Recently I've been wondering...

Hello again :D
So recently I've been wondering about Ghosts,
strange I know - but at the same time understandable considering my classes this semester. Death in Antiquity and Persia... that's a whole lot of ghosts walking.
Some ghosts harm, some prophecy and others well others just want to stay dead.
For the people in antiquity ghosts often asked to stay dead, when they were called upon for help. This idea intrigues me - the dead wanting to stay dead.

The idea of 'letting the dead lie' is true in more ways than one.
A simple thing to do and yet still in death you have people who blame others for a death, some who call upon the dead to look over them (I know I've done this one), and some who wish that the dead were still with them.
So naturally this got me to thinking from the Greek and Roman point of view, I suppose. How do the dead feel about the living calling on them so often. Wouldn't these peoples be shocked to see the modern world?
Calling on the ghosts every which way.

But hey it's only an idea - and it intrigued me ... perhaps an interesting idea for a paper later???

-Till next time
Arielle

Hades - a bad guy?

As some of you may know I am currently working on my thesis - Modern (Adaptations of) Myths. I've been focusing on the Persephone and Hades myth - the one you learn in middle school (at least you do in Canada)- about the girl who is whisked away to the Underworld in Greek/Roman myth because Hades/Pluto falls in love with her on sight.

The thing is, is that a lot of the language being used, paints Hades in a bad light; the 'Kidnapping of Persephone', the 'Rape of Proserpina'. Yet in reality we're only really getting this story from Demeter - the story is literally coming from the 'Poem of Demeter'. So if we're only getting one side is Hades really as bad as he made out to be?Or have we simply as a society imposed an idea of what we think a ruler of the underworld should be and act?
What do you think?
Let me know?

Till next time
-Arielle

And... the computer died...

Hola,

So, as I am sure many of you are wondering is where has Arielle disappeared too... or maybe you're more like me and you just don't care... but either way I'm going to tell you, because I'm just that egotistic to think you all care.

What to tell you? This month, much like last month has been crazy!
I officially became one of the consuls (this is just a fancy Latin word for president) of my University's Classics Student group - which I am hoping I don't utterly mess up.

Other things... well my thesis has started. I'm working the Persephone and Hades myth - all ...50 something pages of it.
If I die from this process, ya'll know why!

As for youtube, I know some of you are coming from there- and I'm trying, but last month my computer that I was using to make videos for my channel, went up and died on me. My netbook - which I have aptly named 'Dinky Little Shit' is only good for typing and the occasional gander at the internet, anything else upsets it's delicate sensibilities and it dies! Thank goodness for slightly out of date and gross, computers in the university library. Essentially this just means I probably won't be making any videos till January when I A) get a new and better computer and B) a camera.

Till then sit tight, and expect several more overtly sarcastic and annoying posts about how awful life will be till it gets here... or me just ranting about random stuff, as usual.

-Till next time
Arielle

Thesis: How I am not going to die!

Anyoung!
Hello, everyone.
So I am sure many of you are thinking how does is this blogger not going to die?
They've been talking about doing this stupid thesis for a year and a half and they've been complaining that death will likely occur.
Well I've decided to live... and this is how I'm going to do it.

1. Become even more of a hermit than I already am!

2. When hermit-ting becomes to much, and the words, the pages start blurring - have someone kidnap you and take you away from yourwork

3. Unless you are two pages away from finishing - in which case have the kidnapper stand over you menacingly and force you to eat/drink sustenance.

4. Relax after a long hard day - read a book not related to your thesis for an hour - hell you deserve to treat yourself. Watch an episode of television.

5. If you're feeling really mean - watch a single episode of a drama that's on your list and tell yourself you can't watch another till you've met your deadline.

6. Listen to your adviser - if they tell you to check something out or offer to help - for the love of all that is good - do it. 

7. Do not forget to eat/ sleep or drink.

8. Don't forget to drink ... no seriously the other kind - drown your sorrows when it gets to much - more less than two should help... then have a bit of caffeine persuasion

9. Get the required word count down early and chill for a bit

10. No seriously just finish it - procrastination is not thy friend.


Good luck - we're all going to need it.

Till next time
Arielle

Songs in My Head... Partie Deux

Bonjour, mes chéris
Today is another day... afternoon.... evening... morning - it's another day... 
And time for another installment of  songs that are stuck in my head, and need to be shared. Who better to share them with than you all, because seriously these songs are a-mazing. 

Saule - Dusty Men 
An amazing song that brings you right back to the Old West. The chorus of the song reminds you more of a song you'd hear your parent listening to and has a definite 70's feel. The big selling point for me is it legitimately has a French and English singer and it is fantastic, so naturally it has both languages. 

Xia (Junsu) - Incredible 
Junsu/ Xia already made it on to this list last time so it comes as no surprise that I am a huge fan of his music. This song is pure perfection. My summer jam and it makes me feel great. It's like a caffeine boost and an anti-depressant in one for those drab-bad days. This dance track makes you want to get up and move and really why wouldn't you? Sadly I have not found a way to play this as my theme song for whenever I do something equally amazing - but I'm working on it..
Warning: The rap is a bit out of place but the rest of it is so perfect you end up not caring in the end 
 anyways.
P.S. I totally recommend listening to more of his music. The man does the Korean equivalent of Broadway Musicals - he has some different stuff on his new CD - ballads, soul, songs that make you want to cry and some more upbeat stuff. You should listen - if only to give your ears the best vacation they will ever have. 

Granville - Le Slow 
A French band with the most adorable singer as the front woman. The group itself remind me of a more French-folky and a more eighties version of Zooey Deschanel and her group. The song itself is laid back and is obviously meant for (in opinion) a country stroll or for a leisurely drive in the car with the windows down. 

The Green Children - Dragons (Part II) 
This electronic-pop song sounds like it came from my children-hood (I'm a 90's baby) and it's all about the fears we had about the things in our closets ... and in our room. Great video and song that just seems to get stuck in your head. 

Jeffree Star- Love to my Cobain 
Admitedly I'm sure some of you won't like Jeffree's style and that's okay in fact he'd probably say don't like it who gives a f@$k, you don't need to listen. But... I recommend you at least give this song a try. Jeffree produces, mixes and writes most of his own stuff and it's amazing - slightly edgy, a bit emo and usually very dirty :D 
This song slows it down a bit and it's a great listen. Love this song! 

Vixx - Hyde 
This song and video are the perfect combo. The dance is amazing and the vocals are right on point...slightly dark and brooding but that's just what a girl or guy likes in another girl or guy, right? A little Mystery?
The video has everything to do with Mr. Hyde... and Doctor Jekyll. Sung by Korean Pop group VIXX, have the boy group are Hyde and the other half Jekyll.
Guaranteed if you aren't singing 'Just Can't Control' with the head swaying dance step or 'Nappa anden saranghiaye' with the hand waving along with the video by the end of it... you don't know what you're missing. 

Exo- Growl 
Yes, you just watched that video - yes it was a smooth and R&B/ jazzy as you thought is was going to be... and yes I understand you want to learn that dance. 
I do - I really do. 
Two big thumbs up for the combined forces of the two EXO's. EXO-M (The Chinese sub-group) and EXO-K (The Korean sub-group) teamed up for promotions = one huge awesome group. 
While I have no real preference for which version you watch (the songs all come in Mandarin and Korean) - I have picked the Mandarin one for kicks. 
And yes I suggest you listen/watch EXO - Wolf as well. The choreo for that song is off the chain! I already know you're going to mention the annoying 'Saranghayo' I know you and the rest of the world - but the rest of the song is superb.
(I put the Korean version up this time for some variety)

EXO - Wolf 

Ke$ha- Crazy Kids
'Hello, where ever you are...' 
I love this song - it's another one of those catchy songs that aren't overtly annoying and it's so good. She sings in this one people... and even with the strange featuring of WILL I Am.... it was still really good - just ignore is mumbling. 

SISTAR - Give it To Me. 
No the song is not as dirty as it sounds. This song has all the singing talents and big extras that a awesome musical has (nothing new to these lovely ladies). The ladies in this song are singing about all the men in their life giving them what they don't need and the only thing they do want and need is their love - so they say ' Give it to Me'. Okay so it still sounds dirty, but that doesn't stop this song from being brilliantly sexy and a great tune to be blaring in your car ride home. 

Till we meet in the Next .... blog about songs :D
- Ari 

Festivals!

Hello, lovely readers... if you really are reading this :D

So this weekend in Canada it's a long weekend and close to my neck of the woods is the start of one of Canada's biggest Cultural Festivals

I am excited! (Now prepare yourselves for some patriotism)
Multiculturalism is what makes Canada whole, we are a combination of Cultures and I enjoy that. It's what makes life interesting. Different foods, different practices... different music (you all figured that was coming didn't you?), even the different cultural practices that we witness in the different parts of our cities, from our friends and in foreign films make life that much more exciting.
As a budding Anthropologist, watching a Festival that celebrates this diversity of cultures and showcases them makes me smile. Makes me glad to live here!

I bet you're wondering 'what's the big deal'. right? Well the thing is it's utterly amazing. Each culture that is showcased displays their cultures foods, drinks, clothing, special ceremonies, artwork, language, music, dancing and sometimes fighting or strategical moves. The people who do so are mostly volunteers who do something like three shows a night for a week - that's a lot of things to do - and it's always spectacular. I love every minute I get to go.

Naturally I'm going to see as many different cultural displays as possible- and I'll post pics here if I get any good ones - I promise. 

Till Next Time!
Ari

Jason - whiny much?

So I think we've gotten to know each other well enough that I can now share my ever increasing dislike of the Jason myth and yes, anything connected with it.
So what is the Jason myth?
Jason is a 'hero' in Greek myth who sailed to the 'end' of the world to find the golden fleece - with a bunch of other heroes...

"Oh, but that doesn't sound to bad", you say

Well here's the thing Jason doesn't do very much for himself - and he's not even all that remarkable. The only thing that may classify hims as a hero is that he was trained by Cheiron (the centaur who trained a bunch of big named heroes from myth)... but you see all he does is gather a bunch of men for a journey, tell them to come sailing with him on a giant ship (the Argonaut) and then he sits back and lets these men (some of them are big names too, heck Heracles is aboard the ship) do all the work with their strengths, wits and powers.
And when Jason finally gets to the ends of the 'Earth' aka. Colchis his patron goddess makes Medea (the princess of those lands) fall in love with him.
She helps him every step of the way and she tells him what to do, and even hands him the golden fleece.

When they return to Jason's country, Medea is the one who kills Jason's opponents to the throne, Medea is the one who ensures his standing... and she ends up with nothing.
Jason later gives her the Greek equivalent of a divorce, abandons the kids and shacks up with someone younger... Medea becomes vindictive, spiteful and full of wrath - kills their children and runs off somewhere better.
Jason just wanders around after that till he is killed by the prow of his own boat.

Oh yah...
He's a 'hero' - I can see it.
Sorry Cheiron maybe this is one guy you shouldn't put in the yearbook.

Books... I would not read again.

Hello all,
WASSUP!

So remember when I posted my previous blog and I said I would make another one... about books I would not read again - ever.
Well that's happening... right now.
But first, A DISCLAIMER.
These are my personal opinions and I am in no way, shape or form saying that I hate these books. Merely they were not to my liking.
Some of us like Gory Murder Mysteries, Teenage Books filled with Angsty-Angst-Angst and Non-Fiction Books where literally everyone dies.
I am not one of these people.
More often than not you will find me with a book with Supernatural, Fantasy, Young Adult/Coming of Age Themes than anything else. My tastes are eclectic - like my music choices - but there are some books I just don't like.
It's sad but true.
So here are some books that I can see the genius in ... but I would never, ever, ever read them again voluntarily (by forced I mean for a class).

The Godfather - Mario Puzo

The Godfather - Mario Puzo

   The Genius:
Mario Puzo's The Godfather, is considered a Pop-Cult Classic and I can see the appeal for other people. It tells a story of everyday "Joe's" trying to make their lives better for themselves, their family and their friends; because the government sure isn't. This makes the story appeal to the same sort of people who exist outside of the book - fighting for the same things. Granted the Corleone Family does become the Mob in doing so, but hey it's still a certain degree of honorable.Puzo wrote this book to identify with his Italian roots and instead it identified with a whole generation because of it's easy vocabulary and subsequent movies.

   Why I'll never read it again:
There were times I read it and I just had to put it down because I could not find anything good, no moral standing at all for many of the characters - at times this was just too much for me. Yes, I realize that some characters and some people are like this and that they have no redeeming qualities but it was because his characters were so life-like and capable of doing such horrible things that made me cringe. I read my books to get out of my own head and to 'travel' somewhere else - I do not want to be 'traveling' to a place of pedophilia, favors and betrayal.
I finished it because I had to for an assignment, but there were times that it was a close call.
Although I will admit that the book got easier to read as it went along - less heinous acts and more just murder.



Of Mice and Men - John  Steinbeck

Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck 

   The Genius:
Steinbeck's classic Of Mice and Men, is now commonplace in most high school classrooms across Canada. Steinbeck concentrates on the relationship between two men - both migrant ranch workers looking for work during the Great Depression. One man is the intelligent skinny guy (George), and the other the brawny one with no brains (his name is Lennie, today he would probably have been diagnosed with Autism and Mental Retardation). It tells the story of how two men can get by during a time of little else, and showcases the problems with color (racism) and misunderstandings.

   Why I'll Never Read It Again:
I think this book hit a bit to close to home. My brother has special needs, because of this he is frequently misunderstood and I shudder to think what would have happened to him during this time period - much like Lennie ( the "dumb" one). 
I just don't enjoy how anyone was treated in this story at all. The relationships found within are infuriating in their need to belittle the other person - the book just irked me.



And I'm about to be shot for this one...
The Hunger Games Trilogy - Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins

   The Genius:
These books tell a dystopian, post-apocalyptic story of a world be suppressed by their government, often to the point of starvation. Pushing those people in the poorest part of the world to poach, beg and steal what they can to eat. In order to keep the people in line and to 'provide' incentive to survive and stay under government control are the Hunger Games - be the last one standing and you can have it all - including the nightmares. But, not everything works out like it should.
Suzanne Collins works a beautiful piece of work, it makes you feel things with all of your heart and you therefore become attached to that world and the characters within it. If, an author can make you cry for a character or laugh with one - I think they're doing their job.

   Why I'll Never Read It Again:
I thought the books were a-mazing. But they also scarred me for life...
I could not read anything else for weeks. I was devastated.
My own Mother asked me why I was reading the books if I was crying my eyes out the whole time - I used two whole boxes of kleenex on the final book alone.
I couldn't even start the last book without giving myself a break in between the second one and the finally - but I had to find out what happened to that world. I was hooked and I couldn't stop - it was like an addiction. I needed to know what happened to my favourite characters- and in the end they died.
Devastated.
I escaped to a world that should have known from the beginning that what it was doing was horribly wrong and they should have attempted to fix it. This is not Rome and those kids should not have been gladiators or civil prisoners for the lions.
It was a horrible juxtaposition.
That being said I'll probably still see the movie version - just to torture myself some more... and probably be put off movies for a month.

Oh well
Till next time,
-Ari 

Popular Culture

Oh the joys of spring courses. That moment when you're almost done your degree and to ensure that you last year isn't to hard you take a few courses... and usually those courses are introductions to other fields or perhaps they're just dull. But, I, apparently lucked out. Currently I am taking a course called Religion in Pop. Culture and I think the title says it all.

Taught by one of my favourite Professors this course is like all of his other courses one in which you must think and by think, I mean by looking at all the sides and critically.
Think outside the box! 
Religious influences are in popular culture left, right and centre. And certainly in things you wouldn't expect.
Similar Power Structures
Delineation of Spaces 
Ritualistic Behaviours
All things you wouldn't expect to find in a book - are suddenly there.
And it's brilliant.

Looking for a good book?

Hello my fellow readers...
however few you may be :D
Remember in my original post where I mentioned I love all things books.
I wasn't lying. I adore them. So much so that I recently had to make my self some more book shelves.
As I was rearranging them I realized that now seems like as good a time as any to talk to you about some of my favourites and as they're so "Splintered" (ah ah see what I did there... well you will) or should I say eccentric this will be a two part-er.

Now I more of a favourite author gal myself. When I find a fantastic author I stick to them like crazy-glue. No seriously I do. These are the books I read when I'm sad, or need a moment to myself - they're the artists that create my comfort-food... books.
Things like the Nightseer, by Laurell K. Hamilton, which I've already mentioned as a book I read in order to relax, makes it to the short list. I'm fairly certain I own all of her Anita Blake and Merry Gentry Series' books (more on that in another post - I promise). Other authors like Garth Nix, Amelia Atwater-Rhodes, Tamora Pierce and Rick Riordan also make this list. As do my two "new" favourite authors: A.G. Howard and Deborah Harkness.

So what's so appealing you ask?

Well... it's the way these authors create an entirely different (or not so different) world. It's the way they tell a story that transports you to a new place, so that you can escape your own tedious one for just a moment, just a second, and breathe in the new sites and sounds. All of this in the comfort of your own bedroom. Their characters remind you of yourself and go through the same kinds of problems (and by problems I mean - anxiety or dementia, coming out to your parents or being different) giving you the courage to at least look at your own problems.

They set you free.
And teach you a little something about your self in the process.
Which is why we love them so much.

So what exactly do I read: Well let's take a jaunt, and let me break it down for you.
(Since I've already looked at Laurell K Hamilton and Garth Nix - Nightseer and Sabriel being my favourites from these two- in a previous post I'll leave those two out to talk about another time.)

Demon in My View - Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

 Atwater-Rhodes wrote this book when she was 15... you saw that right 15 and it is brilliant. I remember reading it when I was 17 for the first time and thinking "Wow, I wish I was this brilliant." The book itself is not very long, has large print and is obviously written to the Young Adult Audience. All while managing to be about an dark-haired, fair-skinned outcast of a girl and what I like to call, the "asshole" with redeeming qualities, who just so happens to be a vampire.
(No he does not sparkle, yes he drinks blood, and yes he's broody).
The book is an easy read and takes you to something a bit more primitive - where blood is the coin you pay in and we (the reader) are just along for the ride.
And this book is by far the best in this series - so check - it - out!

Percy Jackson (The Olympians Series) - Rick Riordan 

Percy Jackson - how was this series not made earlier. This series and the following sequel series are genius modern adaptations of Greek and Roman myths. They're so brilliant that I felt like ate through the book in no time. The large print and funny chapter titles... make it that much easier to read. This series and the subsequent one, tell the stories or quests of half-bloods or demi-gods. Add to that the gods in all their forms and ancient monsters and you have all the ingredients for a Homeric Epic, without the Hymns and for a younger audience.

The Immortals Series - Tamora Pierce

By far my personal favourite series by Tamora Pierce, the Immortals Series tells the tale of Dane a girl with Wild Magic - who doesn't know that she has it (she just thinks she's a bit crazy). On her travels she meets new people, falls in love and discovers who her dead parents really were. The books are essentially one book split into four- smaller books for lighter reading and are good for those rainy days - to read to yourself or kiddie.

Splintered - A.G Howard

The debut novel by A.G. Howard is a modern adaptation ... or continuation if you will of Alice in Wonderland. A bit slow to get into (at least for me - slow for me is in the second/third chapter) but keep at it because it gets soooo much better. In fact it gets fantastic. The heroine of this story is a descendent of Miss Alice and her family is cursed. They can talk to insects - and that's what has landed their family in the looney bin or to commit suicide. Until ... a strange, curious insect appears, and it leads back into Alice's dream or nightmare.
Classified forYoung Adult audience- but who cares, some of the best books are in that section to begin with and it was very easy for me to finish reading within two/three days. I just could not put it down.
And I am waiting, ever patiently for the next one. January you are cold but I want that book so bad!

All Soul's Trilogy - Deborah Harkness

Words cannot describe how much I adore this and Shadow of the Night. Both books transport you to the world of a witch- a very special one in fact. A witch who doesn't wish to be a part of the Supernatural world, and would much rather be a Doctorate in the History of Alchemy. Until a college and fellow member of the Supernatural walks in and steals her library work space... and he just so happens to be a Vampire.
In a world of Daemons, Vampires and Witches the number one objective is to stay hidden from the Humans. But Vampires are starting to die, Daemons are getting a little more crazy and the Witches... there are less and less. The book teaches you about History, while looking at how we're made, adding in the dynamics of being Christian and a Vampire, a Witch without using magic. Ultimately trying to discover how we got here and how we're to evolve.
You can definitely tell how well researched the book is and imagine how wonderful a Prof. Deborah Harkness makes - the words just leap off the page and you don't want to put the books down.

I cannot wait to read the conclusion to these two novels.


That's all for this one folks.
Till the next time
(The next one will be on some books I would not read again...)
Ta ta
-Ari

Exams and the things they bring

Well it's almost exam times folks.
And surprise, surprise there are about a bajillion things to do and only *looks at calender* what two weeks to do them in.
Good ole' March Madness - that end of the semester/ end of the year blues that has everyone, including your professors in a funk. Increasing procrastination in practically single thing you do in life for the next month or so.

So those two 7-9/8-10 page papers, yah they're going to kill you. That one critique you need to get down and the oral presentation you need to ready for that one language course have to get done toute suite.
And you - your brain is probably two sheets to the wind and trying desperately to explode.

Naturally I'm there, right along with yah!
For me, exams bring so much more than the March blues and glaring headaches from staring at the laptop screen for too long.
It brings insomnia - sleepless nights where the brain refuses to be quite and stop thinking about your essay topics or the last thing you were studying for that exam the next day. As well as the an increase in allergies (even if it's still snowing in March, here in Canada - the dust has accumulating to a huge mass by this point). Not to mention, the usual of writing to slowly or the amazing ability to not find what you need for a paper (Research is a bitch people).

So how do I get out my exam funk?

 1. TAKE A BREAK

*shock* I know right? Such an original idea, but one that has stood the test of time and worked (I feel like cliches are a thing in this post today *shakes head*).
Just remove your self from your current situation. If you feel like your brain can't handle anymore information - chances are it can't at the moment... or maybe you've been staring at the same paragraph for fifteen minutes. Just take a breather and do something else!

2. DO SOMETHING STRENEOUS

If you run, dance, do any form of physical activity, I recommend doing so now. Doing so relaxes your mind and gives you a sort of sub-space that allows the ideas to pop out at you.

3. TAKE A BATH/ HAVE A HOT SHOWER

The first thing to do when you're freaking out and you can no longer manage something is to relax your mind. I get some of my best ideas when I'm relaxing in a steaming shower or I'm just meditating. When you're actively not-thinking about what got you into this predicament in the first place - that's when I fine comes the best ideas.

4. CLEAN YOUR ROOM/ DESK

Often times having clutter around you, distracts you - not only is this a form of physical activity, but it's a mundane one that will allow you to clear up space, not only in your room but also in your head. Doing this allows you to not think about your papers/ exams and sometimes you'd be surprised what ends up on the paper afterwards.

5. READ A BOOK

You all know by now that I love a good book.
And a good book lets your mind wander to another place all together.


The key here folks is that by allowing you brain and body to wander you free it think about your problems differently.
And I'm not going to lie sometimes, nothing seems to help, but more often than not a combination or even a single thing from this list - cures me of my March Madness Blues - at least for a while. :D

Good Luck, I think we'll all need it.
Till next time
-Ari 

Today is my birthday... for the first time in my life I have a ton of friends that I love and adore.
I'm sure some of you have already figured it out, but my friends are my family.
"They're the family I choose to keep."
I may not see them all the time or even keep in touch with them (because, hello, I is a hermit) but I know that if anything goes wrong... I can count on them to be there for me, every step of the way.

Which is also why I love birthdays so much.
Not only do I enjoy behaving like a five year old, having themed parties like we're in elementary. and generally acting to much to young for my age group. You get to eat cake, have a good time and best of all - reconnect with old friends, who travel all the way to see (or at the very least SKYPE with them).

Because while I may enjoy my serious hermit moments, I also have my strange extroverted moments, where I need to see every last one of my friends. And I'm glad that I get to see them all for my birthday.

Love, till next time
-Arielle

Colloquium

Heidi-ho!
So this weekend I'm going to go to my very first Colloquium, what's that you ask?
It's were people go to watch or present their papers.
Pretty much you stand up, read the research you did in a class and then you sit down and watch someone else do it... or at least that's what I've been led to believe.
Anyways- I've also been convinced to present one of my papers. Not sure how I'm going to do, but I'm sure as hell going to try my hardest.
So wish me luck.

Till next time.
-Ari

The Bus - A Sociology thing?

The bus,
Anyone here take one?
I do practically everyday and it's one of my favourite places to let my mind wander. 
For this semester of Uni I have an early class and while I'm not surprised at the number of people who take the bus at 7:30 in the morning; I was surprised at the sociology and psychology that goes behind where you sit on the bus.
Either through the influence of one of my besties or through the strange ways in which my brain finds amusement I began to seriously pay attention.
I realized that while the bus is a great place to ponder and wander it is also a great place to do some research into the one's mind.

Let me explain.
I am of bigger stature. I'm tall (6"), bigger and I usually have a lot to bring with me to school. For these reasons I sit in the back or in a side seat to allow for leg and bum room. :D
I stick in my headphones and usually when I'm not looking out a window I have my nose in a book. Not to mention with my multitude of jackets I probably look a bit homeless. I suppose you could say I'm a bit imposing.

Naturally this means that not many are willing to sit near me first, if they have to.
In fact most people avoid it all together unless they know me.

Why am I telling you this you ask?
Because it fascinates me...
And got me on another tangent of thought.
What kind of bus people are there?
(This is where the psychology comes into play)

First and foremost we can say that we are all creatures of habit. We sit where we've always sat and when that seat isn't available then we sit in the second best opportunity. This may change from day to day but when push comes to shove can say that arguably, there are two main categories. 
The back of the bus people and the front of the bus of people.
These two categories are pretty stoic from what I've seen, unless the bus is standing room or close to standing room only.

And naturally I have to point out that sitting by oneself is preferable unless you're busing with a friend.
Every single person will sit in an empty seat until there area is filled (either the front of the bus or the back).
And this is where it gets sociological and fun.
After every seat is filled in say the back section this is where social judgement comes into play.
People naturally sit or drift towards the harmless looking, attractive or well thin people first.
This means that seats next to highschool girls, boys reading their books, etc.. are chosen to sit near first.
Loud people, highschool boys and girls doing their makeup are last in the area along with those who are a bit on the bigger side.
And all of this is literally unconsciously taken in within the first five seconds of entering the bus.

I'm not saying that people are shallow just that social constructs and first impressions are the law and rules of the jungle when on the bus.


I know I'm reading to much into it.
But really if you look at it from a sociological stand point it's also pretty awesome.

Till next time
Ari 

Music

This week is Reading week for University students in my province. What's that you ask... essentially it's Spring Break, without the Spring and all the while the University attempts to give you a week to "catch up on the readings you are undoubtedly behind on because of all the midterms". Essentially it's Spring Break.

As such I am already not catching up on my readings and not doing my assignments due... yet and instead I have several amazing songs that I have not been able to stop humming.
So I thought, hey why not share them.
Not only will this help me, it will make them stick to you and you can enjoy there awesomeness as well... a sort of share my pain and relish in it because no wonder you had them in your head... they're amazing moment.

E.T. - Ivy&Gold. 

This cover of Katy Perry's song is not only amazing but haunting. This song has been on repeat and it should definitely have more views. 

J-Min - Stand Up

The lead song and a part of the OST for To the Beautiful You, this is a song that I feel gives you the courage to do anything a la Paramour forest style. 

Junsu (Xiah) - Uncommitted

One of the members of JYJ, Junsu sings in English on this track and pulls it off. Not only does this song have an amazingly smooth R&B sound but also an beat that you have in your head days later.

John Barrowman - What about Us? 

The sexy male companion of the Doctor and Scotland's musical wonderboy has a set of amazing pipes and this sad song always does me in. 

B2ST (BEAST) - Beautiful Night 

Arguably my summer song for this year, this has not left my head since then either and the dance, bright colours and catchy chorus are what keep there. 

A*M*E - Play the Game Boy 

This flashy video catches the eye and the chorus has you bobbing your head to it constantly. If the loud 80-90's feel doesn't grab you, the fact that it was written a couple of months ago should. 

There are a few more, but I think this is good enough for know... *laughs manically*

Till Next Time

-Ari

A slightly more serious topic

So, lately I've been thinking (a serious thing I know)...
It tends to happen every time I see a new sentimental Facebook meme.
And they always end up coming from that one random Facebook wall you liked from ages ago
You know the ones I'm talking about - they all talk about some kind of love...
Naturally every kind of love is mentioned. Ruined, lost or destroyed love and the hate that can come from it, the love you get from your family and friends, and that fuzzy love you get with new people.

The most brain inducing one of the lot

Which brings me back to my original line... "I've been thinking..." an awful lot.

Recently I've made several new friends, I've guess you could say I've 'clicked' with them. They get a side of me that some of my other friends do not (granted my best friends seem to understand me no matter what).
As you may know, I adore East Asia; the culture, the art and especially the media: television shows, music and cartoons. These people love it just as much as I do.
With them I can talk about things that the majority of my friends have to pretend to listen to. Yet, at the same time there are some things they don't get either.
While I 'click' with them on some level, and I feel like I 'don't have to pretend' to like something I don't and I can be an aspect of my self that I can't with the others.  Yet, they feed my hunger for one thing while still not fulfilling the rest, much like the other group of friends that I have.
But then again that seems to be the role of new people, the universe gives them to you so that you can grow as a person; so that you can expand your horizon I suppose. Yet you're allowed to keep the 'old' people in your life as well to ensure that they keep you anchored.

Different kinds of love for the different aspects of your life.
And I have yet to see the ability to combine all of them.
The different loves I have in my life- that of my different grouping of friends have yet to combine fully in any way.
Which makes the meme I posted above both perplexing and confusing to me.

Till next time,
A very confused Arielle