I’m selling some of my VK collection! All prices in USD. Will ship within 3 days of payment. PayPal only! Use goods and services to protect us both, unless I know you well. Please keep in mind the US postal service prices suck. Any questions please DM me on Twitter @AUTOMATIONxAIR
Note – CDs don’t come with trading cards unless specified.
Kaya – Queen (full album, autographed) – CD+DVD –…
HypMic ARB’s 1st Anniversary Event includes a merchandise present giveaway! Unfortunately, to win the physical merchandise, you need a Japanese address. You can use whatever proxy service you like if you don’t live in Japan. If you need one, I recommend Tenso, which will give you an address you can use.
Grand Prize (10 winners): HypMic -A.R.B- 1st ANNIVERSARY limited acrylic POP stand
First…
I’ve seen a lot of confusion around the HypMic ARB 1st anniversary event, and since I’ve already helped with some of it, I thought I’d write up a guide for anyone new or confused about how it works…
I wrote a guide to the Hypnosis Mic ARB game 1st Anniversary Event. Hopefully this helps!
I wanted to write a bit about what I’ve been going through lately, to shed light on a misunderstood disorder, as well as to sort out my own thoughts. This is going to be long, so I apologize.
It’s a strange feeling to discover that many of the problems you’ve had throughout the years seem to be connected back to one particular disorder. Now, whether this disorder is causing the other problems or the other problems just increase the occurrence isn’t well understood yet, but it seems like researchers are finally starting to take it seriously and give it more attention.
When I say the name you’ll laugh, because it sounds like a joke, and really doesn’t seem like it’d be all that bad. Whoever thought up the initial name both described it well and did it in a way that it can almost be shrugged off. You may have heard of it or might not have, but I can guarantee once you start describing it to someone who has it, they’ll know exactly with you mean.
It’s most commonly called Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). See? Sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it? Also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease, it’s classified as both a sleep and a neurological disorder. I’m going to quote the NIH’s page on this, since it gives a pretty good summary:
“Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also called Willis-Ekbom Disease, causes unpleasant or uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an irresistible urge to move them. Symptoms commonly occur in the late afternoon or evening hours, and are often most severe at night when a person is resting, such as sitting or lying in bed. They also may occur when someone is inactive and sitting for extended periods (for example, when taking a trip by plane or watching a movie). Since symptoms can increase in severity during the night, it could become difficult to fall asleep or return to sleep after waking up. Moving the legs or walking typically relieves the discomfort but the sensations often recur once the movement stops. RLS is classified as a sleep disorder since the symptoms are triggered by resting and attempting to sleep, and as a movement disorder, since people are forced to move their legs in order to relieve symptoms. It is, however, best characterized as a neurological sensory disorder with symptoms that are produced from within the brain itself.”
It presents itself differently in different people, but I’m going to describe how I tend to experience it. I often compare it to the feeling of an itch you can’t scratch. That sensation that you NEED to do the thing in order to relieve the discomfort. Sometimes it presents as my whole legs feeling itchy, sometimes it’s an ache, and most often it’s the inability to get comfortable no matter how much I toss and turn and reposition. When I do finally fall asleep, I usually end up waking up multiple times during the night, and most often have an extremely hard time falling back asleep when I do.
So what causes it? Well, it’s not yet well understood, but there are a few theories. Basically there are two types: idiopathic (primary) and secondary. The secondary type is caused by other diseases, while the idiopathic occurs on its own and seems to have a genetic component. Usually, if present before age 40, it’s the idiopathic type (mine definitely is, since my lovely mother and I share in the same misery).
I’m going to quote from the NIH again on what the current theories are:
“In most cases, the cause of RLS is unknown (called primary RLS). However, RLS has a genetic component and can be found in families where the onset of symptoms is before age 40. Specific gene variants have been associated with RLS. Evidence indicates that low levels of iron in the brain also may be responsible for RLS.
Considerable evidence also suggests that RLS is related to a dysfunction in one of the sections of the brain that control movement (called the basal ganglia) that use the brain chemical dopamine. Dopamine is needed to produce smooth, purposeful muscle activity and movement. Disruption of these pathways frequently results in involuntary movements. Individuals with Parkinson’s disease, another disorder of the basal ganglia’s dopamine pathways, have increased chance of developing RLS.”
So, the two main culprits seem to be iron and dopamine. Interestingly, studies have shown that while individuals suffering from RLS can have normal blood levels of iron, it seems that the brain itself shows evidence of iron deficiency. So something is causing the brain to not process the body’s iron correctly. Pulling from an article on Psychology Today:
“It is a key cofactor in the making of neurotransmitters, chemicals in the brain that affect neuron signaling, including serotonin, norepinephrine, and especially dopamine. Iron is also necessary for the enzyme monoamine oxidase to break down these neurotransmitters.”
Ooooooohhhhh. There’s that dopamine! Also, interestingly enough, the three chemicals listed are responsible for a whole host of other disorders, many of which are tied back to RLS. I’m going to list here the ones that I have personally:
Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) - Periodic limb movement disorder is characterized by repetitive (usually every 20 to 40 seconds) twitching or kicking of the lower or upper extremities during sleep. I checked with Lisa, with whom I’ve occasionally shared a bed, and she can attest that this does happen. It’s extremely common for RLS patients, with more than 80% suffering from both. Scientists think iron deficiency is the main culprit.
ADHD - This one has a pretty strong link with RLS. I can’t find a definitive answer for which neurotransmitter is the main culprit (seems to be norepinephrine), but dopamine and serotonin also play a part in how it expresses itself. Go figure! Interestingly, many children with ADHD also show signs of sleep deprivation, which coincides nicely with RLS and it’s sleep depriving ways.
Depression/Anxiety - OK, most people know that depression related to brain chemical imbalances. GUESS WHICH ONES?! Bingo, Serotonin, Dopamine and Norepinephrine!! Anxiety is much the same, hence why they’re seen together so often.
Headaches (specifically migraines) - Serotonin is thought to be the underlying cause of migraines. It seems those with migraines have a lower than normal serotonin level normally, but it spikes with migraine attacks. There’s also a strong link between depression and migraines! Hoo boy, we’re just piling on.
Cool. So, basically my brain chemicals are all screwy, causing all sorts of fun problems! “So, Katie,” you say, “why not just pop a Benadryl or use some ZzzQuil to help you sleep?”
Ohhhh let me tell you.
RLS has the fun problem of being SET OFF BY LOTS OF THINGS. Things that are supposed to help sleep! Enemy number one? BENEDRYL, aka diphenhydramine. It’s an antihistamine that makes you sleepy, and boy do they put that shit in everything. Other similar first-gen antihistamines have similar effects, but it seems like diphenhydramine is by far the worst. Why? They don’t really know yet, but it probably has something to do with histamine’s relationship to dopamine. Luckily if I need an antihistamine, I can take something like Claritin without issue, but keep that Benedryl away from me.
I’ve included this handy list of THINGS I CANNOT TAKE due to this stupid disorder.
Ok, now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, I’m going to talk a little bit about the current state of things. I’ve suffered from anxiety and depression since I was a young teen. RLS as well, however at the time much less was known about it. Somewhere around 2012? I decided to finally get on some antidepressants to help. We settled on Cymbalta, an antidepressant that works on both serotonin and norepinephrine, which does improve my symptoms. While I was there, I mentioned my sleeping issues, though at the time I didn’t really bring up RLS to my doctor. He added Trazodone to the mix, which, amazingly, helps my RLS tremendously (although, unfortunately, I’m still tired in the daytime).
I went along ok like this, not realizing that most antidepressants actually worsen RLS (it seems drugs that increase serotonin do that, which is a reason that I can’t take Imitrex for migraines). Late last year, my concentration and ADHD problems were getting to me, so I asked my doctor. She started me on Adderall, and had me call a psychologist for further treatment (which I never was able to see because hello pandemic).
The Adderall helps somewhat, but when I upped my dose, I found it’s actually making me MORE tired. My dose is probably wrong, but I was curious if maybe I had mild serotonin syndrome, since I’m taking three drugs that all mess with serotonin. I decided to ask my doctor finally about Requip, a Parkinson’s drug that also works well for RLS by increasing Dopamine. The idea is to taper off Trazodone and just take the Requip at night.
I’m not sure if it’s a combo of everything else I’m on or that I haven’t found the right dose, but the last week I’ve been miserable. Dizziness, nausea, exhaustion, sweating and feeling hot, twitches, and bad RLS. Every night I’ve broken down and taken the Trazodone to help me sleep.
So, right now, I’m trying to decide what to do. My doctor referred me to a neurologist, so I need to make that appointment. Unfortunately, drugs that increase serotonin are, like I said, bad for RLS, so the Requip probably can’t work as well if I’m taking Cymbalta and Adderall. Trazodone is one of two antidepressants that somehow work for RLS, so that’s ok for now, but I don’t like the daytime sleepiness. So do I stop the others? Will treating my RLS resolve both my ADHD and my Depression/Anxiety symptoms?
Touken Ranbu Mini Posters - $5 ea, 2 for $8, or all 4 for $15
Inu Yasha or Hunter X Hunter playing cards - $5 ea
DiGi Charat stationery - $10
Durarara!!! Celty charm - $10
Hot Topic Doctor Who Tardis Dress, size XXL, tried on but never worn, with tags - $45
Disney Princess Purple Dress, size 3X, worn once - $40
Hot Topic Once Upon A Time Regina Dress, size 14, tried on but never worn, with tags - $70
Non-smoking home with cats. All shipped via USPS. Buyer pays shipping.
EMERGENCY DOLL SALE! PLEASE SHARE! I’m having to get back surgery next week, and the bills are piling up. I have no idea what to do, so I’m selling some dolls. All dolls from a smoke free home with cats. Will shIp via USPS, willing to ship internationally. Buyer pays shipping. PICTURED: Luts Senior Delf Ethan NS - $450 Luts El sleeping mod (head only) BW - $100 Luts Tiny 20 Delf Kai Elf - $175 Luts Honey Delf A Pirate Cinnamon - $200 Please message me for more info/photos on each doll, and please spread the word!
Selling: Yuuri on Ice!!! Blind boxes, still in plastic Available: Yuuri Katsuki, Phichit Chulanont, Kenjirou Minami USD $15 ea, shipping not included Paypal only, serious inquiries only
Selling: Royz fan club WINGS official DVDs Vol 6: $45 Vol 15-17: $30 ea Shipping not included. Let me know your preferred shipping method. PayPal only, serious inquiries only. Will ship within 2 days of payment.
After getting back to our apartment so late the night before, there was no way we were getting down there super early again. I can’t remember when we made it there, but I think it was closer to noon? We bought more stuff (that day’s programs and lotto stickers, as well as the water bottles) and hung around outside for a while. Met more friends, traded stickers, etc. etc. Had to leave our goods at coat check since the coin lockers were all completely full =p
The sun felt even worse that day. One of Lisa’s friends from Twitter happened to be in the same block as us, so we hung with her while waiting to go in (she also is a big fan of Anzi (ex-Matenrou Opera) so we had common ground there). Our ticket numbers were a bit worse than the previous night, so we had to wait longer. It was brutal.
We were kind of in the middle of the B-block space for PIERROT. It wasn’t terrible, but there were some tall people in front of us, which made it a little hard to see at certain points.
This time, Kirito came out in a white top with straps and black pants, his hair still red (Piera had spent the morning guessing what color his hair would be, as he has a tendency to change it on a whim). It wasn’t until they showed him close up on the screens that everyone let out a collective “KYAAAA!!”
He.
Had.
The.
Eye.
I don’t even KNOW when the last time he did the cross over his eye was. In 2014, he didn’t do anything special with his makeup, which was a little disappointing. But this time... this time, holy shit, Kirito was BACK. Our beloved dictator was BACK. I think this time, seeing him like that, gave us all hope that this wouldn’t be the last time. That PIERROT was feeling like a unit again. I just hope we’re right.
(speaking of hair, Aiji had his up in a poofy ponytail, what? XD)
This night’s setlist was a bit lighter than the night before, but still featured quite a few harder tracks off the bat. MAGNET HOLIC always amuses me live. I want to say that there were some cute KiriJun moments in that one, but it could have been during PSYCHEDELIC LOVER? My memory likes to mix things around.
Once again, they sounded amazing. Once again, Kirito poked fun at us for all being one and not really battling. The Toriko learned from the previous day to give the Piera a bit of space, so there wasn’t the same crushing. Plus, I think they were genuinely interested in PIERROT. Kirito wasn’t quite the evil dictator they thought he was - he was softer, very loving and protective of his darling lunatic fans.
I was really hoping for some of the other members to talk more, but it was pretty much just Kirito. I really enjoyed it, though! More streamers during HUMAN GATE (which felt funny, getting them in the middle of the live? Again I only caught one, but w/e). I was just slightly disappointed they didn’t have the fake snow machines for powder snow, just snow on the background behind them XD I guess they could only afford so much.
Between bands, we moved to the back of the B block to have more room. We ended up having a better view there than where we had been and almost wished we’d been there from the beginning, but what can you do. We weren’t about to leave, just in case the bands did something together at the end, so we stuck around for DIR EN GREY!
Again, very powerful. Seemed like this night had more slow songs than the night before? I need to listen to their recorded stuff to know for sure (or maybe someone can clue be in based on the set list). Kaoru had his face painted up like a zombie/skull type thing.
This night, though, Kyo talked even MORE. And to our amusement, he mainly just addressed the Piera again? I think he liked us. And his MC took after Kirito’s from the night before... (forgive me, going on recollection, hopefully they keep this in the DVDs)...
“Pi... pie, ra....san? Pie, ra-san... We’re DIR EN GREY. Good evening~ How are you all today~?...”
“All the Pie, ra? and... my shitheads... (*shy smile*) my loveable shitheads... um, I have a question for you all, but what exactly is a hill war? (lol) I don’t really understand myself”
“That has nothing to do with us! Aren’t we already one?!”
So yes, all the fans were amused at Kyo’s kind of cute shyness in talking to the Piera.
I ALMOST FORGOT during the MC they showed Toshiya on the screen and he had this look on his face that just screamed “What the actual fuck are you doing, Kyo?!” Again, really hope this is on the DVD XD
They played two songs for the encore, but unfortunately they didn’t do any joint songs or anything with PIERROT. PIERROT didn’t even come back out on stage :| Apparently at the VIP afterparty, they shared champagne and some hugs, but again, 80,000 yen... xD
Afterwards we took photos of the PIERROT guitars on display in the lobby, filed out, said goodbye to our new friends, and headed back to the apartment to prepare for another day of events the following day.
SET LIST
01.Un deux
02.OBSCURE
03.詩踏み
04.濤声
05.audience KILLER LOOP
06.Behind a vacant image
07.アクロの丘
08.VINUSHKA
09.GRIEF
10.朔-saku-
11.Revelation of mankind
12.Sustain the untruth
13.激しさと、この胸の中で絡み付いた灼熱の闇
encore
en1.THE FINAL
en2.残
So that was that! Sorry my report is crappy, but I hope you enjoyed it! Please remember to buy the DVDs when they come out in December, it will really be worth it! Also check out the wonderful photos just posted today on Barks, and maybe someday I’ll translate their live report, too xD
Ok, thought I’d finally get around to writing my review of the ANDROGYNOS shows before I forget everything, so here we go.
2017.07.07 - a view of the Megiddo
The first day of the great “hill war” - as PIERROT had a song called メギドの丘 (Megiddo hill) and DIR EN GREY had アクロの丘 (Acro hill), and the days had been named accordingly.
I attended with my best friend Lisa, and in preparation, we had purchased towels that Kirito designed for his personal goods line (Kirito’s family) that read 「丘戦争上等」or “Bring on the hill war”. Seeing these on Twitter prior to the lives, the Toriko (DEG fans) were understandably nervous. Kirito’s reputation of a badass dictator preceded him, and many of the Toriko had never seen PIERROT live, so the thought of being surrounded by fans of a guy like that all with these aggressive towels kind of unnerved them.
The goods tables opened at 9am(!!) but we were running a bit late and arrived somewhere around 10. Yokohama Arena wasn’t too hard to find, as we saw quite a few fans walking back towards the station, and followed those already wearing PIERROT or DEG shirts on their way. Walking into the arena, the line was mostly empty. They had a setup where you could see each of the items for sale, then a long row of tables with between 20 and 30 different staff members ready to help you. I was impressed by how quickly we were able to get in an out. They were even accepting credit cards for orders over 10,000 yen!
We bought our goods, shoved them in a coin locker, hung out at Starbucks, bought some more of the PIERROT lotto stickers, and got in line for the special food they were offering, all the while listening to PIERROT rehearse. I bought the branded pork bun and a water, and Lisa bought the PIERROT branded hot dog on a stick and some water as well. It was good stuff!
After trading lotto stickers with fans,taking photos of cosplayers, and meeting friends from the internet for the first time (and my ending up with a signed Kirito!) it was about time to go in. Before we did, though, we found out the bar next door was showing 2014′s DICTATOR’S CIRCUS FINAL live DVDs, so we stopped for a drink and got ourselves psyched up.
We had arena standing tickets, block B (only block A and the small VIP blocks to the sides were closer). We had to walk 3/4 of the way around the arena, up and down stairs, to be let in near the loading docks. The wait was in the sun, and it was HOT, so it was not too fun, but we were in within half an hour and had to wait another hour for the show to actually begin. They looped the commercial for the live on the screens
Since the first night was PIERROT’s, DIR EN GREY took the stage first. As a disclaimer: I wasn’t really a fan of theirs and would not have gone to see them if not for the fact they were playing with PIERROT. I knew the members and a few of their older songs, but that was about it. Given this lens, I apologize that the DIR EN GREY sections of my report might be a bit lacking.
As soon as the lights dimmed, the DIR EN GREY fans crushed forward, leaving us a bit less comfortable than we had been before.
For a few of their songs, they had rather interesting (albeit a bit grotesque, of course) story videos playing on the screens located behind them and to either side. It was rather interesting and went with the music. Their performance was powerful and full of emotion, and I came away rather impressed. The fans, however, were not as impressive, as many of them were guys and didn’t respect the typical rules of a VK live. They wanted to crush, mosh, and go crazy, something that the Piera (PIERROT’s fans) weren’t used to. Many of them afterwards commented to me on how they were impressed with the band, but their male fans were quite annoying, hah.
What surprised me most, however, was Kyo actually addressing the crowd. From what I understand, he rarely (if ever) does MCs, so I think the Toriko and Piera alike were surprised when he spoke. “Good evening, Piera. We are DIR EN GREY. Nice to meet you.” The way he said Piera was amusing, as he said it more like “Pie....ra?”, as if he were questioning it. This little MC alone won over the hearts of the Piera, many of them commenting on how cute it was (I agree). Also, let me take a moment to appreciate Die’s hair. Like seriously, it’s gorgeous.
SET LIST
01.Revelation of mankind
02.audience KILLER LOOP
03.FILTH
04.空谷の跫音
05.OBSCURE
06.Chain repulsion
07.輪郭
08.INCONVENIENT IDEAL
09.SUSTAIN THE UNTRUTH
10.THE FINAL
11.AGITATED SCREAMS OF MAGGOTS
12.CHILD PREY
13.Un deux
14.譜踏み
15.激しさと、この胸の中で絡みついた灼熱の闇
After a short wait, it was finally PIERROT’s turn. The Toriko still didn’t really move, though, leaving us with less space than would be required for all the furi, but oh well, we made it work.
Each member came on one by one, and their was an audible excitement by the fact that Kirito came out sporting bright red hair (about the same shade mine was, actually). LOTS of Kirito fans absolutely loved the red hair he had for a bit back in PIERROT, but it was short lived, so his choice to return to that excited us. He was dressed in black, his shirt cut very interestingly, and a military-esque hat on his head, because of course.
Now, for those of you not familiar with PIERROT’s furi, they started out with a song called MASS GAME. The song itself is rather powerful (referring to the Mass Games of North Korea), and the way he came out, white backdrop behind him with his shadow projected on it, and the intensity of the furi was like an overwhelming blow to the Toriko. Not to mention all the fans took the same stance, and boy were we intimidating xD I have illustrated the beginning for your reference (And amusement):
As to be expected, their setlist featured mostly harder songs. They sounded amazing, and I didn’t notice any major missteps at all. I think Jun had some guitar issues as I saw a roadie help him out a couple times, but it wasn’t noticeable really to me. Being on Jun’s side, I heard his guitar nice and loud, and as always, seeing him sing along or do backing vocals is adorable.
I’m sorry my report isn’t super in depth, but I was in the zone of HOLY SHIT I’M ACTUALLY SEEING PIERROT! So living in the moment was the most important factor for me. Mic stand smashing happened during CREATURE as always. I swear, how much does he spend a year on mic stand replacements? Who has the job of bending them back into place and putting them back together after he destroys them? These are the important questions.
After their super amazing set, they didn’t make us wait too long before coming back out for the encore, wearing ANDROGYNOS shirts (and Kirito in a white tank top). Fans near the front pointed out that Kirito was sweating red onto the neckline of the tank top (ah, red hair sweat XD).
Kirito’s MCs were rather amusing. Of course he riled up the fans by asking us all to go mad (including the Toriko), and commented on how we’re all a bunch of crazies. His longest went something like this:
“This already isn’t even a war. Because you’ve all fused into one. Megiddo and Acro, what are those even? What is a war? You’ve been one from the beginning (lol). You, us, we’ve all been one from the beginning. Shall we return to being one? Shall we all go insane?!"
During HUMAN GATE, of course, streamers were shot into the crowd. I wound up with one (we were in a slight dead spot for the cannon, lol). Afterwards, fans with multiples were passing some out to those who didn’t get any, which was very classy of them.
Overall, it was fun, tiring, and my feet hurt, but I was pumped for day two. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough to get the 80,000 yen VIP tickets so we didn’t get to stick around for the afterparty (where both bands came out and spoke a bit), so you don’t get that :( But yes! Day one was awesome!
On the way out I ran into Mizuki of Jin-machine, because I always manage to see him somewhere, lol.
SET LIST
01.MASS GAME
02.Adolf
03.ENEMY
04.AGITATOR
05.脳内モルヒネ
06.ドラキュラ
07.THE LAST CRY IN HADES(NOT GUILTY)
08.HELLO
09.新月
10.REBIRTH DAY
11.*自主規制
12.CREATURE
13.MAD SKY-鋼鉄の救世主-
14.蜘蛛の意図
encore
en1.HUMAN GATE
