Sunday March 16, 2008
Sunday March 16, 2008 Buell Ulysses 1,000 Mile Service and Suspension
Yikes ... I brought the bike into Zylstra H-D/Buell last week, $328. I don't remember what the Sportster's first service was, but I don't think it was quite that much.
Another important lesson: I'd been lazy and never taken the time to setup the suspension according to the guidelines in the owner's manual. I finally did today, and WOW, what a difference. It feels like a completely different, and even more incredible bike. I'd never really seen what a dramatic difference suspension could make in a vehicle's handling.
Two annoyances: I cannot get used to having to shut off the blinkers manually. Also, the throttle feels like its very soon, 1/8" - 1/4" inch of looseness. I asked the dealer to look at it during the service, and they said it was properly adjusted. I can't believe that's correct, and I forgot to check the Buells that they had sitting on the floor to see how their throttles were adjusted.
Posted by rich ( Mar 16 2008, 09:45:42 PM CDT ) PermalinkANIME TODAY Interviews Actor, Director & Writer Monica Rial
Right Stuf, Inc. is pleased to welcome actor, writer and director Monica Rial – who can currently be heard as “Sakura” in Tsubasa RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE, “Misuzu” in Air TV and “Lala Gonzales” in School Rumble – to episode 62 of ANIME TODAY.
In this new, three-part interview, Rial – who has acted in more than 150 shows to date – discusses her introduction to the anime industry, her work as a columnist for NEWTYPE USA and as a ADR script adapter, how her foray into directing has brought a new perspective to acting, and her views on the current state of the anime industry.
Also in Episode 62:
- Chad tells listeners "What's Hot" in the world of anime.
- Shawne reminds fans about the “Neon Genesis of Savings” to be found on ADV Films products and shares details about Right Stuf and Nozomi Entertainment’s recently unveiled license and upcoming DVD release of Maria Watches Over Us (Maria-sama ga Miteru).
- Tuan Pham previews Anime Boston 2008, which takes place on the weekend of March 21-23 at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, Massachusetts.
- Kris and Judy discuss unusual Japanese ice cream flavors in the “Anime and Gamers’ Guide.”
- Marie checks out the manga Honey and Clover by Chica Umino.
- Rich and Nick provide a rundown of upcoming conventions, courtesy of AnimeCons.com.
- Judy-sensei has a “sweet” lesson plan in store for this episode’s installment of Japanese 101.
- Rich and Nick remind listeners about the contest for Dragon Ball Z video games on several game platforms.
- Listen to musical clips from the recent JapanFiles.com release, Slumber by LiN Clover.
- And finally, ANIME TODAY highlights some of the newest fan reviews from RightStuf.com visitors.
Ready to listen in? Download episode 62 now!
Meet other ANIME TODAY listeners, submit your suggestions for future episodes and more at the official ANIME TODAY forums at AnimeOnDVD.com.
Just joining in? Learn how to subscribe or even check out the Anime Today Archive episodes!
Posted by rich ( Mar 16 2008, 09:23:21 PM CDT ) Permalink
Saturday March 08, 2008 ANIME TODAY Talks Manga With TOKYOPOP’s Stu Levy
Right Stuf, Inc. is pleased to welcome Stu Levy – the president, C.E.O. and Chief Creative Officer of TOKYOPOP – to episode 61 of ANIME TODAY.
In this new interview, Levy discusses how he was introduced to Japanese pop culture, the challenges of pioneering the right-to-left manga format in North America, the effects of a saturated manga market, how TOKYOPOP differentiates itself from other publishers, social networking, his company’s film and television projects, his personal favorite titles and what TOKYOPOP has in store for 2008.
Also in Episode 60:
- Chad tells listeners "What's Hot" in the world of anime and manga.
- Shawne reminds fans about the “Bebop ‘n’ Bargains” on titles from Bandai Entertainment.
- Rich and Nick announce the winners of the contest for a New York Anime Festival souvenir package and unveil a new contest for Dragon Ball Z video games on several game platforms.
- Marie checks out Mine Yoshizaki’s Sgt. Frog manga.
- Judy-sensei talks about “coming and going” in a new Japanese 101 lesson.
- Judy-sensei gets sentimental in the newest Japanese 101 lesson.
- Listen to musical clips from the recent JapanFiles.com release, Greetings from Tokyo by Ketchup Mania.
- And finally, ANIME TODAY highlights some of the newest fan reviews from RightStuf.com visitors.
Ready to listen in? Download episode 61 now!
Meet other ANIME TODAY listeners, submit your suggestions for future episodes and more at the official ANIME TODAY forums at AnimeOnDVD.com.
Just joining in? Learn how to subscribe or even check out the Anime Today Archive episodes!
Posted by rich ( Mar 08 2008, 06:59:15 PM CST ) Permalink
Sunday February 17, 2008 ANIME TODAY Interviews Anna Morrow, the Voice of “Honoka” in THE THIRD
Right Stuf, Inc. is pleased to welcome Anna Morrow – the voice of “Honoka” in THE THIRD: THE GIRL WITH THE BLUE EYE – to episode 60 of ANIME TODAY.
In this new interview, Morrow talks about how she recently got her start in the world of anime voice acting, her first big role as the heroine and the lead character of THE THIRD, and what sets “Honoka” apart from all the other characters she’s played.
Also in Episode 60:
- Chad tells listeners "What's Hot" in the world of anime.
- Shawne reminds fans about the “Sensational Savings” on titles from Manga Entertainment.
- Kris and Judy talk about Valentine’s Day and White Day in the “Anime and Gamers’ Guide.”
- Rich and Nick announce the winners of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles contest and remind listeners about the contest for a New York Anime Festival souvenir package.
- Marie checks out the shoujo fantasy manga Shugo Chara by Peach-Pit.
- Judy-sensei gets sentimental in the newest Japanese 101 lesson.
- Rich and Nick provide a rundown of upcoming conventions, courtesy of AnimeCons.com.
- Marie fields a listener’s question about manga for younger teen (and “tween”) readers.
- Listen to musical clips from the recent JapanFiles.com release, Go on by Swinging Popsicles.
- And finally, ANIME TODAY highlights some of the newest fan reviews from RightStuf.com visitors.
Ready to listen in? Download episode 60 now!
Meet other ANIME TODAY listeners, submit your suggestions for future episodes and more at the official ANIME TODAY forums at AnimeOnDVD.com.
Just joining in? Learn how to subscribe or even check out the Anime Today Archive episodes!
Posted by rich ( Feb 17 2008, 03:41:50 PM CST ) Permalink
Friday February 01, 2008 ANIME TODAY Interviews FUNimation Founder & C.E.O. Gen Fukunaga
Right Stuf, Inc. is pleased to welcome Gen Fukunaga – the founder and C.E.O. of FUNimation Entertainment – to episode 59 of ANIME TODAY.
In this new, 45-minute interview, Fukunaga discusses the challenges of the current North American anime marketplace, the move toward online distribution and packaged anime collections, the advantages of having an in-house dub studio, and FUNimation’s plans for the rest of 2008.
Also in Episode 59:
- Chad tells listeners "What's Hot" in the world of anime.
- Shawne reminds fans about the “Super Savings” they can find on select ADV Films titles.
- Kris and Judy talk about Japanese slang in a new installment of the “Anime and Gamers’ Guide.”
- Marie discusses the anime adaptation of The Twelve Kingdoms.
- Rich and Nick announce the winner of the Viz Pictures contest for a Love*Com gift pack, remind listeners about the contest celebrating the new TV season of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and kick-off a new contest for a New York Anime Festival souvenir package.
- Judy-sensei teaches a crash course on anime slang in the latest Japanese 101 lesson.
- Chad Diederichs joins us for a preview Katsucon’s 14th annual convention, which takes place on the weekend of February 15-17, in Washington, D.C.
- Listen to musical clips from the recent JapanFiles.com release, Fresh Cuts From Japan CD 2.
- And finally, ANIME TODAY highlights some of the newest fan reviews from RightStuf.com visitors.
Ready to listen in? Download episode 59 now!
Meet other ANIME TODAY listeners, submit your suggestions for future episodes and more at the official ANIME TODAY forums at AnimeOnDVD.com.
Just joining in? Learn how to subscribe or even check out the Anime Today Archive episodes!
Posted by rich ( Feb 01 2008, 09:03:03 PM CST ) Permalink
Friday January 18, 2008 ANIME TODAY Looks Forward to 2008 With Zac Bertschy of Anime News Network and Protoculture Addicts
Right Stuf, Inc. is pleased to welcome Zac Bertschy – executive editor of Anime News Network (AnimeNewsNetwork.com) and managing editor of Protoculture Addicts – to episode 58 of ANIME TODAY.
In this new interview, Bertschy takes a look back at the successes and surprises of 2007, experiments in packaging and distribution, the differences between what series are popular with Japanese and Western fans, and the issues and challenges facing the North American anime industry in 2008.
Also in Episode 58:
- Chad tells listeners "What's Hot" in the world of anime.
- Shawne reminds fans about the final days of Right Stuf’s “Savings That Rule” on books and DVDs from Viz Media.
- Judy-sensei returns with a new Japanese 101 lesson about weather-related phrases.
- Marie recommends the manga With the Light, one of the inaugural releases from Yen Press.
- Rich and Nick remind listeners about the Viz Pictures contest for a Love*Com gift pack and kick off a new contest that celebrates the new TV season of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
- Rich and Nick provide a rundown of upcoming conventions, courtesy of AnimeCons.com.
- And finally, ANIME TODAY highlights some of the newest fan reviews from RightStuf.com visitors.
Ready to listen in? Download episode 58 now!
Meet other ANIME TODAY listeners, submit your suggestions for future episodes and more at the official ANIME TODAY forums at AnimeOnDVD.com.
Just joining in? Learn how to subscribe or even check out the Anime Today Archive episodes!
Posted by rich ( Jan 18 2008, 05:52:56 PM CST ) Permalink
Sunday January 06, 2008 Starting Ulysses mileage: 863 (barely getting started)
Went for a nice, 42 mile ride around Des Moines today, this afternoon the temperature was around 44 or so, so it really wasn't too bad. I wasn't planning on it, really, until I went to get groceries this afternoon and saw another motorcycle out and figured, why not?
First picture is from Gray's Lake, still frozen over, but they're flying the red flag indicating that it isn't safe to walk out on.
These are the penguins from the Jolly Holiday Lights display in Water Works Park.
I still need to fix the bent bits on the bike from when it was backed into, right after they showed up the temperature here dropped and I've done nothing out in the garage since mid-November.
Posted by rich ( Jan 06 2008, 04:10:28 PM CST ) PermalinkStruts Sprout - Annotation-Powered Simplicity for Struts
Some time ago, I was looking for a way to simplify the build process for a Java application I've been working on for quite some time. It started out using XDoclet 1.2 to generate the EJB and Struts configuration files. As the years have gone by, that version of XDoclet hasn't aged very well, and even the improvements made in Java 5 proved problematic for it. Eventually, some folks released an updated xjavadoc for use with it, but it never worked quite correctly (support for some syntax changes were incomplete).
Some time ago, I made the changes needed to move to EJB 3, and eliminated XDoclet from that portion of the build, but I was still using it to generate the struts-config.xml. I always meant to do something about that, but ended up just dragging my feet on it. I'd stumbled across Sprout a long time ago, it seemed interesting, but I never did anything with it at the time.
Finally, in December of last year, XDoclet had annoyed me enough so I went back to looking at Sprout. Its support for configuring Struts wasn't complete enough to cover what I needed it to be able to do so I dropped the author, Seth Fitzsimmons a note asking if he'd done anything with Sprout beyond the version posted to his web site. Unfortunately here's what I received back: "I haven't touched Sprout (or Struts, for that matter) for about 3 years now, but it's been waiting all that time for someone like you to find it useful. You're welcome to either continue to use my svn repo as you change things or move it elsewhere."
So we chatted a bit by email, and I decided to set it up as a Google Code project: Struts Sprout and add the features to it that I needed. Finally, today, I got around to adding some of the code that I wrote back in December to the public site. Once I have a chance to make the classpath scanning a little more robust, and write some examples using the new annotations, I'll post a download with a new version number, but until that time, at least the changes are available in Subversion.
Posted by rich ( Jan 06 2008, 12:49:50 PM CST ) PermalinkANIME TODAY Looks at the Year in Anime With Chris Beveridge of AnimeOnDVD.com
Right Stuf, Inc. is pleased to welcome Chris Beveridge – the founder and webmaster of Anime On DVD (AnimeOnDVD.com), – to episode 57 of ANIME TODAY.
In this “anime year in review,” Beveridge shares his thoughts about 2007’s biggest anime stories, industry trends in licensing and packaging, the future of high-def anime and what fans can look forward to in 2008.
Also in Episode 57:
- Chad tells listeners "What's Hot" in the world of anime.
- Shawne reminds fans about the final days of Right Stuf’s BIG New Year’s Clearance sale.
- Dustin Phillips, chairperson of Ohayocon 2008, previews the signature events, panels and more that await for those attending the eighth annual convention in Columbus, Ohio.
- Kris and Judy talk about new video games, available in Japan and in North America, that can help anime fans keep their New Year’s resolutions in the “Anime and Gamers’ Guide.”
- Rich and Nick announce the winners of our contest for Geneon Entertainment “Volume 1” gift packs and kick off a new contest for a Love*Com gift pack from Viz Pictures.
- Marie recommends the Hell Girl anime.
- Judy-sensei starts 2008 with a new Japanese 101 lesson.
- And finally, ANIME TODAY highlights some of the newest fan reviews from RightStuf.com visitors.
Ready to listen in? Download episode 57 now!
Meet other ANIME TODAY listeners, submit your suggestions for future episodes and more at the official ANIME TODAY forums at AnimeOnDVD.com.
Just joining in? Learn how to subscribe or even check out the Anime Today Archive episodes!
Posted by rich ( Jan 06 2008, 12:34:07 PM CST ) Permalink
Friday December 21, 2007 ANIME TODAY Interviews VIZ Media’s Wendy Shimamura
Right Stuf, Inc. is pleased to welcome Wendy Shimamura – associate product manager for VIZ Media’s Home Entertainment division – to episode 56 of ANIME TODAY – to episode 56 of ANIME TODAY.
In this all-new interview, Shimamura discusses the highlights of VIZ Media’s 2007 anime releases, its download-to-own products and Toonami Jetstream project, next-generation formats, growing the shoujo anime market, the challenges facing the anime industry and what’s coming up in 2008.
Also in Episode 56:
- Chad tells listeners "What's Hot" in the world of anime.
- Shawne provides an update to the “12 Days of Anime” – a second “Bundle of Anime Joy”(!) – with an assist from the Right Stuf Glee Club. (Remember: The promotion only lasts through midnight on December 25, 2007.)
- Kris and Judy share a list of Japan’s “hot products” for 2007 in the “Anime and Gamers’ Guide.”
- Rich and Nick announce the winners of the Anime Today and Nozomi Entertainment MySpace contest and remind listeners about the contest for Geneon Entertainment “Volume 1” gift packs.
- Marie recommends the manga Her Majesty’s Dog by Mick Takeuchi.
- Judy-sensei teaches about “New Year’s” greetings in the latest installment of Japanese 101.
- Rich and Nick provide a rundown of upcoming conventions, courtesy of AnimeCons.com.
- And finally, ANIME TODAY highlights some of the newest fan reviews from RightStuf.com visitors.
Ready to listen in? Download episode 56 now!
Meet other ANIME TODAY listeners, submit your suggestions for future episodes and more at the official ANIME TODAY forums at AnimeOnDVD.com.
Just joining in? Learn how to subscribe or even check out the Anime Today Archive episodes!
Posted by rich ( Dec 21 2007, 03:45:52 PM CST ) Permalink
Tuesday December 11, 2007 Right Stuf's ANIME TODAY Interviews Writer, Director & Voice of SPEED RACER Peter Fernandez
Right Stuf, Inc. is pleased to welcome actor, writer and director Mr. Peter Fernandez – the voice “Speed” and “Racer X” in the classic 1960s Speed Racer anime – to episode 55 of ANIME TODAY.
In this all-new interview, conducted just before the New York Anime Festival, Mr. Fernandez discusses getting started in the entertainment business, how adapting and directing anime has changed over the years, his roles in the new Speed Racer live-action movie and animated series, and why the Speed Racer story has an impact on audiences.
While Mr. Fernandez is best-known to anime fans as an actor and as the writer and director for Speed Racer, he also wrote, directed and performed in a variety of dubs for classic programs including Marine Boy, Star Blazers, Ultraman and some of the Godzilla films, was responsible for ADR work for live-action films such as A Fist Full of Dollars, and even more recently directed the animated series Courage the Cowardly Dog for the Cartoon Network.
Also in Episode 55:
- Chad tells listeners "What's Hot" in the world of anime and manga.
- Shawne – and the Right Stuf Glee Club – chime in with the details of this year’s “12 Days of Anime,” which lasts through midnight on December 25, 2007.
- Kris and Judy discuss the rules foreign visitors now encounter when entering Japan in the “Anime and Gamers’ Guide.”
- Rich and Nick announce the winners of the Viz Pictures’ Gackt: Greatest Filmography and Ping Pong contests, kick-off a new contest Geneon Entertainment “Volume 1” gift packs, and remind listeners about the Anime Today and Nozomi Entertainment MySpace contests.
- Marie checks out Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece manga.
- And finally, ANIME TODAY highlights some of the newest fan reviews from RightStuf.com visitors.
Ready to listen in? Download episode 55 now!
Meet other ANIME TODAY listeners, submit your suggestions for future episodes and more at the official ANIME TODAY forums at AnimeOnDVD.com.
Just joining in? Learn how to subscribe or even check out the Anime Today Archive episodes!
Posted by rich ( Dec 11 2007, 11:27:16 AM CST ) Permalink
Wednesday November 21, 2007 Right Stuf's ANIME TODAY Interviews New York Anime Festival Organizers John McGeary & Peter Tatara
Right Stuf, Inc. is pleased to welcome two of the organizers of the upcoming New York Anime Festival (NYAF) – Vice President and Show Manager John McGeary and Programming Manager Peter Tatara – to episode 54 of ANIME TODAY.
In this new interview and preview of the show, which will take place on the weekend of December 7-9, 2007 at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City, McGeary and Tatara share why they feel it is important to offer professional events alongside fan-oriented programming, talk about their extensive guest list and share details about NYAF-exclusive premieres, the World Cosplay Summit masquerade competition, musical performances, the maid café and more.
Also in Episode 54:
- Chad tells listeners "What's Hot" in the world of anime.
- Shawne kicks off the holiday season with a new sale, “Be Quick Like a Ninja,” that gives customers 30% off almost everything at RightStuf.com.
- Kris and Judy talk about Japanese customs that surround the giving of gifts between friends in a new installment of the “Anime and Gamers’ Guide.”
- Rich and Nick announce the winners of the contest for weekend passes to the New York Anime Festival and remind listeners about the contest celebrating Viz Pictures’ DVD releases of the two Gackt: Greatest Filmography video collections and the film Ping Pong, as well as the contest celebrating the launch of the official MySpace pages for Anime Today and Nozomi Entertainment..
- Marie checks out the anime series Mushishi.
- And finally, ANIME TODAY highlights some of the newest fan reviews from RightStuf.com visitors.
Ready to listen in? Download episode 54 now!
Meet other ANIME TODAY listeners, submit your suggestions for future episodes and more at the official ANIME TODAY forums at AnimeOnDVD.com.
Just joining in? Learn how to subscribe or even check out the Anime Today Archive episodes!
Posted by rich ( Nov 21 2007, 03:55:16 PM CST ) Permalink
Tuesday November 13, 2007 Right Stuf's ANIME TODAY and ASTRO BOY Director Fred Ladd Talk Early Anime and Live-Action Adaptations!
Right Stuf, Inc. is pleased to welcome Mr. Fred Ladd – the pioneering TV producer responsible for the English adaptations of early U.S. anime hits, including Astro Boy, Gigantor and Kimba the White Lion – to episode 53 of ANIME TODAY for the second installment of a new, in-depth interview.
This time around, Mr. Ladd discusses his favorite projects through the years, his involvement in bringing Sailor Moon and Tobor the 8th Man to North American audiences, his thoughts on Hollywood’s planned, live-action adaptations of classic anime properties and his current projects.
Also in Episode 53:
- Chad tells listeners "What's Hot" in the world of anime.
- Shawne shares details about the “Book It to RightStuf.com” sale on manga and more from TOKYOPOP.
- Rich and Nick announce the winners of The Taste of Tea and Hula Girls contests, announce a new contest celebrating Viz Pictures’ DVD releases of the two Gackt: Greatest Filmography video collections and the film Ping Pong, remind listeners about the ongoing contest for weekend passes to the New York Anime Festival, and unveil a new contest to launch the new MySpace pages for Anime Today and Nozomi Entertainment.
- Marie takes on Yoshiki Nakamura’s comedic shoujo manga Skip Beat.
- Rich and Nick provide a rundown of upcoming conventions, courtesy of AnimeCons.com.
- And finally, ANIME TODAY highlights some of the newest fan reviews from RightStuf.com visitors.
Ready to listen in? Download episode 53 now!
Meet other ANIME TODAY listeners, submit your suggestions for future episodes and more at the official ANIME TODAY forums at AnimeOnDVD.com.
Just joining in? Learn how to subscribe or even check out the Anime Today Archive episodes!
Posted by rich ( Nov 13 2007, 11:38:00 AM CST ) Permalink
Sunday November 04, 2007 I was having a late lunch at Bakers Square, and a woman driving a minivan backed into the Ulysses in the parking lot.
The rear left blinker was scuffed up as well, but it didn't show up well in the photograph. The damage to her minivan actually appeared quite a bit worse than the bike's damage, a number of scratches, and it was dented in. At least the bike fought back a bit.
Posted by rich ( Nov 04 2007, 06:11:08 PM CST ) Permalink
Friday October 26, 2007 Right Stuf's ANIME TODAY Interviews Astro Boy Director Fred Ladd!
Right Stuf, Inc. kicks off its third year of podcasting by welcoming Mr. Fred Ladd - the pioneering TV producer responsible for the English adaptations of early U.S. anime hits, including Astro Boy, Gigantor and Kimba the White Lion - to episode 52 of ANIME TODAY.
In the first half of this new, in-depth interview, Mr. Ladd discusses his start in the radio and television industry, how Japanese animation was discovered by the West, the challenges of bringing Astro Boy to U.S. audiences and how the success of Astro Boy influenced the animation that followed it on both sides of the Pacific.
Also in thie Episode 50 of ANIME TODAY:
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Chad tells listeners "What's Hot" in the world of anime and manga.
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Shawne shares details about the "Spooky and Spectacular Savings" to be found on DVDs from FUNimation and AN Entertainment.
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Morgan Kollin, chairperson of Detroit, Michigan's YoumaCon, previews the games, guests and events planned for the convention's third year, during the weekend of November 1-4, 2007.
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Marie reviews the manic anime comedy of School Rumble.
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Rich and Nick remind listeners about the ongoing contest celebrating Viz Pictures' live-action releases of The Taste of Tea and Hula Girls and unveil a new contest in conjunction with the New York Anime Festival for weekend passes to the event.
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And finally, ANIME TODAY highlights some of the newest fan reviews from RightStuf.com visitors.
Ready to listen in? Download Episode 52 now!
Meet other ANIME TODAY listeners, submit your suggestions for future episodes and more at the official ANIME TODAY forums at AnimeOnDVD.com.
Just joining in? Learn how to subscribe or even check out the Anime Today Archive episodes - complete with regular and extended show notes!
Posted by rich ( Oct 26 2007, 08:32:09 PM CDT ) Permalink