30-Day Song Challenge Day 22: A Song That You Haven’t Listened To In A While

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Hello all, yes I know I’m another day behind (darn homework), but like usual I’ll post day 22 and 23 tonight. Sound good? Great – Let’s get into more music! As soon as I read today’s prompt I immediately had this one figured out. It’s actually the entire soundtrack from a movie which you can probably tell which one by the cover picture, but I used to throw this on in the background during my childhood. It’s sat on my shelf with the dust bunnies since đŸ˜„ AH MY INNER CHILD, SEND HELP

From Pokemon: The First Movie, Music From and Inspired by the Motion Picture (aka soundtrack)

Feel free to browse the soundtrack and be reminded of Pokemon’s beginnings, even though most of these songs have nothing to do with the franchise 😛 ***Asteriks will indicate my favorites BTW (we loved the upbeat jams)

  1. ***PokĂ©mon Theme – Billy Crawford
  2. Don’t Say You Love Me – M2M
  3. It Was You – Ashley Ballard and So Plush
  4. We’re a Miracle – Christina Aguilera
  5. ***Soda Pop – Britney Spears
  6. Somewhere Someday – *NSYNC
  7. ***Get Happy – B*Witched
  8. ***(Hey You) Free Up Your Mind – Emma Bunton
  9. Fly With Me – 98 Degrees
  10. ***Lullaby – Mandah
  11. *****Vacation – Vitamin C
  12. Makin’ My Way (Any Way That I Can) – Billie
  13. *****Catch Me if You Can – Angela Via
  14. ***(Have Some) Fun with the Funk – Aaron Carter
  15. If Only Tears Could Bring You Back – Midnight Sons
  16. Brother My Brother – Blessid Union of Souls

Holy crap, the nostalgia is destroying me. Everyday during my pre-teen years, my brother and sister and I would hike up into the top bunk of my bed, which had no mattress. Why? Because it was the “Pokeclub,” a group of us three that met every summer morning, bright ‘n early, to make Pokemon-related paper crafts that I designed. We’d laugh, draw, watch episodes on tape (and DVDs when they later came out) and of course, love POKEMON! But this soundtrack was our morning bell; each day, I’d plug in the disc (or rather just hit play) and the famous anthem would blare down the halls, signaling to everyone that the club activities were about to commence. We’d bring our Pop-Tarts and cereal and start coloring, and that was that. How much I wish I could turn back the stubborn hands of time 😀

And there’s a trip down memory lane! See you in the next post ~

– Takuto, your host

30-Day Song Challenge Day 21: Songs You Want To Dance To At Your Wedding

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Gosh, how I hope I’ll be just as happy as Asuna and Kirito when I get married. I mean, wouldn’t that just be a dream come true? This picture might come across a bit strong, but, umm, I like it a lot. Look at them, they’re so happy! Wait . . . 

MY WEDDING?? Woah, slow down there, I’m fine with rockin’ the bachelor status for now (the fandom, it’s too strong)! Oh, but celebratory dancing? Yeah, I can do that. Let’s see, I’ve already used the Log Horizon waltz, so that’s a no; I think I’ve mentioned “Continued Story” like five times on this blog because it’s so incredible, so let’s do something new. OOH, I think I’ve got a couple!

From Sword Art Online’s OST, “Dance With Me” by Yuki Kajiura

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYhDUOOApM4

You all know I’m a sucker for a good waltz 😉 In fact, I used this song for an English project because I thought it matched the tone of a poem I once read. Anyway, I think this is one of those sweet waltzes you could dance with your loved one. Just set your arms in theirs, and move – move freely and elegantly together , just like the graceful strings singing to the 3/4 time signature.

From Neon Genesis Evangelion, “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” by Yoko Takahashi

CAUTION: Spoilers for the TV series in both videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fB1r6-p7cGc

I swore to myself before the challenge commenced that I would include this song in somewhere. I think I found a hit.

So you know how wedding parties always seem to have some throwback music playing from the DJ or whatever? C’mon, the “Chicken Dance,” “YMCA,” we’ve all forced ourselves to groove to them, but why not jam out to something that you actually like? That’s why I chose this 1995 baby and decided to put the ring on her! Upbeat, catchy as all hell, and fitting for the style IMO – it’s the ideal party song! Yep, I’m totally playing this at my wedding. It’s official. Call me trash for picking a classic, but I honestly can’t get enough of this song – I never have. The English fandub is, by the way, nearly as phenomenal, so I’ll leave it to you to do the right thing and give it a listen. Trust me, “Geeky McGeekstein” does one of the best covers EVER! Lyrics are absolutely perfect for the show’s story, and her vocal recording has that vintage quality this old song carries 😀

BUUUUUTT, if I for some reason don’t acquire these songs for my wedding, then “Pachelbel’s Canon” will suffice XD There are too many great songs out there, I swear! Until tomorrow everyone (ooh, it’s Friday! *does a little jig), this has been – Takuto, your host

End of August Update 9/2/15

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Hello all, ’tis I, Takuto, back with the usual update ~

As many of you know, the 30-Day Song Challenge has been draining my already-minuscule breaks from daily labor. I hope you have been enjoying the music, by the way, as I certainly have picked up playlists of great songs recommended by some of your challenges :> On another exciting note, I just posted day 20, which means only 10 left!! Then all will be back to normal; “Cafe Talks” and anime reviews for all! (Click here to view the previous 20 days of the song challenge if you missed any. You know want to) Just click on a day to revisit the music 😀

With that said, I’ve also had virtually no time to watch anime. I’ve been reading a chapter or two here and there of the Pandora Hearts manga, an ongoing battle I’ve been fighting to finish my first manga series, but I suppose that’s not anime. Planning to hop into Hyouka with a clean slate as soon as the challenge is over, I’ve been prepping myself by drafting my Nagi-Asu review when I can eke out the spare minutes.

But let’s move onto what I have been following, shall we? I’ll give you a hint: There’s nothing new -_-

Recently Finished:

Nagi-Asu: A Lull in the Sea – Oh lawd, no, why did this one have to end?? This anime probably took the cake as my anime of the summer (remember, simulcast break?). Enjoyable characters, lovely story, engaging drama, and the art and animation MAKES ME MELT even though it’s such a cool show >.< Just everything about this one is precious – so precious, in fact, that I once again gave Aniplex my left leg (cause they already had my right) in exchange for the first DVD set with the English dub! Now, my birthday order is still “Pending Fulfillment,” which I shot Rightstuf a question regarding it today, as it has been a week and my order still hasn’t shipped. But I’m working it out, so cross your toes it gets here soon (maybe I’ll do a birthday gift haul if you’re interested)!

Currently Watching:

Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma – Let me just start by saying that this has been the greatest simulcast I’ve probably ever watched. In the last few episodes, all of the chefs-in-training had been working diligently to find the perfect spice to use in the upcoming competition, which I think will determine the new members of this 10-seated hierarchy. The anime seems to be building up to this climax, so the next time we meet for this show, it’ll probably be the season review. Nikumi, Takumi, Megumi, kid in Polar Star Dorm with the maroon hair who smokes (grills) everything, and Soma – Give it your all!!

The Heroic Legend of Arslan – Thank heavens that the whole Rajendra side plot is over! I was about to keel over and drop the show entirely. With Lord Silvermask back in the picture, Arslan and crew reach the final buildup to this wartime drama, if I can even call it that. I wanted more characterization with Arslan’s inner party, like Gieve x Farangis, Elam x Alfreed, and Narsus being Narsus, but I don’t think we’re gonna get anymore. Bummer. BUT, the latest episode with Etoile’s reappearance, disguised as a girl, really has improved the story tenfold. I actually felt emotional connection with Arslan. Hopefully the anime continues with more moments like this in store, but for now, all we can do is wait it out. Episode 19’s end card supported ravishing artwork of the graceful Farangis, which I honestly loved so much it’ll probably be this post’s head pic ~

EEP, that’s it? Gosh, umm, okay. Short is good sometimes, right? Like you, this song challenge has been fun, but I CANNOT wait to get back on the review trail. I’ve got several “Cafe Talks” in store, too, so if you enjoyed sitting around the cafe sippin’ that espresso with crema on top or that delicious caffĂš latte, then you can look forward to that 🙂 My, how these months have flown by. Where I live, we’re sliding into the autumn season, so maybe the weather will get cooler. I need this ridiculous 100-degree F heat to just go away! I guess that’ll do it. Thank you for reading, I’m eager to see what September will bring us. Until next time, this has been

– Takuto, your host

30-Day Song Challenge Day 20: A Song From A New Album You Are Waiting For To Come Out

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I don’t really listen to songs by the album, nor even pay attention to albums in general. So when this uneventful day reared its apathetic head, I was doing the ‘bites thumb’ expression, as I have nothing to show you guys! Hmm, I suppose I could just throw out a few more songs that I often listen to, but wouldn’t that be cheating? I also thought about recommending soundtracks for newer anime, crossing my fingers that it would slide.

What I ended up was . . . researching an album to present to you all. YES, I did it just for you! Without further ado, we’ve got more from Kalafina since that seems to be the only band I listen to 😛 Enjoy!

From Kalafina, Album Title: “Far On The Water”

Release Date: September 16, 2015

Tracklisting:

  1. INTOTHEWATER
  2. MONOCHROME
  3. GOGATSUNOMAHOU
  4. RINGYOURBELL
  5. USUMURASAKI
  6. IDENTIFY
  7. HOKAGE
  8. ONE LIGHT
  9. MUSUNDERHIRAKU
  10. HEAVENLY BLUE
  11. SORAIRONOISU
  12. BELIEVE
  13. FARONTHEWATER

I’ve never researched albums before nor given them much thought, but this was actually kinda fun to write 🙂 And what impeccable timing I have to discover it before the release in two weeks! While my favorite on the list is unarguably “heavenly blue,” I also find “believe,” “ring your bell,” and “far on the water” to be extremely catchy. But what newer song besides the title drop will be considered day 20’s pick?

From The Heroic Legend of Arslan, “One Light” by Kalafina

Hot damn, it’s Arslan Senki, a show that I will satisfy me when it finally ends! I’ve been following it since the first episode was simulcast, and am finding myself a bit . . . frustrated. It’s okay so far, but I wouldn’t hop the fence to reach this one. But that doesn’t stop it from having a near full set of openings and endings! I’ll touch back on that when I do a season review of it, but here is the second and last ending theme for the 25-episode legend about a boy who will become king. 3:30 and on is especially pretty epic!

We learn new things every day, and today’s topic was pretty exciting, wouldn’t you say? Do you track album release dates and concerts for your favorite artists, or do you just enjoy the music when it happens to fall in as an opening, ending, or insert song for an anime? Let’s talk in the comments, and until tomorrow, this has been

– Takuto, your host

30-Day Song Challenge Day 19: A Song You Are Currently Obsessed With

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Evening all, I have a night full of studying dreadfully planned ahead, so today’s log will have to be a quickie. Thankfully, I know just the song! But first, how long does it take for you to obsess over something – specifically anime? For me, you can recommend and rant all you want about a show, but it I won’t be hooked until I either A) see the artwork, promotional poster or whatnot, or B) hear the opening/music from the anime. I have heard oodles of fans gawk about how pleasant this cute little show is, but it wasn’t until after I heard the opening – bestowed to us by the Goddesses of Kalafina themselves – that I truly met my love ~

From Sound of the Sky, “Hikari no Senritsu” by Kalafina

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-HQcHysI5w

I found this, what two days ago, and I love it so much that the words are literally bubbling and foaming at my mouth! I CANNOT stop listening to this elegant song. Such poise, free spirit, and sense of adventure; apparently, the anime has these elements, so straight after Hyouka you all know what I’ll be chasing after! But yes, what an enchanting melody – definitely one of Kalafina and Kajiura’s finest works to ever grace my ears. All I want to do is lay down under a tree, a breeze fluttering in the air, my knees propped up on one another, arms thrown behind my head, and chill. I just want to take a terminal break from school work and taste the liberation I seek that’s found nowhere near this wretched thing we call an “agenda.” But this’ll have to do for now, and it’s one hell of a substitute 🙂

So what are you currently raving over? Did the fire erupt overnight or has it been a week-long curse to have it stuck in your head 😉 Also, what did you think of Sound of the Sky? Ya’ll need to let me know in the comments! Have a fantastic day, and milk all that you can out of the few seconds of free breath you can manage, because they’ll fly by in an flash. Till tomorrow!

– Takuto, your host

30-Day Song Challenge Day 18: A Song You Have As Your Ringtone/Want To Be Your Ringtone

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So does this mean my ringtone when I call someone, or is this the song that plays when someone calls me? Meh, I’ll give one of each, sound good?

*dials my number, waits* Beeeeep, beeeeep”

*over where I’m at* “so, everything that makes me whole ima kimi ni sasageyou. I’m Yooours ~~~”

Yep, you guessed it. Guilty Crown!!! But the instrumental only!

From Guilty Crown, “My Dearest” by supercell

Alright, this is the typical song that cues when someone for whatever reason is calling me. I absolutely love the piano intro for this song, and it’s supercell, so duh, you can’t go wrong! It doesn’t blare out and scare the sh*t outta me when I’m in public and my phone rings, but it will grow louder if I don’t notice it within the first ten seconds. Also, I wouldn’t sound like some obvious die-hard anime nerd if this song slid out of my phone speakers in my opinion, so that’s always a huge plus (not that there’s anything wrong with being a fan, but like anything for me, expression is great, though the whole supermarket doesn’t need to hear my J-pop/rock preferences). All in all, it’s a pretty solid ringtone, and a fantastic song (so someone call me so I have an excuse to listen to it, please :>)

Ooh, now finding a ringtone for myself took hours of pondering, but I’ve finally settled on . . .

Kiki’s Delivery Service or The Secret World of Arrietty Main Themes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtVlLN0VUnA

I’d be flattered to receive either of these as ringtones people have set on their phones for me o>.<o While the first is laid back, you know, another day warm in the local bakery, the second is adventurous and invigorating, like forest travels – but both have this same aura of home and finding a place where you belong. I think the two Ghibli movies convey these themes, too! It’s obvious that they would make nice ringtones: no annoying vocals, no absurd electric guitars, no fluffy or spunk J-pop – Both just feel natural and free, impressive yet humble, and I think if I heard either of these great songs, I’d think a bit of myself, hehe. Check out both of these movies, as you’d be doing yourself a massive favor 😀

And with that, I conclude day 18. This was a harder day to crack down on, that’s for sure, but I hope you like what I picked! I’m curious, do you have a preferred song that you would like to hear coming from another’s phone? Also, would it be anime-related music, or would you feel a bit “ashamed and embarrassed” to admit it? Let me know in the whatchamajig below. Happy Monday, till tomorrow!

– Takuto, your host

30-Day Song Challenge Day 17: Songs You Like Hearing Live

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So I’ve never been to a J-pop concert in person before (sad, I know). But it is one of my goals, so I’m tryin’! In the meantime, however, YouTube recordings of performances will have to suffice. And at this moment, there’s only two bands I can think of that I especially love to hear live:

Anything by fripSide: “only my railgun,” “sister’s noise,” “LEVEL5 -judgelight-,” “black bullet,” “HesitationSnow,” “fortissimo -from insanity affection-,” “late in autumn,” and more

Today, fripSide at the AFA Singapore 2014 x MVR series with “sister’s noise”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mKtY3lCiT4

I found the most recent one that I could, but doesn’t Yoshino Nanjo look like she’s having a blast? I love the Misaka clone and Kuroko that lurk around the stage dancing! Gah, so adorable :> But I love fripSide’s live performances because A) they go all out with the light show, B) Nanjo always has on the coolest outfits (see America, you don’t have to wear a swimsuit to rock a good music video), and C) everyone is so full of energy! The band members, the crowd – you can practically feel the sweat dripping it’s so intense.

Anything by Yuki Kajiura, performed by Kalafina: “To the Beginning,” Heavenly Blue,” “Hikari no Senritsu,” “ring your bell,” “Magia,” and more

Today, Kalafina with “ring your bell” LIVE 2015

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIzmQn26HJk

Gosh, these three are always so beautiful, so graceful. In contrast to fripSide’s flashy performances, Kalafina opts in for heavenly, majestic, powerful, sometimes somber performances (harmony to die for). Yes, their style is completely different besides there being three of them and only Nanjo for fripSide, but it feels more personal with them – more like a professional concert rather than a pop one. Both are incredible to watch, and I wish I could see both of them in concert one of these days 🙂

So there are two of the best bands EVER – GO WATCH FROM THEM AND ENJOY! I honestly love them both so much! What I’d give to go to a performance . . . Tune in tomorrow for more awesome songs and bands, till then, this has been

– Takuto, your host

30-Day Song Challenge Day 16: Songs That Are Your Guilty Pleasure

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Ufufufu I’ve got too many of these . . . We better get started!

From Fee!, “Rage On” by OLDCODEX

Do I even have to explain? I mean, I feel pretty guilty for loving this song considering the context of the show, but then again, I also love Free!. But who doesn’t? Speaking as a guy who did not care for sports anime (or sports in general) nor care for sexy boy muscles glistening in the sun, I was OVERLY IMPRESSED with what this show presented. Naturally, I fell in love with this song pretty quickly, but whenever it starts blaring from my phone or speakers, I dive head-first into the pause button and desperately scan the area for nearby listeners. Yeah, I’m pretty sad to watch, but I’m a fan at heart. Isn’t that all that counts?

From Yamada’s First Time (B Gata H Kei), “”Oshiete A to Z” by Yukari Tamura

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G95D6dhd2FE

Okay, this sparkling song is my jam, and if you start judgin’ I will kick you out! Naw, just kidding (but seriously) :> This song is magical; no matter what kind of day you might be having, just one listen to this baby will fix you up quick! Glowing with positive vibes, I just want to get up and dance around! Wrong day, I know, but I can’t express how much I adore this tune. 😀

From Strike Witches, “Watashi ni Dekiru Koto” by Megumi Nakajima

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ID-yqX0hc28

YESS OH MY GOD – It’s the 501st Joint Fighter Wing, the Strike Witches!! This along with Yamada are indeed guilty pleasure shows. No pants, sometimes no shirt means ALL OF THE FAN SERVICE. The song is uber sparkly and fluffy, so it would be really awkward if people caught you jamming out to these cool chicks’ theme song.

From A Certain Scientific Railgun, “Onee-sama . . .”

Dun dunnn! You can feel the eerie snake wriggling around your legs, squeezing and releasing, but she crawls up your airy shirt and around your waist, hovering above your navel. Suddenly, she strikes the chest and makes squirmy love to you as you stand there, utterly mortified. This is the relationship Kuroko shares with here “sissy” Mikoto Misaka, the fearsome Railgun of Tokiwadai.

From Kyoukai no Kanata or Beyond the Boundary, the idol song, “Yakusoku no kizun”

Is it guilty to say that this was my favorite scene from the anime? NONE OF IT HAD ANY RELATION TO THE PLOT (like anyone actually watched it for the story when it’s this drop-dead gorgeous). I mean, I feel no shame right now, so that’s got to count. But seriously, all idol songs can make a person feel pretty shameful sometimes, but it’s just another ‘genre’ of music – get over it people. Right now, I just wish I could have Akihito Kanbara’s outfit (the blonde kid) so that I can swing my hips with them 🙂

It honestly looks so fun. That coordination though #friendshipgoals

From Special A, “Gorgeous 4U” by the guys from the show(?)

I literally know nothing about this show and the song other than my sister likes it a ton, and that I’ve walked in on a couple of episodes a year or two ago and sat to watch. I don’t know why this song is a guilty pleasure, but it is. My favorite singer is the loud brown-haired boy just because I love how youthful it sounds! This song reminds me of playing in the summer and watching anime. Ahh those were the days, and they already feel so far away.

From Ouran High School Host Club, “Sakura Kiss” (preferably English)

Another one I watched with my sister, but I gave this one a 10/10 mind you. KISS KISS FALL IN LOVE!!!

(I also love the English ending <3)

Alright, enough of my fanboying! Hopefully tomorrow will bring us something a little more, hmm, sophisticated? Haha, anyway those are some of my guilty pleasure anime songs, and I think you’ll like and recognize most of them. I just noticed we’re over HALFWAY DONE! Nice! Until tomorrow, this has been

– Takuto, your host

30-Day Song Challenge Day 15: A Song People Wouldn’t Expect You To Like

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Agh, we’re another day behind, but no worries – I immediately knew what to choose for this day! Keeping things short, like we do here in the cafe, let’s get to it!

From WataMote, “Watashi ga Motenai no wa Dou Kangaete mo Omaera ga Warui” by Konomi Suzuki n’ Kiba of Akiba

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsCUU_QL4T8

Yep, it’s that screamo punk opening for WataMote, a show about a lonely, unimportant girl. At first, I was really skeptical about this opening. I don’t like screamo music at all, but something about this song feels surprisingly light. After several episodes, the song becomes catchy and the powerful music video that goes with it helps convey the emotions that Kuroki felt (the whole chain-breaking part). That little jazz groove in the middle is pretty chill, too. My brother was always trying to skip the opening when he watched it, and when I told him that I wanted to listen to it, he gave me a funny brow look.

From Tokyo Ghoul, “Unravel” by TK from Ling Tosite Sigure

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SpyQ67GyPc

You all probably know about my little fit with this song (yes, the composition has been completed for a while now, I’m just not sure how to record it yet). Anyway, TK is the vocalist, which The Huge Anime Fan kindly pointed out to me that he is the singer with the high-pitched screamish voice, and not a band 😛 I first heard him in Psycho-Pass, but after “Unravel” his style really grew on me. Perhaps that’s proof of me evolving as a listener . . .

And there you have it. Two songs that, if you knew me in person, you would NOT expect me to enjoy so much :> Alright, I’m gonna hop over to day 16 now. Ja ne ~

– Takuto, your host

Under, Over, and About 100 (a congratulations and thank you)

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Hello, all,

I still haven’t read your comments about the past couple of posts, but there’s a secret reason why – and I’m about to spill the beans. First, however, I have a cheesy little poem for you all that I wrote (but it rhymes, so we’re all good). EHERM, here we go . . .

100 is a milestone,

It’s quite the special feat.

But when you have it more than once

It’s an even greater treat.

99

Once I hit this ‘Publish’ button

I would have posted 100 posts.

It sounds small now, and it kinda is,

But that’s 100 times as “Your Host.”

Upon my birthday celebration

I was catching up in my reader.

Commenting a ton, readin’ some fun,

My notification count grew steeper.

115

Yes, it finally rang 100 –

It has never been so high!

Now I have some replies to make

Before they all slip by.

95

So 100 posts, 100 comments,

What can possibly be next?

Well, (nearly) 100 Cafe-goers

Can’t simply be expressed in a text!

Also, remember when I inquired you all

To recommend a 100th show?

All of that feedback is now in my backlog

And I’ve found one to continue the flow!

He’s actually my mascot; the symbol of myself,

From a show that I have surprisingly not seen.

I have heard oh-so many good things

About this chocolate-haired, mystery teen.

I hope and plan to start this anime soon

And award it with a “Caffe Mocha.”

Though first, just to put you at ease,

It will be the lovely Hyouka.

Hyouka

100 is a milestone,

It’s always been one of my dreams.

But when I have such a nice bunch like you all,

It’s not as hard as it seems.

So thank you very, very much

I do hope you have enjoyed my content.

For after all of those late nights, and more to come,

Without a doubt – My time’s been well spent 🙂

So that’s all I had to say. Sweet and simple if you ask me! I’m just overjoyed that I can now go read all of your comments and responses to things that I might have said on your post(s). 100, man, that’s awesome – the coffee’s gonna taste even better tonight 😀 Oh, what? You wanted some? *blends ice, adds ground beans, blends again, adds chocolate, tops with whip cream and more chocolate* Here you go – It’s on the house tonight! Haha, until the next post, this has been

– Takuto, your host