Why Pagodas Don’t Fall Down
The Economist examines the question of why Japanese pagodas don’t fall down during earthquakes. The answer is a bit surprising.
Monthly Archives: July 2009
Like Simoun?
Pete quotes my whimsical description of Umi Monogatari and adds: Sounds like Simoun. The question is, if it’s any good as an anime. Let me set the record straight. Umi… Read more »
The Hurt Locker–Movie Review
The Hurt Locker is a riveting film, thoughtful and realistic. It is a slice-of-life (and death) story about a bomb squad stationed in Baghdad in 2004, about the time that… Read more »
Summer 2009 Anime Season First Impressions
This may be the weakest season ever (or rather, since I started paying attention to such things.) The recession is probably a factor. Fewer anime series are being produced (though… Read more »
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince–Movie Review
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is the sixth movie in the series, and I actually liked it more than the previous two. It is dark, stylish and witty. Like… Read more »
New Inuyasha Series
About a year ago, when Rumiko Takahashi finally ended the Inuyasha manga, I speculated about whether they would ever do a new anime series to finish up the story. I… Read more »
Public Enemies–Movie Review
At this time of year the theaters are filled with action movies based on comic books. Public Enemies has a similar style even though it is actually based on a… Read more »
Kyoto Animation Jumps the Shark
Part of the appeal of Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya as it was originally broadcast was in the uniquely confusing way that it was presented. It created a sort of meta-story… Read more »
Shakugan no Shana S
It seems that the supposed third season of Shana will actually be an OVA, probably with just one short story. Which actually makes me feel more optimistic about the project…. Read more »
Away We Go–Movie Review
Away We Go is an offbeat take on the road movie genre. Burt (John Krasinski) and Verona (Maya Rudolph) are a 30-something couple expected their first child. They suddenly realize… Read more »