You fit in with: Humanism Your ideals mostly resemble that of a Humanist. Although you do not have a lot of faith, you are devoted to making this world better, in the short time that you have to live. Humanists do not generally believe in an afterlife, and therefore, are committed to making the world a better place for themselves and future generations. 20% spiritual. 60% reason-oriented. | ||||
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Take this quiz at QuizGalaxy.com |
Monday, October 24, 2005
Spiritual Quiz
Taken from my sis:
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Friday, October 21, 2005
Decemberists and Greenblatt
Yesterday was incredible. I attended a double feature of seeing a lecture by Stephen Greenblatt and then attending the awesome Decemberists concert shortly thereafter. Although I was late to the concert, I only missed about 2 songs. It was wonderful!
I was somewhat surprised to find Stephen Greenblatt a charismatic and really funny speaker. His writing has the same qualities, but I never expected to see them fully embodied in him. I guess I just assumed that he would be the oppposite of his own work (which, I know, is a silly assumption). If you ever get the opportunity to hear him speak, don't delay. . . go see him speak! The man can spin an anecdote on its heels!
I love the architectural spaces of concert venues in the midwest. Occasionally,there were some fantastic concerts in Denver's older theaters, so I can't say that this is an exclusively midwest thin (how would I know?). But, attending the Orpheum Theater was definitely cool. The inside had a full bar (this is also a movie theater, by the way), and the seating area also had a stage and large screen for films. There was also a huge balcony area where I ended up (given that I was late, I opted for opulant comfort instead of sardine can visibility). I'm no expert of architectural style, so you'll just have to look up what kind of style the Orpheum has for yourself, although I can tell you that the walls were somewhat ornate (but not the gilded kind of ornate).
The Decemberists themselves were awesome! They played better live than what I've heard on my ol' CD, and they are hysterically funny. I suspected at some point in the concert that they were pretty drunk. . . Colin Meloy forgot some of his own lyrics in the midst of belting out his songs, but that didn't stop them from having an incredibly interactive and overall kick-ass concert. One of the audience's favorite parts was near the end of the show, when hoards of them rushed the stage to dance with the band.
Definitely a great show!
I was somewhat surprised to find Stephen Greenblatt a charismatic and really funny speaker. His writing has the same qualities, but I never expected to see them fully embodied in him. I guess I just assumed that he would be the oppposite of his own work (which, I know, is a silly assumption). If you ever get the opportunity to hear him speak, don't delay. . . go see him speak! The man can spin an anecdote on its heels!
I love the architectural spaces of concert venues in the midwest. Occasionally,there were some fantastic concerts in Denver's older theaters, so I can't say that this is an exclusively midwest thin (how would I know?). But, attending the Orpheum Theater was definitely cool. The inside had a full bar (this is also a movie theater, by the way), and the seating area also had a stage and large screen for films. There was also a huge balcony area where I ended up (given that I was late, I opted for opulant comfort instead of sardine can visibility). I'm no expert of architectural style, so you'll just have to look up what kind of style the Orpheum has for yourself, although I can tell you that the walls were somewhat ornate (but not the gilded kind of ornate).
The Decemberists themselves were awesome! They played better live than what I've heard on my ol' CD, and they are hysterically funny. I suspected at some point in the concert that they were pretty drunk. . . Colin Meloy forgot some of his own lyrics in the midst of belting out his songs, but that didn't stop them from having an incredibly interactive and overall kick-ass concert. One of the audience's favorite parts was near the end of the show, when hoards of them rushed the stage to dance with the band.
Definitely a great show!
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
What the hell is FACE BOOK?
I guess a lot of people are getting into this service called Face Book. I just wanna know! I heard from several people that it's easy to stalk someone because you can view their entire school schedule. I also heard that lots of people use it, nonetheless. I figured I would give it a try since my dear ol' SO was forced to use by one of his university classes.
Eh, whatever.
Eh, whatever.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Ever have one of those weeks?
I'm at the point this week where I am questioning whether or not I can hack it in grad school. I had a horrible week where I didn't know what the hell I was doing, and frankly it was obvious to others as well.
Here's what happened:
1. I forgot some information for my first class on Monday that made it seem as though I didn't do the reading from a few weeks ago. However, I did do the reading. . . I unfortunately only remembered the odd details and not the entire concept of that article.
2. I got semi-slammed by fellow students for not loving poetry. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy some poetry. But I love novels. I really enjoy studying them, not poetry. But, because I enjoy novels over poetry (in general), I get misunderstood as not "understanding" poetry. It's not that I can't appreciate poetry. I just prefer novel reading.
3. I didn't get any of my French homework finished this week. All my fault, but it merely set me up for my failures in my next class.
4. I wouldn't say that I misread any of the articles for my novel genre class, but I didn't quite remember what they said by the time I finished reading them. Frankly, I had to do what's called a round robin this week and failed to make it anything interesting. I was in a rush because of a dinner meeting, so I just wrote down some crap and emailed it. Apparently, that crap was absolutely backwards to what the article I quoted actually said.
So, there you have it. Hopefully things will turn out better once I get some decent sleep before I fuck something else up. I obviously recognize that I have a lack of breadth when it comes to the subject of English Lit in comparison to many other students. I don't really attribute this to the school I came from. It's a combination of both me as a crappy undergrad student and the fact that I haven't been in undergrad since 1999. But right now, during midterm, I have been seriously having doubts about what is really right for me. Of course, last week, I was just lovin' this place. More than likely, I'm suffering from a lack of rest and missing my friends and family (and my SO) more and more.
Sigh.
Here's what happened:
1. I forgot some information for my first class on Monday that made it seem as though I didn't do the reading from a few weeks ago. However, I did do the reading. . . I unfortunately only remembered the odd details and not the entire concept of that article.
2. I got semi-slammed by fellow students for not loving poetry. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy some poetry. But I love novels. I really enjoy studying them, not poetry. But, because I enjoy novels over poetry (in general), I get misunderstood as not "understanding" poetry. It's not that I can't appreciate poetry. I just prefer novel reading.
3. I didn't get any of my French homework finished this week. All my fault, but it merely set me up for my failures in my next class.
4. I wouldn't say that I misread any of the articles for my novel genre class, but I didn't quite remember what they said by the time I finished reading them. Frankly, I had to do what's called a round robin this week and failed to make it anything interesting. I was in a rush because of a dinner meeting, so I just wrote down some crap and emailed it. Apparently, that crap was absolutely backwards to what the article I quoted actually said.
So, there you have it. Hopefully things will turn out better once I get some decent sleep before I fuck something else up. I obviously recognize that I have a lack of breadth when it comes to the subject of English Lit in comparison to many other students. I don't really attribute this to the school I came from. It's a combination of both me as a crappy undergrad student and the fact that I haven't been in undergrad since 1999. But right now, during midterm, I have been seriously having doubts about what is really right for me. Of course, last week, I was just lovin' this place. More than likely, I'm suffering from a lack of rest and missing my friends and family (and my SO) more and more.
Sigh.
Friday, October 14, 2005
Isabel Allende and Other Stories
I was a very big fan of Isabel Allende all through high school and parts of college. The House of the Spirits was one of the first novels that I fell in love with the discourse of literature and is probably why I am a Literature major today. Her stories have always had elements of sadness, hilarity, and sensuality rolled into a living entity. . . there has always been something organic in the way she writes her stories.
Last night, Isabel Allende spoke in Madison about her inspirations, her sadness, and her dreams. She has been criticized for not being a true magical realist because her images do not jar or jolt the reader in the same way works by Marquez would. However, her style of magical realism is so deeply enmeshed, so interwoven into who she is, that I can't possibly imagine seeing her as anything but a magical realist (or what I used to think of as metaphor taking on a life of its own). This became more evident in her personal lecture and how her dreams both influence and foretell the things yet to come.
She mentioned how her novels, and the process of novel writing, appear in her dreams as babies. Sometimes they cry with a grown man's voice; other times, they are lost and constantly searching for a way out. As a storyteller and novelist, it then becomes her job to translate these messages and resolve to bear her baby to the world.
Like her novels, her lecture intimately touched the audience in many ways. You could see the tears glistening in the eyes of every person in the room as Allende told her daughter's story. And you could here the roar of laughter when Allende described the meal she wanted to make of Antonio Banderas (naked). More importantly, you could sense determination come from the audience when she addressed political concerns; these concerns of which are entangled in her personal world as much as her public one.
Allende's lecture became for me an intellectual and emotional roller coaster -- one with twists, turns, flips, and an occasional startling pause before a large crescendo of glee.
Last night, Isabel Allende spoke in Madison about her inspirations, her sadness, and her dreams. She has been criticized for not being a true magical realist because her images do not jar or jolt the reader in the same way works by Marquez would. However, her style of magical realism is so deeply enmeshed, so interwoven into who she is, that I can't possibly imagine seeing her as anything but a magical realist (or what I used to think of as metaphor taking on a life of its own). This became more evident in her personal lecture and how her dreams both influence and foretell the things yet to come.
She mentioned how her novels, and the process of novel writing, appear in her dreams as babies. Sometimes they cry with a grown man's voice; other times, they are lost and constantly searching for a way out. As a storyteller and novelist, it then becomes her job to translate these messages and resolve to bear her baby to the world.
Like her novels, her lecture intimately touched the audience in many ways. You could see the tears glistening in the eyes of every person in the room as Allende told her daughter's story. And you could here the roar of laughter when Allende described the meal she wanted to make of Antonio Banderas (naked). More importantly, you could sense determination come from the audience when she addressed political concerns; these concerns of which are entangled in her personal world as much as her public one.
Allende's lecture became for me an intellectual and emotional roller coaster -- one with twists, turns, flips, and an occasional startling pause before a large crescendo of glee.
Saturday, October 08, 2005
Where's Mister Cellophane?
Yesterday was my very first trip to Chicago. The only times I've seen Chicago were either from an airport or a train station. This time, I went with a couple of friends (both from Colorado) to the Art Institute of Chicago. There was an exhibit on Toulouse Latrec, but, unfortunately, the tickets for that day were sold out. However, the rest of the museum has so much great stuff! I saw many Picassos, Van Goghs, Renoirs, Piscarros, Matisses, Monets, Magrittes, Dalis, etc. It was rather overwhelming to take in. They also had this really odd miniature room museum in their basement. We had to skip most of the older European works, American works, and Asian works because there was no way we would have been able to see it all.
After several hours of museum time, we went to eat at a really great Vietnamese restaurant nearby. I believe it was called To Pho. Really excellent. . . Plus, we just hit happy hour at the restaurant, which meant all the food was half price!
After a really fantastic dinner, we went to H&Ms for some really great deals on clothes. I have to say that yesterday was one of the best day trips I have ever taken (which sounds cliche, but in this case it is quite true). My friends and I hope to make a class weekend in the future, maybe grabbing a hotel room downtown to party in.
Later tonight, we're heading to Glass Nickel Pizza for dinner. They have the best Feta-licious and Ranch Chicken pizzas I have had in my life. Seriously. Their pizzas are hearty, but you never get tired of how good they taste. I don't honestly think I can go back to eating Blackjack or Pizza Hut again.
Ok, so this post sounds like an ad. . . sorry guys, I just got carried away. . . It's back to reading Rochester. . .
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Just for the record
I will be making a hair donation to Locks of Love. 
What are you kidding me? What else would I do with that much hair?!
My braid may be making a cross country tour to Coloardo first before it gets shipped to Locks of Love. It's become a lucky charm for many.
Let's face it, hair is a rather odd apendage. I know that some folks sell their hair to wig companies and whatnot, but I honestly can't imagine doing that. It's almost like selling your appendix to somebody. . . another useless body part, yet it does feel like it's a part of you in some strange way.
On another note, I have noticed the significant weight of my hair. My neck and back seem to straighten out more easily. . . hehe.
What are you kidding me? What else would I do with that much hair?!
My braid may be making a cross country tour to Coloardo first before it gets shipped to Locks of Love. It's become a lucky charm for many.
Let's face it, hair is a rather odd apendage. I know that some folks sell their hair to wig companies and whatnot, but I honestly can't imagine doing that. It's almost like selling your appendix to somebody. . . another useless body part, yet it does feel like it's a part of you in some strange way.
On another note, I have noticed the significant weight of my hair. My neck and back seem to straighten out more easily. . . hehe.
A New Haircut
I got a new haircut yesterday that looks exactly like everyone else's hair here! It drives me insane. Plus, prior to the haircut, I had hair that was down to my waist. . . That is no longer true. Now my hair isn't even shoulder length!
I do have to admit that the person I went to did a wonderful job with the cut, but I'm still in total shock!
Here's what I mean:
Before
And After
I mean, look at the back! It is seriously short!
I do have to admit that the person I went to did a wonderful job with the cut, but I'm still in total shock!
Here's what I mean:
Before
And After
I mean, look at the back! It is seriously short!
Saturday, October 01, 2005
As far as movies are concerned
In the past two days, I've seen two amazing films worth commenting on (and I'm sure that right now, many others are commenting on them simultaneously). The first movie I saw on Friday was Howl's Moving Castle. Regardless of whether you are a Miyazaki fan or not, you will leave this movie feeling giddy and irrepressably happy. I don't know what it is, but it is great! An additional plus is the contribution of Christian Bale's voice to Howl. Whoa, nelly... He can even make an animated character sexy.
The next film is Serenity, which is the darling of the web right now. I love the show Firefly. I LOVE IT. And, I can be very picky about how television shows adapt to film. With that in mind, this film is incredible. I refuse to spoil the film (which, right now, is extremely tempting), but this film takes you on an emotional rollercoaster as a Firefly fan. I cannot honestly say what other people would think and feel about the film if they weren't fans of the show, but I know that I was greatly moved.
Many people have criticized the differences between the television show universe of Firefly and the established history of the film Serenity. It's clear the reasons why Joss Whedon chose to make these changes. It's generally for the consideration of the audience members who are not Firefly fans. And I'm sure it does chafe those who are devoted to how the Firefly universe tightly functions, but given that we live with many systems of thought that have tendencies to contradict themselves, I don't see these small issues as being a problem. Regardless of them, anyone who watches Firefly will LOVE Serenity, and anyone who doesn't will probably still leave the theater with a sense of respect for those loyal Browncoats.
I left the theater feeling both broken hearted and renewed in a sense of hope. I really want Firefly to return. I really want two more films. And I really want to know more about the mysteries that remain mysteries within the great Verse.
Shiny!
The next film is Serenity, which is the darling of the web right now. I love the show Firefly. I LOVE IT. And, I can be very picky about how television shows adapt to film. With that in mind, this film is incredible. I refuse to spoil the film (which, right now, is extremely tempting), but this film takes you on an emotional rollercoaster as a Firefly fan. I cannot honestly say what other people would think and feel about the film if they weren't fans of the show, but I know that I was greatly moved.
Many people have criticized the differences between the television show universe of Firefly and the established history of the film Serenity. It's clear the reasons why Joss Whedon chose to make these changes. It's generally for the consideration of the audience members who are not Firefly fans. And I'm sure it does chafe those who are devoted to how the Firefly universe tightly functions, but given that we live with many systems of thought that have tendencies to contradict themselves, I don't see these small issues as being a problem. Regardless of them, anyone who watches Firefly will LOVE Serenity, and anyone who doesn't will probably still leave the theater with a sense of respect for those loyal Browncoats.
I left the theater feeling both broken hearted and renewed in a sense of hope. I really want Firefly to return. I really want two more films. And I really want to know more about the mysteries that remain mysteries within the great Verse.
Shiny!
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