“Hetalia Geographic” by Plushie Bastet
FYI Evil Weatherman– that 8/10 of an inch was a LIE! A dad-gum, filthy, no-good lie told to raise my spirits and then crush them under the weight of 2 inches of unforcasted snow. I am seriously displeased. And considering a lawsuit based on the intentional infliction of emotional distress.
I will admit that the last three or so years have seen most of my literary/historical interest turned toward more Oriental shores, as my heart was swept away by the fantasies and beautiful stories of the Chinese, Korean, and Japanese story-tellers. But not so long ago, I was rather an English Major–the much devoted student of all things English lit and writing. For 4 years I delved into the depths of Poe, Byron, and Plath, consuming works from nearly every continent and genre. In all of that time, I had three favorite courses– Chaucer, Greek Epics, and Shakespeare. While I have always had a particular fondness for rhyming poetry that brings forth the melodic hum in it’s natural form, I was somewhat surprised to find that these classes were so captivating. As a life-long enthusiastic reader, mysteries have rather been my thing, with the classical authors approached only briefly after watching related films or right before exams.
But with the more mature discovery of these authors in college, I found them endearing not just for the quiet quality that comes so precious to any introvert, but also for the the theatrical element that spoke to the artist within. For nothing is as glorious as The Odyssey or The Comedy of Errors acted out upon a stage. Chaucerian poems are nearly dead unless they are spoken aloud with the rising and falling tones, inflections of speach and emphatic hand movements which the words cry out for. And so I have found myself quite in love with theatre and the beautiful world of acting.
It was during my senior year that I came across Shakespeare’s perhaps greatest work ever acted out on a French stage in “Romeo et Juliette.” Talented musician, Gérard Presgurvic, wrote both the music and the lyrics of the beautiful work, which was first shown in Paris in 2001. From there, it would find its way onto stages in dozens of countries and in numerous languages, each adopting their own cultures interpretation and delicate touch. While I have never seen any of the versions in person (Although if I ever visit a location where it’s showing I’m desperate to go), I have seen several online and I have to say the Parisian version is still my favorite.
There just a beauty and elegance to it that fits perfectly in with Shakespeare’s voice–in a message of youth, folly, and that every treacherous sense of “Passion” that has led so many to death and destruction. Those who hear the tale of Romeo and Juliette seem to fall into two categories–those who love it as the “greatest love story of all time” and those who hate it as “just another story of two stupid kids.” But this play successfully shows that Shakespeare was communicating so much more. It isn’t just the tale of Romeo and Juliet; it’s about their parents who seem so distant and yet loved their children so dearly, about their friends who were no less stupid or reckless regardless of whether they loved a girl or their own pride more, and about the world that had to deal with them. It isn’t just about an ancient Verone; it’s about modern Paris, Jeon-ju Korea, or local Iowa City, IA. It’s about life and those who live it. And it is breath-taking.
If you are interested in checking out the Parisian version with English Subs, there are two versions that I can recommend:
DragonHeart06 translated it and posted the Playlist several years ago; it can be found here.
Within the past year, OperaGhosette has posted another, clearer translated version; however you have to go to each video separately on her account since there is no playlist. You can find that version here.
I personally recommend buying the Soundtrack online too.
I’ve been asked to do a follow up on my “Deactivating Your Pinterest Account” post with a How-to Shut Down your Facebook Account Post. Shutting down your account completely is impossible; if you’ve opened an account it’s there to stay. Facebook itself warns that after shutting down your account, “your friends can still invite you to events, tag you in photos, or ask you to join groups”
You can still”De-activate” your account if you want. This means that while your account name is still out there, your account no longer shows up. It won’t show up in search engines, and no one can access your profile anymore–it’s like you were never there. Of course the files are still on Facebook’s mainframe, but at least usually no one you know can get ahold of it (unless you know a hacker or the government, then it’s all up to a miracle).
1. Sign in to Facebook.
2. Look in the Top Right Corner of your screen to the blue bar at the top. Do you see the gear symbol? Click It.
3. Now You’ll have a list of options; click “Account Settings.”
4. Look at the top of the menu on your Left-hand. You are currently on General, but you need to choose “Security.”
5. At the very bottom of the list of Security Settings is a new link “Deactivate Your Account.” Click It.
It’s going to ask you for your reasons for leaving, and it will offer a few warnings. The most significant of which being that if you de-activate your account, you will not automatically be re-added as an admin to groups or pages if you re-join later. If you accept all the risks, just hit “Confirm.” You are officially no longer on Facebook!
Please note that if you de-activate your account but want to re-join later, all you have to do is re-sign in with your old username and password. It’ll ask you a few questions, but your account will come back. This is why a lot of people disappear around finals-time but show up again later. 🙂
Why yes, older woman in the Orange shirt and Brown coat at the Coralville Mall (Coralville, IA), I do appreciate your going from fifth in line to first by deliberately bypassing everyone else. Totally understandable! And really, you accomplished so much with that move. I mean, you saved yourself a 15 minute wait by merely increasing everyone else’s by five minutes each. Pbhft, Hardly any cost whatsoever. In fact, you accomplished so much more than just enraging an entire crowd of people.
You’ve shown the children with their mom at the front of the line the importance of shoving others out of your way when you want something. Naturally, all those lessons about respecting your elders came in handy here; they really got to see an example of how they should live their lives when they’re your age. Of course, they’ll get in trouble at school when they copy your example, and, well, none of their friends are going to appreciate that. And well, their example to the other kids will lead to a new scene in 15 years where we have five people fighting and shoving over who goes first instead of a line at all. But that’s nothing! You showed them the best way to get what they want when they want it. It’ll definitely help them in life.
Because really, your actions today were a shining way of encouraging and further developing the modern culture of “me, Me, ME!” Nothing is more self-centered or self-absorbed than the person who thinks their time, attention, needs, and desires are more important than any one else’s. And that’s something we should all be contributing to today. Be proud, you have just helped lead the way to a society that focuses even more on themselves all the time. Of course, you’ll be perfectly charming when that teenager who was second in line here later decides to stop his car right behind yours for 20 minutes while waiting for a pick-up regardless of the fact that you were backing out. I mean, he’s just following your example so you can hardly complain. Nor will you say anything when the two young women who were third push themselves in front of you at the grocery store because they have a movie to catch. I mean, of course if your needs are so important, so are theirs. I’m not really sure how you’ll handle it when the guy who was fourth gets in front of you to fill up his drinks, but I’m guessing it’ll be totally fine.
On yet an even grander scale, you showed us an amazing sign of what humankind can do when it sets a goal. I mean, the ancient Egyptians built the pyramids which symbolize the power of our ability to utilize math. The ancient Romans built an excellent legal system that the world still holds up as exemplary today. The ancient Chinese developed Buddhism, which embodies love, hope, and the potential of human spirit. But for modern Americans, we’ve got you–and all your other line-butter friends– to destroy the entire concept of working together, respecting others, valuing everyone’s needs equally, indeed most of what a civil society is built on. You even managed to unify a Latino woman, African-American man, and two Caucasian women in their disgust with your behavior. Yep, you’re a real benefit to our society. Bravo!
“Character Artwork for Game of Thrones: Ascent” by Dashinvaine
Follow-up to my recent post “Five Foods for the Common Cold.” This is a list of five drinks that can help when you’re sick, via healing or soothing properties. This mostly comes from years of studying and working with ill family and friends (as well as myself). Much of it was passed down to me by my mother and grandmother.
1. Tea with Honey
You can try this with any kind of tea, include good old original Lipton, but something herbal might be better. Some good teas to consider might be a soothing mint or ginger based tea, or perhaps an echinacea or dandelion tea for their healing element. Thus the tea itself is calms the throat and stomach without the nasty taste of some vitamins or medicine. In regards to the honey, natural honey is the best, and it offers sugar to maintain blood sugar levels when you aren’t eating much as well as a number of other natural healing properties. The recipe itself isn’t difficult: 1 mug of water, 1 tea bag, and 1-2 TBSP of Honey.
2. Cloves and Ginger Tea
My mother happily swears by this tea, thanks to its healing and numbing abilities. Cloves is a natural numbing agent, easing pain in sore throats, bad teeth, and aching ears. Whenever I had an ear infection, we’d pack it with cloves and olive oil until it healed; and added to water, it will numb a sore throat and nauseous stomach for a while. Ginger is known for its ability to help the intestinal track function properly, to fight viruses and bacteria, and to serve as a fairly effective natural healer. It works for many ills, and is frequently administered to those with sick stomachs. The recipe usually goes, a mug of water with at least half a teaspoon each of cloves and ginger thrown in. Heat to a boil and drink.
3. Orange Juice Slushy
When I was a kid, this was my all time favorite recipe and really the only way my mom got me to drink fruit juices for ages. I’ve never been a big fruit juice person, but I love this drink, especially when I don’t feel well. You’ll need a blender, 1 can of frozen Orange Juice, 1 Cup of Milk, and 1 tray of ice (about 12-14 large cubes). Throw in the ice, add the orange juice, and pour in 1 cup of Milk. Blend together until it’s in slushy form. This drink is good in all ways. It has a lot of ice which helps with liquidating the sick person. The milk has some protein. And the Orange Juice has all those lovely healing properties of Oranges (not least of which is Vitamin C). All around great drink for the sick.
4. Apple Vinegar Water
I must admit that this is probably my least favorite of these drinks–in fact I find it hard to drink at all. However, many members of my family drink the mixture regularly and greatly preach about how much it helps. And, when I can gag it down, I have to agree–this works. Grab a bottle of water and some Apple Cider Vinegar (white vinegar will not work). Mix 1-2 TBSP of Vinegar into the water and slug it down. Nasty, huh? Well, lucky you, this drink is one of my best recommendations for a sick stomach. It has a lot of anti-bacterial nutrients and soothes cramping or upset stomachs.
5. White Soda and Orange Sherbet
I drink way too much soda on average (I don’t drink coffee and only tea on rare occasions), so I’m always happy when I actually have a good reason to down the drink. However, this only really works with the “white” or “clear” sodas–Sprite, Sierra Mist, Ginger Ale, and 7-Up. They may not have a lot of healthy nutrients, but sometimes the bubbly stuff can really help a sore throat and sick stomach. I generally like to drink the soda, but it’s even more beneficial when you add in orange sherbet. The sherbet has a water base that helps with liquidation, as well as Vitamin C, and the refreshing nature. I find that I’m better able to keep this down when well and truly sick.
Please Note: I Am NOT A Doctor!! If you are ill, it is HIGHLY recommended that you talk with your doctor right away.
“She was free in her wildness. She was a wanderess, a drop of free water. She belonged to no man and to no city” ~ Roman Payne
Language Translation
Deceptively Blonde 