all the anime I downloaded for other people, but never got around to watching it. Once my little cousin goes back home to Switzerland, then I will start watching them.

Third, I think I should buy more games. I'm starting to get more and more interested in games made by VALVe. Might go to EB one day and buy the Orange Box, so I can especially play Team Fortress 2.

Lastly, go on holiday overseas. I think I will go to Japan.

That's all I have to say. May add some stuff later on today when I feel more extremely bored.

Animania Forums - Drama Part 1057 - My two cents

2009-09-24T09:55:00.004+10:00

Last night, I was not in the forums. Too tired from uni, I decided to go to sleep early, and thus having one of the best sleeps I have had in a while.

I wake up today, and then I find out we had ourselves another bit of drama. Well actually, another drama that tops the Cobra, non-animania cosplay topic movements, and others which I totally forgot.

Looking at the posts that were deleted (yes I am a mod, and I have the privilege to see what posts were deleted), I can see what all the fuss was all about. Guess its can be hard at times to be moderator sometimes, seeing insults, arguments going towards members, the staff, non-members.

While I can be skeptical sometimes how the admins warn, suspend or ban people due to something that doesn't have some relation to the rules, I can see why they have decided to suspend two members. Either through rules, personal experience, or just sick and tired of the same members doing it over and over again, IN MY OPINION the suspensions were carried out due to the swearing and insults at other people (which I don't know who they are at this time I will admit). Considering it is a PG forum (which is never taken into note by most members considering that we are all grown up and have our bit of swear words and immaturity once in a while), I guess our admins saw this and have their reason to suspend the members. And then from there, it went downhill.

Arguments, insults, this and that, its the usual drama I have seen in the past, and we get our comments of saying that this is a debacle, the rules are total bullshit, this and that, etc.

Lots of people aren't happy about the suspension of these two members, and while I do not side with groups of people when arguments happen (don't care if its admins or some people i know personally), I have to say I would have rather given a warning or two, and tried to reason with them what not to do, so at least the problem would try not to spread among other members. But I guess what they did happened at the wrong time when one of the admins was around the area.

Admins and moderators have different ways of dealing with members when it comes to problems that arise in the forums. Some can be straightforward and enforce a ban, others will give warnings via pms. For me, I send a pm, or give them a kind reminder over the topic to say what not to do. When I became a moderator, I had a special set of guidelines I must follow, but after saying this, I don't think this is not followed effectively.

The rules... the rules are a bitch to understand. There are loopholes and other crap which I do want to fix. The incident last night has shown that the rules of the forums were another failure and its something I hate seeing. The reason is because although it can't be seen when we read it, we go further into it and mention how far does the boundaries of this rule go. Thus we have these arguments saying that they have/have not broken the rules.

Going back to the incident, where do I stand in all of this? Its really hard to say. Once an admin does the act of suspension/ban, I really have limited appeal against the decision. The time when the non-animania cosplay topics were moved to an inconvenient location, I had tried to ask if we can move them back, but it failed (So now I am lobbying for a new cosplay section where it would be convenient for people to access). Once its done, its done. I really can't do much after that. I just have limited powers of deleting, editing posts, sending warnings, enforce locking of topics, etc. That's all.

I have no intention of making enemies with anyone with the forums, I always try to be friendly with them in anyway. If I did something offensive, I would try to at least tell them what I did wrong, and try and reason with them.

I am a moderator, but like my fellow members, I am also one of them. I have fun and good times with some of them in many topics, even if I may not be a close friend of them in person. So when something wrong happens to a member that most others would dispute about, I will try to at least ask the top whether there are some things that need to change, or dispute it.

Thats it from me. Entirely my own opinion. The 7 day suspension is something I cannot change now, and I am sorry to say we will just wait it out.

But general rule or not, in my opinion, one thing should be at least followed in Animania Forums:

Keep your personal problems out of the forums. And if it can't be done, at least keep your rant to an appropriate level.

Renato signing off, going to pay attention to his lecturer again. >_>

10 Missed Animania Forum members

2009-05-19T01:04:00.005+10:00

As I am nearing my 5th year as an active member for Animania Forums, I remember past members who are no longer appearing in the forums (or who rarely go), yet they were a great influence to many people. Although there are so many people I know, these are the 10 people that spring to my mind just now.

10. vig

I have not seen him appear for a long time now, so I presume he no longer goes to the forums. However, he will forever be known as a guy with a great personality, hilarious at times, and is also famously known for jumping over fences. Yes. Fences. It was something of a buzz that went around the forums for a couple of months in 2006 (or 2007) which brought laughter to many people.

Sadly missed, but hope to see the great guy again soon.

9. Misikoni

One of the forum's favourite girls. Known for her short height, cheerful personality, her cute cosplays and known for a photoshopped picture of her where she is bald and green skin, she would be the one that would bring smiles to a lot of people, while her cute-factor (if you read this Misi, this is entirely my own opinion :P) gives some members some cuteness overload.

She goes to an all girls high school near my house, but I hope to see her again in person.

8. julz

Known for her Animania volunteering roles in 2005. Disappeared around 2006, but many people still know her with an easy going attitude/ personality, and being a friendly person. The last time I have seen her was in 2008, and she was pretty attractive. :P Other than that, she was influential to the members in 2005, as her easy going personality gave her some nice friends.

Would like to see you again julz!

7. Roxas

I barely see him around, but he would be known simply for his nickname. :P Well, actually, he is known for his Kingdom Hearts cosplay, Roxas. :P Other than that though, he was a funny person to the people of the forums. But one thing of importance was that he was one of the few people to help and try restore normality in the forums after the Cobra incidient in 2007. I specifically remember this in one mass MSN convo, one week after the incident. Some people may disagree with this, but at least I know he wanted this dramatical problem to stop, and return to normality. So he appears on this list.

Where are you Roxas?!

6. Nataku-kun

How could I forget about dear Nataku! Just like me, at one time, she was known for rarely appearing at outings. Aside from that, those who went to be friends with her know that she has great opinions and criticisms on certain topics, such as yaoi, anime, or just life in general. Now that she is no longer appearing at Animania forums, I have to think it would be hard to find someone to replace her these days (but I think I know one person who is currently on the forums that could be related to her, but thats for me to know, and you to find out :P).

We'll miss you Nataku-kun!

5. Kaito

The girl that brings a smile to people's faces, due to her cute personality, and the fac that she is the so called daughter of Quake, back when the families were still in place. She is also known for her talents, such as from art, to playing the piano. I'm not sure if there are still a couple of people who are still in contact with her (it took me a few attempts to actually meet her in person properly lol), but many members hope to see her again soon.

How are you Kaito? Wouldn't mind seeing you in person again!

4. Minnie

Its sad that I don't see Minnie come onto the forums anymore. But now that she has a great boyfriend (Instant-Noodlez), a great uni degree, and maybe a great job (correct me if I am wrong Minnie. :P), I would like to think that she will have a great life outside the forums. She is known for her heart-warming personality, as she doesn't get angry too often, and is known to be a nice person towards new members. Also, she is known for her fierce Dragons-Tigers rivalry with shinlee, something that went on till the day she left.

Will be gladly missed.

3. Instant-Noodlez

One of my friends who joined around the same time as me in November 2004. Known for his short height, awesome DDR skills, his love of Instant-Noodlez (you might be lucky to get a box of noodles from him), his huge love of Japanese school girls, and his mega usage of the :mrgreen: emoticon, he would be the one that would bring a lot of laughs to many people. Now no longer here, he is the beloved boyfriend of Minnie. Left the forums while he was a moderator, and also known for some controversy, such as the Cobra incident, locking topics that can be disputed against the rules, etc. Despite this, I would have to think he would be one of the most influential people of the forums.

Would love to see you again dude!

2. nobody[v]

Although he is infamously known to start the cobra incident, he was also known to people for his big love of pokemon, awesome singing, and the unusual person of eating a lot of food in one go. If you ever had a serious discussion about Pokemon with him, then he would beat you in it. If it was Karaoke, then you would lose. If it was a food comp, you would be full and he would be still eating. So while he left in a negative way, he did have a lot of good points.

Where are you dude?!

1. The_Shoe

There is no person out there who has been more influential then my dear mate, Mathias (The_shoe). Until this year in 2009, he would always be known as "Shoe", and is one of the very few people who has been to nearly every meetup, met more people from the forums than anyone else in person, as well as toping the post count list, which stands at 9840. Joining in mid November 2004, his popularity would rise dramatically, thanks to his weird, yet funny behaviour, as well as the person who drank a lot of alcohol and got drunk in a short time. As time goes by, behaviours change and opinions differ. Some people may not agree to it, but people change over time. As far as I know, he is now having a happy life, after encountering controversial situations in 2007, as well as not having a good year. However, close members to him would help him go back at the top again.

We'll all miss you mate. I need to see you again in person soon. :P

Thats all from me for now. I know there are still others to mention, but I might do it again later.

I think about myself, as I am the last member from 2004 to be still active at Animania Forums. I still believe that not everyone knows about me (thanks to my bad scheduling of events that clash with meetups), or questions whether I did something for the forums. However, as I am still there, I will say this.

I see new members come in. I see them do their business. I see them leave. Those who have had an impact to the people around them will be easily and maybe forever remembered.

This is what I have witnessed in the last 4 years and 7 months of my time in Animania forums, which led me to create this post.

So how will you remember me when I leave? I'll leave it up to you to decide. ;)

Have a good night everyone.

Renato

Random pic of the post:

This is one group which I believe will never die out in my heart.

Top 10 AMVs of 2008

2009-04-10T23:42:00.019+10:00

I know I should've put this entry before 2009, but there were so many AMVs I still had to watch at the time, that I never got around to doing this.

But now that I have the time, without further introductory comments, I give you my top 10 AMVs that I believe are the best that I have seen for 2008. (The following does not include long multi-source AMVs, as they will have their separate entries later) I suggest you watch all of these in High Quality, or download them from the org (you have to register first before you can download them), so that you can see the true beauty of these works!.

10. More Than Enough

Creator: ZetZu
Premiered: 23 April 2008
Anime used: Ef - A Tale of Memories
Song(s): BT - Simple Being Loved (Somnambulist)
AMV.org link: http://www.animemusicvideos.org/members/members_videoinfo.php?v=158851

Starting with number 10 is a very nice AMV by Zetzu that deserves to make it in my top 10 list. I like the use of his special effects and a great song choice. He managed to match the scenes and the song to it, as well as making a nice tempo and mood to it.

The amazing thing about this AMV is that the creator only had 48 hours to create this! Its not everyday that you have someone make an AMV in 48 hours, and get a very high rating, especially on AMV.org

Ef - A tale of memories is recently becoming a popular drama anime since AIR. I haven't seen it yet, but will get around to watching it, and I want to watch it as soon as possible after watching this AMV. =)

The only thing that I believed that was out of place here was the use of video terms in the AMV (ie. the rendering scenes). Sure, it maybe a good transitional effect, but it doesn't seem to match it in my opinion. Either way, a very nice AMV.

9. Jam Sports

Creator: Atio
Premiered: 26 August 2008
Anime used: Buzzer Beater, Hajime no Ippo, Over Drive, Eyeshield 21, Major, Prince of Tennis
Song(s): Michael Jackson - Jam
AMV.org link: http://www.animemusicvideos.org/members/members_videoinfo.php?v=162165

French AMV'er "Atio" gives us an AMV about sports. Truth to be told, there are not a lot of sport AMVs out there that are good, but this one is an exception. Using a variety of real life footage, as well as footage from different sport anime, he managed to make a nice Sport AMV, with a steady action beat to it. It may also show the beauty of sport. It also shows that there needs to be more sports anime out there!

This video is also nostalgic to me, since it shows a lot of epic moments by the great man himself, Michael Jordan. Good use by Atio to include him, and relate him to the anime basketball scenes.

Although many can argue that it is not an AMV since the majority of the video isn't anime (and I kinda had this opinion as well), I admit that it is still well done, considering it is very hard to find the right music, as well as the right action scenes to do a sports AMV. So good job for Jam sports for making it into my top 10!

8. Resonant Discord

Creator: Chiikaboom
Premiered: 15 December 2008
Anime used: Soul Eater
Song(s): The Birthday Massacre - Broken
AMV.org link: http://www.animemusicvideos.org/members/members_videoinfo.php?v=164401

Next up is by Chiikaboom. Truth to be told, I haven't seen Soul Eater yet, but this AMV makes me wanna see it now.

The use of effects gives off the intensity feel of the AMV, and showing as much action as possible. Also, the use of colours is very well done, to show the sentimental feel, as well as showing the intensity of the action to the viewer.

Use of song choice is correct, as an action AMV isn't all about action. The slow parts of the song correctly match the scenes where there is no fighting, and is like a 'rest' or 'thoughtful' period for the characters portrated in this AMV. Overall, I like this action AMV and deserves to be in my top 10!

7. Running Man

Creator: Nostromo
Premiered: 19 November 2008
Anime used: Appleseed: Ex Machina, Ef - A Tale of Memories, Ergo Proxy, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Gunbuster 2, Kiddy Grade, Macross Frontier, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Mobile Suit Gundam, Night Wizard, The Place Promised in Our Early Days, Ray, REC, Shakugan no Shana, So Long Mr. Despair, True Tears, Yogurting
Song(s): Utah Saints - Something Good (Van She 08 Radio Edit)
AMV.org link: http://www.animemusicvideos.org/members/members_videoinfo.php?v=164778

Ever since I heard about Nostromo, I actually fell in love with his AMVs. Especially his multi-source AMVs, with just one song. The fact that he uses Dance/ Fantasy music with a lot of anime is a very hard thing to do, and not a lot of AMVs that uses this type of music comes out successful.

Not as big as his other works (like Auriga and Magic Pad), but this one is just as wonderful as his other ones. Its a very lively AMV, something that you would dance to. Once again, he uses a wide variety of flashy special effects (used correctly), and transitions between each anime matches in tune with the song.

I haven't seen most of these anime, and I don't intend to watch them all. However, the fact that he used a lot of cute, action, dramatic and funny scenes from the various anime shown, I might like to watch three or four of them on the list above. Great work Nostromo!

6. FOTOGRAPHIA LA SOLEDAD

Creator: Megamom
Premiered: 30 November 2008
Anime used: Sola
Song(s): Fase - Nadie
AMV.org link: http://www.animemusicvideos.org/members/members_videoinfo.php?v=164217

I really like this nice and easy going AMV. Even though I don't know a lot of spanish myself, the song makes the AMV have a nice feel to it. Its a nice dramatic and sentimental AMV that would give the viewer a lot to think about on life.

I was very impressed with the usage of effects here, especially in the beginning where the digital camera was used as a transition between scenes. Also, the use of real life footage gives off the feel about life in General.

A top AMV by my standards.

5. C O C K T A I L

Creator: Megamom
Premiered: 26 September 2008
Anime used: Ef - A Tale of Memories, Ef - The Latter Tale
Song(s): Belanova - Barco De Papel, Belanova - Y
AMV.org link: http://www.animemusicvideos.org/members/members_videoinfo.php?v=162763

Another AMV by Megamom. What I like more about this one than FOTOGRAPHIA LA SOLEDAD is the way the song matches with the scenes used for this AMV. When it comes to making an AMV that has a character singing the lyrics to a song, you would have to use the right scenes, as well as retaining the drama, the seriousness and the sentimental feel of the AMV. In this case, Megamom proved it here in C O C K T A I L.

I loved the used of effects here, such as the many words on life and love spread all over the AMV, as well as using the lyrics to reaffirm the viewer what the character is saying, and that they mean it.

Absolutely wonderful AMV that makes me wanna watch Ef - A Tale of Memories.

4. Clarissa

Creator: Bonefixer
Premiered: 30 April 2008
Anime used: Minami-ke
Song(s): Mindless Self Indulgence - Clarissa
AMV.org link: http://www.animemusicvideos.org/members/members_videoinfo.php?v=158904

What I like about this hilarious AMV is that it doesn't use Azumanga Daioh or Lucky Star scenes! Seriously, I like all the AMVs based on those two AMVs, but I think its time to look at another anime like Minami-ke. ^_^

Okay, so I haven't watched that anime yet, but this AMV makes me really wanna see it. The absolute craziness and the hilarious use of MFI's 'Clarissa' makes this a top comedy AMV. Not a lot of different effects were used here like the previous ones, but they are good to put use to make this AMV a crazy one.

Oh, and Clarissa is a catchy song. So explain why it isn't!

3. Attack of the Otaku

Creator: Chiikaboom
Premiered: 2 January 2008
Anime used: Lucky Star, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Ouran High School Host Club
Song(s): Jenny Rom - The Game of Love (E=mc^2 Mix)
AMV.org link: http://www.animemusicvideos.org/members/members_videoinfo.php?v=154127

Coming in at number 9 is Chiikaboom's "Attack of the Otaku". If you like madness, lots of colours, crazy and catchy music, dancing, and these awesome and hilarious anime, then this is the AMV for you!

Utter madness this one. I simply loved it when it was first released in January. Using a wide variety of simple colours, transitional effects, awesome after effects editing, this AMV deserves to be in my top five. The catchiness of the song really gets to you, and you feel like you want to join the fun.

Okay, so maybe some people may not like it, especially the song choice.. But admit it, it is a very well done AMV. WARNING: This video may bring you seizures! :P

2. Auriga

Creator: Nostromo
Premiered: 6 July 2008
Anime used: Ah! My Goddess, Air, Akai Ito, Appleseed: Ex Machina, ARIA the ANIMATION, Ashita no Kimi to Au Tame Ni (~Till I Reach Your Tomorrow~), Carnelian, Chaos Wars, Chrono Crusade, Clannad, Code Geass - Lelouch of the Rebellion, Ef - A Tale of Memories, Ef - The Latter Tale, Ergo Proxy, GANTZ, Gatekeepers, Ghost in the Shell: GIG2, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Global Astroliner Gou, Godannar, Gun X Sword, Gunbuster 2, Haru no Ashioto, Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni, Kiddy Grade, Macross Frontier, Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha StikerS, Melody of Oblivion, Night Wizard, The Place Promised in Our Early Days, Pokemon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea, Ray, Real Drive, REC, Shakugan no Shana, Shakugan no Shana: 2nd Season, Shining Force EXA, Sky Girls, So Long Mr. Despair, Starship Operators, The Third, Tide-Line Blue, To Heart 2, Tokyo Underground, W-Wish, Wild Arms 4, Xross Scramble, Ys I & II: Eternal Story, Zegapain
Song(s): DJ Spoke - Watch Them Fall Down (Montano Dub), DJ Spoke - Watch Them Fall Down (Original Mix)
AMV.org link: http://www.animemusicvideos.org/members/members_videoinfo.php?v=160388

Once again, Nostromo has delivered to the whole AMV.org community that he is one of the best multisource AMVers out there by delivering another epic by him called "Auriga".

The time to make this AMV due to the massive amount of Anime used shows the true beauty and complexity of his work. For this to work, he had to mix two songs carefully, so that it could be the basis of the 'flow' of the AMV. Secondly, he had to pick many scenes from different Anime and Computer games to create this flow, as well as match with the music. Not only that, he had to create a nice feel and mood to it. For this to happen, not only did he grab the correct scenes, but also used a whole load of effects and colour to have smooth transitional scenes, show the seriousness and mood of the AMV, as well as having a Dance feel to it.

I also suggest that you look at his other AMV called "Magic Pad" because it was this multisource AMV that made him shine in the whole AMV community. Congratulations in making my top 3 Nostromo! Auriga deserves to be here.

1. Just for a Day

Creator: Funky-kun
Premiered: 31 May 2008
Anime used: 5 Centimeters Per Second, Air, Ashita no Kimi to Au Tame Ni (~Till I Reach Your Tomorrow~), Black Cat, Bleach, Ef - A Fairy Tale of the Two, Ef - The Latter Tale, Erementar Gerad, Eureka Seven, Fate/Stay Night, Full Metal Panic: Fumoffu, Full Metal Alchemist, Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence, The Girl Who Lept Through Time, Gunslinger Girl, Inu Yasha, Kanon, Kimi Ga Nozomu Eien, Lunar Legend Tsukihime, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Murder Princess, Mai-HiME, Naruto, Naruto: Shippuuden The Movie, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Open Your Mind, Origin ~Spirits of the Past~, The Place Promised in Our Early Days, Please Twins!, Shinigami no Ballad: Momo The Girl God of Death, Trinity Blood, Wind: A Breath of Heart, Zero no Tsukaima
Song(s): U2 - Beautiful Day
AMV.org link: http://www.animemusicvideos.org/members/members_videoinfo.php?v=158790

Out of all the AMVs using U2's song, this is by far the best AMV I have seen to use such an epic song. Why?

Not just because its a muti-source AMV, but because the way Funky-kun used all the different anime scenes, and showing a very serious and sentinmental mood with Beautiful Day. This AMV clearly shows about life, and how, despite all the tough times you have, there is one point in your life where you have a great day, and its always great to appreciate a beautiful day. This AMV clearly shows it.

I like the way how Funky-kun used the right scenes that would match the lyrics of the song, yet still retain the sentinmental and serious mood of the AMV. This is achieved through the use of special effects, and its like as though you are watching an old clip.

Well done Funky-kun on making 1st place on my list. You totally deserve it. =)

Thats all there is to it. I hope you enjoyed them as much as I did!

Renato

Random picture of the day:

Ah... Kei and Yuko are so cute! This is why I should watch Ef - A Tale of Memories!

The top 20 weird, funny and unexplainable moments of my Holiday in South East Asia - Jan-Feb 2009

2009-02-24T13:38:00.006+11:00

Before I start, I would like to say that my previous entry on the first day of my trip was deleted. This is because I did not finish my series of entries that I had anticipated, due to crap internet connections I had overseas, and the lack of time that I had. Which brings us to this entry.

I present to you, the Top 20 weird, funny and unexplainable moments of my holiday in South-East Asia.

20. Meeting each other every 5 minutes at Kuala Lumpur International Airport
As we arrived at the satellite terminal at KLIA, we decided to go in our usual pairs (Me and Eric, Richard and Ricky), and looked at around at the ultra modern terminal. Because the central part of the terminal was built in a circular fashion, for some reason, we always met each other out of the blue. First we met each other in front of a Duty Free store, then a souvenir shop, Starbucks Coffee, a bar, and finally at Burger King. Pleased to say that we met each other again 40 minutes later at our Departing Gate.

19. Watching John Howard on Channel NewsAsia
Channel NewsAsia is a news channel on Singapore's television network. At the time of our arrival, it was 10 years since the channel was established. On one late night, I saw John Howard congratulating the channel for their great broadcast over Australia and mentioned they had a great time with them. Since when did John Howard became so interested in Asian News?

18. Jan 16: Sit next to a Singaporean woman on the day we leave, Feb 1: Meet the same woman on the day we go back home
By pure luck, the Singaporean woman that I sat next to on the day we left, was leaving with us on the same day we leave! Not everyday you get to see the same passenger leave the same days as you are, eh?

17. "We came to Singapore for some Australian Wine!"
A quote said by Ricky on the trip. Indeed, when we were walking around Singapore's Clarke Quay, we saw a stall selling our very own Wolf Blass wine. When we thought that was crazy, we were surprised to see our Harvey Norman in Singapore as well.

16. Buy 1-for-1
Ever since arriving in Asia, I came across bars and clubs having this "Buy 1-for-1" offer. I finally found the answer when we went clubbing one night in Singapore. Richard was approached by two girls holding some bottle of liquor (Vodka I think), asking him to purchase a drink for them. Richard kindly declined, but I guess its a 'bit expensive' way to buy a drink for a girl you only just met. What if the girl wasn't good looking if she gave you the offer? IMO, the girls weren't that bad looking.

15. For every cute girl in Malaysia, there will be a guy next to her
When I was walking around Kuala Lumpur, I managed to see a lot of cute and pretty girls. You think you would have a chance with them, despite yourself being a foreigner. Unfortunately, unless I was walking around the wrong area, every girl had a boyfriend! Geez... well at least it seems that in teenage society, its easy to find a partner than here in Australia, no matter how you look. Even some fat guy I saw managed to score a girl...

14. Playing soccer on a projected screen in Hong Kong
When we visited the EA games centre on Victoria Peak in Hong Kong, Eric and I saw a soccer pitch projected on the floor of the centre. Amazingly, you can kick the projected ball and score goals! Although hard to play, I scored a goal, and for some reason, I celebrated the goal by doing what all real-life players do. Run around like crazy.

13. Motherly Love
I will be honest here. Every single day, I get messages from mum, asking where I am, and what time I will go home, etc. Although replying resulted in a huge mobile phone bill, she gets worried all the time, but I guess thats because of me being the only child. Due to the time difference of 3 hours, she would not sleep till I send her a message saying that I am back at the hotel at the end of the day and I would go to sleep. It may seem weird, but I do respect that she has concern for me and I would always assure her that everything is alright.

12. Criticising Australia for lack of Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream
No matter which SE Asian country we were in, we always saw a Häagen-Dazs store (ice cream brand) in every shopping mall, or a Häagen-Dazs stall at every corner of a city. Their ice cream is expensivem but definitely top quality, way more than New Zealand Natural or Copenhagen. We always criticised why Australia has no, or lacks this superior ice cream.

11. "Chan-jee", not "Chan-gee"
I know that Ricky and Richard were playing along, but being a person who likes airports and aviation, I can't help getting irritated at them pronouncing Singapore's Changi Airport as "Chan-jee" and not "Chan-gee". This continued on as we were in Singapore.

10. How do you say "Orchard"?
If I thought the Changi pronunciation was bad, then saying "Orchard" was worse (we were talking about Orchard Road in Singapore). Richard, Ricky and Eric kept on arguing with me saying that the correct way to pronounce that word is "awr-kard", and not "awr-chard". Well, I'm sorry to tell you boys that you fail at simple English and I am correct. Damn you guys; the MRT announcer, the bus conductor, the general public in Singapore, and every damn country that has English (both UK and US) says it the way I say it. You want proof? Here: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Orchard and click on the damn speaker icon so you can hear. Ask your parents and your friends and I am sure that most of them will say the same thing.

9. Back way to the Petronas Towers
When both Richard and Ricky were running out of time to catch the performance of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra at Petronas Towers' concert hall, they decided to catch a taxi. However, we all knew that in most South East Asian countries, cabbies will try to take every cent off you by driving the back streets to the destination. It happened for the both of them, despite knowing the most direct route there. Thank God, at least Malaysia is a cheap place and they didn't pay that much.

8. Deal or no Deal: Malaysian Edition

On our first night in Kuala Lumpur, while we waited for the night's soccer game, we flicked through the channels and found a Malaysian Edition of Deal or no Deal. Same style of gameplay as in Australia, with only a few minor differences of dealing and the banking offer style. The weirdest thing about it is the enthusiasm of the audience. The crowd were less enthusiastic when the contestant got a huge bank offer, but when the contestant had a smaller offer (ie. RM10 = AUD$5), the crowd celebrated with delight. Great way to influence the contestant, eh? Also, the highest you could win there was RM100,000 (AUD$50,000). Not a lot.

7. The NOW channel - Hotel Edition
In all of my history watching TV overseas, this channel from Hong Kong is one of the most weirdest I have ever seen. Firstly, the only commercials being shown were the channel's OWN commercials, and during the commercial break, sometimes they repeat one of the same commericals, twice, in the one break. And they were weird and long. Also, the shows being shown were old! Quake Republic (an Online gaming show where British folk fight it out online on the game), Earth & Space (a science show), Tech-zone (a show on the latest technology), were copyrighted from 2001! Thats why I was so surprised to see why the Nintendo Gamecube was the latest Nintendo console on the market o_0. And they also showed old sports programs, an example would be Touch Footy State of Origin in 1989. The NOW channel they showed in the hotels is a crap version compared to the NOW channel shown in normal HK households.

6. Indians everwhere
Everywhere I went in Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong there were Indians, mostly as store owners in the markets, and in internet cafes. They are more persistent in selling their items than they are over here in Australia. The funny thing I noticed is that when Eric and I went to a net cafe in Hong Kong, some of the Indians there could not speak proper English, which I find very odd, considering they reside in Hong Kong, and can't speak the local language. They are very hard to shake off.

5. The further you go, the better price you will have! A bargain!
When Richard and Ricky were going around the markets in Hong Kong, they were looking at some products at a stall when the stall owner told them the price of the items they were looking at. Both boys said no since it was expensive and started walking away. The owner then lowered the price a little, but the boys were not interested and continued walking away. Then the owner halfed the price and the boys were like "WTF?" But they were originally uninterested and left without saying a word. Then they heard the owner swearing in Cantonese as they left.

4. GG
GG = Good Game. In out time staying at our Hotel in Singapore, there was a channel called "Arirang", and it specialises in Korean shows, and is broadcasted in English. One show that caught our attention is "e-Sports", where they show Korean gamers play against each other. Korea is a computer gaming country and the youth of the nation takes their gaming seriously. When we were watching two players battling it out in StarCraft, we couldn't help but laugh at the commentators being so serious into the game. But the main part of it was the end, when the commentators say "I think its GG for him", mentioning that the game is going to end. Because of that, GG is now in the vocabulary list for Ricky and Richard.

3. Caught on the phone
As I was talking to Richard on the hotel room about what would be happening the next day, he became quiet. I thought he left the phone for the time being, so while I waited, with the handset on still on me ear, I talked to Eric, saying that he should stop chucking pillows at me, as it was very suss. Then I joked and sarcastically told him that if I was ever in the mood, then we can have some pillow fights. Then I went back to the phone and the following was said:
Me: Hello?
Richard: Yeah I'm here. I didn't leave.
Me: What the hell... does that mean you heard what I...
Richard: Yep! I heard it all!
Me: OMFG... you sneaky bastard. I hate you Eric you S.O.B.!!!!

2. Old man pats my head for some reason
While we were waiting for our ride to the Peak Tram in Hong Kong, the place was crowded and we were stuck between a lot of people. As I was talking to my friends, this Chinese old man was looking at me, and was having a laugh at my unshaved beard. He then pat me and said something in Chinese. After that, he continued to look foward. I looked at the boys and just gave them a "WTF" look.

1. (A tie between two events) Eating your sorrows away - KFC Style & Itchiness on Victoria Peak
One day, I was disappointed at Richard and Ricky for failing to notify me where they went for the day in Kuala Lumpur, and because of that, half my day was wasted by staying in the hotel room and trying to contact them. I forgave them after a while, but for some reason, it wasn't enough to make me happy. So for some strange reason, I went to KFC, bought a whole Variety Bucket (containing 6 pieces of chicken, 20 Nuggets, 20 wedges, 3 Strips), and all of it. I did it, so I can feel better. And I did. But because of it, I was mocked in the whole duration of the trip, and it was ever popularised due to a Red Rooster ad back in Australia when a black guy from the US said "Chicken... CHICKEN?!?!?!" I vowed not to eat KFC for a long time. >_>

Also, one of the funniest, yet weird moments to top at number one was when I was trying to adjust my pants in my... ahem... crotch area, when Ricky, testing his camera on me, caught the moment. The boys just laughed so hard when they saw the picture. I told him to delete it, but knowing Ricky, he didn't. There you go. An embarassing moment for me. >_>

Thats all there is to it. Overall, the best thing about Holidays is always spend time with your friends. Despite these weird, funny, unexplainable and embarassing events, these are memories that I will cherrish forever.

Siging off,

Renato

Random picture for the day:

Yep. That's the whole Variety Bucket I ate.

The Downfall of Great Anime

2008-09-17T17:35:00.003+10:00

“People die if they are killed” – Emiyou Shiro, Fate/Stay Night

If I got killed, will I die? Thanks to Shiro, he has answered my question. ..

…
…
-_-;;

Seriously, this quote is one of the most stupid quotes in the history of anime that I have ever seen. I’m actually glad he figured out the obvious by himself, because if he didn’t then Fate/Stay Night would be a comedy series instead.

This is one of many stupid, weird, odd things I have seen in anime. From contradicting quotes to unusual scenes, I have decided to start my own mockumentary based on these stupid, weird and odd sayings and scenes. The title of this mockumentary I will make is called:

The Downfall of Great Anime

It will be a two episode series, each being fifteen minutes long. Although in its planning stages, episodes 1 & 2 will contain the following:

Episode 1
- Quotes
- Death Quotes
- Unexplainable Phenomenon

Episode 2
- The most crap endings of a series ever (major spoiler alert)
- Dub that kills the ears (Can be both Japanese and English)
- Scenes that are irrelevant to the series/ episode

Of course, I can’t do this all by myself. So for those who are reading this entry, if you have any suggestions or ideas, or any anime that you know that fits into these topics, please tell me. It would be great if I had any help with this.

If things go to plan, the expected release date would be somewhere in December 2008.

Random picture for this post:

Ah... animation at its best.

The move from Live Journal to Blogger...

2008-09-09T20:45:00.000+10:00

Well... I've done it. I've moved to a new home here in Blogger.com.

Why did I move away from LJ? Well although it was such a fantastic place to blog (even if I only did three entries of blogging), I wanted to gain a bit more exposure to a lot of people, so I can see my views on certain things. Plus, I wanted to separate my opinions on things, from my own personal entries. :P Personal place is for personal space, while public place is for places like here.

Oh. I don't if that was understandable or not. Oh well.

Anyways, I don't know what my next entry will be, but for those who don't know, not all that I write would be true. In fact, the stuff that I make up could make you laugh. For example:

Seeing two guys go at it in the bathrooms in your first day of high school will burn your eyes for a long time.

The topics that I write in my blogs are purely random. Sure, I may write something, mostly on Animania Forums, Australian Anime Conventions, The English Premier League or even the failures of people, but most of the time, whatever issue or thing I have on my mind, I write it here.

Anyways, thats all for me. Stay tuned!

Random picture for this post:

I want some now.