Hey Club Goers! Guess what?

Field Trip!!! Similar to our FANIME trip this past summer, UNM Anime Club will be attending ALA – an anime convention going down during Winter Break. Where is it held? When is it happening? How can I sign up? The answers to there questions and more after the break! Get excited:

What is ALA?
ALA stands for Anime Los Angeles. It’s a three-day anime convention held in (duh) Los Angeles, California. UNM Anime Club is planning to attend as a group, and YOU’RE invited!

What is an anime convention?
Put simply, an anime convention is a big gathering of anime fans and industry types. To elaborate, it’s a weekend-long extravaganza that plays host to lots of great events and a lively, fun atmosphere. You can find out more at the Anime Los Angeles site.

When and where is this being held?
ALA is held at the Los Angeles Airport Marriot from Janurary 8-10, 2010.

How are we getting there?
Los Angeles is a 12-Hour drive from Albuquerque – We’ll be carpooling to and from- the convention center. And don’t worry – we’ve factored in an extra travel day both ways, so you drivers can all breathe a sigh of relief.

What are the dates of travel?
Thursday, 1/07/10 – Monday, 1/11/10. We’ll leave in the morning on the way there, and arrive in the evening on the way back.

Where will we be staying?
The Con Hotel: Los Angeles Airport Marriott. We’ll book rooms based on the number of people going.

How much will this cost?
$150 -paid to Anime Club – will cover for your registration, gas both ways, and a hotel room for all nights of travel. If you’re not an official member, it’ll cost $155 (the $5 extra will apply towards membership dues ^^).

Should I bring extra money?
ABSOLUTELY. The $150 won’t cover food, so – if nothing else – bring some money to spend on nourishment (AT LEAST $20/day). Aside from that, bring whatever spending money you can responsibly burn – they’ll be TONS of alluring anime and game merchandise in the dealers room, in addition to all the fanworks available for purchase in artist’s alley.

How do I sign up?
Talk to an Officer during an intermission, or see us during our office hours throughout the week. They’ll be a form to fill out, and a waiver to sign – all standard procedure.

Is there a deadline?
If you’d like to go, please tell us an as soon as possible so we can get an idea of how many con-goers to anticipate. To show commitment, we’re requiring a $50 deposit by November 7th, with the rest to be paid by December 12th (our last meeting of the semester).

What if I need to cancel?
We can refund half your total deposit if you cancel before the December 12th deadline. Unfortunately, if you need to cancel at any time after that date, all your deposit will be forfeit.

REMEMBER: BRING YOUR OWN CONTROLLER!

And without further ado, the rundown:

Set-Up at 12:00 noon If you have a station you can volunteer (TV, Wii, and Brawl), or if you want to get some friendlies matches in for practice, that’s the time to show up!

Registration at 1:00pm We’ll be registering for both Teams and Singles starting at this time. We’ll be cutting off team sign-ups at 1:45 so that we have time to draw up the bracket, but Singles registration will be ongoing until the team matches have finished.

TEAM Matches at 2:00pm gl hf

SINGLE Matches take place AFTER TEAMS Depending on the number of entrants, this could be earlier or later. A good rule of thumb is to show up a little early – around 3, 3:30-ish – if you want to play in Singles but not in Teams.

The nitty-gritty rules are after the link. Yummy!

UPDATE: The rules have been changed to reflect the following last minute revisions:

1. The Chain Grab limit is set to 5 MAXIMUM, not 300% as it was originally
2. There is a planking (jumping off, then re-grabbing the ledge) limit of 5 per instance. If – at the end of the round – a player has amassed more than 50 “planks,” they forfeit the round.

General rules:

• 3 Stock
• 8 minute timer
• Items are set to “off” and “none”
• All sets with the exception of winner’s finals, loser’s finals, and the championship are best of 3 matches (best of 5 and above should be played out for any “finals” matches)
• In the event of a dispute, controller ports will be selected by Rock-Paper-Scissors
• No player may choose a stage they have already won on in that set unless agreed upon by both players.
• In team matches, the ports will be determined in a 1221 fashion; whoever wins the RPS will choose first, then the opposing team will get their ports, and then the teammate of the RPS winner will get the last port.
• If the timer runs out, the victor is determined first by stock and then by percentage.
• Metaknight’s Infinite Cape glitch is banned.
• If a game ends with Bowser doing his suicide klaw and it ends in sudden death, the sudden death will be ignored and that game will count as a win for Bowser.
• You are responsible for your own controller and name tag. Any malfunctions or errors that occur are your responsibility, so bring an extra controller if possible and always check to make sure you’re using the correct settings BEFORE a match is played. If a match is to be restarted due to controller functions, it must be agreed upon by both parties.
• Any action that can prevent the game from continuing (i.e., freezing, disappearing characters, game reset, etc.) will result in a forfeit of that match for the player that initiated the action. You are responsible for knowing your own character, and must be wary about accidentally triggering one of these effects.
• Stalling is banned.
• Stalling: The act of deliberately avoiding any and all conflict so that one may make the game unplayable. Running away from an opponent to reach a better position is not stalling, while doing an infinite grab endlessly against a wall is. Any infinite chain grabs must end quickly after 300% has been reached so as to prevent excessive stalling. Chain grab chains are capped at 5.
• Planking: The act of dropping, then re-grabbing a ledge is limited to 5 per instance. If – at the end of the round – a player as amassed more than 50 “planks” that player forfeits the round.

Set format (In Order of Procedure):

1. Opponents choose their characters for the first match in a double-blind fashion
2. Opponents start the stage striking procedure
3. Each player may announce one stage to be banned for counterpicks of the set
4. The first game is played, using the stage chosen during step 2
5. The loser of the previous match announces the next match’s stage from either the Starter Stage List or the Counter Stage List
6. The winner of the previous match chooses their character
7. The loser of the previous match chooses their character
8. Repeat steps 5-7 for all proceeding matches

Stage Lists

The SBR Recommended rule list uses the stage striking system. In this system, players take turns striking stages from the starter list until only one remains; these stages are not banned and can be counterpicked later in the set.

Starter

• Battlefield
• Final Destination
• Smashville
• Pokemon Stadium 1
• Yoshi’s Island

Counter

• Castle Siege
• Halberd
• Lylat Cruise
• Brinstar
• Delfino
• Frigate Orpheon
• Jungle Japes
• Pictochat
• Pirate Ship
• Rainbow Cruise
• Norfair

Banned

• Everything else (If you want to play a banned stage, ask your opponent if they’re up for it too, if both players agree, it’s fair game)

Rules for Doubles Play

• Life Stealing is allowed
• Set team attack to ON

Additional Rules

• Resolving Ties: Any games ending in time running out should always be decided by stock, and then percents. If percents are the same or both players die simultaneously, there will be a 1 stock overttime.3 Bowser’s suicide klaw is exempt from this rule.
• Wiimotes and Classic Controller users should know to take the batteries out of their controllers after finishing a set; not only will this save battery life, but it prevents accidental intereference and delay for tournament matches.
• Pirated copies of Brawl or modded Wii consoles will not be used for tournament matches.
• The Mages DQ rule: After a match has been called, if a player is two minutes late he will receive a warning. At 4 minutes late, he will be given a loss for the first game of the set. After six minutes, he will be given a loss of the entire set.

Thanks everyone for a bang-up Field Day! We had an enjoyable ordeal organizing it, and we hope you guys had a fun time in the sun time! There’s still plenty of leftover food, and we’re in the midst of figuring out what to do with it all. So keep an eye on this space to know the latest!

Also, it’s come to my attention that some of you might not be getting the weekly emails? If that’s so, PLEASE email anime@unm.edu to be checked and added to the mailing list. You wouldn’t wanna miss out on crucial information, such as this past Saturday’s foray into the wild.

Speaking of, photos follow the break. If you want them with my super special awesome comments, hit this link for the facebook album!

field-day

58 Photos

 

P.S. If you need a ride, drop your phone number. If you can offer a ride, say so!

First of all, thanks to everyone for a Bang-Up meeting this past Saturday! 63 people is nothing to scoff at, and I hope each and every one of you had a good time! As I mentioned Saturday (I did mention this, didn’t I?), Club relies on member input to function, so if you have any ideas for future events (like our Otaku Bingo) or suggestions for Anime to show, let us know! If you don’t know how you can help, but would like to anyway, let us know also – we’d love for you to get involved!

That in mind, I’d like to introduce a recurring event for us to get to know each other better – The “Cool Kid’s” Cafeteria Table! Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12pm-1pm, we’ll be having chow down in the SUB Lobo Lair, right outside our office (1031). Short notice, but I’ll be there today with my sack lunch… and I’ve got the offer of Granola Bar for Snack Pack out there for the record. :p So yeah… bring your brownbag, your Chick Fil-a, or whatever you want and hang out with us!

Lastly, a bit of record keeping. There are a couple of new pages on the site: How to Join, and Newsletters. How to Join documents exactly that, so hit the link if you’d like more information on becoming an Anime Club card carrier, as well as some of the benefits! As for Newsletters – I guess they’re both self-explanatory. :p In any case, we’re here for any further questions or suggestions you might have!

Justin out.

So, a group from Okinawa is going to be here on the 18th of August, and they have asked the Japanese Club to be/help get an audience for them. You don’t have to show, but it sure would be nice. And it’d be even better if you could bring friends or tell people about it. These guys are going to be performing the three-stringed instrument, and giving a shodo demonstration as well as some other demonstrations. Though it supposed to end at 1, it may go on longer. [...] Let’s make sure these guys’ long hours of practice was worthwhile.

Yes. Let’s.

Well, guys and gals… this here be your first summer update. They will be a lot fewer than those in the regular semester, and perhaps even halt entirely for the month of July, when I’m abroad, but THEY WILL EXIST! Look! You are reading the proof right now! Wowzers!

I had a blast at Fanime! And I’d like to thank each and every one of you that went–it would not have nearly as fun without chance to run into you guys and do impromptu stuff in the hallways! This post will showcase my favorite memories of Fanime, but let us know your own in the comments! There’s also room for criticism if you agree that the trip could be improved on! If you went with us, check your email and send us the survey so’s that we can better ourselves for next time (aka ala)!

First, an Album:

FANIME '09

Club shenanigans of the photographed variety. Taken at Fanime Con 2009 in San Jose, CA

32 Photos

 

These are the photos I snapped with club members–there are quite a few of them! Here’s one of Devon, Rob, and myself (your Secretary, Advertiser, and President [sic] looking as creepy as creepy customers from a maid cafe can look. O_o

It’s not all servitude and cheeries, though~! Our local KJ, Laura, took to stage at the Karaoke kontest! Here’s some youtube of her singing Angelus! In the end, she made it to the finals and took 3rd, for which she was rewarded a Saber figure and Final Fantasy X! A strange assortment, I know, but awesome none the less! (Her finals performance is available on our new Youtube channel!)

Speaking of Youtube, I, myself, graced its digital screen when I failed out of Restricted Rock Paper Scissors (adapted from the Anime Kaiji… watch it!) and was made to do punishment! Thankfully, the punishment was more fun than cruel (your opinion may vary), and I got away with making slightly more a dork of myself by dancing Knight of Fire.

Five days we spent there, in San Jose. It’s odd that–even after it was over with my wallet spent and my laundry all piled up–I was perfectly ready for more FANIME Con! On our last day there, me an’ David an’ Rob took to the hotel walls with our Otaku-ness. Enshrining the room with prints and figmas abound! I have no doubt that–if we had the participation of the entire club–we could have filled the room from top to bottom with swag!

That’s all from me, at least for now! I’ve begun making preparations for our first Summer Club meeting, so keep an eye on those emails!

Kite out!

Our main course will be teriyaki beef and chicken, which’ll be served up by Tommy (and partially funded by Club). I’ll be bringing some Ramune; Moxie’s offered chips; David, some Japanese food; and Devon has promised plastic cutlery… but we could really use some more food and drink–please comment if you can/will bring something, so’s that we don’t end up with too much of one item. Some things we could probably use are:

• Soda/Drinks
• Napkins/Plates
• Dip/Condiments
• Desserts
• …etc.

As far as activities go, I’ll be bringing frisbees, baseball mitts, and kickball (maybe some silly string too ). Everyone else is welcome to come with stuff too, and we’ll make due with whatever we end up with. And remember, we’ll be moving back into the SUB for regularly-scheduled club at 4:00pm, so keep excited! ‘Til then!!!

The showing’s tonight at the Century 14 Downtown across from the Bus Station! Check the trailer, and then check out the whole film at 7:30pm (tickets are available online for $12.50). My Impromptu Japanese Final may keep me from attending, but that remains to be seen, so lemme know in the comments if you’re going!

Fanime ho~!!!

Those new to Anime Club may not be aware of our annual convention trip, so allow me to inform: For the past three years, UNM Anime Club has orchestrated a trip for its members to a nearby (hah!) Anime convention. For the past three years, we’ve gone to Project A-Kon in Dallas, TX.

Well… this year, we’re breaking tradition and heading west; West towards FANIME Con. For those Con veterans worried about trip logistics, relax. The trip is comparable in length, and similar in cost. And for those Con newbies confused and intrigued at the prospect of an anime convention… get ready to have your questions answered!

What is an Anime Convention?
Put simply, an anime convention is a big gathering of anime fans and industry types.To elaborate, it’s a weekend-long extravaganza that plays host to lots of fun events, such as anime screenings, cosplay, game tournaments, and lots and lots of panels.

Panels?
Panels are events headed up by fans, celebrities, and industry reps. They can be exciting, informative, and fun! Panels cover a broad range of topics (but most are anime- and geek-related), and give you opportunities to meet your favorite voice actors, catch a sneak-peek at upcoming shows, learn and interact with other fans, or just laugh yourself silly!

So there’s panels and what else?
TONS! In addition to panels, there’ll be concerts, dances, karaoke, gaming of all types, and AMV screenings and contests! PLUS, there’ll be a giant dealer’s hall where you can buy anime, manga, plushies, costumes, and all sorts of knick-knacks; and an Artists’ Alley where you can buy prints, posters, and other fan-made goodies! You could even find an artist you like and commission some personalized artwork!

Where is Fanime being held?
It’s at the San Jose Convention Center in San Jose, CA. Fifteen hours west of Albuquerque.

And when is Fanime?
Fanime will be held Memorial Day Weekend, May 22-25, 2009.

What are the dates of travel?
We’re planning to leave Albuquerque on Thursday, May 21st before dawn. We’ll get back Monday, May 25th, after dusk.

How will we be traveling?
We’ll be banding together in carpools and driving by car. It’ll be a straight shot there and back.

Where will we be staying?
UNM Anime Club will be staying (as a club) at the Fairmont Hotel San Jose, one block from the Convention Center. In the past, we’ve been able to pile into one (large) room, but we’ll book more rooms depending on the number of people going.

How much will the convention cost me?
UNM Anime Club will book your registration and get you a spot in a hotel room for $100. Gas and food will be responsibility of the individual and his or her carpool.

Who am I paying?
UNM Anime Club will be registering everyone as a group and booking hotels as a unit. If you wanna be a part of this awesome experience, we’ll need a deposit of $50 by Saturday, Feburary 14th at the very latest (but, the earlier the better!). The remaining $50 has to be paid by March 31st.
You can pay us in cash during a meeting, or via PayPal button on the website at anytime.

Why so far in advance?
Hotels fill up quickly, and preregistration prices go up. In order to guarantee that we book the correct amount of space, we need to confirm attendees early on.

What if I need to cancel?
If you discover you cannot attend before the March 31st deadline, UNM Anime Club will refund half your total deposit. Unfortunately, if you need to cancel after March 31st, all of your deposit will be forfeit.

Whew! I think that’s it. Please leave a comment or send an email if you have any questions or concerns!