I don’t know about you, but I frequently miss the fun and snark of my animeOnline boss, Rob. So frequently, in fact, that I bother him entirely too often on google talk. (True story!)

As such, I’m sure at least a few of you miss Rob’s weekly Rob Report and his friday free DVD giveaways. So it is my duty, nay, my privilege to pass you guys on to ToplessRobot.com, which is where Rob now writes a blog for LA Weekly.

His topic? All things geeky. If you’re disappointed that it’s not anime-specific, permit me to assure you that a) you will be familiar with everything he talks about, and b) that you will bust a gut laughing when you read it, or at least get a chuckle at someone’s expense.

Right now you can find out why Spider-Man is a grade-A moron (protip: making a deal with the devil to ditch a supermodel to save the life of your ancient aunt, not a good plan), some of the least-expected video game players in the world (including the Queen Mum!), how a toy light saber saved the day in the UK, and, for lack of a better way to put it…more.

So click it, love it, and pass it on.

Posted by gia in Misc • Comments (1)

I know that many of you read my blog only because it’s the closest you can get to having regular Rob Reports again. But today, Rob sent me a message for all of you, and I am but the humble Internet tube through which that message traverses. And that message is: MORE COWBELL.

And so, brought to you by Rob (who found it on Too Cool Videos)…Cowbell Hero:

I’D buy this game.

Posted by gia in Misc, Videos • Comments (1)

Current Mood:  Go Me

Well, okay, not so much a history book as ComiPress’s Backstage, which profiles groovy anime/manga websites in an attempt that they be not forgotten should they go offline. And their subject for this issue? Why, animeOnline, of course! They not only interviewed Rob, Dale, me, and Bryan– they actually chatted with FUNimation head honcho Gen Fukunaga. Though he didn’t say anything surprising, I guess, but still. Thanks, ComiPress :)

Posted by gia in Misc • Comments (1)

Those of you who ventured here via animeOnline no doubt haven’t already forgotten my partner-in-crime cohort colleague Dale North. If any of you were wondering what he’s been up to, here’s a hint: he’s at PAX. And he’s not just there as an attendee. (He’s performing– see here.) GO blurry DALE!

(P.S. Yes, I do totally have google alerts up for most of my aO coworkers. You guys may all consider yourselves thoroughly stalked. ♥)

Posted by gia in Misc • Comments (3)

As you can see, animeOnline’s content has now been taken down fully. The message put up by Navarre mentions a re-launch, but before you ask me any questions, I have no idea what it’s about. I haven’t heard anything, so I’m guessing that whatever plans Navarre has for animeOnline, they don’t involve me at this time.

That said, since our little “epilogue” was also taken down, I’m reproducing it here for the time being. These are Rob’s words, not mine:

• Gia, unable to let go, will continue to report anime news at her blog at giapet.net. I would like to recognize her as the only insane squealing anime fans who also somehow manages to be utterly professional. She’s truly one of a kind. (Industry folks, you should run - not walk - to georgiamanry.com to hire her).

And I…I don’t know what the hell I’m going to do. But when I figure it out, I promise I’ll let these guys know, so you’ll know. ‘Til then, you all take it easy, and, uh…be cool, stay in school. Or something like that.

And again, animeOnline refugees are welcome to take part here at my news/commentary blog and on the newly created forums, at least for the meantime. ^_^

Posted by gia in Gossip • Comments (7)