Every so often, I reflect on how much I have changed. I make a mental list of new experiences, knowledge, and mistakes. During one of these reflections, I was trying to count how many all-nighters I had pulled as an International Baccalaureate student. Then I had an epiphany: IB is an abusive relationship! The more I extrapolated on this metaphor, the more I was surprised how well it fit. IB puts us through so much work and stress; we’re always threatening to leave or IB’s threatening to kick us out. We stay in this relationship because we believe that, one day, we will get married! We will get the IB diploma!
But until then, we have to take care of our lovechild, named EE. And though our parents and Advisors criticize the way we raise little EE, we insist that can do it. We can feed EE to grow into a healthy 3500-4000 word paper. And though we still have to work endless hours at CAS (a job that pays nothing), we can raise IAs too.
And all the while, our friends tell us that IB isn’t worth it. That what we have is an unhealthy relationship. But we say they are wrong. Despite the battle scars and droopy bags under our eyes from sleep deprivation, we still believe IB is fantastic. IB will take us places, send us to college, and allow us to experience the world.
Our friends tell us we should date the nice guy: AP. He’s not demanding. He gives us choices. Multiple choices. But we don’t want AP. He’s boring. Unexciting. Doesn’t like change. He’ll want to stay in Tallahassee. Settle down and start a family, go to soccer games and dinner parties. Fuck that.
11 December 2008
10 August 2008
FTC4
Sorry I didn't have this earlier. I almost didn't make it to my own Finer Things Club meeting but luckily I was able to leave work an hour early and have in-depth chats with my lovely dinner guests. Ironically at another Chinese restaurant. Main focus was... Olympics, of course. The spectacle that was the opening ceremony. What it means for China's reputation and national identity and people. Ian gave us great awkward hobo restaurant scenarios. Travels. Meaning of life. Sophie said something about Jews being especially slutty. Pokemon versus Digimon. Digimon won BTdubs. 90's cartoons versus "New Millennium" cartoons. What are we going to call this decade in later decades? What's the name for our generation? X? Y? G?
Damn, I forgot to take pictures. Oh, and Ian, send me that stuff about meaning of life email.
More stuff I wasn't there for. What'd I miss, guys?
Damn, I forgot to take pictures. Oh, and Ian, send me that stuff about meaning of life email.
More stuff I wasn't there for. What'd I miss, guys?
11 June 2008
Reflection
I thought I'd spend some time reflecting on everything that's happened this school year. You know those TV shows about teenagers in high school in all the cliques and drama? Ridiculous. But sometimes I find myself caught in similar drama and think, "You have got to be kidding me. Reality doesn't work like this." And it really didn't until this year. But I think it says something about how close our friendships are, that despite what happens, we're cool.
Here's my top 5 most memorable things about this year.
5. Pink Elephant.
4. Jay's IB-300. This was kind of really brilliant.
3. Pangaea. One of the most fun and successful collaborative productions Rickards has ever seen.
2. Finer Things Club. It's incredibly satisfying to have a serious conversation with the same people who love "Your mom" jokes.
1. Group 4. Great excuse to hang out every weekend, karaoke and spend time with "the family". The actual science part of it was quite a bit of work. I slept a lot and the final video turned out great.
Honorable mentions include going into my IB theater oral prepared for the wrong play (so far, biggest fuck-up of my life), whore cake, spring break beach trip, Dr. Williams' "3 snaps in a circle", Greer's trading clothing week, spending time after school in the parking lot talking with friends, playing spades in class, those Planet Earth videos, spanish with Okey and Halina, skipping school for starbucks, parking lot hopscotch, Traveling Foreign Teenagers, pulling all-nighters to finish essays, inside jokes, Skeert (which is one of those fads you think would blow over by the next week, but skeert), "Sex in a ___", Swissabella, "That's what she said",bunny map, loud sex talks in Sindhu's class partyvan...
What's your top 5?
Here's my top 5 most memorable things about this year.
5. Pink Elephant.
4. Jay's IB-300. This was kind of really brilliant.
3. Pangaea. One of the most fun and successful collaborative productions Rickards has ever seen.
2. Finer Things Club. It's incredibly satisfying to have a serious conversation with the same people who love "Your mom" jokes.
1. Group 4. Great excuse to hang out every weekend, karaoke and spend time with "the family". The actual science part of it was quite a bit of work. I slept a lot and the final video turned out great.
Honorable mentions include going into my IB theater oral prepared for the wrong play (so far, biggest fuck-up of my life), whore cake, spring break beach trip, Dr. Williams' "3 snaps in a circle", Greer's trading clothing week, spending time after school in the parking lot talking with friends, playing spades in class, those Planet Earth videos, spanish with Okey and Halina, skipping school for starbucks, parking lot hopscotch, Traveling Foreign Teenagers, pulling all-nighters to finish essays, inside jokes, Skeert (which is one of those fads you think would blow over by the next week, but skeert), "Sex in a ___", Swissabella, "That's what she said",bunny map, loud sex talks in Sindhu's class partyvan...
What's your top 5?
24 May 2008
FTC pt.3
The Finer Things Club last night started off pretty intense. It really has to do with who's there and the atmosphere and the mood that can induce deep intellectual discussions. The group consisted of me, Bella, Jay, Okey, Rosie, and Michael. Ian was too busy doing once-in-a-lifetime stuff like chasing tornadoes. No internet at Sahara so we couldn't skype him in.
We started off talking about art, high art versus low art, what is art nowadays? how can you draw that blurry line between art and bullshit? etc. There was this art student who induced pregnancies and subsequently abortions on herself, then used the blood to make art. She didn't really use blood, but it was meant to stir controversy and promote discussions about abortion. I recently read an article talking about this exact thing, how artists are trying to send a message in their work, but using unethical or inappropriate tactics. There was a man who found a starving dog on the street, chained him to an art gallery and let it die. I can see this as art. I can see this as a very strong and emotional comment on homelessness. The dog might have died anyway on the street but the very fact that each moment of it's death is there in plain view is just so much more direct and effective.
This reminded me of when Ian showed me "Primitive Welcome". It was cool but I didn't get it.The he explained his meaning behind it. It got me thinking; What is the interpretation of art by the viewer? By the artist's intentions? My opinion is, this can be skewed either way, but the artist's intention is so much more valid. For example, in Fahrenheit 451, we were taught that this book was about censorship. Lockhart went on and on about censorship and how it's the cause of all misfortunes for the character and the root of his dystopian community. Alright, I could see that. But I felt as though that was not the focus of the book. Months after reading Fahrenheit 451, there was an article published where Ray Bradbury, the author, insisted that the book was not about censorship, but how television destroys literature. So what is the story about? I hate the idea of a "personal interpretation" because that just opens up too many windows for bullshit.
Then Shakar and Saiem showed up. We were at a total lack of decorum and I gave up trying to bring everyone back to FTC mode. It turned into a fun relaxed dinner so it was still good.
Anyway, art... yeah. What do you think?
We started off talking about art, high art versus low art, what is art nowadays? how can you draw that blurry line between art and bullshit? etc. There was this art student who induced pregnancies and subsequently abortions on herself, then used the blood to make art. She didn't really use blood, but it was meant to stir controversy and promote discussions about abortion. I recently read an article talking about this exact thing, how artists are trying to send a message in their work, but using unethical or inappropriate tactics. There was a man who found a starving dog on the street, chained him to an art gallery and let it die. I can see this as art. I can see this as a very strong and emotional comment on homelessness. The dog might have died anyway on the street but the very fact that each moment of it's death is there in plain view is just so much more direct and effective.
This reminded me of when Ian showed me "Primitive Welcome". It was cool but I didn't get it.The he explained his meaning behind it. It got me thinking; What is the interpretation of art by the viewer? By the artist's intentions? My opinion is, this can be skewed either way, but the artist's intention is so much more valid. For example, in Fahrenheit 451, we were taught that this book was about censorship. Lockhart went on and on about censorship and how it's the cause of all misfortunes for the character and the root of his dystopian community. Alright, I could see that. But I felt as though that was not the focus of the book. Months after reading Fahrenheit 451, there was an article published where Ray Bradbury, the author, insisted that the book was not about censorship, but how television destroys literature. So what is the story about? I hate the idea of a "personal interpretation" because that just opens up too many windows for bullshit.
Then Shakar and Saiem showed up. We were at a total lack of decorum and I gave up trying to bring everyone back to FTC mode. It turned into a fun relaxed dinner so it was still good.
Anyway, art... yeah. What do you think?
17 April 2008
Epik High Vol.5 Pieces, Part One
Epik High summarized in one word is "Genius". After 4 brilliant albums, Pieces, Part One is finally out (leaked, but you know, whatevs...) and it's awesome (actually I haven't even finished listening to it) but -
Woah. Listening to track 15 Usan. Sounds like Younha.
*Checks*
It is. Yay. I think I recognize voices well.
01. Be
02. Breakdown
03. Seoul, 1:13 AM // 서울, 1:13 AM
04. One (feat. Jisun) // One (feat. 지선)*
05. Yeonpilkkakki (feat. Kebee) // 연필깎이 (feat. Kebee)
06. Girl (feat. Jinbo)
07. Slave (Short Piece)
08. The Future (feat. Yankie)
09. 20 Fingers (Short Piece)
10. Ignition (feat. Na Yoon Gwon) // Ignition (feat. 나윤권)
11. Eight By Eight (feat. Double K, Dok2, TBNY, Dynamic Duo)
12. Décalcomanie
13. Icarus Walks (Short Piece)
14. Nakhwa // 낙화 (落花)
15. Useon (feat. Younha) // 우산 (feat. 윤하)
16. Dangshinui Jokakdeul (feat. Jisun) // 당신의 조각들 (feat. 지선)
17. Breakdown (Supreme Mix)
18. One (Planet Shiver Remix)
Some of the tracks echo the feel of songs from previous albums like White Night. The instrumentals reminds me of "Eternal Morning". There's a good mix of rap, hiphop, instrumentals... probably the reason for the album name as well, though there's also an unexpected amount of techno in it. What sets this apart from other albums, I think, is that it's everything the previous albums were; heavier than "High Society" but definitely not as dark as "Remapping the Human Soul". As always, there's the impressive lineup of collaborators on the album:Loveholic, Clazziquai, Younha. My favorite so far are tracks 4, 8, 13, 14, and 16.
This is the MV for One. OMG Tablo's hair...
Anyway, it's really good. You should listen to it. Yeah.
13 April 2008
The Finer Things in Life
We had another awesome meeting. However, if the object of these gatherings is to appear as mature young adults discussing what is love, how to be happy, fetishes, anonymity on the internet, and the meaning of life in a very sophisticated way, then we failed. Rickrolled. Thanks Bella.
It was fun. I'm really going to miss the graduating seniors though. Let's find time in May for another meeting. Please come back for FTC!
It was fun. I'm really going to miss the graduating seniors though. Let's find time in May for another meeting. Please come back for FTC!
09 April 2008
Almost Gave Up
I started this in freaking January.
(double click on that picture, kinda creepy severed hand)
Finally decided to finish up this project today but the thing that sucks about making up the pattern as I went is that now, I have to decipher my scribbles and drawings to figure out how to make the matching pair. 怎么办？
03 April 2008
Music Stuff
I always feel out of place at dances (prom last week) just because I don't know the songs. It's not that I don't listen to rap and hip-hop; I do but those songs in my music library are usually also labeled "Korean".
Is Soulja Boy still popular? (Noooooooooo...) Can we stop playing it? Especially the screamo version. And Peanut Butter and Jelly. That's not music. For me, those kind of songs go through standard WTF procedure.
I've been listening to more American music.
Terra Naomi - Virtually & Under The Influence
Same old songs she's been singing, just slightly different arrangement for "Say It's Possible" and I really like "Not Sorry".
Yael Naim - Yael Naim
"New Soul" of course, although that cover of Britney Spears' "Toxic" isn't bad.
Colbie Caillat - Coco
"Bubbly" and "The Little Things"
Yeah, people (you?) need to get me music. Like now. Burn/Recommend me something.
Remember Daniel Powter and "Bad Day"? It was pretty catchy.
Haru, a Japanese artist, released a single a couple weeks ago featuring Daniel Powter. So I thought, "Oh, that's pretty interesting. I didn't know Powter sang Japanese." I listened to the track waiting for his voice until I watched the video.
So, they basically flew him all the way to Japan to sing a couple "oohs", "ahhs", and chorus. Meh...
Is Soulja Boy still popular? (Noooooooooo...) Can we stop playing it? Especially the screamo version. And Peanut Butter and Jelly. That's not music. For me, those kind of songs go through standard WTF procedure.
- What the fuck is this?
- I totally don't get it.
- *Look up lyrics.*
- Bathing Apes?
- Then I start singing along...
I've been listening to more American music.
Terra Naomi - Virtually & Under The Influence
Same old songs she's been singing, just slightly different arrangement for "Say It's Possible" and I really like "Not Sorry".
Yael Naim - Yael Naim
"New Soul" of course, although that cover of Britney Spears' "Toxic" isn't bad.
Colbie Caillat - Coco
"Bubbly" and "The Little Things"
Yeah, people (you?) need to get me music. Like now. Burn/Recommend me something.
Remember Daniel Powter and "Bad Day"? It was pretty catchy.
Haru, a Japanese artist, released a single a couple weeks ago featuring Daniel Powter. So I thought, "Oh, that's pretty interesting. I didn't know Powter sang Japanese." I listened to the track waiting for his voice until I watched the video.
So, they basically flew him all the way to Japan to sing a couple "oohs", "ahhs", and chorus. Meh...
02 April 2008
Look! I'm typing without hands!
omg So I'm totally BLOGGING but I'm not typing. It's really hard (that's what she said) because you have to enunciate and it's actually pretty slow. I can't believe it took me this long to find the speech recognition feature. I heard about this before windows vista came out and totally forgot about it. It's not very accurate but I can see it being useful for lazy me... (to make in (you'd have to actually say (open parentheses). I wonder if I could do this in a different language. does this recognize Spanish?
01 April 2008
Beach Trip
Ahhh... Spring Break. No school, terrible beach weather, confusing tent, Greer and Bella's tiny man-made bridge, hot dogs, Beachface, BIKES, naturefuck, screamo, beautiful sunset and too much byah! Fun.
Isn't that an amazing view?And apparently I have a Southern United States Accent.
16 March 2008
Future Me
Now I remember why I insist on never changing my email.
FutureMe is a webservice that allows you to send messages to yourself in the future! Actually, you type it up, give the email address and specify a time you want it sent. I think it has a minimum of 3 months.
I had written this one exactly a year ago to be read on my 16th birthday. Due to a mistake in the time, I was sent the same one again this morning. It's pretty long, I won't bore you with details but...
It goes on to talk about appreciating family, what happened the day before at school (I was definitely angry about something), wondering what happened with my friends leaving to go to college, college, and a list of current interests. I almost fell out of my chair when I read this.
Obviously, I've changed a lot. I'm smarter, more reckless, terrible at keeping up with grades and have a much better appreciation and perspective of life.
FutureMe is a webservice that allows you to send messages to yourself in the future! Actually, you type it up, give the email address and specify a time you want it sent. I think it has a minimum of 3 months.
I had written this one exactly a year ago to be read on my 16th birthday. Due to a mistake in the time, I was sent the same one again this morning. It's pretty long, I won't bore you with details but...
Dear 16-year old Me,Reading through it, I can't fully connect with the person who poured out her heart in this message. It's almost not me. Even though I remember how I felt writing this, but having my perspectives at that point typed out... wow.
This is 15 year and 5 month old me. How's life? How's music? How's school? Maybe if I could talk to you and ask what I should do with my life...If only this thing worked backwards. To be able to tell your younger self that things are going to be alright and there's nothing to worry about.
It goes on to talk about appreciating family, what happened the day before at school (I was definitely angry about something), wondering what happened with my friends leaving to go to college, college, and a list of current interests. I almost fell out of my chair when I read this.
But who knows. You might be a completely different person by then. Actually I doubt it. You're only 16. And I'm not gonna let you be reckless.I laughed and then I felt a pang of guilt, wondering if the old me would disapprove of the person I am today. Put us in a room, I wonder if we would be friends...
Obviously, I've changed a lot. I'm smarter, more reckless, terrible at keeping up with grades and have a much better appreciation and perspective of life.
ok, im not gonna give you any cliche "seize the day crap"
I wish you a good life
but do stay focused.
PEACE
-chan
15 March 2008
DBSK, milk@coffee, L
TVXQ, who debuted in Korea in 2004, Japan in 2005 and went on to debut in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Thailand, has been named Goodwill Ambassador for Asia by Universal Studios Japan (USJ).
Source: USJ + elune@soompi + KBS Global
Credit for ShenYuePop.com: Ochibi
Alright, so not only do these guys have massive social and cultural sway over hoards of Asian fangirls (and fanboys), now DBSK has been named Goodwill Ambassadors by USJ.
WHAT? How does that happen? Sure their influence is helpful if they want political sway, but I just think we shouldn't blur the lines between entertainment and politics like this. It's one thing to have Angelina Jolie saving 3rd world babies, but DBSK to my knowledge has never previously shown political interest.
It reminds me of how sodagreen is kinda sorta involved with the ROC presidential election. Sure people like their music, but that doesn't make their political advice any more or less valid.
So... I mean... whatevs.
《越长大 越孤单》是第二张专辑的名字。一共十首歌曲。
虽然经过了那么长时间的等待，但是现在依然非常激动
Rough Translation:
"《The Older, The Lonelier》 is the name of the second album. A total of 10 songs.
Although much time has passed, it feels just as exciting as before."
Can I just say, I freakin love milk@coffee. Like, Chinese indie pop electronica? Um, awesomeness? The band is made of Kiki (the singer) and Gefei (keyboardist, everything else). Their music is all about growing up, not being afraid, still watching cartoons and being really cute.
That's actually a terrible translation of the album title. It's more like "the older [you] get, the lonelier [you] are". But who wants a title that long? Actually, the subject isn't specified so you can fit any pronoun in there. But you know, again, whatevs.
This is 小宇宙 (Little Universe) from their first album 燃烧吧！小宇宙.
It's pretty bizarre. I like it.
Like, even they do hiphop collaborations with random rap groups, they still insist on having a bunny in the music video.
Since I'm kinda on a roll talking about Asian stuff, I think it's really sad that I STILL have not seen the L movie. It's Matsuyama Kenichi as a genius, crime-solving, sugar-addict. What could be better? Oh wait, that's right. If he didn't die in the Death Note films. Of course.
Speaking of which, I heard that the Death Note movies are gonna be released in the US. Should have happened earlier, Artie got me the DVD from Hong Kong. They're regional-specific (if that's the correct term here), so I can't watch them on any player in this country unless I change the regional code. Which I did. The subs are kinda eh... I saw a couple mistakes.
It always amazes me how good releases from fansub groups are. The organized ones. Almost professional and (most importantly) free.
Ok, I'm done.
09 March 2008
PANGAEA 2008
Words cannot describe the awesomeness of this year's Pangaea, our annual high school multi-cultural extravaganza.
Jay made the most awesome videos for the flight theme and showed IB-300. Ian screened "Eros". Rosie and Swissabella rapped about German Existentialism, "Einfach Sein" by The Fantastic Four. Yoonmi sang "Because of a Man" by Joo. Justis and I performed "Sure Thing" by David Ives.
I'm so proud of everyone, especially the tech crew. They worked so hard, staying for hours after school for weeks, running through lighting and sound cues, organizing each detail to make the event perfect.
I saw a guy from the Tally Democrat with a giant camera, they're online. I have to say, the shots are amazing.
Unfortunately I only got to film two acts.
PANGAEA: Sure Thing
Chan Lin and Justis Mills
PANGAEA: Because of a Man
Kristin "KK" Yoonmi Kim
Also, sweet rave in the after-Pangaea partyvan.
Jay made the most awesome videos for the flight theme and showed IB-300. Ian screened "Eros". Rosie and Swissabella rapped about German Existentialism, "Einfach Sein" by The Fantastic Four. Yoonmi sang "Because of a Man" by Joo. Justis and I performed "Sure Thing" by David Ives.
I'm so proud of everyone, especially the tech crew. They worked so hard, staying for hours after school for weeks, running through lighting and sound cues, organizing each detail to make the event perfect.
I saw a guy from the Tally Democrat with a giant camera, they're online. I have to say, the shots are amazing.
Unfortunately I only got to film two acts.
PANGAEA: Sure Thing
Chan Lin and Justis Mills
PANGAEA: Because of a Man
Kristin "KK" Yoonmi Kim
Also, sweet rave in the after-Pangaea partyvan.
05 March 2008
The Finer Things Club
A couple months ago, I was ranting to Couchface about how our daily conversations have become so frivolous. At least compared to last year, we never talk about important issues. Didn't we used to argue about religion and abortion every day last year in History? So taking a cue from my favorite episode of "The Office" we planned to put together a Finer Things Club of our own.
We had a successful first meeting last Saturday at Essence of India. 7 people dining on charged discussions of Hilary V. Obama primaries, Serbia, something else. I'm a little disappointed I forgot to take a picture at the end but there will be more.
We developed a couple ground rules for this.
- No paper, plastic, school talk.
- Maintain a civil disposition at all times, no matter how heated the conversation.
- Extra points for using officious Model UN jargon.
- Most important: Everyone is alloted ONE "That's what she said." per meeting. Use it wisely.
I wonder if I can put this on my college applications...
Community Activities: I created an open forum for young adults to discuss art, philosophy, current events, and pressing issues of our generation.
Something like that.
25 February 2008
Never been so fascinated by LEGO
The song is 童话 (Fairytale) by Michael Wong. The lyrics and video are both incredibly sad. I remember it being the most popular song of 2005 (despite the dying girlfriend cliche) because they kept playing it at every store I went to that summer in China.
That's why this perfect LEGO replica of a music video caught my attention. Man, that takes a lot of work.
19 February 2008
Rickards Text-Threat
This is pretty bizarre. I guess this is what they mean by "careful what you wish for." Last night, we students of Rickards found out about a "text-message threat". It was breaking news on the front page of the Tally Democrat site.
Someone was going to "shoot up the place"? Really. Really? Ehhh... This is one of those situations where you don't really know how you're supposed to react. Do I go to school and take advantage of the extra parking spaces or be safe, stay home? Maybe that's over-reacting. Maybe it's just an empty threat started by someone who was tired of parking in the very back. Clearly an act of provoked vengeance.
Most of the discussion between students yesterday was about whether they were coming to class or not. No-brainer for me, I originally had a test, essay and IA today so I stayed home and got a gratuitous day off. Had a nice nap. Not that I don't trust their "heightened security", but I wouldn't really be surprised if something did happen, y'know?
I woke up this afternoon in half excitement, half worry, to the sound of my sister announcing a school arrest which they believed wasn't related to the "text-threat" And I put that in quotations because I think it's a funny term. The article said they searched the guy after they "noticed the car because it was in the parking lot after school started and cigarette smoke was coming from the windows." Lol, actually that happens all the time. There's those group of guys who smoke in their cars during lunch. When the bell rings for class, they open the doors and all the smoke billows out at once. It's pretty amusing to watch.
Anyway, my prediction is this. We'll talk about this until the end of the week, nothing's going to happen and it'll be forgotten, only recalled in times of nostalgic reminiscence. "Remember that time we had our own mini-Columbine? Except nothing happened?" At least that's how I hope it'll turn out.
Security will be heightened at Rickards High School after a text message warning students not to go to school tomorrow was brought to the attention of law enforcement.
No student was named in the message, but it said someone was going to “shoot up the place,” according to John Hunkiar, director of safety and security for Leon County Schools.
Someone was going to "shoot up the place"? Really. Really? Ehhh... This is one of those situations where you don't really know how you're supposed to react. Do I go to school and take advantage of the extra parking spaces or be safe, stay home? Maybe that's over-reacting. Maybe it's just an empty threat started by someone who was tired of parking in the very back. Clearly an act of provoked vengeance.
Most of the discussion between students yesterday was about whether they were coming to class or not. No-brainer for me, I originally had a test, essay and IA today so I stayed home and got a gratuitous day off. Had a nice nap. Not that I don't trust their "heightened security", but I wouldn't really be surprised if something did happen, y'know?
I woke up this afternoon in half excitement, half worry, to the sound of my sister announcing a school arrest which they believed wasn't related to the "text-threat" And I put that in quotations because I think it's a funny term. The article said they searched the guy after they "noticed the car because it was in the parking lot after school started and cigarette smoke was coming from the windows." Lol, actually that happens all the time. There's those group of guys who smoke in their cars during lunch. When the bell rings for class, they open the doors and all the smoke billows out at once. It's pretty amusing to watch.
Anyway, my prediction is this. We'll talk about this until the end of the week, nothing's going to happen and it'll be forgotten, only recalled in times of nostalgic reminiscence. "Remember that time we had our own mini-Columbine? Except nothing happened?" At least that's how I hope it'll turn out.
13 February 2008
IB 300 Clone
A little late, but what is copyright anyway?
Where is the line between plagiarism and parody?
This is Jay's IB 300 video.
He made this about a month ago, gathering footage from different students at Rickards IB. When it was uploaded, it became huge. On Facebook, it drew over a hundred comments by IBers around the world. Whenever I have some huge paper due the next day drowning me in self-pity and regret, I watch it to remind me why I stay at Rickards. It's really the people that make the program worth it. (Because, screw IB elitism, some colleges don't care.)
And this is the British clone. Apparently we were not meant to have seen it, it was made for their "King's College High Comedy Night" or something of that nature and was only uploaded because of it's positive reception.
I don't like it. Or maybe I just don't like rich schools. Ours has that comfy Rickards ghetto feel and the Brit one is like "Hey bitches, look at our pretty all-boys school and our uniforms, ooh we have actual exam rooms, not auditoriums and wooden boards for testing..." Plus they had that "A new age has begun, an age of internationalism..." Lol, there's only white British guys in the whole video. Not that I'm complaining.
Jay's (Ibsalot) video was obviously a parody to 300, but the King's College guys made it look like they had thought of the idea themselves. The script is basically the same. I think they should have at least credited Jay for his work instead of saying "If anything you can feel proud that your own video has had an influence on the writers, which it does clearly seem to have" (pflocust). Um, really? If you change 5 words out of the whole script, that's plagiarism, not influence.
But hey, any hype is helpful, right?
EDIT: They took down their vid... I'm a litle sad. I liked the discussion/flamewar.
Where is the line between plagiarism and parody?
This is Jay's IB 300 video.
He made this about a month ago, gathering footage from different students at Rickards IB. When it was uploaded, it became huge. On Facebook, it drew over a hundred comments by IBers around the world. Whenever I have some huge paper due the next day drowning me in self-pity and regret, I watch it to remind me why I stay at Rickards. It's really the people that make the program worth it. (Because, screw IB elitism, some colleges don't care.)
And this is the British clone. Apparently we were not meant to have seen it, it was made for their "King's College High Comedy Night" or something of that nature and was only uploaded because of it's positive reception.
I don't like it. Or maybe I just don't like rich schools. Ours has that comfy Rickards ghetto feel and the Brit one is like "Hey bitches, look at our pretty all-boys school and our uniforms, ooh we have actual exam rooms, not auditoriums and wooden boards for testing..." Plus they had that "A new age has begun, an age of internationalism..." Lol, there's only white British guys in the whole video. Not that I'm complaining.
Jay's (Ibsalot) video was obviously a parody to 300, but the King's College guys made it look like they had thought of the idea themselves. The script is basically the same. I think they should have at least credited Jay for his work instead of saying "If anything you can feel proud that your own video has had an influence on the writers, which it does clearly seem to have" (pflocust). Um, really? If you change 5 words out of the whole script, that's plagiarism, not influence.
But hey, any hype is helpful, right?
EDIT: They took down their vid... I'm a litle sad. I liked the discussion/flamewar.
10 February 2008
Waiting For Change
You know how when you were in elementary school, you did everything your parents told you to, all your schoolwork without thinking about it? Without asking why? Well, those answers seem obvious now, the ultimate goal at this point is getting into a good college and all that crap. But back then, I remember the first time I questioned the whole process of waking up and following orders. It was dull, preprogrammed meaninglessness. What's the point of all this? What's there to gain? How am I supposed to exercise my free will if I didn't even know what I wanted in the first place? That's when I realized how bored I was.
As a side anecdote, there's something very unique about the way we react at Rickards. I know other schools have the impression that it's sketchy or shady but... Last week, I was in Spanish class when a loud BOOM sounded. Anyone else would have assumed it to be a gunshot and panicked. But no, most of the students didn't even flinch for a second. It's too normal now. But it's not because we wouldn't be afraid of something like that, it's because the chemistry class has that dry ice lab every year.
Actually, I don't think it was the dry ice because we already had that lab last semester. Point is, when I heard the noise, I secretly wished it was something to panic about. That everyone would freak and it would be Cloverfield or something equally exciting and apocalyptic. It would be an interesting change, it would somehow make me feel alive. This perverse attraction to conflict is probably due to my needy personality unable to stay in the same place for a long time, or at least a desire to perpetually have something to look forward to.
So why do I say all of this? Because I'm procrastinating for my Theater IA.
As a side anecdote, there's something very unique about the way we react at Rickards. I know other schools have the impression that it's sketchy or shady but... Last week, I was in Spanish class when a loud BOOM sounded. Anyone else would have assumed it to be a gunshot and panicked. But no, most of the students didn't even flinch for a second. It's too normal now. But it's not because we wouldn't be afraid of something like that, it's because the chemistry class has that dry ice lab every year.
Actually, I don't think it was the dry ice because we already had that lab last semester. Point is, when I heard the noise, I secretly wished it was something to panic about. That everyone would freak and it would be Cloverfield or something equally exciting and apocalyptic. It would be an interesting change, it would somehow make me feel alive. This perverse attraction to conflict is probably due to my needy personality unable to stay in the same place for a long time, or at least a desire to perpetually have something to look forward to.
So why do I say all of this? Because I'm procrastinating for my Theater IA.
07 February 2008
DBSK's Cassiopeia On Guinness for Largest Fan Club
Reports that Cassiopeias, DBSK’s loyal fans, made it on the 2008 Guinness World Records as the largest fan group of an artist with 800,000 members started to spread early today, with many forums and bloggers reporting the “news.”~Popseoul
First of all, I need to say, I don't like Popseoul. Not because they're overly critical or sometimes post about things a month later and call it news - no. It's because they're so unnecessarily mean to Super Junior. So what if Heechul could pass for a girl and may possibly be gay? What if Shindong's not attractive... much? What if Shiwon wore lipstick? Whatever Popseoul.
But I can't stop reading them.
Anyway, DBSK's fanclub Cassiopeia has a Guinness World Record-breaking 800,000 members. That's a lot, even for a Korean boy band. (Yeah Jaejoong!) Especially considering that they haven't been back in Korea for maybe 50 years. Anyway, just wanted to point this out, the raving fangirls, fanboys, and stalkers at Soompi are really excited about this.
02 February 2008
01 February 2008
28 January 2008
Firstly
Not really sure how to start off my first post, but at least I have a decent idea of what it's going to be about, right? Anywho, I haven't felt proud of anything I've written since the demise of my composition skills in my post 9/11 9th grade world. So this will be an outlet for my writing, my rants on Asian pop culture, a space to share some pictures and to post my podcasts.
So I guess I'll share some of my knitting. This is probably my first project ever. It's pretty short for a scarf, obviously I got bored halfway through and decided to end it.
Hats. I made a bunch of hats in the middle of winter, most of which would have beeen better had I actually gone by a pattern. But they're all freehand and oddly shaped... "Oh well I think I should increase here... oh crap, now it looks like a doily..."
This one I'm actually proud of, it took me a long time to create. I made it as a birthday gift for Kristin. Also freehand but I actually took apart twice as much as I crocheted trying to get a dome shape.
This is a camera case I made for the Sony Cybershot I borrowed from my mother which was modeled after this bag below that my sister made me a couple years back.
A Christmas present from Eva.
And lastly a camera case I made when I finally got my own.
So I guess I'll share some of my knitting. This is probably my first project ever. It's pretty short for a scarf, obviously I got bored halfway through and decided to end it.
Hats. I made a bunch of hats in the middle of winter, most of which would have beeen better had I actually gone by a pattern. But they're all freehand and oddly shaped... "Oh well I think I should increase here... oh crap, now it looks like a doily..."
This one I'm actually proud of, it took me a long time to create. I made it as a birthday gift for Kristin. Also freehand but I actually took apart twice as much as I crocheted trying to get a dome shape.
This is a camera case I made for the Sony Cybershot I borrowed from my mother which was modeled after this bag below that my sister made me a couple years back.
A Christmas present from Eva.
And lastly a camera case I made when I finally got my own.
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