10.31.2004
gum
I just bought a pack of Orbit Professional. From the box: "New Orbit Proffessional with Microgranules tastes great and cleans your teeth in a way you can really feel." The microgranules make the gum feel like I chewed it into a wad, dipped it in sand, and put it back in my mouth. But what you really need to know before chewing this gum is on the back of the box:
"Contains a source of phenylalanine. Excessive consumption may produce laxative effects." I had to spit out the piece I was chewing when I read that. I'm never buying this gum again. EVER.
"Contains a source of phenylalanine. Excessive consumption may produce laxative effects." I had to spit out the piece I was chewing when I read that. I'm never buying this gum again. EVER.
10.28.2004
manhole covers
amended at 1:00 am on November 2nd. Click on the links next to the diagrams if you can't see the diagrams.
My friend P.L. was discussing a problem with our mutual friend Diana, who relayed this onward to me:
They were hashing out answers to the rather simple question of "why are manhole covers round?" The answers given were surprisingly diverse, ranging from ease of transport to infinite degrees of rotational symmetry (thus allowing the manhole cover replace-ers to replace said manhole covers without regard to initial orientation). Diana's answer was that round manhole covers and only round manhole covers are physically incapable of falling through their holes. A proof, of sorts, was derived, but only by way of a few examples. I submit mine for your, (and their) approval: This requires two parts: one in which the number of sides is even, and one in which the number of sides is odd.
Diagram 1: The hexagon (number of sides is even)
Consider regular hexagon ABCDEF. If we take S to be the midpoint of side AB, and T to be the midpoint of side DE, and G to be the center, then we can draw the following lines: AD, BE, and ST, all going through point G. If we inscribe a circle with radius GS, it is tangent only at the midpoints of each side: thus making ST the shortest distance across the polygon while still traversing center point G. We can then circumscribe circle with radius AG, which touches the polygon only at the corners, thus making AD (and BE and CF) the longest distance across the polygon while still traversing center point G. Since AG > GS, and by extension AD > ST, then we can always maneuver the polygon into the manhole. As the number of sides (n) approaches infinity, SG will approach the length of AG. But only when n equals infinity is the difference between SG and AG 0, and the manhole cover (now a circle) will not be able to fall through the hole.
Diagram 2: The pentagon (number of sides is odd)
Consider now regular pentagon ABCDE. If we take S to be the midpoint of side AB, then we may draw the following lines: AD and BD (which are equal) and SD. Circumscribe a circle with center D and radius AD: it touches the pentagon only at point B. This is the longest distance across the pentagon. Inscribe circle with center D and radius SD: it is tangent to the pentagon only at point S, and is thus the shortest distance across the pentagon while still traversing the center point (not shown). Since AD (and BD) > SD, then we can always maneuver this polygon into the manhole. As the number of sides (n) approaches infinity, SD will approach the length of AD. But only when n equals infinity is the difference between AD and SD 0, and the manhole cover (now a circle) will not be able to fall through the hole.
Diagram 3: The nonagon (number of sides is odd - superfluous diagram, but I was on a roll)
Same deal as above. enjoy. Diagrams created using Macromedia FreeHand.
So there it is. I'm going back to work.
My friend P.L. was discussing a problem with our mutual friend Diana, who relayed this onward to me:
They were hashing out answers to the rather simple question of "why are manhole covers round?" The answers given were surprisingly diverse, ranging from ease of transport to infinite degrees of rotational symmetry (thus allowing the manhole cover replace-ers to replace said manhole covers without regard to initial orientation). Diana's answer was that round manhole covers and only round manhole covers are physically incapable of falling through their holes. A proof, of sorts, was derived, but only by way of a few examples. I submit mine for your, (and their) approval: This requires two parts: one in which the number of sides is even, and one in which the number of sides is odd.
Diagram 1: The hexagon (number of sides is even)
http://users.ox.ac.uk/~kebl2515/Hexagon.tiff
Consider regular hexagon ABCDEF. If we take S to be the midpoint of side AB, and T to be the midpoint of side DE, and G to be the center, then we can draw the following lines: AD, BE, and ST, all going through point G. If we inscribe a circle with radius GS, it is tangent only at the midpoints of each side: thus making ST the shortest distance across the polygon while still traversing center point G. We can then circumscribe circle with radius AG, which touches the polygon only at the corners, thus making AD (and BE and CF) the longest distance across the polygon while still traversing center point G. Since AG > GS, and by extension AD > ST, then we can always maneuver the polygon into the manhole. As the number of sides (n) approaches infinity, SG will approach the length of AG. But only when n equals infinity is the difference between SG and AG 0, and the manhole cover (now a circle) will not be able to fall through the hole.
Diagram 2: The pentagon (number of sides is odd)
http://users.ox.ac.uk/~kebl2515/Pentagon.tiff
Consider now regular pentagon ABCDE. If we take S to be the midpoint of side AB, then we may draw the following lines: AD and BD (which are equal) and SD. Circumscribe a circle with center D and radius AD: it touches the pentagon only at point B. This is the longest distance across the pentagon. Inscribe circle with center D and radius SD: it is tangent to the pentagon only at point S, and is thus the shortest distance across the pentagon while still traversing the center point (not shown). Since AD (and BD) > SD, then we can always maneuver this polygon into the manhole. As the number of sides (n) approaches infinity, SD will approach the length of AD. But only when n equals infinity is the difference between AD and SD 0, and the manhole cover (now a circle) will not be able to fall through the hole.
Diagram 3: The nonagon (number of sides is odd - superfluous diagram, but I was on a roll)
http://users.ox.ac.uk/~kebl2515/Nonagon.tiff
Same deal as above. enjoy. Diagrams created using Macromedia FreeHand.
So there it is. I'm going back to work.
world series champions
I guess I picked the wrong year to leave New Jersey...
Never stopped hoping, never stopped believing, but at the same time, never quite let it sink in that maybe this could be the year. "This is the year" is what we say to Yankees fans who shove it in our faces time and time again. It's so natural it's an automatic reaction. It's like when your girlfriend asks "does this make me look fat?" There's only one answer, and it's out of your mouth before you even process the question. It's a part of who you are, it's a part of how you think. Now what? New York Newsday's Chuck Culpepper, in an interview with Angry Bill of Boston's sports radio call-in scene, reported the following: yes, even we can be a little bit sad about winning.
"A part of me dies," he said. "A part of me dies with the Red Sox win. A part of what made me. A part of my personality ... I die tonight. Part of me dies tonight. A lot of things I've lived to complain about are gone.
"And that makes me sad."
Anybody who quibbles with that, Angry Bill said, "They're not a true Red Sox fan."
The Associated Press reported this morning (yes, it's morning over here) that St. Louis fans are bristling over repeated breakdowns against Boston. We're talking the 2002 Rams, the 1970 Blues. And now we're talking the 2004 Red Sox. "I'm very, very sick of them. You just want to scream," said Marianne Sutter, a St. Louis fan who roots for the hometown Cardinals, Rams and Blues. "They're definitely a thorn in our side."
Meanwhile, Tony La Russa, has been voicing his disappointment over his hotel room in Boston which, fair enough, was in Quincy. Quincy's, like, 30 minutes from downtown Boston, especially given the traffic. La Russa was particularly bummed that while the hotel arranged to keep the dining room open for the Cardinals, they were served pizza, hot dogs, hamburgers and wings. Says the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: "General manager Walt Jocketty referred to the spread with disdain as "bar food."" You expected better out of Quincy, Mass? The Post-Dispatch also screwed up, saying that "The cardinals were told no downtown hotel had a large enough bloc of rooms to accomodate their traveling party because of a sailing regatta, the Head of the Charles." The Head is a rowing regatta, you boneheds.
The ESPN Useless Information Division tells us that "78 franchises won a championship in the four major pro sports in between Red Sox titles." These include the Providence Steam Rollers (Football), Minneapolis Lakers (Basketball), the Victoria Cougars (Hockey), and indeed, even the Celtics. They are also quick to point out the following:
Original baseball teams that still haven't won one: Cubs (1908) and White Sox (1917). aww... :(
There are also reports that Tony "hotel-room-weenie" La Russa has become:
1) the only manager in history to have been swept twice in a World Series
2) the only manager to have been swept in the Series in each league
3) the only manager to get swept while managing two different teams.
If you couldn't tell, I'm an internet news junkie. And today was certainly no exception. Especially when there's such good news out there in the world, especially in Boston. This certainly was a great weekend for Boston sports:
1) The Patriots went for 21 over the Jets.
2) BC eked out a win over Notre Dame (Hey, I'm a Michigan fan, any time N-D loses, I'm happy)
3) Revolution, in the playoffs, beat Columbus Crew 1-0
4) The Red Sox, who did the impossible and are now sitting at the top of the world.
And just for kicks, the Elite US eights entry in the Head of the Charles hit a bridge right by my old high school. HA! Even I, as a middle-schooler, could navigate that bridge. I am, however, quite sad to say that the eventual winners of the eights entry was Cambridge University (boo!).
I'm delirious with excitement and exhausted at the same time. I should try to sleep, but I can't. It's amazing. What a year!
Never stopped hoping, never stopped believing, but at the same time, never quite let it sink in that maybe this could be the year. "This is the year" is what we say to Yankees fans who shove it in our faces time and time again. It's so natural it's an automatic reaction. It's like when your girlfriend asks "does this make me look fat?" There's only one answer, and it's out of your mouth before you even process the question. It's a part of who you are, it's a part of how you think. Now what? New York Newsday's Chuck Culpepper, in an interview with Angry Bill of Boston's sports radio call-in scene, reported the following: yes, even we can be a little bit sad about winning.
"A part of me dies," he said. "A part of me dies with the Red Sox win. A part of what made me. A part of my personality ... I die tonight. Part of me dies tonight. A lot of things I've lived to complain about are gone.
"And that makes me sad."
Anybody who quibbles with that, Angry Bill said, "They're not a true Red Sox fan."
The Associated Press reported this morning (yes, it's morning over here) that St. Louis fans are bristling over repeated breakdowns against Boston. We're talking the 2002 Rams, the 1970 Blues. And now we're talking the 2004 Red Sox. "I'm very, very sick of them. You just want to scream," said Marianne Sutter, a St. Louis fan who roots for the hometown Cardinals, Rams and Blues. "They're definitely a thorn in our side."
Meanwhile, Tony La Russa, has been voicing his disappointment over his hotel room in Boston which, fair enough, was in Quincy. Quincy's, like, 30 minutes from downtown Boston, especially given the traffic. La Russa was particularly bummed that while the hotel arranged to keep the dining room open for the Cardinals, they were served pizza, hot dogs, hamburgers and wings. Says the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: "General manager Walt Jocketty referred to the spread with disdain as "bar food."" You expected better out of Quincy, Mass? The Post-Dispatch also screwed up, saying that "The cardinals were told no downtown hotel had a large enough bloc of rooms to accomodate their traveling party because of a sailing regatta, the Head of the Charles." The Head is a rowing regatta, you boneheds.
The ESPN Useless Information Division tells us that "78 franchises won a championship in the four major pro sports in between Red Sox titles." These include the Providence Steam Rollers (Football), Minneapolis Lakers (Basketball), the Victoria Cougars (Hockey), and indeed, even the Celtics. They are also quick to point out the following:
Original baseball teams that still haven't won one: Cubs (1908) and White Sox (1917). aww... :(
There are also reports that Tony "hotel-room-weenie" La Russa has become:
1) the only manager in history to have been swept twice in a World Series
2) the only manager to have been swept in the Series in each league
3) the only manager to get swept while managing two different teams.
If you couldn't tell, I'm an internet news junkie. And today was certainly no exception. Especially when there's such good news out there in the world, especially in Boston. This certainly was a great weekend for Boston sports:
1) The Patriots went for 21 over the Jets.
2) BC eked out a win over Notre Dame (Hey, I'm a Michigan fan, any time N-D loses, I'm happy)
3) Revolution, in the playoffs, beat Columbus Crew 1-0
4) The Red Sox, who did the impossible and are now sitting at the top of the world.
And just for kicks, the Elite US eights entry in the Head of the Charles hit a bridge right by my old high school. HA! Even I, as a middle-schooler, could navigate that bridge. I am, however, quite sad to say that the eventual winners of the eights entry was Cambridge University (boo!).
I'm delirious with excitement and exhausted at the same time. I should try to sleep, but I can't. It's amazing. What a year!
10.27.2004
homer for president
This is quite funny. I would, if given the chance, probably vote for either of the two men listed in this article.
Just got back from crew: yesterday was quite a day. My advisor liked some of my paper, but not all of it, and he's set me a new topic already; Corinthian attitudes to Athens between 510 and mid-fifth century. What was the First Peloponnesian War about? Is the name misleading? How far and when was Sparta really involved?
Went to the library to get some books, had two lectures, and two rehearsals totalling to about five hours of music. Then a trudge home, and the glorious joy of watching the Red Sox win again. Went to bed at 4:30. Up at 7 to row. I'm insane, but I'm loving every minute. :)
Just got back from crew: yesterday was quite a day. My advisor liked some of my paper, but not all of it, and he's set me a new topic already; Corinthian attitudes to Athens between 510 and mid-fifth century. What was the First Peloponnesian War about? Is the name misleading? How far and when was Sparta really involved?
Went to the library to get some books, had two lectures, and two rehearsals totalling to about five hours of music. Then a trudge home, and the glorious joy of watching the Red Sox win again. Went to bed at 4:30. Up at 7 to row. I'm insane, but I'm loving every minute. :)
10.26.2004
more photos
I'm putting more photos online! Unfortunately, I'm already bumping into my server quota for OUCS. So all of the photos have gotten smaller. Across the board.
At the moment, you can see photos of my matriculation, my 25th birthday, where I sing, and just some beautiful photos from around Oxford. If push comes to shove, it might be those beautiful photos from around Oxford which go first, as there are a lot of other places on the web where you can find photos of Oxford.
Two lectures and two rehearsals today. My left shoulder is so tight I can barely move it, which is problematic for a lot of things. But overall, feeling good.
Found out last night that I can't make a lot of the rowing club training sessions as they fall smack in the middle of choral evensong at Queens' College, and I can't make the circuit trainings, because I sing on Tuesdays.
Such is life: I'll be training on my own, says the coach. I love the look he gave me though when he found out I was singing choral evensong. I think it was a combination of "why on earth..." and "people still *do* that?!?"
Tutorial today to meet with Prof. Parker about my paper in under one hour. I hope he likes it more than he liked the last one...
At the moment, you can see photos of my matriculation, my 25th birthday, where I sing, and just some beautiful photos from around Oxford. If push comes to shove, it might be those beautiful photos from around Oxford which go first, as there are a lot of other places on the web where you can find photos of Oxford.
Two lectures and two rehearsals today. My left shoulder is so tight I can barely move it, which is problematic for a lot of things. But overall, feeling good.
Found out last night that I can't make a lot of the rowing club training sessions as they fall smack in the middle of choral evensong at Queens' College, and I can't make the circuit trainings, because I sing on Tuesdays.
Such is life: I'll be training on my own, says the coach. I love the look he gave me though when he found out I was singing choral evensong. I think it was a combination of "why on earth..." and "people still *do* that?!?"
Tutorial today to meet with Prof. Parker about my paper in under one hour. I hope he likes it more than he liked the last one...
10.24.2004
erg
For many people, "erg" is a statement of exhaustion, or disgust, or pain. For those who row, "erg" is a rowing machine. It is also a statement of exhaustion, disgust, and pain. Generally said after rowing on an erg.
Today, I took an erg test: erg tests are used to determine how strong you are, and how willing you are to go all out and pull until you puke. I did a 1000 meter test. I hear that there will, in the future, be a 2000 meter test. I do not relish this news. Last year, the girls did a 5000 meter test. The girls are psychotic.
Now, I'm not terribly fit, though I am significantly more fit than I was when I left my previous job (something about life in New Jersey, the whole 'not walking anywhere' thing is awfully unhealthy). But thanks to my form and my experience on the erg, I pulled a time that was faster than I've ever gone in my life: 3 minutes, 33 seconds. In all honesty, I was going to be lucky if I broke 4 minutes. Of course, I couldn't walk afterward. I honestly couldn't move, wait, no, couldn't *feel* my legs. And my calves are still twitching, five hours later. But that said, what relief to have that behind me!
OK. Gotta get back to my essay.
This week's topic:
"How intelligible is the reaction of Sparta and her Peloponnesian allies to the development of Athenian power? What was the 'First Peloponnesian War' about? [to 446 BC]" Essentially, as my advisor says, "What were Sparta's problems apart from the growing power of Athens?"
fun...
Today, I took an erg test: erg tests are used to determine how strong you are, and how willing you are to go all out and pull until you puke. I did a 1000 meter test. I hear that there will, in the future, be a 2000 meter test. I do not relish this news. Last year, the girls did a 5000 meter test. The girls are psychotic.
Now, I'm not terribly fit, though I am significantly more fit than I was when I left my previous job (something about life in New Jersey, the whole 'not walking anywhere' thing is awfully unhealthy). But thanks to my form and my experience on the erg, I pulled a time that was faster than I've ever gone in my life: 3 minutes, 33 seconds. In all honesty, I was going to be lucky if I broke 4 minutes. Of course, I couldn't walk afterward. I honestly couldn't move, wait, no, couldn't *feel* my legs. And my calves are still twitching, five hours later. But that said, what relief to have that behind me!
OK. Gotta get back to my essay.
This week's topic:
"How intelligible is the reaction of Sparta and her Peloponnesian allies to the development of Athenian power? What was the 'First Peloponnesian War' about? [to 446 BC]" Essentially, as my advisor says, "What were Sparta's problems apart from the growing power of Athens?"
fun...
do we love the red sox?
yes we love the red sox.
BOS11 - STL9
one down, three to go.
Believe.
BOS11 - STL9
one down, three to go.
Believe.
10.23.2004
photos!
Yes! Photos are up. Which is excellent. To view said photos, go to my chunk of web heaven:
http://users.ox.ac.uk/~kebl2515.
Now be patient: I know that there's only one photo album up at the moment. That said, it's by far the largest photo album yet, and it's got the most people in it. So there. The rest of them will go up when I feel like putting them up. Have patience!
Swim test was good, though I'm way bad at swimming and I think the guys at the boathouse now think I'm a complete idiot. I'd like to make my prediction that the Red Sox will win in 5 games. Rock on.
http://users.ox.ac.uk/~kebl2515.
Now be patient: I know that there's only one photo album up at the moment. That said, it's by far the largest photo album yet, and it's got the most people in it. So there. The rest of them will go up when I feel like putting them up. Have patience!
Swim test was good, though I'm way bad at swimming and I think the guys at the boathouse now think I'm a complete idiot. I'd like to make my prediction that the Red Sox will win in 5 games. Rock on.
10.22.2004
mmm... brie rind...
You know, the more I eat brie, the less I like eating the rind. It's not bad and all, but I always get the feeling that I'm eating something that just can't be very good for me, like crayon or paraffin, or cafeteria food. I've been writing a paper and snacking on brie, and I've eaten a lot of rind. I wonder, honestly, what the proper thing to do might be. After all, enough people cut the rind off, and yet, everyone knows it's not technically bad for you.
Queens' College gives us, the singers, free dinner in hall every night we sing. It's nice, since the service doesn't get me out fast enough to eat at Keble Hall. The downside to this is that Queens' College food is awful. Dinner tonight was curried something-or-other. We figure it was probably beef, though guesses at the table ranged from dog to hamster. I'd have been fine with hamster. Dog, I'm a little more skeptical of. Maybe it was rat... No worse than brie rind, perhaps.
So I haven't seen Derek, the Yankees fan who lives across the hall from me, in two days. Word is he went to London for the weekend. I'll have a nice big plate of humble pie waiting for him when he gets back.
I've been sampling some of the more interesting food establishments in Oxford, and it's been pleasantly surprising. The Lebanese restaurant was incredibly tasty. Noodle Bar was pretty good, but the real incentive is that it's cheap. The kebab vans (I've tried food from four) are all horribly unhealthy, but they're quite tasty. These should be patronized very rarely, and only after 10:30 pm. There's a lousy Chinese place by Keble: it's relatively cheap, and you get what you pay for. Pub food has, by and large, been outstanding. I've had steak & ale pie, fish & chips, steak & chips, ham sandwich, English breakfast, all of which have been extremely tasty. I've had my share of bad English food, but it's all been at Keble or Queens'. Mainly Queens'.
I'd like to say for the record that a) I've yet to eat American fast food, even though I walk by a McDonald's, Burger King, and KFC almost every day. and b) the chips (fries) in this country vastly out-perform anything, and I mean ANYTHING that we've got in the states. Probably because they're fried in something horribly unhealthy, but man, they're tasty.
And while I'm on the subject of chipped root vegetables, the flavors of crisp (chips) in England is absurd. I went to the supermarket to do some research. Here's what I came up with:
Plain
Salt & Vinegar
Texas Style BBQ
(now things get weird)
Cheddar & Onion
Pickled Onion
Thai Chicken
Roasted Chicken
Flame Grilled Steak
Sunday Roast
Smoky Bacon
Worcester Sauce
Beef & Onion
Prawn Cocktail
These were all I've seen in the past week. A quick look at Snackspot.org.uk confirms that there are many more, including, but certainly not limited to Peking Duck, Vanilla Ice Cream, Doritos "Tandoori Sizzler", and the very poorly named Cup Noodle flavor "Seedy Sanchez".
This weekend I'm going to be posting my photographs online. Thanks to A.G. for helping me figure out the export feature of iPhoto.
Queens' College gives us, the singers, free dinner in hall every night we sing. It's nice, since the service doesn't get me out fast enough to eat at Keble Hall. The downside to this is that Queens' College food is awful. Dinner tonight was curried something-or-other. We figure it was probably beef, though guesses at the table ranged from dog to hamster. I'd have been fine with hamster. Dog, I'm a little more skeptical of. Maybe it was rat... No worse than brie rind, perhaps.
So I haven't seen Derek, the Yankees fan who lives across the hall from me, in two days. Word is he went to London for the weekend. I'll have a nice big plate of humble pie waiting for him when he gets back.
I've been sampling some of the more interesting food establishments in Oxford, and it's been pleasantly surprising. The Lebanese restaurant was incredibly tasty. Noodle Bar was pretty good, but the real incentive is that it's cheap. The kebab vans (I've tried food from four) are all horribly unhealthy, but they're quite tasty. These should be patronized very rarely, and only after 10:30 pm. There's a lousy Chinese place by Keble: it's relatively cheap, and you get what you pay for. Pub food has, by and large, been outstanding. I've had steak & ale pie, fish & chips, steak & chips, ham sandwich, English breakfast, all of which have been extremely tasty. I've had my share of bad English food, but it's all been at Keble or Queens'. Mainly Queens'.
I'd like to say for the record that a) I've yet to eat American fast food, even though I walk by a McDonald's, Burger King, and KFC almost every day. and b) the chips (fries) in this country vastly out-perform anything, and I mean ANYTHING that we've got in the states. Probably because they're fried in something horribly unhealthy, but man, they're tasty.
And while I'm on the subject of chipped root vegetables, the flavors of crisp (chips) in England is absurd. I went to the supermarket to do some research. Here's what I came up with:
Plain
Salt & Vinegar
Texas Style BBQ
(now things get weird)
Cheddar & Onion
Pickled Onion
Thai Chicken
Roasted Chicken
Flame Grilled Steak
Sunday Roast
Smoky Bacon
Worcester Sauce
Beef & Onion
Prawn Cocktail
These were all I've seen in the past week. A quick look at Snackspot.org.uk confirms that there are many more, including, but certainly not limited to Peking Duck, Vanilla Ice Cream, Doritos "Tandoori Sizzler", and the very poorly named Cup Noodle flavor "Seedy Sanchez".
This weekend I'm going to be posting my photographs online. Thanks to A.G. for helping me figure out the export feature of iPhoto.
10.21.2004
orchestral playing
Had my very first orchestra rehearsal in more than three years. It's difficult geting back into it, especially since in the past 40 hours, I've slept approximately one. The music we're playing isn't helping either, frankly: Rachmaninoff Island of the Dead, Pines of Rome by Respighi, and a wacky piece by Messiaen. And Bolero, which would have been much more friendly; but we didn't do Bolero tonight, did we? No... We started off with Rachmaninoff, which is in 5/4 and is nuts.
I've got a splitting headache, thanks to the lack of sleep and abundance of timpani at the end of Pines of Rome. But I'm feeling pretty good otherwise. Got my absentee ballot: gonna vote in Massachusetts, where my vote counts for very little. Go me. :)
I've got a splitting headache, thanks to the lack of sleep and abundance of timpani at the end of Pines of Rome. But I'm feeling pretty good otherwise. Got my absentee ballot: gonna vote in Massachusetts, where my vote counts for very little. Go me. :)
believe
I believe. I believe in good things. I believe in VERY good things.
And now I believe in the World Series.
GO RED SOX.
It's 5:30 am. I'm emotionally drained and yet so pumped up I can't sleep. Just gotten emails from friends who saw the game; am IMing with Russell, who can't believe it either. And Derek, the Manhattanite who lives across the hall, is going to get it in the morning. Well, it is morning. Later in the morning.
My one regret is that Manny didn't do more in this series.
And that I couldn't watch the West Wing tonight.
Again, GO RED SOX.
that is all.
ps. I got into the Oxford Quiz Society
And now I believe in the World Series.
GO RED SOX.
It's 5:30 am. I'm emotionally drained and yet so pumped up I can't sleep. Just gotten emails from friends who saw the game; am IMing with Russell, who can't believe it either. And Derek, the Manhattanite who lives across the hall, is going to get it in the morning. Well, it is morning. Later in the morning.
My one regret is that Manny didn't do more in this series.
And that I couldn't watch the West Wing tonight.
Again, GO RED SOX.
that is all.
ps. I got into the Oxford Quiz Society
10.19.2004
tired, but it's a good tired
Had a great day yesterday. Behold the following timeline:
5:30 am: went rowing
8 am: went to breakfast
9 am: lecture on Greek History
10 am: to the library to finish up my paper, emerge at 12:45
1 pm: lunch
2 pm: turn in said paper
2:15 pm: seminar
4 pm: emerge from seminar
4:15 pm: ultimate frisbee practice
7 pm: dinner
8:15 pm: home; work
10 pm: out like a light.
Today was also a good day: I got my first paper back with the following critique.
me: "I was afraid I'd completely missed the question."
supervisor: "Well no, not completely..."
I've got another one for next Monday. Also sang my first Magdalen College evensong ever. This was even more beautiful than the Queens' College one. Man, if we sound this good on the first week, we're going to be sick by the end of the year. Tour this year is to Genoa and the Italian Riviera. Yeah, I think I'll go... :)
Bed time in a bit - I'm rowing at 6:30 am tomorrow morning.
By the way, I tried out for the Oxford Quiz Society tonight. I think it went well: I certainly didn't know everything, but I had a good command of knowledge. Peter and Asad will be happy to note that I answered this question early:
"Containing the voice talents of Dennis Hopper, Lawrence Taylor, Burt Reynolds, and Ray Liotta..."
--bzzz--
"Grand Theft Auto: Vice City"
sweet.
5:30 am: went rowing
8 am: went to breakfast
9 am: lecture on Greek History
10 am: to the library to finish up my paper, emerge at 12:45
1 pm: lunch
2 pm: turn in said paper
2:15 pm: seminar
4 pm: emerge from seminar
4:15 pm: ultimate frisbee practice
7 pm: dinner
8:15 pm: home; work
10 pm: out like a light.
Today was also a good day: I got my first paper back with the following critique.
me: "I was afraid I'd completely missed the question."
supervisor: "Well no, not completely..."
I've got another one for next Monday. Also sang my first Magdalen College evensong ever. This was even more beautiful than the Queens' College one. Man, if we sound this good on the first week, we're going to be sick by the end of the year. Tour this year is to Genoa and the Italian Riviera. Yeah, I think I'll go... :)
Bed time in a bit - I'm rowing at 6:30 am tomorrow morning.
By the way, I tried out for the Oxford Quiz Society tonight. I think it went well: I certainly didn't know everything, but I had a good command of knowledge. Peter and Asad will be happy to note that I answered this question early:
"Containing the voice talents of Dennis Hopper, Lawrence Taylor, Burt Reynolds, and Ray Liotta..."
--bzzz--
"Grand Theft Auto: Vice City"
sweet.
10.18.2004
row row row
Note the time stamp on my posting. I just got back from my 5:30 rowing session on the river. It's awesome to be back in a boat, and I'm wide awake for class.
Just a quick shower, some breakfast, then off to the examination schools for a bit of Greek History. What could be better?
Oh right... Having my essay done. I've got 1850 words out of 2000, and I've got a few hours in the library this morning. Shouldn't be a problem.
Just a quick shower, some breakfast, then off to the examination schools for a bit of Greek History. What could be better?
Oh right... Having my essay done. I've got 1850 words out of 2000, and I've got a few hours in the library this morning. Shouldn't be a problem.
10.17.2004
ruin
So I left some research to do in the library today. After all, yesterday was matriculation and the first week of my course was difficult enough as it was. Well it just so happens that the libraries are ALL CLOSED on Sundays. It didn't even occur to me to check before walking down to the libraries just now. So now I'm just forced to do more of that research tomorrow morning before it's due. It's really too bad, in that there's very little reason for Oxford to operate in such a way. Now if I were at one of the richer colleges like New College or Corpus Christi College, the libraries there would be open to me, with lots of Classics books. Keble is poor, so Keble doesn't have a whole lot of books. Indeed, it's one of the less useful college libraries in Oxford. Too bad, I guess.
So great party last night for matriculation, except that I was appointed as caretaker of one Cantonese girl who was in bad shape. Or rather, I was to be the liason between the group of Cantonese people trying to help her and the Junior Dean, who did not personally want to get involved. So this involved my acting as an intermediary while trying to respect the privacy of this individual. I honestly hope I'm not put into that situation again. Party was also interesting in that the sweet teaching student I mentioned a few posts back was seen getting very friendly with a grad student we have dubbed "creepy Ben", who is an American, and who is engaged. It's too bad: I kind of liked her.
OK, back to work now. I've got much bigger fish to fry than that. Evensong tonight, rehearsal at 4:30. I've got a rowing session at 5:30 am tomorrow morning. *This* should be interesting...
So great party last night for matriculation, except that I was appointed as caretaker of one Cantonese girl who was in bad shape. Or rather, I was to be the liason between the group of Cantonese people trying to help her and the Junior Dean, who did not personally want to get involved. So this involved my acting as an intermediary while trying to respect the privacy of this individual. I honestly hope I'm not put into that situation again. Party was also interesting in that the sweet teaching student I mentioned a few posts back was seen getting very friendly with a grad student we have dubbed "creepy Ben", who is an American, and who is engaged. It's too bad: I kind of liked her.
OK, back to work now. I've got much bigger fish to fry than that. Evensong tonight, rehearsal at 4:30. I've got a rowing session at 5:30 am tomorrow morning. *This* should be interesting...
10.16.2004
matriculation
I am now, officially, a member of Oxford University. Previously, I was considered only a member of Keble College: with today's ceremony, I am now eligible for priviledges as a University member. We dressed up in sub fusc, which is a peculiar style of dress (dark suit, white shirt, bow tie, and gowns), and went to the MCR for a celebratory drink at 9:30 in the morning. At about 11, we were marched down to the Examination Schools for the actual matriculation ceremony. In the same way that the gown is a vestige of the older traditions of the Oxford University student, so too the matriculation, with its thirty-second Latin speech and short explanation by the Vice-Chancellor, is a throwback to the days of Oxford past, when indeed students admitted to the colleges were asked to sit a university-wide examination in Latin to determine whether they were also up to the task of University and not just Collegiate scholarship. Still to this day, matriculation is a rite of passage into the university world: without it, we are not allowed to sit for examinations, without which we will not graduate. It's silly, it's archaic, but it's still got enough pageantry and silliness attached to it to make it fun. Sub fusc is hilarious too. I'll try to post some photos reasonably soon.
team america
Hah.
I just read the review of Team America in the New York Times. It's certainly not a bad review by any means. But the really fun part comes at the end, in the note regarding the rating of the movie.
"Team America: World Police" is rated R (Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian). It has graphic violence, explicit sex and shocking language. And puppets!
Beautiful. Just beautiful.
I just read the review of Team America in the New York Times. It's certainly not a bad review by any means. But the really fun part comes at the end, in the note regarding the rating of the movie.
"Team America: World Police" is rated R (Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian). It has graphic violence, explicit sex and shocking language. And puppets!
Beautiful. Just beautiful.
great day...
Had a wonderful birthday. Thank you to everyone who sent me a birthday wish. And for all of you that didn't, well, I hope you're happy.
The birthday was excellent: went to two classes and took a nice nap in the afternoon. Evensong was beautiful, as always, and the festivities afterward were a lot of fun.
Helped myself to a Steak and Chips dinner at the Royal Oak Pub, then a cup of white chocolate icecream at G&D's of Oxford. Afterward, much fun was had around town. Overall, a great night. I am, however, very tired, and the festivities for matriculatiion start tomorrow at 9:30 am. So good night: tomorrow we wear the most ridiculous of Oxford traditional costume; sub-fusc, which is a dark suit with a white shirt and white bow-tie, on top of which, we wear the ridiculous gown.
I can't wait...
The birthday was excellent: went to two classes and took a nice nap in the afternoon. Evensong was beautiful, as always, and the festivities afterward were a lot of fun.
Helped myself to a Steak and Chips dinner at the Royal Oak Pub, then a cup of white chocolate icecream at G&D's of Oxford. Afterward, much fun was had around town. Overall, a great night. I am, however, very tired, and the festivities for matriculatiion start tomorrow at 9:30 am. So good night: tomorrow we wear the most ridiculous of Oxford traditional costume; sub-fusc, which is a dark suit with a white shirt and white bow-tie, on top of which, we wear the ridiculous gown.
I can't wait...
10.15.2004
aww...
So yeah, today's my 25th birthday, and my family sent me some wonderful cards (and, as is the case growing up with just brothers, really silly ones too), and a really nice looking white shirt. I have cufflinks for my tux that I've periodically stolen to use on a shirt I have that requires them. This white shirt is a good deal more refined, and I may have to spring for the Keble College cufflinks in order to do this shirt any justice. Yes, we have Keble College cufflinks. As I said in a previous post, my younger bro got me a fantastic egg-boiler shaped like a chicken. I've used it several times already (mmm... softboiled eggs...) and it's phenomenal. They advertise these rooms as having a 'small kitchenette' but it's tucked away inside a closet. I honestly can't imagine what I could cook on two hotplates in a closet. But all the same, I like the microwave, I love the fridge, and the hot water kettle is coming in very handy for tea. And now, I can boil eggs too! Outstanding!
My best friend Diana sent me a poster for my room and a lovely card as well. I just wish that I could frame the poster and hang it rather than having to stick it up with blue-tack. Unfortunately, they get awfully peeved about things like nails in the wall so I'll have to find some alternative way to hang it. Thank you to all involved: my day is off to a wonderful start.
Yesterday's lectures were all pretty interesting. The Classical Political Thought was extremely good: the lecturer has a gravitas that lends extra importance to what he is saying, but every so often he breaks into a hilarious sort of digression and loses all pretense. It's a great pedagogical tool. I ended up sloughing off the Greek Coinage I lecture: heard from some folks that it wasn't very good, and I'm not really that into numismatics anyway. As for the Roman Architecture class, it's pretty far outside of my scope of study (like Philosophy of Math isn't, really...) but the lecture was quite enjoyable. The lecturer talked far too quickly for my liking (I had trouble typing it all) but the information was well-presented and easy to follow.
Now, the Works in Progress Seminar is designed to give graduate students a forum for presenting their papers in a faculty-free, friendly environment. These papers are, as stated in the title of the seminar, works in progress. Tonight's was very good, though the presentational style needed some help. What freaks me out is the question and 'answer' session afterward, in which graduate students who are far more brilliant than should be legal pepper the presenter with questions ranging anywhere from "could you clarify this?" to "but what about this source here?" One gentleman, a graduate student at All Souls' College (more on this later), not only asked a question about a certain Greek source, he actually quoted the Greek source off the top of his head! If I'm ever brave enough to give one of these talks, I am banning him from the room. Seriously.
All Souls' College is the Oxford equivalent of the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton. It's where the smartest students go to have everything paid for. All they have to do is think. They don't even have to produce anything at the end (though, by and large, they do). From what I have been told, you're recommended by the head of your Oxford college (Warden, President, etc.) and then you sit an exam which, legend tells, is one of the hardest exams you'll ever have to take. Ever. Part of it is tailored to your specific subject and part of it is just out of the blue. The Classical and Political Thought lecture was in All Souls' College. One of my friends is taking the lecture just to see the inside of the college.
Anyway, thanks Mom, Dad, Andrew and Matt, for your kindness and support these 25 years (well, not Andrew and Matt for all of it, as you're younger, but you get the idea). It is amazing to think that the past 25 years has led me to this place, in this time in my life, and I am blessed to have had the help of so many along my way. The past three birthdays have been celebrated at the P. school and, having chatted for ages with a teaching student last night, I can say with even more certainty that I miss everyone there. I have a lucky coin in my wallet: it's a 2-Euro coin featuring the head of Dante Alighieri. My quiz bowlers should know it well: it's the one we flip in competitions. I'm adding to it a £2 coin with the words of Sir Isaac Newton inscribed around its edges: "standing on the shoulders of giants." I want to remember always that if I have seen further than most men, it is not because I have stood on the shoulder of a few giants, but that I have been lifted up by the collective advice, love, support, and guidance of hundreds upon hundreds of friends, loved ones, colleagues, and students. Bless you all, and thank you.
My best friend Diana sent me a poster for my room and a lovely card as well. I just wish that I could frame the poster and hang it rather than having to stick it up with blue-tack. Unfortunately, they get awfully peeved about things like nails in the wall so I'll have to find some alternative way to hang it. Thank you to all involved: my day is off to a wonderful start.
Yesterday's lectures were all pretty interesting. The Classical Political Thought was extremely good: the lecturer has a gravitas that lends extra importance to what he is saying, but every so often he breaks into a hilarious sort of digression and loses all pretense. It's a great pedagogical tool. I ended up sloughing off the Greek Coinage I lecture: heard from some folks that it wasn't very good, and I'm not really that into numismatics anyway. As for the Roman Architecture class, it's pretty far outside of my scope of study (like Philosophy of Math isn't, really...) but the lecture was quite enjoyable. The lecturer talked far too quickly for my liking (I had trouble typing it all) but the information was well-presented and easy to follow.
Now, the Works in Progress Seminar is designed to give graduate students a forum for presenting their papers in a faculty-free, friendly environment. These papers are, as stated in the title of the seminar, works in progress. Tonight's was very good, though the presentational style needed some help. What freaks me out is the question and 'answer' session afterward, in which graduate students who are far more brilliant than should be legal pepper the presenter with questions ranging anywhere from "could you clarify this?" to "but what about this source here?" One gentleman, a graduate student at All Souls' College (more on this later), not only asked a question about a certain Greek source, he actually quoted the Greek source off the top of his head! If I'm ever brave enough to give one of these talks, I am banning him from the room. Seriously.
All Souls' College is the Oxford equivalent of the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton. It's where the smartest students go to have everything paid for. All they have to do is think. They don't even have to produce anything at the end (though, by and large, they do). From what I have been told, you're recommended by the head of your Oxford college (Warden, President, etc.) and then you sit an exam which, legend tells, is one of the hardest exams you'll ever have to take. Ever. Part of it is tailored to your specific subject and part of it is just out of the blue. The Classical and Political Thought lecture was in All Souls' College. One of my friends is taking the lecture just to see the inside of the college.
Anyway, thanks Mom, Dad, Andrew and Matt, for your kindness and support these 25 years (well, not Andrew and Matt for all of it, as you're younger, but you get the idea). It is amazing to think that the past 25 years has led me to this place, in this time in my life, and I am blessed to have had the help of so many along my way. The past three birthdays have been celebrated at the P. school and, having chatted for ages with a teaching student last night, I can say with even more certainty that I miss everyone there. I have a lucky coin in my wallet: it's a 2-Euro coin featuring the head of Dante Alighieri. My quiz bowlers should know it well: it's the one we flip in competitions. I'm adding to it a £2 coin with the words of Sir Isaac Newton inscribed around its edges: "standing on the shoulders of giants." I want to remember always that if I have seen further than most men, it is not because I have stood on the shoulder of a few giants, but that I have been lifted up by the collective advice, love, support, and guidance of hundreds upon hundreds of friends, loved ones, colleagues, and students. Bless you all, and thank you.
one quarter
Well, I'm 25 years old now, and the majority of you young whippersnappers are looking mighty dodgy to me. Really. I spent the night on the town: ended up getting bored with the Oxford Union's no-confidence debate and decided to spend the last hours of my 25th year out celebrating with my collegians. It was an excellent time. We toured various other colleges, namely Brasenose, Jesus, and Lincoln, and ended up in a cocktail bar called Thirst, where the bartenders flipped their cups and bottles as if they were auditioning for the lead role in Cocktail. For those of you who have not seen it, good for you: it's a terrible movie.
Needless to say, I am quite tired now. But in addition to that, I have had some excellent birthday wishes, including many people offering to buy me drinks (I declined) and a very sweet teaching student named Pamela, with whom I spoke for quite some time, is now coming to my birthday party tomorrow night. Yay. OK, that's it. I'm exhausted and done for the night.
Needless to say, I am quite tired now. But in addition to that, I have had some excellent birthday wishes, including many people offering to buy me drinks (I declined) and a very sweet teaching student named Pamela, with whom I spoke for quite some time, is now coming to my birthday party tomorrow night. Yay. OK, that's it. I'm exhausted and done for the night.
10.14.2004
music
The sheer numbers of musicians here at Oxford are incredible. I mean, not just people who play music or sing, or dabble here and there, I mean solid musicians. People with talent or drive or something that makes them excel. It's amazing. And then thee's me... I'm a tenor and I'm a bassoonist: naturally, I'm in high demand. But I had no idea how high... I auditioned for and earned spaces in three orchestras, and five choruses. I can only do two and two with any reasonable sense of sanity. So I unfortunately have to choose. It's tough, or course, and I think I have already annoyed half of the choral community here by auditioning for and not accepting offers from their groups. Of course, there's the other story I was told about a girl who auditioned for everything but told each panel exactly what else she was auditioning for. Overall results: she got into nothing. As one singer told me, there's a fine line to be walked, and absolutely no one ends up walking it.
So I'm a member of the Queen's College Choir, which sings at an incredibly high standard despite only rehearsing for a few minutes before each service. Yes, I have to wear a purple cassock in services. It's really quite funny. I am also on the depth chart for Magdala, a stunning collection of singers at Magdalen College. They are incredible, and the chapel in which we sing was built at the same time as the music being performed was written. It's about as close to custom-built as you can get. I'll be playing with the Oxford University Orchestra this term, which I look forward to. My last decision is between the Oxford University Sinfonietta (a smaller ensemble that does more modern music and classical era pieces that don't require a lot of members), and the Oxford University Philharmonia (an entirely student-run organization with big plans). Gosh, I don't know... There are pros and cons to everything, like the first bassoonist in the Philharmonia, who is incredibly good looking. ;)
I might also be rowing and playing some ultimate frisbee. Sweet.
Classes have been excellent, save Greek, which is the only one I absolutely *have* to attend. It's getting better, though. Not good, but better. The lecturer said yesterday "sometimes you just have to translate what sounds better in English, and not be so strict with the Greek." I can think of, oh, at least thirty people with whom I have worked or studied that would dispute that on the spot. A class on Aeschylus' Prometheus Bound has proven fascinating, and there's a great introductory lecture by Nicholas Purcell which was a ton of fun on Tuesday. Today's lectures: Classical Political Thought, Roman Architecture (that's a maybe), Greek Coinage (that's a maybe), and a graduate seminar that's not in the least bit a maybe.
I'm glad that Oxford is fun, because the Red Sox are just depressing the heck out of me.
So I'm a member of the Queen's College Choir, which sings at an incredibly high standard despite only rehearsing for a few minutes before each service. Yes, I have to wear a purple cassock in services. It's really quite funny. I am also on the depth chart for Magdala, a stunning collection of singers at Magdalen College. They are incredible, and the chapel in which we sing was built at the same time as the music being performed was written. It's about as close to custom-built as you can get. I'll be playing with the Oxford University Orchestra this term, which I look forward to. My last decision is between the Oxford University Sinfonietta (a smaller ensemble that does more modern music and classical era pieces that don't require a lot of members), and the Oxford University Philharmonia (an entirely student-run organization with big plans). Gosh, I don't know... There are pros and cons to everything, like the first bassoonist in the Philharmonia, who is incredibly good looking. ;)
I might also be rowing and playing some ultimate frisbee. Sweet.
Classes have been excellent, save Greek, which is the only one I absolutely *have* to attend. It's getting better, though. Not good, but better. The lecturer said yesterday "sometimes you just have to translate what sounds better in English, and not be so strict with the Greek." I can think of, oh, at least thirty people with whom I have worked or studied that would dispute that on the spot. A class on Aeschylus' Prometheus Bound has proven fascinating, and there's a great introductory lecture by Nicholas Purcell which was a ton of fun on Tuesday. Today's lectures: Classical Political Thought, Roman Architecture (that's a maybe), Greek Coinage (that's a maybe), and a graduate seminar that's not in the least bit a maybe.
I'm glad that Oxford is fun, because the Red Sox are just depressing the heck out of me.
10.11.2004
oh wow.
So it finally hit me today as I was walking home from my first lecture: I live in Oxford. I study in Oxford. I'm was walking down High Street, with traffic moving on the wrong sides of the road, and British flags flying over one particular storefront, and it really hit me that *none* of that seemed strange anymore. Which just means that for the first time, I felt like this was home. And that is SO cool.
Went to three lectures today.
1) Topics in Early Greek History.
This was phenomenal: it's being taught by my program supervisor, so I like him already, but it was also presented in an incredibly easy to follow manner. Today's topic: Greek slavery, and the different types that existed, including the Helots, chattel slavery, and debt-bondage.
2) Elementary Greek.
I'm taking this one b/c while I majored in Greek, I lost a lot of it in the last three years. We started off talking about the alphabet today. That was useless... And the lecturer is really very dull and unintelligible. It's too bad, really.
3) Philosophy of Math.
This was crazy. I mean, severely weird. So I don't know much about philosophy, and I sure as heck don't know much about math. So the combination therein is wacky as can be. Which, I think, is tres cool, in that I'm here at Oxford to learn about Ancient History, but sometimes, we gotta take a break and learn about something which totally expands our horizons.
I auditioned for Magdala today. Magdala is, according to most of the singers around Oxford, possibly *the* best ensemble, hands down. It's certainly excellent for early music which, thanks to Lee, has become my new obsession. In fact, they don't do anything later than the 1600's. I've been accepted, but only as a permanend deputy, which means that if and only if one of the singers is absent can I step in. The good news is that two of the tenors are professional and happen to live in the area. One of them is in the Tallis Scholars, and another is with a very famous group whose name escapes me now: both of them have a tendency to be away performing, which gives me a great opportunity to sing. And furthermore, I get to listen to them up close when they're not away, which is marvellous. My mom brought up that I'm getting very busy, and indeed I am. But I think that I can handle it. (yes, I can hear my brain shouting "hubris! hubris!" right now)
Because the last thing I did before coming home was to go down to the University Rowing Club to try out for the Keble College Boat Club (sponsored by Lehman Brothers). First, a word: yes they are indeed sponsored by Lehman Brothers, which I find extremely funny. So by strange twist of fate, I'm one of the better novices out there, in that I'm not a novice: I rowed in high school but kind of let me stamina (and physique) go pretty hard. I miss rowing a lot: it's something that I had a lot of fun with when I was in high school. To be sure, I hate the training, I hate lifting, I hate running, and I really hate the ergometer (rowing machine). But somehow the energy that you didn't have when you're erging is magically there when you're out on the river. I miss that feeling. They want me on one of the novice boats, which I think we can stack with a lot of "novices" that are not quite novices. Rowing seems a bit stranger out here: the bump races are set up such that you are not aiming to cross the finish line first; you are aiming to hit the boat in front of you. This is foreign to me, but then again so have most things in this country.
Got a birthday present from my brother today: it's an automatic egg cooker shaped like a chicken. It's hilarious, and I want to thank him for his generosity.
Went to three lectures today.
1) Topics in Early Greek History.
This was phenomenal: it's being taught by my program supervisor, so I like him already, but it was also presented in an incredibly easy to follow manner. Today's topic: Greek slavery, and the different types that existed, including the Helots, chattel slavery, and debt-bondage.
2) Elementary Greek.
I'm taking this one b/c while I majored in Greek, I lost a lot of it in the last three years. We started off talking about the alphabet today. That was useless... And the lecturer is really very dull and unintelligible. It's too bad, really.
3) Philosophy of Math.
This was crazy. I mean, severely weird. So I don't know much about philosophy, and I sure as heck don't know much about math. So the combination therein is wacky as can be. Which, I think, is tres cool, in that I'm here at Oxford to learn about Ancient History, but sometimes, we gotta take a break and learn about something which totally expands our horizons.
I auditioned for Magdala today. Magdala is, according to most of the singers around Oxford, possibly *the* best ensemble, hands down. It's certainly excellent for early music which, thanks to Lee, has become my new obsession. In fact, they don't do anything later than the 1600's. I've been accepted, but only as a permanend deputy, which means that if and only if one of the singers is absent can I step in. The good news is that two of the tenors are professional and happen to live in the area. One of them is in the Tallis Scholars, and another is with a very famous group whose name escapes me now: both of them have a tendency to be away performing, which gives me a great opportunity to sing. And furthermore, I get to listen to them up close when they're not away, which is marvellous. My mom brought up that I'm getting very busy, and indeed I am. But I think that I can handle it. (yes, I can hear my brain shouting "hubris! hubris!" right now)
Because the last thing I did before coming home was to go down to the University Rowing Club to try out for the Keble College Boat Club (sponsored by Lehman Brothers). First, a word: yes they are indeed sponsored by Lehman Brothers, which I find extremely funny. So by strange twist of fate, I'm one of the better novices out there, in that I'm not a novice: I rowed in high school but kind of let me stamina (and physique) go pretty hard. I miss rowing a lot: it's something that I had a lot of fun with when I was in high school. To be sure, I hate the training, I hate lifting, I hate running, and I really hate the ergometer (rowing machine). But somehow the energy that you didn't have when you're erging is magically there when you're out on the river. I miss that feeling. They want me on one of the novice boats, which I think we can stack with a lot of "novices" that are not quite novices. Rowing seems a bit stranger out here: the bump races are set up such that you are not aiming to cross the finish line first; you are aiming to hit the boat in front of you. This is foreign to me, but then again so have most things in this country.
Got a birthday present from my brother today: it's an automatic egg cooker shaped like a chicken. It's hilarious, and I want to thank him for his generosity.
10.10.2004
queen's college and the red sox
I just got back from Queen's College, having sung my very first evensong service ever. It was a lot of fun: I had never even *been* to an Anglican evensong service, so fumbling through it was a bit dodgy: I've got 24 more like it this term, so I think I'll be remarkably comfortable by the end of the second week or so. Sang some Durufle, something by Ireland, and some very nice hymns. Queen's College is gorgeous: the chapel is a pleasant, cosy size, and the organ sounds FANTASTIC. It's really amazing. And as for the level of singing, it's wonderful: I can't believe the level at which we were expected to sing at the first rehearsal (and subsequent service, not two hours later). It's going to be a very busy year in terms of learning vocal music quickly: my sight reading skills are going to be insane after this.
Dinner was complementary at Queen's after the service: which means that I can actually eat there three times per week. I don't know if I want to though, considering that mealtime is generally when I get to see my friends at Keble. Speaking of whom, I haven't been seeing a whole lot of them, as they are very busy and I am very busy. I actually had to bail on my Keble Boat Club tank session (where we learn to row in a concrete boat cemented to the floor with tanks of water to either side; even those of us who have rowed before) because I was waiting on the Queen's College folks. I'll go tomorrow. Evidently, there are a few University of Georgia students doing a one-term exchange with Keble: I met two of them today at a breakfast thrown by the Keble Christian Union. Good croissants, sub-par coffee, excellent conversation. :)
Audition for the Oxford Music Society went quite well: I haven't heard from the University Orchestra itself, said to be the flagship orchestra of the university, but I have been offered a place in the Sinfonietta: self-described as the "university's premier ensemble." There's so much pretention that I'm having a very hard time figuring out how to judge these things on a real basis. For instance, St. John's College Choir and Queen's College Choir: until I talked with an organ scholar from a non-partisan institution, I could not get a straight answer regarding which was better. So I think I'm going to play in the sinfonetta as well. Sweet.
On a separate note, GO RED SOX. A gentleman was moved into the room across the hall from mine: we share a bathroom. Said student is from Manhattan and roots for a certain baseball team. Grr... It's a good thing that we are friends, or we might be even more insufferable to each other than we already plan to be.
Walking back from Queen's College, I passed a burly man in a Red Sox jacket. A sight for sore eyes, if I may say. So I did something very un-British, and I went up to him and asked him if he was indeed a fan. Well heavens, yes: he's a fan. In fact, he grinned ear to ear to learn that I was from Boston. He was born and raised in Oxford, but one trip to Fenway Park and he was hooked. And I, for one, was glad to meet him. We made such a ruckus (again, very un-British) that the other people at the bus station started to look at us funny. Behold: the power of sport to cross ethnic and cultural barriers. Bill is his name, and he's a born and raised Oxonian, yet he's a firm and solid supporter of the Red Sox (nevermind the fact that he pronounces Pedro so as to rhyme with "said no"). Totally made my night. That and the Patriots winning tonight: the 19th in what is decidedly NOT an s-word.
Hee... "s-words..." I'm thinking back to the SNL Celebrity Jeopardy! skits.
Dinner was complementary at Queen's after the service: which means that I can actually eat there three times per week. I don't know if I want to though, considering that mealtime is generally when I get to see my friends at Keble. Speaking of whom, I haven't been seeing a whole lot of them, as they are very busy and I am very busy. I actually had to bail on my Keble Boat Club tank session (where we learn to row in a concrete boat cemented to the floor with tanks of water to either side; even those of us who have rowed before) because I was waiting on the Queen's College folks. I'll go tomorrow. Evidently, there are a few University of Georgia students doing a one-term exchange with Keble: I met two of them today at a breakfast thrown by the Keble Christian Union. Good croissants, sub-par coffee, excellent conversation. :)
Audition for the Oxford Music Society went quite well: I haven't heard from the University Orchestra itself, said to be the flagship orchestra of the university, but I have been offered a place in the Sinfonietta: self-described as the "university's premier ensemble." There's so much pretention that I'm having a very hard time figuring out how to judge these things on a real basis. For instance, St. John's College Choir and Queen's College Choir: until I talked with an organ scholar from a non-partisan institution, I could not get a straight answer regarding which was better. So I think I'm going to play in the sinfonetta as well. Sweet.
On a separate note, GO RED SOX. A gentleman was moved into the room across the hall from mine: we share a bathroom. Said student is from Manhattan and roots for a certain baseball team. Grr... It's a good thing that we are friends, or we might be even more insufferable to each other than we already plan to be.
Walking back from Queen's College, I passed a burly man in a Red Sox jacket. A sight for sore eyes, if I may say. So I did something very un-British, and I went up to him and asked him if he was indeed a fan. Well heavens, yes: he's a fan. In fact, he grinned ear to ear to learn that I was from Boston. He was born and raised in Oxford, but one trip to Fenway Park and he was hooked. And I, for one, was glad to meet him. We made such a ruckus (again, very un-British) that the other people at the bus station started to look at us funny. Behold: the power of sport to cross ethnic and cultural barriers. Bill is his name, and he's a born and raised Oxonian, yet he's a firm and solid supporter of the Red Sox (nevermind the fact that he pronounces Pedro so as to rhyme with "said no"). Totally made my night. That and the Patriots winning tonight: the 19th in what is decidedly NOT an s-word.
Hee... "s-words..." I'm thinking back to the SNL Celebrity Jeopardy! skits.
10.09.2004
mayonnaise
I've had four proper sandwiches since coming to the UK. I have also had my share of dainty little 1/4 sandwiches at receptions. I don't think that I have had a sandwich that is not overloaded with mayonnaise yet. I mean, seriously. I understand the mayo in a chicken salad, or a chicken dijonnaise, or even a BLT (though I myself prefer a BLT without the mayo). But to find mayo in my chicken and avocado sandwich was a bit off-putting. And on my mozarella and tomato sandwich did NOT need a glop of mayonnaise at all.
Speaking of bad sandwich things, I'd like to point out the following link to everyone out there. White Castle is, in fact, holding the White Castle cook-off. This is, pun intended, a recipe for disaster.
Speaking of bad sandwich things, I'd like to point out the following link to everyone out there. White Castle is, in fact, holding the White Castle cook-off. This is, pun intended, a recipe for disaster.
music
I've missed singing... I mean, like, proper chorale singing. I've done a lot of nice orchestral choral works with the Boston Symphony, and it's been a real blast; but there is something about an organ or a piano and some voices that's just gorgeous. Went to the Keble College open rehearsal today: I really like them; they're one of the better non-auditioning choirs in Oxford, but they rehearse on Thursday nights, which is a conflict with a major seminar in my department. Got accepted, as I said, to The Queen's College Chapel Choir. Also got accepted, today, to the St. John's College Chapel Choir. St. John's is run by two law students and a politics student. Queen's is run by a member of the music department faculty. *But,* St. John's pays £64 per term; two services per week, while Queen's pays £50 per term; three services per week. Tough choice. Essentially, it's the battle between "do I want better music?" and "do I want the money?" I feel like I'm some twisted Fox reality show: money? music? money? music? It's so hard to decide... So I went to the Keble College organ scholar to ask his advice and non-partisan guidance. Without a doubt, he went for Queen's: a decision I am making now. The catch, of course, is that I've auditioned for Queen's so long ago (Thursday) that I don't even know if that space is open. If it is, great. And if it isn't, then St. John's it is. And great. No problems either way.
Problems lie in my bassoon playing, as my reeds are still adjusting to the constantly shifting weather. My audition's tomorrow at 1:40, so wish me luck all.
My advisor and I hammered out my courses for the next two years, with one thing still up in the air. He thinks that I might like to go to Athens to study there for a term. I would enjoy that, but I can't think about not being at Oxford while I *begin* my time here. So I'm holding off a bit. As for my first course, I'm being graded on the Thucydides and Greek History option, with my first paper due one week from Monday. The question is as follows: "Consider the formation, nature, and history of the Delian League (to 449BC). Is it plausible to identify stages by which it became an Athenian Empire?" Short answer, yes. Oh... You'd like 1,999 more words? hmm...
So I spent a lot of time in the library yesterday and today. It's so cool: I've got Oxford University library books on my desk right now. Wow... Of course, the euphoria will subside and I'll have to read them now. That was fast...
Problems lie in my bassoon playing, as my reeds are still adjusting to the constantly shifting weather. My audition's tomorrow at 1:40, so wish me luck all.
My advisor and I hammered out my courses for the next two years, with one thing still up in the air. He thinks that I might like to go to Athens to study there for a term. I would enjoy that, but I can't think about not being at Oxford while I *begin* my time here. So I'm holding off a bit. As for my first course, I'm being graded on the Thucydides and Greek History option, with my first paper due one week from Monday. The question is as follows: "Consider the formation, nature, and history of the Delian League (to 449BC). Is it plausible to identify stages by which it became an Athenian Empire?" Short answer, yes. Oh... You'd like 1,999 more words? hmm...
So I spent a lot of time in the library yesterday and today. It's so cool: I've got Oxford University library books on my desk right now. Wow... Of course, the euphoria will subside and I'll have to read them now. That was fast...
10.08.2004
new link!
Some of the more astute readers might have noticed that there is a new link on the right hand side of the page. In my quest to find a British football team to support, I have struck a deal with a very good set of folks. Everton Football Club is similar enough to the Red Sox that I have agreed to be counted as a fan. Not the most informed fan, to be sure, but a fan nonetheless. Everton is currently 3rd in the Barclays Premiership, and they're GOING ALL THE WAY. In return, the two Everton fans in this negotiation are now members of Red Sox Nation. So go Red Sox! And go Everton!
she moved through the fair
The Freshers' Fair was today! For those of you unfamiliar (ie. everyone), it's an event where representatives of EVERY SINGLE EXTRACURRICULAR GROUP bombard you with material as you attempt to navigate this gauntlet. It's impossible! I was given leaflets by the Oxford House and Trance Music society, the Juggling Club (I joined that one), Women's Ice Hockey (I didn't join this one), and the Star Trek Society (what do *you* think?). Honestly, I'm now on upwards of 40 Oxford mailing lists. Quite an experience, really. Some of the stranger ones were the Scottish Dancing Society, the Tory Party, and Tabs Are For Flying, the Theater Tech Society.
Had a delightful Steak and Ale pie today for supper. Pub food is fantastic, and it's relatively cheap, especially for Oxford. Sadly, I walk by a KFC in the mornings, and it's pretty stomach-churning to be smelling KFC at 9 am. In all honesty, the food in England has been a ton better than I'd have expected before arriving.
So I've lined up six auditions for various musical ensembles; most of them choral. Auditioned and won a space in Queen's College Chapel Choir today: they pay £50 per term, which is money I could definitely use. However, I've got a few more, including St. John's, which is said to pay even more, and others that might just be more fun. I'm also hoping to get a response back from a choir I didn't see at the Freshers' Fair, but which I've heard is excellent. I do hope he emails back soon.
Followup meeting with my advisor tomorrow to determine my courses for the next four years. It's patently unfair of Oxford to offer 33 different course options and then ask me to pick 3 for the rest of my six terms. I'm having a really hard time, but I think I've narrowed some of it down. My advisor has been fantastic in helping me choose, and I hope I get to take advantage of his expertise in the subject of Greek religion. Anyway, today was wonderful, tomorrow will be more so.
Lots of auditions to prepare for: wish me luck...
Had a delightful Steak and Ale pie today for supper. Pub food is fantastic, and it's relatively cheap, especially for Oxford. Sadly, I walk by a KFC in the mornings, and it's pretty stomach-churning to be smelling KFC at 9 am. In all honesty, the food in England has been a ton better than I'd have expected before arriving.
So I've lined up six auditions for various musical ensembles; most of them choral. Auditioned and won a space in Queen's College Chapel Choir today: they pay £50 per term, which is money I could definitely use. However, I've got a few more, including St. John's, which is said to pay even more, and others that might just be more fun. I'm also hoping to get a response back from a choir I didn't see at the Freshers' Fair, but which I've heard is excellent. I do hope he emails back soon.
Followup meeting with my advisor tomorrow to determine my courses for the next four years. It's patently unfair of Oxford to offer 33 different course options and then ask me to pick 3 for the rest of my six terms. I'm having a really hard time, but I think I've narrowed some of it down. My advisor has been fantastic in helping me choose, and I hope I get to take advantage of his expertise in the subject of Greek religion. Anyway, today was wonderful, tomorrow will be more so.
Lots of auditions to prepare for: wish me luck...
10.07.2004
wales hunting
Evidently, the Welsh no longer exist. This was surprising to 65% of Americans not because they now miss the Welsh, but because they had no idea who the Welsh were to begin with.
Click here for the story.
Click here for the story.
high table
Woah. Yes, it's late. Yes, I should be in bed. But I'm not. So there.
Wonderful dinner tonight: it was the Graduate Freshers' Dinner, with pre-dinner drinks with the College Fellows. I met my college advisor today: he is an excellent conversationalist. Also got caught up with an attractive German blonde at dinner who kept talking about how horrible she felt that it was that Americans seem to measure their worth by their academic pedigree. I couldn't really say anything, as an alumnus of Princeton, except to say that I took it all with a good amount of irony. I don't think that she was at all convinced, though. This took far too much of my attention off of talking with my college advisor, which I was a bit unhappy about. All was well by the end, of course.
But yes, the dinner was fabulous. I had dinner at high table, which is something generally reserved for the Senior Fellows of the college and their very important guests; certainly not one such as myself. So I was honored (honoured?) and humbled at the same time. I sat diagonally across from the College Bursar and diagonally across from the Senior Tutor for Graduates, and next to my college advisor: we were poured wine and had a delicious dinner. Started with a celeriac and citrus salad, followed by supreme of guinea fowl with an orange and ginger sauce, accompanied by Parisenne potatoes adn assorted green vegetables. Dessert was a strawberry and champagne roulade with strawberry coulis. Oustanding. The Keble College white (yes, Keble has its own wine) was not very good, the red was a bit better, but not fantastic. Coffee was a welcome change.
We wore our formal gowns today for the first time: I look ridiculous in this thing, and I think that we all do. But it has a certain snob appeal to some, and a certain appeal to British tradition that is ultimately both quaint and annoying. But life is good, and it's been a lot of fun so far. Got nothing to do tomorrow but go to the Freshers' Fair, which is the time when all of us Freshers are bombarded with extra-curricular organizations all in one place, all asking for our time and telling us of the benefits of membership to this group or that. I can't wait.
Go Red Sox. The sad fact is that I am completely out of energy and can't stay up to watch the game. The folks on Boston.com were complaining today about the 10:00 PM Pacific Time start. Oh no, they said, it's starting at 1 in the morning for us. I'm sorry, you silly silly people. It's starting at about 6 AM in the UK. RIDICULOUS. Stop whining: all of you.
Wonderful dinner tonight: it was the Graduate Freshers' Dinner, with pre-dinner drinks with the College Fellows. I met my college advisor today: he is an excellent conversationalist. Also got caught up with an attractive German blonde at dinner who kept talking about how horrible she felt that it was that Americans seem to measure their worth by their academic pedigree. I couldn't really say anything, as an alumnus of Princeton, except to say that I took it all with a good amount of irony. I don't think that she was at all convinced, though. This took far too much of my attention off of talking with my college advisor, which I was a bit unhappy about. All was well by the end, of course.
But yes, the dinner was fabulous. I had dinner at high table, which is something generally reserved for the Senior Fellows of the college and their very important guests; certainly not one such as myself. So I was honored (honoured?) and humbled at the same time. I sat diagonally across from the College Bursar and diagonally across from the Senior Tutor for Graduates, and next to my college advisor: we were poured wine and had a delicious dinner. Started with a celeriac and citrus salad, followed by supreme of guinea fowl with an orange and ginger sauce, accompanied by Parisenne potatoes adn assorted green vegetables. Dessert was a strawberry and champagne roulade with strawberry coulis. Oustanding. The Keble College white (yes, Keble has its own wine) was not very good, the red was a bit better, but not fantastic. Coffee was a welcome change.
We wore our formal gowns today for the first time: I look ridiculous in this thing, and I think that we all do. But it has a certain snob appeal to some, and a certain appeal to British tradition that is ultimately both quaint and annoying. But life is good, and it's been a lot of fun so far. Got nothing to do tomorrow but go to the Freshers' Fair, which is the time when all of us Freshers are bombarded with extra-curricular organizations all in one place, all asking for our time and telling us of the benefits of membership to this group or that. I can't wait.
Go Red Sox. The sad fact is that I am completely out of energy and can't stay up to watch the game. The folks on Boston.com were complaining today about the 10:00 PM Pacific Time start. Oh no, they said, it's starting at 1 in the morning for us. I'm sorry, you silly silly people. It's starting at about 6 AM in the UK. RIDICULOUS. Stop whining: all of you.
10.06.2004
what service!
Got back from a meeting with my advisor just now to find my bed made. Incredible: in addition to clearing out my rubbish bin, my college scout even made my bed. How nice of them. :)
10.05.2004
libraries
Yesterday and today we had our induction programmes in the department, what might be better termed as departmental orientation. Heard from a great number of people who had much to offer: possibly some work in numismatics, or papyrology, or even feminist post-colonialist late-marxist classical theory. The mind reels. But tucked into these programs has been a tour of the Bodleian Library. This has got to be one of the most imposing and interesting buildings ever. It's gorgeous and awe inspiring. What's really cool, though, is the interior. I am psyched that I get to research here and learn here. I'm amazed that resources this immense and powerful are at my disposal. Sweet.
I'm meeting a lot of my fellow grad students in the MCR and they've all been fantastic. It's fun, because I learn them all alongside their nationalities, or occasionally what they study. So here's a very partial listing: Justin (American; Science and Religion) Graham (UK; Zoology), Graham (UK; Math? I think), Timo (Germany; Computer Science), Sarah (UK; Engineering), Laura (Mexico; Math), Abi (India; Sports Med), Dan (Australia; Law), Simon (UK; Law), Ted (UK, Classical Archaeology), Derek (US; Classical Archaeology), Kate (UK, Classical Archaeology), Jenny (UK, Zoology), Chris (UK, Politics), the list continues. I am truly amazed at how many internationals there are here.
Food in hall hasn't been bad: I've eaten there twice and heard about tonights: rave reviews all around. Yesterday was a salmon fillet in a parsley and butter sauce, with roasted potatoes and steamed broccoli. Today was, evidently, an excellent rack of lamb. I got to the porter's lodge too late to exchange my meal ticket, so I was left sadly without any food. I spent £4 on chow mein from the dodgy Chinese take-out place. It was cheap, but not the cheapest alternative. I could have gone to the kebab van, but as I understand it from Simon (who's from Liverpool), there was a huge flap in the papers last Spring when a doner kebab place was found to be serving dog meat. I think that's gross. I mean, I'm sure I'll end up at the kebab van soon enough, but tonight was not the night to start.
I met some members of the SCR tonight when they came to introduce themselves to the Fresher grad students. Our college warden is particularly nice: she knows some friends of mine from Boston and also was an ancient historian herself. So this is good news. I have to meet with my program supervisor tomorrow morning, so I'd best cut this off soon. I wanted to stay up to watch the vice-presidential debates, but I'm way too tired. Big dinner tomorrow night in hall: it's our first night of wearing gowns.
I'm meeting a lot of my fellow grad students in the MCR and they've all been fantastic. It's fun, because I learn them all alongside their nationalities, or occasionally what they study. So here's a very partial listing: Justin (American; Science and Religion) Graham (UK; Zoology), Graham (UK; Math? I think), Timo (Germany; Computer Science), Sarah (UK; Engineering), Laura (Mexico; Math), Abi (India; Sports Med), Dan (Australia; Law), Simon (UK; Law), Ted (UK, Classical Archaeology), Derek (US; Classical Archaeology), Kate (UK, Classical Archaeology), Jenny (UK, Zoology), Chris (UK, Politics), the list continues. I am truly amazed at how many internationals there are here.
Food in hall hasn't been bad: I've eaten there twice and heard about tonights: rave reviews all around. Yesterday was a salmon fillet in a parsley and butter sauce, with roasted potatoes and steamed broccoli. Today was, evidently, an excellent rack of lamb. I got to the porter's lodge too late to exchange my meal ticket, so I was left sadly without any food. I spent £4 on chow mein from the dodgy Chinese take-out place. It was cheap, but not the cheapest alternative. I could have gone to the kebab van, but as I understand it from Simon (who's from Liverpool), there was a huge flap in the papers last Spring when a doner kebab place was found to be serving dog meat. I think that's gross. I mean, I'm sure I'll end up at the kebab van soon enough, but tonight was not the night to start.
I met some members of the SCR tonight when they came to introduce themselves to the Fresher grad students. Our college warden is particularly nice: she knows some friends of mine from Boston and also was an ancient historian herself. So this is good news. I have to meet with my program supervisor tomorrow morning, so I'd best cut this off soon. I wanted to stay up to watch the vice-presidential debates, but I'm way too tired. Big dinner tomorrow night in hall: it's our first night of wearing gowns.
10.04.2004
freshers, take two.
Freshers is the term Oxonians use for Freshman. And it doesn't just refer to undergraduate freshmen either - I'm a fresher, and so are people who are just new to the college. Interestingly, there are a lot of different terms used by the Brits, and even more specialized terminology used by Oxonians. A friend of mine made an interesting faux pas: the hem on her jeans was wet, and it was driving her nuts: she said "I'm going home to change: my pants are wet." The response from a very frank MCR member was, "why? are you incontinent?" Evidently, in England, undershorts are always called pants, and what we might say are pants are, in fact, exclusively trousers. Speaking of MCR, MCR stands for Middle Common Room, which is the graduate student lounge, and also the graduate student population as a whole. The JCR (Junior Common Room) is the undergraduates, while the SCR (Senior Common Room) is the faculty. Also, I've got a college porter, which is the security guard, receptionist, and all-around-good-guy wrapped into one. In fact, we've got three or four of them, and they take shifts in the porter's lodge, which is just the entrance of the college. We also have college port, but that is entirely different.
I finally bought the rest of my bed a few days ago: on Wednesday I arrived and slept on a bare mattress. On Thursday, I bought sheets, but still had no blanket. Only on Friday did I go out and buy a duvet cover. This is possibly the world's most slowly materializing bed. But it's done now, and my room is cozy: spartan, perhaps, but cozy all the same. If only my ethernet connection worked.
I actually typed out a nice blog entry earlier today, but the computer in the MCR froze when uploading, and the entry never went live. So yeah, I'm really eager to get my ethernet connection working, and quick.
I start my department orientation tomorrow: I'm nervous as heck. I really hope that I'm able to hack it here. I had this kind of aprehension about Princeton, to be sure, but that I would graduate was, perhaps with a touch of hubris, never in doubt for me. But with Oxford, I'm here with these phenomenally brilliant people in this ancient city with buildings dating back before my country was even a country. And I'm supposed to flourish here? It's a bit much to uphold, I think, and I'm very nervous. Still, I am extremely excited.
Had our first meal in hall today: it's gorgeous. Evidently, they just spent some insane amount of money cleaning the ceiling, which gleams now. Food was surprisingly good: one could taste the chicken, carrots, and potatoes. Incredible!
OK, I'm out for the night. Congrats to the P. school quiz team, which came in second and third in their first face-to-face tournament yesterday. And of course, good luck to the Red Sox, who are on their way to Anaheim for the ALDS, and to the Patriots, who have extended their run to 18 individual wins tied together by nothing.
I finally bought the rest of my bed a few days ago: on Wednesday I arrived and slept on a bare mattress. On Thursday, I bought sheets, but still had no blanket. Only on Friday did I go out and buy a duvet cover. This is possibly the world's most slowly materializing bed. But it's done now, and my room is cozy: spartan, perhaps, but cozy all the same. If only my ethernet connection worked.
I actually typed out a nice blog entry earlier today, but the computer in the MCR froze when uploading, and the entry never went live. So yeah, I'm really eager to get my ethernet connection working, and quick.
I start my department orientation tomorrow: I'm nervous as heck. I really hope that I'm able to hack it here. I had this kind of aprehension about Princeton, to be sure, but that I would graduate was, perhaps with a touch of hubris, never in doubt for me. But with Oxford, I'm here with these phenomenally brilliant people in this ancient city with buildings dating back before my country was even a country. And I'm supposed to flourish here? It's a bit much to uphold, I think, and I'm very nervous. Still, I am extremely excited.
Had our first meal in hall today: it's gorgeous. Evidently, they just spent some insane amount of money cleaning the ceiling, which gleams now. Food was surprisingly good: one could taste the chicken, carrots, and potatoes. Incredible!
OK, I'm out for the night. Congrats to the P. school quiz team, which came in second and third in their first face-to-face tournament yesterday. And of course, good luck to the Red Sox, who are on their way to Anaheim for the ALDS, and to the Patriots, who have extended their run to 18 individual wins tied together by nothing.
10.03.2004
freshers
It's been an eventful week here at Oxford. We're all moving in and having a wonderful time meeting people. I've written something like ten postcards already, and trust me, there are many more people on my list. I've been scouting around for a British football team to root for: one with just about the same type of history as my beloved Red Sox: so far, nominations have been given for Aston Villa and Everton. Manchester United is, by far, the overwhelming analogue to the New York Yankees.
Bought myself my cap and gown. This stuff looks ridiculous: it's like a psycho-long vest with no sleeves and useless remnants of wings hanging down from my armpits. Remarkable, really, that these are still necessary. Even funnier are the caps which, I'm told, we're not even supposed to wear: we're supposed to carry them. £20 for a cap that I don't use, and £25 for a 'gown' that I could have made with a bedsheet and a pair of scissors. Ridiculous.
Also bought myself a duvet and cover, so now I can sleep like a normal human being. The room is starting to look more like a room now: it's got light and sunshine (ok, not so much on the sunshine) and pretty soon, my ethernet connection will work.
Congrats to the P. school quiz team, which took second and third in their first competition yesterday. Well done! And of course, we're watching for the Red Sox to sweep their first opponents in the ALDS, then the ALCS, and then the World Series. Go BoSox! And then the Patriots, going for #18 in what has been very vocally NOT called an S-word. Or at the very least, they've had 17 little one-game S-words, that's all. Go Boston Sports!
Bought myself my cap and gown. This stuff looks ridiculous: it's like a psycho-long vest with no sleeves and useless remnants of wings hanging down from my armpits. Remarkable, really, that these are still necessary. Even funnier are the caps which, I'm told, we're not even supposed to wear: we're supposed to carry them. £20 for a cap that I don't use, and £25 for a 'gown' that I could have made with a bedsheet and a pair of scissors. Ridiculous.
Also bought myself a duvet and cover, so now I can sleep like a normal human being. The room is starting to look more like a room now: it's got light and sunshine (ok, not so much on the sunshine) and pretty soon, my ethernet connection will work.
Congrats to the P. school quiz team, which took second and third in their first competition yesterday. Well done! And of course, we're watching for the Red Sox to sweep their first opponents in the ALDS, then the ALCS, and then the World Series. Go BoSox! And then the Patriots, going for #18 in what has been very vocally NOT called an S-word. Or at the very least, they've had 17 little one-game S-words, that's all. Go Boston Sports!
10.01.2004
politics
Just finished watching the presidential debate. It's 3:45 AM, and I am so energized I don't know if I could sleep. Somebody out there send me a Kerry 2004 poster for my dorm window. I kind of wish that Kerry had been stronger in his criticism of Bush, but I was howling when Bush got so peeved he couldn't answer straight.
Incidentally, I have *never* watched a presidential debate all the way through before. Here, I had to wait until 2 AM to watch the thing, and I couldn't wait. My guess is that there is something about being a foreign student, or at least an expatriate, that heightens the feeling of "American-ness". Only two of us watched it here in Keble: me, a Kerry supporter from Massachusetts, and an independent Michigander whose vote is still up in the air, though from conversations he seems to be leaning toward Kerry.
OK, that's it. I'm going to bed.
Incidentally, I have *never* watched a presidential debate all the way through before. Here, I had to wait until 2 AM to watch the thing, and I couldn't wait. My guess is that there is something about being a foreign student, or at least an expatriate, that heightens the feeling of "American-ness". Only two of us watched it here in Keble: me, a Kerry supporter from Massachusetts, and an independent Michigander whose vote is still up in the air, though from conversations he seems to be leaning toward Kerry.
OK, that's it. I'm going to bed.
