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*
Monday, September 11, 2006
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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