Naruto: Gaara

I have little knowledge about this character, though I have heard from several friends that the rings around his eyes are a result from not sleeping… I’m serious, he doesn’t sleep because if he does, the sealed spirit within him attacks anyone at random.

It’s sad though, that he lost his mother and his uncle (the only one who cared for him)… His father only sees him as a threat, and so he lives without ever feeling what love is.

Anyway, this is a beautifully made costume… His green eyes literally haunts you and the attention to details is awesome.

Originally from Anime Illusions.

Technorati tags: nanao, research, cosplay, gaara, naruto, anime illusions, anime

Final Fantasy X: Yuna 02

Oh boy, how many days have gone by without me updating this site? Apologies on that. A recent thunder storm fried all the connections… Let’s see how many entries I can come up with today to make up for lost time…

Now, the thing about the Final Fantasy series, is that they have beautiful guys and girls. And everyone would want to be powerful individuals with perfect skin and hair to match, right?

Note this Yuna cosplayer. She’s got smooth skin and a lovely hair color. The costume is perfect, though I’m wondering about the choice of backdrop. It looks like a warehouse that’s going under construction, or probably really old…

Now, I’ve never played Final Fantasy X before, so I have no idea if there was a scene similar to this in-game. So please do correct me if I’m wrong… I just always had the impression Final Fantasy X has beautiful, natural backdrops all the time.

By the way, why do they call it “Final” Fantasy when the game always comes out with sequels..? Hm…

Technorati tags: nanao, research, cosplay, cosplayer, yuna, final fantasy, x, final, fantasy

Designer Papercraft - Series I

Here's a collection of nouveau papercraft artist from various parts of the world showcasing their works of art, some are whimsical, some are nostalgic, others are cute, and others are just pure 8-bit fun! Please check them out and keep supporting papercrafters everywhere.

	Marshall Alexander

3*Eyed Bear	Bryan Rollins

Inuyasha: Inuyasha

A rather, redundant title for this one… But the title of this anime is in fact the character’s name after all.

Inuyasha, whose name literally means “dog spirit” is a half demon, half human being, rejected by both races. He embraces his demon side more than his human side, but hates being referred as a “dog” or “puppy”. He has a half brother, Sesshoumaru, in whom he shares the same father.

Great choice of scenery, pose, and costume. You can hardly see how his fake dog ears are attached to his head. Wonderful job on this one! Though I’m not sure if this Inuyasha is a male or female cosplayer…

Technorati tags: nanao, research, cosplay, cosplayer, sesshoumaru, dog, spirit, demon, hanyou

Math Mammoth in French, too

It's a work in process, but recently I've had my Blue Series math books translated into French.

First one is available to purchase as of today, at HomeschoolEstore: Mammouth Mathématiques Addition 1 and more will be coming soon.

If you know how or where, please spread the word to Canadian homeschoolers who might be interested — I really don't know how to reach/find them myself.

Math Mammoth in French, too

It's a work in process, but recently I've had my Blue Series math books translated into French.

First one is available to purchase as of today, at HomeschoolEstore: Mammouth Mathématiques Addition 1 and more will be coming soon.

If you know how or where, please spread the word to Canadian homeschoolers who might be interested — I really don't know how to reach/find them myself.

Ah! Megami-Sama!: Belldandy

“Because you are pure of heart, I will grant you one wish.”

“You will grant me anything?”

“Yes.”

“Then I want to be with a girl like you forever!”

And so begins Morisato Keiichi’s hillarious adventure, living with a goddess named Belldandy, and her sisters Urd and Skuld!

I love this cosplay of Belldandy. She’s one of my most favorite characters in the anime world! Therefore, I’m extremely picky about how a Belldandy cosplay should/could look!

The hair, the attitude, the dress… everything is near perfect! It really does make you think she is a goddess who came down to earth! I bet a lot of male otakus wished they cosplayed Morisato Keiichi during this event..!

Technorati tags: nanao, research, ah! megami-sama!, aa! megami-sama!, oh my goddess!, megami-sama, goddess, belldandy. morisato, keiichi, urd, skuld, cosplay

The Rose of Versailles: Lady Oscar François de Jarjayes

A popular anime and manga, The Rose of Versailles revolves around the story of a fictional character, Lady Oscar François de Jarjayes. She is the successor to her father, whom, having 6 daughters and no son, decided to raise his youngest as a man. She is a gifted warrior, and became the commander of the Royal Guard, responsible for the safety of France’s Royal Family and its Queen, Marie Antoinette.

One can tell right away that this is a cosplay of the beautiful Lady Oscar. Her hair, look, and costume is perfect for her, absolutely stunning..! She even rivals the beauty of the actress of the live action film, Lady Oscar’s Cartiona MacColl!

This image was originally from .:Oriental_Spaghetti:.’s Flickr Account.

Technorati tags: nanao, research, the rose of versailles, versailles, france, lady oscar françois de jarjayes, lady oscar, françois, jarjayes, cosplay, rose of versailles, cartiona maccoll, oriental spaghetti, flickr, marie antoinette, queen

Lara Croft Papercraft

Every gamers favorite British heroine, Lara Croft, from the Tomb Raider video game series is now in papercraft form thanks to Ninjatoes. This is a great model to add to your collection, great form and even greater curves. You can also check out the other fantastic papercraft models like the Zelda, Advance Wars, and Star Trek series on his homepage.

Lara Croft Papercraft [ninjatoes]

Samurai Cow Papercraft

Here's a unique looking papercraft, it's a cow character suited up in the a traditional Japanese armor and helmet riding on top of a giant fish. I couldn't understand what my translator was saying, it's got something to do with a Japanese celebration for the month of May? In any case, I can tell you that this is from the Mansei Co., Ltd. based in Kanda, Tokyo. The company went through a lot of phases to get to where it is now, it started as an electronics store, then became a restaurant selling high-grade meats, and currently as a luxury dining establishment - specializing in beef and beef related dishes.

They've got some other cute papercrafts, dioramas, and origami models on their site that you should check out, of course, all of them have the familiar cow theme to them. On their homepage, click on the "mansei club" icon to see the goods.

Samurai Cow [Download]

Math enrichment problems at MathNotations

Today I want to highlight a blog called Math Notations by Dave Marain that specializes in math enrichment problems such as various type challenges and investigations. And they are quite good!


For example, recently Dave posted a geometry problem, and even gave the answer in his post, but he asked the readers to find DIFFERENT ways to solve the problem.

I encourage you to go see the problem and see how many different ways you can find to solve it!

That is exactly what we can ask students too - especially if you have many students and some of them solve the original problem in no time. You can use the same problem as a basis for further investigations for them.

His blog has "labels" in the sidebar, which makes it easy to find problems on a particular topic or concept.

Math enrichment problems at MathNotations

Today I want to highlight a blog called Math Notations by Dave Marain that specializes in math enrichment problems such as various type challenges and investigations. And they are quite good!


For example, recently Dave posted a geometry problem, and even gave the answer in his post, but he asked the readers to find DIFFERENT ways to solve the problem.

I encourage you to go see the problem and see how many different ways you can find to solve it!

That is exactly what we can ask students too - especially if you have many students and some of them solve the original problem in no time. You can use the same problem as a basis for further investigations for them.

His blog has "labels" in the sidebar, which makes it easy to find problems on a particular topic or concept.

Gundam Seed Destiny: Alex Dino aka Athrun Zala

In the end of the war of Gundam Seed, Athrun disguises himself as Alex Dino in order to stay by Cagalli Yula Athha’s side as her personal bodyguard.

And what a lovely cosplay of Athrun Zala / Alex Dino we have here. I personally like the color of his hair. It looks absolutely perfect! The eye color and attitude are lovely as well.

On a side note to the Gundam Seed and Gundam Seed Destiny Fans, can anyone tell me who Athrun actually ended up with at the end of the Seed Series (including Destiny and etc.)? It seems Athrun was first engaged to Lacus, then Lacus broke that off to be with Kira. Athrun then fell in love with Cagalli, but during the aftermath, he departs with Meyrin Hawke.

I’m just confused… Does anyone have a definite answer for me?

Technorati tags: nanao, research, cosplay, gundam, gundam seed destiny, seed, destiny, seed destiny, gundam seed, athrun, zala, alex, dino, lacus, cagalli, yula, athha, merin, hawke

Final Fantasy VII: Vincent Valentine

Perhaps it is because of the latest Final Fantasy VII Movie, also known as the “Advent Children” that the Final Fantasy Cosplayers have come back to life.

Now their costumes are better, more detailed, and by far more impressive.

One of the characters that have a lot of, uhm, “screaming fangirls”, is the immortal, anatomic experiment Vincent Valentine.

This picture is perhaps one of the best of Vincent’s cosplayers who’s ever attempted to look like him. The details of the costume and accessories are exquisite!

A great job well done. Simply stunning and absolutely gorgeous.

Technorati tags: nanao, research, final fantasy, final fantasy vii, VII, 7, final, fantasy, vincent, valentine, vincent valentine, cosplay, cosplayer

Hikaru no Go: Shindo Hikaru and Fujiwara no Sai

Hikaru no Go, a popular anime and manga that revolves around the game of Go, an oriental board game that has been around since ancient times.

Fujiwara no Sai, the one with long hair, is a spirit and a Master Go Player. He has not yet moved on to the next world because of his strong desire to play Go and accomplish “Kami no Itte” - “Divine Move,” or the “Hand of God” a perfect game.

Shindo Hikaru is the only one who can percieve Sai, and therefore is the one that Sai continually pesters to play Go with! Though at first, Hikaru has no interest in Go, his passion grows as he begins to understand the game the more he plays.

It’s probably one of the most influential animes / mangas Japan has seen. And the cosplay attempts of the series says a lot, as well as the rise in the number of Go players around the world.

Image originally from the Anime Illusions Forums.

Technorati tags: nanao, research, cosplay, hikaru no go, go, hikaru, shindo, fujiwara, no, sai, anime illusions

Bleach: Kuchiki Rukia

I find Bleach to be one of the more popular cosplays this year. Perhaps it’s because of the simplicity of the costumes and hairstyle that lets people think they can pull it off without a problem.

I beg to differ.

The simpler the costume, the plainer the look, the harder it is to let people know who you are cosplaying as. I’ve only found a few images on the net that have pulled off their Bleach Cosplays successfully.

This is one of them.

She may not be trapped in the tower like she was in the series, but you can tell from one look that she’s cosplaying Kuchiki Rukia. It would be hard to top this cosplay.

Good job to both the cosplayer and the photographer!

Technorati tags: bleach, nanao, research, rukia, kuchiki, kuchiki rukia, cosplay, cosplayer, cosplaying

Rozen Maiden: Souseiseki

I’ve featured Jesuke as Suiseiseki before, and now I have her twin, Souseiseki.

She looks really young… I’m not sure, but she looks like she’s someone who’s younger than 13..?

Her eyes are so lovely, though. I can’t tell if they were digitally edited of not, but this is one of the most impressive Rozen Maiden Cosplays I’ve ever seen.

She really does look like a doll… a Rozen Maiden Doll…

Technorati tags: nanao, research, rozen maiden, souseiseki, suiseiseki, jesuke, cosplay, doll

Review of Carnegie Learning's Cognitive Tutor Algebra 1

I've written one more review... This time it is about Carnegie Learning's Cognitive Tutor Algebra 1 curriculum.

Carnegie Learning's Algebra 1 curriculum is a unique algebra curriculum — unlike anything I've seen before. It is sure to appeal to some of you homeschoolers. I liked it quite a bit.

The curriculum consists of two parts: textbook and software.

The software component is called Cognitive Tutor. It provides the student intelligent computerized practice with everything in Algebra 1 curriculum.

The textbook also is somewhat different from your standard textbooks in the fact that often the whole lesson can be based on an exploration or investigation.

Read more here - you will also see screenshots and sample pages, pricing, an even a discount coupon code.

Review of Carnegie Learning's Cognitive Tutor Algebra 1

I've written one more review... This time it is about Carnegie Learning's Cognitive Tutor Algebra 1 curriculum.

Carnegie Learning's Algebra 1 curriculum is a unique algebra curriculum — unlike anything I've seen before. It is sure to appeal to some of you homeschoolers. I liked it quite a bit.

The curriculum consists of two parts: textbook and software.

The software component is called Cognitive Tutor. It provides the student intelligent computerized practice with everything in Algebra 1 curriculum.

The textbook also is somewhat different from your standard textbooks in the fact that often the whole lesson can be based on an exploration or investigation.

Read more here - you will also see screenshots and sample pages, pricing, an even a discount coupon code.

Toro Papercraft

I'm a bit late on this one, but Toro (井上トロ) aka. Sony Cat, Sony Computer Entertainment's cute and lovable fictional character celebrated it's birthday last May 6. And with that celebration they've put up an official papercraft model for it, there's a lot of other good versions floating around the net, but this one is probably the best one to date.

For those in the dark, you've probably seen Toro at some point in your life but you might have thought it was a Hello Kitty knock-off. It's an anthropomorphic white cat with an over-size head, triangular ears, rectangular body, and a variety of facial expressions. It first came to life way back in 1999 as a video game character in the game Doko Demo Issyo ("Together Everywhere") for the PocketStation, if you missed that one because it was ages ago, another version of the game was released for the PSP back in 2004. You can browse around their web site (Japanese) for some fun flash games, wallpapers, and some other good stuff related to Toro or you can check out the links below to go straight to the Toro papercraft model. Have fun kids.

Toro Papercraft [Dokodemoissyo]
Toro Papercraft [via Mediafire]

Gundam Seed Destiny: Meer Campbell 02

Hm… I think I’m beginning to spam my own blog today. This is my third entry so far, and I think I will regret this later once I run out of pictures.

I can’t help it though. There are so many nice cosplayers on the Internet that I want to feature them all at once!

Here’s one that rivals the previous Meer Campbell cosplayer I featured from Deviant Art. I can’t decide which of the two girls is the better cosplayer, can you?

Technorati tags: nanao, research, cosplay, cosplayer, gundam, seed, destiny, seed destiny, gundam seed destiny, gundam seed, meer, campbell, meer campbell, deviantart, spam, blog

Bleach: Ichimaru Gin

Speaking of cosplay, it’s about time I gave most of my research in the Bleach Blog.

Here’s a nice picture of the Captain of the Third Division, Ichimaru Gin I found some time ago. I love the expression and the attitude in this photo. He really captured the character’s essence.

I don’t know who this cosplayer is, and before you react about copyright infringement, please read my disclaimer.

Technorati tags: bleach, nanao, research, cosplay, cosplayer, cosplaying, gin, ichimaru, third division, 3rd division, third, 3rd, division, anime, manga

Card Captor Sakura: Kinomoto Sakura

One of the most common characters in cosplay to date, Kinomoto Sakura from the CLAMP Series, Card Captor Sakura has so many costumes to choose from that it becomes hard to recognize a cosplayer portraying the protagonist of the series!

This girl? Well, she has the staff, she has the cards, and she has Keroberos (Cerberus) on her shoulder! Talk about paying attention to details..!

CLAMP would be proud.

Technorati tags: nanao, research, cosplay, cosplayer, card captor sakura, ccs, card, captor, sakura, kinomoto, keroberos, cerberus, kero, clow, clow cards, staff, clamp

Naruto: Hyuga Hinata and Uzumaki Naruto

This picture just makes you go “Aawww…”

There’s no criticism when kids try their hand in cosplaying. No matter how silly or strange their choice of cosplaying may be, it still ends up with them looking so cute and chibi-like that you want to hug them and take them home..!

…

Or… Maybe not… You’ll get accused for kidnapping that way…

Please don’t leave me comments like “Naruto’s hair should be blond” and “Hinata’s eyes should be white”… These are kids, and they’re cute. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.

Technorati tags: nanao, research, cosplay, cosplayer, cosplaying, naruto, uzumaki, hyuga, hinata, kids, children, chibi

Fruits Basket: Souma Hatori

In some cases, you don’t need to go way to overboard with your cosplay… All you need to do is have the right attitude.

In case of the anime drama, “Fruits Basket”, the characters in the anime wear ordinary, everyday clothing. There’s no other way to pull of a cool cosplay look, than with having the same feel as the character people are so familiar with.

Souma Hatori, the doctor of the Souma House, has a cold eerie aura about him. His hair covers his left eye because it’s almost blind due to an incident between him and the head of the house, Souma Akito.

In any case, this is a lovely cosplay. Plain and simple, but very effective. I wonder if he’ll turn into a seahorse if a girl huggles him? I wouldn’t mind trying it, would you?

Technorati tags: nanao, research, cosplay, fruits basket, fruba, souma, sohma, hatori, seahorse, akito, doctor

Full Metal Alchemist: Edward and Alphonse Elric

One of the hardest costumes to ever create is a full body armor. Not only do you have to make it look almost like the original, but you’ll also need to make sure you can walk around without destroying the costume and make sure you don’t dehydrate yourself.

These Full Metal Alchemist Cosplayers have good attitude and a great sense of humor. I actually feel sorry for the poor kitty Ed is torturing…

But it got me thinking, isn’t Ed shorter than Al? Then how come Al is having a hard time rescuing the kitty? Hm…

Technorati tags: nanao, research, cosplay, cosplayer, full metal alchemist, fma, full metal, alchemist, edward, edsa, alphonse, al, elric, kitty

HomeschoolEstore name competition

HomeschoolEstore (homeschool - e - store) has launched a competition for a new name. They say people misspell it and just don't "get" the current name easily.

It is a store selling electronic downloadable products only, and often has new books, unit studies, etc. available. I have my books there too.

There are several prizes, so if you feel like getting creative, read the contest rules here.

HomeschoolEstore name competition

HomeschoolEstore (homeschool - e - store) has launched a competition for a new name. They say people misspell it and just don't "get" the current name easily.

It is a store selling electronic downloadable products only, and often has new books, unit studies, etc. available. I have my books there too.

There are several prizes, so if you feel like getting creative, read the contest rules here.

I’s: Yoshizuki Iori

Yoshizuki Iori from the I’s Manga is a 16-year-old, friendly girl who is easy to get along with. In the beginning of the series, her usual, positive outlook on life is changed drastically when she becomes famous thanks to a swimsuit magazine spread.

Now she has no idea whether guys like her because she is herself, or because of her beauty.

And what a gorgeous cosplayer this is… She really does look like Iori from I’s.

I remember finding this picture from Anime Illusions, but I can’t find it anymore today… Kind of sad, really.

Please do link me and use my site banners for your convenience! ^_^

Technorati tags: nanao, research, i”s, i’s, manga, anime, cosplay, cosplayer, iori, yoshizuki, is

Homeschool Wisdom: 40 Tried and True Tips

From Sprittibee:

"I have gathered up a few morsels of advice from many different sources. Probably half of these originated with someone other than me... but they are all true... and all of them need repeating (especially to those who might not have heard them before)."

Read the 40 pieces of homeschool wisdom - I enjoyed them, you might too!

Homeschool Wisdom: 40 Tried and True Tips

From Sprittibee:

"I have gathered up a few morsels of advice from many different sources. Probably half of these originated with someone other than me... but they are all true... and all of them need repeating (especially to those who might not have heard them before)."

Read the 40 pieces of homeschool wisdom - I enjoyed them, you might too!

A question on MathScore

Hi Maria - I am really enjoying your workbooks for the kids - I can't wait to get going on fractions.

I wanted to ask you do you see value in any of the online math practice programs for drill? I saw that HS Buyers Co-op is offering www.mathscore.com - at a discount and we are trying it out on trial - It's just pretty much basic drill for speed and accuracy. I don't want to waste the $$ on it - if that is not really important to math.
Thanks for any feedback.

I've personally visited and even reviewed Mathscore. Mathscore is not just about basic drill on addition or multiplication - they have basic word problems, geometry, etc. as well. It is more like a math practice system for any kind of basic problems.

Kids do need to learn their facts by memory. So "drill" is not bad in itself.

Obviously math instruction should not be only drill. You should just balance it all. Teach concepts, teach why something works, let them practice, and help them master their facts. Drill can be part of that whole package. Just don't rely on it.

For example, if you subscribe to MathScore, you could teach your kids a "normal" math lesson on one day, and the next day let them practice at MathScore. It is a tool, it can be very useful, but it is not essential if they get to do math problems some other way. Just try it out and see if the kids like it, but don't forget basic instruction on concepts.

My review
MathScore - direct link
Info on the discount at Homeschool Buyers Co-Op.

A question on MathScore

Hi Maria - I am really enjoying your workbooks for the kids - I can't wait to get going on fractions.

I wanted to ask you do you see value in any of the online math practice programs for drill? I saw that HS Buyers Co-op is offering www.mathscore.com - at a discount and we are trying it out on trial - It's just pretty much basic drill for speed and accuracy. I don't want to waste the $$ on it - if that is not really important to math.
Thanks for any feedback.

I've personally visited and even reviewed Mathscore. Mathscore is not just about basic drill on addition or multiplication - they have basic word problems, geometry, etc. as well. It is more like a math practice system for any kind of basic problems.

Kids do need to learn their facts by memory. So "drill" is not bad in itself.

Obviously math instruction should not be only drill. You should just balance it all. Teach concepts, teach why something works, let them practice, and help them master their facts. Drill can be part of that whole package. Just don't rely on it.

For example, if you subscribe to MathScore, you could teach your kids a "normal" math lesson on one day, and the next day let them practice at MathScore. It is a tool, it can be very useful, but it is not essential if they get to do math problems some other way. Just try it out and see if the kids like it, but don't forget basic instruction on concepts.

My review
MathScore - direct link
Info on the discount at Homeschool Buyers Co-Op.

Xbox 360 Papercraft + HD-DVD

So, with E3 winding down today, I've ended up with a deluge of downloaded game demos, trailers (in HD), and some themes - I've pretty much downloaded everything in the marketplace that's E3 '07 related, my XB360 is nearing full capacity. I've started to test out some of the demos so I could start deleting them afterwards, one game in particular that I've been playing over and over was Blue Dragon (ブルードラゴン), designed by Final Fantasy creator, Hironobu Sakaguchi. After about four hours of repeatedly playing the demo, my XB360 croaked, and gave me the very infamous RROD. Luckily Microsoft recently extended the warranty on it by 3 years, so I'll be missing it for a few days.



In relation to my sad story, here's an Xbox 360 papercraft from Sonicscape / Pimpinthe36o/Paperartgadgets blog, I did the base model only but you can check out their site for more creative designs, also included is the Xbox 360 HD-DVD player. Have fun.

Xbox 360 Papercraft [Pimpinthe360]
Xbox 360 HD-DVD Papercraft [via Box.net]

Sailor Moon S: Sailor Neptune and Sailor Uranus

You don’t need expensive wigs to cosplay like a pro! This is a lovely picture of Neptune and Uranus (their human names escape me).

There have been a lot of controversy about these two. USA nearly banned Sailor Moon because these two were in a lesbian relationship. They changed the script (with the original author’s consent) so that they are cousins instead.

But, I think they are in such a situation that… Well, Sailor Uranus seemed to be a guy when he was still in Moon Kingdom (ruled by Sailor Moon’s mother). Proof of this is that there are short scenes showing Neptune and Uranus together, and Uranus was wearing a Prince’s clothing and he was obviously male. I believe Uranus and Neptune were engaged, but they never got to marry because of the war. Their rebirth resulted in a dilemma that Uranus was now a girl.

Kinda sad, don’t you think?

But really, I don’t know what the concept behind the artist’s story telling is… I just really like Sailor Moon when I was really young…

Technorati tags: nanao, research, sailormoon, cosplay, cosplayer, sailor moon, sailor, moon, uranus, neptune, sailor neptune, sailor uranus

Math Mammoth Algebra 1 worksheets

News that some of you have been waiting for!

I've completed the Math Mammoth Algebra 1-A and 1-B worksheets collections. These worksheets cover all the topics in a typical algebra 1 course. Problems are again very varied.

The collection is designed to be used by teachers and tutors. It is not a text that explains algebra — it is a collection of worksheets or a workbook. But if you already have a textbook, the worksheets can supplement and provide extra practice, no matter what algebra program you're using.

Prices: Algebra 1-A is $6.50, 1-B is $5.50, answer keys $2 each. You can get both A and B plus their answer keys for $11.50.

Here are links to the sample worksheets:

1-A Contents
Variables and Expressions
Writing Equations
Rules With Subtraction
Ratios and Proportions
Explore Graphs of Linear Equations
Parallel and Perpendicular Lines
Compound Inequalities Involving 'And'
Solving Linear Systems by Elimination

1-B Contents
Multiplying Powers
Special Products
Solving Quadratic Equations by Finding Square Roots
Applications of Quadratic Equations
Add and Subtract Rational Expressions with Unlike Denominators
More Radical Equations
Geometry Problems


Please click here for more info — or buy the collection at Kagi store.

Math Mammoth Algebra 1 worksheets

News that some of you have been waiting for!

I've completed the Math Mammoth Algebra 1-A and 1-B worksheets collections. These worksheets cover all the topics in a typical algebra 1 course. Problems are again very varied.

The collection is designed to be used by teachers and tutors. It is not a text that explains algebra — it is a collection of worksheets or a workbook. But if you already have a textbook, the worksheets can supplement and provide extra practice, no matter what algebra program you're using.

Prices: Algebra 1-A is $6.50, 1-B is $5.50, answer keys $2 each. You can get both A and B plus their answer keys for $11.50.

Here are links to the sample worksheets:

1-A Contents
Variables and Expressions
Writing Equations
Rules With Subtraction
Ratios and Proportions
Explore Graphs of Linear Equations
Parallel and Perpendicular Lines
Compound Inequalities Involving 'And'
Solving Linear Systems by Elimination

1-B Contents
Multiplying Powers
Special Products
Solving Quadratic Equations by Finding Square Roots
Applications of Quadratic Equations
Add and Subtract Rational Expressions with Unlike Denominators
More Radical Equations
Geometry Problems


Please click here for more info — or buy the collection at Kagi store.

Final Fantasy X: Yuna

After going through a few dozen (or so?) back-up DVDs, I finally found my long lost collection of cosplay photos. Most of the ones that were taken off the Internet are the ones that I found. I still need to search for the folders that had my own pictures in them…

Anyway… Enough of my own ramblings…

Here’s a really nice cosplay of Yuna from the Final Fantasy X game. Not a lot of people can cosplay Yuna, because unlike usual anime cosplay, Yuna is a 3D character. And how can you compete with someone who was so perfectly rendered in the perfect 3D world? Hm…

Again, if someone has an idea as to the identity of this picture, please let me know (with proof). ^_^

Technorati tags: nanao, research, cosplayer, cosplay, final fantasy, final fantasy x, yuna, kimono

Famicom Papercraft

The Famicom, also known as the Nintendo Family Computer, was one of the earlier consoles that reminds me of my childhood spending long hours with my dad and my brother playing Super Mario Bros., Donkey Kong, Twin Bee, 1942, Lode Runner, Contra, and many more. It's still fresh in my memory, the days when we fight over who gets the first controller, (sigh), those were the days. Ok, enough of my reminiscing, here's a Famicom papercraft model from dfnt.net, quite simple to build, it's boxy so it's pretty straight forward. Cut, score, fold, and glue then wait for that induced feeling of nostalgia.

Famicom Papercraft [dfnt]