alas..the end of the world is nigh!

Despite what I said in a recent post about day-by-day challenges, I have been summoned by none another than the aspiring globetrotter to join one so I must heed the call (plus it has an amusing title).

The 30 Day 'End of the World' Challenge:

Day 1 - Your current relationship, if single discuss how single life is.
Day 2 - Where you’d like to be in 10 years.
Day 3 - Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Day 4 - Your views on religion.
Day 5 - A time you thought about ending your own life.
Day 6 - Describe something you're passionate about.
Day 7 - Your zodiac sign and if you think it fits your personality.
Day 8 - A moment you felt the most satisfied with your life.
Day 9 - Do you think people have the wrong impression of you?
Day 10 - Discuss your first love and first kiss.
Day 11 - Put your iPod on shuffle and write 10 songs that pop up.
Day 12 - Bullet your whole day.
Day 13 - Somewhere you’d like to move or visit.
Day 14 - Your earliest memory.
Day 15 - If you could turn back time, is there anything you'd do differently?
Day 16 - Your views on mainstream music.
Day 17 - Your highs and lows of this past year.
Day 18 - Your beliefs.
Day 19 - Disrespecting your parents.
Day 20 - How important you think education is.
Day 21 - One of your favorite shows.
Day 22 - How have you changed in the past 2 years?
Day 23 - Give pictures of 5 guys who are famous who you find attractive.
Day 24 - Your favorite movie and what it’s about.
Day 25 - Someone who fascinates you and why.
Day 26 - What kind of person attracts you.
Day 27 - A problem that you have had.
Day 28 - Something that you miss.
Day 29 - Goals for the next 30 days.
Day 30 - Your highs and lows of this month

another challenge!

[Update] I started Lolita and had to put it down. I decided that I couldn't waste my time on a the thoughts of a pedophile. I picked up 'Shanghai Baby,' as a replacement for it's similarly controversial status and scandalous theme. I will post a review soon!

Wait! It's not what you think! I just said in a recent post that I let this blog get too hung up with different list challenges, but this isn't one of those day by day challenges. Instead it's a great challenge to read 30 influential and reputable books before you turn 30. I currently have a good amount of time before that happens, so I figured I'd get started. I've heard of 95% of these books, read only 5% (at the time of this post), and am looking forward to reading about 50% of them.

I say 'looking forward to' based on the title and description of the books and of course from what I know about them already. I hope to be pleasantly surprised by many and learn a lot in the process. For me this is about being a part of the 'ongoing conversation' with my own input and not being reliant on what others say because I haven't taken the time to read these books for myself. Regardless of what I think of the books or the content, I know I will be better off for reading them and bettering myself in the process.

Just looking at the list, I'll say that I'm most intimidated by 'War and Peace' because that thing is brick, not a book. I'm most looking forward to the bonus book, 'Honeymoon with my Brother' because I can just imagine me and my brother doing that journey together (but hopefully NOT after getting dumped by my fiance or losing my job though!). I've seen the movie versions of several of these, so I anticipate being blown away by the differences and extra content. I've made assumptions about several others of these and hope that I'm proven wrong. I'm least looking forward to 'Crime and Punishment' because the description just doesn't interest me. I could go on, but stuff like this is to just means that I'll be jumping around in the list and not going in the order it's written.

I found this list via this great blog I follow, so all credit goes to them. :)

1. Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse – A powerful story about the importance of life experiences as they relate to approaching an understanding of reality and attaining enlightenment.
2. 1984 by George Orwell – 1984 still holds chief significance nearly 60 years after it was written in 1949.  It is widely acclaimed for its haunting vision of an all-knowing government which uses pervasive, 24/7 surveillance tactics to manipulate all citizens of the populace.
3. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee – The story surveys the controversial issues of race and economic class in the 1930’s Deep South via a court case of a black man charged with the rape and abuse of a young white girl.  It’s a moving tale that delivers a profound message about fighting for justice and against prejudice.
4. A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess – A nightmarish vision of insane youth culture that depicts heart wrenching insight into the life of a disturbed adolescent.  This novel will blow you away… leaving you breathless, livid, thrilled, and concerned.
5. For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway – A short, powerful contemplation on death, ideology and the incredible brutality of war.
6. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy – This masterpiece is so enormous even Tolstoy said it couldn’t be described as a standard novel.  The storyline takes place in Russian society during the Napoleonic Era, following the characters of Andrei, Pierre and Natasha… and the tragic and unanticipated way in which their lives interconnect.
7. The Rights of Man by Tom Paine – Written during the era of the French Revolution, this book was one of the first to introduce the concept of human rights from the standpoint of democracy.
8. The Social Contract by Jean-Jacques Rousseau – A famous quote from the book states that “Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains.”  This accurately summarizes the book’s prime position on the importance of individual human rights within society.
9. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez – This novel does not have a plot in the conventional sense, but instead uses various narratives to portray a clear message about the general importance of remembering our cultural history.
10. The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin – Few books have had as significant an impact on the way society views the natural world and the genesis of humankind.
11. The Wisdom of the Desert by Thomas Merton – A collection of thoughts, meditations and reflections that give insight into what life is like to live simply and purely, dedicated to a greater power than ourselves.
12. The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell – Gladwell looks at how a small idea, or product concept, can spread like a virus and spark global sociological changes.  Specifically, he analyzes “the levels at which the momentum for change becomes unstoppable.”
13. The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Graham – Arguably one of the best children’s books ever written; this short novel will help you appreciate the simple pleasures in life.  It’s most notable for its playful mixture of mysticism, adventure, morality, and camaraderie.
14. The Art of War by Sun Tzu – One of the oldest books on military strategy in the world.  It’s easily the most successful written work on the mechanics of general strategy and business tactics.
15. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien – One of the greatest fictional stories ever told, and by far one of the most popular and influential written works in 20th-century literature.  Once you pick up the first book, you’ll read them all.
16. David Copperfield by Charles Dickens – This is a tale that lingers on the topic of attaining and maintaining a disciplined heart as it relates to one’s emotional and moral life.  Dickens states that we must learn to go against “the first mistaken impulse of the undisciplined heart.”
17. Four Quartets by T.S. Eliot – Probably the wisest poetic prose of modern times.  It was written during World War II, and is still entirely relevant today… here’s an excerpt: “The dove descending breaks the air/With flame of incandescent terror/Of which the tongues declare/The only discharge from sin and error/The only hope, or the despair/Lies in the choice of pyre or pyre–/To be redeemed from fire by fire./Who then devised this torment?/Love/Love is the unfamiliar Name/Behind the hands that wave/The intolerable shirt of flame/Which human power cannot remove./We only live, only suspire/Consumed by either fire or fire.”
18. Catch-22 by Joseph Heller – This book coined the self-titled term “catch-22” that is widely used in modern-day dialogue.  As for the story, its message is clear: What’s commonly held to be good, may be bad… what is sensible, is nonsense.  Its one of the greatest literary works of the 20th century.  Read it.
19. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald – Set in the Jazz Age of the roaring 20’s, this book unravels a cautionary tale of the American dream.  Specifically, the reader learns that a few good friends are far more important that a zillion acquaintances, and the drive created from the desire to have something is more valuable than actually having it.
20. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger – This novel firmly stands as an icon for accurately representing the ups and downs of teen angst, defiance and rebellion.  If nothing else, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable teenage mindset.
21. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky – A smooth-flowing, captivating novel of a young man living in poverty who criminally succumbs to the desire for money, and the hefty phychological impact this has on him and the people closest to him.
22. The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli – This book does a great job at describing situations of power and statesmanship.  From political and corporate power struggles to attaining advancement, influence and authority over others, Machiavelli’s observations apply.
23. Walden by Henry David Thoreau – Thoreau spent two years, two months and two days writing this book in a secluded cabin near the banks of Walden Pond in Concord, Massachusetts.  This is a story about being truly free from the pressures of society.  The book can speak for itself:  “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.”
24. The Republic by Plato – A gripping and enduring work of philosophy on how life should be lived, justice should be served, and leaders should lead.  It also gives the reader a fundamental understanding of western political theory.
25. Lolita – This is the kind of book that blows your mind wide open to conflicting feelings of life, love and corruption… and at times makes you deeply question your own perceptions of each.  The story is as devious as it is beautiful.
26. Getting Things Done by David Allen – The quintessential guide to organizing your life and getting things done.  Nuff said.
27. How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie – This is the granddaddy of all self-improvement books.  It is a comprehensive, easy to read guide for winning people over to your way of thinking in both business and personal relationships.
28. Lord of the Flies by William Golding – A powerful and alarming look at the possibilities for savagery in a lawless environment, where compassionate human reasoning is replaced by anarchistic, animal instinct.
29. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck – Steinbeck’s deeply touching tale about the survival of displaced families desperately searching for work in a nation stuck by depression will never cease to be relevant.
30. The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov – This anticommunist masterpiece is a multifaceted novel about the clash between good and evil.  It dives head first into the topics of greed, corruption and deception as they relate to human nature.
31. BONUS:  How To Cook Everything by Mark Bittman – 900 pages of simple instructions on how to cook everything you could ever dream of eating.  Pretty much the greatest cookbook ever written.  Get through a few recipes each week, and you’ll be a master chef by the time you’re 30.
32. BONUS:  Honeymoon with My Brother by Franz Wisner – Franz Wisner had it all… a great job and a beautiful fiancée.  Life was good.  But then his fiancée dumped him days before their wedding, and his boss basically fired him.  So he dragged his younger brother to Costa Rica for his already-scheduled honeymoon and they never turned back… around the world they went for two full years.  This is a fun, heartfelt adventure story about life, relationships, and self discovery.

Bamf's of the day

I found this today and didn't want to forget how awesome it was to see. Especially after living in Japan where, after my experience at a shelter, I saw animals that were abandoned or reluctantly given up to shelters after the March 11 events because the Japanese authorities were too heartless and thick-headed to allow this in any, let alone extreme circumstances.

Good job, NYC. You make me proud.

some musings~

May oh my, has it been that long? I guess so...

Well, much and more has happened since May and yet it's hard to see it that way when I'm still sitting here at my desk in Japan. JETsetter has seen some action lately in my attempts to keep the blog up-to-date with my experiences here, but even that has been slacking as well. I don't give apologies for the frequency of my blogs, but I will say thanks for reading whenever I do update. Arigats!

That said, I've had the mindset lately to be more spontaneous with this blog. I got into a habit of posting perfectly thought out entries or keeping a series going without interruptions (It's the OCD in me). However, in an effort to combat that, I'm going to go crazy (by my standards) and just post whatever, whenever. My highly organized ways works for me in many regards, but that's exactly why I'm trying to limit it; so it doesn't limit me. I also don't mean to make light of people who are actually afflicted with OCD (I saw an episode of MTV True Life on it back in the day and whoa), but I just imagine myself to have to be mildly afflicted as I do become uncomfortable or distracted when certain things aren't just the way I'd want them. Those of my ilk will understand.

So what has been on my mind lately? That's simple: home. And I mean more than just Miami, I'm talking about America too. Highly relevant nowadays, I've been throwing myself into election season in an unprecedented fashion for me. This genuine desire of wanting the best for my perfectly imperfect country has me longing to be there where the atmosphere is thickest. What? You're surprised Tamba isn't abuzz with talk of American presidential elections? So was I! I mean, doesn't everyone talk about 'Murica all the time? hehe, I kid, I kid. Home has also been on my mind since most of my friends are planning to go home for Christmas, but since I was just home and live farther away than any of them, that's not happening for me.

I can't honestly say I ever imagined myself filling out an absentee ballot, but now I have. Nor did I ever think to be spending Christmas in Singapore, but that is a possibility now too. I mean, have you? Maybe this sounds exciting, but after being away for year, going home and then returning back to the foreignness again, it's not as exciting, but it's part of the experience. I want to be home for many reasons, but especially these two. As an American citizen, I have the privilege to help decide the so-called 'leader of the world' (as so-called by my non-American friends). And Christmas is a time when my heritage comes out and some of the best memories of growing up Cuban come out. I love my hodgepodge Cuban-American Christmases in Miami. It's freaking magical and part of who I am. Yet, for the second year in a row, I'm won't be a part of it. The world is wondrous place, but there really is no place like home.

Speaking of home and how I want to be there, I received my re-contracting papers for JET this past week. I walked up to my desk and found them there on top of my computer. I skipped straight to the back where I knew the question would be waiting, and withing two minutes of walking in, I sealed my fate.

✓ "I have decided NOT to re-contract for the 2013-2014 JET Programme year."

Done and done. I know this may come off as me being in a hurry to leave, but in reality, anyone who's spoken to me about JET will know that two years has always been my intended length of stay and so in reality, the decision was made long ago. This has been the adventure of a lifetime. I've grown as person, learned a lot about the world, and experienced all the things about Japan I dreamed of doing and then some. But as they say, all good things come to end and I know my limit. We're only October and I have all the way till next August to go, but for some reason I am eagerly looking forward to the next adventure, whatever it is.


So that's a small update on me and the what's been bouncing around in my head.
Until next time, here's something to muse on:

"Define what success looks like for you then go after it."

personally, this is me

While I was still in the middle of the movie challenge, my fellow blogger friend posted this very interesting personality test. It's a short survey with questions that reveal the way you think, things you value, and ways you would react to certain situations. Although I'm sure many people would say that these kinds of tests are made in such a way to make anyone feel 'like this is me,' in my opinion this one gets specific enough in its results to claim some validity.

If you're intrigued and amused by these things like I am, then follow the link below to the test to better know you're personality type. My results are also posted, so to those who know me - do you think this is me? I think so.. I've even highlighted some portions of my diagnosed personality that are especially true, whether I like it or not.

Personality Test

Source: http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes2.asp 

Protector (ISFJ)

We are lucky that Protectors make up as much as ten percent the population, because their primary interest is in the safety and security of those they care about - their family, their circle of friends, their students, their patients, their boss, their fellow-workers, or their employees. Protectors have an extraordinary sense of loyalty and responsibility in their makeup, and seem fulfilled in the degree they can shield others from the dirt and dangers of the world. Speculating and experimenting do not intrigue Protectors, who prefer to make do with time-honored and time-tested products and procedures rather than change to new. At work Protectors are seldom happy in situations where the rules are constantly changing, or where long-established ways of doing things are not respected. For their part, Protectors value tradition, both in the culture and in their family. Protectors believe deeply in the stability of social ranking conferred by birth, titles, offices, and credentials. And they cherish family history and enjoy caring for family property, from houses to heirlooms.

Wanting to be of service to others, Protectors find great satisfaction in assisting the downtrodden, and can deal with disability and neediness in others better than any other type. They are not as outgoing and talkative as the Provider Guardians [ESFJs], and their shyness is often misjudged as stiffness, even coldness, when in truth Protectors are warm-hearted and sympathetic, giving happily of themselves to those in need.
Their reserve ought really to be seen as an expression of their sincerity and seriousness of purpose. The most diligent of all the types, Protectors are willing to work long, hard hours quietly doing all the thankless jobs that others manage to avoid. Protectors are quite happy working alone; in fact, in positions of authority they may try to do everything themselves rather than direct others to get the job done. Thoroughness and frugality are also virtues for them. When Protectors undertake a task, they will complete it if humanly possible. They also know better than any other type the value of a dollar, and they abhor the squandering or misuse of money. To save, to put something aside against an unpredictable future, to prepare for emergencies-these are actions near and dear to the Protector's heart. For all these reasons, Protectors are frequently overworked, just as they are frequently misunderstood and undervalued. Their contributions, and also their economies, are often taken for granted, and they rarely get the gratitude they deserve. 

Source: http://keirsey.com/4temps/protector.aspx 

Finding Your Passion: Guardians want Membership and Belonging

While Guardians would probably not substitute the words "Finding Membership and Belonging" for the Baby Boomer phrase, "Finding Your Passion," these are driving forces behind a Guardian's need to find life satisfaction in their work.

The last Guardian type is the Protector (ISFJ). This is the Guardian least likely to seek positions of leadership since they may feel uncomfortable in the lime-light. They are often seen as the people who do whatever is necessary to keep things running smoothly. They do their best to prevent problems. Like the Provider, they can be attracted to fields in medicine, education or social service. In business, positions that combine some type of social interface with time alone are best for them. If they choose technical positions, they prefer ones with at least some independence, such as electrician, or photographer. Says Patrick, "I was attracted to portrait photography because I am able to help people look their best and celebrate significant times in their lives. I take time to create the best portrait I can."
Finding a place to belong, to contribute to society, and have a sense of security and confidence in their abilities, is key to the Guardian's sense of well-being.

Source: http://keirsey.com/personalityzone/wz19.asp

Women and Romance: Guardian Women

By Dr. Lovegood 

Guardian women look for traditions to start or maintain. They are generally suckers for flowers, cards, chocolates, and the like. They are among the most likely to notice and appreciate signs of status unless these signs are flaunted, such as entrance into an exclusive club and being welcomed by name at a trendy restaurant. Men often appreciate Guardian women who lavishly pamper their partners. 

"Leilah is a Guardian Protector (ISFJ). Guys often didn't even notice her in high school because she was so shy. In college, she had one long-lasting romance. However, her boyfriend turned out to be abusive. Since he would always apologize and she is very trusting and loyal, she stuck by him. The abuse escalated, so she finally left. Now she is dating a man who treats her like a queen. She'd like to marry him, but she's afraid he might change afterward." 

Source: http://keirsey.com/personalityzone/lz21.asp 

Dealing with Stress from Work: Guardians Bearing Up
How do you deal with work-related stress? Each personality type has different stressors and copes in different ways. Better understanding of your own stressors and coping mechanisms can help you reduce the tension and anxiety work stress often creates. When stressed, Guardians usually report being sick, tired, sad, or worried.

The Protector is the most likely to become excessively worried. Their highest skills come from preventing problems, and to do that one must think about what might go wrong and prevent it. But too great an overload can trigger excessive worry. Being forced to face too many new experiences can be daunting to the Protector and cause them to talk about potential catastrophes. They may experience a loss of control and even become impulsive while trying to fix all that they see going wrong. When others see them in this state, it is important to give them help and to lower their expectations about always being able to prevent every problem. Until they release some of their need for control, they will experience high stress. Rest, good nutrition, and treating themselves to peace and quiet will go a long way towards healing their stress. Says Barbara, "I was lucky that I had a boss who could see that I was too tightly wound up and worrying too much. She helped me evaluate what was important and what was not so I could let go of some of the fine details and find a better balance. Work is more comfortable for me now."

Source: http://keirsey.com/personalityzone/wz31.asp

Enlightening as that was about my personality (according to this test), don't be fooled that now you know me and can fit me into a little box. People can always surprise you with their actions despite their general personalities. What I can say is undeniably true about me is:

movie challenge, march 27~31

A Movie That You Wish You Had Seen in Theaters

Office Space (1999). I'm old enough that I could have seen this one in theaters, but the premise probably didn't appeal to my 12-year-old self. However, I did see the movie shortly thereafter thanks to my mom and older brother and thus because it is so awesome, I now wish I had seen it in theaters. Ironically, I feel like Ron Livingston (who plays the main character) somewhat reprises his role in Office Space during his stint on 'Sex and The City' which, if you know how that ends, makes you kind of hate him. Just a quirky observation I had for anyone who appreciates it.









Favorite Movie from Your favorite Director
Truthfully, I like The Prestige (2006) from Christopher Nolan more than Inception (2010) but, I already used that movie for another challenge and thought I ought to credit this amazing movie as well. I was disappointed that it didn't win any of the big awards it was nominated for (instead it one some technical ones) including that of 'Best Director.' A movie by Christopher Nolan guarantees a great story, great actors, something unexpected and kind of a dark atmosphere. There are plenty of great directors out there, but originality is something I really value in a movie experience. That being the case, both of these movies and others he's directed exhibit that quality. [Update: The Batman Trilogy was quite amazing as well. Not as unique a storyline but definitely in the way he interprets it.]




 
Favorite Movie from Your Childhood

Since my childhood is not just a year long and because I couldn't pick just one, Homeward Bound (1993), Now and Then (1995), and The Fifth Element (1997) are some highlights I proudly owned on VHS back in the day. Homeward Bound always made me cry at the end, Now and Then always made me think of good times with friends from elementary school, and The Fifth Element was always the coolest movie ever. As a side note, I love how the posters for these films are just so 90s. I didn't include any animations from my childhood since I did that in last week's part of this challenge, but of course there are many memorable ones there too.

An Inspiring Movie
Dead Poets Society (1989)  is inspiring for the use and application of two words: Carpe Diem (Seize the Day). Teachers can be one of the most inspiring figures in your life. As a teacher, I'll admit that I'm not making any grand efforts to inspire my students. However, I do hope that by merely being here completely of out of my element for the sake of experiencing a different way of life, inspires one of them to do the same (especially in a culture like Japan where they can be extremely hesitant to be put so far out of their comfort zone). In the movie, Robin Williams challenges his students to think differently from the way they've always been told. He wants them to look to the past, to poets in particular, and not see boring stiffs, but realize that some of the most brilliant minds in history were trying to communicate something more about life. Such 'radical thinking' is frowned upon at the boarding school they're at and so trials ensue for both the teacher who is trying to teach something more and the students who listen. This is one I highly recommend.

Your Favorite Movie of All Time
Just like with my Nolan pick, I have already used my first choice for another part of this challenge so I'll give you second place: The Last Samurai (2003). Being a hopeless romantic at heart, What Dreams May Come (1998) is my favorite. However, The Last Samurai speaks to a different yet another core part of myself; my love of Japanese culture. Early on, my love of Japan was inextricably linked to my love of anime. As I grew older, that love expanded to the rest of the culture as well. Perhaps unusual for a youngen to be obsessed with such a foreign land, I would often get the question, "what do you like about Japanese culture?" It wasn't easy to put into words (sometimes it still isn't) but after watching this movie I felt like at least someone shares what I love about it. Tom Cruise's character is forced to live among his captors and finds that he greatly admires their way of life. So much so in fact that he willing joins their cause and adopts Japan as his new home. Since coming to Japan, I was able to visit one of the film's sets: Engyoji temple in Himeji. This is a very beautiful temple in the mountains where, in the movie, Tom Cruise and Ken Watanabe have their "good conversations." I was in heaven being there. Definitely one of the surreal moments in life.

My Favorite Scary Movie *Bonus Round*
I don't like scary movies. I used to allow myself to be dragged to them, but that always ended badly for me, so I don't allow that anymore (although, I can be bribed). But long ago, there were a couple of films that scared/creeped me out while still having a good plot and a kind of 'redemption quality' which made me actually appreciate the move instead of trying to forget every scene. The Haunting (1999) not to be confused with House on Haunted Hill (1999) is another, 'the house is trying to kill you' scary movie. Turns out though there was more to it than that. The house was trying to communicate to one of the guests that the ghosts of tortured children were stuck in limbo there and she could set them free because she was the great, great granddaughter of the perp who did the torturing. Thrilling, entertaining, and redeeming all in one nice little package. What Lies Beneath (2000) was more of a thriller, but plenty of scenes in this one creeped me out too. A husband and wife move back to a house he used to live in and weird stuff starts happening to the wife. She thinks she's going crazy until she starts to see signs that this is not coincidence but a message for her to run. Harrison Ford officially became a bad guy forever for me after this movie when you find out he killed a girl in that house and covered it up. He wasn't going to kill his new wife until she started asking questions, but if I were her, I'd want to know my husband was a murderer sooner rather than later anyway, so yeah.

movie challenge, march 22~26

Favorite Documentary

I want to watch more documentaries, but of the few I have seen, Planet Earth (2006) was one that really impressed me. II've always loved animals and grew up watching Animal Planet, so the nerd in me loves nature programs. I also have a bad case of wanderlust, and seeing the amazing places that exist on our blue marble only appeals to that. But back to the documentary, hearing and seeing about new animals is something that genuinely interests me, especially deep ocean stuff. It's not a one-shot documentary though, so if you're interested, give yourself a couple of hours or a few days to watch it all!

Favorite Animation

This one asks too much. Animation, specifically anime (Japanese animation) has been a monumental force in my life. Some of my favorites are Sailor Moon, Dragonball, Rurouni Kenshin, Tenchi Muyo, Escaflowne, Magic Knight Rayearth, Card Captor Sakura, Full Metal Alchemist, Fruits Basket, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Inuyasha, Naruto, Code Geass, Golden Boy, Kite, X, Tsubasa, FLCL, Cowboy Bebop, Soul Eater, Deathnote, Ranma 1/2, The Girl Who Jumped Through Time, anything Ghibli and the list goes on. Then there are the animations that hold a special place in my heart that everyone my age grew up with: all the Disney classics, straight to VHS stuff from Universal, and the Pixar collection that started in the late 90's. I don't need to name titles, I know you all thought of a few anyways. 

That One Awesome Movie Idea That Still Hasn't Been Done Yet

Vampire Crossover Movies. That's right. Everyone says 'blah blah blah Blade would kill Edward in a second' and stuff like that. Well! I say, there should be a movie that crossovers vampires from popular vamp films, gives some sort of plot that pits them against each other, and watch the bloodbath! To make it even more interesting, the vampires should be allowed to retain whatever powers/special abilities that their original movies dictate. It's not going to be that easy to kill Edward if he can read other vamp's minds to predict their moves or just kill them while they sleep during the day. Ohohohohoho!!

The Most Hilarious Movie You've Ever Seen

Maybe it's not the funniest movie of all time, but in recent memory, I can't remember laughing harder or more often than I did while watching The Hangover (2009). I had just come back from Japan and only knew the premise when I walked in so everything was unexpected. Off the wall crazy, wtf moments all over this film. And when you see it with friends who appreciate the same kind of humor, the funnier it is. I saw the second one as well and although it was the same exact plot, it was still funny, but this time a little expected. 

A Movie That You Love But Everyone Else Hates

The Twilight Saga (2008-2012) Yup! If you know me at all, you'd know it was going to be in this list somewhere! I love the books AND the movies which is not something even all Twilight fans can agree on. Although some better acting would have been nice, I'm used to the actors themselves and can't picture anyone else playing their characters. I have no problem suspending belief and accepting stories as they're given to me, so that was not a factor like it was to many skeptics or die-hard vampire lore fans. Basically, I love the movies for what they are: the live-action version of my favorite sappy romance novel series. Problem?