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So for whoever actually reads this,I've switched to a proper blog site now
http://ilikeitbutidont.livejournal.com/
I watched this film yesterday at the Reitz Union and this is one of the most interesting movie I have seen for a while. Three Extremes consists of three short films directed by three different Asian directors. "Dumpling" is set in China, "Cut" in South Korea and "Box" in Japan.
"Dumpling" was the most shocking of the three. The plot is that a middle aged Chinese women wants to look more youthful and she goes to extreme measures to carry this out. She goes to Aunt Mei who specialises in this and who carries out other various illegal activities. Anyway, her special method to look more radiant is to eat dumplings. However, in these dumplings are basically chopped up fetuses. There are some harrowing scenes (which people walked out of the cinema) including an abortion scene and the ending scene. The abortion was carried out home style and the reason for this teenager to do this was because, one the baby was a girl and secondly, it's father would have also been it's grandfather.
Obviously the use of fetuses in this film is quite vulgar, as one of my friends described it but I still enjoyed the film. I am by no means a sicko lol, I guess I am just not easily freaked out unlike some. Asian style films are definitely more interesting to watch for me, they know how to create horror unlike the American produced 'shockers'.
Another thing to point out is that the shocking reality is that this actually happens in China. I have only seen pictures but I believe it to exist. There were other morals to this film, such as society's obsession with youth and beauty and the ongoing fact that in China, women are looked down at if they give birth to a girl. That is why many women have abortions there.
The second film, "Cut" slightly reminded me of "Saw". "Cut" brings up moral points about the fairness of society which it does rather poorly and the film industry.
"Box" is a genuine film about jealousy and murder between two young acrobats and guilt. It iscompletely worth the time to watch. This had more of an artistic feel to it.
Thought I'd share this with those with don't know what it is since the day doesn't exist in the U.S. It's on 28th February this year:
Shrove Tuesday, is traditionally a day for some merry-making - a last 'fling' before the long fast. It is best remembered today with making pancakes. (cannot wait *grin*). For most people it is just pancake day and nothing more, But the custom arose through the need to use up food items, which were forbidden during Lent.
Pancakes were, and still are believed to be of good luck in many areas of the world as they contained many herbs and food items associated with the prosperity and longevity.
Made from batter and fried, in fat, the ingredients symbolise four crucial points of significance at this time of year:
Eggs ~ Creation
Flour ~ The staff of life
Salt ~ Wholesomeness
Milk ~ Purity
The word 'Shrove' refers to the practice of confessing of sins, then afterwards the fast of Lent could be considered a penance of faults committed.
Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, was a solemn occasion, deriving its name from the ancient practice of blessing of the ashes, the priest using the occasion to remind his congregation that they too must reurn to ashes.
A TRADITIONAL BASIC PANCAKE Recipe:
INGREDIENTS
1/2 Ib (220g) self raising flour
1 pint (500 ml)milk
2 eggs
pinch salt
1 1/2 oz (40 g) lard
1 lemon
sugar for sprinkling
METHOD
Sieve the flour and salt into a basin, making a well in the centre. Break the eggs one at a time and pour into the well. Gradually beat the eggs and flour together, adding the milk little by little until creamy consisitency has been reached. Beat the batter for a few minutes to aerate it, and leave to stand for an hour or so if possible.
Heat the frying pan or griddle with a little lard and pour enough batter to cover the area needed. Cook until the top is dry, and then either toss or turn the pancake and cook the other side until brown.
Turn out onto a greaseproof paper, sprinkle with sugar and lemon juice as desired and roll up before serving.
I do enjoy this class a lot. I enjoy the topics and the discussions we have. It nice to hear American and international perspectives on things. We were discussing culture shock today and a girl in my class who had interned in London last summer said that she was so surprised that people in London during lunchbreak go the pub and drink a lot...and this is the norm! I found that quite hilarious. Further proof that England has a drinking culture to it lol.
These are some of the things I have found different or not expected of the U.S whilst I have been here:
1. Religion is a very important issue in America. I was so surprised with the vast amount of churches, even just in Gainesville. A lot of people list their favourite book on Facebook, "The Bible"...yikes!
2. It would be so easy to use stolen credit/debit cards here (unless it was reported of course!) Cashiers swipe your card and automatically give it back to you. No need to check the signature! I remember when I worked in stores, there is a lot of emphasis to check signatures match for obvious reasons
3. The French mentioned how they thought dating rules seemed to be slightly different and fast food - how there is so much here. Also the issue of IDing if you wanted wine/alcohol.
4. A lot of the Americans who had studied abroad in Europe (Italy, Spain) found the different eating time difficult to adjust to. Over here, Americans tend to eat at early times e.g. dinner at 6/7pm. In Spain, they eat dinner around 830, which is the time I am used to eating as well back in England.
5. A girl in my class used to live in Argentina and she mentioned how between 1-5pm, this is an official nap time for everybody. Shops shut, there are no classes. Four hours is a long time for nap time!
6. If you are in Paris, don't make eye contact with strangers. It could lead to bad things according to my French lecturer
Why does all the chicken Ramen noodle (in America) smell like curry? It's not nice
I only just started watching this show today, since Ben has the Season 1 boxset and I am already loving this show because of the fabulous, grumpy Dr House. The fun of sarcarsm haha
So on Friday night, leaving The Venue, a bunch of us are greeted by police on horses. They were trying to get people to go home, which was what we'd obviously be doing after 2am in Gainesville! The police were so rude though, pushing people onto the streets off the paths (into cars!). They even picked on poor Scotty...one cop grabbed him (whilst sitting on the poor horse) and just dragged him across the streets. There would have been less chaos without the police being there!!
Gotta get in the study mode again, I've done quite well this semester in keeping up with reading and watching online lectures. Four exams, two presentations and two reports to look forward to this coming fortnight, yah!
Wooh...in the past few days, I have been finalising my travelling plans on the very small budget I have. I finally booked my ticket back home for a very cheap deal.
After we get kicked out of uni on 5th May Cara, Jane and I are planning to spend a few days in Las Vegas where Jane's sister is coming down to visit. Then the three of us are planning to spend a week driving back from Las Vegas to Gainesville. We're still in the stages of planning, don't know if it's feasible but we really want to drive across the states outside of Florida. From some research, it would take 33 hours and approx 2245 miles!!
I then plan to spend a few days at Ben's house in Jacksonville before flying to Chicago on the 18th May. I will spend two nights in Chicago on my own to do the usual sightseeing stuff...oh dear I'm really going to have to minimise my luggage, don't know how seeing as I will have to carry all the stuff that's going home. I'll think about that nearer the time, I'm just really excited to be visiting Chicago. The tickets were realy cheap, it was by luck that I found out that STA travel were having a cheap sale day. Jacksonville to Chicago ticket cost $105 and Chicago - London Heathrow = $290. Could have flew back home for $280 if I went New York or Washington DC but I was more keen to go Chicago. Anyway, I'll be back in the UK on Sunday May 21st. Really don't want to leave America though, I'm having so much fun here!
Moving on to Spring Break! I am going to The Bahamas on March 10 - 14. Four nights with Jane, Jorge, Alvaro and Mark. Should be fun. This trip cost $439 which is pretty good since the package includes the (5 Star!!)hotel, travelling to Bahamas by cruise boat (only six hours), travel to/from hotel, some food and drinks, entry to parties. The Sheraton Hotel looks really good, I have to see it to believe it though lol
Yeah, that's pretty much where I am going to travel for the remainders of my year here at UF. Can't afford anything else. The only other activities I am going to do is backpacking which is coming up very soon and skydiving in April (once Mario FINALLY turns 18!)
My stomach muscles are killing me today, can't move properly. It must be from doing an abs class yesterday at the gym, can't be from dancing last night.
There was a very rude old lady at Macys. I found it unbelievable the way she spoke to a staff member, ordering her about. A woman of her age should know better.
In America, "Where's Wally?" was called "Where's Waldo?"
Yea so I'm not very good at writing here often...but I'm here now! Right now, I am watching my online lecture and I just wanted to say that I really would love to smack my Principles of Management lecturer, John Hall on the head. He frustrates me so much for some reason, I can listen to him but not watch him. He is so slow and unfunny. I'm trying to think of words to describe him but I can't right now.
Friday, I had a meeting with David Dein who is the campus minister of the Presbyterian & Disciples of Christ Student Center at UF. He worked at Aston University for six years until Aug 05, when he came back to America to work. Since my placement tutor, Neeru had a bad back and couldn't fly out he interviewed me instead. It was just an informal chat and he told me a lot about his life. It was good to chat to him, he was a very open minded guy. He mentioned a couple of things that frustrated him which I found interesting. This included people having a stereotype of what vicars, priests, etc are i.e. bible bashing people who try to push their views down other people's throats. Chatted over two hours with him and I will probably see him before I leave again.
The thunderstorms were back in force again, denting a possible night out venture. I did finally get to go Chopstix tho. Chopstix is a Pan Asian restaurant. We had to wait 30 minutes to be seated so Sam, Diana and I decided to go next door to the XMart (Adult Supercenter Store). They actually ID you before you can step into a world filled with nasty goodies.
At the restaurant I had spring rolls, Four Seasons as an entree and Banana Tempura for dessert. It was so nice to have COOKED vegetables. Hmm who else do you know gets so excited about vegetables?? Just me then. Ended up playing games (Game Of Life)at night. I am the President now.
Saturday, Diana's Cousin Kyle came down from his golf school in North/South? Carolina. Along with Sam, Ben, Steph, David and Diana, we went to Cafe Gardens for brunch. I love this place for it's sweet potatoe fries. It's soo delicious. There must be a place somewhere in England that sells these...otherwise I'm going to have to learn to make these myself. I could even open up my own store, alongside selling smoothies & Waffle fries! Who knows...I'm sure there is a market for it.
I then had an uneventful trip to Walmart & Publix on my own. Nearly got run over by a car speeding round the corner. Doesn't help that I'm still not used as to which direction cars come from. Oh well, the driver wasn't amused. He stopped the car and kept shouting "you stupid hoe" over and over again. That was all I could hear from outside the music playing through my headphones anyway.
Went out to eat (again!) for dinner. I'm used to eating out once a fortnight, not three times in space of two days, gotta watch the money yikes. We originally planned to go Mellow Mushroom but since there was 15 of us, that idea wasn't feasible so we went to Farahs instead. I was too busy watching the Gators play basketball on TV to engross myself in conversation. Is that rude?
It was Charles 22nd birthday today. A group of us brought him a bottle of nice wine and a Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey and Cookie Dough Ice Cream cake. Afterwards we( Cara, Jane,Morgane,Aimee,Charles,Simon,Dmitri,Sam,Sean Haley) headed out at 1215am to a drum and bass party downtown called Infrared. We didn't have much time since all clubs love closing at 2am. This was a completely different club to everything else I have seen in Gainesville. It was held in a basement type room underground with lots of red flashing lights..geddit?? The name of the club, clever isn't it *ok I will stop being sarcastic* It wasn't very busy, perhaps less than 50 people but it was a nice change to listen to music other than RnB in a Gainesville club. The others were loving that they got over 21 wristband so they could buy drinks. I also have to mention that Dmitri, this Belarus guy who lives on Weaver 3 is even more crazy than I originally thought. He was giving it all on the dancefloor, well he was banging his head and doing jerking dancing a lot. There was also a lot of random shoutouts on the floor, people suddenly just shout out "Fuck!" and "Yeah!" in an extremely loud voice and everybody else joins in.
Afterwards, a few of us stopped off at a frat (Delta Epsilom) party. Had a better experience compared to the first time I was here. Danced a bit..beer was disgusting. Got back to Weaver around 430am and went to Jorge's room where the others were. Played a prank on this guy next door, it was a funny end to the night. Can't be bothered to write what we did but let's just say the guy wasn't amused with what we did. Went up to bed at 615am where the birds had already started tweeting an hour ago and feel asleep after 7am.
There was a Chinese New Year exhibition/party thing that was also on yesterday at the same time as Superbowl...maybe I should have checked that out instead since I haven't felt like I have celebrated the New Year in this year but too late.
So, yesterday was Superbowl day. Seattle vs Pittsburgh. The closest of what I could describe the Superbowl as compared to another sporting event in the UK is the F.A. Cup. We went round The Man's house with lots of food including a Publix Superbowl cake! Very cute. Game started about 630 and finished just after 10. I actually watched it all surprisingly, though I may have looked like I was fast asleep on the floor to some people. The night before had caught up with me and watching the Superbowl doesn't help one to stay awake. Funny thing at the end, Yolisma slapped Sean. Oh and Seattle won 21-10. Final conclusion: Give me football (or even basketball) anyday over American football. I'm sure if I lived long enough in the US, I myself would become a massive American football fan since I love most sports if you give me enough time to get into it.
Each 30 second Superbowl advert costs a cheap $2.5 million...wow. Budweiser had 9 adverts alone which were quite good especially the magic fridge one.
Mon 30th: Had two exams today for International Marketing and Principles of Management. Did well in them. Had another group meeting after the night exam but this one didn't last too long thankfully. After the meeting I crammed for four hours for my Astronomy midterm which was tomorrow. Gator Dining also hosted a Chinese New Year dinner thing. It's Gator Dining so you can't expect too much from them in terms of food but it's a nice gesture.
Tues: Cramming isn't a good idea in case you don't already know that. It has to be dont time to time though. Only got 16/40 for Astronomy oops. At least I have the luxury of dropping my worst score though. I knew I had to work hard at this subject anyway since I knew absolutely nothing beforehand about this topic...I will be more prepared next time haha.
Wed: Had a group presentation today for International Marketing. I really shit myself when it comes to presentations. It's one of fears and I don't have many. I guess it's only like four minutes of your life, which is nothing really but I can still hate it. I'm going to have to get used to doing them anyway since I have many more to come for this class and I'm expecting loads when I actually have a proper job.
Today, Spike Lee (the well known director, producer, etc) came to UF to give a talk at the O'Dome about his life. For those that don't know, he produced Malcolm X. That's the only film/TV I can remember off the top of my head
It was also Fanny's 22nd birthday today. Since she was studying Russian this year, we brought her a Russian DVD film. She was delighted of course.
Thurs: Went out for dinner at a bistro to celebrate Fanny's birthday. Didn't go yesterday because the Spike Lee talk clashed. There was twelve of us (Fanny, Elodie, Hali, Raja, Morgane, Aimee, Anne, the two Charles, Cara & Jane). Basically the French versus the English. They all spoke French mostly throughout the dinner and me Cara and Jane just sat there amused. Then it was off clubbing to Ruebar at night in the pouring rain
Happy (late) New Year people!
I'm shattered
Having trouble sleeping, eczema is acting up and I seem to have toothache...all in all, a good day so far
Mon 16th: Learned a new concept today, 'brinner' = breakfast dinner. Makes sense really, never noticed that brunch stood for breakfast/lunch, just assumed it was a proper word. Ben prepared French Toast, eggs and bacon round the Host's house.
Tues: Went rock climbing at Sun Country (where Paul works) with Ben, Eric and Mario. It was a lot of fun and definitely works your body out. Last time I went was September I think. I went up three times but only completed one course. Was disappointed that I didn't complete the other two but my body was worn out and I couldn't stretch any further.
Wed: Went to see basketball game with Ben. Gators Vs Savannah State. What a mismatch...Gators won 113-62 to continue it's record winning streak to 17-0. I'm definitely enjoying being able to watch basketball again, especially in this kind of environment. I enjoyed playing basketball back in secondary school when I did it for GCSE PE but stopped playing after Year 11. It's a brilliant atmosphere in the O'Connell Center, it seats 12,000 people and all games on free on a first come, first served basis. I mentioned to Ben how it amuses me that before the start of every game, the national anthem is played out and it just shows how patriotic America is. Another thing I find funny is when the team is announced to the crowd. The start up is so theatrical and wonderful at the same time...the lights are dimmed, the spotlight is flying about, the crowd is whooping loudly and there is an energetic broadcaster (can't think of the right word here but broadcaster will have to do) booming out of the sound system...you have your cheerleaders around. It hits you that you are in America there.
Later on in the night, went to the local joint, Grog House. Actually met some of the new international people. Two of the new people on the first floor were Martin (French Canadian, lives in Mike's old room) and Mark (Aussie, living in Anders room). From the third floor was Alvaro (Chiliean, in Gauthier's room) and Jorge (Mexican, in Jakob's room). Seem like fun people. We're were already discussing Spring Break and going together. Jamaica is out of the question (too expensive), really would like to go to Mexico but Jorge said that if we wanted to go during Spring Break, Cancun would have been the best place to go but since it is still wrecked from the hurricanes, it's a no go. However, Bahamas looks like the top option at the moment...it's relatively cheap to get there and it's a beautiful place from what I have heard from friends who have already been there.
Thurs: Had my first midterm for Entrepreneurship already.
Fri: Went Rehab with the Cara, Jane, Aimee and the new guys we met the other day. Also met a new person, Delphine (French graduate student on the 2nd floor). I wanted to go to a house party my other friends were out at, I started walking to it but the guys were leaving so the afterparty was in Cara's room (it's the new place to be now we don't have access to the first floor), had Five Star pizza like the good old days. Sam joined as later on, she was drunk and couldn't walk. It was quite funny. Familiar times for some people eh?
Sat: Went jogging and out at night to Rehab again. That was a good night. I kinda got everybody (that's Sean Haley, Sean Lopez, Eric, Sam, Mario & Aimee) pissed up before heading out to the club...kept pouring them drinks. I am a responsible adult in case you don't know.
Sun: Went to Hops for dinner. $13.99 for a three course, I thought the restaurant was nice, service excellent, food was pretty good except I was already starting to become full before the main course had arrived. I took the desert home in the end because I couldn't move.
Historical event I have to quickly mention is that today was the first time Bo leapt up on his house. He's such a nifty little creature!
Mon: Signed up for backpacking today at TRIP. I was very lucky to get a space, they had all sold out when I arrived but a minute later I was told that two people had cancelled and there would be space on the March 3-5 to Cold Mountain. That was a perfect date for me. I had planned to go in April with Jane and Cara because they were the only dates they could go. It wouldn't have been the best weekend for me to go because I had a presentation scheduled the following Monday but I was so keen to go that I didn't care. All that doesn't matter now because I'm going in March now, hopefully should be fun and I should be slightly fitter by then! I don't have as many opportunities and options to do backpacking when I am in the UK so I am taking advantage of it whilst I'm here.
So I figured I should start writing what I get up to whilst I'm here otherwise I forget very easily. Plus I am actually meant to write a monthly journal as part of my study placement assignment but I haven't started yet, oops. Let's see how often I can keep up with this!
Fri 6th: Had an easygoing flight back into Orlando Airport, watched four movies (In Her Shoes, The Constant Gardener, The 40 Year Old Virgin & Goal)and had a whole row all to myself. Stayed in a hotel in Orlando overnight and caught the good old Greyhound back into Gainesville the next day.
Sat: Arrived back to Weaver around 4...an hour later I was already out. It was Roast Beef dinner night round Eric's House prepared by the ex CIA student Ben (that's Culinary Institute of America, he's not that gangster to be part of the Central Intelligence Agency :p )
Sun: The usual gang went to Hooters for dinner. They're popular for the waitresses and chicken wings but I personally don't find either that great hehe. Diana and I got a new roommate today. His name is Bo/Boo?? He's very shy...all he does is eat, sleep and shit a lot (like most males haha).
Mon: Classes start today for most people. Lazy me only has seven hours of classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays (Japanese Culture & Discover The Universe) BUT i do also have eight hours of online lectures per week for Principles of Management & Entrepreneurship. Went cinema, saw Hostel. The beautiful Jay Hernadez stars in it, that's all I have to say about that film.
Tues: So first day of class officially for me. Japanese Culture class seems okay, a lot of reading (which is the norm with most classes anyway). It's a small class with a (too) softly spoken petite Japanese lecturer. My hearing isn't that great in the first place so it didn't help that she spoke so quietly. Astronomy kinda overwhelmed me at first what with the science and maths being thrown in. The lecturer, Oliver is a cool old man who makes the subject lively. I was slightly apprehensive as to whether I should continue with the module because those who know me, know that I hate science. It was my worse subject back in the old days and it has been five years since I've done anything science related. I'll give it a try though.
Went GatorCity, it was a meet and greet night with the internationals. There were quite a lot of new internationals / people I had not seen before...met quite a few Dutch people. It was also Laura's (Utrecht chick) last week in Gainesville so she was out with me, Jane & Cara. Needless to say, they got pretty wasted.
Wed: Went to O'Connell Centre to watch basketball. Gators were playing against Mississippi State. Game ended 75-60 to Gators of course and they continued their winning streak to 15-0. Lost and One Tree Hill were back on TV today, yah! Was meant to be going out Grog tonight, me Jane and Cara walked to University Avenue and then a bright light in our heads switched on. We should have phoned Laura before actually stepping out to see if she was coming since it was for her benefit we were going out tonight. So we phoned and she is hungover from the night before so we didn't end up going Groggy. Went to Graham shop and brought lots of junk instead
Thurs: Dropped Japanese Culture class today. I was sitting through the whole two hours of the class trying to decide whether to carry on or drop. One of the reasons for this is because it is very much discussion based. Also I am not used to the lecturer's style of teaching, this is partly to do with the fact that I have mostly concentrated on business modules for the past five years and am used to one particular style of teaching. It's hard to adjust and I figured there's no point going to a class I am going to dread each lesson. I'm sticking with Astronomy because the class seems fun and I thought it might be useful to learn something different. I have never been interested in Astronomy in any point of my life but the opportunity is here for me so I'll take it. After my classes had finished for the day, I began searching for a different class to take up and today was the last chance to Drop/Add. I finally decided on International Marketing, which is another module I think I have chosen to do for my final year at Aston Uni. At first I couldn't add the class because it was full but that was soon sorted out by Business School administrators. Since I'm international, they're usually more lenient and squeezed me into the class I wanted. Now my only free day of the week is Fridays which is fine with me. I only have a maximum of two hours of classes each day anyway. have to take advantage of this before going back for final year!!
Entertainment for the night was Improv Comedy presented by the Theatre Strike Force, which lasted for nearly three hours. This is actually a class students can take at UF. It was free, funny and I will definetely try and go to more this term.
Fri: Didn't do much worthwhile to talk about. Went clubbing to Rehab since it was organised by IBS and it was free entry for the internationals. Once again, it was very packed and hot inside. Didn't help that upstairs wasn't open. Oh yea, Lopez brought a snake the other week and today was it's first feeding session. It eats mice...every two weeks. It's called Jose Cuerrvo (after his favourite tequila)
Sat: Went round The Man's house to watch The Big Lobowski before heading out to a house party organized by a friend of Sam. We turned up and there was a cop there. Stayed at party for like five minutes...what a disappointment (plus it was freezing outside except I couldn't feel it due to having a few shots before we headed out, yes the asian flush disease took over haha). Went back to the Man's house for drinks. Sometime later on, somebody received a call about a frat party so a few of us headed over there...I stayed for ten minutes before calling Eric (the designated driver) to pick me up. To sum it up, a random night in which not much was achieved.
Sun: Went jogging...really need to start the exercise thing again and the football stadium is perfect for running and doing steps. Two hour season premiere of 24 started today woohoo
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