Polar Bear's Cafe

This is quite possibly the most random anime I've ever watched, and I've watched PLENTY of random anime. How do I even review such a thing? It starts when Panda (the panda) is instructed by his mum to get a job. But since relaxing takes up so much time he struggles to find a job to suit him. (I understand your problem panda.) After many declines Panda gets a part-time job at the zoo. Job title: part-time panda. He has to work alongside the full-time panda being a panda. But he really liked the cafe near his house and even though he was declined a job there he still visits everyday. The cafe is run by Polar Bear (the polar bear) and serves humans and animals a like with his part-timer Sasako (almost the only human!). And from there onwards it's just like a slice-of-life anime.... just featuring talking animals! Panda, Polar Bear and Penguin (the penguin) have quirky personalities and funny stories to share. Although there is no real plot the adorable factor is off the scale! But with 39 episodes and counting, I really can't see me completing the series. Surely they'll run out of things to babble about?

Shakugan no Shana

I'm really happy to see you guys using my suggestions button!! I spent a long time making that so I'm glad it's getting some use. Keep them coming guys!

Has any one read my 11 eyes review? Because Shakugan no Shana has a really similar idea. Any one who has seen both would probably agree with me there. Shakugan no Shana is also about the idea of parallel worlds, but the monsters escape into our world. It's kind of hard to explain, but basically the idea is that these monsters come to our world but humans just can't perceive it. These monsters are called Guze no Tomogara and they feed off of the 'power of existence'. Fighting the Tomogara are the flames haze. The result of a human making a contract with a god to keep the two worlds in balance. Obviously the flame haze can't protect every one- people are still eaten- but the sudden disappearance of a person could disrupt the world balance so people are replaced with 'torches', replicas of the humans with a much shorter lifespan. They are slowly forgotten until they just disappear, which is a rather horrible thought really. So you can imagine how freaky it must of been when Yuji Sakai was told that he, in fact, was a torch. But unlike any other torch Yuji can see the battles against the Tomogara, he can remember those who are forgotten and he can tell who's a torch. Because he's a Mistes, a special kind of torch who contains a power with in him. A bit like a lucky dip, there's no way to tell what kind of power he has, it's all a bit weird.

Chocolate

Todays review was recommended by Normal, and no, it's not a food review. Also known as 'Zen, Warrior Within', Chocolate is a Thai film. First Thai review guys! I'm spreading toffeeish over the world!!

Anyway, on with the review. Chocolate is a Martial Arts movie and I must confess, it's not a genre that I particularly like because usually they are just filled with seemingly pointless fight scenes. But I found Chocolate to be a very emotional story! Zin was in a relationship with Yakuza boss no.8, until she fell in love with Masashi, rival Yakuza member. When she leaves no.8 for Masashi he shoots his own foot as a warning of what will happen if she sees Masashi again. Soon after Zin falls pregnant and convinces Masashi to return to Japan to make things safer for the child. She names her daughter Zen and finds out that she is very autistic. As Zen grows older she gets lightening quick reflexes and an obsession with martial arts. Alas, the sad bit is when Zin gets Cancer, but is to poor to afford the treatment. Mom (Zin's kind of adopted son person) finds a notebook from when Zin was in the Yakuza of all the people who owe her money. Unknowing of it's origins Mom and Zen go off to collect the money in hopes to cure Zin. Naturally, when no.8 finds out about this he isn't too happy and so we reach the climax. Zen has to use all her ninja-like skills to fight of no.8's gang and protect her mother, Masashi arrives from Japan in time to join in as well. Naturally, I can't tell you how it ended.... BUT IT WAS SO AWESOME!!

Takoyaki

As you probably saw I bought this at expo. BUT I FORGOT TO TAKE A PICTURE!! So I had to try a picture that looked like the Takoyaki I had!

I bought this on a whim with out really knowing what I was buying. It was only £5 for 8 dumplings after all! But now I have done a little research over on wiki so I actually know what I was eating! The batter is wheat based and I believe mine had octopus filling. The sauce is Takoyaki specific and is then covered with mayonaise, shredded seaweed and dried shredded tuna.
The wheat based batter is really thick. Not a particuarly pleasant texture either. It was kind of sticky and a bit slimey. Obviously, being wheat based, there wasn't much taste to it, but you can taste the fat it was cooked in...