She stopped walking

and I knew right away that for some reason the little wrinkly old lady was glaring at me, even though she seemed a bit absent. I continued down the sidewalk feigning obliviousness, but not very well. As I passed her she addressed me, "What size shoes are you wearing?"

Not what I was expecting! "Uh, maybe a seven?"

"Well then stay outta mine! They're only a six!" She scowled.

---------------

Let's all listen to the soundtrack to Sword of the New World (Granado Espada) while we wait for e-mails to arrive!

---------------

I had a dream last night of something sort of like a PvP zone, only the main weapon appeared to be...lassos with tripped-flames so that when you noosed someone and jerked the rope their heads burst into flames. Yeah, I spent most of time running away from some idiot who was in no adept with a lasso. It was vaguely terrifying. There was a good part, but I can't remember it anymore.

---------------

As long as we're here, I might as well confess buying the current issue of GQ expressly to oogle Robert Downey Jr. on the cover. I actually really liked the article, though, and will read it again. And probably again. I need to learn to write pieces like that so that when my Japanese is amazing I can spend quality time with Japanese devs and describe their lives so intimately with such seeming effortlessness.

Too much introspection, not enough action

So it's back to work!

Just for the record, though, the Eurovision party was great. There were just enough people that the room was full, but not so many that we had to sit on each other's laps. Unfortunately I forgot about the required plug-in so we didn't watch it streaming on TV via the PS3, but just on Oleya's laptop. It still worked. The stream only cut out once and that was only briefly, so we saw the majority of the show. How Russia won, I will never know. We thought for a minute Turkey might pull through, and I was a little surprised that Finland didn't seem to have a chance. *Shrug shrugh shrug*

Oleya's (cheesy spinachy pine nutty white saucy) lasagna was brilliant and she also had this super classic salad that I ate probably a third of.

Before the Eurovision event there were some work related shenanigans far into the night resulting in not much sleep. Lots of Rock Band, which does, in fact, beat out Boom Blox at a party. I was thinking about blogging about that, but there's not really much else to say about it besides that. Brevity is always so prized, so maybe I'll just leave it at that: when you have Boom Blox and Rock Band at a party, Rock Band wins. There's not much to explain there!

Age of Conan is coming along nicely, I guess. Crowley on Derketo. No more Noob Island. W00t!

Well fuck

Belgium has somehow managed to not make it to the finals. I sorta want to cry about that. If anyone's computer will, you know, play videos or something, then by all means please go check and see if they somehow botched their performance.

Of the ten I originally said we should look at, seven made it:

Serbia (pretty ballad)
Latvia (pirates)
Spain (creepy dancer)
UK (funky soul)
France (Jesus)
Bosnia & Herzegovina (creepy lovey zombies)
Finland (metal)

Note that of those, four (Serbia--being last year's winner, France, the UK, and Spain) are automatically finalists.

So anyhow, I guess I need to try to figure out what the hell is wrong with my computer. But, I'm still looking forward to Saturday even though Belgium is gone.

The potluck is well underway although I still don't know what to bring. Maybe drinks or fruit or something. Oleya is making lasagna and she has baklava. I mean, that is already a ton of food. So yeah, probably grapes and tea or something. How should I know? I'm bad at potluck.

EDIT:



What is wrong with this? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. Europe fails.

Ayn Rand on My Life

"It is the subtler manifestations of the anti-conceptual mentality that are more tragic and harder to deal with. ...the products of modern education who do not like the nature of what they feel, but have never learned to think."

-from "The Missing Link" in Philosophy: Who Needs It

Italics mine. Isn't this what I've been saying all along? This book is validating. Maybe some would argue that's a bad thing. So far, though, I'm sort of admiring the way she is ripping everyone else to tiny stringy tatters of bullshit. I know lots of what she says isn't really very well...accepted. Err in any case, I'm going to go on and find out more about that. Point being, all the stuff she has said so far makes an incredible amount of sense, more than I knew she made. I haven't really read her since my freshman year of high school and if I don't know how to think now I certainly hadn't the faintest idea back then. POINT being, I'm curious to see if there gets to be a time when I can feel myself starting to disagree with what she's saying. Certainly she puts things very strongly, but that's one thing I've never been able to do, so maybe it's time to take cues. It's tricky business.

Anyways, let's have some haters. Convince me we're both wrong.

Finally some tennis

After having my mom lug out my rackets etc from Wisconsin last AUGUST, I finally finally FINALLY played some tennis yesterday. The balls were a little flat, but Koji's friend Martin, Oleya, and I had fun anyhow. I wish I could afford lessons, but hopefully just by playing more I'll improve.

Other than that it's been mostly work and some high anticipation of moving to my new place. I can't wait to live in the Mission, within walking distance of all sorts of awesome places. I liked Glen Park a lot more than I thought I would, but having Dolores Park, a tennis court two blocks away, my favorite taqueria, the pie shop...so exciting! Plus I'll be near my friends.........and I won't have to deal with living in someone else's house anymore. Or at least, even though I'm living in someone else's house it'll be more as an equal and less as a mouse in a the back of the apt.

Gearing up for Eurovision on Saturday. Should be tons 'o fun. At least, I'm hoping. We'll have to see who makes it out of the two (!!) semi-finals. I wonder if Ireland will...

ZOMG I have a house!

OFFICIALLY I am moving in with Josh of EA and Cupid fame this June. Also, I should be asleep right now, but...

I AM MOVING!!! W00t.

And not to a place that I can put up with, but a place I will actually like. So excited.

I really gotta sleep, though. I hope everything is really going as my way as I think it is.

ZOMG my computer is online

This feels great!! Brought to you by Louis and Aislinn.

I can't really post now, though. And I know my study blog is all old and sadfaced. It's because work is getting verrrry busy and exciting! So I haven't got the time right now : / Lots of things to do. But uhmmmm I'm really looking forward to spending some more time with my new study aids etc.

And thinking about Japanese things.

Oleya and I have been watching Jubei-chan. I guess I will finally be compelled to buy the last disk (not that it wasn't compelling, I think I was just broke). We'll have to see it! Two weeks!

Wheeeeeee!!

I had the saddest excuse for a brat tonight...

Yeah, I'll just wait until I go back home sometime. Pleh! I think maybe following the herd to Burger King would've been BETTER, if you can imagine. We saw Speed Racer! It was me and some IGN catz. A pretty fun time, overall. I guess in the case of a voucher the theater picks up the differece? My coupon was for $7.50, and admission was $10.50, but I didn't pay a dime, even though I offered the girl at the register three dollars. Sweet!

Now I'm freezing my ass off back here at home. Was pretty wired after the movie, so I decided to run with it and have some soda and pb crackers. Gonna watch some anime... Just dabbled in an episode of Lucky Star today and I may have to continue. It's some goooooood shit, and also really good listening practice, if the first episode is any indication. They speak about normal things, so I can understand a lot.

BRRR!!! I'm looking at a studio in the Mission this weekend. I really hope that if it is good I can move in. Available as of the 15th. That is perfect! Other news include some new jobbage writing manuals for EA (*_*) annnnnd applying to the best of my ability to the 1Up previews intern spot (which yes...is what I applied for in the first place...)

The first first place.

Been sort of nostalgic lately.

All the more reason to drown myself in anime until I get either too sleepy or too damned cold ;D

Epic scramble defeated

I had a chill evening with myself. First I watched Adam's Rib--an odd choice, I know, all Battle of the Sexes. I'm going to refrain from thinking about it too much because it was supposed to be me relaxing and not thinking. I just grabbed it since I was in the mood for something old. I have some other movies I got from the library, too. Free = yes.

Then I played some GTAIV.

Finally, I studied some Japanese.

I guess then I got really cold and sleepy, so now I'm on the computer.

I really...REALLY need to move. Sounds like I am totally assigned Age of Conan, which means I NEED Internet--like a banshee. And not just Internet on the landlord's slow and soon to be split THREE ways computer, but on my awesome languishing PC in the other room. Or I just need to leave immediately. I e-mailed some people with an in-law studio in the neighborhood, sounds really great, but I haven't heard back. Crossing my fingers...

Oh blah

Well, my interview was teh fail.

It took place yesterday and I didn't even get a follow-up interview. WHICH is fine. I just need to make more money doing what I'm doing, I guess.

Visiting with Koji's dad was cool, I guess. Sometimes they got in fights at 6:30 am and woke me up, but sometimes he took us out for food, so I guess the trade off was worth it.

Although, I've been eating out too much lately.

So today is going to be my last hurrah for a while (like two days, probably, hurr) in terms of eating out. Ian and his gf are coming up from Santa Cruz for an afternoon of gaming entertainment. We were going to have tasty pizza for lunch, but I guess it will have to be for dinner..........

mlah.

I got half of my Japanese study stuff in the mail, which is cool. The books. They will be discussed in the study blog.

Other than that...Speed Racer comes out next weekend, and since I have a voucher for $7.50, I'm totally going. Probably by myself, which sounds nice. I really like going ot movies alone and I haven't done it in... ... ... ...QUITE a while.

Breakfast and other news

Koji's dad arrived today. We ended up putting off breakfast until he got here because Koji was having a spat with a wasp in his bedroom. Like really freaking out about it, so it took extra time to get out the door.

We ate at possibly one of the slowest diners in the world. I guess because it's really the only one out here, but holy cow. So busy and I swear there must've been like one guy in the back making all the food. I had buckwheat pancakes with an egg and bacon. At least the food was delicious when it finally showed up.

The "other news" is that I just submitted my application to teach for Amity...again. This is the same place I applied last year, but if I get an interview this time I will really do it and hopefully be accepted. I guess the part of the first part is right, as usual, and I'm starting to feel better about the idea. And, you know, all that have adventures while you're young bs. I guess there's no better time for it.

No better time than right now! In the meantime, I'm havnig adventures in the new Pokemon Mystery Dungeon game...for work ;D Luckily I'm in a streak of good games, so despite all the crazy stress that looking for a house caused, I'm doing ok. What's nice is that I don't have to worry about anything, jobs or whatever, until I find out about Japan. Of course, now that I've commited myself to the idea of going to Japan, watch as someone finally offers me a job or I just don't get accepted or something stupid like that, heh. YOU KNOW IT WILL HAPPEN.

Another day

So, Koji's dad is coming over today. Koji told me yes when I asked "Monday" (I had the day wrong--today is the 27th) I am a little less than prepared. I'm glad I cleaned my room yesterday! Right now we are supposed to go out for breakfast, but if he is not here in like five minutes I'm going to just eat pb and j or something. I'm too hungry in the morning to screw around waiting (and he already flaked on me for dinner two nights in a row.)

Ah, here he is. FOOD.

Too emo to blog

Yeah, nothing I write today is going to be anything besides utter bullshit. You'll all just have to wait till my life gets sorted out.

My door broke

So much for The Great Hinge. Now it's more like dangingly by a pube.

Was that vulgar? I dunno, string seems too substantial to describe my situation.

The party of the first part thinks I should go to Japan, which is really a fine idea, I suppose. It's a little awkward reapplying after turning down an interview last year, but maybe it'll work out.

I keep on writing a thousand emolicious things and then deleting them! Awesome! This blog entry is like waves on a beach. It flows down the page and then retreats.

I went out to a rough 'n tumble neighborhood today to see an apt. It was a brand new studio. Very small, but just perfect for my purposes. I need a stronghold and it seems to be that. One room with kitcheny equipment in a corner, a tiny bathroom off one side. It's like a mini-fortress of work efficiency just waiting for me to stack papers and videogame disks all over it. Probably can't afford it, though.

It's probably true that Japan holds more opportunity than even trying to live in that studio would, though.

...

Oh, am I still writing this blog? I should be working or doing something constructive. Or at least posting this. Instead I seem to be...updating my bookshelf on facebook...

*face plant*

I'm sensing a little bit of burnout, but it's OKAY. Do not be alarmed. Just go to bed.

Launch of the study blog

OH LOOK, my old template.

I missed it. That, and I wanted to use the other one for my new study blog that I am in fact, going to start...

How not to suck at Japanese

I considered very seriously trying to find the site I once started (for like two posts) a blog in Japanese that had cute pancake eating mascots on it, but decided to keep things accessible, which means piling at least most of my blogs in one place, i.e. here at Blogger.

If this turns out to be a bad idea I will just scrap it.

Hopefully it won't be. I still haven't decided where I will post Japan-related things that are not necessarily about studying. I may just throw all Japan related goodness over there and leave this for my other pursuits, but it's getting a little silly.

Why split at all? Ostensibly, it will organize content for my imagined readers. Maybe it will organize it for myself. Hopefully it will also motivate me to study more. If I blog here everyday it doens't have to have anything to do with Japanese and I can just ramble about how I had bacon, cheddar, green onion pancakes for breakfast with Oleya and her boyfriend Glen, BUT if I blog there it has to be J-something at least, so to be a GOOD BLOGGER I would need to be REGULARLY J-somethinging.

Errrr and now it's time to go watch Ghostbuster movies with Andrew and Heather! Although I will probably pop into my other blog first to make sure there is at least one post...there...now...

How inapplicable my title is

I know, I know, I should just start a new study blog.

I've been toying with the idea.

God knows I need another blog to not update. Except I would update! I really would. In fact I'd update everyday after studying. It's probably a terrific way to cap the experience...

the experience of studying.

To further enhance my study experience I have made two purchases, which I fully expect to be far more successful than past similar purchases.

1. The uber version of Kakitori-kun.

2. Japanese Graded Readers Level 1 - Volume 1 (w/CD), which, admit it, you totally knew I would buy.

This comes as a direct result of receiving recently in the mail $270 dollars I had not counted on seeing ever again. Obviously these things did not cost me $270 dollars, so I still make money on the deal.

Thankfully, I also make Japanese study materials that I feel will benefit me GREATLY, in fact, to a ridiculous degree.

Expect full impressions soon after they arrive, which won't be for at least a couple weeks.

Next time I get money I wasn't expecting, I'm buying this.

Until then, someone please invite me to live in an empty room in their San Francisco flat? I'm such a good roomie.

Also, now all we need is one of these:

only with American lit, British lit, Russian lit, translated Japanese lit, and...as many lits as we can fit. Someone get on that.

Ready, Set, Tax Day

I think this is the worst day of my life that didn't have to do with love and boys. That's still probably not true, but GOOD GOD tax day is hellish. I suppose it's my own fault for not being quite as prepared as I could've been, but can you ever be truly prepared for your very fist tax day?

Yes, I know you can. Leave me alone.

I was going to try to start the defrazzlement by getting a much needed haircut, but the neighborhood place wanted to charge me 45 dollars. That is ricockulous, and thus, I stay shaggy. I looked at the internet for a little while, but something tells me I will end up back with my newly borrowed copy of Cat's Cradle on the couch in the other room for a bit before I start working again. Or rather, start working at all, for today.

Not to say that I haven't accomplished smallish sporadic necessities, but the big job of the day has been deferred due to, yes, unmitigated tax hell. Actually, it appears I like to lie today, because it was mitigated greatly. My dad did most of my taxes. All I had to do was get the pre-pay for the first quarter of this year in and speed off my W-2 from the one employment I had this year. Those two tasks, however, managed to take up the majority of my day, requiring TWO trips downtown instead of one, but again that is my fault.

I think rather than blaming tax day, we had rather blame my ineptitude in dealing with it. And with that, I hope the rest of the week proves far more successful than the past two days. Good evening!

Chet Baker (and the shit)

He's dreamy. If there were an old Looney Toon with him as the crooning rooster, all the hens would be on the floor so fast. For some reason I knew before I even read about him that his life would be a mess with drugs etc. Wikipedia does have some very nice things to say, though, description wise. I think they hit the nail on the head with words like, "melancholy" and "intimiate." Whether he's singing, or playing, he's one of my favorites.

Annnnd in other news, the week was very busy and workful, which only means the weekend will be moreso. Embargo'd events are great, but then you realize you haven't REALLY even done the work yet, even though you'd been busy. The work is only just stating.

I'm going to see Thao with The Get Down Stay Down tonight, as planned. It'll be my last hurrah. Funny, I feel as though I've said this before. But this time I mean it because there is literally no other way. I have to move out of this apt asap and to do that I will have to actually pay rent. Which means...I have to just work my ass off and see if it's possible. If it's not, then I guess I might have to take a huge step back and get a job. How stupidly depressing. I don't need my career to crumble and fall to its knees. That's one thing that I felt was going well, but I guess it's not REALLY going well unless you can afford what you need, and a few things you want. I'm not really affording anything right now. I was asked the other day how I can have so many people wanting me to write for them and still be so incredibly broke. The answer to that is probably student loans, but I dunno anymore. Hopefully adding all this new work will make things better, but I still have to physically have time to do enough work.

Also, this is secretly depressing because I know if I were amazing at features I could be getting paid more. If I were selling witty orginal articles instead of reviews...

Windy

Is it really that much windier here or is it just all the trees that make so much noise? And the chimney? I think this is shaping up to be a long week. Let's investigate:

Yesterday, a decent day. I actually was even sort of productive. I also ate take-out Chinese food from that stupidly convenient place across from the BART station. In fact, I had the leftovers for lunch today and it's still tasty. Cheesy crab puffs stood in for rangoons, and even though they are so horrible (and these in particular were nothing special at all--like everything that seems to be served at this place) they are sort of nostalgic. They remind me of eating at that buffet in O-town... Plus, cream cheese and crab just tastes good. Stayed up too late punking online after I got home from being out and about, then Koji woke me up with all his bumping around this morning, but whatever.

Today started out slow and has kept on being slow. I'm working on my next review, which I really should just keep doing, as opposed to blogging...

Tomorrow I have some work in the afternoon that will get me out of the house. I'll also have dinner with Andrew, which will be nice since I haven't seen him in a while. I like working with people sometimes, and it'll be fun to tag-team with him.

Thursday will be...a big long day of...something. Work, I imagine. Bunches. Yeah, this whole week will be work. I think that's ok. Maybe something fun'll happen. If I get paid I still want to go see Thao with The Get Down Stay Down on Saturday.

Annnnnd I have to share the computer now. This was terribly unenlightening. To make up for it, a vocabulary word:

ほぼ (hobo) almost, roughly, approximately

More on the rickroll

Ahh, you know the cure for ANY song that is stuck in your head? A good rickroll or two! It's great to know that I will never be upset when this happens to me. I'm sure there are other 'rolls that would annoy my socks into outer space, but this one I can handle (as long as there is still relevant information SOMEWHERE...could you imagine if all actual topical content was replaced with rickroll links?) Anyways, after hanging out with Louis this weekend and singing the song every five minutes, I remembered he had quoted an interview with Rick Astley. I had been meaning to look for one, but it had totally slipped my mind.

Too cool! The only thing better than his comments about the meme and everything are the comments on the article, some of which suggest he perform a live rickroll at one of the Scientology protests. HOW AMAZING WOULD THAT BE?????? Could you imagine? Honestly, I sort of hope that happens. I don't expect it to, but holy cow XD

Secondly, read this article. I laughed my brains out at the end. Like really. It was almost hard to decide which one I liked better, but the LA Times blog wins out...obviously. Still!!! HURR!!! ZOMG!!!

Wherein I steal a widget

There is no news!

I am reviewing some stupidly easy kanji and and gonna play some more crummy game, maybe, at some point. Later on I will hang out with the Smash Bro (whose name is Louis, but is in my phone as Smash Bro since there is already a Louis in my phone and we play the game.)

I steal widgets from people.

You'll notice I also added some links, though not half as many as I had before. That was sort of the plan, to slim it down. I'm having trouble deciding what I should have, how to organize it, etc. I'm going to add one right after this post, actually, but it won't make the list make any more sense. That's ok.

*EDIT* I added two. Also, Blogger should steal Netflix's way of queuing. It's really a pain in the neck to change the order of the list in here once you start amassing some links.

The "new" blog

This is not a new blog, obviously, since you're still here at the same url. I upgraded from "template" to "layout" finally, though, and scrapped all my sidebar links. I miss my old skin, but, you know, upheaval. I'm sort of somewhat considering commissioning a custom header or entire everything once I am not poor. I dunno from who. If you have any suggestions, feel free. Mother II has been suggested. I could see an anime collage. I could also see something remarkably like the way it looks now, only with a different header. I like the colors blue and orange together. (Way to go, Blogger!) If you know anyone who designs Blogger templates in their free time...or...

Yeah whatever. So it looks different (crappy?) for now. The sidebar links will come back, and they will be links to places I actually go often enough to remember the address, so word to that. I'm still not tagging.

For the moment, I just need to WORK.

Eurovision Errata

A reader (!!) has pointed out that Belgium actually won second place in 2003 (with their other made-up language song) and Turkey took first. This is not hard to do since even the link I left contains the correct information. I'm not vain enough to believe they've edited the copy since last week, so I must've read it wrong. Thus, here is the clarification post!

TURKEY - Sertab Erener - Everyway That I Can



BELGIUM - Urban Trad - Sanomi



2003 is the year before I started watching, so it's a good history lesson. For the record, the song from Turkey wouldn't have made it anywhere near my list (unless the rest of that year was just...worse somehow, but I don't have time to dig through it all right now) but Belgium may have.

For comparison, we already know what Belgium is doing this year (<3), but how about...

TURKEY - Mor Ve Otesi - Deli



I actually approve of this, too. I mean, regardless of whether the lyrics are any good, the melody is one of the best this year. It probably should've been in my top ten, but you know, fucking Dustin the Turkey or whoever. You're seeing it now!

In conclusion, 2003 was not as awesome as 2008, and Turkey did somehow win, not Belgium.

Top Ten To Watch: Eurovision '08 - Part V (FINALE!)

So here are my two top picks. Not that it couldn't have been another order, because it was. I changed it a thousand times, haha! Anyhow, let's roll'em:

2. FINLAND - Teräsbetoni - Missä Miehet Ratsastaa

I know I said the French guy rocked, but what I meant is that these guys do--with guitars and viking screams.



So, is Finland going to win again? They totally broke the show with Lordi in '06. I had actually forgotten that, but they won hardcore.



Ok, so this band isn't dressed up as hellspawn, but I think this song is way better. It's just really catchy. Finland has leapt up the list because every time I listen to it I like it more and more and MOAR. Also, their lead singer is kind of handsome in an, "I can't believe that huge manly voice is coming out of such a mild mannered young lad!" sort of way. It's gonna be fun to see them live.

...

(!)

(!!)

1. BELGIUM - Ishtar - O Julissi

My initial notes: "Oh, this is awesome. Pretty harmony, good beat, awesome. Acoustic. Woodwinds and a strum. This is very nice. I want them to win!!!! Thank you, thank you, Belgium. This is beautiful."



I just found out it's in a made up language. That only makes it cooler! Apparently, Belgium won *EDIT* second place in '03 with a song in a made up language. So, go figure, maybe it's a successful formula.



Mostly I just love the way this is so light-hearted and happy. I also can't help but think how it could be used to devastating effect in one of those looping memes...lol.

Anyhow, now we just get to settle down and wait. Less than two months! I really hope all my tops make it this year. Last time quite a few got cut : / Not like you can't watch the semi-final videos, but any of these that get cut probably (but not necessarily) mean one more lame ballad to sit through. Anyways, make sure to check out all the awesome/ridiculous videos I posted, and if you're curious, you can always go check out the rest, too.

Finally, I think I might actually have a party this year. Plans are in motion. If you want to join via AIM, I think we're going to have a chat room ;D so let me know! May 24th!!! Can't wait!!!

Media Lounge | Part: I II III IV | Thanks for reading :D

The Most Dangerous Cooking Battle

[as embellished slightly from the original facebook photo album, even though I took the pictures for this blog]

Live Action Club was cancelled this evening, and since I had a non-negative amount of money in the bank for the first time in nearly two weeks, I set out for the grocery store to procure the items necessary for chili. Last time Oleya and I made the recipe, so we tweaked it to include things like fake meat and vegetarian broth. This time I looked for venison, found buffalo, but ultimately decided on lean beef (because the buffalo looked really bloody). Walking home from the store was A PAIN because there were many heavyish cans of things, and other groceries besides just chili ingredients, such as a carton of grapefruit juice.

Here is me finally getting started cooking:



You can see I was anxious to get on with it, and a little upset at the onion. Actually, I ended up mincing the garlic first, which made my fingers very sticky. Garlic is so sticky!

Then there was this horrible issue with my can opener. Or maybe the cans. Either way a titanic battle was waged wherein my finger lost:



Can you tell which cans were the bastards?



I only got cut on the first big one. I was using a spoon to pry and it slipped : / I've actually never been cut by a can before, I don't think. 22.5 years! Gah! So it goes. I used a knife to pry the other one and that worked better. I was worried my can opener (which I just bought the LAST time we made chili, only a couple weeks ago) was busted, but two of the four cans opened fine. Maybe something is wrong with my technique.

I think this is actually before I put the spices in, but we'll pretend this is the pre-simmer finale:



The real finale:



After I cooked it for about an hour or so, I decided that it was good enough and grabbed a scoop, dressed it with cheese (although not as fancy a variety as I would have liked), and added a couple slices of stupidly delicious sourdough. Yes, that's the computer desk in the background. Now you know what my life is like!!! (Just like yours! ;D) <3 Internet. <3 Food. The day was not a total failure.

Top Ten To Watch: Eurovision '08 - Part IV

Is it Thursday already?? Can it just be May now?

4. BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA - Laka - Pokušaj

This song is actually pretty awesome, despite the weirdness. It grows on you the more you listen to it, I think. As I was revising my list it jumped quite a few places.



I'm not sure what is up with the semi-undead aesthetic, but here is my favorite bit from the lyrics:

I will try to kiss you and you act stupid
I will try to kiss you and you act stupid
I will try to kiss you and you act stupid
I will try to wake you up and you pretend to be awake

3. FRANCE - Sébastien Tellier - Divine

This is the song that sounds closet to something that I would listen to normally. In fact, I'm liable to look him up in a minute.



It's got some sort of indie retro flavor, got "doots" and "bops" and synth. I also really like the video. The Jesus in huge sunglasses look I could do without, but, you know...



the music is good--that's what matters! I do really like the video, too, how he's chucking the microphone between (or past!) all of him...selves. I'd be surprised if he wins, but he rocks all the same.

Media Lounge | Part: I II III | The EXCITING CONCLUSION tomorrow!!

The pepper in my cookies

Today I hung out for the second time with Louis. We baked walnut and chocolate chunk cookies that also included a bit of white pepper. I feel we (by which I mean "I," since I was the one measuring dry ingredients) may have put a bit too much of the pepper in. It's a rather strong flavor of pepper, but Louis seemed to think they were fine, which is good because he's had them before and also because he paid for the ingredients. So we did that and then we watched Harold and Maude, one of my favorite movies! His roommate was also present, and she prepared homemade vegetarian tacos and saw the movie with us even though she had just watched it last night. Lastly, there was some Smash Bros.

So, moving backwards from that, I was in the Mission feeding Oleya's rats and when I checked her mail (which is now my mail as well, for those keeping track) I found I had been paid! Of course, I finally get a check on the day my dad puts money in my account. It figures. But hey, I can afford more toothpaste now. I've been squeezing this tube to its death for over a week now.

I had tacos with meat in them (one carne asada, one chicken) at La Taqueria to celebrate. I have heard often of the greatness of their meat, but am so addicted their vegetarian burrito with the addition of avocado (and I'm usually there to split food with Oleya) so I hadn't tried it yet. Actually, meat is quite expensive. The vegetarian stuff is much cheaper and just as delicious. It's good for a splurgey-type thing.

What else happened today? Well...I had a lazy morning, which was fine. Just punked around on the net. I'm excited about more involved in previews at GamePro--they are sending me to an event April...9th? I haven't been e-mailed the details yet and the date escapes me right now. I'm just happy to go. All I have on my plate right now is a (sort of crummy) DS game and an import preview of Time Hollow (also DS). I remember seeing a big booth for that at TGS, but I didn't pay attn. Maybe I should have! Actually, soon I'll be starting Opoona for Otaku USA, so that will rock.

OH, I remember the other thing. I spent like 15 minutes hanging out with a bored GameStop employee. It was sort of nice to talk randomly about games. Ended up confessing my profession. I guess I generally do, when I'm having a conversation with someone. It feels sort of awkward not to, and it establishes that I know about games (to some extent) without a whole lot of rambling. That said, telling them almost feels against the rules somehow, like there's this game we play where I have to go in there and buy games without them realizing that it's either for work, or an after-work treat, or research, or you know, whatever. I wonder how other people feel on this topic.

I'm cold and it's like 1:30, so I guess I can go to bed now!!! Been staying up so much later, lately, but there is no incentive to waking up early for me. Work doesn't even start until 10 really for most of my colleagues, and since I commute to the living room it's not a huge deal. Also, it's not like they need me much...it'll be so nice to be needed in an office someday :D To have my presence requested... *daydream*

No! Night dream! Lights out, kids.

Top Ten To Watch: Eurovision '08 - Part III

Official Facebook Page! Comin'atcha!

6. United Kingdom - Andy Abraham - Even If

This has a very classic, old school feel to it. A little bit of funk or soul or something. I like it!



On the one hand, it's sort of a cheesy love song, but on the other hand it's a positive one, not a "you're so far away" or "get the hell away from me how did I like you." Also, I think it almost goes beyond being cliché since it's a throwback to begin with. Groovy!

5. MOLDOVA - Geta Burlacu - A Century Of Love



Lyrics are not the strong point here, but it's a very nice song to listen to--jazzy, trumpet, a little vocalese, harmony. The bubbles in the video are a cute touch!

Media Lounge | Part: I II | 4 and 3 tomorrow!

EDIT: I don't know where those pictures went! They were there earlier...so bizarre. Anyways, you'll still be able to find the videos, so I'm just gonna leave it. I can't re-upload the pix again because I don't have them anymore and I really don't fee like doing them over right now : /

Oh dude, this is awesome...

That's what I get for being productive? REALLY? So on Monday I wrote all my Eurovision entries for the week, since I was on a roll. Apparently the day you draft them is the day they will get published, even though it is no longer that day, resulting in my entries being buried before they even go up. That is so AWESOME x_x Scroll back to Monday to check them out!! : /

*EDIT* Someone smart has informed me that I should [quit being stupid and] copy-paste into a new post!!! Yay for actually using your brain! I love people who do that.

*EDIT* Even better! In the course of attempting to use MY OWN brain, I have discovered the option to change the post date and time. Three cheers for not knowing how to use your blog after how many years?

AIM Express Continues To Suck

Well, yesterday I thought I had finally got it working. The landlord's pop-up blocker was defeated, and I broke through to the AIM universe after weeks of silence. Unfortunately, everytime I try to log in now there is some sort of error. Figures it would happen the day after I finally get online.

Got some more work for this week, though, so at least that's nice and the people who pay me over at GamePro called to confirm my new address, so I gave them Oleya's. Hopefully that means money will come soon! Whoo...ooooooooooooo...

oo.

Top Ten To Watch: Eurovision '08 - Part II

43 participants this year! Therefore, double semi-final! Whaaaaat? More hype than you can handle!!! Here are my next two picks:

8. SPAIN - Rodolfo Chikilicuatre - Baila El Chiki Chiki

I don't even know what to say about this one, it's so geeky!! I was tempted to list it higher, but you know, the order for this isn't terribly important--I could rearrange it all day, but then it'd never get posted.



So this comedian guy with the fake hair and huge dorky glasses dances like a total nerd with female back-up. I totally approve.

7. LATVIA - Pirates of the Sea - Wolves of the Sea

Last year we had vampires, so it's only natural to have pirates this year!



As you can see, they are not kidding. Actually, they're singing this manic, thumping, synthy dance song. Take care with this one, because it's too damned easy to get stuck in your head. "With a hi hi ho and a hi hi hay..."

Media Lounge | Part: I | 6 and 5 tomorrow!

Ton Ten To Watch: Eurovision '08 - Part I

5 days in a week, so that's 2 per day. It's Monday, so we're starting now! I actually ended up watching ALL the original preview movies last night, so I have a very good understanding of what we're in for. Filling in the bottom slots of my countodown was sort of challenging. Why not include the crazy guys from Azerbaijan dressed as an angel and devil singing in crazy voices that include some piercing high notes, or the Estonian comedy act? Well! That, my friends, is because there were actually some ballads that didn't suck.

As much as most ballads, heh.

While the Swiss ballad was sung by a guy with a nice voice, the lyrics left a lot to be desired, namely SUBSTANCE. The message that the world is a bad place so we need to escape back into childlike ignorance and bliss is pretty faulty if you ask me. Instead...

10. SERBIA - Jelena Tomašević feat. Bora Dugic - Oro


Serbia won last year, which is why the event is being held in Belgrade! This year, they entered a very pretty ethnic ballad, which is way better than some unaffecting "save the world" ballad or "oh my love come back to me" ballad. Also, I may just be a sucker for part that goes, "Nuna ney, nuna nuna nuna nuna nuna ney."

9. IRELAND - Dustin the Turkey - Irelande Douze Pointe


This is one of those you have to watch just because of the sheer insanity. It's basically a gag song wherein the turkey puppet (visible there with the bright purple...beak?) and his female accomplice sing out to all the nations to put whatever beef they may have against Ireland aside, and that they want their 12 points (the highest you can award). You will laugh, but then you'll be like, ok, where's the real entry? That said, massive applause for not putting out a crappy love ballad or a girl with no clothes singing a "come 'n get it" europop thing.

Keep in mind that you can view all these videos on the official media lounge page! For my 8 and 7 you can wait until tomorrow!!

Anatomy of a Rickroller OR How I learned to stop worrying and love that song

The follow is a Rick Astley music video and a lightly edited version of a conversation a colleague and I had today regarding...

THE RICKROLL:



ruususokkusu (01:06:22 pm): you know
ruususokkusu (01:06:31 pm): i've never been rickrolled
ruususokkusu (01:06:36 pm): so today
ruususokkusu (01:06:44 pm): i rickrolled myself
jotaku (01:06:47 pm): hahah
jotaku (01:07:00 pm): on purpose?
ruususokkusu (01:07:01 pm): and...the thing is...this song? I used to really like this song in like 4th grade ;D
ruususokkusu (01:07:12 pm): also
jotaku (01:07:18 pm): I used to like it, too. I used to think a big, burly black guy sang it
ruususokkusu (01:07:35 pm): his music video reminds me of my friend's music videos, only less trippy
ruususokkusu (01:07:45 pm): like the way he is just dancing around singing by himself mostly?
ruususokkusu (01:08:26 pm): but yeah, you're right about the burly black guy syndrome
jotaku (01:08:37 pm): it's very strange!
jotaku (01:08:46 pm): I'm lucky I didn't actually see the video as a young lad
ruususokkusu (01:08:48 pm): if someone ELSE were singing it, i think it'd probably be even better
jotaku (01:08:52 pm): I might have been confused beyond belief
ruususokkusu (01:08:55 pm): hahaha
ruususokkusu (01:09:18 pm): I think maybe everyone is just insecure because they can't make the kind of commitment this guy can!! ;p
jotaku (01:09:24 pm): haha
ruususokkusu (01:09:35 pm): Everyone is so keen on giving everyone else up that they can't stand it, so they have to make fun.
jotaku (01:09:51 pm): he is NEVER gonna give you up
ruususokkusu (01:09:55 pm): Do you mind if put this convo in a blog post? ;D
jotaku (01:10:15 pm): haha do it!
ruususokkusu (01:10:22 pm): Oh, I totally will!

Let's have a tongue-in-cheek discussion about this.

Eurovision '08 - The Hype Starts Now!

Yeah, I'm gonna do my Top Ten To Watch again this year. The first round of preview videos is all up as of Friday, so I'll be going through them starting tonight, I guess, and we'll see how long it takes. I guess it depends whether I want to sleep or not ;D

For fond memories of last year's Top Ten, check here and here.

My dream from 2 nights ago!

I forgot to post about this.

Incidentally, I just checked out my blog entry from FOUR years ago, today. FOUR YEARS! I was a freshman in college and now I've been out for a year. Wowowowowow. It's in a secret blog. My early blogging days were wayyyyyyyy emo. Way. It's BAD. I think I may even have poetry on there. Ugh!

Anyways, I saw a dream I had 4 years ago and it made me remember to post this one.

BECAUSE

I got shot! Twice! In the leg. I was in this sketchy (generic) neighborhood, entering a house, when suddenly someone threw firebombs through the window. It was some sort of gang war starting, so people were shooting and I managed to get caught twice in the leg. Then suddenly I was with some police and one of them was this exceedingly good-looking fellow--no one I know, just dreamscape-- with the most awesome soft-yet-styled-in-a-messy-way, short cropped black hair, turning silver gray. He wasn't really old enough for that, like maybe 30. So top that off with a uniform and then top me off with him because when I was injured on the floor, and for some reason freezing my brains out (shock, maybe? Although it was very coherent of me in the dream to think that maybe I was going into shock) he hugged me and kept me toasty till the medics arrived. Definitely one of the best dream "physical" contact moments I've ever had, despite, you know, being shot up in the leg.

Later there was still a war going, and I was screaming at everyone to, "Get down!" Like my mom, and some other people, some cops. Too much shooting. Anyways, then someone throw grenades at me anyhow, so being on the ground was no good either. I think that's when I woke up.

It's too bad, because there was a lot more to this dream, but I guess it's better to have a brilliant recollection of the best part than a vague idea of what happened overall. At least in this case!

Easter candy and a funny Kimagure Orange Road

Last night I stayed up late to check out some anime, like I said. The first episode of Zoku Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei was great, so I'm looking forward to seeing what else is in store. They bring you up to speed some what and still introduce another character!

Then this morning I got up, popped a couple jelly beans while breakfast cooked. I made a Sharkey-style egg (it's buried in that link...) and had some blueberry smoothie, and topped it off with a Reese's peanut butter egg. That's pretty much the extent of Easter this year for me. I mean, I'm sure I'll talk to some of my family on the phone, but it's not like I actually celebrate it, and I don't get to see anyone or have an awesme brunch. Actually, the food I had wasn't bad, but I cooked the egg and toast a little too hot. Out of practice : /

So then of course, what I do next is watch some Sunday morning cartoons. I have to fill you in on episode 26 of Kimagure Orange Road. It's just too goofy at the end. The basic plot is that Kasuga and Ayukawa are fighting over something stupid (as they sometimes do). For background all you really need to know is that Kasuga likes Ayukawa but Hikaru likes him, and Kasuga's family has psychic powers.

Anyways, Kazuya, Kasuga's telepathic cousin, has lately moved in next door so he's been featuring a lot recently. This time Kazuya tells Kasuga that if they switch places he'll be able to read Madoka's mind. Since Kasuga is a total loser, he thinks this sounds great, so he lets the kid bonk him in the head:



Of course, Kasuga gets screwed because Kazuya takes his mind and his telepathic powers with it into his body and goes off to have fun with his self-proclaimed girlfriend, Hikaru. They see a movie that clips in and out throughout the episode paralleling the plot, but it's hilarius since it's supposed to be an American movie. A super cheesy romance with fast cars XD In this shot he's feeding her some bullshit line about how the movie (in the drive-in within a drive-in) is turning into a comedy due to the ketchup on her nose, awww:



Is that supposed to be cute? He kisses her, anyways, which is something you'll need to remember for later.

So while Kazuya-Kasuga is off with Hikaru falling asleep at the lame movie, Kasuga-Kazuya, while not achieving telepathy, does achieve this:



which, I mean, they're in middle school, so that's about all he can really hope for despite all the references to "adult" relationships.

Kasuga has had enough now, so he goes back to meet Kazuya at the park where they exchnaged minds, but Kazuya still wants his shot at Ayukawa. He nearly gets it by using that cheesy movie scene! Ayukawa wasn't quite falling for it, but...



in any case,Kasuga races over to the AbCb (Abakabu--I wish this place were in my neighborhood) and teleports through the window to smash heads again just in time.

During his frantic race down the hill, Ushiko and Umao make their expected appearance, pulling their typical Romeo and Juliet nonsense--they always have a non sequitur cameo. This time they're on a bike, and Umao is looking particularly cute in his suit:



Anyways, so things go back to normal at the end after the two guys bash heads and change minds again. Kasuga in his regular body accidentally walks in on Ayukawa changing, and since he isn't a cute little preschooler this time, he gets a slap in the face. The whole point of this whole summary is so you have the context of this one great shot--the movie parallel to Kasuga's real life metaphorical crash 'n burn. The voice over really makes it, because the delivery is fakey sing-song and apathetic, but you can also read the text:


I laughed and laughed and laughed. "Carol's youthful days came to an end." I can't tell if they spelled "Carol" right or not, but it doesn't matter because I've never heard of a boy named Carol (although apparently there was at least one?)

So yeah, I always appreciate context, before stripping it for a meme. I would love if this were a meme. Yahahahaha.

Anyhow...

I think that's all I got. I didn't mean to make such a production number out of it XD but that last screen is just too much.

Happy Easter!! Or something!

Thing and Events and Such and Such

Looking back through your Wii calendar is pretty much exactly like looking through old blog posts. All sorts of old memories, parades of new Miis smacking their first Wii Sports tennis ball, etc. For some reason mine has blanked out on the entire month of November and most of October. There's this gaping stretch of blank space which I know isn't supposed to be there becase I was too playing Wii games during that time. I reviewed some, even, so I know I was using my Wii. I wonder what made it forget.

Today I did go to J-town to play Go. We sat at a big table and I drank a can of Orangina. For some reason it seemed like the right thing to order, althogh I bet his iced tea was also tasty. The session was pretty much like a private lesson. I'm psyched! Gary has been playing for a lonnnnnnng time, around 20 years, I think (since he was a kid, basically) so he gave me lots of handicap stones. Anyways, he is really cool and explains all sorts of things. It was my first time playing on a board in real life, especially a full-sized board. I've dabbled before, but never actually sat down to play play. He said I made some really good moves, although he also pointed out some totally useless ones (lack of focus, already dead, etc). We're going to play again in a couple weeks, so I'm going to try to play at least a few times between now and then.

Marc came over and we were going to watch a movie, but instead we grocery shopped and played NES games. Good news is that bread, peanut butter, juice, milk, veggies, and bananas are all re-stocked. Bad news is that for some reason I can't afford even such basic items as these without a helping hand. All my money seems to be amassing behind a curtain somewhere. At the appointed time a white-gloved hand will whip it aside to reveal a pile of mad cash, which will, of course, have to go to loans, "rent", and buying dinner for all my friends who have been spotting me.

Last night I watched the first Naruto movie. Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow! I remember reading an article about this in Otaku USA, but I had long forgotten anything it said. Basically, it's a character drama about this cowardly/bitter actress/princess who, of course, gets an attitude adjustment after meeting the powerhouse of can-doism who is Naruto. I'm not terribly interested in pile-driving through all the Naruto anime, but checking out the OVAs and movies seemed like fun.

The first movie was much better than the OVAs, especially that Konoha sports festival thing. The plot is as follows: Naruto needs to poop, but obstacles keep him from doing so in a socially acceptable manner. The resolution? We are left with the impression that in an extreme emergency, heroes are allowed to make a mess of themselves. Errrrm, right! Is that even funny for the target audience? Is this when I should start shouting, "What is it with guys and poop?" again? Or what?

You know, anime actually sounds really good right now. I think I'll have some and go to bed super late. The thing is, I should be working on this game I'm reviewing, but I'm uber stuck. There is a puzzle and it's one of those that either the answer is what I'm doing, but I'm not doing it perfectly enough for the game to register, thus making me doubtful of the solutoin, orrrrr what I'm doing isn't the answer and it's something even more ridiculous than what I've been trying to do. Either way, at this point (I've been trying to beat this level on-and-off for two days) I feel like it's the game's fault, which is a bummer because up until now I was kinda having an ok time *sigh*

I guess we should call it Cerberus syndrome.

But yeah, anime time. Tomorrow, well, I'm not sure what I'm doing tomorrow. I had wanted to make chili. If any meat eaters I know are reading this and want to front me money for ingredients, come on over and let's do it. If not, well, more work, and OH YEAH, don't let me forget to go visit Oleya's rats ;D

666

The number of the post immediately prior to this. I noticed, that's all! I'm not saying anything!

I meant to say the other day, though, that the bucket drummer shouter/singer fellow who plays around town somehow got a set! He was jamming away on this shiny drum set while I was waiting for the bus. Interesting! He seemed equally adept at actual drums as at buckets.

Today was relatively drama free, which was nice. Worked, had dinner with Oleya, went to live action club, saw Scotty, and now, relaxing with Oleya's iBook, as I often do while she putters around with chores or showers or something. She's going on vacation! But it'll be ok.

Incidentally, I'm very VERY excited because I have made arrangements to play Go this Saturday. How excited am I? VERY VERY EXCITED. I've been wanting to play this game for so long, so it'll be nice. I will probably enjoy it with no small swirl of sad nostalgia, but, you know. So it goes.

Oleya and I will bake more cookies tonight. The rest of the pb ones. I'll wander home again eventually. Etc, etc. Koji is getting much better at playing Fly Me to the Moon. Time marches on!

This just in...

White Rabbit Press to recieve fully all of my disposable (ha!) income from now until the forseeable future. They have FREAKING GRADED READERS!!!! They have FREAKING AUDIO OF JAPANESE FOLKTALES!!!! Maybe I can find a way to survive in San Francisco after all. I'm also looking into lessons. I'd love to trade lessons for babysitting. This would be ideal. I'm crossing my fingers.

ZOMFG

Looking up that despair pic made me wonder if season 2 had started yet.

IT HAS.

CRISIS

Ok, I've been despairing about Japanese (again).

And look at this, Amity is recruiting soon again. Yes, that Amity. I'm tempted to see if they still have my info. Maybe I should fuck off to Japan before it's too late.

But I still want a career. I don't want to leave for a 2 or 3 years, come back, and find that I really have thrown it all away. That would be tragic. I dunno what to do.

How can one goal be better than the other? Why can't you have two lifetime goals? It's not like I want to be a god-- I just want to be a "games journalist" fluent in Japanese. Is that REALLY too much to hope for?

It's been almost a year since I called off my interview. It feels like ten. But no it doesn't. I was thinking that I am almost 23. Even after I have my birthday it will be seven years until I am 30. SEVEN YEARS! And even that isn't old. I wonder how long I will live.

Maybe I really do need to go to Japan. What I said to Oleya is that I would apply if I didn't hear back from the hinge by mid-April (the application date is the 28th), but maybe that is wrong. Maybe I should e-mail them now and ask if I could have an interview this year. And then go to the interview, kick ass, get a job, and go away.

But how am I supposed to walk away from what I have?

What do I have?

Not an apt.
Not a boyfriend.
Not a steady income.

I'd have two of three if I went to Japan. Plus, you know, I'd be in Japan. I could get them here, too, though, and have videogame writing. I could report while in Japan, too, though, maybe. I could take personal days during TGS and write pro-bono stories while in exile.

But I wouldn't be in exile, I'd be helping kids learn English. That is a fun thing to do. I've done it before.

...

I know this is just caffeine fueled stupidity, but...I just want to learn Japanese. I want to be fluent, so I can be awesome at my game journalist job. That much is constant. How do I do it? How? How? How?

The Rough and Tumble Fantasy Jamboree

Whoo, you crazy life, you! Always with the crazy!

The weekend featured some games, some hill climbing, some diner food, and Stephen Chow's new movie, CJ7.

Other thing as well. Some laughs, plenty of sighs, some cries.

All these things and more! What a weekend.

And that's just the weekend! Wait till you hear what happened on MONday and TUESday! Zomg is it Wednesday in a HALF hour?

Next time I go up Bernal Hill I'm bringing a camera. What a great place! You can see everything in these nearly panoramic view (there is a building and some trees on top that sort of block part of it, but you can walk around...)

Next time I have a malt, I'm splitting it with someone!

Next time I want to buy a Naruto game I will KILL THE IMPULSE. Luckily, EB has the most convenient trade in system ever and I'm now the proud of owner of Crackdown and nine dollars! The English dub of Naruto is...HORRIBLE! So horrible it actually hurts the quality of the video game as well! More on this elsewhere.

CJ7 comes to your attn as HIGHLY RECOMMEND (from me). I know it has a limited release, but if it's anywhere near it's probably worth going to. I may actually go again when Oleya gets back from her super love holiday in Seattle, if I'm not still dirt poor. It still has plenty of over-the-top action, but in the context of a touching family drama!! How? And it's funny. Annnnnd, it's everything! We literally laughed AND cried. You can't tell me there was a person in the theater whose eyes weren't welling up when...

well...

yeah.

Go see it! The girl who plays Dicky is amazing. I actually had no idea she was a she (not knowing a terrible lot about Chinese names) until I searched for an interview.

Tomorrow I'm gonna finally have a (small) grocery shopping trip. Money has been a constant source of trouble lately. Between having to send back some checks for reissue and extra problems because one of my checks was stolen! So awesome. You can't imagine how cool it is to have my bank account right now hahaha

I did finally get some more work to do, though. It is always strange to have a vacuum of free time. I don't tend to use it very wisely because it's so strange. Anyways, I think I've been enjoying things as much as I can. That should continue throughout the week! Especially now that I have work to do--it lends me a purpose so I think I'll be happier. Previews for GamePro! I'm so excited. And a Wii review. Good stuff.

Playing photo host

Content here!

Disjointedly speaking

I know the blog has been very lacking in any sort of narrative lately. At least when I updated an emotastic five times a day during school there was some sort of cohesiveness. Things hung together at least. Now I update so randomly that trying to tell what is ACTUALLY going on in my life is pretty much impossible, at least if you're just reading the blog.

Mostly I am winding my way through the perils of stress and cold apartments, more perilous still when combined. I'm also very frustrated by the prospect of remaining freelance, only because it means I will have to find a new sharable living situation instead of finally becoming master of my own domain. Either that or just start writing a hell of a lot more within the next couple months, somehow rocketing my income into the multiple thousands (by which I mean two or three) per month.

Uhhhh *ramble* Let's see. Still trying to come up with a way to become more commited, in a super strict not-fucking-around sense, to Japanese. I have passion, but it's sort of moping in a corner. How pathetic! Reading scanlated Naruto (as I have happily resumed doing) is not an effective strategy and in fact I feel like a total loser for even making that joke. Current serious endeavor possibilities include: transltaing YMCK lyrics, playing Earthbound in Japanese, reading more Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei, textbook things...writing Kanji over and over and over till my hands cramp, and finally, the one true winner, talking to my roommate in his fucking native language. You'd think that would be the easy one, but it's intimidating and also not entirely fair.

I think the fairness thing is just a cop out though. If I'm so intimidated it will be impossible for me to take up ALL his English studying time with my Japanese. Plus he'll go to San Diego next year and speak so much English his tongue will fall off. I need to be a little more selfish sometimes.

So today I vow I will do at least one of those things. If not more. I will also continue to read Naruto and probably watch some Kimagure Orange Road, if the computer will handle it. I also have some puzzle games to review, but progress on those is good. I guess there is also a social plan, although the ball hasn't really started rolling on that yet. Maybe I should have a shower. Maybe I should buy more bananas since Koji ate the last one! Maybe I should...check my e-mail.

EDIT:

Well, romanizations of song lyrics are no good for translating. You really need the kanji. That said, the lyrics to Magical 8 Bit tour are proving to be so fanciful that I'm not sure the Japanese ones I found (also done by ear) are right either. Do the cds come with lyrics in the liner notes? Hopefully one day we'll find out!

Tuxedo Garden Get-Away

So I'm at my dad's place on Turtle Point in Tuxedo Park. Gonna head into NYC tomorrow and probably on Friday to get up to who know's what. It'll be nice to see Jon again, and meeting up with Joseph for the first time is going to rock. Tonight we're going to an awesome little Italian place for dinner with my dad's gf annnnd I guess until then I'm just gonna play games for work and maybe read some stuff. I dunno. I guess I should surf the internet on this GINORMOUS mac.Catch up on the forums...

Well, yesterday I caught up in QC and other comics I still like. Sad to see Animals Have Problems Too go, but I guess if it's not updating anymore there is no use pretending.

Hopefully by the time I get back I'll have three prong adapters for all my two prong outlets at Koji's place. The move went well, but the guys with the van were complete idiots/jerks/the kind of people I never ever want to hang out with...ever. Quite frankly I'm sad I had to give them money. Buuuut you know, better luck next time. I was drawn by their one hour (instead of two hour) minimum and low low price of 55 dollars per hour. Mike also helped and then he, Koji, and I had dinner in J-town. Good foods! Leftover oyakodon makes a delicious breakfast, especially when you wake up in someone else's house and have to rummage in someone else's fridge to find it and use someone else's microwave to heat it up so you can munch it while sitting at someone else's pc

CHOMPING THEIR BANDWIDTH

to check what time your flight leaves.

It was an odd morning, Monday.

But hey, it's only temporary and at least I'm not homeless! Score for not homeless!

Maybe Oleya and I will hang out this weekend and cook up some tasty food in the kitchen that is not mine.

profile pic

Not happy about it, but it probably needed to be changed. I'll get used to it, eventually...

: /

the no-house blues

Well, not quite yet.

We're all to be out by the 15th of March. So that's in a month, which is really only half a month, because who moves in the middle of the month? I for one, hope to be out asap.

I have one appt tomorrow so far, with a fellow who recognized the Wisconsin area code of my phone. So that's promising maybe.

In other news, well, I've fallen a bit behind on work. Need to review both Zoo Tycoon 2 and The Experiment this weekend, in order to be all set for GDC, which...oddly enough, I still don't know my schedule for. If it's not too hectic I'll be able to start on Patapon, which will be XD

Might meet up with Marc after that appt for some movie/food action, if he has time. Other than that...well, the Ripten cohorts will be showing up on Sunday, so I think we're all having sushi or something in the evening.

Today my schedule was all bizarre. The vibe around the house has been breezy and strange since all of the cleaning and packing happening with my roomie who is leaving. His parents have been buzzing around with mops and rags and boxes and piles of things they want to give to us to save them from the dump. We have nowhere to put things! Anyways, they seem nice. I had to get away for a while cuz it was just too cold. Starbucks, and then the library. <3 the library.

Ate a late late lunch at this little cafe. Buffet style, but not self-serve. I had basil chicken and rice which would've been fine but for the excess of oil. Very cheap though. After three the prices drop by 30% so I only paid $3.60 for a big plate of food.

No plans tonight. Probably will end up reading or working more or something. Or I guess I have a movie I could watch.

Me today

Got my camera cords.

Dr. Goldfoot and His Bikini Machine *spoilers?* or ENTICEMENT

Have you seen this movie? I picked it nearly at random this evening to stream off of Netflix's website. I say nearly because the idea was something old and funny. Then I saw Vincent Price and Frankie Avalon's names next to each other. Done deal.

As if that isn't great enough, it takes place in San Franciso. And not just like, "Oh we're in San Francisco, here are some establishing shots" although there are plenty of those. We're talking high speed chase down Lombard Street, down the wharf, in the marina, over the bridge, through China Town, even West Portal for a second. Yeah, they warp all over hell in their effort to cram in as many landmarks as possible.

Plus, and this was the most surprising of all surprises, a cameo by The Pit and the Pendulum itself. Obviously a bit of a parody, but from the moment they walked down that staircase into the dank dark basement I said, "Hey, that looks like--" when all of the sudden Goldfoot has got one of the young lads strapped in and ready to have his shirt slit. AMAZING. I couldn't believe it.

Unfortunately it looks like you can't actually find this on DVD yet? Otherwise I assume Netflix would rent it out as well, but at the moment all you can do is stream it. If goofy fun is what you're looking for, then stream it if you can :D

EDIT: Apparently it can be found on DVD, but not at Netflix.

Library Books

I never did elaborate on what I ended up getting from the library, not that it needs a terrible amount of elaboration. Here's what I'm reading:

Supercapitalism: The Transformation of Business, Democracy, and Everyday Life (This explains itself.)

Modern Japanese Stories (shorts, I will enjoy this a lot)

A Short History of Philosophy (finally finally...I'm really reading about philosophy)

The Star Machine (about the Hollywood studio system back in the day)

And like I said, I did manage to actually read The New Yorker last week. We'll see how long I can keep it up. There's so much stuff to read! But I feel like I have a pretty good idea what I want to accomplish (with reading, with movie watching, with gaming) so I think if I make free-time goals it'll help me spend my time better.

Then again, we've been here before and it's ended in tears ;D I'm gonna go read some more, for the time being. It's getting later and later...

Jars are open

Jelly was good.

Sauce was BAAAAD.

Worst pasta sauce I've ever had in my life. At least Chef Boyardee tastes ok, even though you can't even really call it...anything approaching...even really food. This tomato garlic stuff actually left a bad taste in my mouth HOURS LATER. Total garbage.

I really don't like Trader Joes.

That said, the ravioli isn't horrible. I guess I'll just continue to eat it without the sauce. It's almost gone anyways.

And in the neverending fountain of uninteresting news...

the weekend is nearly over. I finished last weeks' New Yorker. I played some Culdcept Saga. There is still more Culdcept Saga to come. I watched The Fountain with Hugh Jackman, which wasn't as bad as I expected from what I had heard (which was basically just that it was bad) but I'm not sure I really liked it all that much either. A little too trip'd in the face zen.

Ahem.

I dunno. I'm in sort of an off mood. I couldn't sleep last night. Or rather, I probably could've, but I didn't much want to. I did fall asleep once I tried.

This week will be of a similar business to last week.

And then comes GDC week.

And then comes a week in NY with Dad.

My friend is playing Lumines and we listened to Shinin':



It always makes me sad. Sounds like everything is ending, possibly forever, and you can't do anything, so you might as well try to enjoy it? I dunno. I guess that does sound sort of emo but it's honestly how that song has always made me feel.

And it's that nostalgic sadness, which is always worse.

Plays straight into this weekends brand of melancholy!! Ha! Well!

I'm not so bad off, though. Randy and I had fun last night playing games and eating Mexican food. Maybe that's why I came down today. I was pretty up last night. Including awake! Yeah, maybe that's it. Just a mood thing.

No big deal.

Thus, we forge on in our quest for ever more astute analysis of VIDEOGAMES and whether they are worth our hard-earned pennies.

EmaWii Vs. Jar - Round 2 -- YOU LOSE

ZOMG.

Why does Trader Joe seal their jars to the point where it is impossible to retrieve the contents? I would very much like some SAUCE on these DELICIOUS ravioli, but it doesn't seem likely to happen anytime soon. I'm not a wimp, I swear. I can open other jars. I noticed the pattern after recalling that my jar of raspberry jelly is STILL unopened in the fridge, because even after running it under hot water (drying it) and trying, the lid wouldn't budge.

Prying failed this evening as well. I felt like the butterknife would snap. There really wasn't much leverage there anyways.

I give up. I will probably go to a normal store tomorrow and buy some sauce. Either that or just eat more plain ravioli, but that is getting a little depressing.

I finished the train sim review today, THANK GOD, and frolicked on down to that glorious library to read The New Yorker. Got through the article about stalled justice in Atlanta. Maybe I'll go back tomorrow for a break in the afternoon.

Other than that...I should really work on some Japanese at some point. Sommmmme poinnnnnt...soon.

Quick summary of current events

1) Driving school has been suspended until further notice. If anyone wants to help me out with that, or has a good suggestion on affordable road lessons in San Francisco, please comment!

2) Voted at City Hall since I couldn't find my local spot. Gah, what a line. And then at the end of the line there was...another line! I couldn't believe it >_< Anyways, GObama!

3) Crab and Grits ftw. Oleya and I ate at The Front Porch last night because I had to try the Best New Dish of 2007 (according to SF Weekly). It was suuuuper rich. Came in a big shallow ceramic dish, grits first. Then crab, chickerling peas, green onion, spicy oil, and lemon, probably some other stuff on top. I could've done with less of the oil. It was delicious, but I really enjoyed the flavor of the grits themselves, too, and it was too much. What I tended to do was take crab and other ingredients out of the middle, scooped off the top, and then grab some of the virgin grits from the edge of the bowl...until they ran out, heh. Really tasty. I would order it again except if I go back there I will maybe have to try the fish or pork chop or something.

We also had the fried plantains as an appetizer, which they arranged for special for us. Usually it comes with a specific meal, but I had to see if they would give us some...and they did! These two, were sort of spicy, but the sweetness still came through very well.

4) Train sim of doom. I'm reviewing a game right now, you might be able to guess which one. You might also be able to guess that I'm not a rail buff. I'm trying very hard. Tomorrow I will recommence the process. I think I made some headway poking around in the forums for a while today, so I might be able to achieve a bit more success.

5)I want to go back to the new library asap. It's brilliant. The space is really nice, smells all new, Japanese collection, magazines to read... Probably will go next Monday again. See what the news mags have to say about the primaries so far.

6) Oh, I'm just rambling now, probably. Tonight I'm gonna switch gears to Culdcept Saga, so my brain doesn't melt.

7) Why are Trader Joe's jars so hard to open? I had ravioli with no sauce tonight because (just like the jelly that is still sealed in my fridge) I couldn't pop the lid. I have been told to use a screwdriver (or a butter knife would probably work...)

8). . .

Yeah, I guess that's it. Today was not too exciting. Just food and work and putzing on the net.

refresh rate ++ golden

I love coming back to San Francisco. I've probably said this before, but riding across the Bay Bridge is one of the best feelings. I love going places, but San Francisco is a place for sticking with. I get a little sad because it's tied to so many bittersweet things, but ultimately, I feel super energized when I come back here.

WHICH IS GOOD! Cuz I have a hell of a lot of work to do this week. Not to mention a hell of a lot of fun to have! Things are looking up and up and up, at least in my mind.

First of all, though, I had a good weekend in Santa Cruz. Not only was it good, it was productive! We had four driving sessions and I didn't ever do anything too horrible. I didn't hurt any one or hit anything. I may have forgotten to signal once, or swung a few turns a bit wide, but fuck I haven't done this in six years, so I'm trying my hardest. I wish driving were more like playing a shooter, where you can look at nothing and see the whole picture. So far I feel very nervous when I check my mirrors or speed or even the side of the road. I know you have to do it all the time, but it's hard to keep my eyes moving and focus at the same time. I'd rather just unfocus and see it all like that time I zen'd Geometry Wars.

(Do you think in the future we'll spell all those words with "'d?" I probably wouldn't mind. It keeps the made up silly ones from looking ridiculous--I originally had "zenned")

Might go back next weekend, since Ian isn't visiting his gf until the weekend after that. I should get in as much time as I can!

Moving on (2), the local library is re-open finally! I can quit being a lazy bum and take this book back. I finished it a month ago. About time! Looking to pick up something interesting and non-fictiony. On the bus ride home this morning (after konking out for a morning nap) I read the last couple chapters of The Book Thief, which were very sad @_@

3) I have a lot of work coming in this week! I'm going to be super busy! I'd also like to clean my room! Whoo!

4) Dinner with Marc and Oleya tonight! Can't wait! And then tomorrow Oleya and I will watch some Love Hina after a hopefully terrific dining experience.

5) Prospect of visiting my dad in NY before the great hinge finally swings. This also increases the chance that I meet my editor at Otaku USA. Rockin'!

February COULD be an ok month. Further proof of this, at least I take it as further proof, is the bus pass color scheme. These passes are bi...hued. Dual-toned. Something. They have a silver strip of reflective doo-hickey down the middle, but then there are two colors. I was living in fear that they might do something awful, like make the colors for this month red and pink, but instead, they have created this excellent piña colada flavor with creamsicle orange and pistachio ice cream green. Tropical! Pineapple! Coconut! Sunshine! Sunscreen! Ozone layers! It's great!