The “SMH” Files Part I

This article is talking about three videos that just made me smh.

This video is really an eye opener for most people. But for me, I work in a school as a substitute. I see exactly what this monitor is going through daily. One of the kids I worked with was so bad, I had to drag him to the principle’s office. He was running around the school and I had to chase him. He scratched me up, fighting me so that I wouldn’t take him to the principle. He talked about my mother, how ugly I was, and he tore up the room. The toy I took away from him, he picked that up during his tantrum. This boy was eight years old. We’ve written him up several times and he is sent back to our classroom the next day. One of the boys we wrote up was suspended but was allowed to go to the talent show! What kind of punishment is that?

The Jr. High is the worst. The kids are just maniacs and want to fight over every little thing. This bus monitor is going through her daily routine of harrassment. But I guess on this one particular day, she was crying, and some punk kid decided to film it and post it on youtube. Instead of getting laughs, these kids got hate mail. Jokes on you kids; you got the opposite of “likes”. The woman sparked so much media attention that people are raising money for her to go on vacation. Even though she’s really humble about it, I know she is ready to send out punishment.

Her wish was for the kids to apologize to her, and that they be suspended from the bus for a year. She also suggested they be denied the chance to play on sports after school. She received two letters of apology. Personally, the parents should’ve made the kids apologize in person instead of those typed up letters that obviously their parents dictated. In fact, I would’ve made those little worms scrub her house, the school, the bus, her butt, anything until they felt sorry for what they did.

She didn’t write them up because she didn’t feel their taunts were threatening, but they were insulting. And from my own personal experience and hers, she knew the school wouldn’t do anything about it because this all comes with the job. The school can’t do anything about write-ups all the time. Some days you have to try to control the area yourself. I know this from the classroom I was in. They told me that I can’t keep writing them up and that it’s my job to have some “classroom control”. Right. And a note: this is coming from the people who don’t work in the classroom. We had the principal come into our classroom and she just sat there and watched all the kids act bad. She didn’t do a thing! She didn’t do anything until one of the boys tore up her office.

I’m not going to lie. I was a kid once. And I used to think lame jokes were funny, and I used to laugh when kids made fun of a teacher. There was one particular teacher that was just scary…it’s a kid thing. But that doesn’t make it right. The woman’s job is hard enough, and these kids don’t even know the half of how hard a job like this can be. From their end, all they have to do is class work.

The thing is this woman didn’t even cuss them out, didn’t get enraged, didn’t snap, or smack the daylights out of them. She didn’t even bother them. For no reason at all, they just lashed out at her with mean jokes. She did nothing. She kept her head high. She tried her best to ignore them, which is what a mature person would do. She showed patience with these children. They better be glad it wasn’t someone else monitoring that bus, like James Holmes…

Some generalizations for you teens are coming. People are going to start grouping your whole generation as a group of idiots. Be prepared.

My only reservations about this whole ideal is the money being sent her way. Man, I should’ve brought my camera to film bad kids so I could get paid.

This was a true nigga moment. Probably like one of those moments off of the Boondocks show. People can’t say that the show was lying now or just being bias or written by racist people. This is the kind of thing that makes me ashamed to be black. And they played right into that black gangster stereptype too. People already think the black diet is kool-aid, chicken, and watermelon. Why verify it? And the worst part is guns were involved in solving this simple issue.

Like really, was it that serious? I can just imagine the scene: “I like rasberry, make mine rasberry nigga!” “Naw, mine got to be strawberry, you know I’ms allergic to dat rasberry”. “Nigga yo strawberry kool-aid taste like Sh**.” “What you say about my Kool-Aid? Oh nooooo yooouuuu didn’t say my kool-aid taste like Sh**”. Seriously black people, get it together. It’s KOOL-AID!  You can buy like three packs for dirt cheap and make your OWN.

I totally agree with this youtube user. Nanaluvstroubles is so untalented. Why does she have 15 million views and 30,000 subscribers? Really, youtube has now become a trainwreck of horrible videos that go viral and make people famous and paid. Seriously, just about anyone can get paid for ANYTHING. The sad part is I help in spreading these viral videos with some of my articles…This guy’s words are true. He’s not being a bully, he’s being honest. Just like sometimes when people say bad things about black people it’s not always racist…sometimes it’s TRUE.

In her defense, 1) It is called entertainment for a reason. And she is entertaining. Why should any entertainer get paid anything if that’s the case? Why do people watch basketball players play and pay money when they can play their own game? Why do we watch people act like idiots on television when we can make ourselves laugh. It’s called ENTERTAINMENT. And it’s truly a lie to say that in the past, everyone was talented. Just because it was classic doesn’t mean it was talented. People used to question why singers and movie stars got paid. And in those days, they didn’t get famous and paid. They were called “starving artists”. 2) It is hypocritical that this guy, who is obviously not displaying any talent at all is ALSO getting paid. And for what? To talk about another youtuber. Really talented.

However, like I said it is entertainment, and youtube is the place to get it for free (aside from an internet bill). Truly, none of the videos display a sense of “attention starvation” as much as the comments section.

Just some videos that I wanted to share that made me smh. If you guys like the “smh files” I’ll do more of them.

Can’t Even Go to See a Movie: the Dark Knight Killing Spree

Last night, a midnight show, there was a shooting in a Colorado movie theater. 12 people were killed, 51 were injured. Some of them were children. One of the victims was a girl who just escaped death at a shooting in a food court at the mall last month. She died during this shooting. I will not say this nut case’s name just so he can get attention and fame. My intention for this article was to give my condolences to the victims of this tragedy.

Read the Article to find out More

The opening of The Dark Knight was one of the most anticipated movies of the year. Many people were looking forward to the premiere. It was all ruined for these people. And to think the next day families had to settle with the fact that their loved one wouldn’t return home. Children who were victims will be forever scarred. People will begin to blame each other. Things like “Why would you bring your children to a midnight movie? Shouldn’t they be in bed, getting ready for school? Such irresponsible parents!” That was just the imitation of the many comments I saw in response to the article.

Don’t they feel guilty enough in their minds without people saying insensitive comments like that?

They are already thinking of the “what ifs” and the “could’ve, would’ve, should’ves” without people throwing their flaws in their faces . These people will fear leaving their homes, doing day to day things like going to the movies. They were just trying to enjoy the movie. No one anticipated that someone would take The Dark Knight THAT seriously. And if we were in that situation we wouldn’t be as “smart” as we expect others to be. What a lack of compassion! Think of the people who never got to see another day,and now are going to rot in a cold ground, having no chance to form relationships, or tell anyone good-bye, or get that Kingdom Hearts video game they’ve been anticipating for years! People are blaming the school system, the government, the white people, the black people, the parents, the Republicans, the Democrats, Obama, George Bush, gun laws, the neighbors,  and blaming the people who got killed for their own deaths! I bet the guy who did all of the shooting was blaming someone too. But it begins with you. What are you doing to stop violence? Stop blaming others. Of course, I know people blame because they want to fight. They want to find someone to take their anger out on. But blaming won’t solve the problem. Helping prevent something like this will.

This does bring me to another point. I don’t want to sound like a “soccer mom” or a boring, rigid prick, but I’m going to make the point. The Dark Knight has very dark undertones that attract the more edgy sub-cultures of society. People who connect with The Dark Knight see themselves as being a part of the dark side. Of course, everyone loves Batman and the movie, but just know that there will be the people who enjoyed Batman for it’s psycho-maniac theme involved. This wasn’t a Disney movie he decided to enter. It was a movie that had more of a connection to his purpose for being there. Batman has always been the dark hero with the controversial themes. That’s why we love him, but that’s also why people who look to dark themes as a hobby might love him too. With all the action and violence in the movie, it will attract those people who love weapons towards the movie too . I mean,the movie didn’t make them do it, but it is one of the reasons someone like him might’ve been attracted to the movie. Do you see someone like him entering into the movie Brave and getting away with it? No. It would’ve been more obvious. The Dark  Knight is attractive to the rebels of society, the adolescents seeking independence from the world, and it gives the “fed-up” murder ideas.

The Dark Knight movies out of all of them seem to carry an air of “bad luck”. A couple of weeks after the premiere of the first The Dark Knight, Heath Ledger killed himself unintentionally. Now after the premiere of this movie, some nut-ball shoots up a theater. This is sort of giving Warner Bros. a bit of a hard time. The Dark Knight brought out such themes as questioning “hero-ship” and downfall of heroes. The villains act as terrorists in the series. Characters like the Joker are idolized and glamorized as being “funny”and “cool”. Just Google in the Joker and you see his picture plastered everywhere. One even dares to say he is their hero…Might want to talk to that kid right now before he imitates. Look at all the merchandise that came with him! It’s no wonder the killer told the police that he was the Joker.

Look at how glamorized the criminal Joker is! Isn’t he cool? They even have t-shirts for him!

I mean, it’s not like we should blame video games and movies for the way people act. That’s not my point. I’m not saying that violent video games will INFLUENCE kids, even though sometimes they do (personal experience through someone else’s kid). I’m saying a kid’s entertainment says a lot about their PERSONALITY. The type of entertainment can give us insight into to the type of person we’re dealing with. We know that when we go to see movies like the Dark Knight what kind of people will be there. Just like we know when we go to see Brave, the vast majority of people in the ticket line and in the show will be little kids and their parents…and some Disney fans…We anticipate that the Dark Knight will have the strangest of people gravitating towards it because of the element and popularity. It’s unlikely that people would find a guy in the type of costume worn by the killer as alarming in a movie show like the Dark Knight than if a man dressed like that in a Disney movie; it would seem suspicious automatically.

The biggest question when it comes to kids playing violent video games and watching violent movies is whether they desensitize the generation and make them less compassionate. I believe it does. But what’s even worse is that the generation is in DENIAL that video games and movies have that kind of influence on them. And so when things like this happen they just say, “No he was crazy, it wasn’t the movie that made him that way.” But the Batman movie did give him an idea. It had something to do with this fiasco whether delusional kids believe it or not. The real reason why people are in denial is because they are afraid that restrictions will be placed on movies and video games that are being released, which could limit our freedoms. Which is understandable, but the true answer doesn’t lie in avoiding the issue. It lies in  analyzing and reflecting on yourself and the issue. Then helping someone else to analyze it. Another thing I see too is that there is more violence in PG-13 movies than there used to be. These kids are so advanced, due to having so much access to computers and video games, that a children’s cartoon movie doesn’t appease them. They would rather be sitting in a live action movie where guns and sexual innuendos are present. When I was a kid, live-action movies would put me to sleep.

How is all of this going to affect the rest of us,the moviegoers? Well, just expect metal detectors and bag inspections the moment you walk in. That’s going to take up some time so make sure you come early so you won’t miss the movie. It’ll be like going to the airport now…It only takes one cunt to ruin it for everyone else. Oh and trust me, there’s going to be a big debate about gun control, and the question of whether citizens should own a gun. Why did he do it? Who knows…The answer might be because he is just insane. Whether he had a motive for killing a dozen people, it was pure insanity to take whatever frustrations out on innocent lives. However, I do feel if people knew the true answer, it could possibly give them closure because it would make people aware of the issues that young people face today. This could lead to people trying to help them so they won’t ruin others’ lives. Of course, this is if he needed help. Some people just want to prove how smart they are by outsmarting the police. He was a college goer. Some people who go to college think they’re so smart and powerful that they start “Power-trippin”.

Some people say having less guns and putting restrictions on guns can prevent gun violence even more. And while I think it would stop more people from having easier access, it may not stop violence itself. Anything can be a weapon, even our bare hands, if used inappropriately. However, guns have shown themselves to be a deadly and destructive weapon and able to kill  more than one person at a time. But where do we stop with our restrictions? Some guns have helped people protect themselves. And on a one-on-one basis, can serve as a protection. Restrictions bring me back to the Prohibition days. That was meant to prevent violence as a result of alcohol…and that was a major FAIL. Even though Japan outlawed guns, and they were reported to have the lowest crime rate in the world…

Not doing anything about gun control can obviously prove detrimental. On a one-on-one basis, guns can be protective, but in an incident like the movie complex, imagine everyone standing up and firing at the person. Even though all those people might hit him, there’s a chance all the chaos and fear might cause people to unintentionally kill each other if they had poor aim or someone got in the way. And I mean if guns stopped production, no one would have a gun and killing dozens of people would be much harder to do. Guns bring out a spree of mass murders. So restrictions can prevent some gun violence actions in the case of a large crowd. But on a one-on-one basis, guns can be useful.

I don’t believe that guns should be outlawed, but I do believe we need restrictions, just like we have on cars, airplanes, and anything else.

So anyway,I just want to send my love and thoughts with the families.

Monster High vs Bratzillaz: the Halloween Trend

Yes, Bratz has come out with a line called Bratzillaz. After the line was first announced on facebook, I took a peek. And I admit, at the back of my mind I couldn’t help thinking…”Wow, these dolls look an awful lot like Monster High.”

Bratzillaz

I’m a Bratz fan, heart and soul, but I’m honest with myself when I see the doll line heading in a certain direction. Bratz have always had really outrageous lines, they even had a “ghoulish” line back in 2005 called Midnight Dance. Even though I would say it was more of a Gothic line, it was still very “Halloween-ish”. Bratzillaz have a similar taste in my mouth, except the colors are brighter and the clothes are girlier. This is a result of there being a female designer for Bratz rather than the male designer Carter Bryant.

I hate to bring him in this. But the truth of the matter is he was the genius behind the Bratz fashion. Why? Because he was a dude. I hate to be sexist, number 1 because I am a female, but women make dolls that are too “fashionable” to the point they can’t start trends. It’s too predictable. Women make clothes they would like, and the clothes they like are “girly”. Bryant was a male designer who more than likely thought about what appealed to him: four sexy babes who wear fashions that even men would think were cool. Bratz didn’t have all of this imagination “wear” before 2006. Then Barbie Fairytopia happened, and here comes the Pixiez. Bratz weren’t the dolls for all the magical fairies and princesses. Bratz used to be the line that had the rockstars, the tokyo clubs scenes, the beachwear, the spy outfits, the gothic style…nothing that hinted of being “imaginative”. This is what made them different.

Bratz Midnight Dance-Bratz as Goths

Back to Bratzillaz, I do think the line is very detailed and pretty. It still has a bit of the Bratz edge. To me, it is a better version of Monster High. However, it still feels like a copy-cat. “Zillaz” reminds me of a monster like Godzilla, and they even have a MUSIC VIDEO just like Monster High! Bratz have been known to make fun of the Barbie line (Tweevils). If this is a joke to make fun of Monster High MGA, it’s not very funny. It looks like an imitation. I didn’t even know Monster High was that popular even worthy of imitating.

Because I’ve been hiding in a doll cocoon, I thought Monster High was the most unoriginal idea ever. You can’t go very far with monsters, especially not in High School. Eventually, they will graduate…And to add the line is centered on high school. How many lines can they possibly think of pertaining to high school? Although Bratz oddly seem to remain teens, their life isn’t centered around high school, so they can go beyond high school, no sweat. But Monster High is turning out to be the latest “freakish” trend.

Of course, I know that Bratzillaz aren’t meant to represent monsters. They’re really witches. But who would guess that? Take one look at their pets, and you start thinking “that’s weird, and monstrous”. And aren’t witches a part of the ghoul society?

I’m not saying the line is ugly, but I do hope that Bratz doesn’t cave into the craze. I hope they remain the original Bratz. I don’t want the Bratz to be confused with another line. What’s worse, I don’t want people crying they copied and I don’t want Mattel placing another lawsuit on MGA. We just got Bratz back. I don’t want to see them fade again. To add, it’s making them seem like they’re running out of ideas, and that Mattel’s idea is winning. It’s making them look like pathetic wimps.

Side note: Did anyone else notice that Monster High is like a complete re-vamp of Diva Starz only they’re ghouls? They say “ghoul-o-rama”. Didn’t Diva Starz say “Cool-o-rama”? Monster High also say “Ghoulicious”…didn’t Diva Starz say “Divalicious”? They even have big feet and heads like them, only Diva Star were meant to be mechanical dolls of the “future” (Turn of the 21st Century=Y2K). Oddly familiar…

So which line is your favorite?

Monster High

OR

Bratzillaz

Which artwork do you like best?

Monster High

OR

Bratzillaz

And lastly which is your favorite music video?

OR

Vote and comment to let me know what YOU think about the Halloween fright dolls!

My personal favorite music video is the Bratz. They’re super sassy and sexy! But I have to admit, Monster High’s song is catchy and it was the first! Monster High’s song reminds me of the songs on Disney Channel nowadays though: no talent. It’s also very cheesy. “When I’m with my peeps?” Really? And “My boos”? Very cheesy. And then they have a generic black rapper in the video like they did in Rebecca Black’s video, “Friday”.  Monster High seems more “little girlish”, which most dolls SHOULD be. But Bratz looks older, and is more appealing to a wider audience. It’s what makes them different from all the other dolls.

Bratz were the first dolls to promote being different, and even though Bratzillaz seems like a major copy, the whole idea for Monster High’s existence was to be an edgy line that competed with the Bratz. So both are even steven.

Monster High is very limited to ghouls and high school. I can’t see the lines expanding. After they do a prom line, beachwear, pajama wear, school dance line, after school club line, and shopping line…what’s next? After they’ve done all the popular monsters, then what? They’re going to keep re-making the same old lines over and over. And all the characters wear the same colors in every line! Why does Draculaura wear pink in every line that comes out? No variety. It’s not like monsters can go to Tokyo or be Pixiez without looking like monsters…too much of a similarity. Monster High is also too sweet for my tastes. Bratz have a naughtiness about them that attracts me. They’re daredevils. Whereas Monster High is just a ghoul line designed to make Monsters look nicer. Not my thing.

Remember this 2003 Bratz Music Video? Really, we can say Monster High got it from the Bratz, huh?

 

Hunger Games Review

Can I just mention that this movie is just EXCELLENT? I haven’t seen a movie this good (especially based off of a novel) in a long time. The movie is original and inspirational. It wasn’t a “Marvel comic” movie. It was something deeper. Deeper than Avatar (which wasn’t so deep), and maybe a little less mind-tripping than Inception.

The story follows 16 year old Katniss Everdeen, a kind of tomboyish girl who knows a lot about surviving in the woods. She lives in a poor, starved town, a district near the capitol, Panem. Panem was once North America, and it is an advanced city that dominates all the other districts (everyone there looks like a clown). In this place, there is an annual event called the Hunger Games, where one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 are selected by lottery from each of the 12 districts surrounding the capitol to a “reality” television show. In this show, all of them must try to kill each other until one victor remains. This is based off of the novel by Suzanne Collins, who wrote the whole trilogy (guess that means two more movies, huh.)

The movie was so interesting, that it is still playing on my mind. It makes me wonder, not to sound like a mother Theresa, but how far will humans go for entertainment? Just like in the past, people used to make a day out of going to watch people at hangings…it’s pretty sick. But I guess it’s no different from modern-day wrestling, but at least today’s wrestling is by choice.

It also makes me think about one other question: What would I do if I had to survive that way?

The movie came together well from the beginning, leaving no plot holes, choppy scenes, and building up the emotions of the viewers for the climax. I felt anxious as I waited for the “hunger games” to begin. Nothing seemed to be rushed into the film to fit it all, it all came together smoothly. While at first glance, this may also come off like a silly young adult movie, it is pretty good for a story geared towards the pre-teen and teen audience. The movie took away most of the irrelevent parts of the book without running away from the novel.

I can say I was a little disappointed in the end at the outcome of the antagonist. But it just brought out the reality of the situation. I was impressed with this movie. It just really isn’t a copy cat movie, I swear. So whenever you get a chance, see this movie. It’s worth every penny.

Indiana State Fair Sugarland concert: Stage Collapses, Killing 5, Injuring Others

I’m in complete shock. First off, I’ve been to the Indiana State Fair countless of times, and this is the only time I didn’t go when asked, and I hear bad news. The State Fair is one of the events I actually attend when I visit Indianapolis in the summer. It’s so shocking that if I’d just said yes that day I would be among the group of people there who witnessed and were a apart of that traumatic event! My best friend was there and all she said she could hear was the screaming.

At first, storm clouds appeared, covering the grounds. The wind was starting to pick up. Her first thought was to take cover in a nearby building, wait until the storm passed away, and enjoy the rest of the evening. She heard a loud noise, but she thought it was just a stand somewhere. Then she heard screaming and saw people panicking. People were crying and holding each other. At first, my friend thought it was actually a tornado so she and a couple of others went straight toward the parking lot only to find that every section was blocked off. She and her group eventually found an exit, but later they were told that the Sugarland stage collapsed on a dozen people, and five were killed. Two of them were in their 20s, two others were in their 40s and one was in his 50s.

I get goosebumps thinking about it. If only something could’ve been done! It’s not fair. And what if I had been there?

See, I just happened to be one of the very few who actually watched the news and the weather. Earlier that day, I was asked if I wanted to go to the fair. First, I thought about the price, which was a major turn-off for me. Second, I checked the weather. It said, “severe thunderstorm, with damaging winds and dangerous lightning”. I’m a bit of a sucker for the weather man. So even though most people don’t believe the weather man, I do. I keep my plans simple for the day. Yes, most times I am very disappointed because most times the weather man is wrong and I end up missing out on a good time. Mostly, I listen to the weather man because I’m a pessimist. I enjoy bad news just a bit. I’m a bit of a party pooper. But my pessimism saved me that day. And I wish I could’ve warned others about the storm. I wish I could’ve done something. To see your life flashing before your eyes…it’s not something I would’ve expected. You go to a fair to have a good time, and watch your favorite band, in the V.I.P. section, and next thing you know the stage is falling down on you. 5 people died, and about 40 others were injured, some critically. One young man is critically injured but his wife died in the incident. It’s so sad. I’m feeling the tears well up. My beloved summer vacation feels like a disaster.

The storm blew in rapidly before anyone knew it. The evacuees tried to get everybody out before the storm hit. They were just going to announce the cancellation when the whole stage came apart and fell down. Ironically, the wind was blowing forward, not backward.

I just feel like this: why didn’t the people who run the grounds check the weather? I mean, sure, the weather man always says it’s going to storm. you cant cancel it every week. But shouldn’t they check everyday they have the fair? They should hire someone who can check the weather. If it says anything above 40 or 50 percent chance, they should cancel. Last night, it said 70 percent chance. I don’t want to blame them, because they are imperfect humans too, but at the same time I just wish that something was done to prevent it.

Here’s the Footage:

They say it was “only” four people, but I cry thinking of those four people who didn’t see tomorrow. The sad part is I still feel that it could’ve been prevented. It also could’ve been worse.

The End of the World–May 21st, 2011?

Has anyone heard recently about people announcing that today is the end of the world?

Here is a video on that!

Judgement Day article!

What do you guys think? DO you think the world is going to end in a couple of hours?

Also, what will you do if it is your final hours? Party like it’s 1999? Pray? Gather all of your emergency items? Or sleep the whole day?

I’m going to eat some barbecue, but I will be checking the weather.

Comment and let me know!

Is the Japanese Earthquake as Big of a Deal as Media Makes It?

Of course the Japanese earthquake is a big deal. A major disaster such as an earthquake, with an added Tsunami and nuclear explosion, and several fires equals BIG DEAL.

So why do some people, most of whom live in the U.S., doubt the coverage of this disaster? Some of the comments made, for this disaster and others, are “America made it seem so alarming. It’s not as bad as they make it. Only a few hundred people died. If a thousand people died, then it’s major.” Though most of those people had to swallow their words when one thousand more bodies were recently discovered.

Yet, the question is, when major disasters happen, can we trust our media to give us the true facts about such disasters? True enough, if you’ve been following my wordpress, I personally don’t completely trust the media. The media has a way of exaggerating the truth in order to get a headline article. Possibly, many of the Japanese reports were probably much calmer than American ones. But when is a natural disaster truly a calm issue? Okay, a couple of hundred people died, so it’s not a big deal? That sounds like words coming from the mouth of the spoiled one, one who hasn’t lived in a dangerous environment, and one who doesn’t care. A ‘couple of hundred’ used to be a part of families and friends who have to grieve over the instant lost. And the people left also lost their homes! The way these people had to meet their end is not only painful to the person who died but to those left behind. So I don’t blame the media for doing it’s best to bring it to our attention. Disasters can affect the world and sometimes Americans get so stuck on themselves and the “what about me” attitude that they can’t even show some decent compassion, empathy, or sympathy in a comment section on an MSNBC News articles. About half are arguing over whether they believe God exists or not, like anyone’s personal beliefs matter during a time of consolation. Any good encouragement is welcome whether it is religious or not, I’m sure those who are suffering appreciate it. Even worse is the comments displayed in the above video, where people were even making fun of the child crying!

Another reason many of us can find reason to panic about this issue is the large-scale production of goods we get from Japan and the amount of tourism that comes into Japan. Most people now won’t travel to Japan, and the tourist attraction has declined. Most of the technology we use, from cell phones, video games, to computers, are made in Japan, now imports and exports will backed up for awhile. I also am a big anime fan, as are many, and because of the disaster many broadcasts and show airings were canceled. So this can put something on the minds of the world. This has an affect on the whole world. Before people decide to ignore issues such as this one, or make ignorant comments, think of putting yourself in the nation’s shoes (for once).

Ayakashi Japanese Classic Horror Review 10/10

Alright, I finished another anime in my list of horrors. If you want an idea of my list head to http://myanimelist.net/soratothamax and you can see all of the animes I have lined up and will review. For now, I’m giving you my opinion on my latest anime (yes, another horror):

Ayakashi: Japanese Classic Horror

I will be discussing the story, character development, music, art design and style, and the writers and creators.

Story: This is a three-part anime. There are three different stories. 1)The first in the anime is called Goddess of the Dark Tower. It’s a story of a Goddess who fell in love with a human. The biggest problem with the Goddess loving the humans is that the humans killed her mother, making the Gods lose their immortality. Really, the Gods needed the humans for food and to ease the pain of losing the Queen of the Gods, who happened to be the mother of the main princess in the story. This was about the two world colliding. Something that irked in the back of my mind was still unanswered in the anime. 2)Yotsuya Ghost Story is next. It is the story about a good woman who fell in love with a samarai. The Samarai seemed good to her, and apparently she had sex with him and became pregnant. But her father didn’t approve. This seemingly nice samarai then gets angry with the rejection, and turns into this evil man. He ends up murdering her father. He pretends he didn’t do it, and promises his woman that he would seek revenge, as men had to do for their families. But soon after his woman had her baby, she became ill, and this evil man started to grow tired of her. A young spoiled girl, who had her eye on him, plotted to poison his wife and take him for herself…which caused a big mess…You have to see the rest. It caused a curse, I’ll say that. 3)Bake Neko is the third story. The story begins with a young girl marrying to help her family financially. But just as she’s about to leave, she falls dead. The story comes up that a demon has possessed the house. A young medicine man appears as well to tell the family this. The only way to get rid of this demon is to know why the demon is angry and the reason it has appeared at the moment. As he finds out the story, the truth about the family’s past comes to the light. All of the stories are interesting in their own way and told in different ways, so this never becomes competitive. It can become confusing if you don’t pay attention. If you like Samarais, you’ll love this. If you are interested in traditional Japan, you’ll love this. And if you love drama or variety, you will love this. The nature of every story is so distinct, you might forget you are watching the same anime.

Characters: The cast is very vast, but the characters are very well developed. The first story is about the Goddess focusing on the characters Himekawa Zoshonosuke and TomiHime. Himekawa is a medieval falconer who lost his bird having him run deeper into a woods which made him meet the Goddess TomiHime. She was supposed to kill him, but he was so nice, I guess she didn’t want to. Well, she was really in awe of humans and fell in love with him. Their forbidden romance causes problems for both worlds.
The second story about the ghost focuses on Tamiya Iemon and Tamiya Oiwa. Tamiya Oiwa was a good woman who took care of her child. But when Iemon abandoned her, she put a curse on him…This was a dramatic story. The third story focuses on a family, but the real main character is the medicine man, who btw, has his own spin-off series called Mononoke. Sounds familiar doesn’t it?

Music: The opening seems very out of place, but it’s also pretty good. It’s called HEAT ISLAND by Rhymester. It’s a hip-hop/rap song. The ending song is more traditional. It’s called Haru no Katami by Chitose Hajime. Interesting blend of music.

Art/Design: All of the styles are distinct and vary according to the story. The one that stood out the most to me was the third story. It had so many bright colors and geometrical figures. It was pretty loud. The second seemed the most traditional in style. The first seemed more modern.

Writers and creators: There were three writers, which is pretty obvious because none of the stories are alike or told in the same way.

Chiaki J. Konaka (Yotsuya Kaidan)
Yuuji Sakamoto (Tenshu Monogatari)
Michiko Yokote (Bakeneko)

They are the three writers, and have serious distinction in their ideas of horror. If I were to pick my favorite story, I think it would be the third…I guess because there’s just something interesting about the medicine man. The second one would be next because that was just so far-fetched and insane. The last would be the Goddess story because of it’s predictability (like watching Shonen anime) and the idealistic tone.

So this is my anime review. This is a must-read. I recommend the first story for anyone 13 and older. I recommend the second to anyone 18 and older. And the third 13 and older.