JoyCrusher’s Menagerie

Current Mood: Esctatic

The Twelve Kingdoms is an Anime created from a series of novels by the same name. A fabulously rich world that is in some ways the rival of Tokien’s Lord of the Rings. You won’t find Dwarves or Elves but there are a whole pantheon of mythic creatures, and more then a little political intrigue as the viewer (or reader) follows the adventures of Youku from the day she is “Spirited Away” to her assuming the mantel of her destiny and beyond. The stories feature a rich history and mythology and characterizations that draw the reader into the story’s delightfully woven plot.

I’m watching it now courtesy of NetFlix!

It’s that day again, when the ghost of Jesus rises from the dead to feed on the flesh of the living, and we sing Christmas Carols to lull him back to sleep. [Peter Griffin, Family Guy]

But in all seriousness, I wish every one of you (except the spam bot) a day of good cheer with friends and family.

Personally, after reading a bit about it this year, I like the Japanese approach to this holiday. That’s right, they do celebrate Christmas despite being being an almost entirely non-christian society. For them it’s a holiday which seems like a bit of our Thanksgiving and Valentines day combined.

Christmas Eve is of more importance, as couples share the evening together, and it is expected that a thoughtful and romantic gift will be received. Families gather and children are given gifts, while everyone enjoys a large family meal which is supposed to conclude with the “Christmas Cake”.

There is something refreshing to me about a Christmas without any religious pretense. I only say this because of all hypocrisy that comes out this time of year, you know “Goodwill to all men, and if you touch that Barbie I’ll f***ing kill you”

I’m sure that we aren’t alone in that sort of societal conduct, but the way it reads, it seems like a much friendlier holiday and more honest in the land of the rising sun.

Click here to learn more about how they celebrate this season

Ok, now I know people are at least zipping by (I’m talking to you [adult swim] message board members) so how about helping a brother out? Talk a second and sign the guest book.

The stats say folks are coming and going, but with no signatures and no comments, I’m starting to feel like a ghost in a crowded room; surrounded yet unseen…

*watches eTumbleweeds blow by*

Wow - Well after a few false starts and diversions, it looks like I’m all set up with Wordpress. If you spot any troubles, please be sure to let me know!