Our day started out going to the Los Angeles Comic Book and SciFi Convention at the Shrine Auditorium near downtown. It was a “spur of the moment” decision to go, especially for me. This was one few times where we went to a non-anime convention. LACBSFC is a monthly con that’s just a large exhibit hall for local sellers. On occasion, they have special guests that sign autographs and/or hold panels.

The main reason we went is to meet Stan Lee, the creator of the Marvel Universe. The guys got his autograph while I just took pictures. It was really something see Stan Lee in person, nothing like on TV. He just had a heavy presence in the room when he walked in and began signing autographs. Other than that, we just walked around looking for goods to buy. It was a quick trip.

After the LASBSFC, we looked for the Royal T Maid Cafe in Culver City, about 10 miles west of LA along to 10 Freeway. It took no time to find. Parking was around back of the cafe. When we entered the cafe, we were warmly welcomed by a nice maid (above). She offered us treats as she explained about the Cafe. We were given handouts for further explanation. We were offered complimentary coffee drinks as we wandered around looking at the art exhibits. Yes, Royal T is a combination cafe, art gallery and gift shop. They had their grand opening back on April 12th and are not fully opened. The told us that the cafe is nearing completion and total service in a couple weeks (around mid-May). The artwork presented are my local artist and heavily influenced by the “kawaii” Japanese culture.

The modern industrial look of the cafe was intimidating when you first walk in, but the pretty maid staff quickly cast that aside and made us feel very welcome and comfortable. This is something that were are not accustomed to when entering any establishment...ever. We were like fish out of water at first. But after relaxing a bit and unwinding with a cup of expresso and some lattes...we actually enjoyed ourselves at the cafe as we walked around. Being the first maid cafe in SoCal, it was a unique experience to actually go to one. We talked and joked about going to maid cafe in Japan when ever we go. Just going to Royal T gave us otaku a taste of a real maid cafe and the real otaku lifestyle. For us, the drive from the Riverside area is well worth the gas and traffic pain to go to Rayal T. I’m planning to have birthday party there....soon.

And lastly, on the way home, since Royal T didn’t have a menu yet, we stopped by the Curry House in La Puente to eat...curry. What else?

The Fun In Nodame Cantabile

These are my own PERSONAL opinions, if you agree or not, I don't care. Yes my grammar is off, so what.

SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT!

Nodame Cantabile, SP1 & 2, staring Ueno Juri as Noda Megume aka Nodame and Tamaki Hiroshi as Chiaki Shinichi. Horrah for Nodame, now this drama was good. Ueno is an awesome actress. To bring to life Nodame was not a easy task, but she did it wonderfully. From the 'Gyabo' to the funny face she makes while playing the piano, she was brilliant. I think she put a lot of heart into this character and just made me love the 'Nodame' character even more. Even the dramatical parts, in which she cries, it felt real. Tamaki was a good pick for Chiaki. He, along with Ueno, brought alot of character into the show. Even though I believe he was a little too dramatic in certain parts, I think he was a wonderful actor. Takenaka Naoto was perfect for the role as Franz Stresemann, even the pimp suit fit him perfect ^-^. The rest of the cast made everything come to place, made everything set.

The plot. Of course if wasn’t exactly like the manga, but they put the most important parts in it. Nadame and Chiaki meeting was perfect. Chiaki becoming S Orchestra after Nodame punching Franz, was funny. They even made foam come out of Franz mouth, very funny. Chiaki running up to Nadame after staying at her parents house after losing the competition, was a classic moment, very touching. In the SP's, I love how they brought outside help into the show (i.e. musicians), that made the whole SP's more authentic. In all I think they kept to the heart of the story, thus making it one of my top favorite dramas based on mangas. I recommend it to all.

THE END!

-The Goon