Hey hey hey hey! It's the post where we (me and Zelos) show off what we got!


So pictured above is my 'haul'. It's limited to pretty much those three items which is why I'm hesitating to call it a 'haul'. Maybe more of...a catch? Either way, it was a pretty pricey catch.

Gracing the boxes of the LEBD boxes are Madoka, Mami and Homura! The lettering is done in a shiny gold foil, and the box itself is entirely white with polka dots corresponding to the colour of who's on the box. I'm both a bit happy and sad that there's no Kyouko and Sayaka. Happy because it means it's 2 less that I had to buy, and sad that those two aren't represented. The two of them have a lot of dedication in info books though.

Sayaka graces the back of  volume 2. There's a sticky note on the back of the boxes that's essentially the back of the case where all the information is. I thought it was actually part of the box until the bottom corner lifted. They're still on the box, mind you. Can't bring myself to take them off!


Inside Box 1. Included are the info book (bottom right), the OST (black, middle), the discs themselves (both BD and DVD are included), the end card illustrations (on post card sized cards, middle) and a double sided poster. I don't think I'll be putting up any of those posters...the fold lines irritate me and I don't know how to get rid of them.


Inside the info book are interviews with various people involved in the series, like Shinbo, Urobochi, and the various voice actors. There are also character sketches and designs (the sketches and drawings by Aoki Ume) and illustrations of the witches that appear in the episodes included in the box. At the end are a set of humourous 4 panel comics based on situations in the episodes drawn by Aoki Ume.


Box 2, though Mami is on the cover, has a lot of Sayaka and Kyouko in it. It comes with two double sided posters, one of which (if memory serves me correct) more or less dedicated to Sayaka and Kyouko. I probably should've taken photos of the posters by themselves, but the double sided-ness put me off.


Another thing the info books have are episode previews of the ones included. I read through them and they're not only well written, but are written so as to not spoil major events. Even the pictures don't spoil enough to ruin an episode for you.


The third and final box. You can't see it too well, but like box 2, it comes with two double sided posters. I also like the cover of disc case the best of the three (the one with all of the girls). If I were to put a poster up, I might put that Ultimate Madoka one up. It's not exactly this, which I'd make into stained glass and use it as the Cathedral of Madoka's altar window, but it's still pretty!


Almost forgot about this one. This is the limited edition poster from Aniplex USA that C&L was giving out with every purchase (of Madoka, I'd like to assume). I bought the three volumes in two runs, so I ended up getting two of the posters; Zelos has the other one.


Have you read A Day with Kenn 110-3? No? What are you doing?! Get over there and read it! It'll only take a few minutes! Read it here!!

For those who have, this is what I got autographed by Nakata Jouji, the voice of Giroro. On the left is the autograph, and on the right (though it's a bit hard to read) is 「目を食いしばれ!!」 If AR somehow gets another voice actor who has a character in Keroro, I'll have them sign on this colour insert beside their respective character! It'll be awesome and great!!


Speaking of Zelos, this is his haul. I forget the artists, but all of these were done by the various artists selling at the Artist's area of the Vendors Hall. Except for that Madoka one, of course. And the dakimakura at the top right of the photo.

Also, pardon the poor image quality. Zelos...doesn't have access to a proper camera.


If memory serves me correct, the top two (Mio and Samus, as well as the League of Legends poster ) are done by one artist, then the Tales and two Miku ones are done by another artist (I think), leaving the others by a third. Samus is probably my favourite of the bunch. The artist who did that one had some other amazing posters for sale too. Including a Nyancat one.


Last part of Zelo's artist purchases. The small one is a book mark!


Flynn! Made by Alter, this plushy has Nendoroid joints in it's body (legs, neck, arms) making it pose-able, albeit very limited. I don't think it can stand, but he sits well. The sword is attached by a magnet to his hand, so you can use it as a fridge magnet too (I think).



"Last" but not least, is The Last Story! Saving this for last because it's not directly related to the convention. It's really, really pretty...the box that is. I haven't started the game yet. The box is designed to look like a book. Not sure if you can see it, but between the 'covers' of the box, it's designed to look like the side of a book (with the pages).


Inside, we've got an art book (middle), the soundtrack, by Nobuo Uematsu!! (left), and the game itself (on the right). I haven't cracked open the soundtrack yet, but I'm sure it's amazing. It's Uematsu after all.


The art book is gorgeous. Full colour images as well as character sheets and sketches. The characters look very...Final Fantasy-ish, but it's to be expected when you consider the game (made by Sakaguchi, formerly the producer of the Final Fantasy series). I've only heard good things about the game, with the only bad thing being "It's too pretty for the Wii".

Anywho, that concludes my coverage of Anime Revolution 2012. If I'm still in town next year, I'll be going again with Zelos (hopefully) for another round of coverage. Maybe I'll have a better camera and won't have to wait for a certain person to send theirs (hint hint nudge nudge). See ya the next time I do a Day With Kenn entry!

 Recently got my hands on a bottle or two of this. I've had this in a post a while back, maybe somewhere in the time frame of a year ago. Anyways, this delicious drink is imported from the U.K., and continues to elude Weej and I. Can't seem to find a place (that's not a restaurant) that sells these!


 Result of my donation to the rescue efforts in Japan. A group of students were selling these for 5 for $6. Expensive, yes, but it's a donation drive, not a sale. I bought five, gave two to a friend.


 Last week I was busy with Vancouver Pro Musica's Sonic Boom, a 4 day event showcasing the city's best in new music and composers. I had a work in the masterclass with this year's composer-in-residence, R. Murray Schafer. It's a great honour to have my piece critiqued by him. I could only attend two of the four days however. Couldn't attend opening day because I had lots of work to do for the next day at school.

The event is usually held at the Western Front, a building at the corner of 8th and Scotia. Looks like it's probably a refurbished house or something because the inside looks really old. The stairs creak and all.

Note the crow in midflight.


 The community that the Western Front is in is called Mount Pleasant. Communities like these are everywhere in Vancouver; I suppose you could consider these like wards in Japan, just each little community doesn't have a leader.

Photo was taken just outside of Kingsgate Mall.


 Things like these can be found around the community. The history of the community is told through a slew of stories and maps on plaques scattered throughout the community. Seems like Mount Pleasant had quite the brewery at one time. Click on the photo to blow it up. You should be able to read it then.


 View from street level just past the community center. I imagine those who live in the apartments and condos in the community have a gorgeous view. You've got the view of downtown Vancouver, as well as an unhindered view of the North Shore mountains.

You'll find lots of buildings like these. Construction is a constantly employing industry in Vancouver. Not trying to sound pessimistic, but demand isn't going to always be there.


 Not sure if this will be permanent, but this is kind of an ad for the community, promoting Mount Pleasant's great aspects: safety, accessibility and the love of the arts. Apparently, many artists and musicians live up there. I say 'up' because I live in the southern regions of the city.


Went to his concert on Sunday with Ivy. Had a blast at the concert, which ended really late. Not good for a student on Sunday. No problem for Ivy since she's done with her program now though.


Opening act lasted about an hour or so, and was done by a local group, The Arbutus Collective, probably named after Arbutus Street, a long street that cuts through communities like Kerrisdale and heads into the downtown core. Crown appreciated them, but I'm sure most of them were just anxiously waiting for David to come on stage.

Concert was held at the Venue, a club downtown. Was fairly far back from the stage, but still had a great view. David was great on stage. He sounds just as good on the CD as he did on stage.  Between the songs he'd talk, sometimes for a while. No one minded though. He's hilarious.



You guys will 'woo' at anything.


David took suggestions from the audience in doing a free-style song. The result was hilarious and I kind of wish people gave better suggestions. I was kind of far back, so I don't think I couldn't pitch in a suggestion even if I tried.

Much kudos to the lighting crew. Lighting was great and the signboard behind David added to some of the antics he pulled. David didn't notice them until he saw people looking behind him. "Hey. That's my name!"



They stamped this on our hands when we went in. It's still on my today. Wonder if Ivy's is gone yet, because hers was already beginning to fade after a washroom break during the concert. Their logo is pretty cool.



Another one of my favourites off his second album. Deserve to Be. It's a sad song, but it's so good! <3



David did a prize toss in the middle of the concert. He numbered paper airplanes and threw them one by one into the crowd. The lucky few could then turn the planes in for the prize after the concert. Being in the back, I had no chance.


 Got my CD signed by David. Unfortunately, my camera batteries died mid-concert, so in a desperate attempt to save at least a little power for the meet-and-greet at the end, I forwent trying to film one of my favourite songs, That Girl. Ivy got her photo, but unfortunately, this is the best I could get before the camera went kersplat.


BUT I did get it signed, and that's one of the more important parts. Kakaka. I'm sure my cousin in Texas is so jealous right now.


The real work starts now for school. With finals coming up, everything gets super busy and I'm still trying to work on the anime previews. Probably the busiest I've ever been since I started at Capilano. Not that it's a bad thing...well it is for my blog since it's been rather inactive as of late. SEE Y'ALL NEXT YEAR OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT!

Image by Kanna Asuke

Merry Christmas! I'm not planning to put up anything for the rest of today, and I'm thinking of whether I want to put anything up for tomorrow right now.

This is the pouch I ordered along with it. It's a bit tacky looking, but it keeps the ocarina safe and is a bit easier to carry around than just sticking it in my pocket. It's a bit hard to play, as I've no experience with flutes and recorders (which is more or less how it plays like). Still getting the hang of it, but I'm still no where near good.

Someone brought this for the party. Fruit flower basket. The flowers are...pineapple and persimmon, and the rest should be fairly obvious. I only had a flower to eat, so I'm not sure what the other things are.

We had a bit of a tasting test with these. They make sour things taste sweet, though it seems it works best with organic sourness, like in lemons and limes (with taste delicious with these). Didn't work so well with sour candies. It also makes beer taste like chocolate milk apparently. 

 

We went to T&T this morning to do some snack shopping. I got a pack of Wasabi peas, while everyone rocked some funky crackers and haw flakes (which are delicious btw).

Dessert. The little bowls are some Asian melon that I forget the name of. Inside are grapes, papaya balls, dragon fruit balls (we had fun calling them dragon balls) and some apple. It's delicious with a good vanilla ice cream (the best ice cream flavour). 

My cousin got me this melodica for Christmas. Was rocking out with my cousin on his guitar to tunes like Metric's Gimme Sympathy, April Smith's Colors (note that I usually spell that with a U), Josh Ritter's Temptation of Adam, Slow Club's Christmas TV (it was inevitable), and an original song that my cousin wrote. We later rocked the Office Theme, yes with the melodica. I tried doing melodica and piano at the same time, but it's waaay too hard. 

And that's more or less my Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Not doing Boxing Day like I did last year. Maybe another time, but can't think of anything I really want. Plus I just rocked a whole butt load of ducks on tuition.

Image by Toi

Worry not readers, I'm still live and kicking, and not drugged up. 

Can't believe I didn't put these up yet. Waay back on Thanksgiving, we had quite the feast. Top three images are the feast foods, bottom left is Domo's soda overdose, bottom middle is what I had several plates of, and bottom right is sparkling Lingonberry juice.

:3 Rocky and Domo. <3

The obligatory left-overs sandwich. Complete with spicy sausage, turkey, and salad. Condiments include mustard, ketchup, margarine and mayonnaise.

More left-overs that wouldn't work in a sandwich. Mac 'n cheese. Really heavy stuff. You shouldn't eat stuff like this for breakfast.

And now heading in a new direction, this shot was taken at the top of the observation tower at Lonsdale Quay. The boat you see there is the Seabus, a passenger ferry that makes rounds across the Burrard inlet every 15 minutes or so. 

For those who don't keep up with the photo blog, here's my newest Figma addition: Black Rock Shooter. She's gorgeous, as you can see. Her gun is very, very big too. Taller than the rest of the Figmas to be exact.

Snack time! To the left is dried squid and beef jerky. Middle is a red bean filled mochi. On the right is a peanut brittle, which really lives up to it's name.

An owl statue at the Seabus terminal. It's probably there to keep water fowl and other birds from hanging around the terminal. Keeps the birds and people safe. You see these around people's houses sometimes. Usually there for the same reason. Sometimes people just like owls though. Have you seen any of these kind of things in your neck of the woods?

Yum. I kid. This wasn't all that great. Unappetizingly dry, and the filling wasn't very good. I'm not sure how my sister can eat these.

Dinner for Kenn. Forget when this was, but it must be from recent times. Rice with spinach and meatloaf. An egg tart for desert. Yum :'D.

Mom bought these from girls selling them at the mall. My dad ate most of them. They're absurdly sweet. Chocolate outside with thin biscuits filled with a minty cream filling. Not as minty as I had hope them to be though. 

Another dinner from recently. Same thing as the other one, but this one has eggs and tomatoes. More filling, and a wee bit more nutritious. 

Haven't seen these in forever! They're more or less apple 'flavoured' Fruit Loops, but they're tasty nonetheless.