State of the Dojo - Where have I been?

 Hey peeps, DJ MK here.

Feels like an eternity and a half since I've written on here, huh? Well, there has been a lot going on in my life lately. Obviously there has been a lot with everything on the news and, of course, a near world-ending pandemic on our hands. But I'm now in a much more stable position to describe everything that's been happening here.

Camp NaNoWriMo 2020, or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Writing

Hey peeps.
With all of this time to reflect on our situation, there's also been a lot of time to figure out what activities to keep our spirits up as much as possible. I've been doing several and I've detailed them in some of my livestreams - the obvious Netflix catchup, language learning (I'm picking up my Japanese again), music (in my case, singing and piano), and reading. There has been one creative endeavor I have been wanting to go back to for a while - creative writing. It's something I've had a complex relationship with for years (this blog and my previous one being no exception to this) and it's only now during this period that I've been able to begin to heal it.
This year's Camp NaNo has been my most successful writing campaign to date, not only in consistency but also in word count. My confidence in my creativity has gone up and I've also found a happy medium on my writing productivity. That moment when I crossed the 10,000 word mark was a magical space because that feeling of flow hadn't been in my world for so long.

 

Up until that point, the writing process I loved and felt passionate about was almost akin to pulling teeth. I couldn't produce anything outside of academia or journaling for a long time even with the ideas still coming to my brain. I'm not sure if this manuscript will see the light of day but the possibility of finishing the challenge gets me excited to go to my laptop everyday and get something down.
I'm still figuring out what finally managed to help me get through the gates. I'm still learning how to get better at my craft. But I'm glad that I'm feeling unconditional happiness again. I may write more posts here on the winding journey to this point.
For now, the biggest message I want to give to you is this - if you've been an creative rut, whether a short lived one or a lengthy one like I have, please know that there is a way through. Don't judge yourself harshly by what others produce no matter how tempting it is or that you could've started sooner. Relax and see where your words take you no matter how flawed or unclear things feel right now. Most importantly, remind yourself of the things you do enjoy in your craft and create more moments like that.
Take care of yourselves everybody. Find something you've always wanted to do and find a way to do it. Most importantly, may your heart be your guiding key.
<3 DJ MK

State of the Dojo - COVID-19 Lockdown

Hey peeps, DJ MK here.

This period has been a difficult time for all of us, especially in the nerd community. Between cancelled conventions, delayed media releases, and more packages and titles than we thought we had to deal with, the overwhelm is real. And then there's of course the genuine struggles, fears, and losses we've experienced along the way.

It's been over three weeks since my state shut down. In some ways, I feel like I'm taking on the role of Simon Itani from Blackout - trying to make sense of all of this while at the same time trying to provide comfort to my audience through whatever means I feel confident in. (Side-note: Blackout is a podcast I highly recommend along with Homecoming and Bronzeville)

In terms of activities besides the livestreams, I'm participating in Camp NaNoWriMo writing some new fiction. I'm also learning Japanese and the piano as well as retraining my voice so that I'll have some awesome burnout free karaoke times by the time I get out of here. I'm not sure how frequently I'll update the site but I'll be sure to communicate as often as I can on here.

Here's an awesome quote from Kate Mulgrew in her recent letter to fans (proud to say I'm one of them) -

In this time of extraordinary challenge, exercise your right to be deeply human. Be surprised by your own generosity of spirit. Don’t be afraid of fear, confusion or anxiety. We are living through an Unknown Pandemic, and we have every right to be unsettled.

 It's okay to feel what you feel right now. It's okay to not always know what steps to take or which direction to face. Now is the time to be patient and ease up. In the midst of the chaos and uncertainty, remind yourself of the things you do feel sure about even if they are temporary. If you can't come up with things, it's okay. Allow others to do it for you. There are helpers out there. If you're one of them - whether you're a first responder, retailer, delivery person or just donating a meal to a neighbor or the small amount of funds to research, I salute you.

Stay safe, be aware, and know that there is support when you need it. Take it easy everybody and of course, may your heart be your guiding key.

<3 DJ MK

Mahou Kunoichi (the radio show) is back!

Hey peeps!
If you've listened to my latest episode last Sunday, you'll have seen that I've finally gone premium on Mixlr and that the show is back on the air officially! I'm pretty rusty on my production and my space is not exactly conducive to long streams at this point but I'm working on getting back to top form. Reviews for The Farewell and Midsommar are coming up on the show and here so stay tuned for that.
I've also officially opened up my card reading storefront for business! If you use the code 'VIRGO' when you request a card reading, I'll throw in an oracle card or rune for free. This'll be good until the full moon passes out of Virgo (which is 3/10) so jump in on this deal quickly!

State of the Dojo - January Revamp

Hey peeps, DJ MK here.
2019's been a bit of a lull period on the site. Between classes, work, and straight up writer's block, it's given me little energy to write on here. But after so much happening on my end, I'm happy to say that progress is finally happening in my nerdy realm.

Real Talk (Vlog) - What Black Panther Means to Me

Hey peeps,
I'm back in full force on YouTube as well as Twitch. I just finished Amesbury's route on The Lady's Choice and you can check it out on my YouTube channel!
Just after Black Panther's release, I decided to make a vlog & impromptu Q&A about the personal impact the movie has had on me.
The last few weeks have had a positive effect on my self-esteem much like Wonder Woman did. I've been walking taller and prouder of my ancestry than ever before, especially with the genetic test results I got last month (more details and a video coming up on that soon!) and my family history. It felt like my time in the sun was finally here when I saw people who looked and acted like me on screen.

To the cast and crew behind this movie, thank you. You've done a lot for the geek and nerd community.
Special thanks to Grim Toadstool for the questions during the livestream!


My Black Panther review will be coming up next on my Mixlr page. Until then, please feel free to check out my YouTube and Twitch channels and my Mixlr showreel under my social media tab and the top of the page!

<3 DJ MK

PS - WAKANDA FOREVER!

明けましておめでとう, or 2018 feels so promising already & my new donation page

Hey peeps,
Hope you're having a great 2018. Though it's only 5 days in, already things feel really exciting for 2018. Besides the tech upgrades and gratitude rituals, the roster of upcoming films, games, and tv shows has material everybody can get excited about. I'm not sure if it's just the newness of the new year or it's 2018 in particular but it feels like there's a gorgeous tinge of optimism and motivation all around (and I'm totally okay with this).
I'm also enjoying the Twitch marathon of Yu-Gi-Oh extensively. At first I wrote off the series after the  original series ended its run in the US. But after watching 5D's this week, I'm hooked again. Though I've never been competitive with Yu-Gi-Oh, going through this marathon has had me looking up decks again and restocking the classics. It's even gotten me curious about the other summoning methods (pendulum and accel). I know in the end it's elaborate marketing, but for me it's more of a card playing nostalgia factor. Anything that gets me closer to my inner child is a win-win for me.

State of the Dojo - Holiday Sabbatical

Hey peeps,
Hope your holiday season has been wonderful. Between the snowfall and the prep for a new year, it has been exciting for me.
Thanks for understanding the literal radio silence the past few months. Earlier this year, I graduated with my undergraduate degree and so I decided to transition fully to the online station Mixlr. Some snags came up in the logistics of my streaming in terms of tech limitations. I've been using my phone to do broadcasts but the production has been rough lately. Nevertheless, I'm doing my best until I can update my devices.
I've also taken a creative sabbatical to recharge and prep for graduate school next year. It's certainly helped as my ideas have come back in full force and I'm excited to share them with you.
I've posted my spoiler-free review of Star Wars: The Last Jedi on my Mixlr page. I've also recorded the spoiler review which I'll post next weekend (but if anyone's interested in hearing it sooner, comment here or DM on my Twitter page and I'll send the file to you exclusively).
2018 is very exciting media and opportunity-wise. Awards season is coming up, longtime franchises are concluding, new plots are starting, and loads of new cons I'm excited to attend.
As 2017 winds down, I wish all of you Happy Holidays and Happy New Year.
May the Force be with you all along with Peace and Long Life!

<3 DJ MK

DJ MK's now on Twitch!

Hey peeps, DJ MK here.

I got back into videos but not in the way I imagined. I'm back via video games and Twitch. My friends kept on saying video games have been super integral to my life. I didn't realize how integral until doing my current series.

I watch let's-players everyday. I read competitive gaming stats even if I don't necessarily play some of the titles. I even make that crazy dream of one day playing competitively despite being well-past the average age bracket let alone not being the usual demographic in almost every sense. But these things are alive and well even with the trials of college, funds, and my stubborn tendency to procrastinate.

TL;DR - I'm glad I'm able to share more with you, especially getting back into the gaming and streaming communities. If you want to play with me or have titles to recommend, don't hesitate to message or comment. I'm open to doing more multiplayer games and any gaming advice. My favorites are in fighting, city building, RTS, and action-adventure titles.

So come and join me in my adventures on Twitch and YouTube. I've been broadcasting everyday at 2pm EDT. But I'll let you know if schedules change via Twitter, Twitch, and Discord.

Stay gold my friends and I'll see you in the next episode!

<3 DJ MK

State of the Dojo - Querying Bill Nye, Meeting Joe Biden, and I'm Published!

Hey peeps, DJ MK here.
While I'm in the middle of producing other material, I have some good news. My poetry and two of my photos are going to be featured in the University of Delaware's annual English magazine Caesura. This is my first time going for a college publication so the fact I was able to pull this off on my senior year is amazing (yes I'm graduating and I wished for denial via the Genie).
But 2017 hasn't stopped the action so far. Bill Nye the Science Guy came to campus and I had to ask a question about arts and sciences working together (because they're always better together, if his show's not any indication ;) ) and of course gave one of his fun answers.
Bill Nye also said Rehoboth Beach is one of his favorite places for summer vacation. I was fortunate to have a retreat a few weeks later at Memorial House. The best part of that place is it's near the pier where Fun Land is located (back in season May 13th!). One of my peers mentioned that Rebecca Sugar cited Fun Land for her show Steven Universe and the region where the show takes place is known as Delmarva. That's inspired the playlist for this week's show (well that and Thor: Ragnarok) and I'm excited to share that with you this week. [The poetry event got moved to May so I'm back this Thursday.]
The excitement didn't stop there. Earlier this month, former Vice President Joe Biden came back to the University of Delaware to speak with students and faculty about the Biden Public Policy Center. Prior to the speech delivery, I got to take a selfie with him as well as other professors and students. It was great!
Guess Wayne Gretzky really is on point with that quote - the one you see in high school hallways all the time:

You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.

If you don't get something down, that's the equivalent of not making progress on a gaming level. I didn't really understand that quote until now. You really do need to get your foot in the door and that means actually making an effort to get something down, to take that trip you've wanted to do for years, to start up a blog and write. Many people get terrified just taking that first step because they don't want to look like a fool on their first shot.
To all of those pioneers I've been lucky to meet, thank you for helping me take that first shot. If you have yet to take your first shot, go ahead. Give it a go.

Much love,

DJ MK

Nerds Step Out for Justice! - The Women's March on Washington

Hey peeps, DJ MK here.
I had to take some time to process everything because last Saturday was a big turning point in my mind (well that and do a massive catchup on my dramas and homework. It's actually gotten me better at writing Sailor Moon-like headlines. Can you tell?). The march has shifted my thinking in many ways but it has especially changed and reaffirmed how I've looked upon the nerd community.
I attended the sister march in Newark and they expected only about 300 people to show up. Thinking back on the crowd now, it was probably more like 500 or 600. Of course I can't show up to a march like that without my Sailor Moon shirt (and so glad I did). Seeing Carrie Fisher's image everywhere also cheered me up. I felt like I was part of the Nerd Justice League or something!

MKonMixlr now Maximum Khord

Hey peeps, DJ MK here.
For easier recognition as well as distinction between my radio show and my livestreams, MK on Mixlr is now known as Maximum Khord. It's a new name but the same content you all know and love! :)
Look forward to the broadcast this Saturday.

New Year, New MK

Hey peeps,
DJ MK here.
Originally I was going to take a hiatus this January and focus solely on writing blog posts and livestreams on weekends. But I couldn't stay away considering that this year's my final year on the station and my undergrad life. The show's doing its final Deep Freeze special on Tuesdays 12-1:30pm this month, then switching to Mondays 12-1pm for the remainder of the semester. It's really interesting how I started off on the end of the week and now I'm ending my time on the radio waves at the beginning of them.

3 Reasons Why Jackie Chan's Win is Important

Hey peeps, DJ MK here.
There's nothing that makes me happier than a personal hero getting honored. Jackie Chan won an honorary Oscar at the Governor's Ball two weeks ago. The award was presented by his Rush Hour co-star Chris Tucker. If you haven't had a chance to see Jackie Chan's speech in full, you totally should!

  

Jackie Chan's win is really important in the film industry - both independent and corporate. Besides the notable name, there are three things that we have to acknowledge and hopefully more people will encourage this material in their movies, TV shows, and other media.

State of the Dojo - October/November 2016

Hey peeps,
Sorry for the long radio silence but I have a lot of updates that I need to share with you.

Fun Friday - Summer playtime... with cats?

Hey peeps,

Hope the summer's not melting your face off! Unless you're in the southern hemisphere, in that case freezing. Or at the equator which in that case, enjoy the perfect weather!

I took a huge slowdown this summer. Usually I'm busy with something whether it's a volunteering project or work. But this year I decided to take a genuine vacation and it's been strange not having to write religiously or read a roster's worth of novels, or sweep through thousands of songs on my list for work (but I still do that for pleasure - habits die hard!). As a result I haven't been creating much content here or for myself and the most updating I've been doing has been on Twitter and the occasional Google+ post.

日本語のクラス：どうでしたか？

みんなさん　今日は。元気？
二しゅまえはとてもいそがしでした。だからこのブログでかきませんでした。ごめなさい。でも今ひまです。大学の今日年はおわらってます。ちょっとつかれた。でもうれしいです。夏の休みですから私はかぞくとカナダとカメルンに行きます。学校は楽しくてにぎやくておもしろいだと思います。
たくさん書きました。今ちょっと疲れた。だからたくさん練ってます。
読むくれてありがとうございました。

'Til next time!
<3 DJ MK

#LVup 1st D&D sesh TODAY! :D

Today I'm playing D&D for the first time! Technically this should've been my second time round but due to unforseen circumstances, I ended up being a prisoner of an anti-magic colony. My DM's been having a lot of fun with this situation and it's been fun trying to come up with things I could do until game time. He also referred me to a great site called DnD-Spells so that I don't have to go flipping through my guidebook every time I want to chose a spell

I haven't done an all-日本語 post so why not try one?

みんなさん 今日は。 元気？
今年は日本語106をべんきょうしてる。 クラスはちょっとむすかしい。 でもたのしくておもしろいですよ。よくけい語をはなしていました。いまダメ語をべんきょうしる。英語でカシュアルです。毎日日本語をはなしてない。じかんをあらない。ずっといそがしです！ でもラジオにはなしてショをする。ファンが好きですよ。大学生とブロドカ-スタ-です。私もブロガ-です。毎日かきる。

#LVup - How I'm Taking My Nerdiness to the Next Level

Hello my fellow Magicians! Or in this case, my fellow Clerics and half-elves.
I'm an otaku and I'm really proud of being one. Thanks to this part of my living, I've been able to make good friends, enjoy interesting content, have fun adventures, and to do many things I wouldn't have dared (broadcasting and blogging to name a couple). This year, I've been thirsty to take my nerdom a step further. I admit though - I didn't think D&D was going to be the next deep dive.