I will try and avoid over-generalizations, but just remember that what I am about to say it probably cutting it close. Obviously, cultural norms are not universals and not everyone follows them, so please correct me if I am wrong.
Friendship.
In American culture friendship bleeds over and spills into others lives. If I am friends with you, then, a lot of times, I am friends with your friends. This is not because you already were friends with their friends, but simply because you became friends with them, you can be friends with their friends.
"Any friend of yours is a friend of mine."
In Japanese culture, friendship is based in groups and mini-clique communities. A single member freely moves from one group to another, but doesn't usually bring that groups friendship baggage with him/her.
Essentially, I see the fundamental difference as this:
Japanese: The group is itself a stationary unit.
American: The group is based on the person with which it is connected .
I could also be wrong about this, but that might be why I've had to get used to the hundreds of variations of the vague, "I have something else going on," or "I'm doing something tonight." Etc.. etc. Sometimes, to me as an american, that comes across as cold, but then I just tell myself, it's something cultural, and get on with it.
Oh, if it wasn't clear why I think its connected, let me explain. If my above theory is true, and Japanese groups are separate entities to which you cannot enter just because you are friends with one of the members, then telling you what they are doing is a moot point. However, to the American who is used to being invited to whatever, just because one or two of his friends are going, then not being told comes across as odd.
meh.. maybe I'm over thinking things again. I may be the one who is just too open and too willing to interact with anybody. I tend to agree with this:
"There are no strangers here, only friends you haven't met yet."
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Friday, March 5, 2010
Alice... Alice in wonderland
First, I feel I must act as a tour guide so please take a look at Jared's review.
http://jaredsloger.com/blog/
Jared's review comes from the perspective of an artist deeply interested in the characters and story elements. Therefore, I think he has done an excellent job of critiquing the movie, especially with regard to Tim Burton's quirks.
Now, you must allow me to geek out with my perspective mostly steeped in the linguistic.
First of all, I had forgotten entirely that the story of the Jabberwocky was a Lewis Carroll poem, but I rather enjoyed how they focused on it in the story.
If you don't know the poem, it can be found here:
http://www.jabberwocky.com/carroll/jabber/jabberwocky.html
Nearly all reconizable things and characters from this poem were somehow represented in the movie. A short list:
Jabberwock - The big black dragon-like thing.
JubJub bird - The wacky bird that picks up tweedledee and tweedledum
Bandersnatch - The big white furry thing
Vorpal sword - Vorpal just means "really sharp"
Frabjous day - The day the Jabberwock died
I must point out that while the poem was projected on Alice for the movie, a young boy was actually the subject of the poem originally. They carefully though quoted all but the last sections of the poem. I liked getting to hear it.
Secondly, I now know that I need to re-read both Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, and What Alice Found There. I find it quite difficult to recall subtleties such, though I know the Disney movie, which sticks far more vividly in my mind, was rather a mash-up of the two.
Thirdly, I have an observation about the way Tim Burton tells a tale. When a writer goes to tell a tale, they must relate only the most significant details and rely on the imagination of their readers. With movies, however, the visuals are most key for focusing the readers, and the sounds help control this mystique. Tim Burton does something slightly different though. His visuals are for the purpose of connecting with something he purports is already in our minds. He takes a children's fairytale that we all know, and expects us to read it into the characters and the scenes that have every so slightly been burtonized.
Instead of communicating with images that mirror reality (such as in Avatar), he artfully adds a twist to each character. This results in each character not only being unique in his or her own right, but allows their world to exist on the fringe of fairyland, halloween town, and reality. This combination places his characters in a unique situation altogther because they are not sinister enough, fancy enough, nor real enough to fit in either.
Fourth, the only reason I find that I cannot rate this excellent is a two-fold issue with its plot and characters.
In the plot, the viewer simply could read what the next step was like an open book. There was no mystery, no suspense, just scenes, which though quite exquisite, theydon't make the plot. The insertion of a prophecy like-factor in the calendar compendium was the drawback for this movie. The most momentous mile-markers were laid out for us. I think Alice would have simply been better off remembering her dream and coming across as in control, if even a little bit.
It's the difference for the viewers of being made to feel like the main character is being pulled along by some fate or charging forward making their own. Though, fundamentally, as Alice's decision to be the champion points out; Being free and fated are two sides of the same coin.
The character issue that I had with the movie was ironically Johnny Depp. First of all, he did an excellent job as the Mad Hatter. Secondly, he successfully avoided coming across as Captain Jack Sparrow or anything like that. He simply did quite well. However, in the stories of Alice by Lewis Carroll, the Mad Hatter doesn't have much of a role. Tim was therefore left to "channel" Carroll and interpret how the Hatter would act.
The dilemma this presents was that the majority of the story relied on our knowledge of the Lewis Carroll stories. The Mad Hatter was therefore forced into a role requiring heroism when as a character in the books, he was just plain mad. In a sense, the movie version left us with the impression of not a Mad Hatter but of a Genius Hatter.
Although, admittedly, there is a fine line between Genius and Insanity.
http://jaredsloger.com/blog/
Jared's review comes from the perspective of an artist deeply interested in the characters and story elements. Therefore, I think he has done an excellent job of critiquing the movie, especially with regard to Tim Burton's quirks.
Now, you must allow me to geek out with my perspective mostly steeped in the linguistic.
First of all, I had forgotten entirely that the story of the Jabberwocky was a Lewis Carroll poem, but I rather enjoyed how they focused on it in the story.
If you don't know the poem, it can be found here:
http://www.jabberwocky.com/carroll/jabber/jabberwocky.html
Nearly all reconizable things and characters from this poem were somehow represented in the movie. A short list:
Jabberwock - The big black dragon-like thing.
JubJub bird - The wacky bird that picks up tweedledee and tweedledum
Bandersnatch - The big white furry thing
Vorpal sword - Vorpal just means "really sharp"
Frabjous day - The day the Jabberwock died
I must point out that while the poem was projected on Alice for the movie, a young boy was actually the subject of the poem originally. They carefully though quoted all but the last sections of the poem. I liked getting to hear it.
Secondly, I now know that I need to re-read both Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, and What Alice Found There. I find it quite difficult to recall subtleties such, though I know the Disney movie, which sticks far more vividly in my mind, was rather a mash-up of the two.
Thirdly, I have an observation about the way Tim Burton tells a tale. When a writer goes to tell a tale, they must relate only the most significant details and rely on the imagination of their readers. With movies, however, the visuals are most key for focusing the readers, and the sounds help control this mystique. Tim Burton does something slightly different though. His visuals are for the purpose of connecting with something he purports is already in our minds. He takes a children's fairytale that we all know, and expects us to read it into the characters and the scenes that have every so slightly been burtonized.
Instead of communicating with images that mirror reality (such as in Avatar), he artfully adds a twist to each character. This results in each character not only being unique in his or her own right, but allows their world to exist on the fringe of fairyland, halloween town, and reality. This combination places his characters in a unique situation altogther because they are not sinister enough, fancy enough, nor real enough to fit in either.
Fourth, the only reason I find that I cannot rate this excellent is a two-fold issue with its plot and characters.
In the plot, the viewer simply could read what the next step was like an open book. There was no mystery, no suspense, just scenes, which though quite exquisite, theydon't make the plot. The insertion of a prophecy like-factor in the calendar compendium was the drawback for this movie. The most momentous mile-markers were laid out for us. I think Alice would have simply been better off remembering her dream and coming across as in control, if even a little bit.
It's the difference for the viewers of being made to feel like the main character is being pulled along by some fate or charging forward making their own. Though, fundamentally, as Alice's decision to be the champion points out; Being free and fated are two sides of the same coin.
The character issue that I had with the movie was ironically Johnny Depp. First of all, he did an excellent job as the Mad Hatter. Secondly, he successfully avoided coming across as Captain Jack Sparrow or anything like that. He simply did quite well. However, in the stories of Alice by Lewis Carroll, the Mad Hatter doesn't have much of a role. Tim was therefore left to "channel" Carroll and interpret how the Hatter would act.
The dilemma this presents was that the majority of the story relied on our knowledge of the Lewis Carroll stories. The Mad Hatter was therefore forced into a role requiring heroism when as a character in the books, he was just plain mad. In a sense, the movie version left us with the impression of not a Mad Hatter but of a Genius Hatter.
Although, admittedly, there is a fine line between Genius and Insanity.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
The ability to break a heart
A wiser man than me once spoke of how the greatest books are great because of their ability to break one's heart. What he meant by that was not disappointment, but the ability for the story to speak to the inner reaches of your soul. Or if I were to put it in my own words: The ability of a story to play a tune on the strings of our hearts. Despite the heart reference, the story need not even be a romance to achieve this overwhelming effect.
Tolkien's Silmarillion did this for me years ago. I was taken by how the Ainur (later Valar) brought about reality through their song, how Beren and Luthien persisted though their love was denied, and how the great tree watched over the elves until the time of the simarils would corrupt one of their own. Perhaps though, you know little of this book and my references mean little.
I must admit, though, that I think very few books have torn at my soul like that one. However, I have noticed of late, that even movies must break your heart to be found excellent. Okuribito was one such movie, and I may have found another: The Time Traveler's Wife. The movie was awesome, and I don't mean say that because I was enamoured with some sweet action sequence or a drippy love scene. The movie had neither. The movie for me just felt so tangibly human. Artfully taking the twists and quirks of time travel and playing with them like a juggler, the author adds in normal people who are seeking only to live a normal life.
Now, I have one dilemma though. I overlooked the fact that this movie is based off of a book. A book that I have not yet read, which is something I don't usually do before seeing a movie based off of a book. Therefore, do I read the book in hopes that it will at least break my heart like the movie did?
I am far too curious, I find, and I believe that I must read the book for two reasons:
1. The book is always equal to or better than the movie. Therefore it will at least break my heart.
2. As the saying goes: Nothing ventured, nothing gained: so I'll adventure!
Tis' all.
Tolkien's Silmarillion did this for me years ago. I was taken by how the Ainur (later Valar) brought about reality through their song, how Beren and Luthien persisted though their love was denied, and how the great tree watched over the elves until the time of the simarils would corrupt one of their own. Perhaps though, you know little of this book and my references mean little.
I must admit, though, that I think very few books have torn at my soul like that one. However, I have noticed of late, that even movies must break your heart to be found excellent. Okuribito was one such movie, and I may have found another: The Time Traveler's Wife. The movie was awesome, and I don't mean say that because I was enamoured with some sweet action sequence or a drippy love scene. The movie had neither. The movie for me just felt so tangibly human. Artfully taking the twists and quirks of time travel and playing with them like a juggler, the author adds in normal people who are seeking only to live a normal life.
Now, I have one dilemma though. I overlooked the fact that this movie is based off of a book. A book that I have not yet read, which is something I don't usually do before seeing a movie based off of a book. Therefore, do I read the book in hopes that it will at least break my heart like the movie did?
I am far too curious, I find, and I believe that I must read the book for two reasons:
1. The book is always equal to or better than the movie. Therefore it will at least break my heart.
2. As the saying goes: Nothing ventured, nothing gained: so I'll adventure!
Tis' all.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Movies? Maybe seen too many recently...
I am going to see if I can give you my equivalent of a one-to-two line review of each of these movies that I saw recently. Yeah, I think I need to start renting randomly and not reading the titles or anything. Apparently, the movies I like to choose to watch involve violence, action, and death. Rule #32 from Zombieland: Enjoy the small things.
*Spoilers Abound... be aware.*
Zombieland
Really fun, how many zombies can we creatively kill and still have a plot semi-present. Highly recommend this movie if you like Zombie Apocalypse gone Campy. The OCD weirdo kid does wonders too with his arbitrary set of rules. Rule #2 Double Tap.
A Dangerous Man
A typical Steven Seagall film, full of overdone "I can kill baddies with my bare hands" action, and some horrible cheesy success sequences. Definitely not his best movie, but I'll give it an ok. Besides, how does this guy always seem to get the girl in the end?
Universal Soldier: Regeneration
Jean Claude Van Damm looks old in this one and, though the concepts were somewhat intriguing, the fighting ended up looking flat because of them. Okay movie, but really there wasn't anything special about it.
Blood Creek
The only thing I can say that made this movie entertaining was the end, the significance of the map, and the new purpose that the waif brother gained. Besides that, if you like half-baked occult thrillers where you are pretty sure everyone is going to die, you might like this one. I didn't.
Wrong side of Town
Ironically, I liked this one. The fighting was realistic enough and the storyline kept me just enough in suspense so that the mix was just right. Although, really the movie is just one of those that starts off with an accidental death that sparks a vengence trip for the villain. Not a must see, but better than your run-of-the-mill action flick.
Law-Abiding Citizen
Okay, this movie is basically Edge of Darkness with a twist. The villain is kind of the good guy...well, maybe. That, of course, is what makes this story keep the suspense gauge on high for the entire movie. Really like this one, but Edge of Darkness outclasses it.
Edge of Darkness
Mel Gibson is hardcore, just remember that. This movie is like the movie Taken, but with a more intelligent human element instead of the overdone mindless violence train wreck that vengence can bring. I can't tell you anymore without giving something away, but this movie is moving and might even move you to tears. Epic.
Valentine's Day
Seriously, you are probably wondering how the heck this one crept into a list of hardcore action/violence type films. Meh. It was actually pretty good... all things considered. The storylines were predictably intertwined, amusedly romantic, and, thank God, not horribly gushy. Overall very campy, but still stuck with the Hollywood stigma that sex equals love. Why do they introduce half the couples (that aren't even married) in the bedroom??
Surrogates and Gamer
Two movies, nearly same plot. In surrogates, we all have secondary robot bodies that we live and experience life through, at no danger to our wasting away real selves. Well, we think we're safe anyway. On the other hand, Gamer takes the concepts of Sims and Call of War(or other similar games) and allows gamers to experience them through real people whose brains have been replaced by remotely controllable nanites. Of course, since there is a human factor involved, the technology in these two movies is predictably doing awry. Surrogates was by far the better of the two though. Surrogates simply felt more plausible, while Gamer, the movie, seems to exist only to mindlessly show gratutious sex and violence.
Now aside from movies, I do watch the Olympics a little, ya know. This is just a thought of mine, but look out for America's Mirai Nagasu in the next winter Olympics. I bet she'll be a contender because she came in fourth despite only being 16 years old. That was despite being the last to skate. Congrats to her.
Laters.
*Spoilers Abound... be aware.*
Zombieland
Really fun, how many zombies can we creatively kill and still have a plot semi-present. Highly recommend this movie if you like Zombie Apocalypse gone Campy. The OCD weirdo kid does wonders too with his arbitrary set of rules. Rule #2 Double Tap.
A Dangerous Man
A typical Steven Seagall film, full of overdone "I can kill baddies with my bare hands" action, and some horrible cheesy success sequences. Definitely not his best movie, but I'll give it an ok. Besides, how does this guy always seem to get the girl in the end?
Universal Soldier: Regeneration
Jean Claude Van Damm looks old in this one and, though the concepts were somewhat intriguing, the fighting ended up looking flat because of them. Okay movie, but really there wasn't anything special about it.
Blood Creek
The only thing I can say that made this movie entertaining was the end, the significance of the map, and the new purpose that the waif brother gained. Besides that, if you like half-baked occult thrillers where you are pretty sure everyone is going to die, you might like this one. I didn't.
Wrong side of Town
Ironically, I liked this one. The fighting was realistic enough and the storyline kept me just enough in suspense so that the mix was just right. Although, really the movie is just one of those that starts off with an accidental death that sparks a vengence trip for the villain. Not a must see, but better than your run-of-the-mill action flick.
Law-Abiding Citizen
Okay, this movie is basically Edge of Darkness with a twist. The villain is kind of the good guy...well, maybe. That, of course, is what makes this story keep the suspense gauge on high for the entire movie. Really like this one, but Edge of Darkness outclasses it.
Edge of Darkness
Mel Gibson is hardcore, just remember that. This movie is like the movie Taken, but with a more intelligent human element instead of the overdone mindless violence train wreck that vengence can bring. I can't tell you anymore without giving something away, but this movie is moving and might even move you to tears. Epic.
Valentine's Day
Seriously, you are probably wondering how the heck this one crept into a list of hardcore action/violence type films. Meh. It was actually pretty good... all things considered. The storylines were predictably intertwined, amusedly romantic, and, thank God, not horribly gushy. Overall very campy, but still stuck with the Hollywood stigma that sex equals love. Why do they introduce half the couples (that aren't even married) in the bedroom??
Surrogates and Gamer
Two movies, nearly same plot. In surrogates, we all have secondary robot bodies that we live and experience life through, at no danger to our wasting away real selves. Well, we think we're safe anyway. On the other hand, Gamer takes the concepts of Sims and Call of War(or other similar games) and allows gamers to experience them through real people whose brains have been replaced by remotely controllable nanites. Of course, since there is a human factor involved, the technology in these two movies is predictably doing awry. Surrogates was by far the better of the two though. Surrogates simply felt more plausible, while Gamer, the movie, seems to exist only to mindlessly show gratutious sex and violence.
Now aside from movies, I do watch the Olympics a little, ya know. This is just a thought of mine, but look out for America's Mirai Nagasu in the next winter Olympics. I bet she'll be a contender because she came in fourth despite only being 16 years old. That was despite being the last to skate. Congrats to her.
Laters.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Ong Bak II
Okay, so I picked this movie up a while back because even though the first one was cheesy at times, it had some solid action sequences. Ong Bak II though fails where the first succeeded.
* SPOILER ALERT! *
The first movie was characterized mainly by hardcore muay thai hand fighting, but the second movie is basically a weapon's fest. That is hardly a point to complain about, though, I guess. I just prefer the hand fighting so my expectations were a little dashed to pieces. Also, this bothers me because of my past martial arts experience but whereas being an expert of one fighting skill such as muay thai is plausible, Tian's mastery of so many weapons is rather unlikely if not impossible.
The main point of contention for me though is the attempt at a storyline. The first Ong Bak was hardcore fighting sequence after hardcore sequence spread out along a plot string. A highly appropriate approach for a movie that is basically just action. Ong Bak II, however, tried a gradual development by offering key information about the main character in flashbacks, right before they became relevant. This failed because it slowed the escalation of the fighting and made the character seem a little mindless.
*MEGA Spoiler Alert *
The lamest thing though was the explanation for why the main character dies at the end. Karma, what goes around comes around.. and apparently it's all his fault? Seriously, the evil emperor is still alive at the end... and you know, evil emperors are supposed to die. It's the virtue of them being evil. The movie ended by essentially dropping an anvil on your foot.
Oh yeah, he's come so far, trying to kill the man that killed his father and wiped out his clan, and then when he does kill his dad's killer, which was his adopted father, it ends. The emperor announces that Tian should be taken away and slowly tortured before he is killed. Then the omnipotent voice of the narrator comes in to explain how this is the fitting end for Tian because of Karma. Whatever. The emperor should have been sold into slavery to properly meet the Karma his life deserved and that didn't happen. Is consistency so hard to ask for?
不満だ。
* SPOILER ALERT! *
The first movie was characterized mainly by hardcore muay thai hand fighting, but the second movie is basically a weapon's fest. That is hardly a point to complain about, though, I guess. I just prefer the hand fighting so my expectations were a little dashed to pieces. Also, this bothers me because of my past martial arts experience but whereas being an expert of one fighting skill such as muay thai is plausible, Tian's mastery of so many weapons is rather unlikely if not impossible.
The main point of contention for me though is the attempt at a storyline. The first Ong Bak was hardcore fighting sequence after hardcore sequence spread out along a plot string. A highly appropriate approach for a movie that is basically just action. Ong Bak II, however, tried a gradual development by offering key information about the main character in flashbacks, right before they became relevant. This failed because it slowed the escalation of the fighting and made the character seem a little mindless.
*MEGA Spoiler Alert *
The lamest thing though was the explanation for why the main character dies at the end. Karma, what goes around comes around.. and apparently it's all his fault? Seriously, the evil emperor is still alive at the end... and you know, evil emperors are supposed to die. It's the virtue of them being evil. The movie ended by essentially dropping an anvil on your foot.
Oh yeah, he's come so far, trying to kill the man that killed his father and wiped out his clan, and then when he does kill his dad's killer, which was his adopted father, it ends. The emperor announces that Tian should be taken away and slowly tortured before he is killed. Then the omnipotent voice of the narrator comes in to explain how this is the fitting end for Tian because of Karma. Whatever. The emperor should have been sold into slavery to properly meet the Karma his life deserved and that didn't happen. Is consistency so hard to ask for?
不満だ。
Sunday, February 14, 2010
I'm nervous about JET
Dear other nail-biters,
Yes, we've all been here before, I believe, that is what makes it so visceral, so universally understood. Before a momentous occasion, our stomachs fill with butterflies and we can't sleep or even hold still. The only thing we know is that we really feel odd. You know the situation will reach its apox, but it just can't get over with fast enough, right? Or sometimes you just wish you had that much more time to prepare.
I feel like I am constantly stuck in that position of late. School tests attack on the horizon. Work waits in the wings. My own questions bubble up in internal struggles. Graduation approaches steadily. My near future even hinges on an inbound interview. Yet, despite my mental assurances and confidence, indwelling or otherwise, my butterflies go nuts. For whatever reason though, when I have no pressing goal or someone to talk directly to, my chest seems to come alive and keep me on edge.
An edge quite possibly on the brink of a precipice. I just have to keep in mind that the job for which I am applying was made for me, just as much as I seem to have been formed for it.
Check it out: http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/JET/jobs_cir2010.html
Duties
a. Translation of Japanese to English? Not worried about that at all. I've been doing that mentally for years. I've even done it on paper a number of times. Now, if they wanted me to translate English into Japanese... well, there is a bit of a learning curve there. My logical conclusion is that I can do it, but I wouldn't see why they would hire me for my English skills only to listen to my Japanese.
b. English Instruction? Okay, now this I can do no problem. I've received my TESOL certificate. Additionally, I do this for my Japanese friends as much as I can. I even have some basic experience teaching English already in Japan. However, the most important thing is that I can and have done English instruction for fun for quite some time now.
c. Planning? Half the time the only thing stopping me from doing all the planning for events is that I don't want to become the "self-appointed leader." The other half of the time, I am prevented from being involved for any variety of reasons. However, as soon as you tack on that "international exchange" aspect of the event, I am so there. I probably feel most comfortable around groups that are strongly of the internationally adventerous.
d. Teach about Japanese culture and support activities for those residing in Japan? I'm no certified expert, by any means, but I already can confidently say that I know a lot about Japanese culture. Sometimes I even surprise my friends, but of the most significance is that I seek to learn what I don't know. Imagine that kind of mindset in an eternal loop of learning: That's called studying abroad.
e. Ooh! I might have to learn new things, or things related to an organization that I haven't met at this time. I catch on quick, or so I like to think about myself, so I would just have to put myself into the forward thinking mindset needed to master a new task. I see this as a part of life's adventure and my quest towards being a Jack-of-all-trades.
Eligibility
a. Genuine interest in Japan. If I don't have this, no one does. Japan has simply been my life for the last 5-6 years and I still know I don't know enough.
b. Health check. I'm not insane, and I'm not weak. I'm simply normal here.
c. Ability to adapt to Japan. Already did this for one year in Japan.
d. Laws. I believe firmly that laws exist for a reason and should be followed. No complications therein.
e. I've never been on probation or been in jail before.
f. Citizen of the US. Yes. That may never change.
g. I'm still young and 40 is a long way off in my mind.
h. English skills. Hello, native speaker here. Also, I've been told I'm a good listener (thanks Hiroshi) and I know from working with international students how to be understood.
i. Never been in Jet, yet, but sure as heck want to be.
j. I have never declined a JET offer because this is the first time I've applied.
k. I've only been in Japan one year so a six year cap is a long way off for me.
l. I'm going to assume that I'm down with this. If they get me a job, I will not complain about my residence status... nor would I even if I didn't get a job.
m. Wait, I never caught this before. I can initiate events in my area? O_O goldmine. Why wouldn't I do that? I will do that.
n. I graduate this May... can you believe that?
o. 僕はどれほど日本語が操れるということだね。 完璧じゃないけど僕は僕の英語に対して同じ事を言うんだと思います。 日本語能力試験一級はまだですが手がもうちょっと延ばしたら届けそうな的だと思います。 だから、僕の日本語のレベルにはちょっと心配していないです。 まだ上達している途中ですし。
以上です。
The only thing to do now is to sleep, keep at my daily life, and make sure I graduate. Of course, I also have my interview and pass my managerial test this week. Look out world, here I come.
Sincerely,
The one who is stepping up to the plate.
Yes, we've all been here before, I believe, that is what makes it so visceral, so universally understood. Before a momentous occasion, our stomachs fill with butterflies and we can't sleep or even hold still. The only thing we know is that we really feel odd. You know the situation will reach its apox, but it just can't get over with fast enough, right? Or sometimes you just wish you had that much more time to prepare.
I feel like I am constantly stuck in that position of late. School tests attack on the horizon. Work waits in the wings. My own questions bubble up in internal struggles. Graduation approaches steadily. My near future even hinges on an inbound interview. Yet, despite my mental assurances and confidence, indwelling or otherwise, my butterflies go nuts. For whatever reason though, when I have no pressing goal or someone to talk directly to, my chest seems to come alive and keep me on edge.
An edge quite possibly on the brink of a precipice. I just have to keep in mind that the job for which I am applying was made for me, just as much as I seem to have been formed for it.
Check it out: http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/JET/jobs_cir2010.html
Duties
a. Translation of Japanese to English? Not worried about that at all. I've been doing that mentally for years. I've even done it on paper a number of times. Now, if they wanted me to translate English into Japanese... well, there is a bit of a learning curve there. My logical conclusion is that I can do it, but I wouldn't see why they would hire me for my English skills only to listen to my Japanese.
b. English Instruction? Okay, now this I can do no problem. I've received my TESOL certificate. Additionally, I do this for my Japanese friends as much as I can. I even have some basic experience teaching English already in Japan. However, the most important thing is that I can and have done English instruction for fun for quite some time now.
c. Planning? Half the time the only thing stopping me from doing all the planning for events is that I don't want to become the "self-appointed leader." The other half of the time, I am prevented from being involved for any variety of reasons. However, as soon as you tack on that "international exchange" aspect of the event, I am so there. I probably feel most comfortable around groups that are strongly of the internationally adventerous.
d. Teach about Japanese culture and support activities for those residing in Japan? I'm no certified expert, by any means, but I already can confidently say that I know a lot about Japanese culture. Sometimes I even surprise my friends, but of the most significance is that I seek to learn what I don't know. Imagine that kind of mindset in an eternal loop of learning: That's called studying abroad.
e. Ooh! I might have to learn new things, or things related to an organization that I haven't met at this time. I catch on quick, or so I like to think about myself, so I would just have to put myself into the forward thinking mindset needed to master a new task. I see this as a part of life's adventure and my quest towards being a Jack-of-all-trades.
Eligibility
a. Genuine interest in Japan. If I don't have this, no one does. Japan has simply been my life for the last 5-6 years and I still know I don't know enough.
b. Health check. I'm not insane, and I'm not weak. I'm simply normal here.
c. Ability to adapt to Japan. Already did this for one year in Japan.
d. Laws. I believe firmly that laws exist for a reason and should be followed. No complications therein.
e. I've never been on probation or been in jail before.
f. Citizen of the US. Yes. That may never change.
g. I'm still young and 40 is a long way off in my mind.
h. English skills. Hello, native speaker here. Also, I've been told I'm a good listener (thanks Hiroshi) and I know from working with international students how to be understood.
i. Never been in Jet, yet, but sure as heck want to be.
j. I have never declined a JET offer because this is the first time I've applied.
k. I've only been in Japan one year so a six year cap is a long way off for me.
l. I'm going to assume that I'm down with this. If they get me a job, I will not complain about my residence status... nor would I even if I didn't get a job.
m. Wait, I never caught this before. I can initiate events in my area? O_O goldmine. Why wouldn't I do that? I will do that.
n. I graduate this May... can you believe that?
o. 僕はどれほど日本語が操れるということだね。 完璧じゃないけど僕は僕の英語に対して同じ事を言うんだと思います。 日本語能力試験一級はまだですが手がもうちょっと延ばしたら届けそうな的だと思います。 だから、僕の日本語のレベルにはちょっと心配していないです。 まだ上達している途中ですし。
以上です。
The only thing to do now is to sleep, keep at my daily life, and make sure I graduate. Of course, I also have my interview and pass my managerial test this week. Look out world, here I come.
Sincerely,
The one who is stepping up to the plate.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Of Journals and the Lightning Thief Movie
I can hardly believe I am doing this but I guess I'm going to start writing more of an anecdotal set of pieces of my daily life. Translation: I'm writing a journal, I guess. I was ribbed by a someone today about how little I write on Mixi. I got to wondering and next thing I knew I was here at my keyboard listening to "Carol of the Bells" and eating a snack.
I am usually more of an introspective/analytical writer, so writing on what I did recently feels a little odd. I guess I sometimes just don't do normal very well. I prefer to take what is normal and shake it up as I inject a little spice. The typical format of a journal, for example, is something like "Dear Journal..", "Dear Diary" etc.
A year or so ago, when I once again tried to start writing a paper journal, I addressed them to various non-existant entities. Dear Enlightened Reader, Dear World Trekkie, Dear Relaxed Reader and on and on. Additionally, I wrote a magnificient intro explaining how you wouldn't learn anything about me by reading my journal. A statement that is all too true.
So, have you caught that I haven't actually broken away from my usual style yet? Let me flip the world on its head and scream into the ears of these tulips then. Yet, I need an audience imaginary or not, to focus my thoughts on.
Dear moviegoer who has read this far,
I just got back from seeing the movie "The Lightning Thief." I rather enjoyed the movie because of intricacies from Percy's sword pen to the cute little gold drachmas. The cast even was rather well chosen, although I had expected Grover to be a bit more bumbling which is directly connected to my next point.
Simply, Read the Book!
Yeah, you've got the minotaur fight scene, the journey to Hades, the meeting of the gods in Mt. Olympus, and other such flashy stuff, but for starters, what happened to Dionysius? Wasn't he placed in timeout by being made the camp leader? Moreover, wasn't Percy's cabin, a, well, cabin, not some out-of-doors-way-off-in-a-secluded-area dock? Don't even get me started on the rainbow communication lines.
Okay bullet point list time:
~ Percy first uses the sword against his teacher, the fury.
~ Oh, and he killed her, she didn't run away
~ They fight the furies a second time
~ A Hellhound broke into camp halfblood after he arrived
~ Percy spent a long time in the book not knowing which god he was the son of.
~ He broke the horn off the minotaur while riding on its back.
~ He was only out for two days? (three in the movie?)
~ He had to fly in an airplane in the book at least once.
~ Why did they leave our Ares?
~ Thalia too was left out completely.
~ The pen has a name: Riptide/Anaklusmos
~ The kids didn't get drugged in the casino by lotuses
~ They had green lotus cash cards.
~ Cerebeus was supposed to be guarding the Gates to Hades
~ Crusty the strecher was left out completely
~ In Hades, the kids had to walk a lot
~ Charon had an "EZ Death" entrance
~ Persephone wasn't even in Hades when they visited.
~ Ares placed the Bolt in Percy's Backpack
~ Hades also was missing something: Helm of darkness
~ The oracle which prophesied was left out.
~ Annabeth didn't have her yankees cap.
~ Mist prevented humans from seeing things they shouldn't
~ Flying Percy would have been killed by Zeus
~ Flying Grover however was A-ok
~ Speaking of Grover, he was psychically connected to Percy.
Yes, those are by no means all the things changed by the movie makers, but I tell you, the discrepancy list feels far longer for this movie than it did for LOTR or Harry Potter. Meh, if I hadn't read the book I would have absolutely loved the movie, but I can solidly feel the disparity between the two. Flip to any random page in the book and you will encounter at least one disparity.
I am usually more of an introspective/analytical writer, so writing on what I did recently feels a little odd. I guess I sometimes just don't do normal very well. I prefer to take what is normal and shake it up as I inject a little spice. The typical format of a journal, for example, is something like "Dear Journal..", "Dear Diary" etc.
A year or so ago, when I once again tried to start writing a paper journal, I addressed them to various non-existant entities. Dear Enlightened Reader, Dear World Trekkie, Dear Relaxed Reader and on and on. Additionally, I wrote a magnificient intro explaining how you wouldn't learn anything about me by reading my journal. A statement that is all too true.
So, have you caught that I haven't actually broken away from my usual style yet? Let me flip the world on its head and scream into the ears of these tulips then. Yet, I need an audience imaginary or not, to focus my thoughts on.
Dear moviegoer who has read this far,
I just got back from seeing the movie "The Lightning Thief." I rather enjoyed the movie because of intricacies from Percy's sword pen to the cute little gold drachmas. The cast even was rather well chosen, although I had expected Grover to be a bit more bumbling which is directly connected to my next point.
Simply, Read the Book!
Yeah, you've got the minotaur fight scene, the journey to Hades, the meeting of the gods in Mt. Olympus, and other such flashy stuff, but for starters, what happened to Dionysius? Wasn't he placed in timeout by being made the camp leader? Moreover, wasn't Percy's cabin, a, well, cabin, not some out-of-doors-way-off-in-a-secluded-area dock? Don't even get me started on the rainbow communication lines.
Okay bullet point list time:
~ Percy first uses the sword against his teacher, the fury.
~ Oh, and he killed her, she didn't run away
~ They fight the furies a second time
~ A Hellhound broke into camp halfblood after he arrived
~ Percy spent a long time in the book not knowing which god he was the son of.
~ He broke the horn off the minotaur while riding on its back.
~ He was only out for two days? (three in the movie?)
~ He had to fly in an airplane in the book at least once.
~ Why did they leave our Ares?
~ Thalia too was left out completely.
~ The pen has a name: Riptide/Anaklusmos
~ The kids didn't get drugged in the casino by lotuses
~ They had green lotus cash cards.
~ Cerebeus was supposed to be guarding the Gates to Hades
~ Crusty the strecher was left out completely
~ In Hades, the kids had to walk a lot
~ Charon had an "EZ Death" entrance
~ Persephone wasn't even in Hades when they visited.
~ Ares placed the Bolt in Percy's Backpack
~ Hades also was missing something: Helm of darkness
~ The oracle which prophesied was left out.
~ Annabeth didn't have her yankees cap.
~ Mist prevented humans from seeing things they shouldn't
~ Flying Percy would have been killed by Zeus
~ Flying Grover however was A-ok
~ Speaking of Grover, he was psychically connected to Percy.
Yes, those are by no means all the things changed by the movie makers, but I tell you, the discrepancy list feels far longer for this movie than it did for LOTR or Harry Potter. Meh, if I hadn't read the book I would have absolutely loved the movie, but I can solidly feel the disparity between the two. Flip to any random page in the book and you will encounter at least one disparity.
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