Today I was offered a "book about Jesus" which I politely declined. In retrospect, I decided I should have said "No thanks, I write my own fiction." At first I thought this would be rather rude, but then I remembered that he's the one who thinks I ought to suffer eternally for something as arbitrary as a theory about existence. So I figure such a comment would be deserved.
I dunno, I'm rather frightened about a potential backlash over announcing my agnosticism. I guess it all stems from the time in Seventh grade where this kid started punching me in the arm and wouldn't stop just because he found out I didn't believe in God. Most Christians who find out seem to be alright with it, although I'm still perturbed they believe I'm going to Hell.
At any rate, things are going alright. I've made a few male friends, met one or two females. I guess I'll meet more as time passes. Or not. Que sera, sera?
Ugh, that reminds me that I'm taking Spanish. Ugh, indeed!
Monday, August 22
Sunday, August 21
Don't you hate it when you think of good things to write about but you're either too tired/distracted/inebriated to write about them? Then, when you have a chance, the topic just doesn't seem worth discussing. So you end up posting a silly little "summary of le dia" and that's aboot it. Probably not.
Well, things are going alright. Not great, but alright. I'm still pushing myself to get away from the computer whenever the oppurtunity arrises, much to the annoyance of my online associates. It's probably a good policy though. I mean, I don't want to be known as that guy who sits in his dorm room all day doing nothing but computer games. I mean, that guy and the ladies would never get along. There's only room for one italicized phrase in that sort of relationship!
Speaking of ladies, I'm in strong "I don't care" mode. It's akin to sour grapes, but with a more fatalistic tone combined with a dash of contentment. Essentially, I'm damned if I don't and damned if I do (Get it? It's original sin! Unlike puns, which are just downright painful). So, when faced with two paths leading to eternal suffering and fiery hells (see: loneliness and gonorrhea. On second though, you probably don't want to see those. Although that is probably the cleanest page about gonorrhea you're going to find on the web.) you take it as it comes. Thus, my current state is neither worrisome or binding. Unlike S&M which consists of varying amounts of both. Not that I'd know. Or anything.
But I've got a paper to write. So... take care.
Well, things are going alright. Not great, but alright. I'm still pushing myself to get away from the computer whenever the oppurtunity arrises, much to the annoyance of my online associates. It's probably a good policy though. I mean, I don't want to be known as that guy who sits in his dorm room all day doing nothing but computer games. I mean, that guy and the ladies would never get along. There's only room for one italicized phrase in that sort of relationship!
Speaking of ladies, I'm in strong "I don't care" mode. It's akin to sour grapes, but with a more fatalistic tone combined with a dash of contentment. Essentially, I'm damned if I don't and damned if I do (Get it? It's original sin! Unlike puns, which are just downright painful). So, when faced with two paths leading to eternal suffering and fiery hells (see: loneliness and gonorrhea. On second though, you probably don't want to see those. Although that is probably the cleanest page about gonorrhea you're going to find on the web.) you take it as it comes. Thus, my current state is neither worrisome or binding. Unlike S&M which consists of varying amounts of both. Not that I'd know. Or anything.
But I've got a paper to write. So... take care.
Good News!
Well, I've started a semi-campaign of "Every chance I get to leave the dorm, I do." So if I jump away from you abruptly online, it's not because I'm afraid you've got the tuberculosis. It's because I'm forcing myself out of this silly hole. So just keep that in mind.
Anyway, I met some more interesting people last night in the common room and one of them, another Chris, loaned me a Dylan Thomas book. I figure I'd better learn about my namesakes somehow, and I've already checked out 3 or 4 Bob Dylan CDs.
That's about all for now. Believe it or not, my room here is actually colder than my house. Or maybe I'm the cold one, and it follows me. I am sort of wraith-ish... Take care!
Anyway, I met some more interesting people last night in the common room and one of them, another Chris, loaned me a Dylan Thomas book. I figure I'd better learn about my namesakes somehow, and I've already checked out 3 or 4 Bob Dylan CDs.
That's about all for now. Believe it or not, my room here is actually colder than my house. Or maybe I'm the cold one, and it follows me. I am sort of wraith-ish... Take care!
Friday, August 19
And I'm Off!
Well, the move-in is just aboot complete. I've got almost everything I need in my dorm room. The process itself was a tad stressful, but it really went pretty well. My room mate, Chris, seems like a pretty good guy. He's a fan of the Daily Show, how bad can he be? He has a New York accent, which is nice for diversity, and just like me his parents annoy him terribly. They're nice folks though, I think I made out pretty well.
I am a bit concerned about meeting people though. I don't really have any new friends, although I've met a few people. It's sort of hard to keep in touch, because it's so awkward going into someone else's room and just staying there. There really isn't a good way to get out and make friends. I guess I've sort of adjusted into an almost sour grapes mentality of "Friends are overrated, don't worry about it", but it worries me that I might be missing out on a good oppurtunity. I guess either way I sorta win, eh?
You know the type of people that just seem out of touch with reality, real wooden and impassive? I'm afraid I might be like that. Timid, scared, on my guard. Then I probably try too hard, go overboard, then worry I'm scaring people away so I sort of abandon them. I can't win, ya know? Maybe if I get some AIM screennames... Oy. Ah well. It's the first few days, I can't judge the entire collegiac experience on such a tiny sample. I mean, I haven't even gotten drunk off my rocker yet. Thank goodness there's still time!
I am a bit concerned about meeting people though. I don't really have any new friends, although I've met a few people. It's sort of hard to keep in touch, because it's so awkward going into someone else's room and just staying there. There really isn't a good way to get out and make friends. I guess I've sort of adjusted into an almost sour grapes mentality of "Friends are overrated, don't worry about it", but it worries me that I might be missing out on a good oppurtunity. I guess either way I sorta win, eh?
You know the type of people that just seem out of touch with reality, real wooden and impassive? I'm afraid I might be like that. Timid, scared, on my guard. Then I probably try too hard, go overboard, then worry I'm scaring people away so I sort of abandon them. I can't win, ya know? Maybe if I get some AIM screennames... Oy. Ah well. It's the first few days, I can't judge the entire collegiac experience on such a tiny sample. I mean, I haven't even gotten drunk off my rocker yet. Thank goodness there's still time!
Saturday, August 13
Exercises in Appropriateness 1
So, like, today i like watched these fantastic episodes of six feet under. That series is, like, so deep, ya know? It's like... whoa. People die all the time. I mean, whoa. That's some messed up shit.
Our toilet is clogged. It's driving me crazy. Well it's not exactly clogged, it's like broken. Now i can't go to the bathroom. Life is a bitch.
Our toilet is clogged. It's driving me crazy. Well it's not exactly clogged, it's like broken. Now i can't go to the bathroom. Life is a bitch.
Friday, August 12
I had a bit of a romantic crisis (as opposed to an existential one) earlier, but it may be nearing its completion. I may even have a resolution. One of the reasons I got over it was another entry of Fiction. You know, venting. Or whatever.
In other news, this coming week I need to start making "cool" entries to make all the people I meet in college who read my blog think I'm superficial and shallow! So... just warning you. I may get crazy!
In other news, this coming week I need to start making "cool" entries to make all the people I meet in college who read my blog think I'm superficial and shallow! So... just warning you. I may get crazy!
Tuesday, August 9
Harry, Harry, quite contrary
No, silly, I don't mean our 33rd president. I am, of course, referring to young master Harry Potter. I just finished reading Harry IV, which was preceded by Harry V, so I figured now would be a good time to give a quasi-review. Suffice it to say there will be spoilers, although I read both books knowing who died in each beforehand, and I still enjoyed them.
I started reading Harry Potter around the time the third book came out. I can't remember why, but I know I was hooked at the time. I eagerly awaited the arrival of the Fourth book (bought in an airport by someone, I think), and I read it as rapidly as I could. Then, as the mania swept the country, and I read better, more adult material, I sort of let the series drift away. Finally, around the time the sixth book came out, I decided I'd better read them both just to keep up with the times.
I must say, I was impressed. I didn't really expect the books to be bad, but I certainly didn't expect them to be as gripping. After having written a fair bit of creative writing myself, I think I've obtained a better understanding of how novels work. So, when reading, I tried to keep my eye out for aspects I enjoyed and aspects I didn't so I could make use of them in my own writing endeavors.
JK Rowling has a formula that just works. The world she creates is well within our spectrum of suspended belief, intricate enough to keep us enraptured, but explained succintly, but sufficiently to the point where we aren't confused or overloaded. Of course, there are gaping holes in the premise that a wizarding community exists within modern day society. I mean, I know it's fiction, but it seems proposterous that the wizards not only don't understand "Muggles", but also make no use of any of their modern technology except toilets, trains, and flying cars. Even still, this isn't really annoying to the point that it seems just a technicality.
The world isn't the only thing that makes the books compelling. The pattern the books follow is regular and familiar, but it allows for complications and differences each year that don't lend themselves to monotony. School itself is something everyone can relate to, especially children, the target audience. And then, of course, there's the "epic struggle of good versus evil" that always manages to ensnare me, at least.
The books become increasingly dark as the series progresses, but not dark in the same sense of most of the literature you read in high school. He always had Ron and Hermione to count upon, and Dumbledore, who was practically omniscent and omnipotent. Killing Dumbledore was great for two reasons: Dumbledore knew entirely too much, to the point where the danger never seemed very real, and it was a great tool to use for Harry's continued development (which is done remarkably well). Dumbledore's death, above all others, was the point where Harry matured closer to a real adult. He alone was responsible for his life and future. He couldn't rely on adults to lead him now.
Of course, Harry had to overcome a lot of obstacles throughout the series without help. But it seemed like he could always go to Dumbledore, who could explain most of it away. Dumbledore just knew too much, he sort of spoiled the effect.
You can also tell that it's a children's book, not an adult's book, just because so few people die. It's almost infuriating how practically everyone survives, on both sides. They're in a war, they're wizards, and yet they still can't manage or won't kill each other. I guess I've no taste for magic duels that consist of "Harry hurls a spell, an adult wizard with years more experience gets caught, Harry runs a bit, Harry hurls a spell, Snape counters, Harry hurls a spell, Snape counters, Harry hurls a spell, ad nauseam." And even when someone's hit, they hardly ever die. But they're kids' books, so I don't honestly expect more. For kids, they're great. I'll still take George RR Martin over Harry Potter anyday.
But, for what they are, the Harry Potter series really does deserve all the attention it's getting. They're great books. I hope they encourages many young minds to read more, like Redwall did for me (Redwall, by the way, killed off quite a few characters and still managed to be appropriate for 10 year olds). I probably won't be standing in line for the next book, but I'll read it pretty soon after it's out. It's good escapist literature with a well done "coming of age" theme. Not as intellectually stimulating as 1984, but a good way to kill a few hours.
(Perhaps more later, we'll see. Toodle loo!)
I started reading Harry Potter around the time the third book came out. I can't remember why, but I know I was hooked at the time. I eagerly awaited the arrival of the Fourth book (bought in an airport by someone, I think), and I read it as rapidly as I could. Then, as the mania swept the country, and I read better, more adult material, I sort of let the series drift away. Finally, around the time the sixth book came out, I decided I'd better read them both just to keep up with the times.
I must say, I was impressed. I didn't really expect the books to be bad, but I certainly didn't expect them to be as gripping. After having written a fair bit of creative writing myself, I think I've obtained a better understanding of how novels work. So, when reading, I tried to keep my eye out for aspects I enjoyed and aspects I didn't so I could make use of them in my own writing endeavors.
JK Rowling has a formula that just works. The world she creates is well within our spectrum of suspended belief, intricate enough to keep us enraptured, but explained succintly, but sufficiently to the point where we aren't confused or overloaded. Of course, there are gaping holes in the premise that a wizarding community exists within modern day society. I mean, I know it's fiction, but it seems proposterous that the wizards not only don't understand "Muggles", but also make no use of any of their modern technology except toilets, trains, and flying cars. Even still, this isn't really annoying to the point that it seems just a technicality.
The world isn't the only thing that makes the books compelling. The pattern the books follow is regular and familiar, but it allows for complications and differences each year that don't lend themselves to monotony. School itself is something everyone can relate to, especially children, the target audience. And then, of course, there's the "epic struggle of good versus evil" that always manages to ensnare me, at least.
The books become increasingly dark as the series progresses, but not dark in the same sense of most of the literature you read in high school. He always had Ron and Hermione to count upon, and Dumbledore, who was practically omniscent and omnipotent. Killing Dumbledore was great for two reasons: Dumbledore knew entirely too much, to the point where the danger never seemed very real, and it was a great tool to use for Harry's continued development (which is done remarkably well). Dumbledore's death, above all others, was the point where Harry matured closer to a real adult. He alone was responsible for his life and future. He couldn't rely on adults to lead him now.
Of course, Harry had to overcome a lot of obstacles throughout the series without help. But it seemed like he could always go to Dumbledore, who could explain most of it away. Dumbledore just knew too much, he sort of spoiled the effect.
You can also tell that it's a children's book, not an adult's book, just because so few people die. It's almost infuriating how practically everyone survives, on both sides. They're in a war, they're wizards, and yet they still can't manage or won't kill each other. I guess I've no taste for magic duels that consist of "Harry hurls a spell, an adult wizard with years more experience gets caught, Harry runs a bit, Harry hurls a spell, Snape counters, Harry hurls a spell, Snape counters, Harry hurls a spell, ad nauseam." And even when someone's hit, they hardly ever die. But they're kids' books, so I don't honestly expect more. For kids, they're great. I'll still take George RR Martin over Harry Potter anyday.
But, for what they are, the Harry Potter series really does deserve all the attention it's getting. They're great books. I hope they encourages many young minds to read more, like Redwall did for me (Redwall, by the way, killed off quite a few characters and still managed to be appropriate for 10 year olds). I probably won't be standing in line for the next book, but I'll read it pretty soon after it's out. It's good escapist literature with a well done "coming of age" theme. Not as intellectually stimulating as 1984, but a good way to kill a few hours.
(Perhaps more later, we'll see. Toodle loo!)