Secret Santa 2013 Project Reveal

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As noted philosopher, scholar, and warrior Yuri Kumoi once said, “Forgive those who will not love you and love those who will not forgive you.” Someone else might have also said something like that. I’m not too sure.

In the past we may have been wronged. We may have wanted the Armor Hunter Mellowlink of joy as a Secret Santa present but instead gotten the Texhnolyze of despair instead. But during the holiday season it is a time of forgiveness. We try to spread the joy and wonder of a newly discovered favorite show despite the hardships of the past. In turn we hope that those we touch will do that same to another as well. And so we hope to make the anime blogosphere a slightly brighter place.

That is also why we gut punch anyone who recommends people Boku no Pico. “Hit him three times and even the Buddha will get mad.”

And so we enter into the 5th year of this project that brings together some very diverse voices anime blogosphere. Every year it is rather interesting for both of us running the project. I myself love to see how many people adore what they get as choices, how many have to just bite the bullet and choose what they hope is the least worst show, and how many unexpectedly find something they would have never seen before. It is also enlightening to see what shows also get recommended, what shows are popular to watch or recommend any given year, and what has never been reviewed. I feel like I saw so much less Denno Coil this year just because it was so often recommended in the past that a majority of the participants have either seen the show or watched it because another participant loved it so much in their review in a previous year. I think Kate and I will do a little round up on the results next year when most of the reviews have come in.

But until then let us see who gave the gifts of socks and ties and who gave the gifts that people actually wanted.

(As a side note: I have actually gotten to the age were I often just ask for new clothing for work from my parents for Christmas. I actually want the socks and ties. Goodness I feel old.)

Secret Santa Project Review: Aquarion EVOL aka Vandread: The Third Stage

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hisui_icon_4040 You could also call this Shinkon Gattai Godannar!!! Third Season if you like. The common thread is these are all mecha shows about the battle of the sexes. But I am actually talking about Aquarion EVOL, the rather unexpected sequel to Genesis of Aquarion, by famed mecha director Shoji Kawamori. It is also my pick for my solo Secret Santa review this year.

First off the bat because of several complications Kate did not participate in the actual draft of  Secret Santa this year. I think it has to do in part with the fact that each year we participate it we have to watch horrible shows that sap our very will to live. That was no small factor in her decision. But apparently once she was out of the equation I got nothing but great titles to watch.

I had to choose from Aquarion EVOL, Darker Than Black, and The Legend of Black Heaven. I actually had to choose which cool show I wanted to review not what poison I wanted to kill me. I mostly went with Aquarion EVOL because we have not had enough mehca anime reviews on the blog in a while. That is as good a criteria for a choice as any. I wonder if this good selection this year will tempt Kate back next year.

On the other hand maybe it would be better if I just do it alone if it breaks the holiday curse.

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The Speakeasy #048: Holiday Spice, Saying Goodbye to 2013

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Drink #048: Holiday Spice
Saying Goodbye to 2013

Another year filled with anime and manga has come and gone and as always it has been kind of a whirlwind! In our farewell to 2013, we discuss manga jumping on the digital bandwagon, a year of crowdfunding, and some of the big news and titles that dominated attention. In the second half, we discuss our favorite licenses for year as well as what we’re looking forward to in 2014.

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And now your helpful bartenders at The Speakeasy present your drink:

Holiday Spice

  •  1 1/2 ounces Cîroc Coconut Vodka    
  • 1/2 ounce cream of coconut cream    
  • 1/4 ounce pineapple juice    
  • 1 ounce whole milk    
  • 1 egg white    
  • 2 dashes cinnamon    
  • 2 dashes nutmeg    
  • 2 dashes all spice    
  • Coconut shavings for garnish

Combine the vodka, coconut cream, milk, egg, and one dash of each of the spices in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds to ensure the egg is properly mixed. Strain into a chilled old-fashioned glass. Top with the remaining spices and coconut shavings.