First off, Matty wants me to mention that he's playing "Nazi Zombies." That's right: "Nazi Zombies." He's not really into it, but it is a good game for blowing off steam. He has heartburn and is annoyed at a friend, so "Nazi Zombies" it is. He also likes my reactions to human catchphrases, zombie screeches/cacklings, and nasty zombie heads getting blown off to display the proper amount of zombie blood spewing everywhere. One of the characters seems to have a particular distaste of zombie guts on his new shoes. I'll admit, it can be entertaining. ("Headshot: Boom; headshot." "Knee-deep in zombie **** and out of ammo! "Attention all shoppers, we have a special today on: DEATH." "Oh! The power's out. How suspicious." "This is more gory than a Goth party!")
So over this past week I've been building up my dream (that may actually come true) of moving to Seattle to attend Seattle Pacific University. Besides its location (a rainy artistic haven... sounds like Phimie heaven!), SPU seems to offer so much. They're even known for a wonderful writing program! It is a Christian college, so of course I feel the need to defend it, because I don't want to have everyone nagging me about going to a lame Christian college. First of all, not all Christian schools are bad. North County used to be a really good school. It still boasts some really good teachers, office staff, etc. It's sad that Christians are only taken notice of when they're hypocrites. Anyway, I'd like to major in psychology, and do think that a Christian college would best suit that area of study. Not because everything has to be from a "Christian perspective" (believe me, I've got plenty of hang-ups left over from NCCS), but because I don't want to take my entire education "with a grain of salt." The introductory psychology class I'm in at the moment is, so far, enjoyable, but my teacher has to constantly sidestep around anything with depth because depth requires some shred of truth, which it seems modern psychologists laugh at. No one can say "this is good," "this is bad," "this is depressing." A fellow student asked our professor if a sociopath could ever, through therapy, overcome some manipulative tendencies. Professor Barncastle (or, I guess, Colin) answered that at best a true sociopath could only learn to manipulate nicely. He could never really learn to care for other people enough to not want to manipulate them. The student stated that this "was sad." The professor replied "it is what it is." What is that supposed to mean? "It is what it is?" No, it's sad. That a person could never feel genuine affection toward another person is sad. Tragic, actually. But no, it "is what it is." Why? Because nothing means anything, because truth is nonexistent, because the sociopaths may just have the right idea. So then what is the point? Thus, my preference for a Christian college once I reach higher level classes. So all that came from my saying that I want to attend SPU. Nice.
Along with SPU comes living in Seattle. I have found my dream apartment complex: The Station at Othello Park. It is right downtown, nine minutes drive from SPU, literally on the light rail track, beautiful, very Scandinavian in its design, and brand new. The only complaint of its tenants is that the security it too high; somehow I don't think that would be much of an issue. Their lowest advertised price for a two bedroom unit is $1198 a month, and I'm quite positive that price does not include utilities. Of course I'm planning on sharing an apartment, so I'd be paying at least $700 a month. Probably not going to happen. But it is a fantasy, and fantasies by definition must be a bit fantastic. I have found a few other places with good reviews and lower prices, so when I really start looking to move I'll focus there.
So, those are my current dreams (I am of course discounting anything involving Sherlock, but you certainly don't want to hear about that). But, ironically, my dreams of college and independence quite distract me from things like, say, studying and learning to drive. Go on, mock all you like. It is true that I have not yet learned to drive. My parents and I have now made that a priority, so soon enough I shall be on the road! Can't you just see me in my little violet-grey fiesta, wearing my AMAZING red wool trench (Thank you Uncle Jeff and Aunt Jenny!), driving back into Seattle after a weekend at home, "Bridge Over Troubled Water" on the CD player... =D Wow, I resorted to an emoticon! But, alas, fantasies won't help me. I should just, you know, study.
I can't think of a transition, so, just so everyone knows, I am aware that the jump between the previous paragraph and the following paragraph is entirely random.
Actually, that is not entirely true. When I said, "But, alas, fantasies won't help me," I thought of Christine's words in 'Wishing You were Somehow Here Again' ("The Phantom of the Opera"): "Dreaming of you, won't help me do, all that you dreamed I could." Last Easter I watched a portion of a program about an Orthodox monastary. (This was not just because I'm Orthodox, the program happened to be on and I was interested.) An interviewer asked a monk about incessant prayer. He must have said something to the effect of it sounding impossible, because the monk smiled and said, "Just because I am talking to you, do you think I'm not praying?" Firstly, how awesome. That is something to strive for. Secondly, just to prove how obnoxious I am, I'll relate how I am like this monk. At most any point in time I could laugh and say to someone, "Just because I am talking to you, do you think I'm not quoting?"
In these blog posts I've decided, except where it would be entirely unbecoming, to communicate the quotes which pop into my head as I'm writing. After reading a few of these posts a person could knnow quite a bit of the first Sherlock episode, for the all-too-obvious reason that I'm obsessed and it is so wonderfully quotable. I can provide three quotes which I previously resisted: (from 'Matty's Reaction to My Blog') "Occationally he speaks...[to] tell me to shut up (only because I'm not saying anything)." QUOTE: "Shut up. "I didn't say anything." "You're thinking; it's annoying."; (from 'Sorry for the Lack of Posts...') "I should probably swing back on topic now to avoid making a further idiot out of myself." QUOTE: "Why didn't I think of that?" "Because you're an idiot--no, don't be offended by that; practically everyone is." (from earlier in this post, when I mentioned sociopaths... this is a more well-known quote, which is interesting because I entirely disagree with Sherlock) QUOTE: "I'm not a psychopath Anderson, I'm a high-functioning sociopath. Do your research." (It is evident before this line that Sherlock is not a sociopath. Oddly enough, in much of what I have read this line is quoted and taken as an honest desription of his character. It definately describes his character, but only because he says it about himself. He may even think he's speaking correctly. But the first time he speaks to John he says, "Oh, thank you." The tone and facial expression with which he says this show that he is much more used to being rudely addressed (exemplified by Mike Stramfords words to him moments before) and therefore quite surprised that John is actually being cordial. I'm not saying that Sherlock doesn't have difficulty empathizing with other people (another character which he brings to my mind is Danny from Chaim Potok's The Chosen--great book, by the way), but his proclaiming that he is a sociopath shows that he feels he, at least in part, should. I could easily go on like this for a really, really long time... but I will try very hard to stop now.
Last little Sherlock bit, and I won't even mention the show! I saw a Basil Rathbone film (I think the name was "The Scarlet Claw"). Rathbone's Sherlock was well done, I think, but it was difficult to pay attention to him when Watson was such a bumbling idiot. Watson is a whole lot more than a foil to Sherlock, in fact Sherlock is dumbed down when Watson is stupid. That's what makes Sherlock's intelligence so incredible: his most simple deductions blow away a man of what is normally considered above average intelligence. Watson is a doctor; he's pretty darn smart. So I can't get past Watson of the minescule brain. David Burke's Watson (along with Jeremy Brett's Sherlock) have now attained much of my favor. I've decided that "The Priory School" was not done very well. On the other hand, "The Musgrave Ritual" was expertly done. The characters and story were captured beautifully. If most of the films are like "The Musgrave Ritual," I'll agree entirely that Brett was the Sherlock of the books. (Do remember that I'm not allowed to mention my Sherlock.) I also watched another Sherlock adaptation which I watched before I even knew of Sherlock Holmes: "The Great Mouse Detective." It used to be one of my favorite movies, and when as a young child I watched it I truly didn't realize that I was watching Sherlock Holmes. I watched it last night for the first time since I was little, and loved it. Loved the characterizations, the parallels, that "Basil of Baker Street" lived in the walls of 221B... so much fun! Since I've covered every other Sherlock now, I should mention Robert Downey Jr. I liked him. I've read a lot of flak, but the movie was not supposed to follow the books. It took the characters and made a new story. It didn't alter the identity of Sherlock and Watson. Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law played off each other brilliantly. The Irene Adler bit was also enjoyable. But I'm all about characterization, and the characters shone very brightly. Plus the music was amazing. I could listen to "Discombobulate" a thousand times over, and the single violin which plays when the bomb goes off and seriously injures Watson is chilling.
Okay, well, I have more to write about, but it is three in the morning, and I have to get up tomorrow to study psychology, preferably before noon. Also, Matty and I have a coffee date...Night!
So over this past week I've been building up my dream (that may actually come true) of moving to Seattle to attend Seattle Pacific University. Besides its location (a rainy artistic haven... sounds like Phimie heaven!), SPU seems to offer so much. They're even known for a wonderful writing program! It is a Christian college, so of course I feel the need to defend it, because I don't want to have everyone nagging me about going to a lame Christian college. First of all, not all Christian schools are bad. North County used to be a really good school. It still boasts some really good teachers, office staff, etc. It's sad that Christians are only taken notice of when they're hypocrites. Anyway, I'd like to major in psychology, and do think that a Christian college would best suit that area of study. Not because everything has to be from a "Christian perspective" (believe me, I've got plenty of hang-ups left over from NCCS), but because I don't want to take my entire education "with a grain of salt." The introductory psychology class I'm in at the moment is, so far, enjoyable, but my teacher has to constantly sidestep around anything with depth because depth requires some shred of truth, which it seems modern psychologists laugh at. No one can say "this is good," "this is bad," "this is depressing." A fellow student asked our professor if a sociopath could ever, through therapy, overcome some manipulative tendencies. Professor Barncastle (or, I guess, Colin) answered that at best a true sociopath could only learn to manipulate nicely. He could never really learn to care for other people enough to not want to manipulate them. The student stated that this "was sad." The professor replied "it is what it is." What is that supposed to mean? "It is what it is?" No, it's sad. That a person could never feel genuine affection toward another person is sad. Tragic, actually. But no, it "is what it is." Why? Because nothing means anything, because truth is nonexistent, because the sociopaths may just have the right idea. So then what is the point? Thus, my preference for a Christian college once I reach higher level classes. So all that came from my saying that I want to attend SPU. Nice.
Along with SPU comes living in Seattle. I have found my dream apartment complex: The Station at Othello Park. It is right downtown, nine minutes drive from SPU, literally on the light rail track, beautiful, very Scandinavian in its design, and brand new. The only complaint of its tenants is that the security it too high; somehow I don't think that would be much of an issue. Their lowest advertised price for a two bedroom unit is $1198 a month, and I'm quite positive that price does not include utilities. Of course I'm planning on sharing an apartment, so I'd be paying at least $700 a month. Probably not going to happen. But it is a fantasy, and fantasies by definition must be a bit fantastic. I have found a few other places with good reviews and lower prices, so when I really start looking to move I'll focus there.
So, those are my current dreams (I am of course discounting anything involving Sherlock, but you certainly don't want to hear about that). But, ironically, my dreams of college and independence quite distract me from things like, say, studying and learning to drive. Go on, mock all you like. It is true that I have not yet learned to drive. My parents and I have now made that a priority, so soon enough I shall be on the road! Can't you just see me in my little violet-grey fiesta, wearing my AMAZING red wool trench (Thank you Uncle Jeff and Aunt Jenny!), driving back into Seattle after a weekend at home, "Bridge Over Troubled Water" on the CD player... =D Wow, I resorted to an emoticon! But, alas, fantasies won't help me. I should just, you know, study.
I can't think of a transition, so, just so everyone knows, I am aware that the jump between the previous paragraph and the following paragraph is entirely random.
Actually, that is not entirely true. When I said, "But, alas, fantasies won't help me," I thought of Christine's words in 'Wishing You were Somehow Here Again' ("The Phantom of the Opera"): "Dreaming of you, won't help me do, all that you dreamed I could." Last Easter I watched a portion of a program about an Orthodox monastary. (This was not just because I'm Orthodox, the program happened to be on and I was interested.) An interviewer asked a monk about incessant prayer. He must have said something to the effect of it sounding impossible, because the monk smiled and said, "Just because I am talking to you, do you think I'm not praying?" Firstly, how awesome. That is something to strive for. Secondly, just to prove how obnoxious I am, I'll relate how I am like this monk. At most any point in time I could laugh and say to someone, "Just because I am talking to you, do you think I'm not quoting?"
In these blog posts I've decided, except where it would be entirely unbecoming, to communicate the quotes which pop into my head as I'm writing. After reading a few of these posts a person could knnow quite a bit of the first Sherlock episode, for the all-too-obvious reason that I'm obsessed and it is so wonderfully quotable. I can provide three quotes which I previously resisted: (from 'Matty's Reaction to My Blog') "Occationally he speaks...[to] tell me to shut up (only because I'm not saying anything)." QUOTE: "Shut up. "I didn't say anything." "You're thinking; it's annoying."; (from 'Sorry for the Lack of Posts...') "I should probably swing back on topic now to avoid making a further idiot out of myself." QUOTE: "Why didn't I think of that?" "Because you're an idiot--no, don't be offended by that; practically everyone is." (from earlier in this post, when I mentioned sociopaths... this is a more well-known quote, which is interesting because I entirely disagree with Sherlock) QUOTE: "I'm not a psychopath Anderson, I'm a high-functioning sociopath. Do your research." (It is evident before this line that Sherlock is not a sociopath. Oddly enough, in much of what I have read this line is quoted and taken as an honest desription of his character. It definately describes his character, but only because he says it about himself. He may even think he's speaking correctly. But the first time he speaks to John he says, "Oh, thank you." The tone and facial expression with which he says this show that he is much more used to being rudely addressed (exemplified by Mike Stramfords words to him moments before) and therefore quite surprised that John is actually being cordial. I'm not saying that Sherlock doesn't have difficulty empathizing with other people (another character which he brings to my mind is Danny from Chaim Potok's The Chosen--great book, by the way), but his proclaiming that he is a sociopath shows that he feels he, at least in part, should. I could easily go on like this for a really, really long time... but I will try very hard to stop now.
Last little Sherlock bit, and I won't even mention the show! I saw a Basil Rathbone film (I think the name was "The Scarlet Claw"). Rathbone's Sherlock was well done, I think, but it was difficult to pay attention to him when Watson was such a bumbling idiot. Watson is a whole lot more than a foil to Sherlock, in fact Sherlock is dumbed down when Watson is stupid. That's what makes Sherlock's intelligence so incredible: his most simple deductions blow away a man of what is normally considered above average intelligence. Watson is a doctor; he's pretty darn smart. So I can't get past Watson of the minescule brain. David Burke's Watson (along with Jeremy Brett's Sherlock) have now attained much of my favor. I've decided that "The Priory School" was not done very well. On the other hand, "The Musgrave Ritual" was expertly done. The characters and story were captured beautifully. If most of the films are like "The Musgrave Ritual," I'll agree entirely that Brett was the Sherlock of the books. (Do remember that I'm not allowed to mention my Sherlock.) I also watched another Sherlock adaptation which I watched before I even knew of Sherlock Holmes: "The Great Mouse Detective." It used to be one of my favorite movies, and when as a young child I watched it I truly didn't realize that I was watching Sherlock Holmes. I watched it last night for the first time since I was little, and loved it. Loved the characterizations, the parallels, that "Basil of Baker Street" lived in the walls of 221B... so much fun! Since I've covered every other Sherlock now, I should mention Robert Downey Jr. I liked him. I've read a lot of flak, but the movie was not supposed to follow the books. It took the characters and made a new story. It didn't alter the identity of Sherlock and Watson. Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law played off each other brilliantly. The Irene Adler bit was also enjoyable. But I'm all about characterization, and the characters shone very brightly. Plus the music was amazing. I could listen to "Discombobulate" a thousand times over, and the single violin which plays when the bomb goes off and seriously injures Watson is chilling.
Okay, well, I have more to write about, but it is three in the morning, and I have to get up tomorrow to study psychology, preferably before noon. Also, Matty and I have a coffee date...Night!
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