So You Decided to Get that Japanese Tattoo...

(Note: Please check out the comments section of this article for more helpful advice and links from reader Brian M.)

Now that you've settled on your tattoo design, let's talk a bit about the process. But first, my disclaimer: Teggy is not a tattoo artist nor medical professional. Always consult your artist or a doctor for any medical concerns.

Finding Your Artist
You have your design planned, maybe even a picture printed. If you only have a concept, make sure to ask your potential artists if they hand draw their own work. Most do. All of them should have photos of their body of work. Inspect these books. I walked into a place and saw a crappy book, which was a real turnoff, even though I had a simple, pre-printed image.

If you can, make an appointment in advance and leave yourself plenty of time to have the work done. Advance notice to your artist gives him or her time to prepare materials.

Your artist should have a professional attitude. Remember, this person is going to be carving a permanent image into your skin. They should be treating you with respect, and you should show them the same courtesy.

Trust your gut. If you ever have a bad feeling about the artist, their work, their cleanliness, or their shop, walk away. What're they gonna do? Give you a dirty look? This is your body, after all.

Sanitation
It is law in some states that require artists to open fresh needles in front of you. Needles should always be new and sterile. If you aren't sure, ask. If you can't confirm that they're sterile, don't do it. Your artist should always be wearing gloves when working on you. The area should be clean.

When inquiring about an artist, ask them how they cover their tattoos when they're done. A paper towel and some tape is not acceptable. This is a fresh flesh wound. They should absolutely be using sterile gauze.

The Process
People fear getting a tattoo for the pain. Mostly, it feels like a vibrating needle scratching your skin. Yeah, it stings a bit, but there is far worse out there. The larger the tattoo, the longer it takes. Large tattoos may take multiple sessions. If you need a short break, just ask for one.

Some artists are chatty, others are not. If they aren't, don't chat with them. You really don't want to distract someone with a needle on your skin. Also, you need to sit very still. If you tend to flinch from touch, let your artist know before you start.

Afterward
It is customary to tip your artist. You are paying for them for their skill, so don't be a stingy jerk. Also, expect to pay cash.

Keep you tattoo covered. Change your bandage 1-2 times daily with clean hands. Between changes, clean your tattoo with water and gentle soap. I used alcohol swabs last time (but have since been told that these are too irritating and bad. Keeping the skin moisturized is key). Then coat the tattoo with a thin layer of antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin. I tend to keep my tattoos covered for longer than most people, generally 3-5 days. I just find that my scratches generally heal better if I keep them covered.

Around day 3, your scarred skin will start flaking off. Be very gentle when rubbing it away. It will also get itchy about then. DON'T SCRATCH IT. You should know better.

My hairdresser put it best. "A healing tattoo feels like a bruised sunburn." This is why I say keep it covered for 3-5 days. You'll suddenly realize how much contact your skin makes while going through this process.

Touch-Ups
Your artist wants you to be happy with their work. Word-of-mouth is a good way for them to get new clients. If something isn't quite right or you're not 100% happy, wait about 2-3 weeks for your skin to fully heal, and make an appointment for a touch up. Let the shop know you're coming in for a touch up because they often do those for free which means they lose money.

So You Want a Japanese Tattoo...

Ah tattoos...very personal symbols indeed. From what image to colors, to placement you use is your own. As otaku, there may be certain...Japanese tattoos that inspire you. So allow me to give you some advice on how to go about getting your perfect ink. This entry will only be about designs. I'll post another bit later on choosing an artist and the process.

First and foremost, you have to remember that tattoos are permanent. Yes, there is painful, expensive surgery to get rid of them; but why would you waste your time, money, and pain tolerance on removal when you can just take your time in thinking about what you want on your skin for the rest of your life. For now, we'll focus on three Japanese styles: art, kanji, and anime.

Art: Japanese art tattoos have a very distinct style that suits skin well. Ever notice how tattooed images can look a little...cartoony? Well Japanese style tats bend that look into a graceful art. However, there is something important to keep in mind...the Yakuza.

I was quite surprised when my friend in Kanazawa informed me that tattoos are not very well accepted in Japan. In fact, most tattoos are associated with Yakuza. You wouldn't be allowed in most hot springs without covering your ink. Even worse, you damn well better not get caught by one of these guys with a full-body Yakuza design. Take the Japanese tattoo style and make it something of your own. Don't be a poser.

Kanji: The same friend of mine has a brother who got some kanji tattooed on his neck. He thought it read "spiritual energy" but ended up actually being something more like "sexual power." The moral of this story is: always research your kanji. There are websites that will charge you to design your kanji tattoo, but if it's not something too obscure, you can easily do some internet research and save some images. Be sure to cross-reference your words. Just like in English, there are heterographs (words that sound the same, but have different spellings and meanings such as "roll" and "role" or "bored" and "board.") For example, the word "jishin" can mean both "earthquake" or "self-confidence" depending on how the kanji is drawn.

I got lucky with my kanji tattoo. I always knew that I wanted "unmei" on my left ankle. I happened to wander into a store where they had a calligrapher who would design the tattoos for the artists to trace on the skin. (There's a funny story here, but this is a lengthy post as is) As long as you know exactly what you want and how the kanji is supposed to look, you should be alright.

Anime: We love our anime. Some of it means more to us than others. Sometimes we find a symbol or a character we can relate to on a deep level. The most important question to ask yourself when considering an anime tattoo is "Will I be embarrassed to explain to others what this is?" If the answer is "yes," you might want to reconsider.

As some of you heard, I recently got an anime-related tattoo. I don't have a finished image yet, but I'll post it when I do. I decided to get the rose crest from the TV version of "Revolutionary Girl Utena." Why that symbol? I have my reasons. It's not just because I love the anime, but it's a series that some of my dearest friends and I bonded over. To me, it doesn't just symbolize my passion for anime, it also symbolizes the love I have for my friends.

In conclusion, think long and hard about what you want etched into your skin. Make it worth your time, money, and pain. More on the mechanics of getting a tattoo next time.

Reader Request: Red Curry Recipe

If you're into anime, you've probably seen plenty of references to curry. Curry comes in a wide variety of flavors and styles. Ever since I first discovered Thai style masamun, I've been making my own. Of course, my stuff doesn't taste much like what you find in restaurants, but it's still tasty. Some of my twitter followers have been asking for my red curry recipe, or as I call it...

TEGGY'S SPICY ORANGE GOO OF DEATH!!!

Death? Really? Yes. This curry could kill several personal friends of mine with their allergies. If you have any aversion to the ingredients in this recipe, use your common sense and don't eat it.

(Serves 2)

INGREDIENTS
1 can of light coconut milk
1-2 tbsp red, green, or masamun curry paste (add to taste)
3 tbsp fish oil
2 tbsp brown sugar

1 potato - Russet baking potato or sweet potato
1-2 boneless chicken breasts

Optional: 1/2 cup of chicken or beef stock to cut the coconut milk, small handful of peanuts or cashews, bamboo shoots, lemongrass, whatever other veggies or meat/tofu you might like to add (I strongly advise against turkey)

INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat conventional oven to 450 degrees for regular potatoes, 400 for sweet potatoes. Wash and pierce potato, then bake it for 1 hour. Begin the next process with 15-20 minutes left to bake.

Grill chicken breasts or pan fry your protein of choice. You can also find pre-grilled chicken strips to save time. Those I just dice up and brown a little in a pan on the stove first. No oils necessary.

Pour the coconut milk into a medium saucepan, then add the curry paste, fish oil, and brown sugar (also add chicken stock and lemon grass at this point if you want them). Be cautious with your fish oil to brown sugar ratio. If you have too much fish oil, it'll taste funky. To correct, just add a little more brown sugar. If it's too sweet, add a touch more fish oil. I like to wisk the mixture to get the ingredients to blend well. The curry paste needs to be mashed up and well blended to avoid chunks of spicy pain.

Very slowly, heat up the sauce pan. Keep stirring and add in the chicken at this time. The goal is to have it at about a boil when the potatoes finish cooking. Don't let it heat too quickly or boil too long without stirring. This causes the curry to get a little too gooey and separate. You want it liquidy.

When the potatoes are done baking, remove them from the oven and cut off the skins. Then cut the insides into small, bite-sized chunks. Smaller is better when it comes to spicy...trust me. Add the potato chunks to the curry and let them simmer for about 5 minutes. Keep stirring! You can also add other veggies at this point if you desire.

Serve in small bowls with rice on the side. I like to add some peanuts once the curry is in the bowls because I store the leftovers in the fridge. If you add peanuts into the leftovers, they'll get soft when they sit till next time. If you like it that way, then all the power too ya!

To reheat, just pour the concoction back into a saucepan (usually a smaller one) and slowly reheat. It will be a bit thicker than the night before, but it should still taste the same.

Note: You can make the same recipie with green curry paste. I don't care for yellow, so I haven't tried that yet.

Caution: This stuff is wicked hot and spicy! Be very careful when handling so you don't burn yourself. And no, there is no wine that goes with curry. You'll want to drink lots of water.

Cosplay - Buyer Beware

Everybody who knows me knows that I love shopping and cosplay. I can't sew for beans (I can fix a ripped seam or a button, but that's about it), so I'm more of a scavenger when it comes to costumes. Several years ago, I came across Cosplay Magic's ebay store, and it made me very suspicious.

They were selling costumes at $20 a pop, but charging $60 to ship from Asia to North America. Then I went to their website and found that they were selling the same costumes for $80, but offering free shipping. Red flag! First of all, it does not cost $60 to ship a simple costume from Asia to North America. $30, maybe. They were trying to make it look like a bargain, when it actually wasn't. I even contacted them to inquire as to why they did it and all they gave me was some bull that didn't actually answer my question.

Here is another example I found on ebay from a different seller:

Take a look at the price of the costume versus shipping. DO NOT TOLERATE THIS! You are being gouged for shipping to make up for the costs of having the outfit look like a bargain. It's not. You can do better if you shop around. Check your local thrift stores for parts that you can assemble and customize. I don't recommend paying full price for costume parts ever, unless you plan to use those individual pieces in your daily life.

All Your Images Are Not Belong To Us

I legally downloaded this image from iStockphoto.com

The other day, a friend of mine asked me for help looking up specific images online. When I found out that it was for a published project, I told him that he can't just take whatever pictures he wants off the internet. He could get into big trouble for copyright infringement.

And he says to me, "No it isn't. The internet is public domain."

Um...no. Materials found on the internet are not public domain.

You may notice that I've added a disclaimer to my blog stating that most of the photos and videos on this blog are not mine. They aren't. I don't claim that they are. I suppose I could do one better and put source links under each photo. Since this blog is not for profit, I don't really run too big of a risk in getting into trouble for using images that aren't mine. When I used to write anime and manga reviews though, publishers requested that I only use their sanctioned images.

It's unlikely that anyone will give you a hard time for using images from the internet for a school project or private blog, but when you get into the professional world, you will need to either provide your own images or purchase them from a stock image source. Here are some examples of places you can legally purchase images from:

iStockphoto
Big Stock Photo
Stock Photo Expert
FotoSearch

EDIT: How appropriate that I should post this on the day that the Shepard Fairy case in fair use vs. the Associated Press is back in the news.

Tips for Making Good AMVs

Today I'm going to be sharing some tips on editing good anime music videos, aka "AMVs." I learned video editing back in high school and it's always been a passion of mine. I should really get into editing my own again.

Tip 1: Choose appropriate music - When it comes to music videos, you should work with music that inspires you. One thing I recommend for any AMV editor is to shorten your music. Four minutes really drags on, especially if it's a slow song. You can make a quality video in a mere two to two and a half minutes.

Tip 2: Feel the beat! - Cuts made on the downbeat or upbeat are generally more aesthetic than cuts that are made at random.

Tip 3: Setting a scene to music is not editing...it is laziness!!! - You can't lay a two minute scene from an anime over a piece of music and call it an AMV. That's not editing.

Tip 4: Tell a story - A good music video will tell a story or convey a basic theme without dialogue. You need to keep in mind that nobody gives a rat's ass if that one verse in that one Linkin Park song reminds you of your most painful breakup. Make your idea accessible. The video below is a classic AMV called "Tainted Donuts." With only a very small amount of dialogue at the beginning, it successfully tells a story about Spike from Cowboy Bebop attempting to collect a bounty on Vash from Trigun.



Tip 5: Beware of jump cuts - What is a "jump cut"? A jump cut is an edit between two similar shots without any kind of transitional shot. It's very jarring and looks amateur if you don't do it right. Ways to avoid this include cutting to something else (a cut away) or significantly closer (cut in) or further from the subject.



Tip 6: Ooh those pesky subtitles - If the audience can see subtitles in your work, then they instantly know it's a fansub. Plus, they look out of place and terrible. Cover them up with black bars if you must use them. Big BUT here....BUT...if you do use them, use them over your entire video. Changing your aspect ratio is also very awkward to watch.


All right. Those are all the tips I can think of for now. If I come up with any more, I'll edit them in.

Closure: Why Your Ideas Are Ignored

This is more of a PSA than an editorial. I have seen many people on various forums write the phrase, "I have a great idea for a show! It goes like this..." and then lay out some elaborate idea of theirs for all the world to see.

Or so I assume. If it's on the G4 forums, I won't look at it. In fact, no G4 employee will look at it. Here's why:

If you make your ideas public without getting a copyright, it could very easily be stolen by anyone. Now if someone does steal your idea, you could theoretically sue them for lots and lots of money if you can prove that you are the original owner of the intellectual property. So to cover their asses, media companies and publishers utilize the following phrase (or variation thereof):

"We do not accept unsolicited materials."

What does this mean? It means that you need to notify and get permission from the media company to send them your ideas. This way, there is a "meeting of the minds" or an agreement that acknowledges that you own your intellectual property and you are willingly to share you idea with a company. Read the fine print though, some companies (especially with contests) will claim that once you submit your concept, they can do whatever they want with it.

I wish I had known when I was 13 and trying to get my novel published. I kept getting rejection letters with that phrase, but I didn't know what "unsolicited" meant. This is why writers have agents who make the necessary phone calls and contacts to ensure that their works are submitted and protected.

"But Teggy, no one says that to me on the forums. How am I supposed to know?" Sadly, there is a bit of a Catch-22 here because an employee won't even read what you send in as soon as they realize that you are trying to pitch an idea. You are being ignored, but not because employees don't like you (well...maybe it is). It's to ensure that the company doesn't even accidentally steal your idea.

This applies to any form of media including video games, movies, TV shows, books, comics, web content, etc. If you are looking to get an idea published, do some research first. Email or call the company and ask to speak to someone to inquire about submissions. Always get this information first. Not only is it polite, but it will also protect you and your mangum opus.

No Brains, Then Get the Fuck Out!

Every now and then, I see some stupid jackass who makes comments like "show me your boobs!" or "tits or get the fuck out!" or "what's this shit, she doesn't show her tits in Playboy at all?" Clearly these losers are just that...losers. Guys who are getting laid do not need to ask some random stranger with a camera to show her boobs. Go watch porn if that's what you want.

Gentlemen, there is no greater turn off than to make a comment like that. I mean, do you seriously think some chick is going to show you her boobs just because you rudely demand it? Do you do that in real life? I doubt it. Why? Cause you're so cowardly that you hide behind the anonymity of the internet. (See Penny Arcade's chart above)

That and nobody enjoys kicks to the groin.

But if you think you can hide, think again. Statements like that can get you banned from forums and chats. If you continue, it could end up being a matter for the police. Plus, everyone can see what you write, so why not just walk around with a cardboard sign over your head that reads "douchebag"? Think before you type.

Who Defines "Otaku"? Short Answer: Not You

Long answer below:

This evening, I received a comment from Mr. Daryl Surat of Anime World Order, a gentleman who considers himself an avid "otaku" in the fullest sense of his own definition of the word. So much so that I now much place the word in quotes for the rest of this article.

Your advice is good. Your advice is sound. It should be listened to and followed. But I think the fundamental, irreconcilable difference I have with your line of thinking is that you believe "otaku" is synonymous with "geek," "nerd," or "dork" (which themselves are unique terms, the generally agreed-upon "rule of thumb" definitions of which are listed here, among several other places that'll mostly say the same thing) and I do not. In light of this, the goal you're actually looking to achieve in these three "Making Your Mark" posts is to make "dorks" (and yes, "otaku") into "nerds" and "geeks." It's a worthwhile pursuit and I encourage it. But "otaku" is another beast, even in the USA.

"Otaku" is of course a loanword, and as with all loanwords the definition we'd use here isn't quite what it denotes in its original form. But using a Japanese word to describe something in a different language than Japanese--in our case, English--is a statement that "this is a uniquely Japanese product or concept," even if the word didn't originally carry that significance in its original language. You probably agree with me on that part. But where we diverge, based on what you said in the A3K podcast and written both here and at Graphic Novel Reporter, is that you appear to then conclude that "otaku" therefore means "geek or nerd with a predilection towards Japanese popular culture." It’s a commonly-reached conclusion, indeed, and not entirely inaccurate. But I feel that definition is incomplete and subsequently misleading/counterproductive, for it leaves out something critical.

In the interest of relative brevity, the critical difference between fan/geek/nerd/dork and "otaku" ultimately comes down to the tagline used for FUNimation's US release of Fullmetal Alchemist: "What are you willing to sacrifice?" That is to say: for the sake of your hobby (emphasis on the singular), would you abandon love? Would you cast away friendship? Eschew your own personal care? Given the choice between attending your best friend's wedding and attending your 5th anime convention for the year, would you choose the con? And would you do all of these things and others just like it without a second thought? That's a level of dedication which quite frankly, surpasses nerd-dom. That is a commitment level worthy of a new word entirely, and I say "otaku" is it.

(At this point, I should note that if anyone reading this has such dedication, please buy Otaku USA magazine because my articles are AWESOME.)

The Madarame, Ogiue, and Konata type characters are idealized caricatures of otaku, but perhaps the purest example of the otaku spirit is Shou Tucker, the Sewing Life Alchemist. For his response to the question "what are you willing to sacrifice?" is "everything."

People probably shouldn't be sacrificing everything for the sake of hobby pursuits. They should probably be doing things in moderation. Maybe it's not so good to be that committed. The literal translation of "otaku" typically given involves the adjective "obsessed," which isn't exactly the most desirable of traits. But take solace, for even at an anime convention with tens of thousands of people, such as this weekend's Anime Weekend Atlanta there are very few "otaku" per my definition. A Japanese person may think they're surrounded by otaku, what with all the costumes (and make poor business decisions as a result). But these are fairly balanced folks by comparison.

I understand you can't permit yourself to agree with me in this regard. You are, after all, using "Otaku Goddess" as a nickname; to relent on this matter would mean you'd need to change your name, and GeekGoddess and NerdGoddess are both taken domains. But if someone who wears cat ears and goes to an anime convention with their boyfriend or girlfriend is an "otaku"...

…then what word is left for people like me?

I'm pausing The Biggest Loser premiere to respond to this. But before I get into it, I would like to clarify your first assumption about me. I do not consider "otaku" to be synonymous with "geek" or "nerd." I, personally, associate the word with fandom for Japanese pop culture. I may consider a metallurgy wiz with a pocket protector and big dorky glasses a "nerd;" but to me, again personally, there's nothing "otaku" about it. I just described my own father. He is not "otaku," by my definition. The purpose of my post is to help human beings become better human beings. Yes, my audience tends to be geeks, nerds, dorks, otaku, whatever. It's for everyone and anyone who wants to read it. Why limit my audience?

Okay, on with the response.

First of all, Daryl, thank you for taking the time to listen to the podcast and read my blog in order to hear me out and share your well thought-out response. You have a very specific and certainly reasonable definition of the word "otaku" which closer reflects that of the Japanese definition, but here's the thing:

It's not your decision to make. Nor is it mine.

"Otaku" is one of those words that is still open to interpretation. As I mentioned in the podcast, a phone is a phone, a television is a television, and a chair is a chair. These are considered facts because anyone can physically prove it. "Otaku" has yet to be officially defined. It's not in the Mirriam-Webster dictionary (yes, I checked), and it is currently open to debate. You linked to that article on the definitions of "geek," "nerd," and "dork" but those were "generally agreed upon." So now you have to ask yourself if your definition of the word "otaku" is "generally agreed upon." If not, does that mean your opinion has any less weight? If so, does it give your opinion more?

I think I may know why do you feel the need to be defensive about it though. You strike me as someone who is very protective of his independence, a trait I share. I will do things for the sake of being different from others (like joining my high school football team one summer even though I didn't even like football). And by broadening the meaning of "otaku," you start to lose the sense of entitlement.

Respectfully, sir, get over it.

You asked how can you define yourself if you can't use the word "otaku." Oh, but Daryl you can! You absolutely can have power in the word! Calling a general anime fan does, in no way, make you any less of the the proud man you are. You can compare it to the legalization of gay marriage. Some claim that if homosexual weddings become legalized that they will somehow cheapen their own marriages. That is a load of bullshit used as an excuse because they feel the need to place different people below themselves socially. That's exactly what you are trying to do to me, and I'm not going to stand for it.

Only I define myself and I choose to use the word "otaku" as one of many words when I do.

Making Your Mark: Part 3 of 3

For those of you who actually listened to the latest Anime 3000 podcast, you likely heard my closing statement about how we otaku need to better represent ourselves through our appearance, speech, and writing. Since I've already elaborated on the first two, let's move on to the final part of my editorial: writing.

Part Three: I'll Take "The Penis Mightier," Alex

(Anyone else notice the grammatical error in that picture?)

There aren't too many people left in this world who have never been on a forum. Heck, my dad is nearly 70 and even he's on them. The one thing that truly appalled him though was the way people write. Quite frankly, there is nothing I find more frustrating than trying to translate some poorly written rant. So here are some tips to make you a better writer. Or for some of you, a better arguer.

1) Practice makes perfect. You should have a grasp of the English language by the sixth grade well enough to know that complete sentences generally require a subject and a predicate. There is no excuse not to be able to handle them. Periods are your friend. Psychologists say that the human brain has difficulty retaining its short term memory of information over a certain length (a good argument for the 7-digit phone number). When you break up your thoughts with appropriate punctuation, it makes it easier for others to comprehend and remember what you write.

2) Edit before (or after) you post. Fortunately, most forums have a handy dandy "edit" button. I use them often. Now if I actually paused to reread my writings before hitting "post" I might not have to use it so much. You may not have this luxury in a live chat, but it only takes a few seconds to read what you just typed before hitting "enter" to send it. Typing mistakes happen. I'm horrible with those in live chat. Still, it's your responsibility to make sure your ideas come across clearly.

3) Don't assume to know something you don't. One of my biggest pet peeves are writers who assume they know how the entertainment industry works, but really don't. Get your facts straight. Link to a source. My martial arts teacher always told us that admitting that you don't know something carries far more integrity than pulling an answer out of your ass.

4) Long lists suck. On many anime forums, I see lots of threads that say "What are your top five ____?" Responders then go on to post twenty-plus answers! They asked you for your top five, not your top twenty usually because they need to narrow down a decision. Nobody wants to read your stupid, long list. It only makes you look like a know-it-all douchebag with no focus. You know how people always tell you to keep your cover letter and resume short when seeking work? Same concept. People don't actually want to take the time to slog through something longwinded. (*eyes the length of this post*)

5) Name calling gets you nowhere...unless you do it right. There is no reason to get nasty when arguing with someone. There are plenty of funny, smart, and sassy ways to insult a poster if you take the time to think. Just saying, "Lulz noob" doesn't make you look any more intelligent or worthy of attention than the original poster.

In conclusion, other readers will take you more seriously if you practice writing with some patience. I find that I barely have to write two sentences in a forum post, but others will respect my opinion because I present myself as an intelligent human being (they don't need to know I'm a vampire). Take the time to use proper punctuation and spelling with solid messages, and you will find that the way others respond to you will change for the better.

Oh man, I really hope there aren't any typos in this post. >.<

Making Your Mark: Part 2 of 3

Continuing my three-part editorial on the way we otaku present ourselves to others, I'd like to take a little time to discuss speech...something I'm not all that great at myself. Fortunately, my terrible habit of mumbling can be overcome with some conscious effort. Get your spongy brains ready!

Part Two: Do You Understand the Words That Are Coming Out of My Mouth?



Let's move on to speech. The words you say and the way you say them can make all the difference between being a "cool person" and a "rabid fanboy."

Imagine saying the phrase, "I'm a big fan of your work" to David Hayter (writer, and the voice of Solid Snake). Are you saying it in a very excited, elevated volume? Or are you saying it in a calm, controlled voice? Now place yourself in David's shoes and imagine someone saying that to you in both of those tones. Does one version make you want to cringe? Try saying it in a mirror or in a video to yourself. The way we address people shows our respect, or lack thereof, for them.

One of the most difficult parts of speaking is speaking clearly. At least for me, it is. Have you ever walked by a homeless person when they ask you for money and they mumble? You only sort of know what they're asking, but it doesn't exactly leave you with a sense of charity. The same goes with speaking to anyone else. Speaking clearly and at an appropriate volume...does...uh...something good. I dunno where I'm going this this. Enough of that bullshit. You know what I'm getting at.

Next up, manners: The words "please" and "thank you" can get you far in life. Use them. They might not get you everywhere though. Know when to graciously accept "no" for an answer. Sometimes that director or voice actor doesn't want to be bombarded by hordes of people, but they don't have a choice. Say your piece, say thank you, and GTFO. When in a conversation, be sure to let others finish their thoughts before beginning yours. No one wants to debate you on which soul reaper from Bleach is the best if all you do is cut them off and speak in snippy tones. No one will respect you for handling arguments that way.

Be careful with jokes too. Something you might think is funny can be really offensive or unprofessional. I once stupidly made a comment about giving subordinates "a tongue lashing, and not the good kind," in a job interview. Big mistake. I felt like a moron.

Try recording yourself giving a speech on whatever topic you want. Can you hear yourself clearly? Do you speak slowly enough and enunciate so everyone can understand you? Do you let your emotions get the better of you when they shouldn't? Just being more aware in how you speak can drastically improve how others perceive your intelligence.

Making Your Mark: Part 1 of 3

When Sean Russell of Anime 3000 asked me to speak on a panel about otaku life and what is means to be one in both Japanese and American culture, it got me thinking about some ideas that I feel are important to share with my fellow geeks. So this is the first part of a three-part editorial on the ways we present ourselves to others.

Part One: What's on the Outside Does Matter
We'd all like to believe our parents when they tell us, "It's not what's on the outside, but what's on the inside that counts." Although I think embracing who you are is vital to gaining a feeling of self-worth, we need to be aware that the way we dress makes a drastic impact on how others perceive us.

If you see a man walking down the street and talking to himself while wearing ratty clothes with filthy nails and hair, you would most likely perceive him as a crazy homeless man. Now if you see a man walking down the street and talking to himself while wearing a pressed suit with a clean shave, you would be more likely to perceive him as a business man talking on his bluetooth. Sure, he could be utterly insane, but that's not your first impression based on the way he physically presents himself.

The same thing goes for otaku. I think it's wonderful to take joy in anime, video games, and other creative mediums; but when you let it affect your grooming, there's a problem. We all love our anime-themed t-shirts, but they're not always the appropriate thing to wear, especially on the job. If you want people to take you seriously, you need to dress the part. For example, as much as I love cosplay, every time I've gone to Anime Expo to take photos and make industry contacts, I'll toss on a blazer over whatever I'm wearing because it makes me look more professional. No one in the industry will take me seriously if I greet them in a costume and wig.

Here is a simple philosophy to live by: when you look put together, people will think you are put together in your work and life. This means buying clothes that fit properly (don't even get me started on men who wear their jeans around their asses) and suit the situation. Did you know that wearing clothes that fit properly actually make you look slimmer than clothes that are too big or too small?

"But Teggy, what if I can't afford a new wardrobe?" you ask with your eyes tearing up. I don't expect anyone to change their wardrobe overnight without Stacy and Clinton's help. You can easily dress up jeans and a t-shirt with a jacket, nice shoes (meaning not-sneakers and in good condition), a leather or metal watch, and a great pair of glasses or sunglasses. Keep in mind that when you invest in a few quality pieces, you are investing in yourself, plus those pieces will last you for a long time. Take a look at Clinton in the photo above. He's wearing jeans and a shirt, but he looks put together by adding a belt, nice shoes, and a jacket. It really is that simple.

Note: Jackets are also a great way to hide a gut. ^_~

Let's not forget the essential grooming! There is no worse way to make a first impression than having stubble or smelling badly. You guys should already know the basics of personal hygiene, but the little things can make a big difference. For one, keep your nails clean and filed. No one wants to be touched when your hands look disgusting, and that goes for handshakes. Having a clean shave and a nice scent shows a prospective friend/girlfriend/boyfriend/employer/business contact that you take yourself seriously enough to make a good impression. It also says to them, "I respect you enough to clean up for you."

I'm not going to share the full details of this story, but I once got introduced to someone in the anime industry when I first moved to L.A. to look for work. Unfortunately, I was dressed in ratty sweats and a t-shirt while on lunch from my retail job in a stock room. I looked anything but professional. There is more to this story, which I will cover in my next post; but needless to say, my lethargic attire screamed "Lazy bum!" rather than "Intelligent, hard working, professional." I managed to get him to give me his business card, but he never responded to my email when I asked about possible employment.

In conclusion, you never know when you're going to run into a new business contact at a coffee house or an anime store, and the way you physically present yourself can make world of difference in how others perceive you. Don't try to be something you're not though. Find what suits both your body and personality because when you think you look good, that will reflect in your confidence.

Why Chicks Dig Yaoi

[insert image of two hot guys making out here]

Some of you may cringe at the thought of hot guy on guy action, yet for some strange reason, yaoi is immensely popular among women. Now you're probably thinking, "Why?! What has been seen can not be unseen! Gah!!! How can girls like that stuff?!" Allow me to explain it to you.

You know how movies classified as "chick flicks" tend to be all about romance? That's because women want men to be romantic. It's in our programming. It's what we desire. Some experts say "Men can't have love without sex, and women can't have sex without love." Men are inadvertently taught that they have to suppress emotions, and romance is all about expressing emotions.

Yaoi is all about two men expressing love. Sometimes, it's about one man drawing the romantic feelings out of another who is cold and unemotional. Eventually, he succeeds and the reader is rewarded by seeing the unemotional man open up and express his passions. Seriously, it's one of woman's greatest frustrations. Trying to get a man to express emotions is like pulling teeth (unless you're the oral surgeon who did my little sister's wisdom teeth. 20 minutes!)

What else makes it attractive to women? The taboo. In Japan, homosexual relationships aren't as openly accepted as they are in America. And what's more exciting than forbidden love?

The big question is, why two men? This is the part I'm not 100% sure on. In western slash fanfiction, the idea is to have romance between two canon characters who may or may not get romantically involved. Yaoi tends to use original characters, unless its fan-created doujinshi.

Simply put, women like to get swept up in the struggle of romance. And much like how some straight men find two females engaged in sexual activity to be enticing, some straight women feel the same way about seeing two men doing the same things.

We all have our likes and dislikes when it comes to manga. If you don't like it, don't read it. So now, I'm going to go back to not reading Naruto.

That New Miyazaki Flick

I went to see Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea tonight with my pal Matt after a fun evening of BlazBlue, SingStar 80s, and dinner at Panera. I don't consider myself a Miyazaki fan. Although I appreciate the artwork, it's not really my thing. And quite frankly, I've found most of his movies that I've seen to be rather dull.

As long as you're willing to suspend some disbelief (which can be difficult for me), Ponyo is alright. Keep in mind that it's a kids movie and instead forget the fact that nobody seems to even notice the devastating natural disaster happening around them...and you'll survive. Yes, even the terrible terrible theme song at the end with horribly forced English lyrics and a godawful hip hop beat is tolerable. For once, I can't blame 4Kids.

About 15 minutes into the film, I decided that I need a Ponyo plushie for my desk.
Well....maybe not.

I might have enjoyed the movie more if some asshat teenagers didn't show up 1/3 of the way through the film and chatted loudly through the rest of it. Matt even leaned forward and asked them to shut up. It worked for all of five minutes. I got fed up, so at the end, I grabbed the two obnoxious ones, told them that I placed a curse on them, and then proceeded to tell them off as to how they ruined the film for everyone else by their total lack of manners.

After we left the theater, we noticed that one of them was wearing a full body, lime green unitard. He didn't even have an explanation for it. Oddly enough, the kids seemed in awe of Matt's Gurren Lagann t-shirt that eventually one of them actually apologized to me. I forgave him, shook his hand, and we were cool.

The moral of the story is: If you aren't mature enough to be out in public yet, stay home, especially if you're dressed in a lime green unitard. Also, a Gurren Lagann t-shirt makes an excellent pacifier...apparently.

Jewelry on the Cheap

Normally, I advise guys not to buy jewelry for their ladies unless they are in a serious relationship. Women take jewelry gifts to mean more than you probably intend. I'm not talking engagement rings, I mean things like bracelets, earrings, necklaces and the like. You may think you're getting your girl a nice gift, but what does it really say?

Now if you are in a committed relationship where you know that you truly love your partner, then I think it's more okay to purchase jewelry. But what if you don't have the funds to get her something nice? I have a solution for you: Peora.

Peora is a website that specializes in affordable jewelry. Most of it is sterling silver, but they do have a few gold pieces. Each item has detailed listings about the stone and materials used. The only downside is that if you're buying rings, they often only come in one size. Don't let that dissuade you. Rings can easily be adjusted for a few dollars. Remember, it's always easier to make a ring smaller than larger.

Here's another neat trick, Peora has a promotional website called Silver Jewelry Club that offers FREE jewelry. You only have to pay for shipping. The catch is that there are only 4 pieces of jewelry up for 15 minutes at a time. Pieces rotate 24 hours a day, but not everything from Peora makes it on there.

PS: This is also a great place to get a Mothers' Day gift or other holiday present for a family member.

Please Stop With Your Pathetic Lines

Several years ago, I thought to myself that I should write a geek's guide to women by a geek woman. Since I will probably never get around to it, I may as well --

*runs off to shoo the cat from clawing the window screen*

--teach them what I can in here. For now, your homework is to read this lame Yahoo article about things women want you to say to them. kthxbai

EDIT: BTW, I didn't actually read the article myself. Just say something nice to your gal now and then.