| 0027 |
[16 May 2012|08:01pm] |
Well since root beer and music are less than satisfactory- I've been watching a lot of movies lately. Admittedly- the soundtracks are not the best right now- so I wouldn't go watch The Artist or any musicals- but I was never really a soundtrack guy. I know they are important- you don't get to be president of the AV club without acknowledging the talent and oddly intense devotion of the audio guys- but I've always been more visual about movies. I watched Russian Ark again- just because I had to. Chocolat apparently does lose some of its charm without the soundtrack. Same for Run Lola Run. Hamlet continues to work (the Laurence Olivier version) but I think most Shakespeare isn't going to be too affected by a lack of happy music. You know- particularly the tragedies. Actually that worked out well- so- go watch yourself a tragedy- it may never be better.
Then I went and finally saw The Avengers- which also holds up- the soundtrack is surprisingly minimal. A lot of action packed movies rely heavily on music (particularly contemporary rock) to help increase the level of excitement- but The Avengers didn't. Star Trek (2009 version) had a lovely soundtrack- but I don't recall much of one in The Avengers. Maybe I'll go see it again when all of this is over (Good luck- guys) and see if it's changed at all.
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| 0026 |
[08 May 2012|06:28pm] |
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I had my camera out today and it got me wondering how much the average New Yorker spends on camera. Not just the random guy with a camera like me- but considering all of the movies- tv shows- documentaries- talk shows- commercials that take place here- it's got to be a lot of time. And then you add all of the security cameras. Every store- bus- cab- stop light- government building and lobby with security cameras up. The average New Yorker- especially the ones that go into Manhattan must spend a good chunk of their day being filmed by some camera or another. Even tourist cell phone cameras. Not to get all Orwell with the 'cameras are everywhere' thing but- yeah- think about it. How much of your day was conceivably being recorded today? Mine quite a bit- considering where I work.
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| 0025 |
[03 May 2012|10:43am] |
It's World Press Freedom Day. I bet you didn't know that existed- but it does. Last year the festivities were held in the US in DC- and this year they are being held in Tunisia- which has a certain lovely poetry to it. There is an award given each year- and this year it was given to Eynulla Fatullayev- an Azerbaijani journalist. He is also the editor of a Russian-language weekly- but it is his work in Azerbaijan that warrants him the award. He has been threatened- beaten- imprisoned- and had his own father kidnapped to try to get him to stop printing his paper.
You can say what you want about how the US media likes to sensationalize its government scandals- and all of the silly- foolish things it reports about the government in general- but just be glad you live in a country where the media can just spout the stupidest- mean spirited of things and no one goes to jail or gets beaten about the head for it.
I have maybe a unique perspective on the press- and the foreign press- because I suppose I was the press for a few years. I was a news cameraman- so while I didn't report the news or write the news or have to do any research- I've been part of the process and been around the people that do those things. I have even been foreign press- in a country where you are a bit more likely to get beaten over the head for the things you report. I have a lot of respect for the press- for the ones that don't sit back and exploit how lucky and privileged they are to live in a country where it is their right as a citizen to talk garbage.
The press really means something- it is really a basic- grounded attribute of a free society- and something that societies with less freedom will understand and appreciate more than our own.
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| 0024 |
[24 Apr 2012|10:19pm] |
Well- apparently being in the Underworld has wrought havoc on my sleep cycle. I got to work yesterday- was pretty much fine. Got to lie to a lot of co-workers. I picked Yulia up. And then last night I went to bed and--- I just woke up. That's like- 25 hours of sleep. I feel like an old man whose body just doesn't want to move. But I have to- because my dog is hungry and really needs to pee. And so do I.
But aside from that I'm good. Burned some clothes- doused my arm in rubbing alcohol and Febreeze. I've taken about five showers. I got a bruise on my head but it looks like it's healing well. Talked to my mother on the phone but haven't seen them yet. I may hold off on that until my head heals. Or just having suspiciously sweeping bangs.
I am still not sure how I feel about all of this- aside from 'glad to be back.' I didn't think much about what was going on aside from having to get to Felix- nothing else seemed to matter really. I don't know. Maybe in a few days I will reflect more- for now it's all still a bit- surreal. I've seen worse- I know that.
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| 0023 |
[07 Apr 2012|06:53pm] |
Another Easter related entry- but while tomorrow is one Easter- the Russians celebrate it on the 15th this year. Just like with Christmas- no- I have no idea why. But this isn't so much Easter related as just egg related. And it includes something pretty.
The Tsarevich Fabergé egg. It was made in 1912 in honor of the czar's son Alexei. Now- if you don't know anything about Russian history- the Tsarevich was a very sick little boy. He had hemophilia- which nearly caused his death several times. He came so close once a death certificate was even drawn up for him. This egg- was made in celebration of his life. A lot of the Imperial Fabergé eggs were just Easter presents- given by czars to their czarinas- or in honor of coronations. This one was created to celebrate the life of a little boy who proved himself stronger than an illness which should have killed him. He was about seven- when this was made. Now- if you really don't know anything about Russian history- the Tsarevich Alexei would die six years later- along with the rest of his family- in the Revolution. But this egg was before that- it was what an Easter egg should be- a celebration of life- crafted in honor of a miracle.
But the main point of this entry is that- this wonderful piece of work- by a Russian jeweler- for the Russian monarchy- an important- small- delicate- heartfelt piece of the history of Russia--- is currently in Virginia. Because that makes sense.
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| 0022 |
[01 Apr 2012|04:03pm] |
I come back from sunny South America to find it overcast and in the low 50s. Couldn't be happier. I tried my best- I really did- but the back of my neck and the tips of my ears are just burnt. It could have been a lot worse- admittedly- but this is why I avoid the sun. Be weary of Russians with tans- they got it with supernatural means. But- overall- all things considered- it was a good trip. It's always nice to get out of the city and see someplace new. I learned a lot- met a lot of interesting people. I am generally not a fan of tourist traps- they seem a bit cheap and artificial to me- but they do get an interesting collection of people from all over the world. It's still strange to go some place and be seen as an American more than anything else. You sort of don't know what being an American is until you do that. Of course it's a bit stranger for me- because I grew up knowing- well- thinking- what it was to be American- sort of that luxurious dream a child has for himself- and now I am one.
It was nice to get away and it's nice to get back. I have some things to catch up on- when and collected Yulia from the sitter's. I am thinking about lying to my co-workers tomorrow about what I did. I visited some ruins- sat around on the beach- and got attacked by a giant goat monster. That's not really a good story- I'll have to make up something elaborate to tell them. You can lie the day after April Fools Day and still be good ethically- right?
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| 0021 |
[22 Mar 2012|10:31am] |
Well it's World Water Day again. As hopefully all of you know- we are a planet that needs water- we are a planet that mostly is water. On March 22nd each year it's important to stop and think about exactly what that means- and how we can help improve the water that we have for both human use and for the planet. Try to avoid using tap water today- see how hard life is without the benefit of clean water on hand for even just a day. The theme of this year's World Water Day is Water and Food Security- highlighting water issues in countries that are caught up in fighting- primarily the civilian problems in getting water.
And since this is a UN declared day of observance- I have spent the entire week translating things about water. I can't talk about anything I read- but this is an important issue to observe- believe me.
Also- oddly- the Russian word for water- воды - is one of the few Russian words that sounds just like the English word only with a Russian accent.
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| 0020 |
[14 Mar 2012|04:32pm] |
It's Pi Day. I was never really a big maths person but one of my co-workers is and brought in mini-pies for everyone. I have strawberry rhubarb. Apparently in Europe- or countries where their calendar isn't month/day but day/month- they don't get to have mathematical snacks until July- on 22/7 which is Pi Equivalency Day. Tomorrow is also the ides of March- so- beware.
It's day... five on the new leg- and it's going pretty well. It is actually a lot more comfortable than my old one- at least at first. I will reassess in a few weeks. It actually took Yulia awhile to get used to it. I don't know why/how she notices its different- or why she cares- but she does. Maybe I sound different and she though I was a stranger.
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| 0019 |
[09 Mar 2012|02:42pm] |
Birthdays are sort of weird in my house. Not as weird as Mother's Day or Father's Day but still a little strange. I didn't really even ever celebrate it until I turned 13- and then my parents made this big thing about it. Possibly the biggest birthday party ever. Not only did I begin the wonderful time of life that is being a teenager- but it was my first birthday with them- the first in the United States. They learned how to try to say Happy Birthday in Russian- which they got wrong- but was still nice to hear. My English was not very good at that point- it'd been nice to not get in trouble for using Russian.
Anyway- I bought a new leg in the Catacombs and am officially starting to wear it today. Going to spend some time at PT tomorrow to break it in as much as I can before I have to go back to work. Dinner with my parents on Sunday- then probably going out with my co-workers afterward. Some of the other Russian translators insist. Grace will be there.
Putin stole that election- by the way.
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| 0018 |
[03 Mar 2012|07:44pm] |
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I saw The Artist today. I try to make a point to see everything that wins best picture and cinematography. I haven't see Hugo yet- but if it beat The Artist is has to be something to look at. The Artist is a very clever film. It's crafted- and you can see it. So many little details in the background perfect for the plot. And it is shot gloriously. The stairwells. I can't tell you why but every stairwell in that movie is just brilliant. Some camera angles are just amazing. The movie is like what happens when you aren't doing it for money- you are doing it to accomplish something new- or in this case to recapture and reimagine something old. It was also nice to see something shot is 1.33:1 ratio again. It's a very clever movie- I highly suggest it. Keep an eye on the background.
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| 0017 |
[25 Feb 2012|03:26pm] |
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It's sort of strange and sad how many elephants there are out there with prosthetic legs. Don't ask why I was looking this up- a friend sent me a link. I'm not saying you could make a living off supplying elephants with spare parts- but there seem to be a few walking around. I can only imagine it's easier when you have four legs and only lose one. I imagine that's a lot more stable and easier to get used to. Apparently the elephants lose feet in landmines and traps and things of that sort. One is fifty years old and on his third prosthesis already- it having to change due to his weight. Which reminds me- I've been thinking of getting a new one and retiring this one to Trusty Spare. It'll be my third- and they take some breaking in just like new shoes- but it's probably a good idea. Now I know what to tell my parents I want for my birthday when they ask.
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| 0016 |
[18 Feb 2012|03:14pm] |
Another holiday down another charity gala with my folks. As bogus as those things usually are- well- the food is always good I'll say that. This one was about helping to revitalize the Gulf states- so I guess it was sort of nice to see that some groups still care about helping damaged areas past the point when those places are still making the news- past when they are just 'fashionable.' Also- first charity gala I ever went to that served gumbo. I wish I had more of a taste for spicy food.
Also- have to love those awkward moments when everyone asks what happened to the woman you brought last year. I brought her once- last Valentine's Day- and they still remembered her. Haven't brought her since. And these people can't remember their own maids' names.
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| 0015 |
[15 Feb 2012|08:52pm] |
I've been reading Dante's The Divine Comedy again- having gotten it out for that thing on here not long ago. I have yet to find a version of it in Russian- but that must be interesting. It was probably on a banned book list somewhere during the USSR days. I'd like to say I don't understand why everyone seems to remember the Inferno but not Purgatoria and Paradiso- but I think I pretty much know why. Same reason there are so many of those stupid Saw movies. There is something in us that likes to see others doing badly sometimes- I think it's probably a survival thing. Makes us feel better for surviving better. I am not sure. I'm not even sure I really care to know.
Also I wonder if people don't remember the other two as well because Inferno comes first and they just didn't bother to keep reading.
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| 0014 |
[08 Feb 2012|05:39pm] |
I looked up the Tooth Fairy the other day- don't ask. I was just curious. I didn't find anything about if there actually is one- but the related myths are rather interesting. Apparently a lot of countries have a sort of 'tooth mouse' where it is a little mouse that comes and gives them money instead of a more traditional fairy sort of figure. A lot of countries- actually. Across Europe and Asia and South America. In some countries- children throw the lost upper jaw teeth into the ground and the lower jaw teeth into the ceiling to help the new teeth grow in straighter. Sounds easier than braces- I hope it worked for them.
Also- apparently the average American child gets $2.60 per tooth.
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| 0013 |
[03 Feb 2012|06:43pm] |
I read through the version of my book. It was almost as weird reading it as being in it. More embarrassing reading it- though- to tell the truth. And I was the sanest person there- that at least holds up. I fought the Jabberwocky- apparently. Still not sure what it looked like- reading it didn't help at all.
I did some research on unicorns today. No particular reason- just randomly interested in unicorns. A dying group- it seems. Very rare- found mainly in Europe- Asia- and a breed in Africa I couldn't find a picture of. Apparently- there is a unicorn preserve up in Canada. They are working on repopulating the different breeds. It seems all of the people that work with the animals have to be virgins- but I couldn't find a source that says why. I'm sure it's not actually as funny as it seems- but interesting to know. I'd sort of want to go visit- because- well- /unicorn preserve/- but I think the animals might not like me much.
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| 0012 |
[29 Jan 2012|07:07pm] |
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Wow. I am not even sure what that was- but I would not like to do it a second time. I am very happy to be Roddy sized again. It was very strange- to look at the world as a child after so long. Though to be honest I don't think I was ever that curious as a child. Well- not that imaginative. Admittedly as a child I may have lacked a sense of wonder- which might be what made the whole situation all the more confusing. And vaguely embarrassing. Still... better than most Russian fairy tales. And I still have my head.
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[22 Jan 2012|06:56pm] |
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WHATWASTHATITWASVERYRUDEINDEED!itknockedmyhatoff!
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[20 Jan 2012|02:05pm] |
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idontlikepepperverymuch-itmakespeopleveryhotheadedandquitebothersome.loudandnastystuff-pepper.iwishtheywouldn'tputitinnearlyeverything.really-nearlyeverything.itmakespeoplequitehottemperedandspicytoo.itmakesbabiesofpigsorpigsofbabies.
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[16 Jan 2012|06:56pm] |
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thisphoneisverylargeoriamverysmalltherearemanystrangethingshereandmostarenotverycomplementaryorkindshouldiwatchwhatieatoreatwhatiwatch?
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| 0011 |
[14 Jan 2012|06:11pm] |
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Well I hope everyone survived Friday the 13th without a scratch. Of course I'm not sure if there is any validity to the claim that its unlucky- that Templars theory seems to be something Dan Brown popularized if it's even true- but I have my lucky days so I'm more than willing to accept there might be some unlucky ones out there. Does anyone know for certain? Any numerologists? Well- even if its not true- surviving it unscathed is still a bit uplifting. So- well done everyone who survived a possible unlucky day. Congratulations on a Friday well completed.
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