The Black Dog

Some call it a black dog, I find it odd,

as I have never seen a dog so abhorred.

The paralysing grip, the fear and cold.

A touch from depths, so dark, so old.

The stench, the grip, the eyes of dark.

The silent death, not sniff and bark.

It ain’t a dog, but beast from depths

a kraken, crab or aboleth

Or maybe, you may pardon me,

I don’t know dogs, as a cat, you see

DIY: Steve the Kraken

For some time already I had this idea of making an Octopus mascot out of... well, with whatever I had available. But life went on and there never seemed to be any time for it.
The beginning of this year I had the privilege of putting together my own team and that got the name Kraken and while before I was just a team member, now I was a manager. The urge to make something with my own hands for the team remained and a few weeks back I finally picked up the challenge.

After putting some thought to it, I got to work.

1. A few packs of napkins, a balloon, scissors, glue, brushes, cardboard and tape. We are good to go.
There is obviously not enough glue though.

2. First, let us assemble the legs. Cardboard and tape does the trick, Though it is time consuming. Most of legs have 4 parts with random angles.

3. As the kraken will be made of several parts, I have made a small coating of glue and paper on the legs, and putting them to dry, while also covering the balloon (body) with the same thing. 

Cats are curious and Black Clover is playing in the background.

4. After making sure everything is dry enough, the legs must be added to the body. The balloon is not too strong and the legs are heavy, so a lot of different tape is used (all this will be covered with glue and paper later anyway)

5. After several additional layers of coating (napkins and glue) it looks like a pretty neat octopus. So far so good.

6. Put it high to dry for a night.

7. Next day, when the tentacles and body were already dry enough I added additional pieces: eyes, hair, hat. All made of cardboard and tape. Covered with glue and napkins as usual. 

This too had to dry for a long time as paint would have added additional layer of liquid on top of everything.

8. Painting with acrylic paint. Took 6 hours, but was worth it. 

Let it dry.

9. About 2 days of crafting ad Voila! 

Steve the Kraken is ready to rock in the office.

Why Steve you ask? Well, we also considered Bob, but Steve sounded better.

The Big Anime Post

Today I will talk about anime and as I have actually never written about it, this will be a long one with some suggestions from yours truly.
If you love anime or not, I'm glad you are here as I might be able to peak your interest and prove once again that the anime is not just for kids nor is it just boobs and short skirts as my wife thinks (and thank god, it is not boobs and short skirts for kids). Just as some people have binge watched Game of Thrones, Vikings or some other popular series, I have been doing the same with anime (and have never even seen an episode of GoT). That medium just seems to work for me.

Obviously, I have acquired some tastes over the years, that you might agree with or not.
Following is a list of anime series that I would recommend to check out if you have not (it will not include movies as this would make it even longer).

It does not mean that I have not enjoyed other anime, but these ones have somehow found a place in my heart. So the list is essentially what has clicked with me (don't worry, you might also find something you like at the end of the list)

Avatar the last Airbender 

What's it about: Ang, the last airbender, has to learn how to bend all the elements and save the world.

What's it also about: grief, loss, finding courage, solitude caused by power, getting over your mistakes.

Comments: Yes, I know, it is not an anime per se, but it still is an animated show and for the untrained eye, there is no difference. It is aimed for kids. So is Le Petit Prince. Who cares. It is a brilliant show and will stay one - filled with humour but also with a lot of character growth. And the growth/change is there for many different characters.
The world concept and magic in it is super clear
Highly recommend!

If you like this one: There is The Legend of Korra that could be seen as spinoff - it is not too bad but will not beat the first one.

Moribito - Guardian of the Spirit

What's it about: a bodyguard is hired to save a life of a royal possessed kid. They take a journey while being chased.

What's it also about: Principles, doing what is right, family and bonds with strangers

Comments: This is a brilliant anime that not too many know about. Characters are realistic and everyone has a motivation. It is pleasure to watch and balances between fast paced action and slow movement. Highly recommend!

If you like this one: There are plenty that have fantasy, fights etc but to find something where there is kid - guardian (parent) relationship and neither of them is silly, that is rare.

Ghost in the Shell 

What's it about: A team of experts fighting crime in future with high-tech: cybernetics, androids, etc

What's it also about: What does it mean to be a human, alive or have a personality?

Comments: There is a lot of that. It was recently turned into a movie. Don't watch that. Watch the first and second anime series (Stand alone complex and SAC 2nd GIG). You can also watch the anime movies (with the first one, keep in mind that it came before the move Matrix... yes, it influenced it a lot!)

Kino's Journey

What's it about: A girl on a talking motorcycle (like knight rider, but not a guy and not a car) travelling the world and visiting different places. She has a gun.

What's it also about: Philosophy, ethics, being human.

Comments: There is one from 2003 and one from 2017, both are nice in my opinion, though the first one did not seem to have a big budget. It does not look too special nor have great dubbing but there is something great in it. It slowed the world down for me and made me think. You love it or hate it.

Mushishi

What's it about: A wise "medicine" man on a journey helping people where the balance of the world needs to be fixed. He interacts with invisible forces of nature, called mushishi.

What's it also about: have you ever read Zen stories? This will remind you that a bit, but will also be spooky and dark.

Comments: The haunting calm is perfect expression for this one. The series consists of different stories where the balance of the nature, otherworld and human world is somehow no longer there and our protagonist has to fix it. It is a slow paced anime but with one episode you could really feel as if you visited a different world.

If you like this one: Mermaid Forest, Bird of Fire. Just as this one they consist mostly of cautionary tales and have strong mythology

Spice and Wolf

What's it about: Holo, wolf god of harvest, is travelling with a merchant - accidentally learning the trade on the road

What's it also about: Loneliness, dreams, hopes. The urge to feel needed and remembered.

Comments: This has many funny/brilliant moments to quote. The relationship between the two is enjoyable and there are unexpected turns and twists.

From the New World

What's it about: Future. Kids with powers growing up and learning more and more about the world.

What's it also about: the cruelty of human kind. Who are the real monsters?

Comments: That one was a shocker for me. Not due to the story itself, which is mostly super cute, but the explanations in the end. Some images will just stay in my brain forever

Barakamon

What's it about: A stressed out calligrapher taking some time off in countryside, trying to improve his craft

What's it also about: Family, bonds between strangers, kids... a lot of kids.

Comments: If you want something that makes your heart sing, take this one. Funny, but also realistic slice of life.

Kids on the Slope

What's it about: 2 very different guys starting a jazz band

What's it also about: Friendship, doing what you need to do in order to feel alive, I guess also about finding your place in the world

Comments: Have you ever been in a band or jammed with someone? Have you ever been exactly on the same page with your partner? Yes! This anime gets it. They get it so right. This one too will make your heart sing.

If you like this one: Carole & Tuesday might work

Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash

What's it about: a group of youngsters are transported to a fantasy world and need to slay monsters to survive there.

What's it also about: Survival, sacrifices, grief, friendship

Comments: With so much Isekai around, this one does not seem too special on the first glance. However, the fights in this anime have weight. They are important. You can feel how everyone is fighting for their lives - and damn, this is so rare in anime that it even compensates the fan service, silly female clothes and stupid jokes in this one.

Violet Evergarden

What's it about: A human-doll war machine learns to fit in as a human after the war is over

What's it also about: Finding your purpose in life. What do you do when you have been made for a purpose and it no longer exists? Learning who you are.

Comments: This is a tale of growth and learning for the protagonist and it is a great one to follow.
Also, looks nice.

NANA

What's it about: Two young girls, both named NANA, one tries to become a rockstar, the other find love.

What's it also about: Feelings, relationships, messiness of life

Comments: I'm not sure why this one got stuck in my head -  there is even one of the songs from it that always gets me the shivers. Is it maybe the realistic feelings presented? Or maybe it reminded me myself at age 20. Not sure, but it worked for me.

Hell Girl

What's it about: There is a web page that opens only at midnight - if you add someones name there, they will be taken to hell. However, your soul too will be taken there once you die.

What's it also about: Cruelty of humankind. Making hard choices and living with them. Human condition.

Comments: While rather dark, I love this one. The way how the evil-doers are punished just seems enjoyable... There is something so dark and human in the whole package.

If you like this one: UN-GO has something a bit similar

The Ancient Magus' Bride

What's it about: A girl disappointed in life sells herself and is purchased by a strange magus who wants to turn her into his wife

What's it also about: Being human, being awkward, finding your place in the world

Comments: Yes, this one is not ideal. Even the concept of buying someone to be your apprentice and later wife is messed up. But there is something sweet in it (not in the buying humans part, but in the anime itself)
Let's take Ainsworth - he has difficulties understanding the world and tries to do everything to understand it and fit in correctly. He is messed up and dark, but working on keeping a balance. Using mostly logic but failing with that. And that makes him somehow strangely more human like and enjoyable as a character.

Did not find anything in the list? 

Fear no more. Here is some stuff that I feel was cool, but did not click this much. Maybe you will find something interesting here. (missing some animes still - nor my brain nor my notes are perfect - but it is at least something). I only dare to recommend stuff that I have watched myself, so in case you do not see your favourite 900 episode anime here... well, that is the reason. I prefer stuff that is finished and not too long.


Category: Gore and Bloody Mess

Elfen Lied; Hellsing Ultimate; Black Lagoon; Parasyte -the maxim-; Attack on Titan; Another


Category: Unexpected wtf Twists

Puella Magi Madoka Magica; Berserker; Steins Gate; Astra Lost in Space; Claymore


Category: Awesome soundtrack that I still listen time to time

Death Note; Parasyte -the maxim-; Ergo Proxy; Elfen Lied


Category: Cool Action/adventure stuff

Samurai Champloo; Cowboy Bebop; Attack on Titan; The Rising of the Shield Hero; Samurai 7; Yona of the Dawn; Le Chevalier D'Eon; Made in Abyss; Goblin Slayer; Black Butler; Noragami Aragoto; The Heroic Legend of Arslan; Black Bullet; Blue Exorcist; Darker than Black; Overlord


Category: Not 100% sure I understand what is going on but will keep watching

Ergo Proxy; When They Cry; Devilman: Crybaby; Rin: Daughters of Mnemosyne; Land of the Lustrous; Fooly Cooly, Furi Kuri


Category: The story is not finished, so I don't know if they will F it up or not, but the beginning is promising

A lot. Way too much to add all of it here.


Category: Too Long, Did not Watch

... [empty for obvious reasons]...


Bonus Category: My respect for using sign language in anime

Gangsta. (+ there is also a movie A Silent Voice)

Silent Dalek

(inspired by real nightmare)

I have always had it. At least I think I have. A small hideout that I alone know the Access to.

My own pocket of space and time. Someone gave it to me... some time.

The thing itself...it looks nothing more than a flashlight to a normal eye. A big broken flashlight. I know that I have to keep it safe.

Keep it safe, this was what matters.

I am at my parents place. In a huge apartment building.
Home alone in the place where I had grown up. The whole building feels empty as if died out. It's night. A small town with huge buildings – it really felt dead in the night time. The shadows are long and sleep.

I couldn’t sleep.

I’m not sure if it is just a dream, a memory. Am I asleep and dreaming this? Or have I somehow jumped back to my past? Am I in a night in my childhood I could not sleep in. I’m not sure if my parents are home… sleeping… or if I am a grownup moving through it years after moving out.

‘Temporal Shift’ this is what it is called. The secret space I have always had. The pocket of time. Extra. On top of what everyone else had.

And they are coming. Somehow, I have always known that they will be coming after it at some point.

My secret hideout. It was not just mine.

I hid it away somewhere. Somewhere safe.

Scenes from my childhood flash in front of my eyes… treehouse, school, running on the street. I know I hid it somewhere but where? I cannot remember. Might it be that I could somehow … hide it in my past. In my memories?

‘Temporal shift’ I don’t know what it is or does exactly, but it sounds something that could do something like this. I have no idea where it is. I know it is safe. I have no idea where and when this safe is, but not knowing is part of the plan. I must not tell. I must behave like I don’t know.

They are coming… I know they are.

I peek through the window. It seems oddly high. In the corner of my eye, on the reflection, I get a glimpse of my arm in pyjamas … I must be really young then. Ten, max. When did I stop wearing them? I was old enough to handle my own nightmares and sleepless nights, that’s for sure.

They are coming.

I know what they are. They are called Daleks and they are noisy. Or at least should be. They should blow up the whole building or fly in from the windows.

But instead, I see them moving silently. No yelling about “Exterminate”. They just move. silently. They seem a bit vague. As if not fitting in with the rest.

Something tells me that they have created a tool to move a few seconds before and after … I know it… and this is what makes them vague. But it also means they can pass through objects and possibly dreams.

I see one of them moving in the direction of the main door, to the hallway. Our flat is on the second floor. I have some time, but I don’t know what to do. Hide? Play as if I had been sleeping all along? Run off, but where?

They could move through doors and walls, silently. Surely, they could also shoot, and I was not sure if this would have been before and after now.

If I ran, they knew it was me they were looking for.

They could not shoot me. This was my dream, my memory. They need me to find it. They were scanning the world inch by inch. To find the person and the item.

They could not hurt me, but they could scare me, see where I hide. Or even worse, they could change my memory. Imagine your memory of a sleepless night reprinted, by a memory of your parents being killed by an alien race.  They are still alive, obviously, but you have the memory of them burning. How bad could this be? All your memories reprinted by nightmares. The next time you saw them, you would remember this image in your head. This re-printed memory. What is a person than not the collection of his memories?

It is in from the main door of the building.

They are coming. There is no time left, time to choose what to do – pretend sleeping or hide under bed. Somehow, I know hiding is not a good idea, this way they will know one of my hide outs…

I wake up… from a nightmare. I feel hot and thirsty. I’m an adult now. Doing adult things. And thinking of adult thoughts (you must say you are more adult, not that you are adulter as this would mean adultery and while it does have an adult in it, it has a totally different meaning.) Next to me, my wife, whom I love so much, is sleeping – we just got married end of last year and this is the place we bought to ourselves. Carefully I slid myself out. I need to drink something and collect myself.

I have a glass of water in the kitchen. The clock on the oven says it is a bit past midnight.

This is odd. I have not had nightmares for a while. As a teenager I struggled with them all the time.

After a glass of water I go out for a smoke. I'm still smoking? It's the last on in the pack.

The whole thing feels a bit unreal. The world is empty and still. It seems bit too quiet for that time. Is this just another memory from my lifeline where I could not sleep at night?

Are they coming? Is it safe? Puffing, I peek at the corner of the house, half expecting the silent Dalek to appear behind it...