Today marks the last day of my first week back at good ol' Uni. My first day was Tuesday, and I had managed to make it just in time for my first lesson, 3D Animation. A subject I was greatly looking forward to. The lecture itself was interesting, but the workshop made my head hurt. I think it's actually because of how rested I was and that my brain isn't really ready to take on heavy-duty-new-stuff. Well after this week, I think it's actually ready to learn. My lesson ended around 12pm and I headed home.
My next lesson was Graduate Enterprise on Wednesday. I woke up around 9.20am, thinking my lesson started around 10am, as did my mum. So I made a mad dash and left home by 9.45am, rushing to get to Uni in a somewhat decent time, since it takes around half an hour to get there. When I got there around 10.20am, I found out that my lesson didn't even start until 11am. Insert-somewhat-disbelieving-expression-here. During the lesson the class received information regarding the lesson, which was that we'd actually be studying the subject at Kingston University on Thursdays from 5pm to 8pm, rather than on Wednesdays. It was something our lecturer had discussed and set up with the lecturer at Kingston Uni during the Summer.
Today, Thursday, was my last day, and just to bite me in the ass, I ended up reaching my Application Integration with XML lecture around 20mins late. Damn traffic, there wasn't any yesterday ¬.¬ Anywho, done my lecture and done my workshop, which itself wasn't so bad either, and headed home around 12.15pm since we finished 15mins early. Hung out at home until around 4.30pm, then headed off to Kingston Uni; my mum was dropping me. We got caught up in very bad traffic because, from our inspections, a police car had caught fire and there were ambulance services and fire engines/fighters everywhere. Again I reached the classroom late, 45mins late. Half an hour because of traffic and another 15mins because I got lost looking for the room ^_^;; What? It's a really big campus! Anyways, had a good lecture and sort of made a couple of friends from the Uni, but we'll see next week. I'll attempt to make the effort and say "Hi," even though they were stolen from our group by someone ¬.¬
And that wraps up my first week back! At first I had two days off, plus the weekend, now I have three! Whoop! Monday, Wednesday and Friday! Joy-ness!
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Talk About Spooky...
Okay, so um...yeah, when I uploaded the last post, I was using Internet Explorer but my Firewall kicked in and brought up an error. At this point I was worried I'd lost what I typed, so I hit "Back" and come back to the editing page and my post is still intact. I copy and paste it into Notepad and attempt to post it again, and again the error comes up. I go back and the post is intact, so I sign into my account through AOL and see that the post has been posted twice and I delete one, seeing that it's been posted in it's entirety. I check out the blog on Internet Explorer and see that the post is up, but as I scroll down, I see this.
Isn't that spooky? I don't know in what way, but in my weird mind, it's screaming out that it's related to that fact I pointed out about the Queen.
Anyways, the post is fixed and everything's fine and dandy.
Isn't that spooky? I don't know in what way, but in my weird mind, it's screaming out that it's related to that fact I pointed out about the Queen.
Anyways, the post is fixed and everything's fine and dandy.
Google's 8th Birthday
Now that I didn't know was today. Happy Birthday Google.
Anywho, I've been back at Uni for two days now, but I'll cover my thoughts tomorrow since it'll be the end of my "First Week back at University".
In other news, I plan to take you all back to Sunday 24th September 2006, yes last Sunday. My mum wasn't feeling up to cooking so we headed off to Hounslow for some Burger King. While waiting for our order, a fight broke out between a white woman and an indian couple. Okay, before you start, I'm not racist...it's just that there's no other way to phrase it, should I call her "Possible Native Englishwoman"? 'Cause if you think about it, nobody's a native to this country. Even the Queen isn't; her line traces back to the closest German relatives. So please, I'm not committing treason or blasphemy or racism or anything...I'm just stuck on terms. But just in case, I'll refer to the woman as PNEW #1, because there are two of them and the second will join later.
Right, the PNEW #1 is accusing the indian man of hitting her granddaughter, and his indian girlfriend is mouthing off and defending his honour, saying that he did no such thing. The PNEW #1 isn't letting up and is pressing the issue that she saw him with her own eyes hitting her granddaughter. To be honest, PNEW #1 looks to be in her 40's to mid-50's and her granddaughter looks around 7 or 8. At this point, the girl's mother, PNEW #2, walks in and asks what's going on. The indian girl explains in a civil manner what happened and what PNEW #1 is accusing her boyfriend of, and PNEW #2 immediately takes PNEW #1's side, what with her being her mother and all.
Thus ensues a louder verbal fight between the two parties, and the staff isn't doing anything apart from watching and saying "maro, maro", which means "fight, fight!" or can be taken as "smack'em, smack'em!" in Hindi. A white guy, PNEM, comes in and tries to break up the fight by vouching for the indian guy and saying that he knows him and that he'd never do such a thing, but the PNEW's don't wanna hear anything about it and still fight. PNEM then asks the girl if the indian guy had hit her and she says "No,", but the women don't give a crap and get all defensive screaming "Get away from my daughter, blah blah,"
Seeing that nothing's gonna happen, the women start to retreat while still cursing the indian couple, and the indian man curses likewise but in Hindi, saying something along the lines of "Harami, pehnchore, harami!". PNEW #1 one yells out "We're in England! blah blah," and so the indian guy's like "Fine you fat, dirty b****!". By the way, that's not a translation of what he said in Hindi...what he said in Hindi was much worse, and I'm not gonna translate it.
All in all, it was really funny. Judging by the indian couple's accents, they too are native Brits, as in they were born and raised here. So no assuming that the indian couple had freshie accents...that's almost an urban legend around these parts, almost.
Anywho, I've been back at Uni for two days now, but I'll cover my thoughts tomorrow since it'll be the end of my "First Week back at University".
In other news, I plan to take you all back to Sunday 24th September 2006, yes last Sunday. My mum wasn't feeling up to cooking so we headed off to Hounslow for some Burger King. While waiting for our order, a fight broke out between a white woman and an indian couple. Okay, before you start, I'm not racist...it's just that there's no other way to phrase it, should I call her "Possible Native Englishwoman"? 'Cause if you think about it, nobody's a native to this country. Even the Queen isn't; her line traces back to the closest German relatives. So please, I'm not committing treason or blasphemy or racism or anything...I'm just stuck on terms. But just in case, I'll refer to the woman as PNEW #1, because there are two of them and the second will join later.
Right, the PNEW #1 is accusing the indian man of hitting her granddaughter, and his indian girlfriend is mouthing off and defending his honour, saying that he did no such thing. The PNEW #1 isn't letting up and is pressing the issue that she saw him with her own eyes hitting her granddaughter. To be honest, PNEW #1 looks to be in her 40's to mid-50's and her granddaughter looks around 7 or 8. At this point, the girl's mother, PNEW #2, walks in and asks what's going on. The indian girl explains in a civil manner what happened and what PNEW #1 is accusing her boyfriend of, and PNEW #2 immediately takes PNEW #1's side, what with her being her mother and all.
Thus ensues a louder verbal fight between the two parties, and the staff isn't doing anything apart from watching and saying "maro, maro", which means "fight, fight!" or can be taken as "smack'em, smack'em!" in Hindi. A white guy, PNEM, comes in and tries to break up the fight by vouching for the indian guy and saying that he knows him and that he'd never do such a thing, but the PNEW's don't wanna hear anything about it and still fight. PNEM then asks the girl if the indian guy had hit her and she says "No,", but the women don't give a crap and get all defensive screaming "Get away from my daughter, blah blah,"
Seeing that nothing's gonna happen, the women start to retreat while still cursing the indian couple, and the indian man curses likewise but in Hindi, saying something along the lines of "Harami, pehnchore, harami!". PNEW #1 one yells out "We're in England! blah blah," and so the indian guy's like "Fine you fat, dirty b****!". By the way, that's not a translation of what he said in Hindi...what he said in Hindi was much worse, and I'm not gonna translate it.
All in all, it was really funny. Judging by the indian couple's accents, they too are native Brits, as in they were born and raised here. So no assuming that the indian couple had freshie accents...that's almost an urban legend around these parts, almost.
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Richard Hammond Update and Thorpe Park
Well, it's been a couple of days since old Richie, affectionately called "Hamster", was admitted to hospital, and since then he's made great progress. Yesterday he smiled at Jeremy Clarkson and had a short conversation with James May, both co-presenters of Top Gear. Today, he was well enough to share a joke with his wife and even got up and walked to the loo, while enquiring about what had happened. So far so good, though the doctor's say the first 10 days are crucial moments, especially since he's sustained significant injuries to his brain.
However, if he's well enough to walk around and chat, deep in my heart, I know he'll recover fully. I'm still going to be praying and wishing him well, until I'm sure he's in the definate clear.
In other news, regarding yours truly, I'm in pain. Incredible pain. Not cool. Yesterday I made my way to Thorpe Park for my friend's 23rd birthday. I went despite feeling incredible, but with a sore throat and a barely audible voice. I had a good time and there were 5 of us in the beginning, with a 6th joining us later on. We went on a lot of rides I wouldn't normally go on, like Colossus, Slammer and Nemesis Inferno. It's not like I hate rollercoasters, it's just that they take advantage of my fear of heights. My coping mechanism? Close my eyes. Although whenever I opened them, it was always at the worst possible moment. I now know why Grissom, or CSI: Las Vegas/Crime Scene Investigation, rides rollercoasters to deal with his emotions after an emotional case...well at least I think I do. One of the scariest rides I saw was Rush. I thought it was okay, because all it does is swing you back and forth, going higher and higher each time, but when I saw that the only support was around the waist...I turned tail.
When I think about it, who on Earth designs these rides and names them? There's Stealth that takes you from 0-80 miles per hour in 0.3 seconds, and Detonator that takes you high up and pauses for a couple of seconds, then rushes you straight down, slowing at the last moment for safety purposes. Ah well...I'm a chicken, but I survived. Oh and I was never too keen on the Samurai either.
Two of the funniest moments were:
1) on the Rumba Rapids, we were allowed to go on it twice as a birthday treat for my friend. The first time around, we were taken by surprise by the waterfall, and the second time around we all clambered to the dryest side and pretty much dodged the waterfall. However, we almost capsized the raft in the process.
2) on Logger's Leap I was sitting at the back, because I wasn't sure if all five of us could fit in boat, but we did. The lone male was in front of me and to make an awkward situation socially acceptable, I realised I could rest my knees on the bottom of the boat, so that was okay. On the way down the second ramp, a female friend sitting in front of the lone male, had her poncho blown up by the wind and covered the three of us so when the camera took our picture, you can see the two girls at the front and a big blue blob at the back. I started laughing as soon as the poncho blew up and when we splashed into the water, I think some of the splash went into my mouth. Oh yeah, by then it had started raining, so to save ourselves, we bought poncho's. Not the coolest accessory out there, but we had no other choice.
About my throat, it was the result of an infection...something I don't know how I got, and I wasn't sure if it was contagious orally or not. I let the group know that I had a sore throat, and I felt really bad that I couldn't hold a conversation for very long. Plus, when I tried to talk it felt like I was stammering, but in fact I was trying to make it so that when I started to talk my voice would actually be heard. Anyhow, the lone male who was by now no longer the lone male, since we were joined by the 6th member of our group by then, had bought a Double Espresso and asked if I'd like to try some when he found out I was a coffee-drinker. Sadly I had to turn him down, and tried to explain why, but wasn't sure if he took offense. I really had his best interests at heart, I mean, I would hate for anyone to catch what I had.
When we were all going our separate ways at the end of the day, it turned out he didn't know what was wrong with me, so I had to explain to him. He only got curious when our friends wished me well and hoped I'd get better in time for Uni. Apparently he hadn't noticed a change in my voice, which is understandable since I hardly spoke to him. We only just started speaking towards the end of the 2nd year, even then it was few and far-between.
However, if he's well enough to walk around and chat, deep in my heart, I know he'll recover fully. I'm still going to be praying and wishing him well, until I'm sure he's in the definate clear.
In other news, regarding yours truly, I'm in pain. Incredible pain. Not cool. Yesterday I made my way to Thorpe Park for my friend's 23rd birthday. I went despite feeling incredible, but with a sore throat and a barely audible voice. I had a good time and there were 5 of us in the beginning, with a 6th joining us later on. We went on a lot of rides I wouldn't normally go on, like Colossus, Slammer and Nemesis Inferno. It's not like I hate rollercoasters, it's just that they take advantage of my fear of heights. My coping mechanism? Close my eyes. Although whenever I opened them, it was always at the worst possible moment. I now know why Grissom, or CSI: Las Vegas/Crime Scene Investigation, rides rollercoasters to deal with his emotions after an emotional case...well at least I think I do. One of the scariest rides I saw was Rush. I thought it was okay, because all it does is swing you back and forth, going higher and higher each time, but when I saw that the only support was around the waist...I turned tail.
When I think about it, who on Earth designs these rides and names them? There's Stealth that takes you from 0-80 miles per hour in 0.3 seconds, and Detonator that takes you high up and pauses for a couple of seconds, then rushes you straight down, slowing at the last moment for safety purposes. Ah well...I'm a chicken, but I survived. Oh and I was never too keen on the Samurai either.
Two of the funniest moments were:
1) on the Rumba Rapids, we were allowed to go on it twice as a birthday treat for my friend. The first time around, we were taken by surprise by the waterfall, and the second time around we all clambered to the dryest side and pretty much dodged the waterfall. However, we almost capsized the raft in the process.
2) on Logger's Leap I was sitting at the back, because I wasn't sure if all five of us could fit in boat, but we did. The lone male was in front of me and to make an awkward situation socially acceptable, I realised I could rest my knees on the bottom of the boat, so that was okay. On the way down the second ramp, a female friend sitting in front of the lone male, had her poncho blown up by the wind and covered the three of us so when the camera took our picture, you can see the two girls at the front and a big blue blob at the back. I started laughing as soon as the poncho blew up and when we splashed into the water, I think some of the splash went into my mouth. Oh yeah, by then it had started raining, so to save ourselves, we bought poncho's. Not the coolest accessory out there, but we had no other choice.
About my throat, it was the result of an infection...something I don't know how I got, and I wasn't sure if it was contagious orally or not. I let the group know that I had a sore throat, and I felt really bad that I couldn't hold a conversation for very long. Plus, when I tried to talk it felt like I was stammering, but in fact I was trying to make it so that when I started to talk my voice would actually be heard. Anyhow, the lone male who was by now no longer the lone male, since we were joined by the 6th member of our group by then, had bought a Double Espresso and asked if I'd like to try some when he found out I was a coffee-drinker. Sadly I had to turn him down, and tried to explain why, but wasn't sure if he took offense. I really had his best interests at heart, I mean, I would hate for anyone to catch what I had.
When we were all going our separate ways at the end of the day, it turned out he didn't know what was wrong with me, so I had to explain to him. He only got curious when our friends wished me well and hoped I'd get better in time for Uni. Apparently he hadn't noticed a change in my voice, which is understandable since I hardly spoke to him. We only just started speaking towards the end of the 2nd year, even then it was few and far-between.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Richard Hammond, Pull Through
Fans of Richard Hammond, if you're unaware, he was admitted to hospital today for extensive injuries that resulted from a crash. He was driving a jet-powered car, and upon having broken the land speed record and deploying the parachute to slow down, the car veered off the track and overturned.
He is currently in critical condition and is still unconscious. I pray that he pulls through. Please make it Mr. Hammond, my prayers and those who love you are with you.
Man that sounds painfully cheesy, but I love him and the energy he brings with him.
He is currently in critical condition and is still unconscious. I pray that he pulls through. Please make it Mr. Hammond, my prayers and those who love you are with you.
Man that sounds painfully cheesy, but I love him and the energy he brings with him.
Name Change
Well, I've finally decided upon a new name for this blog. It will now be known as Devious Undergrad! Bow before its might! Or rather, just acknowledge the name change and update your links.
Right, Devious because we all know how Devious I can be. Undergrad because that's what I am. I am an Undergraduate student, and am officially enrolled onto the 3rd and final year of my BSc Course in Internet and Multimedia. Wish me luck peeps/homies/random visitors.
If you scroll down much further, you'll see I have a new button. I've joined BritBlog, like any self-respecting British Blogger Citizen would do. If you too are British, a Blogger and a Citizen, you should go do that too. Notice how I also used BBC? I swear to you that was an accident!
I just have to wait for a confirmation e-mail regarding my joinage, but I'm not sure if I'm gonna get one, because like...the address I signed up with was apparently deleted by MSN. NOOOO!!! My correspondence e-mails with my overseas buddies!!! The horror!!! Yeah, that's what I was like for a good while and then kicked myself, it was my own damn fault that I forgot to sign into that account last month. Gaming is an evil, evil, EVIL addiction, but in the end, I have nobody to blame but my dumb-butted self.
God that's depressing, and especially after the very good and sweet memories I made yesterday with a very dear and special friend of mine. Nothing romantic, we just had a good time catching up and talking about current events and the woes of society, as well as learning a little bit more about each other.
On that note, I would also like to say that I have completed Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Böse. That was like last Saturday I think, and have since been completing the after game bonuses. Right now I'm trying to pay of the outrageously high Captain's Debt of 10,000,000G. I've only got 8,930,000G left! So I'm trying to steal more Awakening IV's from the "last" boss, which is a kick in the non-existant nuts because there's no way to skip the credits! Since I have another 17 battles with the "last" boss to go, I'll practically know the ending off by heart, and if I'm lucky, the lyrics to the song too!
I want to start Shadow of Memories!!!
*sigh* Time for me to go, I'm watching True Movies, so in the meantime, Ride Free Citizens!
By the way, I had no idea Kristin Kreuk of Smallville played an Indian girl. The movie is called Partition and I only checked it out because of the hawtness that is Chenier Hundal. I also have yet to watch that movie...
NB: For those of you who don't know the acronym BBC, it stands for British Broadcasting Corporation
Right, Devious because we all know how Devious I can be. Undergrad because that's what I am. I am an Undergraduate student, and am officially enrolled onto the 3rd and final year of my BSc Course in Internet and Multimedia. Wish me luck peeps/homies/random visitors.
If you scroll down much further, you'll see I have a new button. I've joined BritBlog, like any self-respecting British Blogger Citizen would do. If you too are British, a Blogger and a Citizen, you should go do that too. Notice how I also used BBC? I swear to you that was an accident!
I just have to wait for a confirmation e-mail regarding my joinage, but I'm not sure if I'm gonna get one, because like...the address I signed up with was apparently deleted by MSN. NOOOO!!! My correspondence e-mails with my overseas buddies!!! The horror!!! Yeah, that's what I was like for a good while and then kicked myself, it was my own damn fault that I forgot to sign into that account last month. Gaming is an evil, evil, EVIL addiction, but in the end, I have nobody to blame but my dumb-butted self.
God that's depressing, and especially after the very good and sweet memories I made yesterday with a very dear and special friend of mine. Nothing romantic, we just had a good time catching up and talking about current events and the woes of society, as well as learning a little bit more about each other.
On that note, I would also like to say that I have completed Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Böse. That was like last Saturday I think, and have since been completing the after game bonuses. Right now I'm trying to pay of the outrageously high Captain's Debt of 10,000,000G. I've only got 8,930,000G left! So I'm trying to steal more Awakening IV's from the "last" boss, which is a kick in the non-existant nuts because there's no way to skip the credits! Since I have another 17 battles with the "last" boss to go, I'll practically know the ending off by heart, and if I'm lucky, the lyrics to the song too!
I want to start Shadow of Memories!!!
*sigh* Time for me to go, I'm watching True Movies, so in the meantime, Ride Free Citizens!
By the way, I had no idea Kristin Kreuk of Smallville played an Indian girl. The movie is called Partition and I only checked it out because of the hawtness that is Chenier Hundal. I also have yet to watch that movie...
NB: For those of you who don't know the acronym BBC, it stands for British Broadcasting Corporation
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Riding Strong
Back in the 80's the world was introduced to, what would soon be a phenomenon, Neon Genesis Evangelion. Almost everybody has heard of this anime, well more likely those who watch anime. The title of most known anime would be Akira, or so I like to believe.
I'm not going to go into a long spiel over the enigmatic awesomeness of the series, seriously it plays with your head and the movies aren't any better. They just leave you with more questions!
But to make the long speech short, they're pumping out 4 new Eva movies. Yup, looks like old Eva is still riding strong. The first of these movies is due for release mid-late next year (2007), with the last three coming out in 2008. I'm really looking forward to them, maybe then my questions will be answered and no more will sprout.
That's wishful thinking. Why? Because the previous installments answered questions that cropped up in the series, while leaving some open and giving you a whole lot more to ask about the series.
Also, if you have a LiveJournal or something, check this out a follow the link:
brought to you by the isLove Generator
I refreshed it many times, and the most common one that came up was "Anime is Love"...methinks it's trying to tell me something...
Oh and there you have it folks, I am love. ErutanXiku is my webname, for those of you who didn't know.
I'm not going to go into a long spiel over the enigmatic awesomeness of the series, seriously it plays with your head and the movies aren't any better. They just leave you with more questions!
But to make the long speech short, they're pumping out 4 new Eva movies. Yup, looks like old Eva is still riding strong. The first of these movies is due for release mid-late next year (2007), with the last three coming out in 2008. I'm really looking forward to them, maybe then my questions will be answered and no more will sprout.
That's wishful thinking. Why? Because the previous installments answered questions that cropped up in the series, while leaving some open and giving you a whole lot more to ask about the series.
Also, if you have a LiveJournal or something, check this out a follow the link:
| anime is love | |||||
| rpgs are love | |||||
| manga is love | |||||
![[info]](http://stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} erutanxiku is love | |||||
brought to you by the isLove Generator
I refreshed it many times, and the most common one that came up was "Anime is Love"...methinks it's trying to tell me something...
Oh and there you have it folks, I am love. ErutanXiku is my webname, for those of you who didn't know.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Intense Personal Stuff
So uh yeah, I said I'd make a post on the 11th, but meh. I didn't get around to it, my excuse? I had some intense personal stuff going, to be more specific a continuation of what I mentioned two posts ago.
Basically, my mum made us make up...sort of. Well she was the catalyst. So yeah, everything's cleared up and I was gonna write about it, but felt there was no need since this is going straight into my biography.
Basically, my mum made us make up...sort of. Well she was the catalyst. So yeah, everything's cleared up and I was gonna write about it, but felt there was no need since this is going straight into my biography.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Exotic and Erotic
Hmm...the thoughts that run through my head...
Well, on the way home from the Crown Court yesterday, we headed towards Hounslow to get us some pizza. We passed an indian grocery store by the name of Desi...something...yeah, my memory's been pretty bad lately -_- Anyway, I read their list of goods for the umpteenth time (we pass the shop quite often on our travels), and the last one is "Exotic Foods". Me being me, my brain starts off a word association chain with certain words...in this case "Exotic". So I list off a bunch of Exotic Fruits, like Passion Fruit and Pawpaw, when "Dancing" pops in.
This gets me to thinking, why is it called "Exotic Dancing" and not "Erotic Dancing"? I mean Salsa Dancing isn't considered "Exotic" Dancing, but rather a form of Ballroom Dancing or something. Well, it's socially acceptable. Now now, I know some of you are gonna be exclaiming that not all Exotic Dancing is a form of Erotica...but it's really what everyone understands to mean as Erotic Dancing, since it's what leaps to the mind. If you're gonna throw Whirling Dervish or Shaman Dancing, well most people tend to think of that as a form of Cultural Dancing, rather than Exotic...unless someone went out of their way to use the term and correct the listener on what they meant.
So yeah, Exotic Dancing. Not really Exotic is it, if it really consists of a striptease and a few minor accessories like a pole. I'm not saying its bad, though it is degrading, but really what people choose as their profession is by no means any of my business. Service is the hardest job out there, even if it's fan-service. But going back to my thoughts, there's nothing really Exotic about a scantily-clad person swinging around on a pole while removing bits of clothing; an act that's simply entertainment and takes you to a happy place "down there". I guess it can be considered to provide ample distractions to help take your mind off work, and to help you forget your troubles. Though, not being a guy, you won't find me in a place like that...even if it's for women. I'll be playing games for that kind of therapy.
Hmm...my thoughts on why it's called "Exotic Dancing" kinda root on our society. We're in a time where almost everybody is a closet pervert, even me (as much as I'd like to deny it and say that I'm pure and innocent). Everyone's all uppity about their image, and it just won't do for an upstanding citizen to have a lad's night out and report about it the next day with the following:
"I went out to an Erotic Dancing Club with the guys last night, boy did we have a good time *wink wink*"
That right there people, is an open admission to being a pervert and into very naughty things, and others can only imagine what else this taint upon society has a fetish for. God forbid they be into pornography and masturbation, why that's a one-way ticket to Hell, what one earth would their mother think? If they happen to be of Asian descent, they better apply for a change in identity and plan their "death" because by the time they get home, they'll find their bags on the doorstep and their parents and extended family ready and waiting for them with a ready-to-burn stake.
Yep, that's the time we live in. Come to think of it, society has shunned naughty things for as far back as one can remember. Also, "Exotic" sounds more classy and less sleazy compared to "Erotic" so that there could be another reason.
Hmm...this whole thing has also led me to realise that "Exotic" is one letter away from "Erotic"...go figure.
EDIT: If you're wondering why it says "yesterday", well it was meant to be posted on the 10th as opposed to the 11th, I had the entry all typed out, but forgot about my firewall and had to put it up using my AOL account -_-;;
You can also expect another post today, which some of you may find offensive though I really don't mean it to be. After all, I warned everybody in my disclaimer *points to above*
Well, on the way home from the Crown Court yesterday, we headed towards Hounslow to get us some pizza. We passed an indian grocery store by the name of Desi...something...yeah, my memory's been pretty bad lately -_- Anyway, I read their list of goods for the umpteenth time (we pass the shop quite often on our travels), and the last one is "Exotic Foods". Me being me, my brain starts off a word association chain with certain words...in this case "Exotic". So I list off a bunch of Exotic Fruits, like Passion Fruit and Pawpaw, when "Dancing" pops in.
This gets me to thinking, why is it called "Exotic Dancing" and not "Erotic Dancing"? I mean Salsa Dancing isn't considered "Exotic" Dancing, but rather a form of Ballroom Dancing or something. Well, it's socially acceptable. Now now, I know some of you are gonna be exclaiming that not all Exotic Dancing is a form of Erotica...but it's really what everyone understands to mean as Erotic Dancing, since it's what leaps to the mind. If you're gonna throw Whirling Dervish or Shaman Dancing, well most people tend to think of that as a form of Cultural Dancing, rather than Exotic...unless someone went out of their way to use the term and correct the listener on what they meant.
So yeah, Exotic Dancing. Not really Exotic is it, if it really consists of a striptease and a few minor accessories like a pole. I'm not saying its bad, though it is degrading, but really what people choose as their profession is by no means any of my business. Service is the hardest job out there, even if it's fan-service. But going back to my thoughts, there's nothing really Exotic about a scantily-clad person swinging around on a pole while removing bits of clothing; an act that's simply entertainment and takes you to a happy place "down there". I guess it can be considered to provide ample distractions to help take your mind off work, and to help you forget your troubles. Though, not being a guy, you won't find me in a place like that...even if it's for women. I'll be playing games for that kind of therapy.
Hmm...my thoughts on why it's called "Exotic Dancing" kinda root on our society. We're in a time where almost everybody is a closet pervert, even me (as much as I'd like to deny it and say that I'm pure and innocent). Everyone's all uppity about their image, and it just won't do for an upstanding citizen to have a lad's night out and report about it the next day with the following:
"I went out to an Erotic Dancing Club with the guys last night, boy did we have a good time *wink wink*"
That right there people, is an open admission to being a pervert and into very naughty things, and others can only imagine what else this taint upon society has a fetish for. God forbid they be into pornography and masturbation, why that's a one-way ticket to Hell, what one earth would their mother think? If they happen to be of Asian descent, they better apply for a change in identity and plan their "death" because by the time they get home, they'll find their bags on the doorstep and their parents and extended family ready and waiting for them with a ready-to-burn stake.
Yep, that's the time we live in. Come to think of it, society has shunned naughty things for as far back as one can remember. Also, "Exotic" sounds more classy and less sleazy compared to "Erotic" so that there could be another reason.
Hmm...this whole thing has also led me to realise that "Exotic" is one letter away from "Erotic"...go figure.
EDIT: If you're wondering why it says "yesterday", well it was meant to be posted on the 10th as opposed to the 11th, I had the entry all typed out, but forgot about my firewall and had to put it up using my AOL account -_-;;
You can also expect another post today, which some of you may find offensive though I really don't mean it to be. After all, I warned everybody in my disclaimer *points to above*
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Kingston Crown Court Open Day
Today my mum took my younger brother and I to Kingston Crown Court, because there was an open day and she thought it would be pretty fun. Also, it would help my brother with his story, which I must say is pretty interesting. However, I'm sad to say that we're not on very good terms and I'm pretty peeved at it balancing on my apology, when I really don't have anything to apologise for. This is where self-loathing comes in, because I start thinking that I'm being selfish and too prideful, and then the other part of me kicks me in the ass saying that I shouldn't roll over because that's what I always do, and I'm really tired of being treated inferior to my younger brothers. I mean why should I always apologise? It's not like I'm always in the wrong, even when it isn't my original fault I have to apologise. But when it's between my brothers, they're too headstrong and the youngest of the two actually never apologises for anything, not even for pissing me off. I'm really fed up with it, but am too much of a pushover to say anything about it because I don't want to get on the wrong side of my mum. I mean, it's easy for her to treat me like an adult because I'm the oldest, but my brothers aren't getting any younger either and she still coddles them. I mean I still do get praised for doing things, but it really hurt me when she made a big deal out of my youngest brothers GCSE grades, and I don't remember her getting all excited about my University marks. She even went so far as to celebrate his achievement, when nothing was done about mine. Don't get me wrong, I love my mum to bits and she's an awesome person, but everyone has their shortcomings.
Man I sound jealous, and it just adds up and I hate myself even more because of all things, I don't want to come off as a selfish person. I don't think I could handle that. Anyway, I have only one more year before everything is over, hopefully by then I can build up the courage/guts I need to actually say something. How unlikely.
Anyways, I was actually meant to talk about the Crown Court. Methinks I actually have a good sense of direction, since I was the one that got us there as we traversed through Kingston after parking the car a ways back. It was a cool and fun day, because when we got there we attended a mock trial, which was very entertaining; something that was done to keep the younger audiences entertained. We then signed up for the tour of the court and while we waited we looked around at the displays. We popped into the Children's Court, which allows children to play Judge for a day, and got goodie bags! I got sweets! Jelly Beans, Gummie Bears, Gummie Rings, Minstrels and an Egg! No, not an actual egg, but a jelly-type Egg. Man I felt like a kid ^_^
Anyhow, after that we sat around until it was time for the tour. The tour itself was very informative and we saw a lot of stuff, plus we got to sit in the Jury seats! We learnt about the different types of courts that the Crown Court houses. There are 12 in total, and some of them have special features, such as Screens for the Witness, Video-Link and such. All for different situations, just like Judges. Each on has their speciality, or Ticket.
After the tour we headed down to the prison cells, just to check it out. The cells themselves weren't really interesting, but when we went to check out the prison van, now that's when it got good. The prison van isn't like what you see in the movies or on TV, it's actually an armoured van that has the body divided up into an even number of cubicles, which seem to be 2x2 at least. The cubicles were lined up along either side of the van with a pathway down the middle. The policeman actually locked us up inside them, and I have to say it's quite nice in there. Really quiet and the space is all to yourself, though it's pretty dark in there.
After that we headed home, and all in all it was a pretty fun day :)
Oh yeah, my youngest brother didn't come with us, because again his friends were more important.
Man I sound jealous, and it just adds up and I hate myself even more because of all things, I don't want to come off as a selfish person. I don't think I could handle that. Anyway, I have only one more year before everything is over, hopefully by then I can build up the courage/guts I need to actually say something. How unlikely.
Anyways, I was actually meant to talk about the Crown Court. Methinks I actually have a good sense of direction, since I was the one that got us there as we traversed through Kingston after parking the car a ways back. It was a cool and fun day, because when we got there we attended a mock trial, which was very entertaining; something that was done to keep the younger audiences entertained. We then signed up for the tour of the court and while we waited we looked around at the displays. We popped into the Children's Court, which allows children to play Judge for a day, and got goodie bags! I got sweets! Jelly Beans, Gummie Bears, Gummie Rings, Minstrels and an Egg! No, not an actual egg, but a jelly-type Egg. Man I felt like a kid ^_^
Anyhow, after that we sat around until it was time for the tour. The tour itself was very informative and we saw a lot of stuff, plus we got to sit in the Jury seats! We learnt about the different types of courts that the Crown Court houses. There are 12 in total, and some of them have special features, such as Screens for the Witness, Video-Link and such. All for different situations, just like Judges. Each on has their speciality, or Ticket.
After the tour we headed down to the prison cells, just to check it out. The cells themselves weren't really interesting, but when we went to check out the prison van, now that's when it got good. The prison van isn't like what you see in the movies or on TV, it's actually an armoured van that has the body divided up into an even number of cubicles, which seem to be 2x2 at least. The cubicles were lined up along either side of the van with a pathway down the middle. The policeman actually locked us up inside them, and I have to say it's quite nice in there. Really quiet and the space is all to yourself, though it's pretty dark in there.
After that we headed home, and all in all it was a pretty fun day :)
Oh yeah, my youngest brother didn't come with us, because again his friends were more important.
Monday, September 04, 2006
Crikey!
I'm listening to the radio on my way home, after dropping my brother at college, and the news comes on. The first report is about Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter. As I'm sure most of the internet community and real world knows, he passed away today after being pierced through the chest by a Stingrays barb.
To be honest, I've never watched one of his documentaries, but even so it's almost impossible not to have known who the guy was. He cameo'd in a few movies and even had one of his own; quite a success.
It's sad because I'd like to say more, but I can't. However, if you'd like to know more, you can click here to read an article which details the circumstances, as well as the thoughts and heartfelt feelings of those who knew him.
My condolences.
To be honest, I've never watched one of his documentaries, but even so it's almost impossible not to have known who the guy was. He cameo'd in a few movies and even had one of his own; quite a success.
It's sad because I'd like to say more, but I can't. However, if you'd like to know more, you can click here to read an article which details the circumstances, as well as the thoughts and heartfelt feelings of those who knew him.
My condolences.
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Shin Megami Tensei III: Lucifer's Call aka Nocturne - COMPLETE!
Finally! I have completed this game! *throws a party*
When did I start playing this? About a month or so ago? Wow, it's been a long journey and it's finally over...I feel sad...
Not really! I've got plenty of other games to get through, and the next one on my list is Xenosaga II: Jenseits von Gut und Böse. It's been waiting to be played...for quite a long time.
Anyways, let me talk about Lucifer's Call. You already know that it's a long game to get through, especially if you're going to get and complete every little thing there is in the game. I ended up completing it with a total game time of 113:50...that's a pretty long time.
It's got very nice cel-shaded graphics, and lovely locations that resemble the actual places extremely well. It all takes place in Tokyo, Japan by the way and yes, I've been there and visited most of the sites available in the game, so I kind of reminisced a bit too, heh.
Coupled with the graphics, the story is just as good, pitting you against your friends as you strive to achieve the ultimate goal: Creation. Of course I went for what is commonly known as the "True Demon Ending", just because I wanted to do all the challenges first and then go onto doing the easier bits. To be honest, I was a tad disappointed with the final-final boss, but to say why would be spoilers for those who haven't completed it or played it yet.
Oh yes, the soundtrack. You can't have a game without some form of music or sound these days, and Lucifer's Call does not disappoint. Just as with Baten Kaitos, the soundtrack is one to remember. I only wish I had the money to actually buy all the soundtracks I love from the games I've played, alas for I am a mere broke University Student, whose money happens to just get spent on games and DVD's, as well as living essentials. Shameful, I know. But truth be told, most of the soundtracks I'm after I'd have to import, even if I look at Amazon, and I'm just not prepared to pay the extra postage and packaging at this moment in time.
For those of you who have misinterpreted what I wrote, as meaning that the soundtrack for Lucifer's Call is on the same level as that of Baten Kaitos, you read that wrong. What I meant was that both games have delivered great soundtracks, but are in no way on the same level. Both produced soundtracks suited to the mood of their games and both are memorable for that, because the music recorded was just right and pleasing to the ears. That's all I meant.
I can't really think much on what else to say, because the gameplay is pretty simple to understand and there's an incredible variety of abilities at your disposal. Just about anybody can get the hang of playing this game, because it's not all that complicated and doesn't really demand skill; just very good strategic ability.
All in all, it's a very good game and I recommend it...highly!
When did I start playing this? About a month or so ago? Wow, it's been a long journey and it's finally over...I feel sad...
Not really! I've got plenty of other games to get through, and the next one on my list is Xenosaga II: Jenseits von Gut und Böse. It's been waiting to be played...for quite a long time.
Anyways, let me talk about Lucifer's Call. You already know that it's a long game to get through, especially if you're going to get and complete every little thing there is in the game. I ended up completing it with a total game time of 113:50...that's a pretty long time.
It's got very nice cel-shaded graphics, and lovely locations that resemble the actual places extremely well. It all takes place in Tokyo, Japan by the way and yes, I've been there and visited most of the sites available in the game, so I kind of reminisced a bit too, heh.
Coupled with the graphics, the story is just as good, pitting you against your friends as you strive to achieve the ultimate goal: Creation. Of course I went for what is commonly known as the "True Demon Ending", just because I wanted to do all the challenges first and then go onto doing the easier bits. To be honest, I was a tad disappointed with the final-final boss, but to say why would be spoilers for those who haven't completed it or played it yet.
Oh yes, the soundtrack. You can't have a game without some form of music or sound these days, and Lucifer's Call does not disappoint. Just as with Baten Kaitos, the soundtrack is one to remember. I only wish I had the money to actually buy all the soundtracks I love from the games I've played, alas for I am a mere broke University Student, whose money happens to just get spent on games and DVD's, as well as living essentials. Shameful, I know. But truth be told, most of the soundtracks I'm after I'd have to import, even if I look at Amazon, and I'm just not prepared to pay the extra postage and packaging at this moment in time.
For those of you who have misinterpreted what I wrote, as meaning that the soundtrack for Lucifer's Call is on the same level as that of Baten Kaitos, you read that wrong. What I meant was that both games have delivered great soundtracks, but are in no way on the same level. Both produced soundtracks suited to the mood of their games and both are memorable for that, because the music recorded was just right and pleasing to the ears. That's all I meant.
I can't really think much on what else to say, because the gameplay is pretty simple to understand and there's an incredible variety of abilities at your disposal. Just about anybody can get the hang of playing this game, because it's not all that complicated and doesn't really demand skill; just very good strategic ability.
All in all, it's a very good game and I recommend it...highly!
Friday, September 01, 2006
Unauthorised Plagiarism
So, this took place a little while back, starting from 30th July and resolved by 18th August. I understand it's a little late in being reported, but hey...I'm in no rush, plus I've had quite a bit of internet-related trouble of the broadband connectivity variety.
Anyhow, I was browsing the internet on the very early morning of 30th July, and decided to google my webname (ErutanXiku) to see how many results there were. Oh come on, don't roll your eyes at me like you've never done this before ¬.¬ I was surprised to see that there were 4 pages of results, but not so surprised to see where the results came from. All except for one at the very end of the list. It was in reference to a fanfic of mine, by the title of Song of Angels, and it was found somewhere that it was not meant to be. Someone had reproduced my fanfic without my permission, and I knew this because I have only authorised one website to host it without me having put it up personally.
I was filled with a range of emotions, but was most notably irritated and flattered. Flattered, because someone had liked my fanfic enough to host it on their blog. Irritated, because that someone had not received my permission to do so. Thus I contacted them, asking them why they had not contacted me about hosting it and where they had found it, and if they would be nice enough to put up my contact information so that people who liked it could contact me. Actually, instead of me writing it all out, here's the actual exchange complete with commentary in italics. I've opted against revealing the webname of this someone who reproduced my work.
ErutanXiku wrote on Jul 30
Hi, I just happened to come across your blog, and found my fic up here, "Song of Angels". Though I am flattered, I don't recall you asking permission to post it up here. However, I thank you for posting up my name. I'd like to know where you found it and why you posted it up here, as well as why you never contacted me for my permission.
Thanks; I'm not offended, just surprised, so you don't have to take it down.
-ErutanXiku
e-mail me at: ErutanX2002@aol.com
So begins the conversation. I contact him, make reasonable requests and even leave my e-mail address in the event that he should add my contact information, or if he favoured to continue this privately. I wait.
AuthorOfBlog wrote on Aug 6
i just happened to watch the FF VII The Movie : Advent Children.. and i post this out because I'm fun of it.. does this have to me permited by you ? ermm.. i dun think so rite ? and how i'm gonna contact u anyway dude?
Okay, so their English isn't top-notch...I can deal, considering he's foreign. It's nice that you just watched FFVII: AC, but my fanfic has nothing to do with that. It's based on the game, which I admit, gave out the wrong message on the character whose perspective it's written from due to rushed translation. I don't think this person has ever written fanfiction before, nor has much experience with netiquette, or just chooses to be net-rude. I don't even see an answer to where the dude found my work in the first place. Rude indeed.
ErutanXiku wrote on Aug 6
Well you do need my permission to host it. I may not own Final Fantasy 7, nor had any part in it's production, but it is my work. I wrote it, so yes you do need my permission to host it.
It wouldn't have been that difficult to get in contact with me; any site that hosts my fanfic also has an e-mail address where readers can contact me.
I would appreciate it if you added my e-mail address to this post so readers can contact me, if you plan on keep my fanfic up here.
-ErutanXiku
e-mail me at: ErutanX2002@aol.com
Whoops, I just noticed...I misspelled a word, it should be "keeping". Anyhow, as per my nature, I overlook his language, which I just want to rip apart, and reply politely and concisely. It's not all that hard to understand and comply with my wishes, after all, I am the author of the work in question.
AuthorOfBlog wrote on Aug 8
acutally, this is just a blog anyway, to let my friends see.. and it's not public.. so i dun think this should be permitted by you..
Oh how wrong I was. Now I feel like flamthrowing his ass. I mean it doesn't matter if it's a blog you're posting someone else's work on, you still need their permission!
ErutanXiku wrote on Aug 8
Now if you think about that for a moment, I'm not one of your friends so how do you suppose I can view this blog? Even my friends can view it, so obviously your blog is a public blog.
And it doesn't matter; if you copy and paste someone's work you need to get their permission if you intend to replicate it in any form. Even if it is for private use.
All I'm asking is for you to edit this entry and include my e-mail address so that other's can contact me if they're interested in reading my other works. If not, then I'll be forced to take action and notify your host.
-ErutanXiku
e-mail me at: ErutanX2002@aol.com
I actually had two versions of this reply written up. The other one contained foul language, and I wrote it first because that's how peeved I was by this point. I had to write this one a little later, once I had calmed a little. Just so you know, I'm a very patient person, but not all that tolerant. He's being such a dweeb about this whole thing, I mean it's not gonna kill him to make one tiny edit, is it?
AuthorOfBlog wrote on Aug 10
up to you
i've nothing to say
speechless
it's not really public actually, its just a friends netword that i post this
people who can see it's just friends, your friends, my friends...
it's not that it's really public that people who wan to search for this they can search from links like www.yahoo.com or www.google.com... they can't , OK?
What's wrong with this reply? I found the blog on Google, how can you not say that it's not public? Sure you might not have intended it to be, but it is, so there.
After that, I held true to my word and contacted the host of his blog immediately. I wanted my work off of that blog since the author was being an uncooperative so-and-so. I'm not posting the correspondence with the host, because it includes the blog-author's name and the general gist is that in the end, my work was taken down as per my wishes and all's well. I have rescued my work from Unauthorised Plagiarism, and will be vigilant for any more cases such as this.
For those of you who are interested to read the fanfic, here's the link:
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1579644/1/
Anyhow, I was browsing the internet on the very early morning of 30th July, and decided to google my webname (ErutanXiku) to see how many results there were. Oh come on, don't roll your eyes at me like you've never done this before ¬.¬ I was surprised to see that there were 4 pages of results, but not so surprised to see where the results came from. All except for one at the very end of the list. It was in reference to a fanfic of mine, by the title of Song of Angels, and it was found somewhere that it was not meant to be. Someone had reproduced my fanfic without my permission, and I knew this because I have only authorised one website to host it without me having put it up personally.
I was filled with a range of emotions, but was most notably irritated and flattered. Flattered, because someone had liked my fanfic enough to host it on their blog. Irritated, because that someone had not received my permission to do so. Thus I contacted them, asking them why they had not contacted me about hosting it and where they had found it, and if they would be nice enough to put up my contact information so that people who liked it could contact me. Actually, instead of me writing it all out, here's the actual exchange complete with commentary in italics. I've opted against revealing the webname of this someone who reproduced my work.
ErutanXiku wrote on Jul 30
Hi, I just happened to come across your blog, and found my fic up here, "Song of Angels". Though I am flattered, I don't recall you asking permission to post it up here. However, I thank you for posting up my name. I'd like to know where you found it and why you posted it up here, as well as why you never contacted me for my permission.
Thanks; I'm not offended, just surprised, so you don't have to take it down.
-ErutanXiku
e-mail me at: ErutanX2002@aol.com
So begins the conversation. I contact him, make reasonable requests and even leave my e-mail address in the event that he should add my contact information, or if he favoured to continue this privately. I wait.
AuthorOfBlog wrote on Aug 6
i just happened to watch the FF VII The Movie : Advent Children.. and i post this out because I'm fun of it.. does this have to me permited by you ? ermm.. i dun think so rite ? and how i'm gonna contact u anyway dude?
Okay, so their English isn't top-notch...I can deal, considering he's foreign. It's nice that you just watched FFVII: AC, but my fanfic has nothing to do with that. It's based on the game, which I admit, gave out the wrong message on the character whose perspective it's written from due to rushed translation. I don't think this person has ever written fanfiction before, nor has much experience with netiquette, or just chooses to be net-rude. I don't even see an answer to where the dude found my work in the first place. Rude indeed.
ErutanXiku wrote on Aug 6
Well you do need my permission to host it. I may not own Final Fantasy 7, nor had any part in it's production, but it is my work. I wrote it, so yes you do need my permission to host it.
It wouldn't have been that difficult to get in contact with me; any site that hosts my fanfic also has an e-mail address where readers can contact me.
I would appreciate it if you added my e-mail address to this post so readers can contact me, if you plan on keep my fanfic up here.
-ErutanXiku
e-mail me at: ErutanX2002@aol.com
Whoops, I just noticed...I misspelled a word, it should be "keeping". Anyhow, as per my nature, I overlook his language, which I just want to rip apart, and reply politely and concisely. It's not all that hard to understand and comply with my wishes, after all, I am the author of the work in question.
AuthorOfBlog wrote on Aug 8
acutally, this is just a blog anyway, to let my friends see.. and it's not public.. so i dun think this should be permitted by you..
Oh how wrong I was. Now I feel like flamthrowing his ass. I mean it doesn't matter if it's a blog you're posting someone else's work on, you still need their permission!
ErutanXiku wrote on Aug 8
Now if you think about that for a moment, I'm not one of your friends so how do you suppose I can view this blog? Even my friends can view it, so obviously your blog is a public blog.
And it doesn't matter; if you copy and paste someone's work you need to get their permission if you intend to replicate it in any form. Even if it is for private use.
All I'm asking is for you to edit this entry and include my e-mail address so that other's can contact me if they're interested in reading my other works. If not, then I'll be forced to take action and notify your host.
-ErutanXiku
e-mail me at: ErutanX2002@aol.com
I actually had two versions of this reply written up. The other one contained foul language, and I wrote it first because that's how peeved I was by this point. I had to write this one a little later, once I had calmed a little. Just so you know, I'm a very patient person, but not all that tolerant. He's being such a dweeb about this whole thing, I mean it's not gonna kill him to make one tiny edit, is it?
AuthorOfBlog wrote on Aug 10
up to you
i've nothing to say
speechless
it's not really public actually, its just a friends netword that i post this
people who can see it's just friends, your friends, my friends...
it's not that it's really public that people who wan to search for this they can search from links like www.yahoo.com or www.google.com... they can't , OK?
What's wrong with this reply? I found the blog on Google, how can you not say that it's not public? Sure you might not have intended it to be, but it is, so there.
After that, I held true to my word and contacted the host of his blog immediately. I wanted my work off of that blog since the author was being an uncooperative so-and-so. I'm not posting the correspondence with the host, because it includes the blog-author's name and the general gist is that in the end, my work was taken down as per my wishes and all's well. I have rescued my work from Unauthorised Plagiarism, and will be vigilant for any more cases such as this.
For those of you who are interested to read the fanfic, here's the link:
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1579644/1/
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