Double Review: Gmail Notifier Plus and Rocketdock

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Okay people Jeff here and today I will be giving you a double review. The reason for this is because I want to give you people, a series of programs that will make your life in-front of the computer a little better and less stressful. Here I present to you two of my favorites, Gmail Notifier Plus and Rocketdock.

F.Y.I.: they are both free, completely free no ads or anything also they are both for windows right now, not too sure if they are on linux yet but i will keep you all updated just in case

Gmail Notifier Plus to download click here

Its just an RSS feed(if you dont know what an RSS feed is click here) that is linked to your gmail account, to let you get a quick look at what you have in there that you haven't read yet. I know what you might be thinking and yes its very safe. No one is looking at the feed unless they have the passwords to you different Gmail accounts. That's right, the other thing that makes this so great is that you can have more then one account being shown with it. The notifier will only show you what's inside your inbox, so if your like me and something checks the spam to be sure nothing important is in there by mistake you will have to sign into your account, which is another thing the notifier does right. All you have to do is click on which ever email account you want to look into, then your chosen browser is your default and it will pop up telling you to sign right in.

If you have more then one Gmail account or if you just want to always be updated on what is inside there this is a simple and fast little reader for you.

RocketDock to download click here

You all know how the Mac had the dock at the bottom of the screen. Well this is the same thing but for Windows. It works with all the version of windows from XP to 7. The dock acts just like the dock on a Mac, it allows all the same features from hiding when your mouse isn't on top of it to zooming in on the icon when your roll your mouse over it.

It gives you the prefect Mac feel with out having one. Another thing that is nice about it is that on their site they support icons , that werent made by them but by other people, so going to a place like deviantart (here is an example of icons) and do a search of icons that people created and use them over the default ones its comes with. It's an amazing app that will also help you clean up the clutter that is your desktop if its very messy.

I would tell you all to try out both of these programs, they are small in size and load quickly and next time I will tell you about another great program...



Geeks Who Do Music #1: Sleepless In Atlanta By Gary Samurai

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Welcome to our new topic Geeks Who Do Music. In this section we will showcase and let you guys and gals know about some cool geeks who do music. To kick this new topic/segment off. We want you guys to know about one our Twitter followers. He's an Otaku, Nerd and a very talented rapper. He has just released his new EP "Sleepless In Atlanta." For those who listen to Hip Hop, this is a really cool, soulful EP. Can you count how much gaming, anime or geeky references Gary Samurai makes? You can download Gary's EP at his site and listen to some of his tracks below. Favorite track is "Sleepless In Atlanta." It has a very nice soulful feel to it.



Download Sleepless In Atlanta

Follow Gary Samurai On Twitter

Like Gary On Facebook


JManga.com Launches In North America

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JManga.com has now launched in North America. Jmanga.com will provide online manga for sale by chapter, or volume by using a monthly point subscription system. You'll get free previews, as well as information regarding Manga
currently published in North America. Some titles you can find are NARUTO, Kekkaishi, Crayon Shinchan, Devil King, Cigarette Kisses, Dragon Girl, Tujiurauri, Soredemo Machi wa Mawatteiru, Young-kun, ADEKAN,Manga Science, and many more new to the North American market. JManga plans to update their catalog every Tuesday, increasing to a few thousand titles within the next year and onto 10,000 by 2013. If you love Manga check them out.

Five Annoying Anime Cliches

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I love Anime a lot. I mean I created a blog showing how much I love Anime. I have tons of DVD's, OST and Videogames that either have Anime influence or Anime in them. However there is something I can't stand in Anime is when I see these cliches. Here is my list of five annoying Anime Cliches. These cliches are not in any particular order, I'm just tired of seeing this same formula. I know many cliches make Anime what it is, but it's being overused now and it's time to revamp it. Tell me your annoying cliches in the comment section.

1. Insecure Boy Meets Alien Girl: This cliche is really getting annoying. This plot, setup or theme is being used so much, that I feel like I'm watching the same show over and over. Ask yourself Anime fans, how many times have you seen the boy who is afraid to talk girls, he ends up meeting a alien girl from another world. He usually has a close female friend that can't admit she loves him. The alien girl becomes involve in the love triangle, then something usually happens and the boy finally man's up. Usually he falls in love with his close friend, once the alien girl gives him the confidence. Or he falls in love with the alien girl and they live happily ever after. The boy meets alien girl is overused and frankly it's getting stale. I don't mind it being used if it was refreshing, however the alien girl usually doesn't know anything about earth, then the boy usually ends up teacher her about the planet or she's in some danger. She then lives with the boy at his place, usually has who has no parents. If your going to do the alien girl thing, can you at least make it original as possible?

Insecure Boy Meets Alien Girl


2. Big Boobs (Fan Service): Okay this is one cliche that I wish would end. I know big boobs is very popular in the world of men. However in Anime it's really getting overused. Seriously why does it seem almost every new school Anime character has d cup breast or higher? I know in animation the realistic approach is gone, but can we add a little realism? Also what about female otakus? Do you think they want to see boobs all the time in their Anime? What message are the artist trying to deliver, by showing big boobs all the time? If you're going to do fan service at least balance it fairly, for both men and women viewers. See the Anime "High School Of The Dead" for over usage of fan service and big boobs. I love "High School Of The Dead" but the over usage of fan service was too much. The constant slow motion of panties, slow motion to the big boobs had me saying, um this is about Zombies rising right? I feel that fan service should only be used if it relates to the story, or if it's somehow has to deal with the characteristic of the character.

Big Boobs (Fan Service)


3. The Non Existent Parents(Orphans): Anime really loves making children's parents non existent. How many times you've heard this line in Anime? "My parents were killed in a car accident." "My parents were murdered." "My parents moved away so I'm living with my cousin." Can we please get these kids some parents *laughs*. These characters are usually 13 to 16 years old living alone. Sometimes you get no explanation how these kids even manage to live by themselves without any adults around (once again add just a little bit of realism). The parent less child usually has a calling to become the savior of the world, meet an alien girlfriend or has a hidden beast within. I know their a lot of Anime that have the loving parents in them. I just wish that the parents would get some more screen time.

The Non Existent Parents(Orphans)


4. The Chosen Mech Pilot: The chosen one, the chosen one, oh please your the only one who can save us. To be fair not just Anime uses the chosen one storyline. I love the fate and destiny angle like anybody else. However the constant invasion of aliens, or transforming into a Mech beast and being the only who can save the world is outdated. The problem with the chosen one storyline is that you already know the outcome, unless it has a twist. The chosen one usually has to mature themselves and find the courage to take on their fate head on. I love this plot, it just needs to done in a more original way.

The Chosen Mech Pilot


5. The Unnecessary Fillers: Fillers should only be used if it affects the overall story, or if the filler has a deep character study that explains either the characters origins or actions. Fillers are usually used in fighting Anime shows. Bleach, Naruto, One Piece and DBZ are notorious for long fillers. Some fillers are helpful, but many of it is pointless. They have OVA and Movies for a reason. Use the fillers for that, don't make it an episode, it makes the series way too long and fans start to lose interest.

The Unnecessary Fillers




Nintendo Selects Wii Collection

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Head up gamers Nintendo is making a great deal for there popular Wii titles. On August 28th the Nintendo Selects will add four more games to it's collection. These games include, Super Mario Galaxy, Punch Out, Super Paper Mario, Mario Strikers Charged. All games will cost $19.99. In addition for those who don't know. The Nintendo Wii will be costing $149.99.


101 Photoshop Tips Fom Deke McClelland

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Wanted to share this for you all this weekend, to simply put this is very helpful if your a new user to using Photoshop. As far as I can tell all the tips giving in this work with Photoshop CS5, but I'm not sure so don't hold me to it. I will be looking for more tips and more importantly videos that make learning and remembering programs easier.

Also make sure you check out his site for more advance tips and some tricks. Also keep a look out for some tutorials, I will be finding and adding and remember to check out the picture below for get to his site.


XXXHolic Review

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Story

Kimihiro Watanuki is an average high school student; except for the fact that he is chased by ghost and specters his entire life. Its a curse that he wants to get rid of. His wish comes true when he stumbles across this mysterious shop. A force drags him inside where he meets Yuko, a witch who can grant wishes for a price. He has to work in Yuko's shop to pay off his debt for taking the curse away. Well, demons and specters aren't chasing him anymore but they are going after others whether they lie, cheat, greedy etc. There are no such things as coincidences...

Thoughts

This is one of my favorite animes of all time. Everything about this show is magical and deep. In the end Yuko makes you think twice about life and makes you wonder if things happen for a reason or by chance. I love the dynamic of the show and the humor of Watanuki.

Voice Acting

Once again, Funimation did an awesome job. Todd Haberkorn plays Watanuki, Colleen Clinkenbeard as Yuko, J Micheal Tatum plays a character named Domoki and Chearmi Leigh plays a girl named Himawari. There are other voice actors that I haven't mentioned but some will recognize if you listen carefully. Everyone did an awesome job. They bring so much to each character it's amazing!!!!!

Animation/Sound

The animation is awesome. Its in CLAMP style for those who are familiar with Tsubasa Chronicles and Chobits. I love the music. It gives off of a mysterious tone. I especially love the opening and closing songs.

Rating

I gives this anime a A+. As a little side note I want to thank you guys for supporting us. We all work really hard and it shows by having you guys write, comment and subscribe to us. I consider it a blessing. I just wanted to give you guys a shout out. Thank you being our fans!!!!

^-^ Anime Rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Rurouni Kenshin OVA: Trust & Betrayal Streaming Live On August 19th

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Aniplex and Nico Nico Douga will be hosting a free stream of Rurouni Kenshin OVA: Trust & Betrayal, on August 19th at 10:00 PM PST. This event is part of Rurouni Kenshin 15 year anniversary. This is also an event to promote the Blu Ray coming out August 24th. The OVA is in Japanese Audio with English Subtitles make sure to check it out. Anime Rules!!!!

Rurouni Kenshin OVA: Trust & Betrayal Trailer

Click here on August 19th at 10:PM


Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes Review

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Planet Of The Apes is one of the most beloved franchises in Hollywood. It has some of the most memorable quotes, spoofs and has a huge fanbase. It has spawn one remake by Tim Burton, and now director Rupert Wyatt takes his shot. However is this a film to go bananas for?

Story - An origin story set in present day San Francisco, where man's own experiments with genetic engineering lead to the development of intelligence in apes and the onset of a war for supremacy. That is the story synopsis.

Rise Of The Planet The Apes is an origin story of how the Apes began to evolve. The story follows Will Rodman (James Franco), a scientist who is close to a scientific breakthrough to not only improve the human mental condition, but also cure Alzheimer's. In order to get funding for Human trials, Will first tested his new miracle drug on Apes. As time progresses the Apes grew smarter and little too smart. For the sake of keeping this spoiler free, I won't go into details on how the Apes rise. If you are concern with the story, you can relax and be happy to know that the story is wonderful. Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes is pack with a rich story with tons of social commentary. One of the themes I really enjoyed was fate and greed. Will Rodman's father is suffering from Alzheimer's, this situation puts Will in a must not fail case. However he sees the danger's of the drug, but his fear of losing things close to him, causes him to continue with the drug. The story is engaging and the real driving force of it is the apes themselves. Seeing the world from their eyes is the real joy. Especially the main character Ceaser, unlike Transformers which focus more on the humans than the robots. Rise The Planet Of The Apes made sure the Apes were the main focus. Every Ape emotion is told through facial expressions, hand gestures and you really connect with them, you will find yourself cheering them than fearing them. The story does lack a character development on certain characters like Freida Pinto character Caroline Aranha. She is kind of introduce like this the love interest and that's it. Her character although she is the supportive character, you kind of wish you knew more about her. However this doesn't effect the film at all. The film as great storytelling, with everyone getting a fair share of screen time. It's truly a breath of fresh air.

Acting - The acting is awesome. James Franco really does a solid job as Will Rodman. Franco brings complexity, emotional depth and you really feel for him. Freida Pinto doesn't get much to do, but when she is on screen, your attention is on her and she has good chemistry with Franco. The real show stealer is Andy Serkis. Even though he's not on screen in live action, his motion capture work is one of the best. The facial expressions, the movement, is all Serkis and he really brings Ceaser to life. Overall the acting is well done and the actors really put their heart into this film.

Music & Filmmaking - The music is done very well, filled with emotional, epic composition. The great thing about the OST is that it builds up towards the rise of the apes. When the final moments come the music really kicks in gear. The film has some of the best CGI to date. The apes look so realistic, it's almost scary. The motion capture effects are right up there with Lord Of The Rings and Avatar.

Final Grade A-/**** - Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes is filled with a rich plot, great themes and characters that you will feel for. The acting and visual effects are top notch, and the score is very entertaining. This is a must see film.





Win A Weekend Pass To New York Comic Con/Anime Fest 2011

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Our last contest of the year is here. This time it's the big one we promised at the beginning of the year. You will have a chance to win a weekend pass to New York Comic Con/Anime Fest. Now before you enter, we want to make it clear that you will get the pass only. We're not flying, or paying for anyone to come to New York. If you decided to enter you have agreed that you can come to New York on your own terms. This contest is for USA only! Now let's begin with the contest and the rules.

Contest Description: One thing that our readers love is Fan Fictions. Do you consider yourself an Otaku? Do you consider yourself a Comic Geek? Ever wanted to change a storyline on your favorite Comic, Anime or Videogame? Now it's time to show the Otakus & Geeks crowd what is going on in that geeky brain of yours.

Rules:

1. Write an original Fan Fiction short story based on an Anime, Comic or Videogame. Pages range from 1 page minimum to 3 pages max. It can be as violent or as graphic as you want, just no sexual content. Stay close to the source material as well.

2. No plagiarism! If your caught plagiarizing you will be disqualified. Trust us we will be searching the net, to make sure the story is not taken from other blogs or outlets.

3. You MUST be following us either on Facebook or Twitter. Click on the links below.
Like Us On Facebbok
Follow Us On Twitter

4. All entries must be uploaded through our CONTACT US Tab. One entry per person. Go to the contact us tab and enter your info and upload file by using the UPLOAD A FILE. In the subject put "Comic Con Contest."

5. The contest ends September 15th 2011.

6. Do not beg us to choose you, that will get you disqualified.

Prizes:

1. Grand Prize Winner: Wins a 3-day weekend pass to New York Comic Con/Anime Fest, and their short story will be published on the blog. Remember you're responsible for getting to New York yourself.

2. Runner Up Winner: Wins a choice to have a Anime Box Set, Graphic Novel or Videogame of their choice that's under 100 bucks.

3. Third Winner: Wins an OtakusandGeeks.com Hoodie.

Q & A's:

1. How will you decide the winners?
We will be taking a vote on the best entries, and grading them on originality, creativity and whether it stuck close to the universe.

2. Can I curse in my Fan Fiction?
Go crazy, just no sexual content.

3. Does grammar matter?
It not a big factor, but try not to write like this I be on da game, u sez, u be there.

4. Can we hang out with the Otakus & Geeks team at the Con?
If that's what you desire, but keep in mind we'll be very BUSY covering panels, interviewing and etc. We can do lunch though.

5. How will I get the pass?
We will mail it the next day we announce the winner. Other prizes will be given the next week.

Good Luck! Any other question use the Contact Us Tab. Contest Ends September 15th 2011.

UPDATE: CONTEST IS NOW OVER! NO MORE SUBMISSIONS!

The Pop Art Goodness of Sean D'anconia

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As an artist with LOTS going on, and no real intentions of stopping, I can appreciate another artist who "does it all".

In last week's post, I mentioned that we'd look more into some of the artists whose Hello Kitty goodness was shared last week. As promised!, The work of Sean D'anconia is something SCHWWWEEEETTTT! I mean, this guy has REALLY laid out the artistic red carpet and has definitely done it for the world to see. I won't go into much, but I am definitely sharing some of my fav art works. hopefully, it'll be enough for you to want to run to his site and witness for yourselves! Peep his bio. His work is NUTZ!

 

 

PROJECTS
  

 
 Be sure to check out more on his POP ART, PROJECTS, & BRANDS ... it's so yummy! I PROMISE!
~je t'adore!
>^.*<