Saturday, January 31, 2009

Just a tiny add...

The new Burn Notice was AMAZING. The episodes keep getting better, even when you think the show's peaked. HOWEVER, there is still no news on the suit.

I am going to read for a bit and go to bed.

If you haven't started, get your tush in gear with the Burn Notice.

Eek!

<3

EDIT: I want her earrings!!!

*So, I Might be a Little Drunk*

Just a little.  I had this Cordial Cafe thing with rum and brandy.  And now my typing's gone all awful.  Like, moving my fingers is a bit difficult and I gotta think a lot before writing any word, or it just comes out all oogly-woogly <--- example.

Anyway, being done with finals (yippee!) it seemed appropriate.  God, this quarter was longer than a football field.  It was longer than the month of May.  It was longer than the word "it" in a philosophical context (damn, cannot spell that word.  Oh, spell check.  So, it was originally v. wrong but hoorah for Apples having spellchecks for EVERYTHING you type (including spell checks)).

What else what else?  Apparently, my blog entries are just TOO SHORT.  I am a failure as a bloggist.  Diarist?  Bloggiest seems less romantic but also a little phoney.  phony.  Ah there we go.  But I don't think I have anything interesting to tell to you!   Oh, Kamakura!

I went!  Yesterday!  Did I already tell you about it?  It rained harder than the month of May (^____^).  I saw the Giant Buddha (see pictures link in last entry), which was gorgous because it looked like he was crying.  And everyone was all hiding on the sidelines beneath the cover and I felt very Seattleonian standing getting soaked looking the Buddha in the eye.  Honestly, I don't think it is possible to relate how amazing he was.  You see him in pictures, but it's just SO BIG and wonderful, despite the crowds.

The guy who took the pictures of me was a perfectionist.  I asked him v. sweetly and he was really excited (I think he was studying photography or something).  He positioned the shot for probably five minutes (in the rain) and took out this cloth to clean my lense (lens... ah) off.  Really sweet.  I wanted to take a pic of him to remember by, but that would be creepy, and slightly stalker-ish, so I did not.

Also saw the Great Kannon and another bodhisattva, possibly the Not-so-Great Kannon.  You cannot actually take pictures of said Great Kannon or also said Not-so-Great Kannon, but no one guards the lesser model to make sure that you don't take pics and I felt rather rebellious and, having studied Buddhism and learned that there really is NO REASON why one cannot take a picture of a bodhisattva save that they want to charge you 5 bucks at the gift shop to buy pics, I took one.  They guard the Great Kannon, though, so I had to buy a couple pics.  I didn't think the Great Kannon was any greater than the other, btw.  Hrm.

Also, I bought and lit a candle there for something or another.  I'm hoping it was for 4.0's on finals.  Would be pretty sweet.  I liked the candle a lot, and wanted to take it home with me, but I was worried that that might be really taboo/ bad luck.  Do not need bad luck as am flying next Wednesday O.o  Anyway, that was nice- esp. since I used a lighter that was provided, which felt v. modern amongst such older things.

Also, bought some incense, but only had a 100 yen piece and they costed (is that a word?!... my spell check says yes but I don't think it really is...) 50 yen each.  So there were a lot of jr. high school students because of Chinese New Year (actually, Lunar New Year is a lot more PC, so let's go with that).  So I just asked this kid who was talking to his friends how he wanted to burn some incense but didn't have money if he wanted one of mine and he looked v. surprised.  I think that most people just assume the tourists don't speak Japanese.  Or maybe it was because I used keigo (honorific Japanese- like I can speak to the emperor with this) to him (^________^).  Anyway, they were all super cute and said "wah, lucky!" a lot.  So, I hope that that good deed plus the incense burning and inhaling of sacred fumes (did not cough like last time, which must be a good sign), plus the candle and non-stealing of one for bringing purposes means that I shall ace my finals.  Will assume that taking forbidden picture of Lesser Kannon is forgivable as well O.o  

That's the most rebellious thing I've done in years, btw.  And, once again, have studied Buddhism enough to know that it really was only forbidden so that they could make money (they charge to get in as well ^^*).

On the train home, I sat next to a stinky fellow and his stinkiness sucked into my new scarf (it's pictured a few days ago- brown, orange, gold from Kawagoe).  V. upsetting.  So I sprayed it with perfume and let it fumigate in my closed luggage.  Have taken it out and is now airing some of the intense scent off.  I want to wear it when I go home along with the powerstone sparkly (Japanese for sparkly= kira kira--- isn't that perfect?!) star necklace and be all fashionable.  It will now smell like it belongs to a LADY ^____^ I shall trick them all- bwahhaha!

Gah!  I might be all anecdoted out.  Tomorrow, I go to Takao-san with Kayoko to see the monkeys.  I'm sure I told you about this- as is most exciting thing EVUH.  No, not really.  But am randomly v. excited about.  Wonder why?  Maybe it's just end of finals giddiness teamed up with the liquor that totally wasn't in my system earlier.

Oh, btw, my essays were on:
The mother figure in drama (focusing on Medea, A Doll's House, and Mother Courage)
The Monogatari as Collective (Featuring Tale of Genji and The Tale of the Heike)
And the Ideology of Power and Art in Japanese Literature (featuring Tale of Genji, Tale of Heike, and the Noh dramas of Zeami).

And they are done- and awesome.  If I do not get a 4.0, I shall scream.  Not really, as that would be rather high expectation-y.  But will be of a mindset so as to believe my profs are crack addicts.  Or at least high during grading periods.  Pooh.

Anyway, will now take shower, de-tipsify self, and watch the new Burn Notice.  Word on the street is that there IS NO WORD on the street about Michael's suit.

In case you forgot it:





Which I stole from another blog O.o

See you when I'm sober O.o again.

<3

Edit: And I've got no idea why it randomly single-spaced or how to fix it T.T

I Didn't Post Yesterday

This post is to make up for that. Essentially, I just plain o' forgot. Forgive me if random fancy pants words slip there way into my writing- it is the sad, weepy result of writing essays for forevuh. Oh, thank gawd, my craptalicious writing-sense of no style is returning. Let us rejoice!

I don't see you dancing.

Not EVEN a toe tap.

Could you at least lift an eye brow or something? (I get that a lot, actually)

So, I am done with finals (yay! <-- chorus, not just me, screaming this). Need to go early to turn them in tomorrow, elsewise I'll worry about random freak disasters making it impossible for me to turn them in (the lead of which is unpleasantly a sarin gas attack because I JUST learned that the big line I take most days is one that was gassed in '95). Meeting Kayoko at TEN at the Starbucks outside Shinjuku St. (please, God, let there just be the one and let us be thinking the same one, which actually doesn't make sense in the context of there only being one) for coffeeness to propel us through our hour-long train journey to...

MT TAKAO!

Anti-climax? Really? I was hoping you'd all be thrusting your fists in the air screaming random jealous obscenities. Ultimate fail of my life.

Anyway, at Mt. Takao, there is a monkey park (hold off your comments, you. Not an original burn. Come up with something better and get back to me. I'll wait. Quality is more important than timeliness. Though Cleanliness is Next to Godliness... what does that even mean?? Like that Mary was a neat-nick?) . I will go to see the monkeys (I hope) if I can. Honestly, I'm way more excited about the monkeys than I ought to be. There really is no excuse for it (if you are bursting with the previously mentioned lame-burn, just let it out. Otherwise, you may break into a rash). Also, there is the mountain, hiking, and... um... really there isn't much at Mt. Takao. A frozen waterfall, which is the main thing I wanted to see at Nikko (but I am not willing to ride trains for 2.5 hrs to see that one). Am excited for monkeys, only, it appears.

OH! And I took pictures of Kamakura and have them online AND will be using the linkage feature to get them all fancy below:
Kamakura

Am done with finals, so will now be screwing about, about which (ha, two in a row! Random burst of excitement over nothing............. ) I shall relate to you later (that sentence makes no sense).

<3

Thursday, January 29, 2009

*It Will Neeeever End*

I got one essay done first-draft-wise but two more remain. Poooooooooo! Going to Kamakura tomorrow anyway, even though am way behind and now have plans to go to Mt. Takao on Sunday with Kayoko. Am a bit panicked about time and grades. If I can get the second essay for Japanese Lit. done tomorrow, I think I can get the third done Saturday and edit them all, then turn them in Sunday morning. Jeez! You finish one thing and four more pop up! Except by "pop up" I more mean, I was studying for Japanese tests and those took precedence at the time.

Ick.

Got some errands done today. Bought the Japanese texts (3) for the next level, for under one hundred dollars (for three!... I know I already said that but.... y'know...). Went to the bank and got the papers I need. Send necessary e-mails (but didn't really have time for unnecessary ones/ones I want toooooooo).

Working on a catchy mix. Nearly done with the book I'm reading. Pretty far into Jake 2.0. Hoorah, Marina Black has been written out at this point! Yipee! Yippee! There we go, two p's app.

OK. Am going to bed. Feel like falling down a couple flights of stairs. Except not. I don't think anyone ever feels like that O.o Hope not anyway.

<3

L: Jake 2.0 O.o in the background
R: Fingersmith- less than 100 pages left!!!

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

On Hold at the Library

These are the things I put on hold at the library.  If Sei Shonagon/random collective conscious who actually wrote her pillowbook can do it, so can I:

The butterfly effect [videorecording] / Bender-Spink, Inc. ; Blackout Entertainment ; Film Engine ;
1 of 24 holds on 15 copies 07-28-10
The sisterhood of the traveling pants [videorecording] / Alcon Entertainment presents a Di Novi Pict
1 of 2 holds on 13 copies 08-13-10
Speed racer [videorecording] / Speed Racer Enterprises Inc. ; dialogue written and directed by Peter
3 of 6 holds on 9 copies 08-13-10
Death note. Vol. 4, Love / story by Tsugumi Ohba ; art by Takeshi Obata ; [translation & adaptation,
1 of 1 holds on 14 copies 08-23-10
Crime novels : American noir of the 1930s and 40s
1 of 1 holds on 6 copies 01-28-11
Lois & Clark, the new adventures of Superman. The complete third season [Disc 1] [videorecording] /
1 of 1 holds on 5 copies 01-28-11
Lois & Clark, the new adventures of Superman. The complete third season [Disc 2] [videorecording] /
1 of 1 holds on 5 copies 01-28-11
Lois & Clark, the new adventures of Superman. The complete third season [Disc 3] [videorecording] /
1 of 1 holds on 5 copies 01-28-11
The ultimate collection [sound recording] / Michael Jackson.
6 of 6 holds on 17 copies 01-28-11
Miss Potter [sound recording] : original motion picture soundtrack / music by Nigel Westlake (tracks
1 of 1 holds on 6 copies 01-28-11
Sharp teeth / Toby Barlow.
1 of 1 holds on 10 copies 01-28-11
Tipping the velvet [videorecording] / a Sally Head production for the BBC ; produced by Georgina Low
1 of 1 holds on 4 copies 01-28-11
Affinity / Sarah Waters.
1 of 1 holds on 5 copies 01-28-11
Be OK [sound recording] / Ingrid Michaelson.
57 of 57 holds on 19 copies 01-28-11
Youth novels [sound recording] / Lykke Li.
15 of 15 holds on 11 copies 01-28-11
Be with you / Takuji Ichikawa ; translated by Terry Gallagher.
1 of 1 holds on 9 copies 01-28-11
Bubba Ho-tep [videorecording] / Starway International ; produced by Jason R. Savage & Don Coscarelli
1 of 1 holds on 4 copies 01-28-11
Firefly. The complete series [videorecording] / produced by Mutant Enemy Inc. in association with Tw
9 of 9 holds on 16 copies 01-28-11
Immortality / Milan Kundera ; translated from the Czech by Peter Kussi.
1 of 1 holds on 4 copies 01-28-11
Letters to a young poet / Rainer Maria Rilke ; translated and with a foreword by Stephen Mitchell.
1 of 1 holds on 5 copies 01-28-11
12 monkeys [videorecording] / Universal Pictures and Atlas/Classico present an Atlas Entertainment p
11 of 11 holds on 15 copies 01-28-11
Q & A : a novel / Vikas Swarup.
50 of 50 holds on 13 copies 01-28-11
Sleepers [videorecording] / Warner Bros. presents in association with Polygram Filmed Entertainment
3 of 3 holds on 8 copies 01-28-11
The power of one / Bryce Courtenay.
1 of 1 holds on 38 copies 01-28-11
The year of magical thinking / Joan Didion.
1 of 1 holds on 72 copies 01-28-11

*The Worst is Over!*

Two finals tomorrow but PEH, they aren't half so stressful as the ones over the last two days. Goodness, I can't even study for them, so that means I can't really stress about it except when actually doing the tests and failing miserably. D'oh! Random bit of pessimism there. Anyway, generally feeling alright about finals so far, Japanese class-wise. Actually, so long as I get an A in Japanese, I'm at least going to get a 3.5 acc. GPA, which isn't wonderful for me (I have high expectations O.o) but is perfectly acceptable, nonetheless. If I can pull off one other A, then I can get a 3.7, which makes honor roll. If I get one more beyond that, I will dance naked through the streets singing "I'm Getting Married in the Morning."

Ding Dong, the bells are going to chime. Girls come and kiss me, show how you'll miss me. But get me to the church on time!!!

....

Anyway, been working on my Japanese Lit. essays and one of them might be impossible because I think the prof. thinks he assigned a different passage in the essay what that ought to be mentioned off the bat. It's all very philosophical and my mind's not bending toward it yet. That's how it always works for me- gotta morph and morph my mind 'til suddenly Kant makes sense. Oh, Kant! Why?!

One of the best things that can happen to a being, occurred within the life of Me today (caps?!). You know when you hear a song and you LOVE it right off the bat, so you struggle to get a pen out quickly enough and jot down a lyric to look up later (oh, tech age), download, make sweet love to, but then HORROR OF HORRORS, you miswrite or mishear or something and are unable to find it (the story does get happier, I promise). It is the dreadest of dreads, leading to v. depressing thoughts and eventual abandonment of soul. Well, I was this man, four or so months ago. Alas, it is difficult being a mere shell.

(Whoa, here's the "turn") BUT THEN, you are listening to iTunes songs on random because, why not?, and suddenly, SUDDENLY, you hear it. "Holy crap!" You scream, waking the neighbors, who proceed to hit their ceiling with a broom attempting to shut you the hell up, "It's my musical soul mate, hoorah! Hallelujah, I love it so!" Then, you not only have the song, but do not have to buy it, because, apparently, at some point, you already did, along with something or another else. Except for me, I just borrowed the CD and burned it, so... even cheaper!

So, the song is Duffy's "I'm Scared," in which she says "I'm scared to face another day." I THOUGHT she had said, when I heard it in the club last summer, "I can't face another day," which, really, it does sound like she is warbling. Anyway, I am happy happy and have been listening to it on repeat ^_____^

Oooh! Listen to the below playlist, if only to see how amazing technology is (and C, who recommended TWO of those songs, which equals 10%, which means we are musically compatible and she might like the Duffy soul mate song as well). Crazy tech blows my mind.

Sorry for the insaneness of this post. To be frank (May I be candid with you, sir?), I took a Vicodin because my back was hurting so bad I was getting sick (literally, like nausea. Ew.). But Vicodin kinda makes me loopy. Thus, you get this loop. Hoorah for you, and hoorah for me, because I'm not entirely not-high. Oh, and it makes me SLEEPY, so I shall get me to bed and dream of Jeffrey Donovan/Dean Cain/Christopher Gorham/really anyone much as am not picky at all O.o

<3

Listening: "I'm Scared"- Duffy (obviously -.-')
Reading: Fingersmith (sigh) STILL! Am ready to be done with this bitch! Er.. sorry... it's all the tv I didn't watch... Nah, it's 5AwesomeGays what that does it. They are all Tourrets-y. Potty Mouths. Check them out on YouTube if you have the time and haven't already been sucked in through my incessant efforts (oh, and I favorited the Tran-o-Saur one ^_^):

FIVE AWESOME GAYS

Songs I've Reaaaally Gotten into in the Past Four Months








Get a playlist!
Standalone player
Get Ringtones!

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Really Failed to Look Anything Like Her

But I tried! Without actually consulting image of her. One of these days, I'll post pics of the people I'm copying (er, actually the people who the people I copied made up) and my imitation. Anyway. I pretty much FAILED on an EPIC scale. AND I'm using caps like there's NO TOMORROW. eek.

Ignore the bags/shadows/tell tale signs that I didn't sleep last night. Ick.






Obviously, the last one displays my mood/ :(

<3

Edit: I mean the first photo. Blogger rearranges apparently. Crazies.

*Ow, and Z*

So, I think the tests today went alright. Not to jinx it or anything, but I felt v. well about the listening test and pretty good about the grammar test (which is worth the most of any of them). The room was v. cold and I had to take my gloves off in order to write, so my hands went numb. Not sure why I felt I needed to tell you that though... rather whiney. Gah, like the blog title. Whatever, it's finals, so I am entitled to it, I think.

Have drunk 5 cups of coffee at this point, which is a decent start (?). Back hurts from stooping at my desk, so I took a Vicodin, which made me sleepy, which led to coffee. It is all chain of events-y.

Finished re-watching Burn Notice and am now on to Jake 2.0, which I haven't watched yet since I've been here. I forgot how bad the writing was in the first few episodes, but it'll get a lot better about halfway through, and I shall rejoice! Probably will get there tonight at this rate- studying is NOT going well. Am thinking will get little sleepy tonight.

On plus side, past tomorrow, I've only the least stressful finals left for Japanese. Can take a nap after tomorrow's finals. Hoorah!

Oh, and I like Mei Ling's make up in Jake 2.0:



And what a screen capture! I probably won't imitate her tomorrow, but I shall make the attempt later this week. You can see a lot of detail in that pic. Hoorah!

Hm, and I got the Yokohama pics online (yay me):
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2053748&l=42e0c&id=32404300

And because there simply aren't enough images in this entry, I include what is currently the background image on my cell phone. And I have him as my wallpaper simply because he is good luck. I mean, he's been shot, blown up, beat to a bloody pulp, etc. and yet still lives! Er, or his character at least. Hrm.



<3 and wish me luck. Ugh. Been studying for forever and will be for forever more.

R: Fingersmith
L: Galway Girl- Mundy and Sharon Shannon

EDIT: This scene was funny, so, from Jake 2.0:

Karen (his neighbor): Hey, Jake!

Jake: Hi, Karen.

Karen: Your newspapers were starting to pile up, so I thought I'd take them in while you were away.

Jake: Oh, yeah, I guess I forgot to stop delivery. Thank you, thanks a lot.

Karen: So, how was the vacation?

Jake: Good. Ah, you know, those cruise ships are great for getting away from it all.

Karen: I thought you went to Yellowstone.

Jake: ...I did.... by way of Panama.

Karen: You went to Panama and Yellowstone in six days?

Jake: There wasn't much to see in Panama. The main thing is it was relaxing but I'm pretty tired right now. I'm gonna-

Karen: (sees cut on his eye) Were you in a fight?

Jake: Uh, no. No. I was trying to get something out of my carry-on. And, you know how they say your luggage shifts in flight, well, they're really not kidding. (laughs awkwardly.)

Karen: (looks at baggage) It's kinda big for a carry-on.

Jake: Well.... 'Night, Karen.

Monday, January 26, 2009

*The Quickest Blog Entry in the World*

Or, probably not, actually. Let's, just, throw, in, commas, for, the, heck, of, it. Or not...

Failed in attempt to get Yokohama pics online tonight (what a dangerous word choice during finals- gyah!), but the Kawaguchi-ko pics are available for your viewing pleasure:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2053747&l=3f644&id=32404300

Lacking confidence about tomorrow's finals (two in Japanese, if you recall, regarding grammar and listening). Everything hurts in stress at this point and nothing will stay down (food-wise... ew!).

Bought powerstone in Yokohama what that is meant to be *LUCKY* so will rely on that and Kit(to)-Kat(su)s. You know, all the powerstones are random rocks that somehow ALL have happy, good meanings. You know like "strength," "luck," or "happiness." But not ALL rocks can really be powerful in a good way. Right? But I guess they can't market "headache" or "diarrhea." Or "can simply be used as a weapon or to skip across water." Someone try to find a stone that has NO meaning, please. I'm far too busy finals-ing.

Ha. I need to stop using that fake word. Someone might copy it and it will have to be added to the dictionary. And then where will we be? Somewhere near funner.

Funnest?

Oh, my spell check won't recognize them anyway.

Wish me luck. Or, as freshmen science teacher said "Good skill!".

<3

R: Fingersmith
L: "Waltz of Chihiro" Joe Hiyashi (from Spirited Away)

Sunday, January 25, 2009

*Zzz*

Seriously, I think I may have overdone it this weekend. Pics are on Facebook, mostly. I'll finish tomorrow and post the link. Saw Yokohama today, which was great except I was already EXHAUSTED and we walked all day. It was randomly summer-like, so that was nice.

Cannot type- thank goodness for spellcheck on Macs that just works on everything you type, without you asking. Or not? Who knows?

Somehow bought another outfit for baby. Am going insane with the baby-buying. Is uncontrollable. There must be some AA-type thing I can join upon returning to US. Someone look into it because I am finals-ing this week. Wah! And body responding accordingly,

which meaaaaans- eye twitch and lip twitch have returned and have become allergic to every food under the sun (As opposed to food over the sun... except universe is rather round vs. up and downish). That make sense?

Tests- gah! Tests- gaaaaaah! Did not study much at all. Will inevitably fail all classes and have to shave head in shame and become nun. Randomly a Buddhist nun, apparently. ?

Peace and love (and wish me luuuuuck!)

<3

Saturday, January 24, 2009

*Wah, it's Late!*

It got really late. Basically, I got home, was so exhausted that watched Ghost with M on tv THEN saw that the new Burn Notice ep. was available for watching online and simply could not wait. No news yet on the suit. Appeared to have taken minor damage actually, which is random given explosion it was involved in. Possibly can ignore suit altogether in light of Michael swimsuit scene. Then again, I prefer him in the suit. We are that attached.

Kawaguchi-ko was lovely but FREEZING. Got lots of souvenirs and pics, but won't put them (pics, not souvenirs, as would be rather philosophically complicated) online until tomorrow at earliest. Must get up semi-early to meet Kayoko. It is LATE!!!

One pic, for now:



Mt. Fuji

<3

Friday, January 23, 2009

*I think that I've found out/I don't wear scarlet well*

Song lyric. Anyway... Going to Kawaguchi-ko tomorrow for festivals, museum visiting, eatings, shopping (?) and general merriment that will not at all lose its shine due to looming finals of death. Adding "of death" to end is way of saying "bad ass" with a negative connotation attached to non-pronoun/proper name (is a proper name a pronoun? Hells...). Anyway, is plan. Is brilliant and will surely win Nobel Prize for. What category, I wonder? Hoping Peace in manner of Dalai Lama.

Why do my favorite bands keep coming out with new albums without my knowing? Did not I sign up to be on their mailing lists? Pretty sure I did. Anyway, they aren't big enough to get adverts. on the web or whatnot, so I just randomly checked yesterday and Au Revoir had got an EP AND a "new" album (tech. remixes of the previous album's songs, but I like them a lot so...) and Okkervil River released a new album, which is alright, and a FREE covers album what that you can download online, if you want:
http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/download/47584-okkervil-river-golden-opportunities-mixtape-mp3

Pretty good so far. Am increasing Joni Mitchell fan, and they've got her "covered" (ha! get it?) so I'll be looking forward to that as well. Again cleared iPod and put "all new" songs on it/switched out what I thought I might grow to like that failed. Oh, btw, mom, I really liked that song you recommended, Katie Melau's "When You Taught Me How to Dance." Very pretty! Makes me feel like floating ballerina-like on cloads. Maybe sheet music is available? Hrm, don't see.

Test today went really well, one hopes. Seemed A-ish but don't want to send plague down upon self so will say that I am expecting F-. Best not cheat these things, right? Also, started finals studying- argh! But somehow managed to finish Bridget Jones II among this, which suggests may not have been quite so undistracted as one might hope for... hrm.

ALSO and MOST IMPORTANTLY, Burn Notice Season Two Part Two aired 10 PST, which was v. much earlier today for me (3pm Friday) but is not yet on iTunes for download. Waiting anxiously. Do not spoil, if you please. Am v. much concerned about Michael's yellow suit, which is love of life. Soul mate, that suit is. Must one day buy boyfriend/luvuh/husband/fiance whom I've really no intention to marry/friend with benefits yellow suit so as to use him as my yellow suit model. Real love will of course be suit. How pretty. Oh, so buy me this rip off, if you please:
http://www.seenon.com/search/suit/product/burn-notice-michael-westen-brooks-brothers-twobutton-poplin-suit

But then, best wait, because do not know size of future model. Must assume suit will continue on until then. And probably should get real one, which is Armani, if we can trust Michael, who is not real, so maybe not... Maybe they just sewed Armani label into regular suit?

Really have nothing else to talk about and have rambled about suit long long enough. Good luck, my dears, with Friday!

<3

L: "Do What You Gotta Do"- Okkervil River (cover of Jimmy Webb, who I've never heard of...)
R: "Fingersmith" (back to that one- ugh, it's dark tho! I need light reading right now v.v)- Sarah Waters (which I do like a lot but still, v. depressing at moment)

Thursday, January 22, 2009

*Musicness Galore*

Studying up the hey-ho leads to much music listening. Glaciers, I still cannot believe that I have yet another test tomorrow. Crimony! Anyway, back is icky, think have ear infection, and it is cold cold cold! On the plus side, have really good music discovered of late. Send me music, if you've the time, or suggestions. Ooh, and please please please mix cd= great return present! You have two weeks, so get to it (did I mention "please"?)!

In class today the teacher brought a Kit Kat. Apparently, they are good luck charms in Japan for students taking tests, because:

Kit(to) Kat(su) [きっと勝つ」= Definitely Win!

Or, that you will DEFINITELY pass the test- hoorah! So, have added to the paper print out version of enormous schedule thing for next few weeks that must get a Kit Kat tomorrow to give to Kayoko this Sunday as teeny pre-finals gift. Plus, got her some sort of candy thing in Kawagoe because she wanted to go, but felt it would be intruding on my time with M. And will sound v. intelligent about Japanese culture and impressive in manner of genius world-traveller. Hurrah!

No more Bridget Jones for me. Except... I'm nearly done, so... And we're almost to the Thai prison bit!

Probably ought to study some more but am instead going to go to bed early. Feeling irresponsible but only a twinge because irresponsibility guilt is suppressed by sleepiness. And how! Does anyone say that anymore? Why does it always slip into translations? What the hey-ho? Does anyone say "what the hey-ho" anymore?

Oh, and what's another way to say "You're the cat's meow!" "You really make the tea kettle whistle?" Hrm. Need more old-school slang so will sound well-informed of ancient matters. Sorry to all that may have offended.

Ooooooh! Aaaaand in U.S. tonight will be Burn Notice Season two Part two premier! Yeek! Thusly, in next few days can download next episode on ITunes and learn that Michael has not, in fact, been blowned up (which one might have gathered from clips of upcoming episodes in which he appears, accompanied by body. Unless random ghost transformation of theme. Which would be unique but could lead to cancellation. Which really would be epic disaster. Would have to start another letter campaign, and we all know how that went for Jake. Hoorah random references). However, I have few hopes for Michael's sexy yellow suit that I'm not allowed to call yellow because app. it's "cream" or something.


Sexy Yellow Suit

Now you see why I am sorrowful so greatly. And why cannot even imagine proper sentence construction. Simply would be out of question as result of grief for suit and Bridget Jones reading. Am being morphed into the anti-Power Ranger. Will probably be v. dangerous.

Okay okay. Baiiiiiii~

<3

Lists

I have lists, you know, and here they sorta are: (I've posted most of these before, but if I haven't, I'm linking a vid, if available. Lots of ifs....)

Top 25 Songs Listened to on ITunes: (*= actually has a good video to watch as well)

Boats & Birds--Gregory & The Hawk (21)
My Freeze Ray--Neil Patrick Harris (18)
Dreaming of You--The Coral (16)
The Show--Lenka (16)



Oh! You Pretty Things--Au Revoir Simone (15)



Savannah Smiles--Okkervil River (15)



Your Biggest Fan--Voxtrot (15)



*Famous Last Words--My Chemical Romance (14)



Konayuki--Remioromen (14)
Triangle--DBSK (13)



Oxford Comma--Vampire Weekend (13)



Libertango--Astor Piazzolla (12)
You Don't Know Me (feat. Regina Spektor)--Ben Folds (12)



*Falling Slowly--Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova with Marja Tuhkanen and Bertrand Galen (12)



darling be home soon--lovin' spoonful (12)
Little Bit--Lykke Li (12)



The Hill--Marketa Irglova (12) (Depressing vid....)



The Orange Tree--Philip Glass (12)
I Want You--Rachael Yamagata (12)



I Don't Wanna Grow Up--Tom Waits (12)
The Crime Window--Grand Archives (11)
I'm Yours--Jason Mraz (11)



Will You Be There (Theme from "Free Willy")--Michael Jackson (11)
Rise Up In the Dirt--Voxtrot (11)



*Fallen Snow--Au Revoir Simone (10)



Movies to Watch List (based on such things as probable crappability):
Magnolia
Showgirls
The Air I Breathe
Ima Ai ni Yukimasu
Priest
Dreams with Sharp Teeth
When a Man Loves a Woman
Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead
The Assassination of Richard Nixon
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Memories of Matsuko
12 Monkeys
Sleepers
The Notorious Bettie Page
Nixon/Frost
The Fountain
The Piano

Have book list somewhere but seem to have lost the file... hrm.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

*Japanese Sample Sentences*

I think the people who wrote my textbook may have gone a little crazy when coming up with examples to teach new grammar. For example:

こんなに愛しているのに、どうして行ってしまうのですか。
Why are you going away, even though I love you so much?

たまにはポップスもいいんじゃないかと思って、スチービーワンダーのテープを持ってきた。
I thought it might be nice for you to listen to some pop music occasionally so I brought at Stevie Wonder tape.

(The next two are together in an example set)
鈴木さんは酔っぱらってしまいました。
Suzuki-san got drunk.
田中さんも酔っぱらっちゃった.
Tanaka-san got drunk too.

あんな人は嫌いです。
I hate that sort of person.

誰でもいいから、ちょっと来てください。
Anyone will do; come here for a minute. (They're translation is what's funny- it sounds so sordid!)

Anyways, I've got yet another quiz tomorrow then a big test Friday. Yugh. Ick. Ew. Blech. Plus Japanese Lit tomorrow, which is getting increasingly more painful to attend. On plus side, have very little reading left for that class as have read two of the assigned Noh play readings. Hoorah. Small victory- light one firework for me.

Got what I needed done today sans some of the study time that was spent doing other non-school things/errands/etc. Am yet again watching Burn Notice, as completed Lois and Clark seasons one and two last week (or week before...) but forgot to mention it. Also writing a bit after Bridget Jones because I tend to mimic whatever I'm reading and it's a diary so the temptation is even greater.

Tried a Sweet Potato Apple Orange smoothie today which wasn't half so tasty as it sounded. Come to think of it, it just sounds weird, but I've been curious for months, so... Anyway, a "large" size is approx. 8 ounces (the small, I'm guessing, is 5). Tiny thing. Not tasty. Again "Yuch. Ick. Ew. Blech."

Must remember to ask Kayoko if she wants my English-language novels (the ones that are getting left behind O.O). Must also attempt to finish Bridget Jones before leaving country as can purchase for prob. 25 cents back home. Also, think I'll try to get the next level Japanese texts here because app. they aren't produced in U.S. and thus cost CRAZY amounts back home. Will probably have to take with me on my carry on as result of weight (also taking at least two of my Japanese texts back with me, prob. nearer four >.< from this semester). Ooh, the next text is "An Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese" plus "Intermediate Kanji Book." Wow, I feel so intermediary. Wait, that's a noun. Like, I feel so bus. That ought to be slang. Spread the word. Go my little Eight Degrees of Separation ones and find Kevin Bacon, who shall be our Vessel of the Word.

Actually a thinly-veiled ReBoot reference that pretty much no one will get. BTW, if you write a blog and you are reading this, update your blog. Honestly, honestly, honestly, I am bored of having no blogs to read. Sersly, they don't count as non-study time because it's keeping in contact. So pleeeease update! Tomorrow. Good. Excused.

I had a funny anecdote that I'd meant to relate but, alack, alas! have forgotten. I've been working on it- honestly! Oh, I think it was the Japanese thing. And there was an amusing bit in BJ:EOR I wanted to relate, but not feeling much for typing it up at present. Plus, I think you all might've read it O.o

Okay, good night good night! Sweet sleep, my minions.

<3

Oh, and
R: Still BJ, obviously
L: Shores of White Sand- Emmylou Harris

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Kawagoe Photos

1
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2053369&l=c9e41&id=32404300

2
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2053470&l=711f6&id=32404300

3
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2053528&l=cec10&id=32404300

Lotsa photos in many albums. Basically, the sites are the old bell tower (Toki-no-Kane), Kashiya Yokocho (the street with all of the sweets), a number of temples and shrines, the remains of Kawagoe Castle (which was closed for construction- the pics were taken by sticking my camera through the slots), Kita-in- a Buddhist Temple with-- Gohyaku Rakan- the statues (540 actually, ignore the crazy wrongly chosen name) of Gotama Buddha's disciples. Also, app. I got a pic of remains of Edo Castle, but I'm not sure which pic it is/they are. Hrm.

?

<3

Notes to Self, Some More

because it was so exciting the last time, and all.

So, Softbank IS open on the third, but app. it was a v. good question as lady had to check.  Feb. 3rd is first day of spring in Japan, btw, what the heck?  It is very unspringly and I can't see it heating up any time soon.

Overseas Liaison Center says I will get a scholarship payment for February so I cannot shut down my account while here (get paid the 20th).  Also, they say that the school has usually hours through the FOURTH- so I can take my papers whenevs (peace, yo).  Also, now have rough outline of how the third will go- beginning with trip to Citibank, then to Harajuku (Softbank opens at 10-LATE) with lunch possibly and Meiji Jingu going-to-ness, then to Yotsuya to turn in papes, then Imperial Palace in Akasaka.  Or... no that's not pretty- I'll redo it later.  If poss (aka Softbank takes less time than they think it will) also see that park.

CitiBank apparently has the forms for a wire transfer and closing the account at all branches.  So I can pick them up and send them from the U.S.- the lady said it was no prob.  So, phew?

Shibuya Ward Office says I just have to turn in my Foreign Registration Card at Immigration- do not need to visit office.

So, it's getting all organized.  Must study.  

*The 4-1-1*

Gwah! The plan: (edit- red= done)

Wed: Study for Friday's test (1:30-8) and Thursday's quiz (8-10/10:30)-- After class, visit Oversea Liaison Center, print Thurs Japan Lit papers, call Softbank, Citibank, Ward Office, AM check bank account, PURCHASE NARITA EXPRESS TICKET
Thurs: study for quiz (8-9:15) study for Friday's test (6-10:30), e-mail Kayoko about Sun. Do rest of Japan lit readings during lunch break (12:30-3:15)
Fri: Study for test (8-9:15), study Grammar for Finals (1:30-9:00)
Sat: Wake up around 6:30 or 6, get to Shinjuku by 7:30--- trip to Kawaguchi-ko (Mt. Fuji area)- arrive back around 9:30-10:00-- bring vocab flash cards, poss. kanji cards as well, 10-11:30/12 study grammar
Sun: Wake up around 7:30? To Yokohama with Kayoko-- bring vocab, kanji flashcards. Return around 6? Study grammar until 9.

Next school week
Mon: (8-9:15) study grammar, (12:30-3:15) study grammar, (6-9) study grammar/vocab, (9-10:30) study kanji
Tues: GRAMMAR AND LISTENING FINALS. (8-9:15) study grammar, (12:30-until I pass out) study kanji.
Wed: KANJI AND ORAL FINALS. (8:00-9:15) study kanji, (12:30-?) Don't really know how to study for next tests...? Poss. study kanji? Poss. work on something else. Thurs. is open book for comp and reading's generally easy... voodooing myself into a heck hole (random lack of profanities...)
Thurs: READING AND COMPOSITION FINALS. Sleep in- try to get at least 10 hrs of sleep because that's pretty much all that's gonna help with this test of word-savviness. (12:30-?) close bank account if poss. Following which, (?-however late I feel like it, 'cause I'm done with finals then) work on essays (two- one for Japan lit, one for drama) (Add: Poss the palace)
Fri: Trip to Kamakura. Try to be home by four or five and begin Essay Writing Period of Death
Sat and Sun: Poss. time it will take to complete the Essay Writing Period of Death. If done with essays by end of Saturday, go to Nikko on Sun.

Last week in Japan:
Mon: Go with Kayoko to Tsukiji fish market for fishy breakfast happiness. Then, to the Ghibli Museum (an amusement park) for memory making--- last time I see Kayoko before I go V.V
Tues: TURN IN PAPERS BETWEEN 4-6 PM! DO NOT FORGET! SERSLY! Cancel cell phone service (takes 3-4 hrs, but I can go visit Meiji Jinguu again or shop in Harajuku, then come back. Nifty). go to Shibuya Ward Office to let them know I'm leaving. -- all this rests on the phone call TOMORROW regarding whether they will in fact be open on Tuesday, which is a holiday. But it's a Tuesday holiday vs. a Monday holiday, so they probably don't have it off, esp. since there just was a huge holiday and another follows soon after. While in Shibuya, get pics of the awesome Disney store and poss. go to that place I mentioned a few days ago what that has scenes that inspired poetry (edit: Rikugi-en). Poss. get to WWII museum to get souvenir for T but poss. just disappoint, as always. That was self-brutality, that was. Must get to Imperial Palace, but just realized will be closed when I go to that area to turn in papes. Durn. Must take papes with. Poss. see Thurs. MUST PACK THIS PM!!! Take trash out Wed AM.
Wed: App. flight is in PM- around 5:40 PM and by "around" I obviously mean at exactly 5:40 PM acc. my sheet thing because 5:40 just isn't an arbitrary no. Wow, I have no plans here. It just sits there, glaring at me. OK, so I'll need to get to the airport around 3:15 (I am that paranoid, yes), so must book Narita Express ticket- acc. trip planner, I'll catch it at 1:40 in Shinjuku- oh, get ticket tomorrow- add. Which leaves a very open morning. Oooooh. Let's fill it. How about Ginza? Okay, I'll go see the kabuki theatre? Yeah, get something nifty at the gift shop. Genius plan. Catch flight, watch a zillion movies, arrive to Marc's loving arms (ew, that sounds Oedipan) and somehow manage to stay up until 9 PM (I arrive around 10AM).

Those are the plans. So it is written, so it shall be. In which case, I shall ace all of my classes whilest enjoying the splendors of the touristy things about Tokyo what that I've missed thus far.

Look how long this is- see what happens when you get to see me think? And by "Get to" I mean "must endure." Unless you skipped this entire thing... shame on you!

<3

R: BJ:EOR still
L: nothing O.o it's late

Monday, January 19, 2009

*Dun dun dun dun duuuun*

To be brief, I'm completely overburdened by homework, tests, studying, and random crap the devil teachers are trying to stick in my overpacked brain before finals so they can test me on it. As in, Renga structure. Why do I need to know this if I'm not going to write one and no one really knows how it works? A whole 'nother chapter of Japanese and thirty more kanji. A few more plays. Actually, I take that back. No complaining about drama because that teacher's the only one what that isn't trying to do me in via the sneaky means of overwork.

In other news, I found a Spanish restaurant. I might try it tomorrow. I'll let you know how it is, if I do. It wasn't much crowded when I came upon it, but maybe that means it's food leans toward crappy. If food can lean. Which we know it can as there is a Leaning Tower of Pizza. I think that joke was popular in first grade.

Essentially, so long as I'm writing this, I don't have to be studying. Which = huge hoorah. Except not because I want to go to SLEEP and cannot.

And miles to go before I sleep
And miles to go before I sleep!

Oh, Frost, how well you know me. Do you think that that was a pen name? Just seems rather ironic for someone who writes a lotta nature poetry. I will check. (brief interlude) Well, it really is. Ha. That'd be funny if I weren't so sleeeeepy.

I wish I'd done more interesting things so I'd have something to write about. I could write about Kawagoe, but I'm too busy to upload the photos so it'd be kinda anti-climactic. Just watch the Star Wars vid and be happppy.

<3

Edit: Going to start putting this (look below) at end of each entry for additional bonding. ?

Reading: Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (need light reading right now @.@)
Listening to: Aimee Mann "Save Me" (which is the sort of song I only listen to when I'm brooding aka taking finals)

EDIT 2: Pics from the long walk on Saturday got online amidst studying, somehow!:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2053368&l=8102d&id=32404300

If you want, the first fifty pics of Kawagoe are also on my Facebook page, but I think it may be the case that anyone who might be interested in seeing them is minus Facebook account. Thus, I'd need to post the link, which I'm not going to. God, this is a grammar nightmare. Anyway, I'll get the rest of the Kawagoe pics up tomorrow and link them then.

Also, been watching the Psyche Christmas episode because I needed some humor and that show's hella funny. So I bought it for three dollahs. It makes me laugh my sides out. Wah, it got late! I need to study more tho- le sob!!!!

Oh, and we're going to Yokohama this weekend (Kayoko and I) instead of Nikko. If I finish an essay on Thursday with the early dismissal time I have next week as a result of final examinations, I'll go to Nikko that Sunday. Elsewise, I might miss it, which might be okay because it's meant to be freezing beyond death out there. Can waterfalls freeze? The big site's the waterfall, but I'm not sure if it would be that fun to see in the dead of winter. But maybe I can get back here in a few years following MA graduation, if'n I actually get in and manage to graduate. That's the genius plan, anyways.

Peace!

<3

Star Wars- Nerd vid=fun


Star Wars: Retold (by someone who hasn't seen it) from Joe Nicolosi on Vimeo.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

*Kawagoe*

That's where I went today and burned myself out. Seriously, shields are failing, captain. We'll have to reduce life support to 80% and possibly drop to Warp 6. God, I'm a nerd.

Honestly, I just don't have any energy to write about it right now. It was a fun time, and I'll try to get some pics up tomorrow while I'm memorizing my speech (going to give it in front of the class on TUESDAY- YEEK!).

I hope you all had a good weekend/are still enjoying the weekend nevermind because you've got MLK day and it's Sunday. Well, I get a humongous break when I RETURN to I'll make sure to mark this day and curse you with it in the future.

Or not.

<3

Saturday, January 17, 2009

*Walked EVERYWHERE*

I think Kayoko and I walked for like 3 or 4 hours straight. It was intense. We went from Meiji Jingu Mae to Ebisu Metro Station by foot, and pretty much back. My old old body aches. Crazy men tried to pick us up, and, strangely, we both pretended we didn't speak English ^^*****. Well, you know how it goes.

Here is an artist's map of our route, rendered in lively colors for your enjoyment:



Glaciers, I'm beat. I also got some fun shopping done. Bought Bridget Jones II, the book, because I need something light for the airplane (there is not much that is lighter). Also an Ozaki tribute album (as though you know what I'm referring to ^^*) and THE Spice Girls Album (I guess there were more than one, but only one made number one, yo!). Also got some Matcha Candy at Meiji Jingu. I wanted to get the tea but it basically just looks like normal tree leaves and I didn't think it'd make it past customs. Pooooooh! T.T

Anyway, I's gotta get to bed so's to get up early and bring my sweet self over to Kawagoe. EXHAUSTED.

<3

Friday, January 16, 2009

*Oh Weekend, Let us Embrace!*

It's here, it's here- at long last! Oh Saturday, I could kiss you! Though, you won't be here for a few minutes yet. I have faith that you will arrive and I will greet you late, late into the day. Or early because I need to study. Snap.

So, I'm thinking that I want to do this:

Seattle University Fine Arts Department & SITE (Seattle Indie Theatre Fest) announce



the first ever SU PLAYWRITING CONTEST!



Can you write a play?



Does the idea of live actors speaking the words YOU wrote

and doing the deeds YOU imagine onstage get you cookin'?



Interested in stepping into a new FRONTIER?



Here's your chance!



The WINNING play will be produced as part of

SITE Specific Cabaret at the Lee Center for the Arts!



AND THERE'S MORE!



100 DOLLAR PRIZE! FAME & NOTORIETY!



Your 10-15 minute play will be fully produced, directed by a professional, and will be part of a new play festival here on campus that opens May 7 for 12 performances. The four other professional playwrights who are writing and directing new short plays for the festival are the contest judges. All plays (theirs and yours) will be written around the theme/idea:



FRONTIER



Winner will be announced mid February.



Play submissions are due Feb 10 by 4pm

in the Fine Arts Office (FINR 202).



NO PLAYS LONGER THAN 10 PAGES PLAY FORMAT

(double-spaced) will be accepted.



You may write for up to FIVE (5) characters. The actors are hot drama students, so plan accordingly!



Make your play theatrical, compelling and/or rich with human behavior,

and you are SURE TO WIN!



GET WRITIN'!



For info, call Professor Ki at 296-5363 or email ki@seattleu.edu.


--- because SU students can and, if I did win (unlikely O.O I just don't know play format or anything...) then I'd have *COVERAGE* on a very, very local level. Le sigh. So that's what I'm thinking I ought to do. I've an idea, but maybe it's cheesy. PLUS, I'd have to quick quick do it and I bet they wouldn't let me repeat words half so often as I like. Like. Ha.

Going to the Meiji Shrine in Harajuku tomorrow with Kayoko and then dinner (intentions to finagle an edit of my Japanese speech from her, yes, but in my defense I will offer to pay for dinner). Ogoru ne? Yes, my treat.

Oh, and I had the wrong shrine. It is Yasukuni Shrine, also in Tokyo, that has the war criminals buried within. In my defense, they are both shrines in Tokyo, and really, how many shrines can there BE in Tokyo/thousands.

I think the park I went to that had the museum with all the WWII stuff was Kitanomaru Park near the Imperial Palace, so I should try to get there if I can to get that thing (?) for T. But it could be wrong. I just kinda ran into the place walking around. It's nice in Tokyo because you can get lost and still be within walking distance of a zillion train/metro/subway stations. Then you just take it back to some big place- yay!

Anyway, I'm pooped. Ha, I said "poop." Case in point....

<3

Thursday, January 15, 2009

*Fah! Because, So Far, None of My Blog Entries...*

have started with an F, apparently. But I don't say "fah" so...? Any koodles, I've got to get to bed, because today was just LOUSY. Honest to Pete. I forgot something I needed for class, I took an extra textbook, I made a stupid mistake on a quiz, I was LATE for class. Ugh. It was not a "me" day. In other news, Phoebe is now Princess Consuela Bananahammock and Consuela aka Concha is now dead. See, the name came up in both shows. See? See? And the plot in part two of Fingersmith is in full sway- nefarious scheme!

Anyway, plans plans plans galore, I am now also planning on seeing Tsukiji because it's an early morning sorta thing (get to eat sushi at the crack of dawn, not weird at all, wow I'm culturally insensitive tonight....), then Ghibli Museum on same day. With Kayoko (yay). Also invited her to Kawagoe... hrml, dunno if she wants to see more? It is a trick, it is!

I wonder what movies I can watch on my flight back...? Maybe I can see Wall-E and City of Ember- sweeeeeet! What else would I want to see? Hrm, maybe some of the Oscar candidates. The films change once a month, so I'm set for a new set (see that wordplay, there. Impressed?).

My days are getting increasingly boring to write about. I'll try to streak tomorrow or something, so you'll have some nifty news (or will have to bail me out of prison... I don't know how that works here.... I need a lawyer? My Japanese teacher in the U.S. has a Japanese law degree.....).

I Facebook friended some people from my Japanese class? I turned in some necessary scholarship documents? I made a copy of an article I borrowed from a professor? I went to classes? I read "Oleanna" by Mamet for drama and did other homewokr? I talked to momsie and Marcsie on the phone? I endured three transit delays on the Chuo Rapid Line? I was going to buy a coffee but decided not to because, really, where would I put it when I went to pee before class? I bought "hot" tea that was randomly cold?

Sigh!

<3

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Computer Lab... Again

Waiting for my crap to print, and in a bad mood. I accidentally brought an extra textbook to school with me and the extra weight makes my back hurt. Gr. Stupid extra book. Considering burning, except I already decided this is one of the books I probably ought to keep. Hrml prml galore.

Killing time by blogging but I've got nothing to write about. Everyone's so dead in Japanese class- like three people fell asleep and only ten showed up anyway. I think everyone's been pushed past their limits.

Anarchy will erupt soon bwahahhahaha!

<3

*Toniiiight Tonight, Won't be Just Any Night!*

... actually, it kinda was...? Hrm. Anyway, Lex sang it in Lois in Clark one episode I watched last week, so it randomly came to mind? Watching Burn Notice/Friends right now. Phoebe just got married and Michael just got shot. And all in the same night... just not the same series. Hm. Stupid kanji quizes.

I reaaaaally just want to finish Fingersmith. It is CRAZY good thus far, but I can't seem to get more than a chapter read a day, and it's got a lot of chapters. Hold your protestations, please, but I intend to try my hand with Atonement next because I bought it for cheap and the first couple of pages were quite engrossing.

Crap, I just spent an hour I could've been sleeping screwing around online. Shoot. Goodnight!

<3

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Daytrips

So, I got the okay from the group head for the trip to Kawaguchi-ko. Apparently she remembered me from the Mashiko trip and bumped me to the top of the waiting list, and I made it! I feel bad, because I kinda cancelled the potential plans with Kayoko, but I guess she can pretty much go there whenever she wants, you know? I don't think she was upset- I'm hoping we can go to Kawagoe instead, which apparently has a lot of Japanese traditional crafts to buy so hoorah? It would be a good place to get presents for people except I can't get that many since I've very limited space O.O.

So, another K, I'm planning on going to Kamakura. Also the Ginza Kabuki-za (I think Kayoko wants to go?). Then, I can probably fit in ONE more day trip, prob. to Nikko? Whoa, I have one more day than I thought. Crazy, ne? Stuffing in the Ghibli Museum and prob something else in that area (Mitaka). Also, one day for visiting the Shibuya ward office to announce my departure (whoa) and to end my account at Softbank (supposed to take four hours, but I can leave, so I'll go visit Meijijingu - Meiji Shrine, that day and prob eat lunch in that much time.... O.o). That day ought also include the Imperial Palace, I think, because that's close by too. If there's time still, I'll probably also squeeze in Rikugien- a park that inspires poetry, apparently.

Busy busy busy. I'll be studying on the long bus/train rides and in the nighttimes. And lunch breaks. And I ought then to be studying now oughtn't I? Gwah! What a punk I am!

Thinking aloud... or via blog. Hrm, sorry. So here's the plan:

1/15 (tomorrow): Visit the Oversea Liaison Office to see what I need to do prior to departure. Also, make sure I can close my bank acct. next week. Though, I haven't got the last payment yet, so I have to keep waiting and make sure I get that first.

1/17 (Sat): See a Kabuki show? Pretty much whatever Kayoko wants to do. Might also lean toward Tokyo Disneyland- I want to treat her but she doesn't want me too v.v Or Yokohama?

1/18 (Sun): Kawagoe. Old buildings, traditional crafts, and the remains of a castle. Try to convince M to go with me.... (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpellgen/sets/72157604710636136/) That's a definite- I want to see the castle really badly!!

1/20-1/21: UFO Speech in Japanese O.o

1/21 (Wed): Close bank account? Study for TEST.

1/23 (Friday): Humungo test- the last before finals yay!

1/24 (Sat): Kawaguchi-ko to see the Ice Festival and the other festival that I forgot the name of... and see Mt. Fuji! With a group and LOTSA studying on the bus ride over- hoorah! Excited to go in a group!

1/25 (Sun): Nikko? I dunno, it just sounds like a lot more temples and shrines, but it does look pretty and acc. my guidebook, it's one of the 22 Things Not to Miss. Pic of what I want to see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Nikko_Bridge.JPG
Just not sure how fun walking about on trails will be in the dead of winter- fyi 1/24=coldest day of the year in Japan.

1/27-1/29: Japanese finals = death

1/30 (Friday): Kamakura on a WEEKDAY- hell's yeah. I think Kayoko wants to go too. This is also a definite. I'm going, durn it! Kamakura has the giant Buddha
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3100.html
and other things

1/31-2/1 (Weekend): Write final essays for other classes.

2/2 (Monday): Ghibli Museum? It's about a half hour away, and I can't see myself spending all day there, really. Also this day I will turn in my essays in the AM. Probably pack in the PM. Then that'll be done.

2/3: LAST DAY IN TOKYO... except the fourth when I leave. Anti-climax. Anyway, going to the Ward office to take care of the leaving things and also to Softbank to end phone service. Will see Tokyo sites that I've thus far missed, incl. Meiji Jingu, Rikugien, Imperial Palace. If I have time, will try to get back to the WWII museum and actually get pics and stuff.

2/4: To home!

Phew. That took a lot of thinking. Peace!

*End, Week, End!*

After one day?! Really, miss, suck it up. Nonetheless, I'm exhausted. It seems like these classes will never end and I'm trying to force in some important sightseeing around all the studying, which just isn't going all that well. I'm going to stress myself out overstudying during the week so that I can part-ay on the weekends (nerd nerd nerd). Part-ay= visit various museums etc.

Anyway, going to pay my enormous cell phone bill tomorrow. Make too many long distance calls, my cheese wiz babes, and you will see sad things happen to your spending account. Hrm.

What else what else? Test tomorrow. Studying. Wanting to sit and finish Fingersmith instead. Drawing lots of doodles in my notebooks.

"The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation." -Thoreau

I know you've heard it, but our teacher brought it up again in drama today, and sometimes it's just like "ain't it the truth?". Boo. I didn't even like Walden, durn it.

<3

Monday, January 12, 2009

Kawaguchi, Wah!

So, I told Kayoko about the dilemma of wanting to go to the Winter Festival thing in Kawaguchi on the 24th, and she said she wanted to go too. So, I think we're just gonna try to go by our twosie, and to heck with the too-small-sized group! V. excited ala Bridget Jones.

<3

*Bum Bum Bummed*

Gah, this meetup that I want to attend is full:

Let's go to the "Ice festival" at Lake Kawaguchi near Mt.Fuji. to see another art of nature.
If we are lucky, we can see the best view of Mt.Fuji from Lake Kawaguchi which have attracted and inspired many photographers and artists for a long period.
Hope some of you're interested in and dare to come along with to cold place during the coldest time in winter.

[Places to Visit ]
1. Park to enjoy the nature art of winter.
The "Silver Frost Festival” at Wild Bird's Forest Park and the "Ice festival" at Oike Park
Ice Festival

2. Village of Healing ( Iyashinosato)
- a historically accurate, rebuilt Japanese village with thatch roofing houses,used be there.
Historical view of village

3. Itchiku Kubota's Kimono Museum
- a museum of the landscape Kimono of Japanese master Itchiku Kubota,
Works of Kubota Itchiku
Kimono Museum

[Schedule]
8:10 Meet at Shinjyuku Station.
8:40 We take the Highway bus from Shinjyuku to arrive at Kawaguchi-ko.
10:30 ETA at Lake Kawaguchi
Walk around the lake/ Visit the Kimono Museum at the northeast shore of the lake
12:30 Lunch
Shall we try the Hoto Noodles, one of the local food specialties around Fuji-san area?
13:40 Take the local bus to move to the Oike park for the "Ice festival"
14:40 Take another bus to move to the main event site, Wild Bird's Forest Park
15:15 "Silver Frost Festival" festival and historical view of old village at Iyashinosato
17:18 Move back to Kawaguchi-ko by local bus
18:00 Have warm light dinner
19:10 We take the highway bus to return to Tokyo
21:00 ETA at Shinjyuku station

[Estimated Cost]
Transportation Cost :
Highway bus, Tokyo <-> Kawaguchi-ko (round trip)= 3,400 yen
Local bus around Kawaguchi-ko: 1 days pass = 1,300 yen
Museum Admission Fee:
Thatch roofing houses village = 200 yen
Kimono Museum: = 1,000 yen (optional)

**Please be prepared for the cold weathre and the long journey on the bus**


--- I really want to go! I'm on the waiting list- but I'm number FOUR. Eek. Maybe they will add some spaces? It filled up really quickly after it was posted.

Also, the PI is being sold/probably ending for good. I guess there's like zero chance they'll actually find a buyer. This makes me sad because we have a subscription and they have better comics than the Times AND feature the NY Times crossword. The Times has their own crappy crossword. Plus, without competition, there's like... no Globe/Star effect (hoorah Superman reference). You know? Like working your heels off trying to get the story. Less journalists= less breaking news. Pooh.

Anyway, I've got school tomorrow and a test the day after (boo!) so I need to get some shut eye. Le sigh. <3

Sunday, January 11, 2009

*Yanaka Pics*

Wah. I can't just link the pics, can I? Must talk some, right?

So, Yanaka is basically a cemetery town. The cemetery is gigantous and there's a major street that divides it in two, which is just a crazy sort of thing to me. Also, for obvious reasons, there are also a lot of shrines and temples, as well as florists. Oh, and there was a Hula Dance school. Random. The other big street is Yanaka Ginza where there were lots of cat statues and, at one place, lotsa loose cats as well. I pet one and a bunch came over purring. Very cute. There were probably around thirty. They looked well fed, though I'm not sure what their sit. was. Hrm.

It got really cold, so I wasn't there for too long. Also, there was some kinda lottery going on. Dunno?

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2053067&l=57188&id=32404300

Rare

So, I actually liked the poem I wrote today. Whoa.

In my life, to simply live was enough
To keep me up nights. Every night
The thought of coins on my eyelids
Or an escapist’s dilemma
With mud and pine and a pinned-back suit
Was just enough to make me abort my dreams.

I’d suffocate them beneath my pillow
Committing nightly infanticide
With a pointless sleeping drought, a glass of water,
And a short trip to relieve myself.
Sometimes, they’d get near to taking their first steps
But they’d be snuffed out just in time.

So that now, sitting here beyond the edge of my life
I can try to look back on it all.
My thousands of ghostly children embrace me
Like an old acquaintance who might have been a lover
Or might have been my dearest friend.
And now I can’t tell, if I might be dreaming after all.

(BTW Copyright 2009 to me, bitches.... sorry.... I don't know where that bout of sass came from.... cough cough?)

*Allergic Reaction- Gyah!!!*

I'm having an allergic reaction to something. I didn't even notice until I took a shower and found these red dots all over my torso. Itchy bitchy. Pardon my French....? I wonder what I am allergic to that I do not know of. Hm. Pooh.

Been working on editing my Nano stories of this year and last. Feeling better about them than I did before, but alas, alack! they do not ever meet my expectations. I think my story of this year started pretty strong but then dissolved by the end of chapter one. I forgot my main character's sexual preference. Eek. That's kind of a big deal v.v

Planning on going to Yanaka tomorrow. I will pack lunch so that if nothing is open, I will not starve! But I hope hope hope that I don't get lonely and starting singing sad songs to myself. Kayoko went to Okayama for the weekend, so I have no one to venture out with (M has not the day off le sob). But I think I might get all the way to the Imperial Palace next weekend (btw, it is like five minutes from my school >.< d'oh!). I will take pictures. Fwee.

Really homesick today. I think it would be much more fun to be in Tokyo with people I love. So let's us come back sometime and paint the town red, oks? Like, what fun is it to go to these crazy-themed bars by your onesie? Be served by a monkey? Get "kidnapped" and locked in a prison (where they feed you surprisingly good food?)? Buy yer liquor from a ninja? Sit in a room literally below freezing temperatures and drink cold beverages? (Who thought this was a good idea? Sersly...) It is no fun alone. :(

I need to work harder so as I can regale you with funny anecdotes. Hrml prml.

<3

Edit: I'm homesick :( Like, really. Like, I miss my mommy. A lot. Sniffle. I was gonna post a whining, sad blog, but I think the sheer volume of recent blog entries says it all. Hugs and loves.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Too long!

My Japanese speech is like over twice as long as it's meant to be. Durned unclear instructions. Anyway, I've cut a lot (le sob!). My throat hurts from rereading it a zillion times. I had to cut the bit about War of the Worlds, the different types of spacecraft, tech terms, Arocibe (or however it's spelled), details on the Wow Signal, and the ethical debate. I am so sad. T.T

Pat on back?

*Sleepy, sleepy*

Whelp, I'm about ready to hit the hay (ha, I called you a whelp). Not much really occurred today in the life of me what that might be of note. Shopping, cleaning, homework. Lots of YouTube. Hrm. I'm kinda boring, eh?

Was going to set out to Kamakura tomorrow, but I don't think that M would like to be alone on her first day back in Tokyo. Might be too risky to try to go on a holiday, so I'll probably try to visit Yanaka on Monday, which is Coming of Age Day (did I already say that?). Yanaka has some of the oldest buildings in Tokyo (old Edo buildings, wee) and a cemetery full of famous people (who are deceased, at least I hope so. Zombies are crazy scary). Nippori St.'s about 30 minutes away, and that's just next to the cemetery, so I can probably get a lot done in a little time.

Kamakura is about an hour and a half and four different trains away- yikes. Actually, not that far at all, but it's the multiple transfers that irritate. Anyway, that's just to get to the Daibutsu (literally Big Buddha- the giant Buddha of Kamakura is famous), which is what I mainly want to see. I think I can probably get there either the Friday of finals week (I don't have class that day), or the day before I leave, if I haven't yet.

Not much to write about... <3

Edit: If you go back to my Japanese post a few days back, it's got a translation now. Actually, it's got a translation whether you go back or not. Hm..

I Will Be There

Ok, if Caity babe is watching this- thinking of you <3



Lyrics:

Hold Me
Like The River Jordan
And I Will Then Say To Thee
You Are My Friend

Carry Me
Like You Are My Brother
Love Me Like A Mother
Will You Be There?

Weary
Tell Me Will You Hold Me
When Wrong, Will You Scold Me
When Lost Will You Find Me?

But They Told Me
A Man Should Be Faithful
And Walk When Not Able
And Fight Till The End
But I'm Only Human

Everyone's Taking Control Of Me
Seems That The World's
Got A Role For Me
I'm So Confused
Will You Show To Me
You'll Be There For Me
And Care Enough To Bear Me

(Hold Me)
(Lay Your Head Lowly)
(Softly, Then Boldly)
(Carry Me There)

(Lead Me)
(Love Me And Feed Me)
(Kiss Me And Free Me)
(I Will Feel Blessed)

(Carry)
(Carry Me Boldly)
(Lift Me Up Slowly)
(Carry Me There)

(Save Me)
(Heal Me And Bathe Me)
(Softly You Say To Me)
(I Will Be There)

(Lift Me)
(Lift Me Up Slowly)
(Carry Me Boldly)
(Show Me You Care)

(Hold Me)
(Lay Your Head Lowly)
(Softly, Then Boldly)
(Carry Me There)

(Need Me)
(Love Me And Feed Me)
(Kiss Me And Free Me)
(I Will Feel Blessed)

[Spoken]
In Our Darkest Hour
In My Deepest Despair
Will You Still Care?
Will You Be There?
In My Trials
And My Tribulations
Through Our Doubts
And Frustrations
In My Violence
In My Turbulence
Through My Fear
And My Confessions
In My Anguish And My Pain
Through My Joy And My Sorrow
In The Promise Of Another Tomorrow
I'll Never Let You Part
For You're Always In My Heart.

Friday, January 9, 2009

Tourism in Seattle

I need to go see the sights of the city when I get back.

Gas Works Park
http://www.seattle.gov/Parks/park_detail.asp?ID=293

Spooked in Seattle Ghost Tour via Ye Ol' Curiosity Shop
http://www.spookedinseattle.com/

Underground Tour
http://www.undergroundtour.com/

Will update later...

[Edit/Add]

The Boeing Factory Tour
http://www.boeing.com/commercial/tours/index.html

Space Needle
http://store.spaceneedle.com/

Woodland Park Zoo
http://www.zoo.org/

Science Center
http://www.pacsci.org/

Scenic Flight over Seattle
http://www.seattleseaplanes.com/pages/Scenic.html

Museum of Flight
http://www.museumofflight.org/

Boat to Canada
http://www.clippervacations.com/

The Trouble with Poetry: A Poem of Explanation

by Billy Collins

The trouble with poetry, I realized
as I walked along a beach one night --
cold Florida sand under my bare feet,
a show of stars in the sky --

the trouble with poetry is
that it encourages the writing of more poetry,
more guppies crowding the fish tank,
more baby rabbits
hopping out of their mothers into the dewy grass.

And how will it ever end?
unless the day finally arrives
when we have compared everything in the world

to everything else in the world,
and there is nothing left to do
but quietly close our notebooks
and sit with our hands folded on our desks.

Poetry fills me with joy
and I rise like a feather in the wind.
Poetry fills me with sorrow
and I sink like a chain flung from a bridge.

But mostly poetry fills me
with the urge to write poetry,
to sit in the dark and wait for a little flame
to appear at the tip of my pencil.

And along with that, the longing to steal,
to break into the poems of others
with a flashlight and a ski mask.

And what an unmerry band of thieves we are,
cut-purses, common shoplifters,
I thought to myself
as a cold wave swirled around my feet
and the lighthouse moved its megaphone over the sea,
which is an image I stole directly
from Lawrence Ferlinghetti --
to be perfectly honest for a moment --

the bicycling poet of San Francisco
whose little amusement park of a book
I carried in a side pocket of my uniform
up and down the treacherous halls of high school.

*Billy Collins was the US Poet Laureate from 2001-2003

*Reading?*

I just haven't been good about talking about what I'm reading, because I really have been getting a lot of reading done on the trains/planes/not in automobiles, because I get carsick hrm. Anyway, I'll just go with the recent non-school readings and let you know that I did in fact read Marley and Me, as per the recommendation of everyone this side of Venus (hrm, I think the other side contains empty space and then the sun....). Honestly, it just wasn't my thing. Dog antics were funny ten years ago, but were overdone by the time Beethoven the 27th came out. I think I just didn't relate to the author. I think the more interesting parts were the memoir elements that didn't focus on the dog. Or maybe I just kinda heard all about it from other people who read it, so there weren't any surprises?

Dunno. Anyway, reverse order, but I read "I'm not scared" (really weren't any caps) before that, which was AMAZING. The synopsis makes it sound a bit ho-hum, read it twenty million times before-ish, but it is crazy original. I'm just an awful reviewer, aren't I? Ugh. So, it's only about 200 pages and was quick to get through. Seriously. Seriously. Now you're getting a look. Seriously.

Now, I am reading Fingersmith by Sarah Waters, which I've been wanting to read for a long while now. There's a BBC mini-series based on it that was wonderful. It's one of those things were it goes halfway through from one perspective, then goes back to the beginning and goes through from someone else's perspective, which I think must be very hard to write, but is so exciting to read. No comments on Twilight. None. Zip. (I'm just not very nice tonight, am I?) Er, this morning- when did midnight come? This still counts for a Friday post, BTW. Anywho, Fingersmith is pretty great so far; it's EXACTLY like the BBC series and the first hundred pages flew by. I'm excited, because she has written a lot of other books, and they're all historical fiction and at least one other contains a lesbian romance (no, these aren't lesbian romance novels with oodles of sex galore/I'm secretly a teenage boy). I don't know, it just makes me happy because she embraces the reality that there really were gay couples all throughout history, even if they couldn't be in the mainstream. er, you know what I mean- secret and illegal and all that. Poor Oscar Wilde.

I'm exhausted. Man, studied a LOT this week. As indicated by the excessive use of caps. Three-day weekend- YAY! Hoorah for Coming-of-Age Day!

Secretly not a real journal-type entry....


<3

Thursday, January 8, 2009

In the Computer Lab

I got out of Japanese class REALLY early- like a whole half hour (can you say that?). I think the kanji test today wasn't that hard, but I don't want to jinx it, so maybe I did poorly anyway? Pooh?

Why don't more people use hoods when it rains here? I've been just using the hood on my coat today because it's a hassle getting out your umbrella and shaking it dry and putting it in the "dry bag" to keep the rooms from wetting up, but I seem to be the only one! Wah, I think I stand out a lot. But it's so much more convenient.

There are a lot of people waiting for computers, so I should probably go before I'm mauled by an angry college student and make international news. But then I'd be on tv. Do I really want that to be my five minutes of fame?

Hm...

<3

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Oh, and if You've Time

You should watch this because it's AMAZING



I love his dance >.< This makes me feel happy and international. I don't know- somehow things like this always make me feel like we're getting closer to world peace. Yes, I know, I am the queen of the corn, but that's how I feel. I don't judge you, so don't you judge me (except I got a fortune cookie once what said that I was hyper-judgmental, so I might be judging you and just lying about it).

YouTube inspires me. Or rather, what it shows inspires me. At some point this week, I'll try to do a 50 things I want to do before I turn 30 list. It seems like the popular thing to do.


Little dents in the quiet
Tiny touches, a little erratic
Faster, faster, then it's slowing down
80 Words per minute
4800 words an hour
A masterpiece in days
Or not

As previously stated, I have no skill with poetry, but I didn't have time to write one earlier, and that's pretty much my only New Years resolution.

<3

*So tiiiiiiiired*

And it's not even nine. Must still be sick 'cause I keep getting super exhausted by 5:00. What the hey? Or is it hay? Hei? Heh... bad joke bad joke.

What else is there to tell? Met with the Sophia Communication Club again today to speak in English with some students. Went alright- pretty quick. Almost an entirely different group of students. What can it mean? ? ?? Those question marks = weird expression using my eyes an eyebrows a great deal.

Now the kids upstairs are being noisy and were last night, which kept me up late. I went to bed around 9:30 last night but those kids were being noisy punks past ten o'clock. What happened to bed time? Le sigh! Oh, except there is no upstairs, so they MUST be downstairs but it's so loud, it feels like it must be upstairs because kids can't dance on the ceiling so far as I know (save Superman, because he's just awesome that way).

I guess the biggest news, and it is not about me, is that Andy is leaving 5AwesomeGays. It's a YouTube collab channel that I watch daily. Andy=Monday. So that means 20% of my 5AG viewing week will be crazily altered. I'm hoping for the better. Andy seems very nice but his vids do not flutter my heart to any degree (do hearts flutter to degrees? and is that safe?).

Well, tomorrow must be murdered and to Friday we'll soon be! Hoorah! And by we, I mean me, because you're all in the past. (Pat on shoulder?). Tough break, kid.

<3

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

*Daily Blog*

Dealing with the new Jimmy in season two (ha, no more caps) of Lois and Clark. He's a bit ew. I miss old Jimmy- he was kinda hot though not really cannon-looking. I miss Cat and Lex. It's a rotten rotten world, except that the writing is up a significant notch, the sexual tension between the eponymous Lois and Clark is gripping, and the whole early nineties "I'm not sure what to do 'cause I'm still recovering from the 80's" thing seems over. Ah, it is the 90's of my youth. Oh, but I date myself.

Elsewise, I went grocery shopping and studied for my kanji exam this Friday. I wrote the poem, as promised, but I don't think I'll post it. Because then YOU, darling, would be compelled to read it, and probably would feel like it was your DUTY as loyal reader to post some lovely lying comment of death praising it to high heaven and it'd really be bad for your karma, path to hell paved with good intentions and all that clichedness. And really, my poetry simply isn't very good. It's just convenient because it takes little time, generally speaking. Editing takes forevuhs.

Pretty much have no life right now. Except Lois and Clark and kanji. Or Lois, Clark, and kanji, if you prefer.

Must to bed with myself get! Good night ya'll.

<3

Monday, January 5, 2009

Because it's the S***z




すげ〜!

And My Blog is New Pretty

No comment on the new prettiness?  None?  No one reads me anymore.  You've all figured out I'm a hack.  Le sigh again.  It takes like half an hour to redecorate this page, you know.  Gotta redo all my widgets, which isn't a non-PC term.  It's the pretty little images and links and whatnot.

<3

*It Isn't Really Late, but I'm a Get Me Some Shut Eye*

First day back.  Ugh.  Ick.  Sob.  Anyway, tantrum ended.  Japanese class went by pretty quickly but Japanese Lit C-R-A-W-L-E-D by, especially since we had to wait 'til the end to get our second midterm's grade back.  86% was a lot better than I thought I did.  Since I got like a 92% on the last one, I'm close to an A, so long as I can get an A on my final paper.  Here's hoping?

Been watching Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman while I study.  Nearly done with season one because I studied kanji ALL DAY on Sunday which equals a zillion episodes.  But I've still got Season Two, which I haven't seen since original air dates, which was a long time ago in Mandy years (aka, I was a wisp of a thing back in the day).  Why "season one" and "Season Two"?  Maybe Season Two is just THAT awesome?

At some point, I'll translate my Japanese speech, which is that long thing posted below somewhere.  It's not very interesting.  Well, it is, but it isn't well written.  Le sigh.  I am a hack, yet again.

I hear that writing a poem a day is really good for your brain and creative juices, but I'm too shy to put any of my poetry much online as it is rotten as a Jack-O-Lantern on Christmas Eve, so I ain't gonna share.  But I'm gonna try and get it done.  But don't "here's hoping" for this, as I'd rather you reserve your pleasant toward-me thoughts for the essay.  More important.  Let us prioritize.  Yay?

Oh, and BTW, not posting over Christmas at home is totally acceptable so all you secretly-thinking-I've-failed-you peoples can suck a lemon.  But it'll do naught for your sore throat.  Which you'd know, if you read the one (?) post I did make whilst abroad (er, anti-abroad.  Domestic...?).  

Peace <3

Saturday, January 3, 2009

SETI@home!!!

Yay, I'm aiding the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence! Wee!

From Wiki:
SETI@home ("SETI at home") is a distributed computing (grid computing) project using Internet-connected computers, hosted by the Space Sciences Laboratory, at the University of California, Berkeley, in the United States

There were two original goals of SETI@home. The first was to prove the viability and practicality of the 'distributed grid computing' concept, and the second was to do useful scientific work by supporting an observational analysis to detect intelligent life outside Earth.

The first of these goals is generally considered to have succeeded completely. The current BOINC environment, a development of the original SETI@home, is providing support for several computationally intensive projects in a wide range of disciplines.
The second of these goals has failed to date: no evidence for ETI signals has been shown via SETI@home. However, ongoing continuation is predicated on the assumption that the observational analysis is not an 'ill-posed' one. The remainder of this article deals specifically with the original SETI@home observations/analysis.

SETI@home searches for possible evidence of radio transmissions from extraterrestrial intelligence using observational data from the Arecibo radio telescope. The data are taken 'piggyback' or 'passively' while the telescope is used for other scientific programs. The data are digitized, stored, and sent to the SETI@home facility. The data are then parsed into small chunks in frequency and time, and analyzed, using software, to search for any signals--that is, variations which cannot be ascribed to noise, and contain information. The crux of SETI@home is to have each chunk of data, from the millions of chunks resulting, analyzed off-site by home computers, and then have the software results reported back. Thus what appears an onerous problem in data analysis is reduced to a reasonable one by aid from a large, Internet-based community.
The software searches for four types of signals that distinguish them from noise:[citation needed]

Spikes in power spectra
Gaussian rises and falls in transmission power, possibly representing the telescope beam's main lobe passing over a radio source
Triplets — three power spikes in a row
Pulsing signals that possibly represent a narrowband digital-style transmission

There are many variations on how an ETI signal may be affected by the interstellar medium, and by relative motion of its origin compared to Earth. The potential 'signal' is thus processed in a number of ways (although not testing all detection methods nor scenarios) to ensure the highest likelihood of distinguishing it from the scintillating noise already present in all directions of outer space. For instance, another planet is very likely to be moving at a speed and acceleration with respect to Earth, and that will shift the frequency, over time, of the potential 'signal'. Checking for this through processing is done, to an extent, in the SETI@home software.

The process is somewhat like tuning a radio to various channels, and looking at the signal strength meter. If the strength of the signal goes up, that gets attention. More technically, it involves a lot of digital signal processing, mostly discrete Fourier transforms at various chirp rates and durations.

[edit]Results
While the project has not detected any ETI signals (see extraterrestrial intelligence), it has identified several candidate targets (sky positions), where the spike in intensity is not easily explained as noisespots[4] for further analysis. The most significant candidate signal to date was announced on September 1, 2004, named Radio source SHGb02+14a.
Astronomer Seth Shostak (2004) has stated that he expects to get a conclusive signal and proof of alien contact between 2020 and 2025, based on the Drake equation. This implies that a prolonged effort may benefit SETI@home, despite its (present) nearly ten-year run without success in ETI detection.

While the project hasn't reached the goal of finding extraterrestrial intelligence, it has proved to the scientific community that distributed computing projects using Internet-connected computers can succeed as a viable analysis tool, and even beat the largest supercomputers.[5]. However, it has not been demonstrated that the order of magnitude excess in computers used, many outside the home (the original intent was to use 50,000-100,000 "home" computers) [1] has benefited the project scientifically.

Eek! 2020-2025! Plus all these other programs that are being sent out to search the soil deep on Mars and far off planets! We could prove the existence of ETI in our lifetime. And by we, I mean myself included. So, download SETI@home yourself, and then YOU can say "we" as well. Hoorah for you!