...Well, WTF, my entry just ate itself. XD Anyway! Meeses made a new trailer to Tutu!...using the trailer to the upcoming film The Lovely Bones, based on the novel of the same name. I was hesitant to make Fakir Ray, but I just thought since he seems like the person who'd be most affected by Ahiru's death and as I use him later in the trailer, I thought he'd make more sense than Mytho for the part...even if I use Lil!Fakir to later express Buckley Salmon, Susie's little brother. XD;;; The "posturize" effect meant to express Ahiru's "in-between" world was the closest expression of what I wanted though it isn't great, and there's one little clipping problem at the very end...but otherwise, I'm rather proud of this, and I hope you enjoy it!





Susie Salmon - Ahiru
Abigail Salmon - Raestel
Jack Salmon - Charon
George Harvey - Drosselmeyer
Lynn Salmon - Edel
Lindsey Salmon - Rue
Len Fenerman - Autor
Ray Singh - Fakir
Ruth Conners - Pique

I wrote a fic on Drosselmeyer. Why? Well, I've always wondered why he likes tragic stories so much. I think this is one of the most creepiest stories that I have ever written.

Title: The Tale of Drosselmeyer
Rating: PG
Characters: Drosselmeyer

( The Tale of Drosselmeyer )

The empire strikes back

In recent weeks, we've taken huge steps towards blocking spam accounts on LiveJournal. In fact, we've suspended as many as 30,000 accounts in a single day! We've implemented several pre-emptive measures to prevent the creation of spam accounts, and we've honed our detection of suspicious content. Spam bots are a crafty lot, so we'll continue to refine our tactics and keep up the good fight to keep you safe from spam attacks on LiveJournal.

RSS feeds again

If you're addicted to xkcd_rss, icanhaschzbrgr, or other syndicated feeds, we're pleased to report that we've resolved the update error that was mucking up your RSS feeds. While content was being pulled correctly, it wasn't being posted to the feeds themselves. Late last week, we finally nailed down what we hope was the root problem, so content should post properly. We thank you for your patience.

Wii have killer CSI Deadly Intent contests!

c_s_i

If you're a gamer who loves CSI, have Wii got news for you! c_s_i is sponsoring killer contests. Simply post a question to a member of the CSI crew. The winner will get a free copy of CSI: Deadly Intent for Nintendo Wii (with a retail value of $39.99) and get their question answered by a member of the CSI writing team! There's also a fantastic monthly contest. To enter, join c_s_i, play the online version of CSI: Deadly Intent, and respond to a two-part query for a chance to win a Wii! Entries will be judged on composition and originality. Sorry, but you must be a U.S. resident and over 18 years old to participate. Check out the rules here.

Enveloped in postcards

Last week, we asked you to send in postcards to help us decorate our drab concrete walls. Here's a photo of the results so far! Thank you so much and please keep them coming! You can mail them to Frank the Goat, Esq., c/o LiveJournal, Inc., 539 Bryant Street, Suite 210, San Francisco, CA 94107. Be sure to include your username, since we'll be giving ten random users paid account credits.

Photos of the week

If you haven't visited our new LiveJournal photo community, you're in for an amazing visual trip. LiveJournal users from around the world will take you on a scenic journey to everywhere. Post your own pictures or kick back and enjoy at lj_photophile. You can view some of this week's awesome photos after the jump. Please start tagging with geographic location, since we'd like to track all the places around the world represented in this community. Keep on commenting too!
( Read more... )

WHEW. Sorry for the wait on these. This was definitely the most challenging and diverse set of fanart requests I've been given yet. But it was a lot of fun, so thanks for the prompts!

Under the cut are the following:

1. Tutu and Kraehe friendly pas de deux - for y0te
2. Mytho as Luke Skywalker - for neko_no_hanashi
3. Awkward!Fakir asking smug!Rue for advice - for kai_lis
4. Fakir and Ahiru Phantom of the Opera style - for sunsetecho
5. Raven!Ahiru ripping up one of Fakir's stories - for samsamjellyjam
6. Autor in modern clothing - for haleysings
7. Rue/Mytho dressed as Beatrice/Battler from Umineko - for web_of
8. Chibi!Fakir and chibi!duckAhiru teaparty - for anthraxpretzels
9. Scruffy and Nibbles vamp/wolf switch - for tragic_spells
10. Young!Wili maiden - for thaizertazerll

( And you'll find all of the art under this cut! )

I'mnuitsongeur.  I've been around here a few times but not often bringing to attention to myself.  Usually, I act as the casual lurker and the occasional fanfiction authoress.  Now, I'm here to present a sneak-peak of a huge fanfiction project I'm planning out called- Chapter of the Raven.  Bascially, a would-be third season.

The tentative official summary, posted on my FFN profile- "All the epic-ness of a would-be third season with our four favorite characters."

Here's a little info on the project:
I've had the idea simmering in my head for a while, upon my completion of the series.  I don't want to spoil it for any potential readers, but after I had the first chapter written/typed up, I discovered that there's a roleplay around here featuring Fakir as a character known as Raven!Fakir or something to that effect.  I want to say:  I have not read any such roleplay and I would like everyone to keep in mind that the fanfiction ideas are original- mine.  And I surely hope to God that none of the ideas intermingle. 

I'm posting this preview because I want to see the initial reaction is has for the fan base.  And any feedback is much appreciated and will be taken into consideration.  As far as the set up of the fanfic goes:  I plan on having a short prologue at the beginning of each chapter that goes along with those "Once upon a time..." intros.  That introduction to the first chapter is what I'm including here in this post. And, also, like the anime, I'm going to try and limit the story to 20 chapters.  But, more planning/editing has to be done before I hit that stage.

I've rambled enough, don't you think?  Here's the excerpt:
 

( Short Excerpt Behind the Cut! )

 

aiyatheydidnt
The Chinese version of ONTD, AIYA is a dynamic international community that welcomes users who share a love of contemporary Chinese pop culture. Dedicated to celebrity gossip and entertainment news, you'll enjoy gorgeous photos and breaking stories featuring the glitterati of mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

wendylady2
Designed to rescue fashion victims everywhere, this Brit-based community reads like a rag-ezine. Published once or twice weekly, you'll view bizarre highlights of the global fashion scene through captivating photos and delightfully snarky editorial. Sit tight for a virtual fashion tour from the runways of New York to Milan to Paris and back home again to London in homage to the adage: you can't buy good taste.

soldiers_heart
A passionate community for veterans of all ages (mostly American), plus families, friends, and supporters. View poignant snapshots detailing life in combat and back on civilian soil in the form of original artwork, personal narratives, poetry, and photos. Be forewarned that members don't shy away from describing their disappointments, disabilities, and struggles.

And by sketches, I mean, really badly scanned ones. Seriously, my scanner will not pick up any of the thinner, lighter lines, so BLECH on it.

Warnings: Genderbending in one. Smoochies in another.

( Gender switch and shameless shipping. )

Based on the poll results from before, I'm going ahead with this on the dates that people voted for.

( On To The Sign-Up Instructions! )


If you have any questions or get any comments on your surveys, just a reminder that the Admin from Club-Tutu are running the Princess Tutu Secret Santa Exchange this year. Feel free to come to us if you have any questions or need help.
The 2009 organizers are: asatira and lycorne

Okay Ladies and Gentlemen, that's it.
Let the sign-ups begin!



Event Posts:
Planning Post

17 ♫ Princess Tutu

24 ♫ Umineko no Naku Koro ni

Teasers:

Posted HERE at crimson_etude ~!

ALSO. Over at my icon community, I've set up an archive post with ALL of my Princess Tutu icon posts (past and present for the last three years). Feel free to root through them HERE.

Front Cover (Ahiru) & Back Cover (Fakir)


Remember the doujinshi I was selling a while back? Now that I'm done traveling I've decided to start selling again, and this time the doujinshi will be available all the way until the end of the year! Those who were interested during the last sale but didn't get around to purchase a copy, this is your chance!

Title: Feuer Fest
Rating: G
Character/pairings: Fakir/Ahiru, mild Pique/Autor
Pages: 32 total
Size: A5
Description: Ahiru loves the Fire Festival, but this year something seems to be missing…

I've posted the rough sketches before, so if you want to see what the story is all about before you buy it you can see the sketches HERE.

( Larger image of covers, 2 sample images, and ordering information under the cut! )

My first post here! :) 
It's about time I contribute something to the fandom. Just little drawings of Mytho and Kraehe..

Teasers:
 

See the fanart here.

EDIT: If you're reading this, our maintenance is OVER! The problem was not found on our equipment, which means we'll have to work with our ISP to fix this small problem -- which also means another maintenance window in the future -- but at least we have eliminated our side.

Thank you everyone, and a special shout out to rekoil for giving me a great suggestion AND also the opportunity to feel like I've just called in to a local radio station.

Have a great day, night or afternoon wherever you may be.

---

Hi everyone, sorry for the late notice but I'm going to have to do some testing on 1 of our 4 internet circuits TONIGHT; Friday night or Saturday morning depending on which time zone you're in.

Most of us shouldn't notice any impact, though there may be some slowness or lag when I switch traffic on to our other ISP circuits and then another hit when I stop the tests. If a page won't load or times out, try hitting refresh 1 or 2 times and it should load then. If it doesn't work at all... trust me, I'll be typing really really really fast to try to undo whatever I just did. Hopefully you'll have some Halloween candy (if you're in the USA and celebrate that kind of thing) nearby to take away the bitterness of a small site outage. :(

Here's the handy-dandy Website That I Always Use to get a feel for when the maintenance will start in your area. Our site traffic historically dips on Friday afternoons until Saturday morning which is why we tend to pick this time for maintenance work.

( tech details )

status.livejournal.org will, of course be updated before and after the maintenance window. Or else marta will get mad at me. :D

bt

Malen/Freya fanart

rated G~


( Read more... )

In response to user comments from last week, we want to let you know that we'll remain LJ cut-free for the next month in order to get more eyeballs on our evolving newsletter. As for product coverage, that continues to be our top priority. For more granular detail, however, we recommend you join lj_releases.

Super-tweak for Yandex search

Some of our beta testers expressed privacy concerns using the Yandex search engine. Here's why: Last week, when you ran a search, you could see the usernames (and only the usernames) of everyone who commented on an entry, even if that entry was switched to Private or Friends Only after it was originally indexed. You could NOT see the actual comments from Friends Only or Private posts. In response to your input, we've implemented a fix to keep all user activity currently marked Friends Only or Private completely hidden. If you'd prefer your public content not to be indexed by Yandex, click here and use the settings labeled Search Inclusion (this covers your entire journal) and/or Comment Search Inclusion (which covers comments only). To test drive Yandex search now, click here.

Postcards from the edge

Several years ago, we asked LiveJournal users to send postcards to help us decorate our dull, white-washed offices. Since a good idea warrants repetition, we're at it again (same issue, new address). We hope you'll surround us with LiveJournal love by sending your postcards to Frank the Goat, Esq., c/o LiveJournal, Inc., 539 Bryant Street, Suite 210, San Francisco, CA 94107. We'll post snapshots right here. Be sure to include your username, since we'll randomly pick 10 lucky recipients to win free paid account time.

Conquer Writer's Block

Here are some excerpts from this week's most popular question of the day:

If a friend or relative makes a racist or homophobic remark, do you tend to confront them or let it slide? Are you more likely to confront them if it offends you directly or someone else who seems reluctant to speak up?

1. I find it easier to stand up for other people, and i wouldn't let it slide if they made a rude or hurtful comment.
2. Usually if a friend makes a racist or homophobic remark, I tend to let it slide. I think that while i would not say such things myself, I have no right to censor those around me.
3. This happens all of the time. I confront some relatives, but I refuse to if they are drunk or watch Fox News.
4. I'd let it slide if it was just a private remark... As much as I despise bigotry and intolerance, I know that you can't change people-they have to change themselves ...
5. Confront! confront! confront! Politely, but without equivocation.
6. SPEAK UP. Always, always, always speak up. Letting something slide lets ignorance win. No matter if it offends me directly, or someone else, I will confront the speaker and let them know that's not ok.
7. I don't get offended personally. As an immigrant, woman, gay and person of color if I took every single potentially offensive remark seriously I wouldn't get anything done.
8. I punch them in the balls. With my mind.
9. I do speak up, but often very timidly because I feel that I'm white and therefore I don't really have any authority to lecture someone on what's racist and what isn't...
10. Generally speaking, I do not let this shit fly, because it reduces me as a person, to this non-person and it replicates the destructive discourse that makes sure that sexual minorities, racial minorities, women, people with disabilities, trans people and every intersection thereof into something other than human... And sometimes... I'm just too tired to deal with it, so I roll my eyes, make a sarcastic remark and hope the conversation moves on quickly.

For more daily questions and user comments, join writersblock. FYI, we don't want to invade your privacy, so we haven't credited individual users for their responses. We'd appreciate your feedback on this!

Spotlight community of the week

We can't resist making one last midnight trip to the ol' pumpkin patch. If you adore crazy costumes, fiendish festivities, and bottomless candy consumption as much as we do, this community has just what it takes to light up your jack-o-lantern.


halloween_fan

Photos of the week

We received so many incredible photos, we had to close our eyes and point. We uploaded a selection of awesome images at our new lj_photophile community. Please join and start posting (try to keep the width at around 625 for the sake of consistency)! We'd love for you to tell us more about your photos! You can help us select spotlight photos by commenting on your favorites. Once again, we thank you for making our online world more beautiful!

shutter	pancetta	ilya_gorokhov

Curtains

Thanks, again, for tuning in. We look forward to seeing you next week.

This is the text to republish in Italy by the publisher De Agostini, in a version faithful in packing and contents to the original Japanese, the DVD of the soul of Princess Tutu. 
If you want to sign, this is the link.

http://www.firmiamo.it/princesstutunuovarelaeseindvddeluxedadeagostini


sorry, if is in italian but hereunder there is a translation:

Princess Tutu is a shojo anime belonging to the category Majocchi. 
The series created by Ikuko Itoh and directed by Junichi Sato departs 
the production of such classic shojo boy wizard (Majocchi) for 
propose an anime of "gender" suitable for everyone. 
The series, based on the world of ballet is a tribute 
classic fairy tales and in its 26-episode recounts the adventures of Ahiru: 
a simple paper from the human heart, which in love with a beautiful 
Prince sad-eyed, having expressed the desire to be 
a girl to be near him and smiled back, will be chosen by 
Drosselmayer, to assume the role of the legendary Princess Tutu 
in order to restore the lost pieces of heart-each representing an emotion-Prince Mytho, who, years ago, to save people 
his kingdom from the terrible monster Raven them distressed,
using a forbidden power, he pointed his sword at his chest and used the pieces 
your heart siggillarlo. 
The rights were purchased in 2006 by soul PlayPress that the reissued 
series 8 DVD at a price of 10.00 euros each. 
Unfortunately the publisher did not use great care in editing and even 
in the promotion, disappointing so many fans of this opera having known through YouTube in language origianle expected to be able to taste in Italian and deterring the curious who saw the purchase of one-shot publicity he wanted to bet on a concenzione child 's anime in question - a product suitable for an audience of girls. 
We ask with this petition to De Agostini, to buy 
rights of the soul of Princess Tutu to re-edit an edition in luxury with special dalpacking faithful to the original Japanese DVD? 
In addition to the soul in a new relase on DVD if you may edit the fanbook and artbook for Princess Tutu, unfortunately never edited in the West and in the original version on eBay at prices prohibitive. 
Pray with your heart to be heard because you can not refuse after all American comics and a lot of high class classical Japanese aniamzione treated with care this cute Japanese animation recently.


Thank at every for the attention and sorry for my english.

halloween_fan
Here at LiveJournal, we never balk at an opportunity for high drama, wicked costumes, and gluttonous sugar consumption. But this community takes it one step further: Here, everyday is Halloween. Of course, the hallowed eve is particularly sacred to this spirited crowd. If you're looking for last-minute costume ideas for your black cat, faux eyeball candy, or stand-out haunted houses, dive in for a splash of pagan merriment.

picturing_food
Designing gourmet? Feast your eyes on these pixel perfect dishes with an accent on presentation. A visual smorgasbord of eclectic cuisine, ranging from fusion to down-home comfort foods. If the way to your heart is through your stomach and the way to your stomach is through your eyes, you're sure to leave with a good taste in your mouth.

bookish
Passionate readers share well-penned reviews on a broad sweep of genres, including fiction, YA, sci-fi, paranormal, fantasy, and good ol' pot-boiling suspense. Those of a lit crit persuasion are invited to introduce themselves before posting. And for the silent majority who prefer to bask in our neighbors' labors, there are thoughtful reviews, book list suggestions, and even great gift ideas to keep your library card and dowtime filled.