Japanese Netizens Respond to ISIS's Threat of Killing Two Japanese Hostages

Japanese Twitter users have started mocking ISIS by uploading photoshopped pictures under the hashtag "ISIS Crap Collage Grand Prix" (#ISISクソコラグランプリ)

Take a look at some of the tweets below:

Momoiro Clover Z vs KISS

Japanese idol group Momoiro Clover Z recently released the video for their new song "Yume no Ukiyo ni Saitemina," which was made in collaboration with American rockers KISS.  The video features animation by Sushio, who was the character designer and chief animation director on Kill la Kill.

Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 2 LE Goes On Sale Tonight at 8pm CST

The release of Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 1 had several issues resulting in a lot of fans being highly upset.  There were only 1,000 copies available, they went on sale at midnight PST, and there were issues with Amazon not allowing people outside of the US to order one.  Fortunately, I was one of the lucky people who were able to get a copy.

With the release of HDN Re;Birth 2, Iffy now has their own online store and have announced that their will be more copies available, even though they have not said how many.  There also seems to be measures in place that will prevent multiple orders from the same people.

Good luck to everyone who will be trying to snag a copy.  I will update you to let you know whether or not I was able to get one.

***Update:  I got a copy!!!

Nintendo Direct January 14, 2015

Nintendo shared several new announcements today, as well as premiered new trailers for upcoming games on their Direct this morning.  For those of you who where unable to watch it or don't feel like watching the full 46 minutes, here are the highlights.

Around the Web: Feminist Slams Into Men Street to Prove They Are Entitled

From The Libertarian Republic:  Irony: Feminist Slams Into Men on Street to Prove They Are Entitled

So back in the day, feminists complained about men opening doors, offering their seat, and other 'chauvinistic' acts and now they are complaining that men aren't getting out of their way....

ReasonTV: Digital Platforms Breathe New Life Into Comics Industry

The above video from ReasonTV shows that in today's comic world, artists no longer need to solely rely on a a large publisher to get their work out there.  With the rise of digital platforms and crowd funding sites like Kickstarter, they can now bypass all the hurdles involved with going through the traditional method of getting readers.

Around the Web: IGN (Opinion) Xbox One and Playstation 4 Are Effectively Online-only Consoles

In this IGN article, Dan Stapleton talks about the absolute need for an internet connection to be able to enjoy the Playstation 4 and Xbox One despite Sony previously claiming the opposite and Microsoft backing off its online only stance.

You can read the article here:  Opinion: Xbox One and Playstation 4 Are Effectively Online-only Consoles

With someone like me, who has limited internet options where they live, having a console that uses so much data is unappealing.  The only options I have for internet are satellite or a Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP).

Watch: AMV (Anime Music Video) Where Is My Mind/Evangelion

Song:  "Where Is My Mind" (Pixies cover) by Yoav ft. Emily Browning
Anime:  Evangelion

Art: Five Pieces From Pixiv

 Artist:  ま太郎

Pixiv is an online community where both professional and amateur artists can share their work.  Most of the artists are Japanese, so there is a huge amount of anime/manga styled pieces.  Here are a few works of art that I really liked:

Listen: Famikoto Plays Nintendo Medley

Japanese group 'Famikoto' plays a medley of Nintendo songs on traditional instruments.  Songs include:

#0:00 Fire Emblem
#4:26 Disk System
#4:39 Legend of Zelda
#6:56 Super Mario Bros.

The Cutest Thing You Will See Today

The Genesis Gap: Part 1

It seems that nowadays, whenever atheists and Christians debate, it is solely about their views of creation.  Atheists love to say that evolution is a fact beyond a shadow of a doubt, and that by being true, it somehow disproves the existence of God.  Many of the most vocal Christians claim that the earth is only 6,000 years old and that science is flat out wrong.

This is another one of those topics where people pretend that there are only two options, with each side refusing to even listen to the other.  This is also one of those topics that I have a complete different view than the majority.

It is my belief that the earth of today is not the 'original' earth, but a restored earth.  That may sound strange to most people and seem like something out of a sci-fi movie, but bear with me.  It is my hope that by reading this post, you will at least gain a basic understanding of what is known as "the Genesis Gap" or "Gap Theory."

By believing in the Genesis Gap, I am not calling into question the salvation of any Christian with a different view of creation.  I believe that this is not an issue about salvation, but simply about gaining a better understanding as to how the earth was made and God's redemption plan for all of creation, through the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Folly of 'Open-Mindedness'

The phrase 'open-minded' is one that, I believe, has lost it's original meaning.  In the past, one who was open-minded challenged their own preconceived notions and looked at the world objectively.  Today, it has become more of a phrase used to shut up someone with opposing views.

Anytime someone dares to speak out against something nontraditional, they are usually insulted as being closed-minded bigots who need to open their minds!  But, isn't it closed minded to insult someone with a different point of view than you have?  Is this 'open-minded' individual any better than the so-called 'closed-minded' one?

It is my opinion that the new 'open-minded' crowd are in fact as closed minded as those they rally against.

I think the new definitions should be: