tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44171462507072031152024-03-13T14:09:55.249-04:00ジャスミンです!:3My name is Jasmine Rose! Currently I am living in Tokyo, Japan, working as an ALT/English Teacher, but I frequently travel to Akita and Tochigi to enjoy the relaxing environment of rural Japan. #funtoo2Jasmine Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02623111189880174360noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4417146250707203115.post-25169091624096259792017-08-06T23:57:00.000-04:002017-08-12T00:18:59.593-04:00Akita Kanto Festival (秋田の竿燈祭り)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last weekend I arrived in time for the final day of the Kanto Festival (竿燈祭り). As imagined, it was a stunning sight. The lights of the lanterns glimmered ever so brilliantly in the night sky. When gazing over at the parade on a faraway bridge, the kanto sticks appeared to be still moving. However, upon approaching the dynamic scene, I could see the tremendous efforts the young lads went through to balance the 50kg+ lanterns upright on top of their foreheads.<br />
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The festival has a long history to it, one I won't really go into too much detail for now, but during my study abroad at Akita International University, I could tell that the students and people of Akita truly appreciate and cherish this tradition. The amount of time and energy everyone goes through to prepare for this week is incredible. This night is surely one I won't forget.<br />
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If I ever finish editing the footage I took, I'll upload a YouTube video later. Enjoy the photos from the festival in the meantime! :)<br />
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Jasmine Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02623111189880174360noreply@blogger.com0Akita, Akita Prefecture, Japan39.7199218 140.1035696999999839.3287338 139.4581227 40.1111098 140.74901669999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4417146250707203115.post-60444067176870712492015-08-26T11:18:00.000-04:002016-12-18T22:33:29.957-05:008月26日2015年今日の朝ごはんです。さすが日本〜<br />
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大学の昼ごはん。鶏肉と野菜とご飯ですよ〜<br />
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モールで美味しいカレーうどんを食べました〜<br />
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<br />Jasmine Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02623111189880174360noreply@blogger.com0Akita, Akita Prefecture, Japan39.7200079 140.1025641999999639.3288199 139.45711719999997 40.1111959 140.74801119999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4417146250707203115.post-16086229952289352772015-08-25T18:13:00.004-04:002016-12-18T22:45:39.962-05:00Trip to Tokyo~^^Hey everyone! So I'm finally in Japan now, and I'm absolutely loving it here! So I arrived on Friday, August 21, 2015, and I stayed in an apartment in Harajuku, Tokyo with my friends until Monday. It was wonderful living in the heart of the city, especially in the fashion district! I really wish I was actually living there for the rest of the year, actually, just living there period, but unfortunately I don't...but the location of the apartment was just so perfect and it was just so neat and clean. Sigh...<br />
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Anyway, here are some pictures of my days in Tokyo. Hope you enjoy! :3<br />
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Friday, August 21, 2015<br />
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<br />Jasmine Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02623111189880174360noreply@blogger.com0Japan36.204824 138.2529249.549143 96.944330000000008 62.860505 179.561518tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4417146250707203115.post-61720353501689868342015-08-07T11:09:00.001-04:002015-08-07T11:15:53.949-04:00Hello Again~<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hey everyone! So I know that it has been a very long time since my last posting, just over a year now since I've updated this blog. Well have no fear cause I've returned! Yay! lol.<br />
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So I bring good news! I'm finallyyyy going to Japan!! Yayyyyy!! :3<br />
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I strive to update my blog at least once a week this upcoming school year of mine in Japan. I depart on August 20th, so I guess starting in September I'll start updating more frequently. Look forward to all my text posts, photos, and videos!<br />
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I'll also reactivate my blog on tumblr: @<a href="http://thworldismine.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">thworldismine</a>. There you can find more of my pictures that I'll be taking throughout my travels abroad. And of course you can always follow my adventures on my Instagram @<a href="http://instagram.com/funtoo2" target="_blank">funtoo2 </a>which I update daily! Enjoy! ;)</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Washington, DC, USA38.9071923 -77.03687070000000938.7094713 -77.3595942 39.1049133 -76.714147200000014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4417146250707203115.post-82059022661327316732014-07-06T14:51:00.001-04:002014-07-06T16:03:37.321-04:00Fourth of July<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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How was everybody's July Fourth? Do anything special? Go anywhere exciting? As for me, I just stayed home and had an impromptu celebration with my family. We ate a ton of fun, but we enjoyed ourselves. </div>
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If you're wondering what the Japanese word for fireworks is, it's 花火 (<i>hanabi</i>). 花 (<i>hana</i>) meaning flower, and 火 (<i>bi</i>) meaning fire. So essentially it literally translates to be fire flowers, or rather, flowers of fire. But that does make logical sense cause they do kind of look like that. :3</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">(If you would like to see the short video clips that I posted on Instagram, simply click the images above.)</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">So I'm still in the patriotic mode and had a very red, white, and blue breakfast this morning. Nothing beats having a typical bowl of Cheerios for breakfast. It's a simple go-to meal, yet this time I topped it off with some blueberries and raspberries for an added kick. Yum! :3 </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Washington, DC, USA38.9071923 -77.03687070000000938.7094553 -77.3595942 39.104929299999995 -76.714147200000014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4417146250707203115.post-54957242919515147662014-06-27T15:00:00.000-04:002014-06-28T00:06:19.963-04:00Japanese Language vs. Korean Language<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've noticed quiet a few similarities between the Japanese and Korean languages. One major similarity being that their grammar structures are basically the same. They both have their verbs at the end, whereas in English the verb is seen somewhere in the middle.<br />
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For example:<br />
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"(It is) water."<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Japanese: 水<b>です。</b>(<i>mizu <b>desu.</b></i>)</li>
<li>Korean: 물<b>이에요</b><span class="s1"><b>.</b> (<i>mul <b>i-ye-yo.</b></i>)</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
In both cases you have the subject first, <i>mizu</i>/<i>mul</i>, and the verb last, <i>desu</i>/<i>iyeyo</i>. You could potentially create this sentence in that same structure in English too, but it's somewhat strange to phrase it that way, "Water, it is."</div>
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Another similarity which I'm still confused about is a lot of the vocabulary. I know that Japanese and Korean were influenced by Chinese, but whenever I look up the Chinese word, it never resembles how it is said in neither Japanese nor Korean. So what gives?<br />
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For example:<br />
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"Bag"<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Japanese: 鞄 (<i>kaban</i>)</b></li>
<li><b>Korean: 가방 (<i>gabang</i>)</b></li>
<li>Chinese: 袋 (<i>dài</i>)</li>
</ul>
"Baseball"<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Japanese: 野球 (y<i>akyū</i>)</b></li>
<li><b>Korean: 야구 (y<i>agu</i>)</b></li>
<li>Chinese: 棒球 (b<i>àngqiú</i>)</li>
</ul>
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However, there are still some similarities between Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, like the usage of the same characters and some similar sounding words (but in current day Korea, they rarely use Chinese characters anymore). On the otherhand, they can be completely different and seem totally random.</div>
<div>
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For example:</div>
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<div>
"Tofu"</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Chinese: 豆腐 (d<span class="s1">ò</span>ufu)</b></li>
<li><b>Korean: 豆腐 (<i>dubu</i>)</b></li>
<li><b>Japanese: 豆腐 (<i>t<span class="s1">ō</span>fu</i>)</b></li>
</ul>
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"Apple"</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Chinese: 苹<span class="s1">果 (p</span>íngguǒ)</b></li>
<li><b>Japanese: 苹<span class="s1">果 </span>(<i>ryugou</i>/<i>ringo</i>)</b></li>
<li>Korean: 사과 (<i>sagwa</i>)</li>
</ul>
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"Dog"</div>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Chinese: 狗 (gǒu)</b></li>
<li><b>Korean: 개 (<i>gae</i>)</b></li>
<li>Japanese: 犬 (<i>inu</i>)</li>
</ul>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Washington, DC, USA38.9071923 -77.03687070000000938.7094553 -77.3595942 39.104929299999995 -76.714147200000014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4417146250707203115.post-55243795455153082142014-06-17T20:59:00.000-04:002014-06-24T21:21:53.254-04:00A Snapshot An Hour<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This may not seem like such a difficult challenge, but reminding yourself to take a picture every hour is actually quiet difficult. I decided to give this challenge a try after seeing <a href="http://blog.freepeople.com/2014/06/snapshot-hour/" target="_blank">Free People's blog post</a> about it. As they had said, you get to see a glimpse of someone's daily life. Doesn't that intrigue you? Don't you wanna know how others live their lives too? (But then again, you can just check their Instagram or Twitter and it gives away what they do all day right there.) Anyway, I hope you enjoy this posting! :3<br />
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<b>9am: Arise</b><br />
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Like many of you, or not, I am (sadly) addicted to Instagram. Every morning when I wake up I have to check my feed. If it's not Instagram your obsessed with, then it must be Facebook, or Twitter, or Vine, or just you name it, there's something that you probably check on a daily basis.<br />
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<b>10am: Kpop Dance Practice</b><br />
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Unfortunately my dancing skills aren't as great as my photography skills, so I decided to cut out this picture... (笑)<br />
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<b>11am: Smoothie Time!</b><br />
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After a nice workout, I love to enjoy a nice and refreshing smoothie. I love making smoothies in the morning for breakfast or brunch! They're so light, yet very filling! This one is packed with lots of nutrients, including bananas, strawberries, spinach, chia seeds, mint, almond milk, and a sprinkling of cinnamon. I love adding vegetables to my drink to ensure that I get my veggies in for the day!<br />
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<b>12pm: Herbs</b><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S7SkhVJrT24/U6oTpjJ0rRI/AAAAAAAAUNs/t2PpuVsQk04/s1600/IMG_2747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S7SkhVJrT24/U6oTpjJ0rRI/AAAAAAAAUNs/t2PpuVsQk04/s1600/IMG_2747.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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This was my first time ever purchasing dill from the grocery store, so I'm actually not too sure how to store them. When I had visited a friend at her house one time I noticed that they had put their dill on display on the kitchen table, so I decided to create a little presentation of our own. It's nice to be able to just pluck some fresh herbs and nibble on them throughout the day for a quick snack. :3<br />
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<b>1pm: Friendly Visitors</b><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8E3YiA4PDew/U6oTpmNgFiI/AAAAAAAAUNw/pqR_gstnzuc/s1600/IMG_2739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8E3YiA4PDew/U6oTpmNgFiI/AAAAAAAAUNw/pqR_gstnzuc/s1600/IMG_2739.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm not sure if many of you have this issue, but at my house, we have the unfortunate luck of having these little critters crawling around. Their favorite hangout spot is of course the kitchen, and strangely the bathroom.<br />
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<b>2pm: Korean Studies</b><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XI_pJVtn-VU/U6oZ6iOTVyI/AAAAAAAAUOw/pn_dmxU2KcA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-17+at+1.41.59+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XI_pJVtn-VU/U6oZ6iOTVyI/AAAAAAAAUOw/pn_dmxU2KcA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-17+at+1.41.59+PM.png" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you haven't realized it by now, but I'm an extremely lazy person. I've been wanting to learn Korean for a while now, and honestly it doesn't take that long to learn it, but I just can't seem to focus. I'm usually not this bad when it comes time to do work, but maybe it's just because I'm on summer vacation that I have an excuse to be as unproductive as I want. So instead of cracking open my Korean textbook or visiting one of my online resources, I decided to watch a children's show in Korean. I probably won't be watching <a href="http://www.dramafever.com/drama/4368/Hutos_The_Last_Forest_-_in_Korean/" target="_blank">Hutos: The Last Forest</a> anytime soon since it wasn't too fascinating. On the otherhand, I'd totally recommend <a href="http://www.dramafever.com/drama/4346/Why%3F_-_in_Korean/" target="_blank">Why?</a> Like that show explains everything in very simple language. No wonder Asian kids are so smart, they have television shows like this, whereas we in America have <a href="http://www.cartoonnetwork.com/tv_shows/eds/" target="_blank">Ed, Edd n Eddy</a>....<br />
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<b>3pm: Cleaning</b><br />
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I noticed my mother had been scrubbing the gravel with a toothbrush earlier in the week, so I wanted to finish up the rest of it for her. When she came home she was really impressed with all of my hard work (I also washed all the dishes for her too)! :3<br />
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<b>4pm: Out for a Stroll</b><br />
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We arrived early to the Eastern Market and Capitol Hill area fairly early for our 5 o'clock dinner reservations, so we took a little walk around town. The weather was so wonderful.<br />
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<b>5pm: Interior</b><br />
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As my mother pondered over what to share for our appetizer, I went ahead and started exploring the restaurant. I really liked how the walls were covered in pebbles.<br />
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<b>6pm: Pecking Duck</b><br />
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Dinner was fabulous! It was by far one of my favorite meals I've ever had out. The experience somewhat reminded me of <a href="http://www.benihana.com/" target="_blank">Benihana</a> since the chef carefully sliced the duck in front of us. I highly recommend getting pecking duck from <a href="http://www.nooshidc.com/" target="_blank">Nooshi</a> located in Capitol Hill! (Click <a href="http://instagram.com/p/pXVTWQzfzr/" target="_blank">here</a> for my Instagram image and <a href="http://instagram.com/p/pXQl5ezf83/" target="_blank">here</a> for my Instagram video.)<br />
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<b>7pm: Macaron Mania</b><br />
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I have this weird obsession with macarons, so after dinner we stopped by <a href="http://www.sweetlobby.com/" target="_blank">The Sweet Lobby</a> for some macarons. Flavors I got (from top to bottom): balsamic fig, cappuccino, rose, and vanilla violet. My favorites were the two flower ones. (Click <a href="http://instagram.com/p/pXiT1Gzf1o/" target="_blank">here</a> my Instagram posting.)</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Washington, DC, USA38.9071923 -77.03687070000000938.7094553 -77.3595942 39.104929299999995 -76.714147200000014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4417146250707203115.post-53631157521750404582014-06-02T17:03:00.001-04:002014-07-03T23:56:59.414-04:00Korean Resources <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If you're trying to learn Korean or looking to learn more about the Korean culture, then I'd suggest visiting the following:<br />
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Websites and Youtube Channels:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><a href="http://www.talktomeinkorean.com/" target="_blank"><b>Talk to Me in Korean</b></a> - TTMIK was launched in 2009, so they're veterans to when it comes to teaching Korean to those who wish to learn on their own. Their website includes a curriculum of the Korean grammar, along with other Korean language lessons, such as learning Korean through K-Pop or Idiomatic Expressions. Talk to Me in Korean has printed textbooks and workbooks available for purchase at their <a href="http://mykoreanstore.myshopify.com/" target="_blank">online store</a>, but everything featured in them are all available, 100% <i>free</i>, on their website for digital download. Listen to their podcasts and enjoy learning Korean with their community. They even have a wonderful <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5r3WHrX4Z7peSYpDlgktGw" target="_blank">YouTube Channel</a> to accompany their site with language and cultural help.</li>
<li><a href="http://harukorean.com/home" target="_blank"><b>HaruKorean</b></a> - The creators of <a href="http://www.talktomeinkorean.com/" target="_blank">TTMIK</a> have now created a Korean language learning website which gives you access to lessons and daily exercises along with getting instant feedback from native speakers. There is a small monthly fee for their various memberships, but I highly suggest checking out once you've mastered the hangeul.</li>
<li><a href="http://sweetandtastytv.com/" target="_blank"><b>Sweet And Tasty</b></a> - Great tool for learning Korean! Also check out her <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/sweetandtasty" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a>! She has a great series called KWOW giving you wonderful insight to the Korean culture! Her videos are very informative and entertaining! Love Professor Oh and Grandma Kim! They're so helpful when it comes to learning Korean! ;3</li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYpLOJi7euZwhv6osUgzQ5w" target="_blank"><b>Migook Saram's YouTube Channel</b></a> - Migook is an English teacher in South Korea who loves to vlog. Check out her YouTube Channel for videos about Korea's pop culture regarding it's music and fashion, along with tips for foreigners wanting to visit Korea. She also has a <a href="http://www.migooksaram.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog</a>, but as far as I can tell, she hasn't updated it since 2013, but it's still a valuable source!</li>
<li><a href="http://livemocha.com/" target="_blank"><b>Live Mocha</b></a> - In 2013, Live Mocha was purchased by <a href="http://www.rosettastone.com/" target="_blank">Rosetta Stone</a>. Regardless, it still functions as a free, online service for those who wish to pursue learning a new language. The benefits of this website is that you can 'purchase' courses in your desired language through the currency of points. You initially start off with a certain amount of points, and the only way to gain more is to either complete your lessons or help out others who're learning your native language. They also have a currency called 'beans,' but I think that you actually have to buy those with real money; you also have the option of buying 'points' with real money too. The different portions of each lesson includes: lesson introduction, review of vocabulary terms, review of language usage notes, practicing language usage, practicing reading and writing, practicing reading and speaking, practicing listening and writing, and practicing listening and reading. The concept is very similar to that of Rosetta Stone, probably why they bought it, but it's soooo much cheaper! Definitely give it a try!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.dramafever.com/kids/" target="_blank"><b>Drama Fever: Kids</b></a> - <a href="http://www.dramafever.com/" target="_blank">Drama Fever</a> is a great website that has all of your favorite Korean dramas, along with other Asian TV shows and movies. But did you know that they also have a children's section to their page? What better way to learn than to just sit back & relax and watch a show in the foreign language of your study with little to no effort? I feel that watching kids' shows encourages me to study Korean more frequently since I'm able to pick up on what they're saying because the language is very simple! I'd definitely recommend checking out Drama Fever Kids, along with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/DramaFever" target="_blank">Drama Fever's YouTube channel</a>! :D</li>
<li><a href="http://www.eatyourkimchi.com/" target="_blank"><b>Eat Your Kimchi</b></a> - Eatyourkimchi is a website all about kpop. If you're a major kpop lover, this is the site for you! They'll let you know about the hottest artists and songs and help you to discover some new Indie Korean Music. Their site offers a lot besides kpop, such as strange finds in Korea (check out their <a href="http://www.eatyourkimchi.com/category/wtf-korea/" target="_blank">WTF Korea</a> videos), Q&A videos (see <a href="http://www.eatyourkimchi.com/category/tldr/" target="_blank">TL;DR</a> videos), or even live chats on Fridays! And don't forget to subscribe to their <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLMtDePlMyiqv2XC_ByNEVQ" target="_blank">YouTube Channel</a>!</li>
<li><a href="http://seoulistic.com/" target="_blank"><b>Seoultastic</b></a> - Seoultastic is a wonderful resource for finding out more about the Korean food and culture. They even provide you with living and travel information for planning your next trip to Korea. They have an awesome <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFZNAVtRjaDRErl4JT1Z-ag" target="_blank">YouTube Channel</a>! Check 'em out!</li>
<li><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/ChelseaSpeak3" target="_blank">ChelseaSpeak3</a> </b>- Chelsea is an American who lives in South Korea, teaching English to her adorable elementary class. She mostly uploads videos focusing on life as a foreigner in South Korea, along with other cultural aspects of Korea. She also has a <a href="http://chelseaspeak3.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">blog</a>, but her updates are very infrequent.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdF4BRfeNa_AirS5gnkA_yw" target="_blank"><b>Hyunwoo Sun's Youtube Channel</b></a> - Hyunwoo is one of the founders of <a href="http://www.talktomeinkorean.com/" target="_blank">TTMIK</a>. Check out his YouTube Channel for videos about Korea and learning a new language! </li>
<li><a href="http://seemile.com/" target="_blank"><b>Seemile</b></a> - <a href="http://v1.seemile.com/renewal/index.jsp" target="_blank">Seemile</a> is an Asian language learning website, offering courses for Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and surprisingly Russian. And apparently they even have an app for both the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/seemile-korean-school-subscription/id681603816?mt=8" target="_blank">Apple</a> and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.roidus.seemile" target="_blank">Android</a> markets! However, I'd suggest subscribing to their <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKIicR8VM3HczwmJM9UxtTw" target="_blank">YouTube Channel</a> for Korean language learning. </li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.maangchi.com/" target="_blank">Maangchi</a> </b>- <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqtiEWkAdE3MpHOX2n_dtAA" target="_blank">Maangchi's Korean Vocab YouTube Channel </a>offers quick and easy to learn videos for Korean vocabulary. However, her <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/Maangchi" target="_blank">main YouTube Channel</a> focuses on Korean cuisine, providing you with step-by-step help on preparing delicious Korean meals while also teaching you about the culture. Check out both her YouTube channels, along with her website!</li>
<li><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/jinseokjin" target="_blank">Seokjin Jin's YouTube</a></b> - Seokjin is another member of the <a href="http://www.talktomeinkorean.com/" target="_blank">TTMIK</a> board. He likes to learn new things and draw, so check out his YouTube for drawing tutorials, in Korean, along with cultural aspects of South Korea. </li>
<li><b><a href="http://mindpasta.com/sns/" target="_blank">Mind Pasta</a> </b>- On May 31, 2014, some random person on <a href="https://twitter.com/" target="_blank">Twitter</a> tweeted me, asking if I was learning Korean. I was a little skeptical of the link that they provided, but nevertheless I clicked away. It brought me to this website, MindPasta.com, a community of fellow Korean learners. Little did I know, but apparently Ryan, the guy who created Mind Pasta (in only 11 days! O.o), was the one who had tweeted me and invited me to join his site. I suggest just clicking <a href="http://mindpasta.com/notes/note.php?thinker=ryan&no=34" target="_blank">here</a> to automatically be lead to Part 1 of his Korean teaching series, however, to access more of his lessons, you have to acquire more points. Currently I'm not sure how to get more points, nor do I know how to make perfumes (what ever that does), but don't let that stop you from giving it a try! Also, he supposedly has an app out. And another thing, I feel that the website can be a little slow to load pages; just an observation.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.koreanclass101.com/" target="_blank">Korean Class 101</a></b> - I've honestly never used Korean Class 101 website, nor any of those other "language" Class 101 sites, but they do have some helpful Korean language videos located on their <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsgBUobNGksxIKTagZayKEw" target="_blank">YouTube Channel</a>. </li>
<li><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/KRTVfilms" target="_blank">Richard Lucchesi's YouTube Channel</a> </b>- Follow Richard's journey as he learns Korean! He also has some Korean cultural videos.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Textbooks:</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;"><a href="http://artsonline.monash.edu.au/korean/klec-korean-textbooks/" target="_blank">KLEC Korean Textbooks: <b>My Korean</b></a> - This is currently my favorite textbook series! They make learning Korean seem so easy! Definitely a great resource for those who're teaching Korean to themselves, regardless if there are classroom activities (just strike up a conversation with yourself, but don't get too weird about it...lol)! (Download the <i>free </i>PDF with audio: <a href="http://artsonline.monash.edu.au/korean/my-korean-1/" target="_blank">My Korean 1</a> & <a href="http://artsonline.monash.edu.au/korean/my-korean-2/" target="_blank">My Korean 2</a>)</span></li>
<li><a href="http://kleartextbook.com/" target="_blank">KLEAR Textbooks in Korean Language: <b>Integrated Korean</b></a> - I'd also recommend this textbook series!^^ (Purchase from Amazon: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Integrated-Korean-Beginning-Textbooks-Language/dp/0824834402" target="_blank">Integrated Korean: Beginning 1</a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Integrated-Korean-Beginning-Textbooks-Language/dp/0824835158/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1402085104&sr=1-1&keywords=integrated+korean+beginning+2" target="_blank">Integrated Korean: Beginning 2</a>. Download the <i>free</i> audio files for exercises <a href="http://www.hawaii.edu/uhpress/mp3/klear/" target="_blank">here</a>.)</li>
<li>Moonjin Media: <b>Active Korean</b> - No longer in print (Purchase from Amazon: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Active-Korean-Textbook-English-Languages/dp/8953912296/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1402085335&sr=1-1&keywords=active+korean" target="_blank">Active Korean 1</a>)</li>
<li><b>Basic Korean</b>: A Grammar and Workbook (Purchase from Amazon: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Basic-Korean-Grammar-Workbook-Workbooks/dp/041577487X" target="_blank">Basic Korean</a> or download the <i>free</i> PDF: <a href="http://culturequote.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/basic-korean-a-grammar-and-workbook.pdf" target="_blank">Basic Korean</a>)</li>
<li><b>College Korean</b> (Purchase from Amazon: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0520069943/qid=1036734095/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_1/103-5277061-6173417?v=glance&s=books&n=507846#product-details" target="_blank">College Korean</a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Intermediate-College-Korean-Clare-You/dp/0520222954/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_y" target="_blank">Intermediate College Korean</a>. Supplementary material for College Korean provided by UC Berkley <a href="http://www.language.berkeley.edu/Korean/1/index.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)</li>
<li><b>Beginning Korean</b>: A Grammar Guide (Download the <i>free</i> PDF: <a href="http://cls.arizona.edu/kor/supplements/KGGHangeul.pdf" target="_blank">Beginning Korean</a>)</li>
<li>(<a href="http://linguebooks.blogspot.com/search/label/Korean" target="_blank">Lingue books</a> - Some blog that supposedly offers the downloading of Korean textbooks (and many other languages) for <i>free</i>, but idk if legit.)</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Apps:</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Korean Letters</b> - Korean Alive, LLC presents this wonderful flashcard-like app to help you learn Hangul. Learn Hangul in 1 day! I highly recommend spending the mere $2.99 for the full version; it's definitely worth it! (Download from App Store. Free version: <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/korean-letters-lite/id500641131?mt=8" target="_blank">Korean Ltrs Lite</a> or Purchase: <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/korean-letters/id495504095?mt=8" target="_blank">Korean Ltrs</a>)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.poppoppingkorean.com/" target="_blank"><b>Pop Popping Korean</b> - Pronunciation</a> - Hansol Education presents (Download from App Store)</li>
<li><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.com.metshit.LanguageStudy" target="_blank"><b>Play With Korean</b></a> - I haven't played this one yet, but it looks cute (Download from Google Play)</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This list will periodically be updated.</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4417146250707203115.post-57133187261318358282014-05-30T00:32:00.000-04:002014-05-30T00:38:50.906-04:00Chocolate Covered Strawberries and Chocolate Bark<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Earlier this month I begged my mother to buy me some strawberries and she finally gave in. To my surprise one afternoon, I found in the fridge a <i>huge</i> case of fresh, ripe strawberries. There were so many berries that I feared majority of them would rot! So I decided to freeze half and save them for my smoothie making and the other half would simply be eaten fresh.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6OKfasK0OL0/U4f8bIvHd5I/AAAAAAAATGk/2yKU0gI1zR8/s1600/IMG_2520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6OKfasK0OL0/U4f8bIvHd5I/AAAAAAAATGk/2yKU0gI1zR8/s1600/IMG_2520.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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As a thanks to my mom, in return I wanted to surprise her! So one afternoon when she returned home from work she found these lovely chocolate covered strawberries awaiting her in the refrigerator. After consuming her first strawberry, she claimed it tasted better than the ones from Godiva! Honestly I didn't do much but melt some chocolate. Maybe it's because they were made with love that caused them to taste so delicious? :3<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5w87KXsLL44/U4f8wzfHKwI/AAAAAAAATHE/-_I1SaNQi5E/s1600/IMG_2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5w87KXsLL44/U4f8wzfHKwI/AAAAAAAATHE/-_I1SaNQi5E/s1600/IMG_2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you're wondering what ingredients I used:<br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Strawberries from Costco</li>
<li>Nestle's semi-sweet chocolate chips</li>
</ul>
<div>
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<div>
Yep. Just those two items. And here are the directions:</div>
<div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Wash strawberries in cold water and set aside. (You can place them back into the refrigerator or freezer to keep them chilled until you're chocolate is fully melted.)</li>
<li>Use a double boiler to melt chocolate. Constantly stir so that chocolate melts evenly and doesn't burn! (Careful not to get any water mixed in with the chocolate!)</li>
<li>Dip strawberries into melted chocolate, and gently place onto a flat surface covered with parchment paper. (You want to complete this step fairly quickly since hotter chocolate achieves that smooth appearance, whereas lukewarm chocolate results in a more rugged/rough texture.)</li>
<li>Place strawberries in refrigerator or freezer to cool or eat them while they're still hot! Enjoy! :3</li>
</ol>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TM0p0VRa0hs/U4f8wfSR4RI/AAAAAAAATG8/OV_7mSVWJlk/s1600/IMG_2525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TM0p0VRa0hs/U4f8wfSR4RI/AAAAAAAATG8/OV_7mSVWJlk/s1600/IMG_2525.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-anhtHXF04O4/U4f8xFjc9OI/AAAAAAAATHA/wokDTfI6BK0/s1600/IMG_2527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-anhtHXF04O4/U4f8xFjc9OI/AAAAAAAATHA/wokDTfI6BK0/s1600/IMG_2527.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you run out of strawberries, but still have extra chocolate, have no fear! That lovely chocolate won't be wasted! Use the rest for a fondue! Dip any other fruits you have around the house in there. Bananas, kiwis, pineapple, you name it! Also try adding some baked goods, such as pound cake or doughnuts! Even potato chips will work! (Trust me, chocolate covered chips are soooo good! I tried <a href="http://www.royce.com/contents/english/" target="_blank">Royce</a>'s white chocolate potato chips, better known as their <a href="http://royceconfectusa.com/portfolio/fromage-blanc-potato-chip/" target="_blank">Fromage Blanc</a>, and instantly fell in love!)</div>
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But lets say you don't have anything to dip in your chocolate, fear not since there's still a solution! You can make chocolate bark out of it! Here's what I did:</div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Melted Chocolate</li>
<li>Almonds (preferably crushed)</li>
<li>Sea salt</li>
</ul>
<div>
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<div>
Directions:</div>
<div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>(If you already have crushed almonds, you can skip this step.) Place almonds into a Ziplock bag and smash until almonds pieces are at desired size.</li>
<li>Sprinkle crushed almonds and salt into melted chocolate.</li>
<li>Mix until evenly incorporated.</li>
<li>Pour melted chocolate mixture onto a flat surface covered with parchment paper and smooth it out into whatever shape you want. (Chocolate mixture should be thinly dispersed, about 1 cm thick, or to desired thickness.)</li>
<li>Place into refrigerator or freezer to chill.</li>
<li>Enjoy! :3</li>
</ol>
</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YPQge3YQzrE/U4f8_JEhuKI/AAAAAAAATHQ/e5OgbkaGrIA/s1600/IMG_2537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YPQge3YQzrE/U4f8_JEhuKI/AAAAAAAATHQ/e5OgbkaGrIA/s1600/IMG_2537.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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You can always substitute the almonds for a different type of nut if you'd like, such as cashews or peanuts, or you can switch it for something completely different like dried fruits or potato chips. ;3</div>
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Or you can just skip the adding of anything and simply have 'pure' chocolate. I definitely suggest making chocolate covered strawberries and then some chocolate barks since they're a nice treat to share with loved ones!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Washington, DC, USA38.907230899999988 -77.03646409999998938.709493899999991 -77.359187599999984 39.104967899999984 -76.7137406tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4417146250707203115.post-29262076100678124282014-04-29T14:53:00.003-04:002014-04-29T15:17:14.398-04:00Avril Lavigne's Hello Kitty<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've noticed that there's been quite a lot of controversy over <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiaYDPRedWQ" target="_blank">Avril Lavigne's new song, "Hello Kitty."</a> Many people are saying it's racist, while others are simply commenting that it's a terrible song. Whatever your thoughts may be about this, I for one definitely don't agree with those statements.<br />
<br />
I believe that Avril Lavigne was simply trying to bridge the gap between Japan and America by bringing about more awareness of the Japanese culture. Either that, or she was just outreaching to the rapidly growing 'otaku' population. Obviously though, a key give away that this song has a Japanese influence is its title, "Hello Kitty." Even though she doesn't exactly specifically talk about the 'icon' itself, there is a major hint that it was definitely named after the figure <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hello_kitty" target="_blank">Hello Kitty</a> as seen with the background dancers' outfits. Even though they aren't wearing Hello Kitty's iconic red bow, they are however wearing red colored wigs, and her colors of white, blue, and pink.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uEVJt4MjdRQ/U1_tlfWok8I/AAAAAAAARWQ/Qgx5XHp8yqo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-29+at+1.49.44+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uEVJt4MjdRQ/U1_tlfWok8I/AAAAAAAARWQ/Qgx5XHp8yqo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-29+at+1.49.44+PM.png" height="356" width="640" /></a></div>
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Another major point is the physical location of where her music video was shot at. The main setting is Japan, and I'm assuming it was filmed in Tokyo (but I could be wrong, especially since there weren't that many people running around in the background). The candy shop, <a href="http://www.candyagogo.com/" target="_blank">CANDY A☆GO☆GO!</a>, that Avril appears in is only located in Japan with majority of their locations found in Tokyo, so this just confirms that video was in fact shot in Japan.<br />
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Of course your stereotypical Japanese food of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sushi" target="_blank">sushi</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sake" target="_blank">sake</a> were included in this video, but she could have introduced some other Japanese dishes. That way people would have wondered what she was eating, which would then lead them to research (a.k.a. search Google) more about the Japanese cuisine.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1tgqzoFkSuU/U1_zqUyKZsI/AAAAAAAARWg/pZYgFvuuOb4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-29+at+2.26.30+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1tgqzoFkSuU/U1_zqUyKZsI/AAAAAAAARWg/pZYgFvuuOb4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-29+at+2.26.30+PM.png" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In her video, there were bits and pieces of random Japanese words throughout the song, such as "みんな (<i>minna</i> = everyone)," "ありがとう(<i>arigatou</i> = thank you)," and "かわいい (<i>kawaii</i> = cute), which just shows that she's trying to incorporate and expose people to the Japanese language. Avril was also possibly influenced some <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyary_Pamyu_Pamyu" target="_blank">Kyary Pamyu Pamyu</a>, a famous Japanese artist who is known for her extremely bizarre and outlandish kawaii fashion, and she just wanted to reveal to the world that Japan has a more clothing styles than just a <i>kimono</i>.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hu9VLF-heOE/U1_zvK2XDNI/AAAAAAAARWw/ps6yXCfCCUE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-29+at+2.23.03+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hu9VLF-heOE/U1_zvK2XDNI/AAAAAAAARWw/ps6yXCfCCUE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-29+at+2.23.03+PM.png" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0TwOYguUh3U/U1_zs-8euDI/AAAAAAAARWo/isbbcKQrBuA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-29+at+2.25.58+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0TwOYguUh3U/U1_zs-8euDI/AAAAAAAARWo/isbbcKQrBuA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-29+at+2.25.58+PM.png" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
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There was one part of her song, however, where I was utterly confused. At the beginning, where she's spouting random Japanese words, when she says, "<i>sai-kõ,</i>" is she actually saying "さいきょう(<i>saikyou),</i>" which means "the best"? Or rather, "サイコ (<i>saiko)</i>," meaning "psycho"? But after re-watching the video again, it's probably just <i>saikyou</i>. Later on in the video she walks through the streets, smiling and waving to everyone, so now I don't think it's random Japanese she's saying at the beginning. I'm now under the impression that her fragmented sentence at the beginning, "みんなさいきょうありがとう," Avril is trying to say, "Everyone, you're the best. Thank you." Anyway, I'd love to hear your thoughts about this and your overall thoughts on this new song of hers.<br />
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If you want to watch and listen to her video, click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiaYDPRedWQ" target="_blank">here</a>, or watch it below!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/LiaYDPRedWQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Carlisle, PA, USA40.2025 -77.19540.153988 -77.275680999999992 40.251012 -77.114319tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4417146250707203115.post-77172782444554425432014-04-16T17:55:00.001-04:002014-05-06T10:07:00.199-04:00Sakura Matsuri (さくらまつり)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Over the weekend I returned home, which was wonderfulllll! I was reunited with my dearest mother again after not seeing her for three months! She must have been so sad and lonely without her beloved daughter at home. ;(<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3fkLzJQ75Po/U076ipBORMI/AAAAAAAAREw/RLBk8CY7XBQ/s1600/IMG_1704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3fkLzJQ75Po/U076ipBORMI/AAAAAAAAREw/RLBk8CY7XBQ/s1600/IMG_1704.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Anyway, aside from seeing my mom, I went to D.C.'s National Cherry Blossom Festival! I had a lot of fun with my friends! I was extremely surprised at how HOT it was in Washington; it was 80<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">°</span>F! I'm so glad I wore my floral skirt! And there were sooooo many people there; it was like swimming in the ocean, but instead of water it was people!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yqg5ftMEIZA/U075gBUbP6I/AAAAAAAAREo/oEbqyQBu_CM/s1600/IMG_1799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yqg5ftMEIZA/U075gBUbP6I/AAAAAAAAREo/oEbqyQBu_CM/s1600/IMG_1799.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "sea of people." <br />
Look at them trying to escape the sun's blistering rays.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Unlike my friends who waited in line for an hour and a half for <a href="http://www.takogrill.com/menu/index.html" target="_blank">Tako Grill</a>'s food, which I must say was super delicious and worth the wait (I had their <i>takoyaki</i> and it was soooo scrumptious! :3), I ventured off with another friend throughout the festival. We visited the Culinary Pavilion, where they were filming an episode of NHK World's <i>Dining With Chef </i>(which will air sometime in late May); <a href="http://www.kitchoan.com/" target="_blank">Minamoto Kitochan</a>, an extremely expensive <i>wagashi</i> confectionary shop that's located in New York (I went there when I was in NY so I definitely had to buy some more of their treats! I bought two this time for my mom to try! She absolutely loved them! Definitely money well spent! :3); AT&T's booth, they were taking pictures then transformed them into hot/cold beverage sleeves; and a bunch of other places.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-peo4k2isbGc/U08o7XzFB0I/AAAAAAAARF0/fj_GRDSiuO4/s1600/IMG_1789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-peo4k2isbGc/U08o7XzFB0I/AAAAAAAARF0/fj_GRDSiuO4/s1600/IMG_1789.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">これは<a href="http://www.takogrill.com/menu/index.html" target="_blank">タコグリル</a>のたこ焼きやお茶会だいふくです。<br />
This is Tako Grill's <i>takoyaki</i> and <i>matcha</i> <i>daifuku </i>with <i>adzuki beans</i>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Other places I visited at the Cherry Blossom Festival included NHK World's Photobooth, my friend Brian and I are now famous since <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=728232827223476&set=a.728231780556914.1073741837.461895657190529&type=1&theater" target="_blank">we're featured on NHK World's Official FB page</a>! :3; a bunch of otaku stands from which I bought Shugo Chara key and lock necklaces, a mysterious grab bag which had a lot of kawaii stationary inside from <a href="http://www.shopkawaii.com/default.asp" target="_blank">Shop Kawaii</a>; the Taiko performance; the Cosplay fashion show; etc.<br />
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There were a lot of people who dressed up this year in cosplay and lolita outfits. Here are just a few of the pictures I took:<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0w32rmexVfc/U077rXkz6xI/AAAAAAAARE4/XtfYQfgHKpU/s1600/IMG_1717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0w32rmexVfc/U077rXkz6xI/AAAAAAAARE4/XtfYQfgHKpU/s1600/IMG_1717.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hime Lolita Fashion [purse from <a href="http://xn--milk%20%28%29-k84lgx6f/" target="_blank">MILK (ミルク)</a>]</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ezayLiFIDLc/U077tJsI8jI/AAAAAAAARFA/9oFLobaHQG8/s1600/IMG_1770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ezayLiFIDLc/U077tJsI8jI/AAAAAAAARFA/9oFLobaHQG8/s1600/IMG_1770.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honey-senpai from Ouran High School Host Club</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
And here are some photos I took of the many people wearing <i>kimono</i> and <i>yukata</i>:<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wrOnfDIT7OA/U08l-k3sYNI/AAAAAAAARFk/lUpy9Y1oj9o/s1600/IMG_1781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wrOnfDIT7OA/U08l-k3sYNI/AAAAAAAARFk/lUpy9Y1oj9o/s1600/IMG_1781.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the Cherry Blossom Princesses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yRsKtd1qQZ8/U08l9035tII/AAAAAAAARFc/pZRldkIeBLY/s1600/IMG_1782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yRsKtd1qQZ8/U08l9035tII/AAAAAAAARFc/pZRldkIeBLY/s1600/IMG_1782.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qiJNlYS6KAw/U08qWQUkcyI/AAAAAAAARGA/oOC1c_IaODo/s1600/IMG_1829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qiJNlYS6KAw/U08qWQUkcyI/AAAAAAAARGA/oOC1c_IaODo/s1600/IMG_1829.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Although I took some footage of the festival, I probably won't upload any of it any time soon since I'll extremely busy now that it's the last month of school. But in the meantime, check out my friend's Youtube video of the festival <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxpsXQ68QRI" target="_blank">here</a>! :)</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Carlisle, PA, USA40.2025 -77.19540.153988 -77.275680999999992 40.251012 -77.114319tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4417146250707203115.post-57062648524556666452014-03-19T12:27:00.000-04:002014-03-19T12:27:00.041-04:00Obsessing over Animal Crossing, again<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So yet again I've been obsessed with Animal Crossing: New Leaf, and this time I've just discovered the true identity behind the fortune cookies (I know, I know. What took me so long to figure this out. Etc.) Yeah, so finally I know that you actually get prizes for turning the fortunes in (because honestly I though they were just a waste of Play Points since you only got some stupid paper with some 'words of wisdom' written on it. But little did I know that if I actually turned in these tiny slips of paper I would get a real prize! Who knew! (I shoulda listened to Tommy, but of course I just sped through his dialogue, I mean, come on, who doesn't find the character's chatter annoying?)<br />
<br />
Anyway, before turning in my fortunes, I wanna record their word's of wisdom:<br />
<br />
Oh, that awkward moment when you can only read them once? Wow...Well, I do remember one of them saying something like, 'one who believes he has a pure heart is actually a beast.' Lol.<br />
<br />
Well then, fortunes I received were #14, #30, #37, and #47.<br />
<br />
#14 gave me a <i>blue Pikmin</i><br />
<br />
#30 gave me...<i>nothing</i>...but as a consolation prize they gave me a <i>lovely wall</i><br />
<br />
#37 gave me a <i>Triforce</i><br />
<br />
#47 gave me a <i>Metroid</i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Carlisle, PA, USA40.2025 -77.19540.153988 -77.275680999999992 40.251012 -77.114319tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4417146250707203115.post-86910224979783556682014-03-17T13:23:00.003-04:002014-04-14T13:03:13.920-04:00はるやすみにニューヨークに行きました!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As many of you know, I went to New York over Spring Break. I had such a wonderful time! So before going I made a seriously intense itinerary and we somehow managed to do practically everything on it! But there's some type of issue that occurs that makes things not happen, for instance, not waking up on time, etc. lol. But the schedule I created was flexible enough to handle such events, but not to the extent of us being relocated part way during our trip.<br />
<br />
So while I was in New York, I stayed on NYU's campus in Brittany Hall. Little did I know, but they only have a three day guest allowance, and I had planned on staying for five days in total. Meaning, for two days I was either going to have to be smuggled in and out of the building, or worst case, homeless. I was completely prepared to do the first option, but...staying in a five person suite, while already bringing two other friends, and my friend's roommate had already planned on bringing two other people also, meant that there would be ten people there in total, all sharing one bathroom. And to put the icing on the cake, during exams. Probably if it had been any other time of the year her other roommates would have been somewhat okay with this living arrangement but since studying is crucial to getting decent grades, we were forced to leave.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--OMj4BnSd7U/UyJyd9bTlyI/AAAAAAAAQQI/Fh0IuQFun44/s1600/IMG_0266+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--OMj4BnSd7U/UyJyd9bTlyI/AAAAAAAAQQI/Fh0IuQFun44/s1600/IMG_0266+copy.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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Luckily however, my friend has an aunt who lives in the Bronx who was more than happy to allow us to stay there for those two extra nights. I will never forget her kindness and willingness to have three completely random strangers into her house. Thank you again for your hospitality!<br />
<br />
So for our final day, I had planned on us going to Brooklyn to visit the <a href="http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/home.php" target="_blank">Brooklyn Museum</a> but seeing as Brooklyn is all the way south and slightly eastward from the Bronx, we decided to skip that adventure and leave it for next time. Instead though, we went to <a href="http://www.explorechinatown.com/" target="_blank">Chinatown</a> (for like the third time), which benefited me since I somehow injured my ankle.<br />
<br />
I honestly have no idea how it happened, the people at the Wellness Center (my school's infirmary) believe it was due to all the walking we did and the constant friction between my ankle and the hard inner of knit Ugg (would have never thought that part to be so stiff) that caused my poor little ankle to turn red and swell up so much. Never in my life have I ever injured myself to the point of swelling and pain. It hurt to walk on my left food so I limped for the rest of Wednesday's journey, aiming to walk as little as possible that day. So Chinatown by far was the best decision, that way my friends could dump all the luggage on me while they went off to enjoy their freedom of having no bags to lug around with them as they continued on with their shoppings to buy more crap to dump on me. Yay...<br />
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<a href="http://distilleryimage8.s3.amazonaws.com/7defbfe4aa1311e3930d0e08ef1db704_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://distilleryimage8.s3.amazonaws.com/7defbfe4aa1311e3930d0e08ef1db704_8.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Taro Milk Bubble Tea)</div>
<br />
They left me for what felt like hours in a small bubble tea shop called <a href="http://www.chatime.com.my/" target="_blank">Chatime (日出茶太)</a>. I ended up ordering a taro bubble tea, and drank it as slowly as possible as to not get kicked out. While I was waiting, some guy from my college randomly appeared. It was seriously strange meeting up with someone from my tiny little college in the middle of nowhere in such a big city as large as New York. Like what are the odds of that? And out of all the bubble tea shops in Chinatown, in New York, why would he come into that one? (I must have good taste :3) So the two of us have actually never spoken to one another before, but we obviously both recognized each other's face (and I was blatantly wearing a Dickinson sweatshirt), so inevitably we decided to chat. He didn't stay long since he had a prearranged meeting with his parents or something, and he couldn't exactly sit down since I'd claimed the other chair for my throbbing ankle that I was icing, but I noticed he too had ordered a taro bubble tea (see, I seriously have good taste when it comes to food).<br />
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<a href="http://distilleryimage1.s3.amazonaws.com/aee55d7caa2a11e3a81f12784011d369_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://distilleryimage1.s3.amazonaws.com/aee55d7caa2a11e3a81f12784011d369_8.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(They can never spell my name correctly...)</div>
<br />
After our final Chinatown visit, we proceeded to <a href="http://www.timessquarenyc.org/index.aspx" target="_blank">Times Square</a> so that we could wait for the Greyhound bus in a timely manner; we still had about an hour and a half left. During that period of time my friends once again decided to leave me, this time in a Starbucks, so they could continue with their shoppings. Of course I watched over our steadily growing mountain and of course I spotted someone else from my college, or rather two more people from Dickinson. Although they saw me too, we never had the chance to make 'actual' eye contact with one another due to obstructions in one another's views, but I knew that they had seen me, and had whispered unheard secrets about me. I've talked with this couple before and I really did want to speak with them this time, but I had forgotten their names and couldn't exactly make proper eye contact with them, so that's where our interaction ended.<br />
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To be continued...</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0New York, NY, USA40.7143528 -74.005973140.3291648 -74.65142010000001 41.0995408 -73.3605261tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4417146250707203115.post-50414428601580255102014-02-14T09:00:00.000-05:002014-02-14T09:00:09.994-05:00私のお誕生日 :3<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
昨日、私のお誕生日でした。楽しかったですよ!雪に遊んでいました。たくさんFacebookのお誕生日メッセージを受けしました。ありがとうみんなさん!:)<br />
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および、幸せなバレンタインデー!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Carlisle, PA, USA40.2025 -77.19540.153988 -77.275680999999992 40.251012 -77.114319tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4417146250707203115.post-90261176847973403872014-02-10T14:46:00.000-05:002014-02-14T01:48:07.817-05:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I figured that since it was snowing the other day I should post some pictures of the snow, but I haven't had time today to do any professional photographing, so instead I'm just gonna post some pics I took when I was in Washington of the snow. Enjoy these instead! And happy snow day to those of you who have snow and no school! (I've only had one class cancellation so far.)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-v4RXzjazg/Uu_xClmO2PI/AAAAAAAAJ-M/lfcHdDMSKY4/s1600/IMG_9619+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-v4RXzjazg/Uu_xClmO2PI/AAAAAAAAJ-M/lfcHdDMSKY4/s1600/IMG_9619+copy.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Currently in Carlisle, PA we have more snow than this. And just when we all thought that the snow was officially coming to an end, especially since the temperature was much warmer and everything was melting. The weather's like, "Heh. Spring? I don't think so," and just craps a load of snow out on us.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gVdfwgZLKEs/Uu_xAqAkNHI/AAAAAAAAJ-E/0aw1mLikNBA/s1600/IMG_9612+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gVdfwgZLKEs/Uu_xAqAkNHI/AAAAAAAAJ-E/0aw1mLikNBA/s1600/IMG_9612+copy.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's a picture of the rosemary growing in my front yard. It's been standing strong, even in the bitter cold! Stay strong Mary! Ganbatte! ;3</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4417146250707203115.post-43764208216406984912014-02-02T21:56:00.001-05:002014-02-04T19:10:33.464-05:00In Her Memory<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Lately I've been obsessing over this song called, "今日から思い出 ("In Her Memory")," by Aimer (<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">エメ)</span>. I first heard it on <a href="http://douban.fm/">douban.fm</a> and instantly fell in love with it! It's definitely worth listening to! Check it out by clicking the image below! :3<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://en.musicplayon.com/play?v=436524" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ch0ANoaeOzk/Uu7_LHVq50I/AAAAAAAAJ8E/oOgggLZJD5o/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-02+at+9.27.05+PM.png" height="400" width="640" /></a></div>
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Initially I thought this song was called, "Memories from Today," but it just depends on how one translates it. Here the artist decided to phrase it as "In Her Memory" which does fit better than what I had worded it as since the song includes a passage of time, not just of one day. The lyrics of this song are so sad, and Aimer does a lovely job bringing about the feelings in them by singing in a wispy voice. This song's about wanting to hear her mom say at least once, "I love you," and to know if she's okay, but now that's no longer possible since her mom left. So sad. *tears* My mom tells me all the time that she loves me. I also loved the illustrations/animation of the video. I think the art style fits perfectly, contributing to the portrayal of a crestfallen atmosphere.<br />
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Don't forget to check out Aimer's other songs! I'm also a big fan of her song, "<a href="http://www.pideo.net/video/youku/63a1de2322cfe080/" target="_blank">星の消えた夜に</a>." Here's a link to her <a href="http://www.aimer-web.jp/" target="_blank">official website</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/aimerSMEJ" target="_blank">YouTube Channel</a>, and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/AimerOfficialVEVO/videos" target="_blank">Vevo</a>! :3</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Carlisle, PA, USA40.2025 -77.19540.153988 -77.275680999999992 40.251012 -77.114319tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4417146250707203115.post-5551612521223713772014-01-25T19:30:00.000-05:002014-01-25T19:30:01.738-05:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
見す見す<div>
"before one's own eyes"</div>
<div>
"from under one's very nose"</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Carlisle, PA, USA40.2025 -77.19540.153988 -77.275680999999992 40.251012 -77.114319tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4417146250707203115.post-57465972096238359082014-01-21T20:44:00.001-05:002014-01-21T20:44:30.161-05:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm planning on re-continuing my Daily Japanese postings since my Japanese classes have resumed. Stay tuned! :)</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Carlisle, PA, USA40.2025 -77.19540.153988 -77.275680999999992 40.251012 -77.114319tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4417146250707203115.post-6584519853643078492014-01-21T20:40:00.000-05:002014-01-21T20:42:50.629-05:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
That awkward moment when I've already failed to keep more than half of my New Years Resolutions. lolololol. Is anyone else also sinking in that boat?<br />
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But I actually recorded a YouTube video...I just haven't gotten around to editing and posting it...awks... #Lazy #SchoolStartedAgain #iWannaBeAnAStudent #iAmProcrastinatingRightNow :3</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Carlisle, PA, USA40.2025 -77.19540.153988 -77.275680999999992 40.251012 -77.114319tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4417146250707203115.post-27131683754504182362014-01-04T20:55:00.000-05:002014-01-04T20:56:35.208-05:00Instagram Bans Hashtags<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I had no idea Instagram was doing this, but apparently they've been blocking hashtags. This isn't even a new feat, they've done this for a while according to a <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/29/banned-instagram-hashtags_n_4171589.html" target="_blank">Huffington Post article</a> I read that was posted back in October of 2013, but other sources had written about this way back in August of 2013. So just today I finally found out why my posting from yesterday kept messing up and not allowing me to delete my hashtags from it. The cause: #sexy. Apparently they re-blocked this hashtag from usage. The picture I posted was totally innocuous, but other postings that were tagged with this hashtag probably weren't, possibly one reason why they once again blocked this hashtag. Rephrasing a fellow Instagrammer whom I follow, <a href="http://instagram.com/mandarinfox" target="_blank">@mandarinfox</a>, 'banning a hashtag universally is just plain dumb.'<br />
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The only other reason I can think of for why Instagram decides to ban a tag is to potentially cut back on their servers? Like how on Twitter, Bieber postings take up majority of its realm (or at least used to), which then results in crashing or lagging? So I guess in an attempt to prevent this they just blocked a bunch of hashtags that were generating too many results. Hopefully this is just a temporary thing, again, because banning hashtags like #iphone and #photography is just ridiculous. This is a photo app for iPhones. They even banned #IG, Instagram's own abbreviation. I'm pretty sure they even blocked #instagram at some point. Like come on now.<br />
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The annoying part about these blocked hashtags is the fact that if you have just one of these banned hashtags in your hashtag paragraph, that many people like to use these days to get likes and followers, then that photo of yours won't appear in any of the other hashtags. Your picture will only be visible to your followers and yourself, that's it (apparently). So be mindful in the future when plopping your saved hashtag paragraphs because that lovely photo that you took the time to take, crop, and edit won't be showing up to anyone but yourself and your two followers.<br />
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If you would like to see a list of other blocked hashtags on Instagram, check out this list <a href="http://thedatapack.com/banned-hashtags-instagram/" target="_blank">here</a> that <a href="https://plus.google.com/110023721648174326756/posts" target="_blank">Nick Drewe</a> from <a href="http://thedatapack.com/" target="_blank">The Data Pack</a> so kindly compiled for us.<br />
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And don't forget to follow me on Instagram! <a href="http://instagram.com/funtoo2" target="_blank">@funtoo2</a> :)</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Washington, DC, USA38.907230899999988 -77.03646409999998938.709493899999991 -77.359187599999984 39.104967899999984 -76.7137406tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4417146250707203115.post-90295096417131388242014-01-01T23:13:00.000-05:002014-02-02T13:23:17.151-05:00Happy New Years! 2014!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Woah! What happened to 2013? What happened to graduating high school in 2013? Where did the time go? Even now I still can't believe I've already graduated from high school and that I'm in college. Life seriously goes by quickly, and I've heard that from here on it'll only go by faster.<br />
<br />
So as with every start of a new year, everyone always makes "new" New Year's resolutions. So what shall mine be this year? Hm...<br />
<br />
My 2014 Resolutions:<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Blog at least once a week</li>
<li>Continue Instagraming daily (or at least five times a week)</li>
<li>Upload a <strike>crappy</strike> Youtube video every (other, other, other...) weekend</li>
<li>Workout at least five times a week for a minimum of thirty minutes</li>
<li>Complete all of my volume one Korean textbooks by the end of 2014</li>
<li>Eat healthier when in college (visit the Kove more)</li>
<li>Keep in touch with my friends better</li>
<li>Read more (at least twelve books this year)</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Have you written your New Year's resolutions yet? If not, go ahead and do it, and this time actually stick to your plan! Good luck everyone and hopefully you all will have a wonderful year! :)</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Washington, DC, USA38.907230899999988 -77.03646409999998938.709493899999991 -77.359187599999984 39.104967899999984 -76.7137406tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4417146250707203115.post-25944469380362476802013-12-26T21:01:00.000-05:002013-12-26T21:01:32.522-05:00Christmas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hopefully you all enjoyed your Christmas cause I surely did. I ate a tonnnn! I feel as though I ate more yesterday than I did on Thanksgiving! (Maybe cause I had friends over during Thanksgiving that I was too embarrassed to eat the amount that I usually do? lol.) My favorite holiday dishes are by far my aunt's macaroni & cheese and her sweet potatoes with marshmallows on top! Every year, without fail, will I say that those are my favorite dishes. I even wrote about it for a writing assignment my senior year of high school. Here's the short piece I wrote:<br />
<br />
(to be posted soon...once I find it...)<br />
<br />
<br />
Anyway, I wanna know what you all received as presents for Christmas! Lemme know in the comments! From my mom I got a pair of earrings, some headphones, and a jacket. And then from everyone else I got some money (just what I needed). :3<br />
<br />
You know, looking back over that list, it's not very detailed. Teachers always tell us to use vivid words when describing things in order to bring that thing to life. For all you know I could have received a pair of one of those super crappy earring sets from Claire's, even though they are super cute with their hearts and stars and cupcake shaped studs. Or for the headphones, I could have gotten a $10 set by JVC. Or even the jacket. Was it a light jacket or a heavy winter coat? You'd never know without detail. (Sorry for turning this into an English lecture, but it's all valid stuff.)<br />
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Regardless, do you really wanna know what I actually got for Christmas? Ahem. Not to brag, but I did receive quite nice gifts from my mother this year. She gave me my very first pair of diamond earrings. They're small studs, but the sizing is just perfect for me! I absolutely love them! I can't believe she bought me Tiffany earrings. I initially told her to return them since I don't really deserve something soooo expensive, but she insisted that I keep them, especially now that I'm an official college student who deserves something exquisite. The headphones my mom gave me were none other than a pair of Beats by Dre. Wow. Beats. I've been wanting them for a long time, but then as time passed I gradually didn't really care too much, but it was such a surprise to still receive them from my mom. She gave me a pair of white Studios, and surpisingly enough, they don't bother my ears when I wear them for too long (cause usually after a while over the ear headphones tend to hurt my ears, but these don't at all! so happy!). And last but not least, my got a red, cashmere jacket from my mom in the style of a trendy blazer. She bought it for me since I'm planning on being an International Business Major so she thought I just had to look stylish while attending my Business classes. lol. Just love my mom and her thoughtfulness. Thank you again mommy! :)<br />
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Oh, I'll post pictures of the stuff later on! Look forward to it! :3</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Washington, DC, USA38.907230899999988 -77.03646409999998938.709493899999991 -77.359187599999984 39.104967899999984 -76.7137406tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4417146250707203115.post-10720964764876395762013-12-25T19:45:00.000-05:002013-12-26T20:40:05.856-05:00Merry X-MAS! :D<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Merry Christmas! Buon Natale! メリークリスマス! 메리 크리스마스! :D</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">(from <a href="https://twitter.com/thworldismine/status/415931368426983424" target="_blank">my twitter</a>)</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Washington, DC, USA38.907230899999988 -77.03646409999998938.709493899999991 -77.359187599999984 39.104967899999984 -76.7137406tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4417146250707203115.post-87576151484619281272013-12-08T10:48:00.000-05:002013-12-08T10:48:24.422-05:00Would You Spend $1,849 for a PS4?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Here's a blog posting I made for my Microeconomics class the other day:</div>
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"In America the going price for the new PS4 is just a mere $399.99, a small number in comparison to what it's listed in Brazil. It's sad to say that for many Brazilians they're forced to pay R$3,999, roughly $1,849, for this counsel. This ridiculous pricing isn't because of price discrimination but rather due to tariffs. In an attempt to eliminate gambling in Brazil, the government decided to heavily tax any item labeled as a "game," especially ones imported into the country, thus the price of video games has also been affected. Yet regardless of the price, Brazilians are still willing to pay the fee which has resulted in Brazil possibly being the "fastest growing games market in the world when it comes to total consumer spending [with an] anticipated growth of +32%[,] way ahead of the global average of +7% and even more compared to the US with +1% and Europe +3%," says CEO Peter Warman on Newzoo's website.</div>
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To read more regarding this issue, please check out Forbe's "<a data-mce-href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2013/10/17/the-ps4-will-cost-more-than-1800-in-brazil/" href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2013/10/17/the-ps4-will-cost-more-than-1800-in-brazil/" target="_blank">The PS4 Will Cost More Than $1,800 In Brazil</a>" article."</div>
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If you wanna read more articles posted by other students then check out my class' blog at: <a href="http://blogs.dickinson.edu/microeconomics2013/" target="_blank">Introduction to Microeconomics 2013.</a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Carlisle, PA, USA40.2025 -77.19540.153988 -77.275680999999992 40.251012 -77.114319tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4417146250707203115.post-37306812773294285272013-12-08T10:45:00.003-05:002013-12-08T10:45:40.079-05:00Sorry for going MIA on ya'll...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As you all know, I'm a college student now (which is still hard to believe), and so my responsibilities have gone up (again). Idk how I was able to keep up with <a href="http://thworldismine.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">my postings when I was in Italy</a> (okay, I actually do know, I just queued everything), but I've just been super busy (and lazy) as usual. But I'm back! Yay! (Officially once finals are over next week.)<br />
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Oh, and I'm sick. Like actually sick this time. Yesterday, no, the day before yesterday my throat felt strange. Then yesterday it felt even stranger and even started to feel super duper sore and I couldn't taste that well....but today it's slightly better so hopefully I've managed to tackle it. I've just been eating a ton of oranges and sipping on tea with hints of honey all day. I really want some lemons and ginger right now...Sigh...to get sick at a time like this...ughalsfdjalkjdfs...T.T<br />
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Anyways, I look forward to posting more stuff in December! Look forward to it! :)</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Carlisle, PA, USA40.2025 -77.19540.153988 -77.275680999999992 40.251012 -77.114319