It's time...

…to celebrate. Maybe. Today, it’s the one year anniversary of my move here. And I’m very wow over this whole thing, because a big part of me still can’t believe I live in England. And now my calendar is telling me that I have been actually living here for a year and I’m just…wow. Where has time gone?

I hate looking back on things. I don’t do the whole retrospective, look back on my life. Not on birthdays, or New Years or anything. Time passes, I accept it and kind of ignore it. But this occasion kind of feels like I should look back. Because a year ago, I was in a tiny hall room, trying to adjust to the whole ‘people are actually using English around me, goodness, how am I ever going to make it here?’. And then the friends came and the occasional drinking nights and school and…I’m happy.

Yes, life isn’t perfect and there are fights and unpleasantness and classes that make me want to bang my head against a wall from time to time but on the grand scheme of things(and boy, I hate this expression and might have to wash my brain with soap for using it) life is good. And I’m happy. Because life is never perfect but for now, it’s pretty damn good.

In the last year, I’ve added two more houses to my list of places I’ve lived in and, while this may be kind of sad, I finally feel at home somewhere. A crazy home, but still home. I’ve added two more countries on my list of places I’ve visited. I’ve bought the first plates that are just mine and the first sheets that are just mine and a lot of other things that are just mine. Managed to not make the building explode in any labs(and let’s keep our fingers crossed that I keep that up this year). Gotten one year closer to a career in forensic science. Written more stories, one more novel, a gazillion fanfictions. Still no British accent but I do say chips and loo and crisps. Cut a few people out of my life. Discovered that I can take decent pictures from time to time and planning to explore this further.

Wish me luck as year 2 starts and hopefully things will continue being good. I’m crossing my fingers.

More Leicester pics

Because my life is totally unexciting and I have nothing to blog about(and I mean NOTHING. At all. Really, I haven't even been watching anything worth while, other than Inglourious Basterds. That was delightfully entertaining.) I am going to post more Leicester pics. So gather 'round children and you know the drill: clicks make pictures bigger. Magic, isn't it?

Just some very special clock at my uni. I swear I've read the plaque next to it about 1.369 thousand times, and yet I forget what it says every time. So I have no idea, but it's pretty.

While my best friend was here, we went out for sushi. Much to my surprise, I found out that not all people adore sushi. Seriously, I want to marry sushi, that's how much I love it. Mmmm...sushi.

A wall. The Jewry Wall to be more precise. Roman baths used to be there.

Random street(now including random people! 2 for the price of 1, people!)

Close up of the wall you can see at the end of the street in the above picture. I have no doubt it's a very famous wall. However, I have no idea how old it is or what it used to be.

One of the many, many churches we have in Leicester. Seriously, I had no idea we had that many churches. I'm going to go take some pictures of the really old gravestones in front of the Cathedral one day.

Bridge. Well, part of bridge.

Under the bridge.

What is more British than this? Really, I ask? (No, we're not counting the Queen.)

And just the sign on my building. Hehe. May or may not reflect the drink of choice around here.

Botanical gardens visit

Since best friend is visiting, we went to the botanical gardens today. She got to look at the trees, I got to see the sculpture exhibit. Nature does not interest me that much. And because I have nothing better to do, here are pictures. I don't know the names of most of the sculptures because my phone was acting up and I couldn't take pictures of the name plates.

I liked this sculpture.

And this one.


Next to the water gardens.

Flower in the cacti section.

One of my favourite sculptures in the park, called Fifth Horsman(Deborah van der Bek).

Close-up of the head.

Pretty.

Cactus.


Falling Man 9/11 - John Sidney Carter FRBS. Absolutely loved it.

Also pretty.

My third favourite of all of them. I think.

Ray II - Irene Rogan.


The water garden.

I was completely obsessed with these people. And I thought this picture looked better in sepia.

And another picture of them. I have a bout a gazillion, but this is my favourite.

Cupcakes

It’s 3AM and I want to bake. Now don’t ask me where this insane urge for me to bake cupcakes came from. I am not exactly Donna Reed and baking has never been one of my major passions. But I want to bake, dang it, and if it wasn’t 3 AM and I had any eggs in the house I would be baking. I also want to cook but it almost feels useless making a huge giant feast only for myself and my best friend is very ‘meh, I don’t care’(she’s visiting, by the way) and all my flatmates are temporarily gone.

So here is my problem: I want to bake/cook but it’s 3 AM and it would be insane to cook. But guys, I am dying to bake something. Is that normal? Is that the first sign that I am going insane? Am I just turning suddenly overly domestic? Cause the last one is rather scary. I think this is just a normal continuation of this uber-creative mood I’ve been in lately(I’m working on 2 fanfics, a short story that has every chance of turning into a novel and have started throwing around ideas for NaNo this year). That is obviously besides real life. And I’m trying to kick Pedro(flatmate, Canadian, I swear I’ll make a post about the flatmates soon. I live in a constant sitcom)into motion because he wants to start a thing for his department at uni and I’m supposed to help and I would love to help but he’s being lazy. So I obviously have enough projects.

But I still want to bake. So since there’s been some interest expressed in a sponge cake as well as a baked Alaska, I thought I might combine the two on Saturday and greet Pedro with cake when he comes back. Yes, my life is hard to explain sometimes(trust me, my flat feels like a train station lately). Who knows, maybe I’m pregnant and nesting. (No, I am not actually pregnant. However, the thought of people who know me and my lack of maternal instinct in real life chocking at the thought of me pregnant was too funny to resist. Ok, now I’m creeping myself out slightly so I’ll just stop thinking about it).

In other news I am completely obsessed with the song in this commercial and I have updated the blog roll to reflect some changes. I am actually try to write something on one of the subjects soon, I promise. Ok, maybe not promise, promise ‘cause we all know that never ends well. But I’ll try.

And really, if you want me to cook and bake anything for you, give me a call. I even wash dishes when I’m done.

Growing up, growing old

I am now officially a grown up. I own a quarter of a fridge.

Let’s back up a bit here. Exams are done so now the only thing I can do is chew on my nails while waiting for results. And do a whole lot of adult stuff. As in sign a contract for my new flat. Because, as the first year of uni is done(How? When? Really?) I’ve got to move out of halls and into a flat. A really awesome flat(really, really awesome. Skylights, guys!). Which lead to my realization that I am a grown up. So far in the last three days I’ve signed the contract, bought a fridge with my flatmates(hence why I own a quarter of it) and proven more commitment than ever before in my life by opening a joint account.

And you know what? It was exciting. Which made it even sadder. Because I really don’t want to be excited about buying a fridge or getting a really great deal on a hoover(£50 off). However, there we were, all 4 of us, scanning through pages and pages of appliances, comparing and analyzing cost and quality instead of just flipping a coin and picking the cheapest one available.

Of course, maybe we’re not completely mature. Meet Duckie, or coffee maker.



As soon as we move, I'll take a picture of Vinnie, our knife block. It's going to be a fun year.

Things that annoy me right now

Because I’ve barely written anything here this month, I’ve decided to put down another list of things I hate(first one is here, if you’re interested, although that's about people I hated at that point). In no particular order:

Just for now annoyances:

• Exams. Self-explanatory, isn’t it? My stupid department put 5 in 7 days, instead of spreading them out like the normal people. They had 3 weeks…would it have been that hard not to stick them all together?
• People that are already done with exams. I get you’re happy, but some of us still have to study so could you please keep it down before I get the sub-warden on speed-dial?
• Insomnia. I am running on 40 minutes of sleep right now. Don’t get me wrong, a few extra hours of studying are helpful but right now I can’t focus on anything. And still can’t sleep.
• And yet another one about myself, my brain. You see, my brain is reacting badly to the sudden input of science by going into ultra-creative mode. As in ‘Dude, remember that story that you started writing 3 years ago? I have this great idea and here it is and now go write it! Write it, write it, write it!’. Brain, could you please wait one more week and focus on chemistry and law? I promise we’re going to spend a lot of time writing this summer, just give me one more week(wanna bet that I’ll be completely incapable of writing one word all summer?). (Also, yes, I realize I am personifying my brain. Give me a break, I’m tired.).

General annoyances:

• People that badly misspell a word on a forum and then post (sp?) or (spelling?) after it. You know it’s wrong. Spell check is telling you it’s wrong. Why can’t you take 20 seconds and try to spell it correctly? For the love of my sanity, it only takes 20 seconds. Google is your friend.
• Connected to that one, people that don’t capitalize. Proper format will make it so much easier to read for the rest of us, I swear. How about you put in some effort and I don’t completely skip your posts, ok?
• The lack of Bruckner books in English. The man is an absolute genius. Why can’t you translate more of his books? I don’t feel like dragging all the ones I have in Romanian and I can’t lent those out to friends and get them hooked as well.
• When people don’t update the blogs I love for weeks at a time. I know I am guilty of that but I don’t think that there’s anyone crying in their pillow at night because I haven’t updated. However you writers of the blogs I like, update more often. Entertain me.
• The amount of celebrity gossip websites with pictures of Chris Pine walking. Um, seriously?
• British spring weather. Argh, for the love of all things, make up your damned mind. I go to uni, it’s sunny. Walk out of my exam, it’s raining. It’s a vicious circle or rain/sun/rain/sun and so on. From now on, weather must stay as it is for at least 4 hours. Reasonable, I think.

Ok, I can’t think of anything else but I’d love to hear some of yours. So…what is annoying you right now?

Things I wish someone would have told me before getting a tattoo

Kind of like with oddly coloured hair, there are things they never tell you about tattoos(just in case you’re wondering, the thing people should tell you before you dye your hair any colour not usually found in nature is that kids will point, you’ll get a lot of compliments-seriously, every time I’m out in public I get at least 2 people telling me how lovely my hair/hair colour is- and that if you see another person with the same colour hair as you, you’ll exchange a knowing smile, like you’re part of the same secret club house). My list of things I wish someone would have told me about first tattoos is:

• The second you’re down from the tattoo high, you’ll start planning the next one(if you’re lucky. If you’re not, you’ll start saving for laser removal surgery). I think it took me two hours before I started thinking about my next one.
• You’ll become best friends with your tube of antiseptic/nappy rash cream.
• There is no way you’re going to pass in front of a mirror without stopping to admire it.
• You will start noticing other people’s tattoos way more. I loved to see ink on people before but since I got mine, I see it more. It just pops out.
• You’ll have to answer the “Does it hurt?” question about a billion and one times.
• Comparing ink and stories will become a regular past time between you and your friends who are just as passionate.
• Tattoo blogs do exist and you may end up spending hours browsing them.
• Remember point one? Let me say it again. You will start planning the next one. They’re bloody damn addictive.
• Clothes will be separated in two piles: those that show the tat and does that don’t.
• They itch. When they’re healing...they itch. Possibly at the most inappropriate times, like your organic chem revision lecture. Did I mention you can’t scratch them? Argh, the itching.
• They’re amazing.
• People will ask “Why did you get that/What does it mean?” a lot.

Yes, I am still very much in love with my tattoo. I’m thinking my hip might be next. Or lower back. Or both.

Heroes finale(spoilers and many of them)

I just watched this and I am utterly confused about how I feel. On one hand, I am very happy that they weren’t extremely predictable but dude…they killed Nathan. Nathan! And it has to be the single most retarded plot line ever on Heroes.

I get that Sylar becoming Nathan is going to be this big thing next season but why? Really? Are they that out of good ideas? And am I the only one who thought it was utterly retarded that they didn’t just inject Nathan with Claire’s blood, like they did with Noah in season 2? Or Nathan in season 2 for that matter(although he wasn’t dead so I don’t think it counts). Or just leave him dead for the love of all things. I love Adrian Pasdar but deaths are waaaay more dramatic if they stick(and keep in mind that Nathan was one of my favourite characters on the show). And just how many seasons can they finish with killing or almost killing poor Nathan? I’m groaning in agony already, if season 4 ends the same way I’ll turn into the Incredible Hulk, fly over to LA and rip someone in two. Chemistry student by day, Jessica by night. Hey, at least I’m not a stripper. Did they send Peter and Claire our of the room(quickie in the bathroom?) so that Peter, who seemed not to be hugging his beloved Idiot Ball too tightly(he almost not in possession the whole episode. Please don’t pick it up again. It’s Angela’s turn apparently. And Noah’s. Although, with the amount of Idiot Balls flying on that tv show, Peter could have his back really fast. Probably will. But I will hope until next season), wouldn’t point out the sheer stupidity of the plan? God, even Idiot Ball Peter could see how this was retarded. After an impossible amount of whining and crying over Nathan’s death, obviously. It’s the only thing he’s good at.*

I think it’s a safe bet to say I’m no longer confused, just angry(and managed to break my space bar in the process. All fixed now.).

So this makes it two season in a row ending with a completely retarded solution instead of going for the obvious one(why didn’t Peter just take Adam and walk through the safe door with him? I mean other then ‘because otherwise the others couldn’t have found them and the virus would have been released’. I want a good reason that isn’t just so the writers would have an escape).

It’s weird that the whole Sylar and Claire thing didn’t even make me as angry as it could have. I get it. And Matt should stop painting the future. Unless something changes in season 4/Volume 5, Washington didn’t explode(how perfect an ending would it have been if Sylar had gone ‘splodey and Peter would have flown him out of there? I have a lot of arguments as to why this would have been a better ending. Season 1 reference, makes more sense than this piece of shit, the canon rules-which they’ve completely ignored so far-say paintings come true-although that was Isaac not Matt so I’ll give them a pass on this one. I should start writing for Heroes. I could do way better. Give me a call, guys. You need my help.), therefore making yet another Parkman original a huge waste of paint.

That being said, and believe me, I could go on, I will still watch Volume 5. Because I did like Tracy coming back, I’m hoping beyond hope that Peter found his brain, a new company will be fun, I wanna see if Danko will work on it(no spoilers as to whether or not Zeljko is coming back-I usually wait until August for my curiosity to get the better of me although I am disappointed enough not to care right now) and am really, really curious if they can salvage anything out of this stupidity. Until then, I might write my own finale fanfic, complete with exploding man.

*Note: I am just picking on Peter out of habit. He really didn’t annoy me this episode and if he thought of turning into the president by himself, then I am impressed. Step away from the ball!

Inked!

As those of you that know me in real life know(and I’m sure I’ve mentioned it here at least once), I’ve been talking about getting a tattoo pretty much forever. Ok, maybe not forever, but for at least the last couple of years. So today I did it. It wasn’t really planned. It was mostly of an ‘I woke up and decided that it was as good a day as any’. Printed off the picture because I can’t draw worth a damn(not even a straight line and my old math teacher can attest to the fact that my circles closely resemble squares or aliens-just not circles), took the bus into city center, walked in the tattoo shop and presented the guy at the front desk with the picture. Really nice guy looked at it, gave me a price(way less then I was expecting. As in almost half what I was prepared to pay) and told me the tattoo guy was free at 4PM. I said ‘Ok’ and presented myself at 4PM. The guy that did my tat was awesome, we talked about graphic novels(yes, he is obsessed too), Watchmen, just how excited we were about Wolverine coming out this week, Heroes(the second time today I had a random conversation about Heroes-the first one was with the guy at WH Smith, where I bought the Heroes magazine), Star Trek, my hatred of CSI and his of Miami Ink and pretty much geeked it out. He’s awesome. For those of you thinking of getting one, it really doesn’t hurt(and if you're in Leicester, go to Abody. Great people and incredible work-I got to see one of the guys do a sleeve on someone else while I was waiting-amazing). It’s mostly uncomfortable for the first couple of minutes, then you get used to it. It did sting a little when he was working over my shoulder blade but that’s it(it’s kind of like a cat’s scratching you-not very pleasant but I wouldn’t call it painful either).

Now for the mandatory pictures(I'll be posting more, detailing the healing process over the next few days. Oh, and sorry about the quality, it's rather hard to rake a picture of your own back):

Also note the pink highlights in this picture.

And a close-up:

Heroes, you’ve let me down-open letter to the writers of the show

Dear lovely humans,

Looking back on Volume 4, I realized something that pissed me off so much that has to be addressed. Your show is about superheroes. It has so many references to other heroes that my inner nerd is dying of joy. For Pete’s sake, it even has its own comic book.

So could you please not stereotype comic nerds again? When was the last time you walked into a comic book shop? Comics and graphic novels are cool again and they’re not just for pimply teenagers anymore. Why must you perpetuate that myth then? I am not a teenager. I am not pimply. I don’t wear glasses. I don’t masturbate to tentacle-rape porn. I am not a guy. I don’t live in my mother’s basement. And while I’ll admit to being more a graphic novels chick then comic books, you can still find me regularly in the comic books shops around my city. I’m not an expert, nor do I have an impressive collection. Trying to gather one, but times are tough and money is better spent on silly things like food and clothes. However, most of the people I see in the shops are not loser nerds either. Sure, there are some. But most of us don't climax at the thought of touching Summer Glau.

You go to comic-cons, don’t you? Does it seem to you that everyone there looks the same? Times are changing.

Another point: was it really necessary to have every boy in the comic shop drool over Claire? I can assure you most of us have seen women in real life before(I've yet to be poked with a stick by a confused guy asking 'Is she real? You mean women exist outside of the internet?'). We’re there because of a passion. We have good lives that happen to involve(and maybe sometimes revolve around) comic books and graphic novels.

What I am trying to say is that, while there are people that fit the stereotype, the majority doesn’t so please try to keep that in mind, for future reference.

Love,

A graphic novel loving girl(really, I have boobs and everything).

PS: I can prove I am not male. Fly me over and see for yourselves ;)

Unrelated PS: My copy of REST should arrive next week. Hoping it will be good.

Belgium pics.

As promised, pictures from Belgium. I'm just going to link to the Facebook album, because I am too lazy to repost them right now.(That's a preview, to make you click on the link).

Here they are.

And, as promised some time ago, you can find more pictures from Scotland here.

Heroes post

Ah, Heroes. Long time, no mention. In the spirit of boredom I am here to talk about the latest episode and spoilers for the last one. If you’re not interested in spoilers for 1961, go read a book. I’ll post another warning when I get to the last bit.

First off, I loved 1961. Yes, it was cheesy. But, dude, things make sense. And yet another throwback to season 1. Of course, it was pretty much a given that I was going to love this episode seeing as I have a rather undying passion for Angela. She rocks. I’m half tempted to try my hand at Heroes fanfic just so I could write her. Also, Nathan and Peter. Dirty. They look good in dirt. Nathan, Peter and Angela. God, if it wasn’t for the twat they’d be the perfect family in the history of television. Before I get to the more in details dissection of the episode I need to complain a bit, though. About the cheerleader, obviously. It’s been pretty much agreed all over the internet that she needs to go. She is possibly the most useless character they have on the show right now(I’d say ever but I think that honor should go to Maya. Although she kind of makes sense, if you’ve seen the alternate ending for volume 2). But I digress. Is she just there to annoy the living daylights out of everyone with her bad wigs and even worse acting skills? No, I am not saying this because I am bitter over her and Milo(and I still can’t see them together on screen without going “Ew, ew, ew, ew, ew, ew, ew, eeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwww!” in my head). Please kill the cheerleader. Pretty please. With fucking sugar on top. She hasn’t done one thing that was remotely intelligent over the series and, while the whole “I’m gonna be badass” thing was entertaining for 5 seconds, you made that stop really fast. So make her go away. Tim Kring, I beg you! Anyone!

No? Fine, then.

Unrelated, but Bug! Dude, it was Bug! Bug! For those of you that haven’t spent their lives watching TV, I’m talking about Ravi Kapoor, who played Bug in Crossing Jordan, another Tim Kring show(and a good one, might I add. Powers of the universe, if you’re not going to get rid of the cheerleader, could you at least release the other seasons of Crossing Jordan on DVD? I’ll be first in line at the store, I promise).

Now, on to 1961 talk.

Was anyone else as amused as I was by Nathan going “I’ll get him!” when Peter flew away? I was so imagining him chasing Peter in the sky, while screaming “Come back here!” “No!” “Don’t make me fly faster, Pete!”. Ah, brothers. And what was the thing with the tickets? Nathan, you’re a jerk. Yes, not news. How fucking annoying was the whole “We have to forgive each other” bit? Dude, you started this with your fucking stubbornness. At least admit it. It got out of hand my ass. Stop blaming it on Danko or whomever else. You fucking started it. How about apologizing? Selfish prick. I still love you, baby, but pick a damn side. Can you be either good or bad for more than 5 minutes? And accept that you have no bloody clue what you’re doing. Am I the only one who is convinced that when(I think it’s pretty much a given at this point) a new company is formed, Nathan’s gonna wanna be boss. And Peter, being the retard that he is, will probably let him. Have a backbone. Don’t let him in charge of anything!

Looking at the whole series, I love how 1961 ties in with everything. This is a show that started with the Company as the bad guy, only to evolve to the point where it was destroyed and having Sylar as the main evil(long before the Company was destroyed, but rather unimportant to my point) and now it got to the understanding of why the Company was necessary in the first place. Ah, nothing to love like when it takes almost 3 years for a tv show to make sense.

But…I’ll admit it. I kind of hate it that it’s no longer confusing. Part of the charm of Heroes is that we spent the week between episodes trying to figure things out. I know I used to go on a forum after every episode of volume 2 and discuss it. Now it’s getting to easy(I’m not saying it’s not entirely uncomplicated but it’s too easy for the usual Heroes episode).

Unanswered question: how did Sylar turn into Nathan? Didn’t his shapeshifting only work if he touched someone? We see him having to touch Sandra last episode, please don’t tell me the power evolved so fast(what’s the timeline…2,3 days maybe?).Also, while I'm talking about my unanswered questions, will they ever mention Caitlin again? Really for someone so sesitive and whatnot, Peter gets over women fast! Please bring her back...? I'd love to see that(if only for character development).

Now onto spoilers for the season finale. If you are not interested, go somewhere else now!

I’m not going to go over the whole Sylar wants to be president thing. It’s not that important. Because I do think I pretty much read the only thing that could make me stop watching Heroes. Ok, maybe not stop but at least…throw up.

"Sylar corners Claire and springs a proposal on her," creator and executive producer Tim Kring tells TV Guide. "He has this theory that she will come to love him because he can never die and she can never die--and thus, they're destined to be together."

I am badly hoping that by proposal they mean something else then marriage because if they do…I’m done. What the fuck is so special about that little bitch that every man on the show must fawn over her? And notice that they don’t say that he will get to love her as well. Again, I’m hoping that it’s because he can’t love, not ‘cause he’s already feeling something for her.

Because let me say it again. If that happens, I am done!

But really now? Sylar and the cheerleader? I don’t think there’s ever been a more retarded couple on this show. Where they even thinking when this lovely idea sprung into their heads? Where they high on something? Destined to be together? This is Sylar we’re talking about. He is supposed to be evil, not trying to get into some bimbo’s pants. There hasn’t been an ending this bad since the ending of Hannibal(the book, I don’t remember if the movie ends the same way). Guys, he actually liked Elle and he ended killing her. You really think pairing those two up is a good idea? The fans have taken a lot of crap from you so far, but this is beyond ridiculous.

Why do I have a feeling I’m going to have to accept 1961 as the ending and just ignore the rest of the series? I’m good at that. Isn’t it just too damn bad they never made any sequels to Matrix?

(In case you didn't get the xkcd reference, here's the comic. And start readin xkcd now!)

Things I never thought I’d say

Lindsay Lohan is funny? Dude…what the? Yes, I realize that every blogger on Earth is talking about the same thing but if you haven’t seen her spoof for Funny or Die, here it is.



She wins so many points for the last line. This doesn’t mean I will talk about or see any of her movies(“I know who killed me” was more than enough. Holy crayons, could it have been any worse?) but she gets my admiration.
*Yes, yet another pointless blog entry. It’s 5AM, I’m bored and I think I have a mouse in my room.

Scotland in pictures!

Nothing much to say, seeing how everyone in the world knows by now that I went to Scotland. I had a lovely time and I am here to share pictures. We stayed in West Kilbride, a tiny village on the west coast and went to Largs, Edinburgh, X-Scape(a giant arcade/indoor skiing thing in Glasgow), Loch Lomond(like Loch Ness, only without Ness) and boating on the Firth of Clyde. Now enough talk and let's look at pictures! (In no particular order because I had to use the blogger uploader, seeing how photobucket hates everyone lately).

Replica of the Crown of Scotland(the real crown was in the next room but we weren't allowed to take pictures)


This is where the Crown Jewels are held:

Edingurgh from the castle:

Possibly the most polite sign ever(in a restaurant on the banks of Loch Lomond):

Loch Lomond. Foggy.

Loch Lomond. Sunny.

A castle on the hill next to Loch Lomond. A suitable vacation house for when I become Queen of the World.

The hills next to the house we were staying in(and further proof that there is indeed sun in Scotland)

Hills and the Firth of Clyde(we went the other way in the boat).

Same as above.

And again.

Firth of Clyde, in all it's sunny glory. The silhuette in the back is the Sleeping Giant. Sadly, because of the sun, you can't really see it.

The island is for sale. I think it would make a suitable place for my castle. Donations would be kindly accepted. I'm just £2.5 million short. My PayPal account is.....

Random island in the sun.

Same as above.

Take a wild guess.

(The second I manage to solve my Facebook problems-technology hates me today- I'm posting a link to more pictures).

Self-indulgent post

I’ll post an account and pictures of my trip to Scotland and Belgium but first I have to share this with the world just because I am so giddy about it, it’s not even funny. The girl that checks my fanfics before they go online is a member of a forum and sent me a link today about Gilmore Girls fanfics. And guess who got mentioned?



Yep, lil’ ol’ me.




I am just so insanely happy with this it’s not even funny.



You can check the story they’re talking about here.

Ada Lovelace day or my tribute to women in technology

Today, in honour of Ada Lovelace day, 1800 bloggers have taken a pledge to write about a woman in technology. I’m one of those bloggers.

First off, a bit about Ada because I don’t know how many people are familiar with her. The only legitimate child of Lord Byron, she was born in 1815 and met Charles Babbage in 1833. In 1841-42, while translating Luigi Menabrea’s memoir on Babbage’s newest proposed machine, Analytical Engine, she also wrote a set of notes. That set of notes contains in complete detail a method for calculating Bernoulli numbers with the Engine, recognized by historians as the world's first computer program.

Now there are quite a few women in technology. Not as many as men and certainly not as famous. Well, the one I am going to talk about today was famous, but for different reasons. Hedy Lamarr was born in 1913, in Vienna. In 1937, she disguised herself as one of her maids and fled to Paris, where she obtained a divorce from her first husband(who, despite being part Jewish, was consorting with Nazi industrialists, up to the point where Mussolini and Hitler attended his parties). After her divorce she moved to London and later on to Los Angeles. There she made her debut in American films(she had already starred in 5 movies prior to her move) with Algiers. She is possibly best known for her roles as Delilah in Cecil B. DeMille Samson and Delilah as opposite Bob Hope in My favorite Spy. She appeared in more than 35 movies and almost managed to have more husbands than Liz Taylor(she stopped at 6 so Liz still wins).

So what does this glamour queen on the 40’s have to do with technology? Well, in 1942 her and her husband at the time, George Antheil(a composer, so next time you decide to mock either an actress or a composer for being dumb and not understanding real science you should remember this) were granted a patent for a Secret Communication System. This early version of frequency hopping used a piano roll to change between 88 frequencies and was intended to make radio-guided torpedoes harder for enemies to detect or jam. It wasn’t implemented by the USA until 1962, when it was used by military ships during a blockade in Cuba.

Still not impressed? Then I suppose I should tell you that the frequency-hopping idea serves as a basis for modern spread-spectrum communication technology, such as COFDM used in WiFi network connections and CDMA used in some cordless and wireless telephones.

So go out tonight and have a drink in honor of Ada, Hedy and all the other women in technology.

Thank you, Captain Retarded

So, I finally booked my ticket to go back to Romania for Easter break. Meh. Not exciting. Far more exciting is my trip to Scotland and Brussels before I fly there. That should be fun. But seriously, my airline is retarded. You see, I’m flying through city C(Constanta) to get to city B(Bucharest). City C is considerably closer to my home town. City C is also further away from Brussels compared to city B. However, the ticket for C costs 50 Euros more than the one for B. So to make this clearer for you: despite the fact that we’re stopping in city C, it costs 50 Euros more to get off the plane there.

Dude, that’s retarded.

And now for something completely different, I went to the ball last night. I managed to find a pretty dress and even prettier shoes(seriously, I’m in love with them. I am 5 seconds away from writing a love poem). They’re impossibly skinny heels and rather high as well. But I walked on them. All night. Without falling. Or twisting my ankle. I rock! I might post pictures of the heels or even of me at the ball if I can find a decent one.

My last point of the night. Watchmen is awesome! Seriously, go find a cinema right now and watch it! Warning though, it is violent and graphic so don’t expect unicorns and puppy dog tails. Well, there are some puppy dogs but you don’t want to know what happens to them. If anyone wants a more extensive review, let me know.

I've lost all hope for humanity

A new picture of Charles Manson was released today.

These were two of the comments on one of the websites I follow.

I just...give up. And hope they're playing stupid.

New look

Um...I did mention I am bored, right?

Opinions on bloggie's new look? Credit for the picture in the header goes to frerieke over at flickr, edited by me. Be sure to check out the entry below.

Dude.

Also, cookies is you guess the author of the quote in the header without google.

In which I rant

Dude…I’m tired. My insomnia is coming back with a vengeance. And by that I mean that I now consider myself lucky if I get 3 hours of sleep at night. And the weirdest thing is that I am tired, well, exhausted, but it’s not an ‘I need sleep tired’, but an ‘I need a beach and a cocktail’ tired. Of course, the fact that my department has decided that this is the week they kill us. While everyone else is finishing lectures we’re…not. And not only that but we’ve started labs again and we’re supposed to do these with a partner and my partner isn’t here. Which sucks. Did I mention that this is on top of the huge amounts of work we have to do? And the weekly tests?

Sucks.

Really, really sucks.

But hey, it just gets worse from here. So I should enjoy it, right? Before exams start again.

Fuckity fuck.

And I cannot even find a dress. See, this Cinderella is going to the ball. The chem society ball. Well, chem and every other science they could find, because you wouldn’t want to release us in the general public. Scientists are their own species. * So, yeah, the ball is on Friday. As in less than 2 days from now Friday. And I don’t have a dress. Not even after the almost 3 hours of shopping I did today. I guess that just means more shopping for me tomorrow.

Fuckity fuck again.

The good part is that because of my lack of sleep I am finally up to date with my work. Dude**, I even studied for my law tutorial. That’s how bored I was. I’m writing fanfiction again(as soon as my latest story is going up on ff I will torture you with a link. It’s intense. But I am biased.). No more emails going for weeks without a reply. Next I might start cleaning.

Bwahahahaha. I’m not that crazy.

*Please don’t pet the scientists. And, for your own safety, don’t go near their cages close to feeding time.

**No, I don’t know why I keep using dude. Just go with it.

Also. Chet Baker is awesome. And Noel Gallagher's unplugged album is not bad(The Butterfly Collector and Fade Away are my personal faves.).

Oy, vey, it's back

Before I go to my scheduled post, you must check this out! http://ge.ecomagination.com/smartgrid/#/augmented_reality
It's aweeeeesooommeeeee! (Warning it only works if you have a printer and webcam...if you don't I'm willing to make a video for you just 'cause it's that awesome. Or you can just look it up on youtube.).

Warning: This post contains details about my dating life.

Just thought I'd throw that in. Ahem, now to my point. I have an interesting karma when it comes to dating. Which translates into many interesting exes. There's the dude that started planning our wedding after a month of dating. The ribbons on he chairs were going to be blue. And it was supposed to be on the 12th of July. Can't remember the year. There's the guy that didn't bother telling me about his other girlfriend in a different town. Found out a year after we broke up. Things started making sense. Of course, couldn't forget the guy that showed up at my door at 1.30 in the morning, because he thought we could smoke a cigarette and listen to Bon Jovi. Did I mention we'd gone out once and I had no intention of ever seeing him again? They're just the highlights of a rather long and shall we say, exciting love life. But this karma is transferable. And for the past year and a half I basically only met and dated nice, normal guys. Of course, I've had a couple of real life friends cursing at me because they got the it. Irina, sweetheart, I'm sorry about stalker dude.

Up until now. 'Cause, you see, my most recent ex is apparently also crazy. I won't go into the details here, suffice to say I've had quite an unpleasant surprise this week. Which means that my karma is now officially back. I didn't ask for it. I could very well do without it. If anyone wants it, I'm more then happy to try to send it your way. Hey, it makes for good stories! No one...? Oh well...

At least now I can call another friend and tell him it's safe to go dating. The poor guy had a lot of bad surprises because of it.

Thank you for the happy thoughts

It's not enough that every time I try to read a paper there is an article about the failing economy and recession and whatnot. If it's not something about the 13 year old boy who had a daughter who might possibly not be his. Or the crazy lady that gave birth to the octuplets. All positive news. Cheerful and delightful. So cheerful in fact, they make me want to bang my head against a wall. Nooooo, that couldn't possibly be enough. You had to ruin this one for me too, didn't you?

The one I'm talking about is my monthly chemistry magazine. It's a fun read. Stem cell this, molecule that, bonding there, blah-blah whatever. Not today. I get home and my magazine is waiting for me neatly in the postbox. I go throw a load of laundry in the machine and settle with a cup of tea in the kitchen, ready to be educated.

And then I see it. One article about how BPA(found in plastic bottles) will give us cancer. And then we'll die. Next page. Lab accident kills student. Next page. PFCs(found in food packaging, pesticides, clothing and upholstery) will cause infertility, liver problems and then give us cancer so that we die. Apparently we can't even smoke pot anymore.* Because we'll get testicular cancer and die. **

With all these wonderful articles, no wonder I was wondering about the kitchen, mumbling something about cancer. Which prompted my lovely friends to steal my magazine away from me before I decided to join a nudist colony and never use plastic anything again or sit on furniture. And start smoking weed. At least that's once cancer I can't get.

*not that I do. I'm just making a point.
**as you can see, it was a completely invalid point. Because I don't have testes.
***Also, I am aware the BPA debate has been going on for ages. It's still as depressing. I think I might have to start “Good news and puppies” weekly magazine. Just to cheer the world up.

Sheesh...Next you're going to tell me that watching Heroes will cause me to get cancer. And then die.

Why law is bad for you

Hello. Long time, no posts. I'd say something about school driving me crazy and leaving me with absolutely no free time but that would just be repetitive. True, but repetitive. So in the mean time, while I still try to get down a schedule(which as of now looks something like: uni, crash, do tons of homework, crash some more, curse repeatedly, take on a new project because maybe it just wasn't crazy enough, drink myself into oblivion when I find the time, bug flatmate about her eating habits, crash again) posts will be scarce. Quality over quantity, right?

Ok, so going back to my point. I will not whine about the fact that I have to take law classes. I have accepted that fact. Maturely. As in I whine in real life. Really, though, it's ridiculous. I have 3 law lectures a week and only 2 lectures for every one of my chem modules. And every other week I have the pleasure of having to go to a law seminar. Which wouldn't be so bad if I didn't have to read a gazillion pages. So tonight, I bravely opened the article I was supposed to read and got exactly to page 2 before I got bored and went on Amazon. And then bad things happened. Because Amazon is an evil, evil place. I won't admit to how much money I spent(not that much, don't worry. I am not into thousand-pound shopping sprees. Really, it's under 100 quid. I will not have to eat pot-noodles for the rest of the year. And it was mostly on things I need. And maybe one or two for fun.). But still...law makes me do bad things. And the thought of having to spend another 30 quid on the fucking law book tomorrow makes me want to cry.

Oh, well. At least I have enough food for the rest of the week. Although my peanut butter tastes funny so I have to buy a new jar. And it was a brand new jar. *sigh* Such a waste, isn't it?

Walking in a winter wonderland

My dear England,

I like you. We're having fun. I sincerely hope that we last. But really now...get over yourself. It's just a bit of snow.

Wonder of wonders, it snowed in the Midlands. And by snow I mean about an inch. Nothing to worry about. That is if you're not confused about this whole thing, like England seems to be. Allow me to explain something: snow is just frozen rain. You seem to be perfectly acquainted with rain. Snow is not some evil monster. It's awesome. But an inch of snow is nothing to be worried about. So why in the name of love are we all going crazy about this?

You see...traffic was a bloody nightmare all week. The wee bit of snow caused an accident one morning so it took the blasted bus 20 minutes to get from my bus stop to the next(around ¼ of a mile). 20 bloody minutes! And then of course, everybody was going 10mph. On the perfectly good road. Because it was snowing.

My campus looked like a kindergarten all week. Snow fights, snow men, snow. Great! That's the spirit! Enjoy the snow...just don't enjoy in the middle of the crowded sidewalk, when people are trying to walk. Sidewalk. Side...walk. It's not called sideplay for a reason. So how about we move the playground in the giant park right next to the campus? That way we can all be happy.

And just for those who still seem confused about this whole snow thing, here are a few ways to enjoy it:
-snowball fights
-build a snowman(or a snowwoman)
-make snow angels
-chase the flakes around, trying to catch one with your nose or tongue
-stay outside until your hands and nose and cheeks are bright red, then go inside and snuggle with a warm blanket and some hot chocolate or tea.

And heavens help me, it's snowing again. One more week like this and I will kill someone.

Welcome to Birmingham...we have nothing

Maybe not nothing. They have a bull.

Exhibit A:

Also a giant building that looks like it's covered in silver M&M's.

Exhibit B:

And a church.

Exhibit C:

And some rather exposed manequins:

Exhibit D:

Ignore the weather. It's British.

For those of you wondering why in heavens I went to Birmingham, the answer is simple. The original manuscript for “On the road” was there on exhibition and since I only read the book like 100 times and am somewhat obsessed with it, I had to go see it. Had to. I would have taken pictures but it was a museum, and while it may as well be a very un-Beat-like thing to do, I had to respect the rules. And there were guards and other people there.

But it was amazing, the manuscript looks awesome and I actually saw Kerouac's scribbles and notes on it. Awe. I was in complete awe. You could even see the parts where the scrolls had been taped together. And I found my favourite passage in the manuscript, which was beyond cool.

They also had a collection of various editions from different countries. I'd be permanently indebted if someone could explain this one to me:

Kinda like a really bad 80's flick, isn't it? A 5-years-later reunion of Grease? Any other ideas? I am confused.

And on that note, I leave you.

"They danced down the streets like dingledodies, and I shambled after as I've been doing all my life after people who interest me, because the only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones that never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn..." s