AlterBridge is back: Blackbird October 9th

Looks like Alterbridge, the group that broke off from Creed's main singer Scott Stapp are back at it again. Their new album, Blackbird will be released October 9, 2007 wherever you can find it, (Walmart, Bestbuy, etc). I went to Itunes and downloaded their single release: Rise Today. The songs pretty cool, I liked it and I can't wait to see the rest of their work. It definetly didn't impress me as much as "One Day Remains", but I am not about to judge their work until I hear the entire CD.

On that note, Scott Stapp is working on a new album as well. I will come back with a release date or any info like that if I can find it.

Anime Review: Blood+

I havn't gone and reviewed any anime in a long time so I think it is about time I gave it a shot again. I just finished watching Blood+ and while it was a great anime, it leaves a lot to be desired and could have done better in a few scenes. So let's break it down shall we...

Basic, non spoiler line
Saya Otanashi is a girl adopted by George who has also adopted two boys, Riku and Kai. They all live together in Okinawa, Japan outside of the United States Air Base there. As the story progresses, new and mysterious people show up as Saya begins to learn about her real past. Her chevalier Hagi shows up and protects her where they go. Saya is reluctant to fight but has forgotten what she had done a long time ago. Chiroptera are a breed of beings that resemble monsters: they feed on human blood.

Saya learns that only her blood can kill the Chiroptera, and that Diva has something to do with the outbreak of Chiroptera. Just who are her chevaliers, and what plans do they have with the chiroptera? Why is the US Military bombing research sites? To cover something up? As Saya learns about her past, she will discover that she isn't exactly normal, and that everyone had been keeping this information from her. This gets interesting, just what does Saya vow to do about the problem, and how, if they can, will chiroptera co-exist with humans? Just what the heck is "the zoo" and what happened there? Watch the anime to find out. There are 50 episodes with most of what I consider "filler" in the beginning. You get introduced to Saya, but the story gets much more interesting down the road. There are 50 episodes, plenty to watch for your enjoyment.


I won't spoil anything past what I did, but I felt that the ending was not complete and left a lot of unanswered questions, I assume leaving you to decide what happened. It was a great story and it was presented in a fresh new way; but I felt that there was a lack of suspense, maybe that would have changed if I was viewing the anime on the big screen with surround sound. The english dub was done well, and I actually prefer either the original Japanese audio track or the dub. I just wish they would call the enemy chiroptera, not chiropterins! The anime gets good at episode 4-5, but really takes off around episode 20.

Cool monster killing with a lot of thought in the process of life, hapiness etc. Lots of blood in this one and I enjoyed the anime. Sadly, I am a bit disappointed that I cannot find the series on DVD yet. You can, however buy the movie "blood- the last vampire" which is the original story, this anime is actually a franchised story that I have heard is slightly different from the movie. I heard both were good, and I look forward to watching the movie when I can get my hands on it. Nothing ground breaking with Blood+ other than the presentation, this anime does nothing too new but definetly has it's great momnts. Great anime, but not "wow 0_0" stuff.

Naruto/Family Guy Parody

I am not a big fan of Naruto, but I am a big fan of Family Guy! I found this on the tube and it was hillarious. Enjoy!

Blog History and Breakdown

Alright looking at the breakdown of posts, it seems we have a few winners in terms of post popularity.

Anime (44)
Engineering (47)
CO2 Cars (33)
Gundam (18)
Nintendo Wii (32)
Funny Videos (22)
The Other Stuff (174)

all of these contribute to about 53% of my posts (save "the other stuff"). My question to the people that read my blog is, what would you like to see more of? I'm just interested in what other peeps have to say, I know what I want to do but any feedback is appreciated. Personally I want to bring more Wii Coverage, but also cover engineering posts and definetly post more anime. I've been to busy at the moment to look at the Gundam Universe, but I can pry in and have a look if the populous wants me to post about Gundam.

Thanks Gilbert and Titus, Reliant Energy donates to Penn State

From the original article:

Reliant Energy's Gilbert and Titus Stations teamed to donate electrical training equipment to local educational facilities. The equipment will be used for advanced training in electrical concepts. The wide array of equipment will assist students at Penn State Berks and the Berks Career and Technical Centers (BCTC) in more smoothly transitioning from the classroom to the workplace."From our educational partnerships of more than 10 years, we knew the electrical programs at both Penn State Berks and the BCTC would benefit from the equipment," said Jeffrey Marks, Titus Station manager. "Having better qualified students entering the workforce can only help to solve some of the hiring challenges now facing our industry.

"The donation to Penn State Berks includes four work stations and dozens of components used to simulate and demonstrate practical electrical concepts, for a total value of $11,500."Students in our engineering and engineering technology programs will find the hands-on experience this equipment will provide an asset when they begin working in this field," said Robert J. Buczynski, associate professor of engineering at Penn State Berks.Michael Schmehl, Titus Station administrative manager, approached Neil MacIntosh, Gilbert Station plant manager, about donating the equipment not currently used at the New Jersey facility.

Schmehl knew from past involvement in educational and workforce efforts that the training equipment could help prepare students who seek employment in the energy field after graduation. Jeffrey Marks, Titus Station plant manager, agreed to fund transportation of the equipment from New Jersey.

Erm, no source given for the picture: picture courtesy of Penn State

Thanks Reliant Energy! As a student currently in Electrical Engineering courses I just want to say thanks for donating your equipment to allow us that edge for the future. Penn State Berks is a great campus and I really appreciate the thought going into donating equipment that is going to a good cause.

original article: http://live.psu.edu/story/26042?nw=8

Zelda Fans: Mark your Friggin Calendars the Date is Coming!

If it is one thing that I have learned with video games, it's friggin preorder preorder preorder hot titles! I learned this the hard way being delayed 3 weeks for a Wii last November.

Mark down October 2nd. The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass will be released on that Tuesday. This is the next installment in the Legend of Zelda games and I can't wait to get my hands on it. The game looks fun, I like the box art and I don't mind another adventure with the Wind Waker version of Link!

Pre-order the game, I did!

Anime Watch: Blood+

Havn't made an anime post in a while and I feel guilty not posting anything: so I'll post before I need to head back to the dorm. Blood+ is an anime following Saya, an anemic girl who one day finds out that her blood is the only blood that can eliminate the Chiroptera, a race of horrible monsters infecting the Earth. Joining Red Shield after her (adoptive) father's death, Kai and Riku (adopted brothers) follow Saya as she travels with Hagi (Haji in english), her chavalier (for non french educated peeps, "cha-va-liyay") to kill Diva, supposedly the source of all the problems with Chiroptera.


I thought this anime was boring in the beginning but got a lot better around episode 20. I have seen up to 25 and I don't want to spoil anything because this is one of those titles that pops up every few years that brings something fresh and new to the scene, using Hyde and Uverworld for their opening song lyrics. So an anime done by Production I/G combining fresh (pastel/colorful) openings with ground breaking Jpop/JRock? sign me up please! Watch the clip I provided to see what I mean exactly.


Saya will discover her past and must accept it after the wishes of her adoptive father. Just who is Diva, what did she do, what is her responsibility in the outbreak and just exactly what is Saya and Haji's story? Watch Blood+ to find out. Looks good doesn't it? It IS one of those good anime shows that pop up every so often only so often.

The Governer of California LOLd

No words can describe...

F-117A Nighthawk still has some use!

But due to to the capacity of the B-2 Stealth Bomber and the condensing of JDAMS and laser guided bombs, the F-117a Nighthawk is due for retirement around 2008. Two 2,000 pound JDAMs may seem like little ordinance, however the Nighthawk was designed to go behind enemy lines, avoid radar detection and knock out crucial/key targets. Now that JDAMs are being developed as 500 pound "smart" bombs, these bombs have the power to take out their targets and cause little surrounding damage (sounds like a great tank buster). You can probably fit a rotation of 8-12 smaller 500lb JDAMS on a F-117 but ultimatly it's retirement will be a match of maintinence costs of the F-117 versus the B-2 Bomber, which in effect will perform the same tasks, albeit slower but with a larger load.


To commemorate the service of such a fine aircraft and to celebrate the recent Nighthawk sighting, I decided to pick up a model kit of the plane made by Revell Monogram. Very nice kit, cheap price and the kit, when opened is HUGE. There is a lot of detail and precision, something I come to expect from top companies. I should have this model done by the weekend's end due to the kit not requiring any paint, just glue and assembly. Can't wait until it's done! It should be a sight to see.

1/196 USS Consitution Complete

Finally completed my smaller USS Constitution here at the dorms. Unfortunatly I have been so busy with work that I have not been able to post for a while. Here is the completed Constitution: I still need to add the deck cannons (need tweezers and a load of patience!) and tie the final two anchors (left at home). Overall the model looks very pleasing and I am happy with the way it turned out. Sorry if the images are too large in size, I need to get home sometime soon and I promise I will edit these for easier viewing.

F117-A Nighthawk Spotted

You're invisible to radar but not to my camera =D

I was driving down Route 222 this afternoon back to my dorm at Penn State Berks and I noticed something odd streaking across the sky. At first glance, by the shape of the nose I suspected it to be a F-117 Nighthawk. It flew around again, this time banking left to the point where I could see the underside of the aircraft. Diamond shaped fuselage, yup I got the immediate pleasure of watching a F-117 Nighthawk flying through the area. I was sad that I couldn't take pictures while driving so I pulled into the parking lot to call the house about it and to tell them I arrived safely.

I talked to my mom (dad was asleep watching Golf, as always) and told her about the plane and that I made it safely. I hung up the cell phone and an instant later I hear a loud roar through the sky. The bird is back again! She was flying around the Reading International Airport (I believe that is the name of the Reading Airport?) and this time I swore to take pictures. I pulled out my camera, hoping it would come by again and it sure did. I switched to landscape view and got two good photos and one excellent one, it was a shame I didnt get a clear photo of the aircraft's underbelly. Ahh well, how many times do you get to see a stealth aircraft flying around for no good reason! I suspected it needed gas because I could have sworn it's landing gears were down, then it flew away to the Northeast (I think, need to check that statistic) and probably got rerouted to a nearby airport or base. Kinda cool! I'm glad I got to see one.

Anime Pirating becoming out of control

As anime importer Odex continues to crack down on illegal downloaders, anime fans are sending, calling, and threatening Odex employees or anyone related to the crackdown on anime piracy. I neither condone Odex's business practices (cheap-quality anime) or fan's actions (violence, threats of physical violence) but one thing is certain: everyone needs to put up, in some cases shut up and think a little bit.

Anime piracy is defined as going online through the internet and illegally obtaining (downloading) copywrighted material for viewing. My personal views on the issue are that illegal downloading is wrong and hurts the anime industry as a whole. I do not condone Odex's actions or policies, but the real firms getting hurt here are the producers of anime. This is a technologically advanced time where the internet is quickly becoming the ultimate tool for mankind. The real firms making these productions are hurt in the sales department and although they do make a lot of money: illegal downloaders are technically stealing. If the mentality is "they have enough money" then everyone will do it. When that is so, we will begin to see a decline in the industry and either 1) a lack of high quality anime or 2) anime all-together.

When I was younger I had no wide access to anime. I had little money and little patience for a lack of availability in stores. I changed my fate and got a job, then began to purchase anime for my viewing pleasure. In the idea of capitalism, you buy something at a higher price than what something was created for. To further expand on this: anime producers are story tellers. They have an amazing story to tell: but put it to market for the hopes that it will sell and make money. By pirating you are taking that money away from future productions, donations or wherever the money goes.

So what about the downloaders? they do it for two reasons. They pirate the anime because the pirated versions are of better quality than the only distributor in their area and/or 2) they have no access to anime. I say go do something about it if you are that dead set about good quality anime. Complain to Odex sure but complain to the producers of anime as well that you do not approve of Odex's quality. In fact start you're own importing business and run Odex out of Singapore. It's not that I don't care because I am American and this is 10,000 miles away, it's that downloading copywrighted material is an offense and a crime. I understand if anime has not yet been officially liscenced and you want to download episodes that were fandubbed. That's fine, but even if you keep the episodes please go out and when available and buy the official product, or delete the files. I sure like my anime high quality and I can barely stand downloaded material. Once Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni was licensed by Geneon and brought to America officially, I got rid of all access to the fansubs in honor of the industry. I will do the same thing with Higurashi Kai: because I want them to bring it over to the USA in high quality.

When you love something this much: you not only go after it with any means necessary: you support it, and support it for the future. If you want new (and more) anime, stop the downloading and support the industry. I didn't tell you to go buy from Odex: I told you to go buy anime. Nothing is free in life.

1/350th USS Missouri Started

I picked up this kit months ago at Tranes and Lanes, it is manufactured by Mini Hobbies. The kit is pretty detailed but if I had the time I would go out of my way to photoetch it. I've decided I want to (again) try something new, so instead of building a staple WWII Iowa Class BB, I want to build the USS Missouri in her 1945 MS 22 camoflage configuration. Her hull was mostly blue along with any horizontal platforms or decks. I first saw this in Mike Ashey's Guide to Model Ship Building Guide and I wanted to model his work. Although I cannot and will not get as nice results as he did, I want the Missouri in that configuration. I will start tomorrow by painting the hull blue and correcting any errors.

USS Constitution (1/196) Progress

I picked this model up at my local Reading Hobbytown (I live down at Penn State now) and I am impressed with my work on this kit. I weathered the deck to give it the feeling that it was slightly used and I thought the hull wouldn't come out great in gold: it actually did. So the kit is going together great and I am really happy with it. I hope I can work on it next week by gluing the masts and mast platforms, then do some good ole' rigging. On that note, the rigged anchor went together perfectly, the first time rigging has worked with me and not against me.

One of the Six of Us is in BIG Trouble

I heard this from my family when I got in this afternoon but apparantly a day or so ago a B-52 took off from South Dakota carying 5 nuclear warheads attached to missiles on it's wings! Talk about OOOPS, we didn't check for the nuclear sticker. Apparantly the missiles were to be decomissioned at a classified plant but got mixed up with similar missiles that were carryig normal explosives instead of nuclear warheads.

The media has already started twisting everything, saying that the explosives had enough power to wipe out the entire nation. I call bull alert. The W80 Warheads have enough power to take out entire cities but not the entire country. As an Engineer, even if the missiles came seperated from the aircraft, they are designed not to explode despite being knocked up a bit. We have an old saying in the field of engineering- no communication no product. How W-80 warheads and normal missiles got mixed up- I have no idea. Maybe someone was sleeping on the job and didn't want to open the casing to look for a nuclear sticker. I am pretty sure these missiles are on their way back to the decomissioning plant (probably classified) and everything is back to normal: but it would be a BAD thing if this bomber made it over to Iraq/Kuwait/Middle East and the warheads got mixed into the arsenal =/. Thankfully not everyone in the Air Force is a bonehead and I am sure it won't happen again now that it is a problem to heavily focus on.

Any danger to the public? very unlikely. Again these things have safety features and can resist a pretty hard impact. I think it is more of a political problem than a national security issue as Congress will ravish the US Air Force and politicians will use this to critisize the president's handling of the nation's nuclear arsenal. I think this is one time that it actually isn't his fault ^^. Please numnuts: READ THE NUCLEAR SYMBOL PLEASE.

So I'm picking up Japanese

Well I purchased a book titled "Japanese for Dummies" a few months ago and I want to start learning Japanese. I want to pick up a little at first and expand on it. My plan is to start now, and by the end of college speak either very good Japanese or fluent Japanese. That is four years of Japanese study, with my capabilities I want to see how far I can actually get.


There are some obvious plusses: New, Raw anime will be understandable to a degree and I will be able to communicate with others by speaking Japanese: however I would have to attend kindergarden all over again to learn katakana x_X I am glad Japan is making their country more tourist friendly- all the english signs help and I really appreciate it! It seems like a trip to Japan is inevitable- I want to step off the subway station, enjoy the serenity of the countryside and one lifetime goal I want to accomplish: get to the summit of Mt. Fuji and take in a breathtaking view.


I have studied spanish (estudio espanol) so picking up a new language and learning it's structure shouldn't be hard, but a new challenge.

Russia wants to put Men on the Moon: Is the Space Race Back?

MOSCOW: Russia plans to send cosmonauts to the Moon by 2025 and establish a permanent manned base there in 2027-2032, the head of the space agency said on Friday. The head of Russia's Federal Space Agency (Roskosmos), Anatoly Perminov, said that in accordance with Russia's space programme through 2040, a manned flight to Mars will be carried out after 2035. He said that toward the end of this year, Russia will have 103 satellites in orbit, up from the current 95.


There are plans for a new space centre in the country, but a site has not yet been selected, he said. Russia currently launches all manned flights from the Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan. Perminov said previously that construction of a new launch facility would only begin after a new type of spacecraft was built. A major source of revenue for the agency in recent years has been space tourist flights from Baikonur to the International Space Station (ISS), with tickets currently priced at around $30 million. Russia has put five wealthy foreign tourists into space since 2001. Perminov said the first Russian space tourist, who will fly to the ISS in 2009, is a businessman and politician. "He asked me not to disclose his name yet. I can only say that he is a serious young Russian businessman and politician. He is currently undergoing medical tests." The agency chief said that in 2016-25, after the ISS is put out of operation, Russia plans to deploy a platform in a low-earth orbit to assemble spacecraft. The US has said the station should be scrapped in 2015, while Russia has proposed using the Russian segment until 2020. Perminov said: "The ISS will be transformed into a laboratory complex where research will be conducted."

taken directly from: India Times http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/HealthScience/Russia_to_set_up_manned_lunar_base/articleshow/2330458.cms

More Japanese Culture is being imported to America

WHICH IS FREAKIN FANTASTIC!

I went down today to get my mom a birthday present and I noticed a new Japanese shop opened nearby. It was in Japanese characters, and I thought it was katakana (looked like it?) so I went in. The owner was very polite and after a quick misunderstanding (lol he spoke English after I look puzzled) I talked with him about he had just opened up in town and wanted to import things from Japan to sell here in the states. They had everything from Japanese cuisine to magazines, almost anything Japan! I went in the back and my heart nearly exploded. RAMUNE!!!!!


I picked up two cases that had 6 bottles each (sorta like budweiser 6 packs of old) and I forked over a lot of money for them, but I wanted to taste ramune. They were $2.99 a pop so the cases came out to be $35.88! Expensive but it is something from Japan! I was so amazed. For 10 minutes I fidgeted with the bottle, I couldn't get the marble to go in ^^. Looking at the bottle I figured out that the cap was a puncher, and suddenly the marble popped in, a cold fizz came out of the bottle and the marble had carbonated bubbles around it. Ramune is a carbonated soft drink from Japan and has to be one of the best drinks I have had the pleasure of drinking- it's great! It tasted carbonated like one should, but had a burst of melon (I got melon flavor, but they had blueberry, strawberry and melon at the time) and it was amazing. For some reason the taste was also very unique- maybe it is a unique taste to Japan but part of the taste I had never tasted before.

It is only 6.6oz (less than a can of pepsi) but it is great stuff. I don't want to get addicted on the stuff (expensive addiction!) but I will save it only for "special" occasions. I really hope in the future that Ramune, and other fine Japanese goods- continue to flow into America so anime fans and curious people alike can get a taste (pun intended) of Japanese culture. Two years ago I could not get this stuff in the United States.