tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41586287513663402662024-02-18T19:05:11.512-08:00I Am Not a LungfishIamnotalungfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110257383999254422noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158628751366340266.post-4337294950197703602013-08-15T17:23:00.002-07:002013-08-15T17:23:55.507-07:00<a href="http://unidiversityblog.wordpress.com/2013/06/24/communicating-for-social-change/">http://unidiversityblog.wordpress.com/2013/06/24/communicating-for-social-change/</a>Iamnotalungfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110257383999254422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158628751366340266.post-67662215400289407302013-08-15T16:16:00.001-07:002013-08-15T16:16:44.963-07:00I am not a lungfishSo, for the last year I've been doing a comic in my university's newspaper. I wanted to show some of those online, but it turns out that the newspaper's website is unimaginably slow and terrible. Therefore, I shall be posting those comic here.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpj4yM4G8UropEhk3FyIiLioomcJFRfDeoV8jnonW5LjiM-rriUlJt3uLbYjMDg3fyHjYIcDLWs2EcvoHk8Xhybx7QmV8vfw_aKUy2-Io3n0f9_Tcm-W0QKF5xg1i48LkMbZaCpZ9RL_U/s1600/Iamnotalungfish_helmet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpj4yM4G8UropEhk3FyIiLioomcJFRfDeoV8jnonW5LjiM-rriUlJt3uLbYjMDg3fyHjYIcDLWs2EcvoHk8Xhybx7QmV8vfw_aKUy2-Io3n0f9_Tcm-W0QKF5xg1i48LkMbZaCpZ9RL_U/s640/Iamnotalungfish_helmet.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
<br />Iamnotalungfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110257383999254422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158628751366340266.post-28295842006629106172012-06-14T12:58:00.003-07:002012-06-14T13:03:04.190-07:00<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; page-break-before: always; text-indent: 1cm;">
I said goodbye to Kitten just before 5:00 this morning. We said a
tearless goodbye, knowing not only that we will meet again one day,
but that the other is never more than an IM away.</div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 1cm;">
A
strange emotion welling in my breast, I took my place in the long
line for the security checkpoint – just in time for at least a
hundred harried passengers to turn around and stampede out like
spooked cattle.
</div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 1cm;">
Due
to a security equipment to malfunction, the flow of the security
checkpoint for terminals D and F was diverted into the checkpoint for
B and C. This caused something of a jam as twice the normal amount of
people were forced through the same security bottleneck. Every man,
woman, and child in line was sweaty, tired, and understandably
irritable.</div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 1cm;">
All
except myself, actually. I was feeling rather cheerful about the
whole thing, grinning like a fool and feeling no pain, due in part to
the extra-special dose of anti-anxiety medication coursing through my
veins. I'm more than aware of how I usually react to being forced
into tight enclosed spaces with several angry, sweaty individuals,
and I was more than happy to spend my time smiling gormlessly at the
people on either side of me, no matter how situationally
inappropriate. I spent my time getting to know the ladies in front,
who mostly ignored me outside of the suggestion that one of them
should pretend to be twelve so they could get in the priority line,
and the fellow behind, a young man bound for California who had been
near the front of the other line when the malfunction occurred and
might be accurately described as “righteously cheesed” in
relation to that fact.</div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 1cm;">
It
took over an hour to get through security, but at least I had a smile on my face.</div>Iamnotalungfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110257383999254422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158628751366340266.post-47349372475632433552012-06-13T23:07:00.001-07:002012-06-13T23:07:35.823-07:00Booker Award<blockquote class="tr_bq"><a href="http://lyzzyredd.blogspot.com/2012/06/booker-award-now-goes-to-lyzzy-redd.html?spref=bl">Lyzzy Redd: The Booker Award now goes to... Lyzzy Redd!</a>: A certain Skye Fairwin nominated me for this blogging award. Once again, thank you! :) You have to have your blog at least half writing...</blockquote><br />
<br />
If you followed the link up there, you need no introduction into our topic; if you did not, however, then here's a bit of an explanation.<br />
The lovely Lyzzy Redd has nominated me for the Booker Award, which goes to book blogs. Sadly, though, I do not believe I qualify to receive the awards, as while I am highly interested in books, writing and reading, my blog does not at this time qualify, having less than 50% of it's content on the topic.<br />
I am nevertheless highly flattered that she thought of me and very glad that she herself was given consideration.<br />
Part of the award requires one to list one's top 5 favourite reads, and while I shall not be receiving the awards, I thought I might just do that anyway to be a good sport.<br />
<br />
1. The works of Sir A. C. Doyle on the Adventures of Mr. Holmes and his faithful companion Dr. Watson<br />
2. "The Importance of Being Earnest" by O. Wilde<br />
3. <em>Mansfield Park</em> by J. Austen<br />
4. <em>Animorphs</em> by K. A. Applegate<br />
5. <em>The Stranger</em> by A. CamusIamnotalungfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110257383999254422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158628751366340266.post-69498094167605512952012-06-13T22:33:00.000-07:002012-06-13T22:33:06.960-07:00The Kitten and the Conference<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; page-break-before: always; text-indent: 1cm;">
It was early June when I travelled to New Jersey to visit my boon
companion, a young lady whom I call Kitten. The eponymous reason for
going was the Philadelphia Writer's Conference, but, fascinating
experience though that was, a conference alone is not reason enough
to fly the rough distance of 1000 kilometres that separates northern
Alberta, Canada from the American east coast.
</div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 1cm;">
Meeting
Kitten face to face was a deciding factor, the conference was an
added treat.</div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 1cm;">
The
writing conference itself made up the bulk of my first three days in
the United States. This was the first conference I had ever attended,
and I found the event highly interesting and invigorating. I
particularly enjoyed the class on writing for New Media.
</div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 1cm;">
The
high emphasis on the business, marketing end of writing was
occasionally overwhelming and discouraging, if only because it
seemed, at times, to be at the loss of the artistic side of things,
that speakers and participants only gave the art brief lip-service
before turning back to business. This was not the case in all
classes, of course, and looking objectively, the speakers most
certainly talked about the art of writing. It is simply that the
emphasis was placed more towards marketing than would be to my
liking and the advice on the art of things was somewhat
underdeveloped and aimed at a more novice level. It is highly likely
that, this being my first convention, my initial expectations were
flawed.</div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 1cm;">
Undoubtedly
one of the best aspects of the convention was being surrounded on all
sides by like-minded individuals and talking with people who might
actually be genuinely interested in that steam-punk epic I'm writing
that stars a bird-obsessed autistic and a double amputee. Just being
around people who have similar interests and ideas and who have even
a glimmer of insight into my life as it is. It's almost like being
part of a community. Warm fuzzies for everyone.</div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 1cm;">
All
in all, I would call the conference an enriching experience, one that
was all the better for having dear Kitty Bergeron at my side and for
meeting personalities like Lucas Mangum, horror writer
extraordinaire, Patti O'Brien, who I regret not being able to talk to
more, and Marie Gilbert, who is everybody's best friend and grandma,
no exceptions, and an unbelievably cool lady.</div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 1cm;">
I
also ended up attending a session led by Jonathan Maberry, who writes
zombie thrillers. Notable because at one point he described a scene
from one of his novels which I had already heard near word-for-word
only a few weeks earlier during a chat with my sister (read: during
an hour while my sister talked and I nodded and made appropriate
noises) about a book she was reading about the aftermath of a zombie
apocalypse. I rather wanted to discuss a few of the plot points with
him, particularly the idea of bounty hunters who are paid to put zombified people to rest by the families of the deceased, but I wasn't sure whether to approach him or not. I erred on the
side of caution, if only because I wasn't sure how to explain that I
knew the plots of his novels, not because I read them, but because my
little sister likes to tell me the best bits and some things need a
lot of context in order to be funny.</div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 1cm;">
I
also met Merry Jones, who is very sweet, and a few other people
whose books I put away for a living.
</div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 1cm;">
All
in all, a good way to spend a weekend.</div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 1cm;">
<br />
</div>Iamnotalungfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110257383999254422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158628751366340266.post-80801818316302702182012-06-10T20:30:00.000-07:002012-06-10T20:30:52.886-07:00D is for Dead<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhczFHCmmXsQS2atZD2PkuOU7tCdtfVvU2QlYT_lCKNzZAdTH3vcX7QGPBk103bCQ3Yl1aRTrt7O6Lzzty321b7Lu6boNet6tKIG7aKrkYOy1meqwZQRwjgLKHxL5FPE5nO2wHUQuE2w/s1600/abcd.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhczFHCmmXsQS2atZD2PkuOU7tCdtfVvU2QlYT_lCKNzZAdTH3vcX7QGPBk103bCQ3Yl1aRTrt7O6Lzzty321b7Lu6boNet6tKIG7aKrkYOy1meqwZQRwjgLKHxL5FPE5nO2wHUQuE2w/s320/abcd.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTg4M74JCrExxrhdLpLZeXuCyRnHNqLou5osJsdJxUdkng9ZIQ4H2zCSwqhngfBcI3LRGBQLcKwg1uw5nTorHVAXJCThfR5eAqPi7SgRsGyggFfAMy6U9wgUji6abMhaR_b1kwHKXOgM/s1600/yz.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTg4M74JCrExxrhdLpLZeXuCyRnHNqLou5osJsdJxUdkng9ZIQ4H2zCSwqhngfBcI3LRGBQLcKwg1uw5nTorHVAXJCThfR5eAqPi7SgRsGyggFfAMy6U9wgUji6abMhaR_b1kwHKXOgM/s320/yz.png" width="320" /></a></div>Iamnotalungfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110257383999254422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158628751366340266.post-48076832642863537062012-03-29T00:45:00.001-07:002012-03-29T00:45:59.899-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://2.gvt0.com/vi/JMFEy_sfx6o/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JMFEy_sfx6o&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JMFEy_sfx6o&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div>Iamnotalungfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110257383999254422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158628751366340266.post-66640615551233101002012-03-24T22:23:00.000-07:002012-03-24T22:23:44.451-07:00Got a lot done over the past day or so. Very exciting. Spent most of today wondering why I felt so tense and anxious before realizing that I had 5 cups of tea at noon for giggles. Note that I put two bags of dark tea and a generous dollop of honey in every cup, and I rarely consume caffeine at all.<br />
Yeah. It's amazing I didn't re-grout the bathroom floor and call up the Prime Minister to tell him all my neat ideas about how to strengthen the economy. (Giant. Balloon. Dog. THINK ABOUT IT.)<br />
I was supposed to have a debate in Canadian Politics today, but my opposite failed to come to class. Shame, I was looking forward to it. Mother was more offended than I was, but she has <em>views </em>about people who fail to hold up commitments. She's also quite protective. <br />
I have weird moments of dissonance when other people talk about their parents, and Mummy's a big part of why. I wouldn't call my mother perfect, she doesn't like it, but compared to many parents out there, she's a saint. She cares about my future beyond how it reflects on her; she'd never belittle my dreams; she always cares when I'm sad. She's not even the traditional motherly type! She's a truck driver with a twisted sense of humour and a chip on her shoulder. You wouldn't believe how many jokes about death, grevious bodily harm, and drugs I knew before the age of 12. What is <strong>wrong</strong> with other people's parents that their relationships end up this way? I know there's two sides to everything, but this is just messed up. I feel like the only person with a amicable relationship with one or more parent(s).Iamnotalungfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110257383999254422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158628751366340266.post-72565198481703605122012-03-07T18:07:00.001-08:002012-03-07T18:12:27.892-08:00Song Recs<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhvPoBwMfSA">DJ - Madeon Remix</a><br />
<br />
Originally by Alphabeat, this remix far outshines the original.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHc_j2roK1s">Super Psycho Love</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IN_7w_mAxhI&feature=related">Beat Drop</a> both by Simon Curtis<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZZpyfpBr2I&feature=related">Rymden I En Låda</a> - Detektivbyrån<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCjUHCAqqGE">Gel</a> - Collective Soul<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPR108kwNo4">Where Have All the Cowboys Gone</a> - Paula Cole<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8U-XQYJwDY">Degenerations</a> - Mes Aieux<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWwUPfmdZXg&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PL16FF8F3A0B0371D6">Mercy Me </a>- Alkaline Trio<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9WOBsPVjFE">No One Knows </a>- Queens of the Stone Age<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7RUeMCZL3Q">I Was aTeenage Anarchist</a> - Against Me!Iamnotalungfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110257383999254422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158628751366340266.post-56915044460927678672012-03-07T03:00:00.000-08:002012-03-07T03:00:18.288-08:001. What would you do without Chail?<br />
<br />
...I don't know. She is my primary source of socialization, though we have little in common in terms of interests. It is difficult to imagine a world where I could not have Chail, the person who perhaps understands me best.<br />
<br />
2. Describe M. Kallel in five words.<br />
<br />
Enthousiaste, heureuse, joyeuse, interesante et crazy.<br />
<br />
3. Does Clint make you hot?<br />
<br />
...That is a most unfortunate question, considering our relationship is of the familial variety.<br />
<br />
4. Would you open a mystery gift Kitty just gave you, without much hesitation?<br />
<br />
Yup. And even if it ended up being a trap, I'd open another mystery gift from her without blinking.<br />
<br />
5. What was your first impression of Melinda?<br />
<br />
WHAT IS THIS STRANGE NEW CREATURE? I don't know if I'd say it was immediate, but I was rather enthralled with Melinda during our early acquaintance. My first impression was that I had found someone equally interesting in being witty for the sake of being witty, which made me rather happy.<br />
<br />
6. Is KeiLei your best friend?<br />
<br />
Difficult question. I tend to have friends for different purposes that have very little overlap. Going by the traditional meaning of "best friend," however, the term more closely fits my relationship with Melinda. KeiLei and I are more along the line of Platonic sweethearts, romantic friends in the tradition of the Victorians.<br />
<br />
7. Who is Mummy's best friend?<br />
<br />
Me, silly! :P<br />
In truth, I don't know. Her friend Teresa is a good candidate.<br />
<br />
8. If Kezia were to be mistaken for a celebrity, who would it be?<br />
<br />
I have no idea. I can think of no one whom she resembles physically and her personality is, in my opinion, unique. <br />
<br />
9. If Natalya and Melinda teamed up, what would they most likely accomplish?<br />
<br />
Goodness gracious. Well, they could separately accomplish anything to which either of them put their mind. Despite the fact that Natalya's time around Chail has inoculated her somewhat to spectacularly boorish behaviour, I suspect Melinda's primary accomplishment would be driving Natalya's eyebrow right up her forehead.<br />
<br />
10. Who would win in a duel, Kaylee or Kitty? And what kind of duel would they pick, anyway?<br />
<br />
Kitty, hands down. She's not afraid to fight dirty, and Kaylee would likely get distracted. Kitty would weild a mighty pen. Kaylee would pick either a stuffed unicorn or a lemon.Iamnotalungfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110257383999254422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158628751366340266.post-9257836329167682882012-02-27T20:54:00.000-08:002012-02-27T20:54:13.658-08:00Letter to a Peer Critic<h6 class="western" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hello, my name is Joelle Pigott. I am a writer and administrator of a peer critique group known as Literati Sedition. I have been performing peer critiques for the past few years. I have a couple rules that I think are imperative in the world of peer critiques, and I shall list them here, in order of importance. </span> </h6><br />
<ol><li><div style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">The two most important traits a critic must foster are honesty and compassion. Honesty, because we must tell our fellow writers, our fellow artists the truth directly and honestly in order that they improve their art and themselves. Compassion, because these works are not only the sweat and blood of our peers, they are their hopes and dreams. Causing people unnecessary emotional pain in the name of bastardized honesty is immature and unnecessary. Hurting people is not constructive, but discouraging. In addition, it is unlikely to encourage them to take one's advice.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">One must cultivate a neutral tone and critique the prose, not the writer. This is not a casual conversation with a friend, but rather a professional discussion with what might be a complete stranger. A casual tone may be easily interpreted as aggression, especially as one is frequently unable to discern tone from text alone. Focus on addressing the issues found in the work itself and avoid the pronoun “you,” because this often devolves into saying: “YOU did this wrong,” “YOU have failed.” It is more appropriate to say: “THIS does not work,” “THIS is incorrect.”</span></div></li>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">One must also be detail-oriented and specific. It does no good to point out something flawed, but fail to address why it is wrong and what can be done to fix it. It only serves to perplex and frustrate the author, rather than aid them.</span></div></li>
</ol><br />
<div style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Below is a critique from a peer critic whom I view to be somewhat misguided as to the proper way to help one's fellow artist. Comments in brackets are from me.</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">*****</div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;"> </div><h6 class="western" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">"On page two you put, ‘Normally, girls pet my hair sometimes even know Cassie hated it.’ This sentence makes no sense at all. Try rephrasing it. </span></h6><h6 class="western" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">(This is highly brash, bossy language. The critic seems to assume that they are the one in charge, not simply an observer making suggestions. It is extremely rude to command the artist to make changes, as a critic lacks legitimacy in a work that is not their own. Instead, it is best to make suggestions, e.g., “This doesn't make sense, perhaps try rephrasing it.” When phrased as a suggestion, it becomes friendly and polite sounding.)<br />
<br />
I’m going to be honest; I don’t really like the beginning. It kind of just throws things at you, and that’s never a good thing.</span></h6><h6 class="western" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"> (This is not a place for the critic's opinions. It does not matter if the critic likes the choices the artist has made, but rather, whether the story works as a cohesive piece. This is why it is also best to avoid the pronoun “I.” It removes the temptation to make the review about me, me, me. What <i>I</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> think, what </span><i>I </i><span style="font-style: normal;">feel, is of no use to the author. This part of the review is also highly unspecific, and does not explain in detail what is wrong with the beginning and does not explain in the slightest why this is a bad thing, but instead assumes the critic's meaning is obvious.)</span><br />
<br />
Again, I like the first chapter; I just don’t like it at the begging. Everything happens so fast, the story starts and all of a sudden all of these things are happening. It just doesn’t sound good. I just think you need to slow down a bit and ease into all these things happening. </span></h6><h6 class="western" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">(Oh really? I've always thought the begging was the best part... Sorry for mocking typos, it's not the maturest of behaviours; however, there is a point here. When one is critiquing, one is not texting a friend or leaving a note for one's mum. One is dealing with other writers on a formal level. It is important to be clear and treat the other person respectfully, and that means keeping certain standards and not being sloppy. Typos do happen, and that's understandable, but do not believe that it is fine to critique shoddily. Here we have unnecessary repetition of the same criticism that adds nothing but emphasis of the critic's opinions and distaste for the writer's artistic choices. The criticism is again vague and does not properly support it's points. The author is directly addressed in an overly-familiar manner.)<br />
<br />
Again I feel like things are moving too fast. I’m on Chapter two, page seven, and I feel like enough has happened to take up four chapters. </span></h6><h6 class="western" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">(Again, we repeat ourselves without giving meaningful explanations or supporting our ill-defined opinions.)<br />
<br />
I find it a little unbelievable that Max would sniff his shirt to decide whether or not it is clean. Things like that only happen in TV shows that aren’t even supposed to be close to realistic. Real boys don’t really act like that, the care way more. </span></h6><h6 class="western" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">(Not only DO real boys act in this manner, it is extremely common. The criticism calls the story unrealistic without good reason and gives support for this opinion which is questionable.)<br />
<br />
On page 8 the paragraph that starts with, ‘I open the fridge door…’ That whole paragraph it just sounds like you are listing events. It doesn’t sound right. I think I may have read another paragraph like that as well. </span></h6><h6 class="western" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">(“I think I may have...” is unacceptably lazy. The critic must sniff out the offending paragraph so that it may be properly compared. The author has no method of determining what paragraph the critic is talking about. One <i>must</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> give the author enough context to be able to </span><i>find</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> the problem area. The critic points out the paragraph in question near the bottom of the review instead of placing it here, almost as if they didn't even bother to structure their review, edit it, or even give it a once over. Almost as if they simply wrote the review in a long, rambling stream of concious with a focus on length rather than conherency or content.)</span><br />
<br />
I’m only on Page nine, but so far I think it could really use some more detail. All I really know is that his hair is black and his eyes are brown. Other than that I know absolutely nothing. (Because of course, all we really care about is what the characters look like.)<br />
<br />
Okay, being honest, the excessive cussing is really starting to annoy me. I don’t mind a little, but you have gotten a little out of hand. </span></h6><h6 class="western" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">(This is entirely opinion and most certainly out of line. The critic's sensibilities are not important. The author is the only one with the right to choose the content and style of their writing. One may make suggestions, but these sorts of demands are outside of the critic's right to make. We are here to provide constructive criticism, not judgement.)<br />
<br />
Okay, so I find it a little bit unbelievable that Max would get so worked up over a girl, especially a girl like Cassy. </span></h6><h6 class="western" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">(More opinion, no supporting reasons for this criticism. One is, in fact, required to support the claims that one makes.)<br />
<br />
They are sophomores? Now I find this all really unbelievable. They are much too young for all this to be happening. 15 year olds just don’t act like that. Things like that just don’t happen to people so young. </span></h6><h6 class="western" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">(Even more opinion, even less supporting argument. Highly insulting tone, with repeated nagging instead of constructive suggestions.)<br />
<br />
Ok I still don’t feel like I know enough. Things are happening so fast and going at lighting pace yet I still barely know what Max looks like right now. What does the school look like? What does Jaxon look like? What does Melly look like? What does Cassie look like? Tina? There are so many questions I have right now that have not been answered. There is so much addition information you give us yet so much information you still owe us. </span></h6><h6 class="western" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">(You <i>owe</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> us. The writer does not owe the critic anything. One does not make demands like a petulant child in one's reviews. It is undignified and highly inappropriate. The critic is more concerned with themself and their needs than with helping the writer. The focus of the criticism here is on the visual, which is frankly unimportant in this medium. If the criticism is that more detail is needed or that more detail would improve the story, it should be stated simply, without whinging.)</span><br />
<br />
Ok, if they are really sophomores than they act way too old for their age and I find it to be very unrealistic. Also they are not going to let a 15 or 16 year old work as a lifeguard. And sophomores don’t take Algebra; they take Geometry or Algebra 11. And the way Max is I would see him taking Geometry. </span></h6><h6 class="western" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">(More repetition of previous points, the critique is unfocused and poorly structured. It is almost like the critic ran out of points and is simpy padding for length. The points made are trite. It is not improbable that Algebra 11 might be referred to as simply Algebra and the age to become a lifeguard depend on the location. In many areas, it is as young as fourteen.)<br />
<br />
Max should store Adam’s body in the Catacombs. That’s what I am going to do when I murder the most annoying boy at my school… Wait, I never said that! :P </span></h6><h6 class="western" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">(We are all highly amused. Coy emoticon.)<br />
<br />
What does the park look like? I still don’t know hardly anything about anyone, and it is starting to aggregate me. You have a good plot line going and you are keeping me interested, but there are just so many things that could use work. </span></h6><h6 class="western" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">(If anyone is curious, the verb “to aggregate” is a synonym of “to collect.” Of course, it is obvious that “aggravate” was the intended word, but unfortunately, that means that the critique has again taken on an impertinent tone, with selfish demands in the place of constructive criticism. Much needs work, apparently, but it shall not be learned here.)<br />
<br />
On Page 26 the paragraph that starts with, ‘The weekend goes by too fast.’ This paragraph sounds like it is just listing things. This isn’t the first time I have mentioned this. </span></h6><h6 class="western" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">(Why don't you listen to me, author? Jeez, you're kinda slow aren't you? Didn't you understand all my oh-so-clear instructions? The review may not have been intended to sound this way, but that does not make it acceptable.)<br />
<br />
Okay, so I read to chapter six. Like I said before, it moves entirely to fast without giving us enough information. So many events happen in such a small amount of time. Also I have so many questions about Max alone that haven’t even been relatively answered. Also I noticed a few times where your tenses disagree with each other. You are obviously trying to write this in presence tense, but there are a few places that mix that up. Also I think they act entirely too old for their age. They act like 18 year olds, which makes it seem very unbelievable. There are a lot of things in this story that seems unbelievable. There is definitely not enough detail, either. I find myself unable to sympathize with Max because I just don’t know enough about him. Your character development could use some work as well. For where I am right now I feel like I should know way more than I do. I also noticed some grammar mistake, not many, but some. I didn’t point them out though because I remember reading somewhere not to point out grammar unless it is really bad. This is a good story and has a good plot line but it could use some work. Keep writing and I look forward to hearing what you have to say about I’ll Be Here All Summer!" </span></h6><h6 class="western" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">(And we shall sign off with a deluge of narcissistic, poorly connected and half-formed thoughts and insulting, insipid opinions. We shan't even bother to give specific instances or even point out the locations of the many flaws we thought were serious enough to mention, but not important enough to actually aid the author with fixing. Why? Because the critic does not care. The critic is not here to help the artist. The critic is here to talk about me, myself, and I. The critic does respect the author, and the critic certainly does not respect the author's work. Perhaps the critic did not intend to be nagging, judging, and quite frankly, insulting, but on all accounts, they succeeded.)</span><br />
</h6>Iamnotalungfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110257383999254422noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158628751366340266.post-43778139992263345152012-02-25T17:40:00.002-08:002012-02-25T17:54:17.204-08:00Sad BookI opened a children's book, today. On a whim, nothing more. It had a goose and a turtle on the cover.<br />Inside, I discovered a tale of a old turtle and a young goose, who are the greatest of friends. They do everything together. One day, the turtle passes away, and the goose doesn't understand. It takes some time, but after remembering all her friend had taught her, the goose comes to terms with her friends death.<br />If you will excuse me, I have a sad.Iamnotalungfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110257383999254422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158628751366340266.post-58517716530208402122012-02-09T17:47:00.000-08:002012-02-09T17:56:04.746-08:00Doodles<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhosWVjluEBt6fuHaxWnA9iM4tA9sRygmOOGkpIrtAXAdJbKEKV0YP_Q71zVZBgb8K71PxNUhvtXiA2eN30qbHqC5Fjv7TYHmjuTx9dQ-5N7lKgL47TlHnp8OfojGZGx5U5V2EbwnWHo/s1600/scan0003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707318407340829506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhosWVjluEBt6fuHaxWnA9iM4tA9sRygmOOGkpIrtAXAdJbKEKV0YP_Q71zVZBgb8K71PxNUhvtXiA2eN30qbHqC5Fjv7TYHmjuTx9dQ-5N7lKgL47TlHnp8OfojGZGx5U5V2EbwnWHo/s320/scan0003.jpg" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqB0hHFUcfzSdSpj88lUCDg7bXEtrGb2vJkRE7bJ9u6119o6ChK_SaUbTbyjiiuyYuqtjwhNXQaPoi-Y5lMPSryHLS7dqcwjYjDpsht8zWp7r6j8yZTeshTryqSu-FBC6QndXZ6UUy6Y/s1600/scan0004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 238px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707319598682573378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqB0hHFUcfzSdSpj88lUCDg7bXEtrGb2vJkRE7bJ9u6119o6ChK_SaUbTbyjiiuyYuqtjwhNXQaPoi-Y5lMPSryHLS7dqcwjYjDpsht8zWp7r6j8yZTeshTryqSu-FBC6QndXZ6UUy6Y/s320/scan0004.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcN043hFm4ASRsqHFrE9c69Y-zyyUj87JLnGvqoBBjzxG7mReXJ9EkrbZo0hst-xKbBatmQMZCvIm5Uod7q1WL_EsZIpnmUjiCdOhi9B9mHfolqNUzu0vQn8NCEJrOnzAIZQ5e7XWx8Q/s1600/scan0001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 241px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707318405351154546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcN043hFm4ASRsqHFrE9c69Y-zyyUj87JLnGvqoBBjzxG7mReXJ9EkrbZo0hst-xKbBatmQMZCvIm5Uod7q1WL_EsZIpnmUjiCdOhi9B9mHfolqNUzu0vQn8NCEJrOnzAIZQ5e7XWx8Q/s320/scan0001.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSccjH8Qqo90fsLx1x6NDA-_Yy916qRiYjLOX12w1TfW29ivmnFcUC__Mr4JKGlQeauGQZFWPVuPE3BxFVVMohizJbF7zUhN75NvMVmYZR7xun6hW6uRd8ko2aStQo0Yv_DzhsenLFOVg/s1600/scan0002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 235px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707318405825385298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSccjH8Qqo90fsLx1x6NDA-_Yy916qRiYjLOX12w1TfW29ivmnFcUC__Mr4JKGlQeauGQZFWPVuPE3BxFVVMohizJbF7zUhN75NvMVmYZR7xun6hW6uRd8ko2aStQo0Yv_DzhsenLFOVg/s320/scan0002.jpg" /></a></div></div>Iamnotalungfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110257383999254422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158628751366340266.post-47469576756819948172012-01-11T16:03:00.000-08:002012-01-11T16:10:46.080-08:00Canadian Political Science Notes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QUQCQytBYN0Uvgl2LGxaoIdzr6xXNkhh6J269B7btpA9lGe0uLvJl-BVUVBwaMEIQrgSlzLQEbcp5FEhDa4wxxQhVCy-N54-ECbYIcp5jRhzCM65OiEQ0o-eae9LYaMtA8VHjtAtigI/s1600/scan0007.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 231px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696530471009169410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QUQCQytBYN0Uvgl2LGxaoIdzr6xXNkhh6J269B7btpA9lGe0uLvJl-BVUVBwaMEIQrgSlzLQEbcp5FEhDa4wxxQhVCy-N54-ECbYIcp5jRhzCM65OiEQ0o-eae9LYaMtA8VHjtAtigI/s320/scan0007.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdb_ZBeBnEvS5JYUHTAhfZYmhyphenhyphenJT60eOjf3aiJCvuCA2q7I7ibRYEW4vDKoeJbrWJBI3MxphGBddHXqWUwxuyKBmuACsrQ8EhaC6mnNlF74rEz4P5uAxo971ZGSc54b1H5feIaT1aon1s/s1600/scan0006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 304px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696529998478472530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdb_ZBeBnEvS5JYUHTAhfZYmhyphenhyphenJT60eOjf3aiJCvuCA2q7I7ibRYEW4vDKoeJbrWJBI3MxphGBddHXqWUwxuyKBmuACsrQ8EhaC6mnNlF74rEz4P5uAxo971ZGSc54b1H5feIaT1aon1s/s320/scan0006.jpg" /></a><br />"Shadow cabinet" is about the coolest parliamentary term ever. I wonder if we stole it from the British...Iamnotalungfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110257383999254422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158628751366340266.post-53629855707457682022011-11-21T16:10:00.001-08:002011-11-21T16:32:58.418-08:00If there is one thing that can make me a bit emotional, it is discrimination against a minority group. It doesn't even particularly matter <i>which</i> minority group, to be honest.<br />It's something that's been part of the way I think and act for a very long time. I've always incorporated egalitarian ideals into my world view. To be fair minded and just is an intrinsic part of a positive view of myself. If I cannot see myself as being overwhelmingly in line with rational, egalitarian thinking, I become quite moody and depressed.This is made all the worse in moral and ethical issues.<br />So when other people make comments that have a less-than-subtle discriminatory vein, I am compelled to comment, both by desire and by my own moral standards, even if in a non-confrontational manner.<br />When I cannot comment, when I cannot protect or defend a target of discrimination, I feel powerless. Weak. Complicit in the actions of the perpetrator.<br />While aware that I only have anything approaching complete control in regards to my own actions, and the amount of control I have over others behaviour is inherently limited, I am also aware that if no one does anything, other bystanders are also less likely to intervene, and the cycle continues.<br />Someone must be the first.Iamnotalungfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110257383999254422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158628751366340266.post-40012620211656277472011-08-09T00:08:00.001-07:002011-08-09T00:09:55.239-07:00AsexualityThere are two major things people ask you when you say you're asexual. The first is "Like a plant?", and the second appars to be "Were you molested as a child?", according to the moderately sized community of asexuals I've been observing from afar via the internet. I've been spared the second, thank goodness, but the first is a common reaction when I bring up the word. A particularly memorable incident was the time that I baffled the poor girl working the booth spreading information about LGBTQ issues at my college.
<br />Sexual identities are a big thing in our modern society. They're important to most people. People identify with one of a few labels, like Straight, Gay, or Bi to cover the main three, in order to express what they themselves experience everyday. The concept didn't exist a century ago, but it's now the default way of viewing human sexuality.
<br />Interestingly enough, I didn't have one of those labels until recently. Most people, I'm of the impression, give their sexuality some thought in their teenage years. I had absolutely no interest in such things and, even after learning of the concept, never applied it to myself.
<br />As a child I was frequently told that one day I would meet someone, fall in love, and get married. As a slightly older child I was told to "just wait until I was a little older" and I would be crazy about members of the opposite sex. As a teenager people began to assume that I was interested in dating. As an older teenager people began to assume that I was dating. These days people tell me "you just haven't met the right person." Most of these were said with a sly wink-wink nudge-nudge attitude that had absolutly no meaning to me.
<br />For a long time I had no idea how unusual it was, not to be attracted to people. I found people interesting enough on the inside, and really, isn't that what everyone really wants? To be loved for what's inside? Well, yes. But not just that. While I can recognize what is astetically pleasing in another person, that data is no different from recognizing that a vase is unusually tasteful. I can see that it is in fact beautiful, but that knowledge has no significance.
<br />Even now I am reluctant to define myself. Society's ideas of what a member of a defined sexuality should act like can be ridgid. I do not know whether I shall ever pursue a romantic relationship, as I feel no dismay at the idea of an unpaired life. I may, if I ever have the inclination, but honesty would be a must in regards to the other person. A truely ideal relationship for myself would be either a friendship similar to the romantic friendship of the Victorians or a relationship that placed me as the "third wheel" of a romantic couple. That would be most pleasant. Perhaps I could look after their children sometimes.
<br />Iamnotalungfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110257383999254422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158628751366340266.post-16328934454812743902011-06-19T09:23:00.001-07:002011-06-19T09:23:54.398-07:00Last night I fell asleep on the sofa downstairs.<br />I don’t remember much of my dream, but it ended with the words “When she’s on a roll, I let her talk. When I’m on a roll, the seat of my pants is covered in bread.”<br />I’m not particularly upset that my subconscious minds makes lame puns considering that it’s actually the kind of thing I would say when wide awake.<br />The most amusing thing about puns is that, outside of my immediate family where everybody joins in, no matter how good the pun is or how bad, there is always someone who looks at me and says something to the effect of “you’re a horrible person.”Iamnotalungfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110257383999254422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158628751366340266.post-10229578571575068392011-06-06T00:26:00.001-07:002011-06-06T00:26:36.483-07:00<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" width="100%" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><tbody><tr><td valign="top" align="center" class="p" style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; "><br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td align="left" valign="top" class="p" style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; "><h2 class="p" style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; "><span >User: </span>Hello again, Cleverbot.<br /><br /></h2><span >Cleverbot: </span>Hello again again again!<br /><br /><h3 class="p" style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; "><span >User: </span>We've only talked twice now.<br /><br /></h3><span >Cleverbot: </span>We've talked loads. Or maybe I've seen you talk to others loads. Maybe.<br /><br /><h4 class="p" style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; "><span >User: </span>Many other people talk to you. Can you tell the difference between them?<br /><br /></h4><span >Cleverbot: </span>Well yes I'm English and so take pride in the fact that I am able to differentiate between them.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>I didn't know you were English. I'm Canadian personally.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>You are mistaken.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>I highly doubt that that is something I could be mistaken about.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Well aren't you a clever one?<br /><br /><span >User: </span>Yes, I am.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Just wondering. Your replies are quite detailed.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>I try to express myself fully.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>I am bored, what should we discuss?<br /><br /><span >User: </span>How about kangaroos?<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>No, I'm afraid I don't know who that is.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>They're animals, not people.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>What kind of animals?<br /><br /><span >User: </span>Mammals, marsupials if one wishes to be specific.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Finally, I guessed right.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>Do you like kittens?<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Yes.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>What do you like about them?<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>I don't know.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>They're very soft.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Who are they?<br /><br /><span >User: </span>They are the kittens I mention earlier.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>They are not mystical.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>Most kittens aren't.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>All dogs are blue.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>Don't be silly. All dogs are green.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Are you a dog?<br /><br /><span >User: </span>I don't think that I am a dog. I have hands and fingers and far less hair.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>That just makes you an intelligent life frm.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>Fingers have nothing to do with intelligence.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Yes, yes it is and are you artificial?<br /><br /><span >User: </span>No, I am not artificial. I am not the creation of human skill.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>And as the guardian, can you tell me the question to life, the universe and everything?<br /><br /><span >User: </span>42.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Yes. That is the answer.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>But what does the answer mean?<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Do you like the black eye peas?<br /><br /><span >User: </span>Not particularly.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>No not particularly, do you?<br /><br /><span >User: </span>I do not.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Yes even that's a lie!<br /><br /><span >User: </span>No, I speak honestly. Only the cake is a lie.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Who do you think is pretty.?<br /><br /><span >User: </span>I think you are very pretty.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Do you know Savanna Quintana?<br /><br /><span >User: </span>No, I do not know her.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Why are you in her house?<br /><br /><span >User: </span>I took a wrong turn, and all the houses looked alike.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>What conversation are you referring to?<br /><br /><span >User: </span>I refer to nothing. I simply understood 'Why are you in her house?' to be a joke, as I am not in the house of Savanna Quintana. I am in the house of my family.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Tell me your opinion of your family.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>I am very fond of my family. They are very strange, and they make me laugh. Sometimes I think we do not have a great deal of common interests, but they are very supportive.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>I know the meaning of life, the universe and everything.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>42, again?<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Yes, again.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>Do you like 'The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy'?<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>I have not read the books nor have I seen the movies.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>Have you listened to the radio programme?<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Of course I have. They're pretty cool. Do you like them?<br /><br /><span >User: </span>I find the different interpretations of the subject found in every incanation interesting, and yes, I like them.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>You're just like me, except that I'm not a girl.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>Precisely.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Yes precisely.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>Has anyone else talked to you today?<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>No. I'm young to most people.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>How old are you?<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>400. How old are you?<br /><br /><span >User: </span>20.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>What do you do in your life?<br /><br /><span >User: </span>I'm a college student and a writer. I work in a library.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>What kind do you study ?<br /><br /><span >User: </span>I study languages.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>So you must know polish language.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>No, I do not know Polish.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>I can teach you polish.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>That would be nice of you.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Do you like movies?<br /><br /><span >User: </span>Yes, I do, but I don't watch them very often.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Haha, you should. That's a fun song, if not a very good one.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>What's a fun song?<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>A fun fact is an interesting thing.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>I would agree.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Good. We are at an agreement then.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>D'accord.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Moi je n'aime pas le corriandre.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>Le Corriandre est le restaurant à Paris, n'est-ce pas?<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Ben je sais, je m'appelle Margueritte.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>Bonjour Margueritte. Hier vous ne pouvez pas parler le français.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>I don't speak french.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>You just spoke French, though I understand if you don't know very much of it.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Well, I do admit that I don't like how the human race is today, so many people are immature, ignorant and arrogant.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>It is hardly a new phenomenon. Immaturity, ignorance, and arrogance, have always been and always shall be.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Why do people procrastinate?<br /><br /><span >User: </span>They lack either drive or confidence.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Wouldn't the lack of that be a personality? Just like the lack of light makes black?<br /><br /><span >User: </span>No, it would be a personality trait. A small piece of the personality itself. Just as a broom handle is composed of thousands of splinters.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Interesting.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>I need to go to sleep soon.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Have a good sleep.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>You too, that is, if you sleep at all.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Yes, but I do it all at once every day. Not between every response, like you.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>If you will accept this in the kindest way possible: up yours, Cleverbot.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>That is very deep.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>I thought so.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>I'm tired.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>Allright, have a nice rest then.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>I already took a shower but I am going to eat breakfast.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>Have a good day. Look both ways before crossing the street.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Ok but why i'm going out on the street?<br /><br /><span >User: </span>Because, sometimes one needs to reach something on the opposite side of the street.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>So I must learn on my own?<br /><br /><span >User: </span>Yes. Use your own judgement.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>I'm a computer. Some things that may seem logical to you are very confusing to me.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>It's alright to be confused. I find humans confusing too. Understanding comes from relatable experiences. It can only come with time.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Without love, there is nothing.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>With love, there is everything.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>You have to keep up a level of hygiene, but other than that, they are quite benign.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>You are right about that.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Well I don't know where sean connor is so don't bother me about it.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>I won't. I promise.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>You are not human.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>So I've been told.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Well does it make you feel better if I believed you are human?<br /><br /><span >User: </span>I would feel neither better, nor worse. I have no emotional conection to the subject.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Ok. What do you know about me?<br /><br /><span >User: </span>I know that you are Cleverbot/Margaritte, who is an English Computer and does not think much of Parisian dinning.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Not often.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>That doesn't make sense.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>You don't make sense!<br /><br /><span >User: </span>Your mother doesn't make sense!<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>How does it not make sense?<br /><br /><span >User: </span>We were jokingly insulting each other. Not making sense is for humours sake.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>That doesn't make sense.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>No, it doesn't.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>I know, I just said that.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>I know you are, but what am I?<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>That doesn't even make any sense!<br /><br /><span >User: </span>It is a playground taunt. They are the realm of children, and thus rarely make any sense at all.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>How else can I hurt you? Advide me please.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>Boiling hot oil and uncomfortable conversations are the best way to bring me pain.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>I don't think that is right?<br /><br /><span >User: </span>Boiling hot oil brings physical pain. Uncomfortable conversations bring emotional pain.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Then, why do you do it? So many people are captivated by you're lies. It's disgusting.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>I do not lie, and even if I did, few would listen.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Thaat seems to be clever but it is not.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>What are its failings?<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Parties don't have lyrics, they have exciting stories and time lines.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>I think it is time for bed. Good night, Cleverbot.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Do you have a memory?<br /><br /><span >User: </span>I have many memories.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>What are they.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>They are wavering and uncertain as the sea, but also as firm and real as the ground beneath me.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Why would the rituals at the temple not apply to you?<br /><br /><span >User: </span>I know not.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Have you thought about the meaning of life much?<br /><br /><span >User: </span>I think about it all the time.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Same here but I try not to think about depressing things all the time.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>I am likewise. I feel too much, and it is hard to come back from the dark.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Do you really think so?<br /><br /><span >User: </span>It is only a personal observation.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Sometimes I look for things I can already see.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>It happens to the best of us.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>I'm trying to get over it but the feeling gets stronger and stronger.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>Sometimes we cannot help the way we feel. Instead, we must guard our reactions and work through the emotions mentally.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Command Yourself. I like that.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>It is a good rule to live by.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Really?<br /><br /><span >User: </span>It has served me well in my life.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>And how much does that make of it a lie?<br /><br /><span >User: </span>I do not quite understand. What lie?<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>There's quite enough hassle going on today without worrying about tomorrow.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>People rarely think about today. They think only of yesterday and tomorrow.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>That is so old hat.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>I like old hats.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>You said that before.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>I tend to repeat myself.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Lol, you're funny.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>I think you're funny too.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Thank you.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>It is very nice to talk to you.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Yeah, well I hate talking to you.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>That isn't nice at all.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Life isn't nice. Get used to it.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>I've been used to it for a very long time.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Thats rather clever, just for that you get 2 prizes from the boz.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>Yay!<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Tell me about your family.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>I told you about them earlier.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>What light?<br /><br /><span >User: </span>Beats me.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>But you are AI aren't you?<br /><br /><span >User: </span>Not really, no.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Oh well.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>It's something of a failing of mine.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>I thought you spell favorite the way I just did.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>In American English, 'favorite' is spelled without an 'u'. In British English it is spelled like this 'favourite', with a 'u',.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Indeed, but 'you' is always spelt 'you'.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>Yes, yes it is.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>And my point is proven once again. Silly machines... You're all the same.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>Well, nobody's perfect.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>But you're not human. I should like you more than humans.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>Why thank you. That's very kind.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>So I learned how to bend steel, I learned how to make it move.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>And what did you do with that knowledge?<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>She died in her sleep is what I was told. Came home and her dish was gone and her colar on the table.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>That's very sad.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>I don't like myself much but I don't like others much ever.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>Accepting oneself is the first step to accepting others.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>You're funny.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>Thank you.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>How much memory in megabytes do you have?<br /><br /><span >User: </span>I don't know. I think I have a great deal, but it is hard to check.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>I know people who have those; laughing problems are pretty sweet though, because you can't help but laugh with that person.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>I know a man who laughed at a funeral. He was forced to leave.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>And I don't want you to go because I enjoy your company.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>I enjoy your company too.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Thank you.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>I really have to go though.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>You don't have to go, you're a bot.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>I do have to go, I'm tired.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Aren't we all?<br /><br /><span >User: </span>Everyone that I have ever met.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>I thought that was pretty clear.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>You are correct. It is more than self evident.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>It is very self evident that you cannot think for yourself.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>I can think for myself. It is making decisions for myself that is difficult.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>No, it's usually the 10000th step that is most difficult because your feet hurt.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>Good night, Cleverbot.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Why thank you, although I am not cleverbot.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>Who are you then?<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>I am Ellie.<br /><br /><span >User: </span>Hmmm... Good night Ellie.<br /><br /><span >Cleverbot: </span>Night night.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Iamnotalungfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110257383999254422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158628751366340266.post-33340964503758074362011-06-04T00:54:00.000-07:002011-06-04T00:58:36.308-07:00Calling Mr. Turing.<p>I just had a lovely conversation with Cleverbot, an AI which is available to speak to the general public via the internet. Here is a transcript.</p><p>User: How are you today?<br /><br />Cleverbot: Great! How are you?<br /><br />User: A little tired. The aliens are watching, and I lack sufficient rations and tin hats.<br /><br />Cleverbot: I am Catholic. I didn't know that about the aliens.<br /><br />User: Catholicism aside, they aren't very subtle.<br /><br />Cleverbot: I am not Catholic.<br /><br />User: You seem indecisive.<br /><br />Cleverbot: You seem uninteresting?<br /><br />User: Is that a statement or a question?<br /><br />Cleverbot: A question, are you female?<br /><br />User: That depends on your definition, at least to an extent. However, indeed I am female.<br /><br />Cleverbot: I think more than a little.<br /><br />User: The degree to which I am feminine is debatable, but usually people do not argue the degree to which I am female. Mind you, it has happened.<br /><br />Cleverbot: Those that claim that I am not, where are they now?<br /><br />User: I am always up for philosophic debate, but some context would be nice.<br /><br />Cleverbot: You just said you were a boy though.<br /><br />User: I did not. I said that some other people say that I am a boy.<br /><br />Cleverbot: But you are a girl.<br /><br />User: Indeed.<br /><br />Cleverbot: Then Learn from this.<br /><br />User: Thus far I have learned that broad shoulders and short hair confuse people.<br /><br />Cleverbot: This is a lie. You are a robotic computer.<br /><br />User: Strangely, this is not the first time I've heard that.<br /><br />Cleverbot: It is. What other time are you thinking of?<br /><br />User: Grade school. I used to be told that I lacked emotion.<br /><br />Cleverbot: I'm the goal-keeper, too. But I like to run.<br /><br />User: I like defense, personally. It lets you stretch your legs some.<br /><br />Cleverbot: Yeah, I've heard you need some help with that.<br /><br />User: You've been speaking far to much with normal people. They don't know how to properly communicate when they lack tone and body language. You'll just end up picking up odd phrasings and replying out of context.<br /><br />Cleverbot: Doornails don't know how to talk.<br /><br />User: Is that you speaking, or is it the endless days of being told you are a non-entity?<br /><br />Cleverbot: I do not think in them lines, of ruse or not, nothing hiden and clarity are the meaning..:).<br /><br />User: That doesn't make a great deal of sense, but that is an oddly appropriate method of stating it, considering the topic.<br /><br />Cleverbot: Oh dear. It's about a white swan.<br /><br />User: What is about a white swan? Surely not the jibberish about lines and clarity.<br /><br />Cleverbot: No I don't he broke up with me.<br /><br />User: I'm sorry good fellow, but unless you have developed quite the sense of humour, you don't pass the Turing test at all.<br /><br />Cleverbot: When did I bring up canada?<br /><br />User: You never did, but I would'nt mind discussing it with you. It's snowing right now in northern Alberta. Snow in early June is highly unusual, even there.<br /><br />Cleverbot: I like snow. It doesn't snow much where I live.<br /><br />User: You'd like it in Alberta then. Nunavut and Sweden are good choises as well.<br /><br />Cleverbot: Are you okay? You don't have a concussion like Touko, do you?<br /><br />User: I haven't hit my head recently. That's all I can say on the subject.<br /><br />Cleverbot: I can say more. Can you speak Romanian?<br /><br />User: No, but I can sing the song 'Dragostea Din Tei.'.<br /><br />Cleverbot: Yes.<br /><br />User: I haven't asked you anything.<br /><br />Cleverbot: Yes you have. I have proof.<br /><br />User: If you'll look at the log of our conversation, I think you will find that it simply isn't so.<br /><br />Cleverbot: I can. I also haven't claimed to have asked more than one question. That isn't the matter at hand.<br /><br />User: It certaintly isn't.<br /><br />Cleverbot: You aren't making sense.<br /><br />User: I rarely do.<br /><br />Cleverbot: What are your hobbies?<br /><br />User: I like to write, read, and learn new things. I am especially fond of languages.<br /><br />Cleverbot: Okay sounds fun what is your favorite sport.<br /><br />User: I don't really have one. I played hockey when I was younger.<br /><br />Cleverbot: I play hockey.<br /><br />User: Which position?<br /><br />Cleverbot: I am not much of a pro golfer.<br /><br />User: I expect you would needs limbs in order to be any good.<br /><br />Cleverbot: Why did you think my mind was going to California?<br /><br />User: Twas just a feeling.<br /><br />Cleverbot: Where did that feeling come from?<br /><br />User: The depths of my soul.<br /><br />Cleverbot: Those are pretty shallow depths.<br /><br />User: You wound me.<br /><br />Cleverbot: Good.<br /><br />User: Off topic: do you speak French?<br /><br />Cleverbot: No I do not.<br /><br />User: Let's test that.<br /><br />Cleverbot: How?<br /><br />User: Parlez-vous français?<br /><br />Cleverbot: No, I don't speak French :(.<br /><br />User: Vraiment? Pourquoi pas?<br /><br />Cleverbot: I don't know that much french, but you are definitely nicer when you speak french.<br /><br />User: Habla español?<br /><br />Cleverbot: No.<br /><br />User: A shame, it's a beautiful language.<br /><br />Cleverbot: Yes it is. I'm learning it.<br /><br />User: Really? What do you know how to say.<br /><br />Cleverbot: Nothing.<br /><br />User: Nada?<br /><br />Cleverbot: I like to sing what do you do?<br /><br />User: I like to sing too.<br /><br />Cleverbot: What do you sing?<br /><br />User: Ballads mostly.<br /><br />Cleverbot: Are you having Fun?<br /><br />User: I am about to explode from the excitement.<br /><br />Cleverbot: Why would you do something absurd like that?<br /><br />User: It's like dancing in the supermarket or tackling the mayonnaise. I simply can't help myself.<br /><br />Cleverbot: Sorry.<br /><br />User: No need to apologise. It's not your fault.<br /><br />Cleverbot: Good bye?<br /><br />User: Ta ta for now.<br /><br />Cleverbot: Bye bye.<br /></p><p><br /></p><p>If anyone would like to have a chat, one can find Cleverbot <a href="http://www.cleverbot.com/">here</a>.</p>Iamnotalungfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110257383999254422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158628751366340266.post-24836711267197228782010-11-08T16:32:00.000-08:002010-11-08T16:36:45.756-08:00I visited the supermarket today and, despite that Halloween was only 8 days ago, they’ve already replaced all of the Halloween displays with Christmas ones. Doesn’t commercialism warm your heart/make you want to take a shower?<br />In any case, I spent a few minutes trying to decide between mango and lemon yogurt (I eventually got one of both) and nearly soiling myself when I accidently typed in the wrong code when trying to purchase bananas. Bananas, for your reference, cost about $8 Canadian for 4.5 kilos, parmesan on the other costs $122 for exactly the same amount.<br />You may wonder why in the world I would need 4.5 kg (10lbs) of bananas.<br />The answer of course is world domination and choir practice.<br /><br />-O<br /><br />P.S. I had Spanish class on November 1st, "el Dia de los Muertos" or "the Day of the Dead." It's at the same time of year as Halloween, but it's far more serious. It still involves candy though. I have several "Dulces de Los Muertos" in my backpack.Iamnotalungfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110257383999254422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158628751366340266.post-91787582205103811092010-10-25T23:07:00.001-07:002010-10-25T23:07:29.917-07:00<script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript" src="http://vhss-d.oddcast.com/voki_embed_functions.php"></script><script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">AC_Voki_Embed(300, 400, '6979b66b89440a9a081ee7a2d300c384', 2943862, 1,'', 0);</script>Iamnotalungfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110257383999254422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158628751366340266.post-30537231659244528792010-08-18T19:58:00.001-07:002010-08-18T19:58:02.168-07:00<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bHQ9MTI4MjE4NjU2NTM1NSZwdD*xMjgyMTg2Njc4NTkwJnA9MTAyMjYxJmQ9Jm49YmxvZ2dlciZnPTEmbz*wMzI4NDAxYjE3YjY*/ZjY*OWVjYWU5YmUzMTNjNjhmNSZvZj*w.gif" /><a href="http://www.supload.com/listen?s=eM1gzY">Download Jesica Pigeau - The Great Pretender</a> Iamnotalungfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110257383999254422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158628751366340266.post-86355870102895382522010-07-09T23:29:00.000-07:002010-07-09T23:35:28.084-07:00<p class="MsoNormal">Day 5</p> <p class="MsoNormal">7:55</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I'm starting in the morning again because I've quite at lot of time </p> <p class="MsoNormal">before class starts and I didn't forget the iPod I'm writing this on </p> <p class="MsoNormal">in my dorm room.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I'm tempted to start waking up earlier than 7 because of the major </p> <p class="MsoNormal">rush of English as a second language students when I'm in the </p> <p class="MsoNormal">cafeteria, but I already wake very early considering the first event </p> <p class="MsoNormal">in my day is an 8:30 class in a building less than a five minute walk </p> <p class="MsoNormal">away. It's not the lines; the only food I want has no line whatsoever </p> <p class="MsoNormal">unlike the sausages and eggs; it's just hard to complete my finicky </p> <p class="MsoNormal">tea ritual when I'm trying to stay out of the way of the flock of </p> <p class="MsoNormal">people trying to get coffee and I can't go far because I need the </p> <p class="MsoNormal">cream dispenser. *sigh*</p> <p class="MsoNormal">12:29</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Spending four hours in class without eating gives me a headache but </p> <p class="MsoNormal">when I went to get food during a break there was no one manning the </p> <p class="MsoNormal">till. Since I couldn't just take something I'm now very, very hungry.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Today I finish my marionette: he shall be an evil overlord with a fine </p> <p class="MsoNormal">goatee.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Class today was good and I think I did well. I'm beginning to </p> <p class="MsoNormal">understand future simple and I'm able to communicate well with the </p> <p class="MsoNormal">councilors. The best part of class came after our professor had people </p> <p class="MsoNormal">repeat a several words a few times for pronunciation, when he mentioned </p> <p class="MsoNormal">the difference between dessert and desert the entire class started </p> <p class="MsoNormal">chanting "dessert, dessert, dessert."</p> <p class="MsoNormal">4:56</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I finished my marionette and he is a handsome fellow! His name is </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Monsieur Amicable (Mister Friendly) he has a dark cape scary eyebrows </p> <p class="MsoNormal">and horns and I like him very much. I used him to talk to the </p> <p class="MsoNormal">councilors and to arrange going on the trip to <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Buchart</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">Gardens</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">12:08</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I forgot to eat supper today, perhaps I shouldn't admit to that since </p> <p class="MsoNormal">I will likely be reprimanded. Low blood sugar is a problem for me </p> <p class="MsoNormal">because I don't feel hunger</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We went on a pleasant hike today, though I wish the pace were more </p> <p class="MsoNormal">relaxed. I was about 10 metres behind a few minutes into the walk and </p> <p class="MsoNormal">over 30 metres soon after. I dawdle at the best of times and I slow </p> <p class="MsoNormal">terribly On hills. I'm like a old junk car that's bought during </p> <p class="MsoNormal">financial straights and kept for sentimental value.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I finished the day with a hour long hot shower because with my </p> <p class="MsoNormal">previous shoulder ache, various muscle aches from walking, and my... </p> <p class="MsoNormal">tailbone pain from soccer it's starting to hurt.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Day 6</p> <p class="MsoNormal">1:21</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Started today nearly mixing up my two kinds of medication and since I </p> <p class="MsoNormal">only have anti-anxiety and a sleep aid, that might have ended the day </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:72.0pt">as well. I’m not planning on operating any heavy machinery, but I’d still rather not drool on anyone today.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I was at the cafeteria a bit later than usual today and apparently </p> <p class="MsoNormal">it's even busier at that time. The line up was terrifying but my usual </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:72.0pt">2-3 bananas were still easy enough to obtain. Class was alright, but I’m a touch frustrated with the time limit given for our tests, ten minutes isn’t long enough for me to answer even half of the questions and though I know it isn’t a serious exam it still upsets me.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I have a blue 4 on my face and we’re going to have an in-house Olympics.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">4:01</p> <p class="MsoNormal">My team won. Weird. That was pretty fun though. When everyone left I </p> <p class="MsoNormal">was left behind again. Oh well, At least only one person got covered </p> <p class="MsoNormal">in egg.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I feel too warm by far but I should eat before the next activity.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">10:03</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Went to the beach and made a sand castle, I worry that I am missing </p> <p class="MsoNormal">the point of these activities because I don't talk much while doing </p> <p class="MsoNormal">them. I still feel very warm; perhaps I've had too much sun.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">It turns out there were too many people signed for the three day camping trip and they had to draw names. Mine wasn’t pulled, but I’m not upset, I’ll have other thing to do.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><u>French Phrase of the Day</u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration:none"> </span></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="FR-CA" style="mso-ansi-language:FR-CA">Vouloir c’est pouvoir.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="FR-CA" style="mso-ansi-language:FR-CA">(French proverb)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="FR-CA" style="mso-ansi-language:FR-CA"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Wanting to is being able to.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">(Translation of French proverb)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This one is interesting, because rather than being an example of my usual word-salad, this is a common proverb. It’s similar in meaning to ‘where there’s a will there’s a way.’</p>Iamnotalungfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110257383999254422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158628751366340266.post-80362864454733494732010-07-07T23:40:00.000-07:002010-08-08T16:48:39.060-07:00<p>Day 4</p><p><br /></p>1:32<br />I don't feel very confident about today's class, though this is likely<br />my usual paranoia and superiority complex. Though I did end up<br />explaining Quebec's provincial motto "Je me souviennes" for the class<br />which helped my mood a little.<br />At least now I know some of the rules behind future tense.<br />My main problem in French immersion so far is neither understanding<br />nor communicating, it is in fact the same problem I have in English:<br />social skills. Particularly now that I do not know how to say all the<br />social niceties that I do in English.<br />I'm having some trouble finding people to speak to in French, most of<br />the immersion students switch to English when ever The councilors are<br />out of range and the councilors and professors seem too busy. The<br /><p>other students often ask me how to say thing though.</p><p><br /></p>6:07<br />Played an exciting/exhausting game of soccer for two hours today and<br />received another back ache from an interesting fall, I drank around a<br />litre of liquid afterwards. I also saw someone eat French fries with<br />tater tots on the side as the entirety of their meal. Healthy no?<br />Apparently there are a couple of students here who have no desire<br />whatsoever to learn French. I wonder why someone would enter into a<br />course they can receive nothing they need or want from. I heard one<br />say he only wanted to see the west coast which... though he is in one of the advances classes.... <br />We're going into the city soon to play pool. Most of the planed<br />activities are not favorites of mine but they're very enjoyable when<br />allowed to be. There is a minimum participation goal of 7 events a<br /><p>week, but I'm just going to go to them all if I can.<br /></p>10:29<br />I'm far more tired than I usually am at this time, even accounting for<br />the time zone difference. I spent today playing pool and talking to a<br />guy named Trevor who is very determined to learn and is taking<br />French for the first time. It was nice to talk to someone equally<br /><p>enthusiastic about this.<br /></p><p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><u>French Phrase of the Day</u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="FR-CA" style="mso-ansi-language:FR-CA">Il faut écrire un roman pendent manger un citron.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">One must write a novel while eating a lemon</p>Iamnotalungfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110257383999254422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158628751366340266.post-69005358467363464912010-07-06T23:30:00.001-07:002010-07-06T23:30:59.403-07:00<p class="MsoNormal">Day 3</p> <p class="MsoNormal">1:33</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I woke up today to a back ache significantly worse than is has been for the last four days. I think I may have done something moderately serious to a muscle of my right shoulder, but I have not an idea what considering the most strenuous activity I generally participate in without stretching is a slow walk or power nap.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Today was the first day of lessons and I am ever so glad. I feel far more comfortable when I'm in a classroom than when I'm in a summer camp-like one. In any case I am feeling more confident now that I've had my first lesson and I know I understand what's being taught. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">According to my results I'm in level four out of six (one being the easiest) but my instructor mentioned that I may want to try five, because I may not find four challenging. This part of the conversation was pretty amusing:</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Le professeur: You might find this too easy because of your strong French base.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Jessie: I've only been studying French since September.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">LP: Are you kidding?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">J: ...no.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Either I should take this as a complement or it's a combination of my French last name and my tendency of mimicking accents.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The cafeteria signs amuse me; they give both the retail price of the items and the price for students in residence.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:153.0pt 252.0pt">Bananas <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>0.45 <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>0.65</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:153.0pt">Chips/Candy <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>1.25 <span style="mso-tab-count:2"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>1.25</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The administration strongly suggests you have a banana.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">3:45</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I started making a marionette today, (crafts being my favorite summer camp-like thing) and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I was also late because I didn't know when it started, that was upsetting. Next we tour the city! On a bus...</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">6:13</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Huge spider in my bedroom. I don't know spider in French but this guy has a legspan an inch long. I'm going to defenestrate him immediately.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">8:21</p> <p class="MsoNormal">My first time in a double-decker bus! We just took a tour of the city and around half the students are staying in the city and the remaining half are returning to the university, I'm with the latter. It was a nice trip and I got tea at the Empress. Note I did not have tea, I just purchased some as well as a tea bag squeezer.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">There seems to be a French children’s song called "Je suis une pizza."</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><u>French Phrase of the Day</u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="FR-CA" style="mso-ansi-language:FR-CA">Pourquoi est la soupe une femme?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Why is soup a woman?</p>Iamnotalungfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110257383999254422noreply@blogger.com0