A bit overcast today, maybe 80 degrees farenheighdfklsh;. Word of mouth forecast indicates cold and rain tomorrow. huzzah.
Today's Horoscope: Wing it.
I really enjoyed my first day of teaching. I did not think I'd have to assign any homework, but I did.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
02.27.11
Today is foggy, with warm temperatures. The sun is shining through somewhere.
Today's Horoscope: Between not having a very fast connection and relying on a VPN server in Hanoi, I feel like I'm using the internet in slow motion.
Too much walking; blisters on my feet. Good thing it is a day of rest. amirite?
Album of the Week: Painful, by Yo La Tengo. I think this is the third YLT album to achieve this honor. I haven't been listening to much music these days, mostly just trying to figure out what the hell is going on on Chinese news TV. It has mostly been Painful and Born Under a Bad Sign by Albert King.
Today's Horoscope: Between not having a very fast connection and relying on a VPN server in Hanoi, I feel like I'm using the internet in slow motion.
Too much walking; blisters on my feet. Good thing it is a day of rest. amirite?
Album of the Week: Painful, by Yo La Tengo. I think this is the third YLT album to achieve this honor. I haven't been listening to much music these days, mostly just trying to figure out what the hell is going on on Chinese news TV. It has mostly been Painful and Born Under a Bad Sign by Albert King.
02.26.11
It is a beautiful and sunny afternoon here, about 70 degrees. All the mountains and skyscrapers may be seen very clearly.
Today's Horoscope: Time to kick it like a Southern gentleman, windows open, acoustic guitar.
I miss my boo. Still, cultivation of career paves a path for endless happiness. ; )
Today's Horoscope: Time to kick it like a Southern gentleman, windows open, acoustic guitar.
I miss my boo. Still, cultivation of career paves a path for endless happiness. ; )
Thursday, February 24, 2011
02.25.11
Got a bump in temperature today, stupid of me to wear a coat this morning. Still foggy.
Today's Horoscope: Get up with it.
Two hours managed to get by me unnoticed during a string of power-points. Two possible students approached S. and I on the street. Quite tired, you see.
Today's Horoscope: Get up with it.
Two hours managed to get by me unnoticed during a string of power-points. Two possible students approached S. and I on the street. Quite tired, you see.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
02.24.11
Today is the same as yesterday, except with more precipitation and about half a degree celsius greater.
Today's Horoscope: Never leave your apartment without your keys. Especially if your door has three sets of three-pronged DEADBOLTS (one on top, bottom, and side) that snap into locking position the moment a tiny mechanism on the door is triggered once the door is closed. You will regret it, and I'm glad to have made it back inside.
Whilst sipping tiny cups of coffee at Spencer and I's favorite coffee bar (the one with couches facing each other, throw pillows included) I noticed the piled remnants of a party from either a) early in the morning or b) late at night and put off for the opening staff. Among them were pillars of coffee cups and...guess it...Pabst Blue Ribbon. I actually had to get closer to inspect the rubbish pile, for I did believe mine eyes to deceive me that logo much the stranded deserteer an oasis.
Later that night I negotiated for two bottles to go. They are grossly over priced (apx. 3usd) and taste nothing like the Milwaukee classic. I guess it's just another status thing.
Today's Horoscope: Never leave your apartment without your keys. Especially if your door has three sets of three-pronged DEADBOLTS (one on top, bottom, and side) that snap into locking position the moment a tiny mechanism on the door is triggered once the door is closed. You will regret it, and I'm glad to have made it back inside.
Whilst sipping tiny cups of coffee at Spencer and I's favorite coffee bar (the one with couches facing each other, throw pillows included) I noticed the piled remnants of a party from either a) early in the morning or b) late at night and put off for the opening staff. Among them were pillars of coffee cups and...guess it...Pabst Blue Ribbon. I actually had to get closer to inspect the rubbish pile, for I did believe mine eyes to deceive me that logo much the stranded deserteer an oasis.
Later that night I negotiated for two bottles to go. They are grossly over priced (apx. 3usd) and taste nothing like the Milwaukee classic. I guess it's just another status thing.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
02.23.11
Today's weather was the same as yesterday's. It is my understanding that so too shall tomorrow's. (Next to a weather blog this is also a forum for experimental grammar.)
Today's Horoscope: Men are not alone on the diamond sea.
Found the cherriest of restaurants yesterday. Technically it's a street vendor but it's wedged into a building somehow. For about 1.05 usd I get a sweet ass selection of fresh ass food, and I get it to go because the tables on the sidewalk are kinda small. I have a real table in my apartment. With chairs n' shit.
Today's Horoscope: Men are not alone on the diamond sea.
Found the cherriest of restaurants yesterday. Technically it's a street vendor but it's wedged into a building somehow. For about 1.05 usd I get a sweet ass selection of fresh ass food, and I get it to go because the tables on the sidewalk are kinda small. I have a real table in my apartment. With chairs n' shit.
02.22.11
Today is hazy, but slightly warmer. I've turned off the heater for good. (Like it ever did anything anyways.)
Today's Horoscope: Huge buildings, small people.
Keeping a close eye on my washing machine. Very experimental stuff here, and I spent a good 10 minutes with my dictionary translating the options.
I did this with the remote yesterday. You could say I'm learning things.
Can't wait for this new Arthur Radio radiocast to finish downloading.
OH YEAH. I almost forgot--I fucked up certain emailing details when ordering Arthur.com's smashing new mixtape, Who Knows What Tomorrow Might Bring, but they gave it to me anyway with a request to schlep it on the blog.
So go buy it. Arthur.com, pay more than 4.20 and be a better person than I.
Today's Horoscope: Huge buildings, small people.
Keeping a close eye on my washing machine. Very experimental stuff here, and I spent a good 10 minutes with my dictionary translating the options.
I did this with the remote yesterday. You could say I'm learning things.
Can't wait for this new Arthur Radio radiocast to finish downloading.
OH YEAH. I almost forgot--I fucked up certain emailing details when ordering Arthur.com's smashing new mixtape, Who Knows What Tomorrow Might Bring, but they gave it to me anyway with a request to schlep it on the blog.
So go buy it. Arthur.com, pay more than 4.20 and be a better person than I.
Monday, February 21, 2011
02.21.11
Today was another hazy day in south east China. Word of mouth forecasting indicates a week of concurrent rain and rising temperatures. I'll take that.
Today's Horoscope: Whatever you want it to be.
Got a haircut today. Getting some shaving cream tomorrow. Registered with the police the location of my apartment and what I'm doing in their country.
All the students around here dress flamboyantly--done up hair, skinny jeans and shiny jackets. This is an asexual observation by the way.
It is from this superficial observation of superficiality that prompted me to start looking (and because this is China that also qualifies for acting...hope that sentence made sense) like a professional. It seems everyday in Liuzhou is Opposite Day for Charlie.
Album of the Week: A homesick favorite, Sonic Nurse. The best part about this album is that all the songs are on the same album. Never a dull moment. Sweet. (Technically it is Sunday in the states to I'm not late this time.)
Today's Horoscope: Whatever you want it to be.
Got a haircut today. Getting some shaving cream tomorrow. Registered with the police the location of my apartment and what I'm doing in their country.
All the students around here dress flamboyantly--done up hair, skinny jeans and shiny jackets. This is an asexual observation by the way.
It is from this superficial observation of superficiality that prompted me to start looking (and because this is China that also qualifies for acting...hope that sentence made sense) like a professional. It seems everyday in Liuzhou is Opposite Day for Charlie.
Album of the Week: A homesick favorite, Sonic Nurse. The best part about this album is that all the songs are on the same album. Never a dull moment. Sweet. (Technically it is Sunday in the states to I'm not late this time.)
Saturday, February 19, 2011
02.20.11
Today was about 60 degrees, maybe 50. Sunny in the day but hazy as twilight approaches.
Today's Horoscope: News travels fast down the mountain.
Just got back from some fascinating exploration of Liuzhou. Started off by picking a mountain and swearing to climb to the top.
Started at Bai Yun rd. Super industrial stretch of gigantic vehicles and abandoned steel facilities. Mountain was inacessable--too many buildings blocking any potential path.
As I trudged back the way I came (slightly humiliated) a nice older gentleman gave me a ride on his motorcycle. These awesome little dudes are everywhere here, you haggle a price (never more than 20rmb) and they take you anywhere.
I'll finish this story later, but the point is is that I did way more than this today. Finally got to the top of a mountain. Pictures forthcoming.
(According to the Liuzhou Laowai--it must be noted--these are not mountains but "mere pimples")
Today's Horoscope: News travels fast down the mountain.
Just got back from some fascinating exploration of Liuzhou. Started off by picking a mountain and swearing to climb to the top.
Started at Bai Yun rd. Super industrial stretch of gigantic vehicles and abandoned steel facilities. Mountain was inacessable--too many buildings blocking any potential path.
As I trudged back the way I came (slightly humiliated) a nice older gentleman gave me a ride on his motorcycle. These awesome little dudes are everywhere here, you haggle a price (never more than 20rmb) and they take you anywhere.
I'll finish this story later, but the point is is that I did way more than this today. Finally got to the top of a mountain. Pictures forthcoming.
(According to the Liuzhou Laowai--it must be noted--these are not mountains but "mere pimples")
Friday, February 18, 2011
02.17.11
Weather
Today's Horoscope:
So far the adjustment period here in Liuzhou has been...well it's been. There's a definite shock in moving abroad, and Shanghai and Beijing were very much fostering of a USA type environment. Liuzhou has so far been positively receptive.
I'm a little surprised at the lack of attention. In my mind no one here has ever seen a six foot tall white dude, but apparently they have, and apparently they couldn't give much of a shit. This is fine with me, I'm just a bit surprised that it turned out this way.
The next few months are going to be a proper language ass-kicking. So far my speaking and reading are making big retarded strides into acceptable form...and there are plenty more big retarded strides that must be made.
Photos forthcoming.
Today's Horoscope:
So far the adjustment period here in Liuzhou has been...well it's been. There's a definite shock in moving abroad, and Shanghai and Beijing were very much fostering of a USA type environment. Liuzhou has so far been positively receptive.
I'm a little surprised at the lack of attention. In my mind no one here has ever seen a six foot tall white dude, but apparently they have, and apparently they couldn't give much of a shit. This is fine with me, I'm just a bit surprised that it turned out this way.
The next few months are going to be a proper language ass-kicking. So far my speaking and reading are making big retarded strides into acceptable form...and there are plenty more big retarded strides that must be made.
Photos forthcoming.
02.16.11
(Written on the 18th but I need to catch up.)
Today had nothing on yesterday. Where yesterday was sunny and warm today was just warm, not sunny.
Today's Horoscope: Thinking about moving this thing to blogcity due to GFW reasons.
Yes. Blogspot is indeed outside of the "Great Firewall." Today I was crafty enough to VPN myself over it.
Today had nothing on yesterday. Where yesterday was sunny and warm today was just warm, not sunny.
Today's Horoscope: Thinking about moving this thing to blogcity due to GFW reasons.
Yes. Blogspot is indeed outside of the "Great Firewall." Today I was crafty enough to VPN myself over it.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
02.15.11
And now here we are at the present. At least it is the present for me. Today was actually sunny and comparably warm.
Today's Horoscope: Good
Went to this crazy network of artsy ass fucking shops for a ridiculous amount of time. I found this totally cherry rooftop set up but once I got the gaggle's attention they wanted to sit inside where it was warm. Pussies.
I end this orientation crap tomorrow. Off to Liuzhou, my home for the next year. I am very excited. I do not like living in a hotel, out of a suitcase for too long, especially not the same hotel--without travel.
Concurrence of languages diminishes the powers of both. Perhaps some continuity here with the syndrome known as Aphasia.
Today's Horoscope: Good
Went to this crazy network of artsy ass fucking shops for a ridiculous amount of time. I found this totally cherry rooftop set up but once I got the gaggle's attention they wanted to sit inside where it was warm. Pussies.
I end this orientation crap tomorrow. Off to Liuzhou, my home for the next year. I am very excited. I do not like living in a hotel, out of a suitcase for too long, especially not the same hotel--without travel.
Concurrence of languages diminishes the powers of both. Perhaps some continuity here with the syndrome known as Aphasia.
02.14.11
V-day was a bitch! It snowed.
Today's Horoscope: We went to the Bund on this day. It was cool. What else can you expect?
This wasn't my first v-day off on the other side of the world.
Today's Horoscope: We went to the Bund on this day. It was cool. What else can you expect?
This wasn't my first v-day off on the other side of the world.
02.13.11
I forgot what the weather was like on this day, but it was probably just more of the same.
Today's Horoscope: Bombarded with questions I have no answers to.
My limited Chinese came in handy on this day as I ordered at a restaurant for 7 other people. Very exhausting. Spoke with Justine on Skype earlier. Very refreshing.
Today's Horoscope: Bombarded with questions I have no answers to.
My limited Chinese came in handy on this day as I ordered at a restaurant for 7 other people. Very exhausting. Spoke with Justine on Skype earlier. Very refreshing.
02.12.11
Today was also foggy and cold.
Today's Horoscope: Dense fog. Blistering cold.
On this day we went out to a club with some engineers from Purdue. The club was noisy and smoky and relatively expensive. I hated it.
Today's Horoscope: Dense fog. Blistering cold.
On this day we went out to a club with some engineers from Purdue. The club was noisy and smoky and relatively expensive. I hated it.
02.11.11
The weather was cold in the seedy heart of the Orient on this day. Foggy as well.
Today's Horoscope: Tried to find a nice bar this day.
People just want to be in packs. This can be irritating.
Today's Horoscope: Tried to find a nice bar this day.
People just want to be in packs. This can be irritating.
02.10.11
By now I was in Shanghai--groggy and medicated after a 14 hour flight.
Today's Horoscope: at least said flight was non stop
Otherwise travelling would have been quite the ordeal.
Today's Horoscope: at least said flight was non stop
Otherwise travelling would have been quite the ordeal.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
02.??.11
It is raining sleet in Shanghai.
Today's Horoscope: Who knows.
Blogspot IS a victim of the "GFW" after all. I am either going to get a VPN somehow, or hire a secretary.
For what it is worth I am having a great time in China. I love speaking Chinese to the Chinese because the Chinese are an ancient people. Still, I miss my beautiful monkey and my awesome friends.
I'll fill in the missing days. I promise. ATM I'm living in hotels, out of suit cases.
Today's Horoscope: Who knows.
Blogspot IS a victim of the "GFW" after all. I am either going to get a VPN somehow, or hire a secretary.
For what it is worth I am having a great time in China. I love speaking Chinese to the Chinese because the Chinese are an ancient people. Still, I miss my beautiful monkey and my awesome friends.
I'll fill in the missing days. I promise. ATM I'm living in hotels, out of suit cases.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
02.08.11
Today was nice with clear skies and a chilly wind.
Today's Horoscope: In the sea, there is a whale without any eyes. (In the whale, there is a man without his rain coat.)
Better get this out of the way:
I plan on updating this blog every single day, and if I miss a day, I will make an entry for that day I missed. This blog is called "The Weather Today" not "The Weather Whenever I feel Like It".
Tomorrow is going to be an early, busy day for me. Likelihood of an update: 25%.
The day after tomorrow, and the few days after that, don't count on it.
Things will get back to normal, no great fire wall is great enough to stop this, the final bastion of meteorological and astrological accuracy left in the entire world. (Suck it, Tom Skilling.)
Today's Horoscope: In the sea, there is a whale without any eyes. (In the whale, there is a man without his rain coat.)
Better get this out of the way:
I plan on updating this blog every single day, and if I miss a day, I will make an entry for that day I missed. This blog is called "The Weather Today" not "The Weather Whenever I feel Like It".
Tomorrow is going to be an early, busy day for me. Likelihood of an update: 25%.
The day after tomorrow, and the few days after that, don't count on it.
Things will get back to normal, no great fire wall is great enough to stop this, the final bastion of meteorological and astrological accuracy left in the entire world. (Suck it, Tom Skilling.)
Sunday, February 6, 2011
02.07.11
Hopefully today will be nicer.
Today's Horoscope: Some things are not meant to be understood.
I rooted for the Packers, and I'm glad they won. Allow me to explain: I hate the Packers, even though I am not much into football, I still hate the Packers. I am a Bears fan. HOWEVER, I rooted for the Packers this Superbowl (for which I was not disappointed) for a few very good reasons.
1) Ownership
The Packers are owned by their fans. They are the only team in the NFL to be--by the books--non profit. They have cheap beer and volunteers.
The Steelers are owned by Dan Rooney and his family. They are a for-profit enterprise. It is my personal belief that if the Steelers had won then it would have meant a victory for the following:
Corporate interests in sports
Higher priced food and beverages at events
Increased ticket prices
Increased parking prices
Decreased commitment to general admission ticket holders
Increased commitment to box-seat patrons
And not for Green Bay, for Pittsburgh fans, and by some debatable extension, fans of all for-profit NFL teams.
2) Honor
The Packers beat the Bears in the playoffs. I was pissed. Again, I hate the Packers. This does not mean I am going to root for the Steelers.
The enemy of my enemy is not my fucking friend. This is my least favorite tenant of Sharia law.* Simply put: if the Packers can beat the Bears in 2010/11 then it follows that they can beat every other team in 2010/11. In 2010/11 the Bears can beat every team except for the Packers, and this is fair because the Packers can beat every other team. I refuse to concede any facet of this logical equation; the Steelers are not better than the Bears, the Bears do not deserve third place. (But the Jets do but who cares about them.)
I did not root for my enemy's enemy because that is dishonorable. Stalin hated the Nazis too, and you know what, fuck Stalin.
I don't even really like football that much.
Fuck the Packers.
*Let the record show that I invoke Sharia law as a figure of speech and not as a statement issued by a party that fully understands Sharia law.
Today's Horoscope: Some things are not meant to be understood.
I rooted for the Packers, and I'm glad they won. Allow me to explain: I hate the Packers, even though I am not much into football, I still hate the Packers. I am a Bears fan. HOWEVER, I rooted for the Packers this Superbowl (for which I was not disappointed) for a few very good reasons.
1) Ownership
The Packers are owned by their fans. They are the only team in the NFL to be--by the books--non profit. They have cheap beer and volunteers.
The Steelers are owned by Dan Rooney and his family. They are a for-profit enterprise. It is my personal belief that if the Steelers had won then it would have meant a victory for the following:
Corporate interests in sports
Higher priced food and beverages at events
Increased ticket prices
Increased parking prices
Decreased commitment to general admission ticket holders
Increased commitment to box-seat patrons
And not for Green Bay, for Pittsburgh fans, and by some debatable extension, fans of all for-profit NFL teams.
2) Honor
The Packers beat the Bears in the playoffs. I was pissed. Again, I hate the Packers. This does not mean I am going to root for the Steelers.
The enemy of my enemy is not my fucking friend. This is my least favorite tenant of Sharia law.* Simply put: if the Packers can beat the Bears in 2010/11 then it follows that they can beat every other team in 2010/11. In 2010/11 the Bears can beat every team except for the Packers, and this is fair because the Packers can beat every other team. I refuse to concede any facet of this logical equation; the Steelers are not better than the Bears, the Bears do not deserve third place. (But the Jets do but who cares about them.)
I did not root for my enemy's enemy because that is dishonorable. Stalin hated the Nazis too, and you know what, fuck Stalin.
I don't even really like football that much.
Fuck the Packers.
*Let the record show that I invoke Sharia law as a figure of speech and not as a statement issued by a party that fully understands Sharia law.
02.06.11
Today was a relatively mild, snow coming down. Maybe two or three inches.
Today's Horoscope: You'll always wish you had had more time.
Although I am very excited about this move, and ready to be the best, most professional person I can be, I'm still heartbroken.
Today's Horoscope: You'll always wish you had had more time.
Although I am very excited about this move, and ready to be the best, most professional person I can be, I'm still heartbroken.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
02.05.11
Today was colder in the morning but then in the afternoon the cold was softened mildly into the 30s.
Today's Horoscope: Something something horoscope.
Pretty tender at this point. Preparing for a big trip.
Today's Horoscope: Something something horoscope.
Pretty tender at this point. Preparing for a big trip.
Friday, February 4, 2011
02.04.11
Today seems nicer than yesterday.
Today's Horoscope: Imagine your life abbreviated to fit onto a post-it note.
Been on Yelp all morning. There's something very gratifying about giving a place 4 or 5 stars and then saying that it sucks. Most reviews I read are like, 500 words--christ, spit it out already.
Anyway, if anyone else has made yelp a bad habit please click here
Today's Horoscope: Imagine your life abbreviated to fit onto a post-it note.
Been on Yelp all morning. There's something very gratifying about giving a place 4 or 5 stars and then saying that it sucks. Most reviews I read are like, 500 words--christ, spit it out already.
Anyway, if anyone else has made yelp a bad habit please click here
Thursday, February 3, 2011
02.03.11
It is sunny out, with a slight chill.
Today's Horoscope: Don't let the cat trick you into thinking it is a dog.
After a most enjoyable weekend with Justine I had a most interesting train ride back to the most pleasant of home...most. The view from the Metra passing through the south side was full of unplowed streets. The term "institutionalized racism" pops up quite a bit when talking about public services in the city of Chicago.
We watched Christmas on Mars...or at least the first half. I really liked this movie. I thought the dialogue was awesomely written. Still, I have to say that I have no real opinion on the movie since I haven't seen it in its entirety.
Also caught Epidemic, but there were no subtitles, and Justine doesn't speak Danish (nor I). Also caught The Boss of it All and actually had to download subtitles. This was a fine solution until they started to lag behind, making the movie really confusing.
Today's Horoscope: Don't let the cat trick you into thinking it is a dog.
After a most enjoyable weekend with Justine I had a most interesting train ride back to the most pleasant of home...most. The view from the Metra passing through the south side was full of unplowed streets. The term "institutionalized racism" pops up quite a bit when talking about public services in the city of Chicago.
We watched Christmas on Mars...or at least the first half. I really liked this movie. I thought the dialogue was awesomely written. Still, I have to say that I have no real opinion on the movie since I haven't seen it in its entirety.
Also caught Epidemic, but there were no subtitles, and Justine doesn't speak Danish (nor I). Also caught The Boss of it All and actually had to download subtitles. This was a fine solution until they started to lag behind, making the movie really confusing.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
02.02.11
Last night's blizzard was pretty cool; granted you got to spend it indoors.
Today's Horoscope: Your travel plans will be impeded by the remnants of a gigantic blizzard.
Doppler radar images of the storm lent true immensity to our limited perspective of space. The storm was thousands of square miles en masse. For me weather is notable in extremes and a severe thunderstorm that only lasts for an hour isn't much of a storm.
Today's Horoscope: Your travel plans will be impeded by the remnants of a gigantic blizzard.
Doppler radar images of the storm lent true immensity to our limited perspective of space. The storm was thousands of square miles en masse. For me weather is notable in extremes and a severe thunderstorm that only lasts for an hour isn't much of a storm.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
02.01.11
The word "snowpacalypse" gets thrown around a lot these days.
Today's Horoscope: Your travel plans will be ruined by a gigantic blizzard.
But I always enjoy a good excuse to stay inside.
Today's Horoscope: Your travel plans will be ruined by a gigantic blizzard.
But I always enjoy a good excuse to stay inside.
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