beboots

 GUYS GUYS GUYS CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO: Peter Jackson Posts First Video from the Set of The Hobbit. It's ten minutes long... and I was smiling and and full of glee for that entire ten minutes. My face hurts I'm so happy. \o/

I mean, we've all been hearing rumours about the filming of The Hobbit, ever since Return of the King finally came out on DVD, you know? And I felt that we'd kind of been strung along, will they or won't they, and I know I'd heard that they were finally moving forward, but I happened to stumble across someone linking this in their twitter feed a little while ago and it just makes me so, SO happy. 

 Or night, as it were. This video, a collection of an enormous number of still photographs of the Aurora Borealis, set to inspirational music. I found it here, on the Discovery News website, where you can get more information on the subject. (Note to Cassidy dearest and others studying Scandinavian languages: they link to the website of the original photographer, and it's in Norwegian, if you would like to practice!)
Aaand... for some reason it doesn't want to embed itself into this post. *shakes fist impotently at sky* Please, then go and see it here. Absolutely gorgeous. Well worth it.

 And all right, I normally don't pay ANY attention to the Oscars or awards shows or like ANYTHING to do with entertainment that isn't fandom, but I was kind of sort of following cleolinda 's liveblog just now and I'm really, really happy that the King's Speech won things. <3 I really, really love this movie, and when I heard it was rated R in the US for silly reasons (I mean, that one swearing scene, come on! It was emotional and had a plot-related purpose!) I was really worried that it's audience would be ridiculously limited and that it would be forgotten by the ages or ignored in favour of other movies I couldn't care less about... (Not that I didn't love many other movies nominated - Inception is also amazing!) 

But... yeah. <3 




All right, I promise this is all you'll hear from me tonight. I'm done, I swear. ;) Sweet dreams, everybody!

So this week off from school has been fairly productive, I suppose. More or less. I could have always gotten more work done. (And now I'm second-guessing the way I phrased that because my British mother always tells me that "gotten" is a filthy, clumsy Americanism and that I shouldn't use it. >_> BUT IT JUST COMES OUT NATURALLY THAT WAY WHAT SHOULD I SAY INSTEAD, "I HAVE BEEN"?) 

ANYWAY so I reached 10,000 words in my thesis! \o/ Woo! I'm sitting at 10,593 words right now, or 38 pages. It still needs a crapload of editing, but things are slowly coming together. 

I also got a decent amount of reading done this week, as might be expected. I'm about a week's in advance of my readings, which means that I can spend the coming week before and after class ALSO working on research papers. 

Anyway, I had a lot of fun a few days ago posting that mocking Twilight picspam, so I thought I'd do another one with all of the lovely GIFs I've picked up recently! (And this time, I swear, I'll figure out lj-cuts properly and make sure it doesn't overwhelm your friendslists. THIS TIME FOR SURE. 

How about I make this one AWESOMENESS-themed? (Note: as illustrated immediately below, a bunch of these will be Harry Potter themed, simply because of the inherent awesomeness of the books, but also because I did indeed pick up a lot of these from the comments of Mark Reads Harry Potter, which you should read too. 





( Let us begin! )

 Remember how a while back, during my first week of classes, I had a little panicky moment about how much work I had to get done? Well, I thought that I'd write an update on that situation. Today's the first day of our "Spring Break": called "Reading Week" because it's a bit cheeky to call February in Canada "spring". 

What I have finished so far since January (strike through), and what I still have to do:

MLCS 400 - History of Translation
-5 page essay, a portrait of a translator. Came out awesome; I wrote about Jemmy Jock Bird, this Blackfoot interpreter who didn't take anybody's shit. Remind me to do a history post about him.
-study for midterm. Done as of writing it yesterday. 
-Final research paper: working on it. I'll probably be writing on Métis intermediaries at the numbered treaties in the 1870s. Some of the research is already done, because it overlaps with the portrait essay.
-Study for final exam (now, with special permission, going to be written a week earlier so I can actually go to Spain! :D Huzzah!)

Women's Studies 201
-Lots and lots of blog posts: half done. I've been writing a blog post each week for the class's website. I'm on track. 
-Write research paper (due first week of April)
-Work on group presentation on my paper topic.
(Yeah... this class I'm just coasting through. I'm doing the weekly readings, coming to class, writing on the blog... doing my time and not thinking about it too hard. I'll have to do a lot of reading for the final paper this week.)

History 450 - History of Slavery and Emancipation
-Biography of a historian short presentation
-Primary source short presentation
-Secondary source presentation
-Second secondary source presentation: in two weeks
-Work on final research paper - possibly on slave health? Like, the battle for control over slaves' bodies?

History 488 - the Health Consequences of War
-Long class presentation
-Three reading response papers: two down, one to go
-Four-way book review final paper: halfway through reading book one, although I've skimmed two others before. Cleverly, I've doubled up my readings by picking four recent books on Civil War medicine that I've been meaning to read for a while for my thesis. Now I have the excuse to read them in-depth!

History 501 - THESIS
-50 pages: I've got 25 pages written (well, 28 if you count bibliography). I handed in this draft to my research supervisor last week and got it back a few days ago... and I've been avoiding it since then. I need to organize the crap out of it and elaborate on a lot of points. It'll get done. Probably. I'm on track, at least. I just need to think hard on my exact argument. I've thought of a brilliant framing device for it... but I need to sit down and write a really brilliant sentence or two that epically and concisely sums up my argument. 

On a separate note, here is something to make you smile, especially if you've watched Martin Freeman in BBC's modern adaptation of Sherlock. <3

 History has been on my mind lately. (Can't help it. It's my major.) I thought that I'd recommend one of the most amazing documentary series ever made. That's not just my opinion - it got a lot of critical acclaim when it was released about a decade or so ago. It's called Canada: A People's History, and essentially goes through the entirety of Canadian history, as best can be known. One of the neat things about their approach was the way they used primary documents of the era: they chose "ordinary" people who had left writing behind. When they "interview" people, what those folks are saying is what was actually written. The narrator has original text, but those making speeches are quoting from historical documents. The actors were incredibly well-chosen, I believe. They went out and got actual francophones or Britons or Iroquois to get authentic accents. <3

Another epic thing about this documentary is that it was filmed twice. All of the actors are bilingual, and the scenes were filmed once in English and another time in French. It also has a beautiful soundtrack... a CD of which I actually stumbled upon on a shelf in the Rutherford Library while doing research on Confederation this summer. If I knew how to use sendspace or whatever, I would upload it for you all. 

In any case, I cannot recommend this documentary series enough. Watching it in my formative years is one of the reasons that I love Canadian History even today. Be wary if you order online, though, because some people have jacked up the prices unreasonably. There are four seasons: I love the first two, mostly, because I'm biased towards pre-first world war history. ;) One of the cool things about season one is that large chunks of it are told from the point of view of native tribes. It doesn't start with John Cabot and Jacques Cartier "discovering" the land, but with sensitively-done native origin stories as well as some pre-European contact native history like intertribal warfare amongst the Iroquois. It's intense. 

Unfortunately, there are only a few clips online, but here is one of the best ones I could find, and it unfortunately cuts off towards the end. It's one of those buildups near the beginning of the long episode to foreshadow what will happen throughout. I think that the CBC has actually made a point of deleting video content online to encourage teachers and fans to actually buy the DVDs instead of just using a handful of clips online to make a point. ;) And seriously, invest in them. They are amazing. <3 

 MOAR history links, you say?

Random articles I've run across recently, mostly through Twitter. (Who knew that something so modern could be so chock full of history dorks? <3 )

-Article on gunpowder's rise in popularity in Europe... and why Chinese archers co-existed with firearms for so much longer than in Europe. (Hint: it's because they got skillz.)

-High definition interactive closeups of the before and after photographs of this awesome 240-year-old restored map of New York. 

-Slave Children Appear in Rare Civil War Photograph

-Why Uffington White Horse is really a dog, says vet. My favourite part of this news article is the poll at the bottom in which 69% of responders still said "It is quite obviously a horse." I agree with them. 

-Strange Maps, a pretty neat-o blog. 

-History of the Body, an interesting interactive look onto historical views of the human body. (Views of women's bodies were almost hilariously weird. Did you know that semen in men is breast milk in women?) 

-Comparing the Modern Tea Party to the Original. Oh, American politics...

-How Three Kids Illegally Captured the First X-Ray Photograph

-Museum Secrets, a super-awesome new TV show from the History Channel. First two episodes out online! Episode two has a recreation of the theft of the Mona Lisa, a discussion of the crazy propaganda details in a giant portrait of the coronation of Emperor Napoleon, and other neat-o things in the Louvre. 

 -Bound by History: The Last of China's "Lotus-Feet" Ladies. This has to be one of the best articles I've seen on Chinese footbinding and the last few elderly ladies who have them. Includes a lovely photo gallery as well. Unlike some of the other articles I've run across which seem to universally condemn the practice, this article shows not only that but also the opinions of the women to whom this was done. It has a different perspective on things. 

And just for fun: 

-A Regency Name Generator! Perfect for the next time the urge to write historical fiction strikes you. :) (I have so much trouble naming characters, guys!) The name it spat out for me was Serena Baynes. :3

-6 WWI Fighter Pilots Whose Balls Deserve Their Own Monument (Cracked.com)

-A RIDICULOUSLY TINY FROG HOLY CRAP JUST LOOK AT IT

AND BLACKADDER: 




Have a nice week, everyone! :D (Now after I've learned a few things, I should, y'know, actually do homework...)


(Click here for previous Civil War linkspam.)

 I've noticed that many other people have been making fanfiction recommendations recently, which I greatly appreciate. :) I thought that I would thus return the favour and rec a few to make you smile and get the new year off to a good start. :) Some of these are very recent; others have been favourites of mine for years. A mixed bag so there will be something for everyone. :)

Furthermore, in the spirit of good cheer and well-wishing, if anybody wants more recommendations of any fandom, feel free to comment and I'll see what I can dig up for you from my brain and/or Delicious archive. :) (Also, huzzah for the rumours of Delicious' demise being greatly exaggerated?)

Counting the Hours by Forthright 
Fandom: Inuyasha
Summary: "When Inuyasha calls in a favor, Kagome sacrifices her holiday in order to help him fulfill an annual familial obligation. Missed flights, misunderstandings, and mistletoe conspire to bring two strangers together."
This fic is absolutely lovely. Anything by this author is, but this fic makes me smile. Realistic fluff. The first chapter was posted over Christmas last year; the second chapter picks up where the last one left off, only covers the week afterwards, and was posted only a few days ago. The author intends to make this an annual thing, and I don't know whether or not to glee or be dismayed at having to wait a whole other year for an update... Of her other fics, I particularly love Unspoiled for sending Kagome to a past in which she encounters a very young and adorable Sesshoumaru. But really, if you love the series, read all of Forthright's works. 

This Kid I Once Knew by Minnow
Fandom: Calvin & Hobbes
Summary: "Daniel sends their whole improv group an e-mail saying "check this out its fun1!1" and a link to a web comic called The Adventures of Spaceman Spiff."
If you loved Calvin & Hobbes when you were younger like me (and still love it, again, like me), you will love this fic. :) And possibly The Roommate of +10 Confusion, a Calvin & Hobbes crossover with Foxtrot, in which Calvin and Jason become roommates and awesomeness occurs. Thanks to beckyh2112  for pointing these my way. 
Oh, and speaking of Calvin & Hobbes, this should make you smile (especially, but not necessarily, if you're a history dork like me): "Few historians know of the heartwarming friendship between French Reformation theologian John Calvin and English political philosopher Thomas Hobbes, the latter of whom may or may not have been real, considering he was not even born yet."

Strange Girl by Sunfreak
Fandom: Spirited Away
Summary: "She's a strange girl. They all say it. She talks to rivers and trees and animals and won't dissect the frogs in science class. And she always wears that same silly hair tie, no matter how she does her hair."
Oh come on, when you saw that movie don't tell me you weren't aching for Chihiro to meet Kohaku again, weren't you? ;_;

Flying Again by esama
Fandom: Harry Potter AND Temeraire. Crossovers = <3
Summary: "Harry learns languages and philosophy and mathematics and misses something important, while elsewhere Charlie thinks of pearls and foolish dreams and is unable to find the right dragon." 
A story told in (adorable and touching) drabbles, in which William Laurence is reincarnated as Charlie Weasley, and Temeraire as Harry Potter. Give it a chance, if you love Temeraire. Also, dragons.

The Kids Aren't All Right by Christine Everhart(?)
Fandom: Iron Man, movie!verse
Summary: “It’s been ‘a hell of a year’ since industrialist Tony Stark owned up to his alter ego in a move that stunned observers and longtime aides alike. With the US facing unprecedented homegrown suicide attacks, Iron Man’s contribution to national security is more than ever under scrutiny. As she follows Stark during a year of crisis, exclusively for Vanity Fair, Christine Everhart explores the many contradictions of the man behind the mask, uncovers tales of personal loyalty, patriotism gone awry and corporate betrayal, and asks whether Iron Man is the embodiment of an outdated American fantasy—a self-made, unilateral, technological solution to hopelessly complex problems—and whether he can survive the violent encounter with reality.”
...AKA someone actually wrote that article that the reporter chick was working on throughout the movie. You know the one, she who slept with Tony at the beginning of the movie, provided exposition throughout, and prompted him during That Press Conference to actually confess who he was. This fic has an amazing voice and really could be a part of official canon. It's amazing. Also, has pictures, like a real magazine article would!
This one is probably on my list of the top 10 most amazing fanfics of all time. This is the fic I point to/explain when someone asks me what the point of fanfiction is. 

The Cold We Hate by VioletzeEcoFreak
Fandom: Hetalia
Summary: "The North American Ice Storm of 1998, an indisputable example of the cold Canadians and Americans alike loathe."
America and England help Canada through a rough patch. I have a weakness for hurt-comfort fic. Also, Canadiana. This fic is particularly appropriate at this time of the year.

The Care and Feeding of Hobbits by Baylor
Fandom: Lord of the Rings
Summary: "Ruminations on the Little People by Boromir, Man of Gondor."
An oldie but goody. Lord of the Rings was one of my first fandoms, way back in junior high. This one is still one of my favourites, and holds a special place in my heart. Fluff, but believable fluff, with hobbit cultural tidbits and not-a-bastard!Boromir. :)

I saw The King's Speech a few days ago with my Mother dearest, and I have to say that it was one of the most uplifting movies I've seen in a long time. It was funny, engaging, entertaining, intelligent... I especially loved the swearing scene, nearly cried at the scene where Bertie actually began to talk about his childhood and could barely get it out, and gleed when the speech therapist's wife came home early and found the Queen of England sitting down for tea in their tiny little flat... as well as dozens of other beautifully done scenes. :) Amazingly well done film. Even the trailer makes you feel awesome, watching it:


And as for tomorrow... I'm going to post those postcards and letters, apply for jobs, and actually work on my thesis. I promise. >_>

So as I briefly mentioned in my other post today, I'm at loose ends. When I ended off my last post with that video of one of my favourite scenes from Trueblood, I thought "hey, that's what I can do! Write a brief review!" But I suspect this is going to turn into something more of a "this is why I love Trueblood" with frequent reference to Twilight for contrast.

Now then, for the uninitiated, in brief, what is the Trueblood series about? 

Right then, any questions? None? All right, we're done for the day. 

Just kidding. That was a short, 15-second clip of Eric Northman, one of the sexiest vampires there is. He's a thousand year old viking, and a jackass. He's also quite creepy at times, open about his sexuality, can get violent, etc. But here's the thing: he's not Edward Cullen. 

Neither is Bill Compton, what you could think of as the "Edward" figure of the Trueblood series. 

But I'm getting ahead of myself.

(I should confess my sins, first: I have read the Twilight series. And seen the movies. I can be entertained by them without respecting them, all right? >_> For examples, see "Reasoning With Vampires", which tears apart the diction and characterization of the Twilight books, with hilarious results (P.S.: three separate links).)

( Let me elaborate... MOAR VIDEOS under the cut too! )
In conclusion, here, have an unrelated video in which Buffy doesn't take any of Edward's bullshit. 

 I was really stressed out yesterday. Right now, I'm just focusing on getting through this semester, and finishing my degree, while still trying to find stuff to actually apply for. As of now, I have no clue where I will be in September. 

So for now, here are a couple things to distract you (that may indeed even prove useful!)

-Ten Words You Need To Stop Misspelling. (Also, others in that Grammar Pack of Posters)

-Sounds Familiar? A neat-o compilation of voice recordings of different regional dialects in England, some of which has analysis. If you've ever been fascinated by English accents, linguistics, etc., definitely check it out!

-Have a picture of a white peacock on the attack. And a video of an incredibly shocked hawk while I'm at it. And a video of an animal that clearly enjoys life.

Also, for when things get really stressful, have a gorgeous nature time lapse video of Japanese landscapes with soothing piano music:


(And now I need to stop procrastinating and actually get back to writing that book review. Hey, cut me some slack, I've written 7 pages already!)