Writing Stats Monday

I just sent my first query of the New Year!

Photo Sunday
Bike Trail

The bike trail near our home. And possibly a quail?

Links Saturday
Lonely Natalie

Most my friends know I love Natalie Tran's CommunityChannel on YouTube. If you haven't seen it, she's this hilarious Australian-Asian chick.* Because there's going to be a huge difference between But recently she started making travel videos for Lonely Planet that I've been enjoying as well. Recently she visited Miami! OMG, she's in the US! If only she weren't on the East Coast...

* On a side note, I suppose most people would think it should be Asian-Australian, but I think it really ought to go in the order of the place you've spent most your life. There's a big difference, for instance, between an Asian person born and raised in America (like myself) to one who's just moved there. I don't think this means anyone's rights should be curtailed, just acknowledged that people's situations make them different. Keeping that in mind, Natalie is definitely Australian-Asian as she grew up in Australia and acquired Australian mannerisms and accents which now come more naturally to her than would her Asian heritage.

Review Friday
Rampant

Summary

Astrid is mostly concerned with fitting in, going to prom, and keeping her unicorn crazy mother from ruining her life until the impossible happens: a unicorn almost kills her boyfriend, and Astrid discovers a reemergence of these dangerous beasts means she must return to her ancestral roots as a unicorn hunter.

Overview

It's certainly a fast-paced book which is both dark and funny. Despite the subject matter of unicorns in modern times, I felt it was balanced enough with science and realistic character interaction to suspend our disbelief.

I have been hesitant to read the sequel: Ascendant, but not because I'm not curious what happens. It's mostly that the dark tone of the books take a certain mood for me to be able to read and I'm not personally in that mood.

7/10 stars * * * * * * * --A fast exciting read,, though I wish they had gone more into the themes introduced like medical ethics and whether it's right to kill the unicorns for trying to survive.

Book Club (Spoilers)

I thought Astrid's interest in the medical possibilities of the remedy, Phil's thoughts on how unicorns work as a species, and the pharmecutical company's involvement to be the most grounding elements of the story.

I also just liked the romance between Astrid and Giovanni. It was a well-done, feel-good, girl-power romance. Girl power in the sense that the romance didn't define Astrid, even when she wanted to renounce everything for it, the author does a good job of making many other aspects of Astrid's life more important.

However, it did bother me that, as smart as Astrid was, she didn't figure out that her ex-boyfriend didn't run away. She told creepy pharmaceuticals guy who he was and that he was the last one to have the remedy. If they didn't kidnap him and cut him open, then they did something even worse. Plus, how could anyone trust a pharmaceutical company with the possibility of finding a cure for all illnesses?

Info Thursday
Chancery

I am currently listening to Charles Dickens' Bleak House on audio book. The story is all about the Chancery Courts of England. I didn't know what these courts did, so I decided to look it up and according to Wikipedia it would seem they: "had jurisdiction over all matters of equity, including trusts, land law, the administration of the estates of lunatics and the guardianship of infants." Dickens critisizes their slow bureaucracy and he wasn't the only one as it seems the court was reforming even as he wrote Bleak House.

Wildcard Wednesday
Photos!

Okay, sorry my Last Wish story got derailed again. I didn't have time to finish the section because I was too bust thrifting with friends. I'm sure you're all disappointed. But look, I got these awesome red leather boots! But other than a Mord-Sith costume, I can't think what to do with them... Bonus points if you know what a Mord-Sith is. Hint: It is NOT from Star Wars.

Diary Tuesday Club
Jane Austen Book Club

I'm really excited that I found a group of friends interested in starting a Jane Austen Book Club! I didn't think I'd ever find enough interested people. It's also awesome because if you've read the book The Jane Austen Book Club or seen the movie, then you know it takes place in the Sacramento area where I am currently located. Now, if only we could get Hugh Dancy to join our book club...

Writing Stats Monday

Fantasy Novel Edit -- Cutting words at a breakneck snail's pace!
Last Time: 206,499 words
This Time: 206,109 words
I nixed: 390 words

I've been really busy with job hunting stuff, so even that small amount is only because I spied an unnecessary section earlier this week that I was going to fix but decided was easier just to delete altogether.

Photo Sunday

My former college's coffeehouse and the poem it's named for.

Jabberwocky

’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe;
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.

“Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun The frumious Bandersnatch!”

He took his vorpal sword in hand:
Long time the manxome foe he sought—
So rested he by the Tumtum tree,
And stood awhile in thought.

And as in uffish thought he stood,
The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame,
Came whiffling through the tulgey wood,
And burbled as it came!

One, two! One, two! and through and through
The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!
He left it dead, and with its head
He went galumphing back.

“And hast thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!”
He chortled in his joy.

’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe;
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.

Links Saturday
Hank Games

Hank Green of the vlogbrothers has made a channel where he plays video games and makes ammusing comments to them. As amusing comments during game play are half of the reason I enjoy video games in the first place, I really enjoy this. Plus, I've always been interested in the Assassin's Creed series, and he's mostly played the newest one of those. Above is my favorite of his videos and here's the link to the channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/hankgames?blend=2&ob=1

Review Friday
The King's Speech

Trailer



Overview

Great as both a historical and character drama. I think it was brilliantly acted, particularly by Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter, and Geoffrey Rush. Not only did I believe they were these characters but I cared about what happened to them. Firth excels at being simultaneously unfriendly but lovable. Carter is regal and somehow even gives the air of the Queen Mum. Her dress and make-up is spot on. Whereas no amount of make-up or costuming will make Firth look like George VI. But his acting was excellent, so it doesn't matter. Rush is the perfect addition for both fun and seriousness.

8/10 stars. * * * * * * * * A thoroughly enjoyable and well-made film.

Info Thursday
How To Put On a Kimono / Yukata

I have yukata (a cotton kimono meant for summer), and I couldn't remember how to tie the obi or which side went over which (left over right--though, I did recall if I got it wrong, it symbolized death). So I looked up the following how-tos for the next time I want to wear it.

Text How-To:
http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/fashion/how_to_wear_yukata.html
http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/fashion/butterfly_obi.html

Video How-To:

Diary Tuesday
Thoughts and Yet Another Break

While shelf reading at the library today I came across a book of fairy tale poems that could be read both forwards and backwards in a book called Mirror, Mirror. While reading the one about Rumplestiltskin I realized that it is a story about names, but none of the characters, other than Rumplestiltskin, ever give their names.

I would also like to say that I'll be out pretty much all day tomorrow and will be staying at a friend's house, so there will once again be no Wednesday blog. I hope no one's on the edge of their seats to hear the next installment of my realistic fiction story, Last Wish. If even one person says they are, I'll post it instead of Info Thursday.

Writing Stats Monday (on Tuesday)

Last time: 210,579 words
This time: 206,499 words
I cut 4,080 words.

Photo Sunday
Which of These Things Didn't Belong?

I used a digital editing program to erase two things from this picture. Can you guess what they were? You can ask me or the answer can be found in my Facebook photos.

Kato is The Awesome AND He Raps!

Okay, normally I don't like rap but if anyone can make it awesome, it's Kato. The actor who play's Kato--Jay Chou--is actually a Chinese musician and here's his song that was at the end of the Green Hornet's credits.

Review Friday
The Green Hornet

Trailer



Overview

Kato is awesome.

I loved this movie based on that alone and you should too.

Spoilers

Um...Kato is the awesome? Seriously, the Green Hornet has no super powers, it's all Kato. Even thinking back on the story, I would not have cared at all if notfor Kato. Kato makes this movie but that's why it's worth seeing just to see him.

Info Thursday

I knew Janus was a Roman God, but I had never previously known that January was named after him.

Blog Break Encore

I've got a couple interviews I really need to focus on right now. I'll be back Thursday.

Photo Sunday

This replica of a medieval chessman that I saw in San Diego's Museum of Man reminded me very much of the living chess pieces in Harry Potter.

Links Saturday

After seeing the excellent film The King's Speech, I was eager to hear the actual speech portrayed in the film given by King George VI. And through the magic of you tube, here it is!

Review Friday
Scarlett Fever

Summary

Scarlett Martin's indentured servitude (albiet well-paid) to the eccentric Mrs. Amberson has only just begun. Despite moving out of Scarlett's family hotel, Mrs. Amberson's new Acting Agency is easily a full-time job. Add that to school and boy problems and Scarlett has a rocky road ahead of her.

Overview (No Spoilers)

I want more Scarlett! And her family. While the first book was enjoyable, I really fell in love with the entire Martin family in this second book, and now I'm dying to read a third. I hope there's a third. There'd better be a third. Maureen Johnson, are you listening to me? No, probably not.

Anyway, There was actually less craziness and more business savvy from Mrs. Amberson, which I liked. But the highlight of this book was the family drama. I'll confess this is still a teen girl sort of book, highlighted by Scarlett's obsession with her ex-almost-boyfriend Eric. Book for most girls, this is a sadly relateable obsession.

Book Club (Spoilers)

I particularly want to know what happens to Spencer after the events of this book. Does he ever get another acting job? What about Scarlett's unpleasant sister, Marlene? Does being PowerKid of the Year make her better or worse? I want to know how Lola handles her marriage to Chip. It's foreshadowed that Lola agreeing to sign the postnuptial agreement forced on her by Chip's parents will not go over well later, but you never see the fall out of that in the book. I suppose I'm also kinda curious what happens with Scarlett and Max. I definitely like Max better than Eric. But I just want to know how it all turns out for the entire Martin family. And it better turn out well!

Got that, Johnson?!

No, of course not.

Info Thursday
Airport Insider

What the airports are currently doing for security measures is wrong, and if people choose not to travel by plane because of it, I don't blame them. However, some of us either don't have that option or would rather not give up traveling. For those people like myself, my friend encouraged me to give a suggestion that I gave her. Travel from low security airports who don't have the body scanners. But it is important to note that the TSA in any airport can still subject you to an an advanced pat down, so we still need to fight this entire idea in any way we can. Sadly, it may also become increasingly more difficult to avoid airports with body scanners with the recently passed spending bill that funded more body scanners. Here's a list of airports with body scanners. However, this is an older list (from November) and could change at a moment's notice, so it would probably be best to contact the airport to know for certain.

This doesn't necessarily mean the list will change for the worst, though. I've been led to believe that San Diego Airport, which is on the list, either no longer has body scanners or doesn't have them in every terminal. Specifically, the TSA at the terminal for Southwest Airlines told me they didn't have body scanners, though I was unclear if they simply meant at that checkpoint or in the entire airport. I was pulled aside for additional screening because I had forgotten to remove my toiletries from my bag. But all they did was test my hands for explosives by rubbing them with a cloth an putting that cloth through a machine. This was a minor hassle but far less invasive and far more practical than either body scanners or pat downs, and I would be in full support of airports doing this instead.

Sacramento Airport is already not on the list and did not have any scanners that I saw when I was traveling, nor did I see anyone pat down at either airport.

Unfortunately, the first anti-body scanner bill introduced by Representative Ron Paul unfortunately died in committee. But there are stirrings of a new similar bill. Hopefully, something will go through. I will also note this is the perfect issue to cross party lines as both Republicans and Democrats seem to dislike being felt up or goggled at in the nude. However, there do seem rather more Republicans speaking up... I would like the Democrats to step it up. I hate having to choose, but this issue is currently more important to me than health care because health care in the US has always been crummy, but travel hasn't always been this ridiculous and devoid of dignity.

Wildcard Wednesday
Last Wish

So for one Wednesday I wrote a not particularly exciting character vignette. Which I may turn into a not particularly exciting story. Why, you ask? Because it was the only realistic fiction idea I thought of in a long while, and I'm bad at realistic fiction, so I figured I'd give it a go. I'd be honored if people read it (start with the vignette as that is now the first part). But I totally understand if you don't want to. Comments on the writing (even the brutal truth) are welcome. This will be an ongoing story until it ends or people throw enough rotten fruit at me. The title, as seen above, is Last Wish.

* * *

Tory didn't listen to Brenda and asked the barista on a date. He often didn't listen to Brenda. It was the cornerstone of their relationship. It had been a problem when they were dating but somehow, as friends, it just worked. Go figure. People always said you should marry your best friend, but Tory suspected if he'd done that, he wouldn't have one anymore.

When Tory arrived his typical fifteen minutes late, the girl was already sitting at a table, playing with her smart phone. When she looked up, she smiled and waved enthusiastically. This was good. Any girl who would get upset over punctuality would never have lasted fifteen minutes with Tory--or rather, without him, as he wouldn't have shown up by then.

"Hey," she said.

"Sorry for being late." Tory said, still standing behind the chair as he did. It was best to get this formality out of the way first before he even sat down.

The girl waved her hand. "Oh, I didn't even notice. I'm stuck on level nine of Angry Birds." She flashed him the phone before sticking it back in her pocket.

Tory sat down. Plus one point for being unphased by lateness. Minus one point for being entertained a full fifteen minutes by a mindless cell phone app. So far she broke even. Not too bad.

Her name was Susan. Tory had to remind himself not to call her Coffee Girl, which was what he called her in his head. She didn't have the gravity of a Susan but didn't look much like a Susie either. Her hair was pulled back in a blond top knot and her grin seemed ever-present. If Tory had matched her grin for grin, his mouth would have started hurting after the first minute. Instead he maintained what he hoped was a pleasant neutral face, smiling whenever he felt it was appropriate.

They ordered drinks and talked first date pleasantries. Tory still thought it was rather clever of him to ask her out for coffee at the competitors to where she worked. No matter how lame Brenda thought it was. Anyway, it had worked.

Then a song came on the ambient music overhead, and the girl became excited. "Mmm," she swallowed her hot drink a little too quickly in an effort to speak and had to pause an extra moment to grimace. Then she finally said, "I love this song!" and proceeded to launch into a long explanation of the other bands this one was like--all bands Tory had never heard of--and how the radio stuff wasn't nearly as good as the actual albums, and how all music really ought to be heard live...

God. She was one of those. It wasn't strictly music lovers. Although, there did seem to be an awful lot of people far too willing to lecture on the virtue of polyphonics or vamping. What was with that? Still, the real problem was that she had this overriding passion, something that lit her up from the inside out. It was beautiful, depressing, and annoying all at the same time because Tory wasn't that passionate about anything.

"So, you're an artist, right?"

Yes, that. People assumed that's what lit Tory from the inside. Maybe it had once. Tory wasn't sure. He thought he remembered a thrill better than orgasm upon achieving a perfect painting. But he hadn't had that thrill (or an orgasm initiated by someone else for that matter) in quite some time. Perhaps it was just a false memory, just a dream to convince him that life wasn't meaningless and that he shouldn't walk in front of a bus.

But, of course, he couldn't do that. His family would be upset. More importantly, Brenda would haunt him. Usually it was the dead who haunted the living, but if he ever did anything like commit suicide, he was sure six feet of dirt wouldn't be enough to save him from Brenda's wrath. It was a comforting thought.

"Um, hello?" Ugh. He had spaced out already, convinced the date was a lost cause. But Coffee Girl--Susan--deserved to have him at least go through the motions. Then he would say he'd call her, and he wouldn't. And she'd sign him off as a lying jerk and forget about him. It would be his gift to her.

"Right, yeah, I'm a painter." Then the inevitable questions: "What do you paint?" Abstract art. A bit of a mix between Keith Haring and Picasso. He hated that description, but it was the only one people understood--after half of them went home and looked up Keith Haring. "Do you sell your work?" Yes, and practically all the paintings are snapped up by a gay Norwegian couple. No, he wasn't rich or famous, but thanks to the gay Norwegian couple and his job as a model for several art classes at his University, it paid the bills. "A nude model?" Yes. His date raised her eyebrows. That was the typical response. He made the usual comment about classes having trouble finding male models. He didn't mention that was how he'd met Jodi, and how Jodi had met her next boyfriend. That girl had a serious nude model dating complex. Susan-who-didn't-look-like-a-Susan asked the usual questions about whether modeling nude was awkward. He joked only if it was cold. They laughed and chatted about other forgettable things.

Then the date was over and they were saying goodbye, and he was saying he'd call her. Actually, later that night, he'd call Brenda. Brenda loved being right. Then he left the cafe.

Diary Tuesday
Usefulness

I missed being useful! I mean, I guess it is useful to my brothers to have someone to play against in Age of Empires (Which I won three times over the visit! How much did I play? Er...). And it was good to have bonding time with my brothers. Even if one almost never speaks and the other spent half the time in his woodshop creating a repeating crossbow. It is useful to be a good sister, but it's a different kind of usefulness. I almost never have time to be bored, even now, but I did over break, which speaks of just how cut off I was from everything but family. So today it felt really good when I volunteered at the library this Tuesday, as I do every Tuesday. I'm normally a shelf reader but today not enough people were in, so I got to shelve. I miss shelving, but want to see how my schedule goes this before I commit to another volunteer day.

I also get so much more done when I have a lot of stuff to do. It helps me manage my time better. I guess it helps create a framework out of chaos. I can't put off tasks for mindless activities if I can't do them at any time.

Writing Stats Monday

Science Fiction
644 words

Photo Sunday

Since the camera somehow ate the photos I wanted I'm feeling pretty surly towards photography at the moment. Imagine, if you will, the perfect picture. Cherie in a state of perfect serenity and peace sitting on a rock in the middle of a zen-like koi pond.

Okay, so maybe they weren't the perfect pictures. I'm sure, if I had them, even know I'd be thinking that I don't look as good in the picture as I'd like. But I still want them! Gah! Anyway here are some other pictures for San Diego that the camera didn't eat.

All of the following picture were taken somewhere inside San Diego's Balboa Park of awesomeness full of museums and gardens and all manner of marvelous things.

Cherie the cave girl sits by the skeletons of her kills. This replica of a cro-magnon cave was in the Museum of Man.

Here's the view from a cafe we ate at.














Here's the koi pond in the Japanese garden.














And here's another view of the Japanese garden.