I was looking at the message boards for Pokemon White on GameFAQs, and someone just pointed out that most of the time, trainers don't attack you. They just see you and say something random like, "I like bug Pokemon!" and then a battle randomly starts.
Hmm.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Aeroplane toilets in decibels
According to the blog Sound + Design, aeroplane toilets flush at 106dB- about as loud as a car horn or a timpani. According to other random sites, flush toilets generally flush at only 75-85dB. According to some other site I found called HearingAidKnow, a difference of 20dB makes a sound seem twice as loud.
Hah.
28 days remaining, and some travel tips have gone up.
Hah.
28 days remaining, and some travel tips have gone up.
- Remember to bring power adaptors, or you won't be able to plug in your hair straightener.
- (Forgot, will put it up if and when I remember.) (EDIT: 19/3/11: The travel tips are still up on the noticeboard so I now know that the second tip is "Look after your bubble wrap." I'll explain this later.)
- Don't spend all of your money in the transit airport.
- Write your name on all of your white shirts. It will make them easier to identify.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
You know you spend too much time daydreaming when...
... you start thinking of possible ethical issues in your imaginary world(s).
In Mimaiya, there are two sub-species of humans: homo sapiens sapiens (normal humans, known in the magical world as "mortals") and homo sapiens magus (magical humans, or simply "magicals" or "true magicals"). These magicals are capable of wielding various different types of magic (and being able to mix and match them as well). This magic includes that of flight and teleportation.
Because magicals are capable of flight, other protective systems are in place. The bones of magical humans are much stronger to be able to withstand impact. Jumping off a tall building would not even break bones. In fact, the only drop really capable of killing a true magical would be one from "aeroplane height" (the area where aeroplanes usually fly). And since true magicals will instinctively slow their own fall, even drops from this height may not kill.
Magicals, capable of wielding magic, are also capable of building up natural resistances to magic. This natural resistance increases as a true magical's magical powers grow stronger. Fire magic is poisonous to mortals (provided it doesn't kill them first), but not to true magicals, even if that true magical is not resistant to the fire magic (they would burn, but not get poisoned).
Of course, there are drawbacks to being a magical. Being a magical leaves you susceptible to some magical-only diseases, the most infamous being that of "Nightmare Syndrome." Sufferers occasionally pass into a state of semi-consciousness bordering on unconsciousness, in which they see, hear and even feel things that terrify them- usually related to fears they have in everyday life. At the peak of the disease, these attacks can last for over half an hour.
Overall, though, magicals seem to be the "superior" human. In Mimaiya, certain companies, especially those dealing with more hands-on work, seek to employ as many true magicals as possible, as magic allows for work to be done more efficiently, leading to an increase in the company's output and therefore the profits that they can make. Sometimes true magicals get paid more because of this. Additionally, this preference for true magicals can cause mortals to lose their jobs in the process.
That's the main one I've been thinking about recently. Maybe I should pay less attention in economics?
In Mimaiya, there are two sub-species of humans: homo sapiens sapiens (normal humans, known in the magical world as "mortals") and homo sapiens magus (magical humans, or simply "magicals" or "true magicals"). These magicals are capable of wielding various different types of magic (and being able to mix and match them as well). This magic includes that of flight and teleportation.
Because magicals are capable of flight, other protective systems are in place. The bones of magical humans are much stronger to be able to withstand impact. Jumping off a tall building would not even break bones. In fact, the only drop really capable of killing a true magical would be one from "aeroplane height" (the area where aeroplanes usually fly). And since true magicals will instinctively slow their own fall, even drops from this height may not kill.
Magicals, capable of wielding magic, are also capable of building up natural resistances to magic. This natural resistance increases as a true magical's magical powers grow stronger. Fire magic is poisonous to mortals (provided it doesn't kill them first), but not to true magicals, even if that true magical is not resistant to the fire magic (they would burn, but not get poisoned).
Of course, there are drawbacks to being a magical. Being a magical leaves you susceptible to some magical-only diseases, the most infamous being that of "Nightmare Syndrome." Sufferers occasionally pass into a state of semi-consciousness bordering on unconsciousness, in which they see, hear and even feel things that terrify them- usually related to fears they have in everyday life. At the peak of the disease, these attacks can last for over half an hour.
Overall, though, magicals seem to be the "superior" human. In Mimaiya, certain companies, especially those dealing with more hands-on work, seek to employ as many true magicals as possible, as magic allows for work to be done more efficiently, leading to an increase in the company's output and therefore the profits that they can make. Sometimes true magicals get paid more because of this. Additionally, this preference for true magicals can cause mortals to lose their jobs in the process.
That's the main one I've been thinking about recently. Maybe I should pay less attention in economics?
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Songs that are significant to me- Part 2
The Singing Magicians
(Video taking too long to upload at the moment- will re-attempt at a later date.)
This was the first song I composed for a lot of instruments. Before, the maximum number of instruments I had composed for was four: Bb trumpet, Bb clarinet, piano and violin. The Singing Magicians started out with 12 because I was using manuscript paper with only 12 lines per page, but since then one or two more have been added. The snare drums don't sound remotely like snare drums on this recording, and some instruments are too overpowering, but at least most instruments sound reasonably similar to their real-life counterparts.
Another reason this song is significant to me is because it's about my imaginary world of Mimaiya. The Singing Magicians group started as a student resistance group against a particular vaccine and now they help eradicate any remaining members of the Dark Ninja Force.
Pictures in the video in order are: the gates of Xiniyan Academy (a school in Mimaiya for true magicals), the Singing Magicians' logo ("Uphold Truth and Peace"), and then the Mimaiyan spirits for the arts, life, water, fire, earth, air, light, shadow and electricity, in that order.
OOPS, I missed out Hiela, the spirit of Defence. My bad.
Jei
When I started this song, I was thinking of the Mimaiyan Light Brigade- a resistance group against the Singing Magicians. Yes, I know, a resistance group against a resistance group.
When I was sick before Canberra Tour, though, I found that the war dance part of the song always got stuck in my head whenever I thought about aeroplane toilets. The song then began to morph into something about how I got over my fear of aeroplane toilets, but I think I totally stuffed up the ending and haven't been bothered changing it. I decided to instead make a song solely dedicated to how I overcame my phobia in that little room in the sky.
The Raindrop Prelude and Venetian Boat Song no. 2
The Raindrop Prelude- Chopin
Venetian Boat Song No. 2- Mendelssohn
When I was sick before Canberra Tour, I found that playing these two songs on the piano really helped to calm me down.
The Flower Duet
The Flower Duet from Lakmé- Delibes
This song was stuck in my head as I boarded the 737 (yes, THE 737) on the way home from Canberra, effectively calming me down and making me feel like I could flush that aeroplane toilet.
Beautiful and The Voice Within
Beautiful- Christina Aguilera
The Voice Within- Christina Aguilera
There's a lot I can say about why these songs are significant to me. I'll just break it down by lyrics and try not to say too much. After all I do have English homework, and I have to memorise something for Chinese, plus I have a neuroscience booklet to read. Bleh.
That's it from me... for now. English homework time! I have no idea what to write...
(Video taking too long to upload at the moment- will re-attempt at a later date.)
This was the first song I composed for a lot of instruments. Before, the maximum number of instruments I had composed for was four: Bb trumpet, Bb clarinet, piano and violin. The Singing Magicians started out with 12 because I was using manuscript paper with only 12 lines per page, but since then one or two more have been added. The snare drums don't sound remotely like snare drums on this recording, and some instruments are too overpowering, but at least most instruments sound reasonably similar to their real-life counterparts.
Another reason this song is significant to me is because it's about my imaginary world of Mimaiya. The Singing Magicians group started as a student resistance group against a particular vaccine and now they help eradicate any remaining members of the Dark Ninja Force.
Pictures in the video in order are: the gates of Xiniyan Academy (a school in Mimaiya for true magicals), the Singing Magicians' logo ("Uphold Truth and Peace"), and then the Mimaiyan spirits for the arts, life, water, fire, earth, air, light, shadow and electricity, in that order.
OOPS, I missed out Hiela, the spirit of Defence. My bad.
Jei
When I started this song, I was thinking of the Mimaiyan Light Brigade- a resistance group against the Singing Magicians. Yes, I know, a resistance group against a resistance group.
When I was sick before Canberra Tour, though, I found that the war dance part of the song always got stuck in my head whenever I thought about aeroplane toilets. The song then began to morph into something about how I got over my fear of aeroplane toilets, but I think I totally stuffed up the ending and haven't been bothered changing it. I decided to instead make a song solely dedicated to how I overcame my phobia in that little room in the sky.
The Raindrop Prelude and Venetian Boat Song no. 2
The Raindrop Prelude- Chopin
Venetian Boat Song No. 2- Mendelssohn
When I was sick before Canberra Tour, I found that playing these two songs on the piano really helped to calm me down.
The Flower Duet
The Flower Duet from Lakmé- Delibes
This song was stuck in my head as I boarded the 737 (yes, THE 737) on the way home from Canberra, effectively calming me down and making me feel like I could flush that aeroplane toilet.
Beautiful and The Voice Within
Beautiful- Christina Aguilera
The Voice Within- Christina Aguilera
There's a lot I can say about why these songs are significant to me. I'll just break it down by lyrics and try not to say too much. After all I do have English homework, and I have to memorise something for Chinese, plus I have a neuroscience booklet to read. Bleh.
That reminds me of the two weeks I was sick before Canberra Tour. Waking up each morning, I was like, "Wow, I'm still here!"Every day is so wonderful
We live in a world where the phobic can't help but be ashamed of it, as if it's our fault we're afraid or something.Now and then I get insecure
From all the pain, I’m so ashamed
Sometimes I don't say much, because I can't think of much else other than misery or anxiety at that moment.To all your friends, you’re delirious
So consumed in all your doom
Sort of like my imaginary world, except there are challenges there too.When you’re safe inside your room you tend to dream
Of a place where nothing’s harder than it seems
OMG. The mindset that helped me to conquer my phobia!!!!Young girl, don’t hide
You’ll never change if you just run away
Young girl, just hold tight
And soon you’re gonna see your brighter day
Life is a journeyHence "Da Rendora," the title of my diary.
That's it from me... for now. English homework time! I have no idea what to write...
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Songs that are significant to me
For some reason I decided to think about songs that represent me. Maybe it's because I'm studying songs in English. Anyway, this is probably going to be a long post with a lot of videos. Here goes:
1. I Still Call Australia Home and The Aeroplane Song
Surprise surprise, these two are first.
If that actually did come as a surprise to you, let me tell you this: I conquered my phobia of loud noises to the tune of The Aeroplane Song (featured at the end of my video in my post The Journey: Live Another Day with additions) followed by I Still Call Australia Home. The Journey, a 15-page Word document I wrote detailing how I conquered my phobia, mentions this.
(Videos removed due to blog post being too slow to load. I'll provide links instead.)
Eleanor Rigby- The Beatles
Help!- The Beatles
Viva la Vida- Coldplay (note: for some reason, this link sometimes takes me to the login page of Youtube).
The Final Countdown- Europe
Fireflies- Owl City
These are all grouped together because I believe that all of these songs encouraged me to listen to different genres of music, not just classical.
School was the main reason I began paying attention to these songs (with the exception of maybe Viva la Vida). We looked at Eleanor Rigby and Help! in Music Literature and we're playing Fireflies and The Final Countdown in band.
Also this line from Eleanor Rigby caught my attention:
I think the soundtrack (well some of the tracks anyway) got me interested in choral music and gave me a different perspective on orchestral music. In addition, This Broken Soul (The Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night which will be referred to hereafter as TEN) and Guide You Home (The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon which will be referred to hereafter as DotD) also encouraged me to listen to other genres of music.
Some of the other more significant tracks include (names are taken from the composers' website):
4. Saint-Saëns' Sonata for Clarinet and Piano
I can't play the middle bit.
Anyway... sometimes, when I'm upset, I think "let the river flow" and this song comes into my head.
5. Bohemian Rhapsody
Again, this one helped me to listen to a wider variety of music. My first experience with it was playing it on my clarinet at Health Camp.
Sometimes, when I'm really upset, the line "any way the wind blows doesn't really matter to me" comes into my head.
This one probably relates more to the imaginary me (whose title and first name are in this blog's URL) though. She was protesting against something violently. Thank goodness true magicals can use resurrection abilities depending on the situation, or she would be even more beside herself than she is now.
6. The Pi Song
3.14159265358979323846264338327950288419716939937510582097494459230781640628620899862803482534211706798214808651328230664079384460955...
I'll have to round it off there- this post is getting long and is making my computer slow, plus I have to go and play clarinet now. There will be more later though!
1. I Still Call Australia Home and The Aeroplane Song
Surprise surprise, these two are first.
If that actually did come as a surprise to you, let me tell you this: I conquered my phobia of loud noises to the tune of The Aeroplane Song (featured at the end of my video in my post The Journey: Live Another Day with additions) followed by I Still Call Australia Home. The Journey, a 15-page Word document I wrote detailing how I conquered my phobia, mentions this.
2. Eleanor Rigby, Help!, Viva la Vida, Final Countdown and Fireflies
And so, after locating the flush button I walked into the cubicle and began to sing the aeroplane song that I made up when I was about 10- the one with only two lines.“Aeroplane, flying high
Aeroplane, in the sky”Even though that song now enters my head at a much higher pitch than it used to, I hit that first note, a high E flat, pretty nicely. That song sounded the best I’d ever heard it in that tiny cubicle since everything resonated in there quite well.It calmed me down until I actually had to flush the toilet. Ever since my first encounter with an aeroplane toilet I have not been able to stay in the cubicle while flushing it. I wanted this time to be different, but I was petrified.So I compromised. I washed my hands and unlocked the door and started singing I Still Call Australia Home again and only when my hand was on the handle for me to make a quick escape, I flushed it.Although the sudden noise made me jump I found that one emotion that I would normally expect to be there was not. Fear. I was not afraid of the aeroplane toilet.
(Videos removed due to blog post being too slow to load. I'll provide links instead.)
Eleanor Rigby- The Beatles
Help!- The Beatles
Viva la Vida- Coldplay (note: for some reason, this link sometimes takes me to the login page of Youtube).
The Final Countdown- Europe
Fireflies- Owl City
These are all grouped together because I believe that all of these songs encouraged me to listen to different genres of music, not just classical.
School was the main reason I began paying attention to these songs (with the exception of maybe Viva la Vida). We looked at Eleanor Rigby and Help! in Music Literature and we're playing Fireflies and The Final Countdown in band.
Also this line from Eleanor Rigby caught my attention:
3. Soundtrack from The Legend of SpyroWaits at the window, wearing a mask that she keeps in a jar by the door,
Who is it for?
I think the soundtrack (well some of the tracks anyway) got me interested in choral music and gave me a different perspective on orchestral music. In addition, This Broken Soul (The Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night which will be referred to hereafter as TEN) and Guide You Home (The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon which will be referred to hereafter as DotD) also encouraged me to listen to other genres of music.
Some of the other more significant tracks include (names are taken from the composers' website):
- Cinematic (The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning which will be referred to hereafter as ANB, DotD)
- Cynder Boss Convexity (ANB)
- The credits music from ANB (which is also used in one level in DotD)
- Dragon Temple (ANB) to some extent
- Black Powers (TEN)
- Dragon Temple (TEN)
- Grove Action (TEN)
- Well of Souls (TEN)
- Burned Lands (DotD)
- Dragon City Golem Encounters (DotD)
- Small Valley Action (DotD)
- Small Valley (DotD)
4. Saint-Saëns' Sonata for Clarinet and Piano
I can't play the middle bit.
Anyway... sometimes, when I'm upset, I think "let the river flow" and this song comes into my head.
5. Bohemian Rhapsody
Again, this one helped me to listen to a wider variety of music. My first experience with it was playing it on my clarinet at Health Camp.
Sometimes, when I'm really upset, the line "any way the wind blows doesn't really matter to me" comes into my head.
This one probably relates more to the imaginary me (whose title and first name are in this blog's URL) though. She was protesting against something violently. Thank goodness true magicals can use resurrection abilities depending on the situation, or she would be even more beside herself than she is now.
6. The Pi Song
3.14159265358979323846264338327950288419716939937510582097494459230781640628620899862803482534211706798214808651328230664079384460955...
I'll have to round it off there- this post is getting long and is making my computer slow, plus I have to go and play clarinet now. There will be more later though!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Did you know...?
... that there are absolutely no "z"s on the AAAAAAAAA! page on Uncyclopedia?
(If you're wondering why there are other letters in the first place- there are links in the sidebar and at the very bottom of the page.)
There is also only one "x" (surprise surprise) and only one "j."
Don't get me started on how many "A"s there are. Actually, thinking about the number of "A"s sounds like a good idea...
I copied and pasted the article onto Word. Word says that there are 12 750 characters. However, that also includes commas and full stops and does not include the "a"s on the side bar and top bar (or on the bottom of the page, for that matter). It also does not include pictures.
When I used Ctrl + F, it said "12158 of 12384 matches." I'm not entirely sure what happened to the other 226 matches.
(If you're wondering why there are other letters in the first place- there are links in the sidebar and at the very bottom of the page.)
There is also only one "x" (surprise surprise) and only one "j."
Don't get me started on how many "A"s there are. Actually, thinking about the number of "A"s sounds like a good idea...
I copied and pasted the article onto Word. Word says that there are 12 750 characters. However, that also includes commas and full stops and does not include the "a"s on the side bar and top bar (or on the bottom of the page, for that matter). It also does not include pictures.
When I used Ctrl + F, it said "12158 of 12384 matches." I'm not entirely sure what happened to the other 226 matches.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Just how many "Imagine" games are there?
A quick search of "Imagine" on GameFAQs gave me quite a long list of Imagine games for the DS. Allow me to attempt to count them.
- Imagine Animal Doctor
- Imagine Baby Club
- Imagine Babysitters
- Imagine Babyz
- Imagine Ballet Star
- Imagine Champion Rider
- Imagine Cheerleader
- Imagine Detective
- Imagine Dream Wedding
- Imagine Family Doctor
- Imagine Fashion Designer
- Imagine Fashion Designer New York
- Imagine Fashion Designer World Tour
- Imagine Fashion Model
- Imagine Fashion Paradise
- Imagine Fashion Stylist
- Imagine Figure Skater
- Imagine Gymnast
- Imagine Ice Champions
- Imagine Interior Designer
- Imagine Makeup Artist
- Imagine Master Chef
- Imagine Modern Dancer
- Imagine Movie Star
- Imagine Music Fest
- Imagine My Restaurant
- Imagine Resort Owner
- Imagine Rock Star
- Imagine Salon Stylist
- Imagine Teacher
- Imagine Wedding Designer
- Imagine: Animal Doctor Care Center
- Imagine: Artist
- Imagine: Babyz Fashion
- Imagine: Boutique Owner
- Imagine: Party Planner
- Imagine: Reporter
- Imagine: Soccer Captain
- Imagine: Sweet 16
- Imagine: Teacher Class Trip
- Imagine: Zookeeper
- My Secret World by Imagine
They really do have an obsession with fashion. Just take a look at Imagine Family Doctor, Imagine Fashion Designer, Imagine Fashion Designer New York, Imagine Fashion Designer World Tour, Imagine Fashion Model, Imagine Fashion Paradise and Imagine Fashion Stylist, not to mention Imagine: Babyz Fashion.
Writing the word "imagine" out so many times has made it begin to look funny. Let me turn my attention to Imagine's competitors: the Let's Play series for the DS.
- Let's Play Ballerina
- Let's Play Fashion Designer
- Let's Play Firemen
- Let's Play Flight Attendant
- Let's Play Garden
- Let's Play Mums
- Let's Play Pet Hospitals
- Let's Play Schools
- Let's Play Shops
- Let's Play: Journalists
"Let's Play Flight Attendant has to be the least thought-out title for a children game in the entire Let's Play franchise. Even Let's Play Nurse sounds cleaner than this (by the way, there is no game called Let's Play Nurse, at least not at the time of writing this review). No family friendly words could describe my first thought when I saw the title, so much so that I named my in game character with an s-word, and that word is not stewardess."
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