Written by Rikun
 Initial first impresssions of this series, would lead any fairweather fan to simply state that Yokuwakaru Gendai Maho takes the staples of what you’d expect from another new anime series; and to a certain extent they’d be right. Gendai Maho indeed has the stock personalities one would expect from a typical anime cast: the lovably clumsy protagonist, the tsundere, the quiet girl, the wise sage, and the cynical male. There's the moe character designs that will surely attract cosplayers and figure collectors alike, as well as the catchy opening and ending songs that will certainly boost the musical careers of those particular artists. Even the premise itself - a world with magic and people who try to stop the dark magic from winning - sounds to be just another typical anime. In all these aspects, Yokuwakaru Gendai Maho seems to be just another conventional anime, but after watching it, you'll be amazed at how truly different it is from other like series.
If there is one thing that sets this anime apart from other anime series that combine action and magic, it would be the actual magic system itself. Most series that incorporate magic in the modern day oftentimes keep the two realms separated from each other with one side never knowing about the other. Magic is also perceived as a mystical, ancient force that has no relevance to a modern day society. In Yokuwakaru Gendai Maho, this concept is flipped on its head, creatively explaning the functionality of modern magic and ancient magic, with the colorful use of terms that today's computer age viewer can easily understand.
 In this series it is explained that ancient magic, the magic people would associate with Harry Potter or the wizard Gandalf, uses the electrical energy within a mage’s body to create supernatural phenomenon. However, modern day magic is capable of creating the same phenomena except through the use of computer code and technology. Even the magical streams that are present within the series are seen as floating binary code that can form into objects and force fields, giving a nearly tangible and more relevant feel. This take on magic is something completely different from the likes of shows like Pretty Cure, Shugo Chara and Sailor Moon, almost going into a realm similar to Nanoha or even Full Metal Alchemist in which mystical powers have a solid, nearly scientific system in which they work.
 What makes Yokuwakaru Gendai Maho unique from even those series would be that in this world, magic is not only connected to technology, but absolutely relies on its properties in order to function. Spells can be transferred via CDs and USB sticks, and coding has replaced the use of incantations. Even a simple cell phone can perform the same functions as a wand, and a wizard’s study resembles a computer lab more than a library full of ancient tomes. Uniquely original nuances such as these, truly set Yokuwakaru Gendai Mahou apart from other anime series that try to incorporate magic as its central driving force.
Because there are only two episodes out as of this writing, there is not very much to go on aside from the characters themselves, and they all seem to fit their roles well enough. Koyomi Morishita is the series protagonist and she is the typical clumsy yet lovable protagonist that most anime fans are familiar with. Misa Anehara, fills in the role of her experienced, carefree mentor, another archetype that anime fans will be comfortable with. It’s hard to tell what else is in store for this series since it has decided to take the out-of-order approach to storytelling that Haruhi is known for, but, given the right amount of time, it definitely has the potential to be a fan-favorite, anime series.
Written by kikikokokaka
 I just recently indulged myself with the Korean drama “I Really Really Like You” starring Lee Min Ki, Eugene, and Ryu Jin. This drama came out back in ’06, and I now wonder why I kept putting it off. As watching this show, I kept thinking things like, “Gosh, his life sucks," or “How could that happen to her?” or "Why don't they tell each other that?!?" Each of the characters have their fair share of secrets and misfortunes that bring them all together, opening the curtain for the tangled plot to unravel.
 The story opens up with the spotlight on country girl Bong Soon (Eugene) who leads a quiet and simple life in the mountains, but is soon thrust into the bustling city after she saves Jung Won (played by Ryu Jin) from a nasty fall in the slippery forest. Won had come to the mountains to relieve the stress of his "everyday life" as a doctor and son of very important political head. However, he too - being a bit clumsy and unfortunate - managed to slip down a slope and fall unconscious. Out of all people in the world, Bong Soon had to chance upon one of the most powerful of them all: the President’s son.
The third protagonist enters the scene as the Blue House bodyguard who is sent to protect Jung Won and escort him back to Seoul: Nam Bong Ki (Lee Min Ki). Bong Ki was a slightly egocentric, prissy bodyguard who was about to go on a trip with his girlfriend. Steps away from boarding the airplane, he assigned to escort Jung Won, not knowing that Won is the President’s son. He dubs Won “the guy who ruined his perfect vacation”. When he arrives in the countryside, who else is waiting for him but our country hillybilly, Bong Soon? The moment they meet is a moment of disaster. A cellphone rings, the chicken Bong Soon is holding jumps out, she drops the egg she is holding, and the egg lands on Bong Ki’s perfect, polished shoe. And this is how all three of the characters meet: a seeming receipe for disaster.
Now we have our crazy country girl, our playboy bodyguard, and our doctor. Here's where the web of their relationships with one another get even more tangled. Although Jung Won is the President’s son, he likes to hide his identity because he doesn’t want people to treat him awkwardly.  However, with that one meeting in the countryside, all of them are thrust into the spotlight. Bong Soon falls for Jung Won, not knowing that he is ‘royalty’, or that he has a wife. Bong Ki, on the other hand, was just another bodyguard before he got assigned to Jung Won’s daughter, and then assigned to Jung Won himself, not knowing that her father is that “annoying guy who ruined his perfect vacation”. Now, Bong Ki starts to fall for Bong Soon, while Bong Soon is developing feelings for Won (In this writer's opinion, wouldn’t you want to save some president’s son, have him fall in love with you, and at the same time have a hotshot bodyguard in love with you? That’s way better than being just a country girl, lol). In the meantime, Bong Soon is starting to learn the secrets of her past as evidence starts to arise that she could be the President's daughter and to make this even crazier, she’s in love with the President’s son? That’s just creepy. What a life these people have…
Although “I Really Really Like You” may seem like your typical Korean romantic-comedy, its the connections between the characters that tug at your emotions and the family lessons, intricately woven within the storyline, that make this drama a one-of-a-kind show to watch.
 Written by BasouKazuma
Hey everyone, we are running a new Interview section for the Newsletter! We'll be interviewing moderators, staff members and any other interesting people we come across. Today we are interviewing one mochacafe; she's been a Chat Moderator for the site since December 2007 and has been a very active force on the chatroom this whole time.
-BK
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BasouKazuma: So mocha, who is your favorite moderator and why?
mochacafe: Ooo hard one.
redgarnettk: BK doesn't count because he's not a moderator.
mochacafe: But I would have to say Claire (animoo_x), because she works so hard and if I need her, she's always there. Super Claire to the rescue! And we talk a lot about life and such. ^^~ Plus she's my mutti bear/lioness, since Zeronite abandoned me ;(. BK's not a mod, he's a bot.
redgarnettk: How did you find out BK is a bot?
mochacafe: He spams and hacks you. Automatically. Plus he gets things done really fast.
redgarnettk: Speaking of bots, what are your thoughts on Crunchybot?
mochacafe: He's a cool dude. He never talks much. He sure likes to spam my inbox though. That is how I would describe him. XD
BasouKazuma: I think a lot of users feel the same way. As a mod, how do you feel towards the recent changes on Crunchyroll?
redgarnettk: I'm still sad at the removal of music videos.
mochacafe: Well I really like it, it's how the internet roll. Like you know how people change? You have to change with everyone to "fit in". ALTHOUGH, I really want a new chat. (Please make that dream come true ^^~) And yes I am very sad for the removal of the music videos, since CR used to be my music update.. Other than that I'm really happy towards the new CR, it gives off a different vibe. Although some features need a little tweaking at times, but I'm okay with the new CR features. ^^ I like the mini PM box, it makes everything faster. Mocha mocha new chat woo woo!
BasouKazuma: Haha yeah we'll get on that right away with Shinji.
mochacafe: YAY!
redgarnettk: Speaking of Shinji, what are your thoughts on the mystery man?
mochacafe: Ooo he's mysterious. I think he's really cool. Never met him, but he seems cool. I mean who would've thought a site that he created would become like this now? At first I thought he was female, because of the name Shinji. In Korean it's a female name, so when I first saw his profile I was like I think he's lying. He's definitely a female. Lol! Other than that he's a fun dude to talk to. He's the main boss. Although I sometimes wonder if BK is Shinji, but I doubt that since Shinji's mysterious and BK's open.
BasouKazuma: no comment
mochacafe: XD
redgarnettk: Moving on now... are there any series (anime or drama) on the site that you would suggest to other users?
mochacafe: I really like the drama, "Who Are You?" on CR. It's one of those comedy/tear-dropping dramas that just makes you love it even more. I really enjoyed it, since I was trying to find it for a long time now, until I looked it up on CR and I was like "it's here I don't need to find it anymore". I also love Shugo Chara to the extreme. If you're a girl and you like shoujo and all of those girly genres. I suggest it, because I really love it. At times I'm at my seat waiting for the newest episode to come out. I'm actually pending on the newest released episode so that on Friday when episode 93 comes out I can watch both so that I won't feel the wait for more ^^~
BasouKazuma: How do you like the userbase now compared to when you joined the site?
mochacafe: Well back then everyone was more close, now it's like everyone is in their own group with their own friends. When I joined everyone basically knew everyone. It was more togetherness. Now it's like everyone has their own pack of friends and even some even talk behind each other's backs. I've seen this a lot of times, and I'm like wow, that's very mean. Even though that is how life is. But now well no offense, but people are a whole lot meaner than back then. Like I'll see them flaming anyone they see. It's crazy. Why can't we all be friends and love each other? Although I like the users, because when they need to talk about anything, they'll talk to me or ask me if they could talk to me. And I learn more and more about everyone's lives. It's nice to talk to the users on CR, you get to understand them more. ^^~
redgarnettk: Yeah there are a variety of users on this site. Do you have any shoutouts?
mochacafe: I would like to give a shoutout to Zero for training and helping me when I was new chat mod. He's amazing. I learned everything from him. I would also like to thank my sister Red for being and awesome sister and please BK do not ever make her sad. I will send you to MochaIsland, where there is sand, sand, and sand. And also Zen for spamming guestbooks >.>, yes that made my day... And also to my friends in chat, I love you thanks for following the directions and making me stress-free at times.
BasouKazuma: Thanks for your time, I really appreciate it.
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Basoukazuma is a CR community and support admin. For more about the self-proclaimed wise man, you can check him out here
Did you know: Three Tales (新しい動画 3つのはなし,) was the first domestic anime ever televised in Japan. It was a black and white anime that aired in 1960.
Chi's Sweet Home - Chi's New Address © 2009 Lim Dall Yung, Park Sung Woo/SQUARE ENIX/SUNRISE,BANDAI VISUAL, Yokuwakaru Gendai Maho © HIROSHI SAKURAZAKA・MIKI MIYASHITA/SHUEISHA/ GENDAI-MAHOU Committee, Charger Girl © Bow Ditama © 2009 AVEX ENTERTAINMENT INC., GENCO, WANI BOOKS, mobcast, AT-X, MOVIE GATE, Kanamemo © Shoko Iwami ・Houbunsha/Kanamemo Committee, I Really Really Like You © MBC America, All Rights Reserved, Naruto Shippuden ©2002 MASASHI KISHIMOTO / 2007 SHIPPUDEN All Rights Reserved
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