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Hey, all!

I'm a San Francisco resident who's into many things, including but not limited to indie rock, food, drink, travel, literature, world cinema, and--here's the challenge--anime. Apart from the odd casual Miyazaki fan, I don't really have any anime fan friends, and my wife (I'm old, but not creepy, I promise) barely tolerates the stuff.  I had a good time with anime clubs back in the day, when I was part of a university community (both as an undergrad and a grad student), but as an adult in the working world, these kinds of opportunities just don't seem to present themselves. 

So I'd like to find a group of people in the SF area that would be interested in occasional gatherings to drink cocktails (not required, of course, but I think it's a good idea), eat food, and watch anime. You suggest titles you'd like to see, or bring titles from your library if you've got one (I don't, but I rent a lot), I'll host, buy food (at least the first time) and tend bar. If it's fun, we'll do it again.  There's really no age limit, but over drinking age at least would be preferred, and as I said, I'm pretty old.

I enjoy high quality production, surrealist humor, and interesting concepts in about equal measure, but will consider watching anything. Favorites include FLCL, Tokyo Godfathers, and a load of other stuff from the sentimental to the stupid. I've seen at least 350 titles over the past decade or so (some series, some feature films), but despite this fact, do not consider myself any kind of otaku. Am I kidding myself? Maybe. But I certainly don't fit any of the nasty stereotypes sometimes ascribed to anime fans, at least as far as I can tell. You probably wouldn't know I was a fan unless I told you. Which I guess I am now.

Care to join me? Awesome.  I can be reached at this username at hotmail dot com.  I know it's a longshot, but I remain hopeful.

[multiple]

The best ramen requires multiple packets of flavoring, in my humble opinion.

Hmmm, *strokes chin* interesting..... Must try >.<

Sugary ramen cereal... um... must contemplate, and then decide to pretend I've never heard of such a thing.

But before I create a monster:
As a word of caution, I didn't mean that you ought to use additional seasoning packets, that you saved or produced from elsewhere, but rather that the most interesting-tasting ramen usually comes with multiple packets: in the case of many of the fine Thai flavors, these consist of the standard spice n' bullion pack, a packet of dried chilis, and a packet of chili oil.  

Doubling up on regular Maruchan chicken powder is just a recipe for salty, salty disaster, I think.  But hey, knock yerself out, maybe literally.   :o

I personally find almost all hentai distasteful: too much of the genre seems to be centered on hurting or humiliating women.  I find that a big ol' turnoff.  But I'm not opposed to it as a rule, and can actually enjoy light-hearted or comedic hentai (Buttobi CPU, for example, is totally hilarious).  

Go freedom of expression!

I like 'em small and humanoid, personally.

I'm all for Kanchi, (AKA telebi-kun), the robot that pops out of Naota's head, Athenalike,  in FLCL.  Second (and more embarrassing) choice will have to be Honey Kisaragi.  Tied with Honey, but appealing in an entirely different way, is Arare from Dr. Slump.

Like lots of people, I'd rather actually see the product before I plunk down for it, so I generally prefer a real-live store  to shopping online.  Japan Video in SF is a favorite of mine, and also where I do a lot of renting.  I occasionally enjoy browsing among the bootlegs in Chinatown in SF, too, although I don't  buy bootlegs.  I mostly just like to compare the stuff that's available out of Taiwan or HK that doesn't get licensed for stateside release.

I've gotten some very good deals on some legit products from eBay and Amazon.  Good choices for used copies of older stuff.

Maid outfits don't do anything for me... too much crinoline and lace.  So given those choices, I'd say I'm about the catgirls.

(Unya! Nekomimi modo de!)

[Under17]

When they're available, I like the ones that rock a bit.  Thus, I  like the openings to:

Gantz
Berserk
Outlaw Star

On the more pop side o' things, me gusta:

Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi
Dual!
DNA2
Rumiko Takahashi Anthology (the singer's voice is very strange, almost shrill, and for me very effective).

And although I'm a little ashamed, because Haruko Momoi is not exactly a gifted singer, I'm a sucker for anything by Under17.  Thus, I like the openings to Popotan, Magical Nurse Komugi, and DearS and the closing to Mouse, even though they're each embarrassing in their own way, and Mouse was especially horrific.


Fave ending themes include the first stage of Vandread and Tokyo Underground.  Don't remember what either one was called, but they were both sort of trip-hoppy in a pleasant way.

[multiple]

Nam Tok Beef!

And a lot of other Thai flavors.

The best ramen requires multiple packets of flavoring, in my humble opinion.