DMW: Digital Music W...

I had to blog about this. At first, I thought this was just some random joke article from Jane. But, I read the contest and I just couldn't believe it.

Click here to see what I mean...

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on August 23, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It was first revealed at TAF (Tokyo Anime Fair) earlier this year. The latest OVA from studio Production I.G will finally air on Japanese TV Sept 1 and be available on DVD some time in November in Japan. US dates are still forthcoming.

Click here to access the trailer.

Story:

A.D. 2034. It has been two years since Motoko Kusanagi left Section 9. Togusa is now the new leader of the team, that has considerably increased its appointed personnel. The expanded new Section 9 confronts a rash of complicated incidents, and investigations reveal that an ultra-wizard hacker named the Puppeteer is behind the entire series of events.

In the midst of all, Batou, who was stalking the case on a separate track, encounters Motoko. She goes away after saying, "Stay away from the Solid State Society." Batou is left with a doubt in his mind. Could Motoko be the the Puppeteer?

The series of intriguing incidents that Section 9 faces gradually link together almost artistically. Who is the Puppeteer? What will happen to Batou's relationship with Motoko? What is the full truth behind this carefully planned perfect crime? And what will the outcome be? Mysteries surround the Solid State Society...

NOTE: The word "Puppeteer" is used in this text as a temporary translation for the original Japanese term "Kugutsu Mawashi," and it is not meant to be the official English adaptation.

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on August 20, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Saw this posted on the Gothamist...

Hennessy, the purveyors of very, very fine Cognac, will host their Hennessy Artistry Event in New York City on Oct 17, 2006. Performing at the so-called secret venue are Kanye West, The Strokes, Carl Cox and Goldfrapp. Kanye and Goldfrapp! Hot!

Just go to the Hennessy site and sign up to get a chance to land on their guestlist. More details about the event (like tickets -- if there will be any) are forthcoming.

Its kinda funny how the site is all hush-hush about the venue. But when you go to their FAQ's and read down to where it says:

7.- Can I hire Capitale, the venue for Hennessy Artistry NYC 10/17 for private parties? Capitale is one of New York’s premier venues and is available for bookings. Go to www.capitaleny.com for contact information.

You kinda wanna laugh and reply, "Ummm...Ok."

On a side note, because I am such a huge Goldfrapp fan (big fan), she's actually performing the next night at Roseland Ballroom in NYC. So don't get all worked up thinking that this Hennessy event is the only thing Alison and Will came to town for. Maybe it was at the beginning but since the band performed to sold-out shows in the city, the band and Mute (record label) probably thought, "Huh. NY really likes us."

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on August 18, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This is what will air on Comcast and Cox VOD starting September...

Man-Faye

Among a wave of controversy emerges a man with a single mission -- to get his hairy ass back on the AX floor. With the help and kindness of Anime Selects and understanding of the organizers of AX, that mission was accomplished. Plus, none of this would've happened without the fans. And damn, there were a lot!

Klingon Rap

When the idea of Open Mic was mentioned during our production meeting, I thought to myself, "We're either gonna get some crazy divas or wallflower Otakus on stage". But it worked! Yeah!! This is just a humorous segment but there were some amazing moments and moments that made you cringe.

Why You Should Date Me

"Because my clothes fall off..."
"I like it rough..."
"Because I'm a redhead..."
You get the picture. People say the darndest things on camera. I'd hate to be at a furry party.

Peelander Z

The best part of the show for me was when people came up to me and admitted that they had a great time. Some even said that that concert was the best they have been to. AWE!
We're airing the whole concert in 5 parts on VOD. But some time in the near future, we will have those segments up on the Anime Selects website for people to view and love for all eternity.

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on August 09, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This is my favorite album from ABBA. I just like how it makes sex so god damn dirty. The whole album somewhat captures the essence of the '70s -- from disco night clubbing to free love and whatnot. I have to admit, I hate the '70s. I really didn't like that disco thing. But now, I just accept the fact that I have to deal with the decade because I grew up during that time. What helped me get over the angst is actually that Goldfrapp album Supernature. My parents know how much I hate disco but ever since I got the Goldfrapp album, I've learned to deal with that sound. Funny thing though, I won't buy that Madonna album because of that song "Hung Up". Instead, I went for the real thing and got the track originally recorded by ABBA, "Gimme, Gimme Gimme (A Man After Midnight)". That's like the gayest song ever, but that sample Madonna used from the song was quite catchy.

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on August 09, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Last Saturday was pretty good; weather-wise. It was a recipe for major traffic jams on I-95 South heading to Baltimore. I didn't realize that it was an away game for the Yankees and this is what I encountered at the Deleware Memorial Bridge...

Photo by Amanda Nanawa

I was heading to the Baltimore Convention Center for Otakon...

Photo by Amanda Nanawa

This is what I saw inside...

Photo by Amanda Nanawa

And in the dealer room...

Photo by Amanda Nanawa

Photo by Amanda Nanawa

There weren't as many people as there were last year. I think it had a lot to do with the badge price; not everyone was there to do all three days. If they had a per day badge and discounted badges for half-days and senior citizens, the turn-out would've been better.

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on August 08, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I have never heard of this Japanese band until Anime Expo.

Photo by Amanda Nanawa
Guys cosplaying as Happa-tai, a parody Japanese boy band

Back in 2001, a few of Japan's comedians got together to do a parody sketch on boy bands. Thus, Happa-tai (literal translation is "Leaf Squad" in Japanese) was born and this song, "Yatta!" (literal translation is "We did it!" in Japanese or loosely translated to "All right!" in English) became a phenomenal hit in Japan. The single was released by the Japanese label Pony Canyon on April 18, 2001 and the song basically skyrocketed to #6 on the Japanese charts. Today, the song and video are cult phenomenoms. And the song is pretty damn long.

By the end of the song, you too will start singing "Yatta! G-R-double E-N Leaves!"

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on August 05, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)