Manic Monday

So... not much to report today. Work, 5k, dinner, etc. That is my weekday. I just have a few things to chat about... none of which are particularly important or necessary. They are just ramblings and such. Before that, what is important is the new slideshow I put up. Enjoy 270 pictures of pure London goodness. I think i'm up to about 850 photos total. I'm shooting for the big 1000. Can I do it? Find out at the end of the blog.. which is rapidly approaching.

First, today was one of those days where I just kind of felt like crap. Not in the "i'm sick, my foot hurts, i have a migraine" sort of way, but in the way that is absolutely unintelligible. Call it hormones, karma, or a case of the Mondays, I could not explain why I felt that way. My coworkers were sort of down too, so maybe it was a shared aspect. As I was at the tail end of my run, I actually began to think about what I was feeling today and basically came to the conclusion that it is one of the worst ways to feel. I think, as humans... with minds... we typically try to rationalize things. Everything needs to make sense. We need reasons for things. We go to work to make money, we go to the waterpark to have fun, we go to sleep because we're tired. However, today I was facing an emotion that made absolutely no sense. I couldn't point to sickness or some other event that was making me feel the way I did, which was actually worse than if I could find a reason. I wanted to rationalize my emtions, but I just could not do that. It is mind boggling and worse yet, when this occurs you are unable to search for a possible solution. I'll go back to being sick... you go get some medicine. Problem solved. To quote Ari Gold from Entourage: "Boom!" With reason you can find a solution... or at the very least you can attempt to find a solution. So... I don't feel bad now, but this was basically a little piece of sympathy to anyone else who has had to face this kind of problem.

Second, I came to another realization on my run (I try to make my mind busy when my body keeps complaining about its lack of energy... whiny muscles). As I made it to the top of Primrose Hill and I slowed down for my thirty second break, I gasped for air and stared at the ground for most of the time up there. However, just before I was about to take off again, I took one look over the city, which I realized I had been failing to appreciate recently. I looked down on the city and thought to myself how cool it is that human civilization produced the beauty that I was looking on. But then, another aspect of it hit me. The best place to observe what I was looking at was not a product of humans, but one of nature. It was an interesting dichotomy that came to my mind. Beyond that, I didn't think much of it, but I guess something we should all keep in perspective. We as humans do great things, but nature has done awesome things as well. So enjoy them both.

This was sort of a deep post. I didn't really mean for it to be, but it happens sometimes.

I know you Americans like everything... fireworks

In light of the last post, I've decided to make a little change to today's update: I'm not drinking before I write and post. Yesterday... I had not drank much, but I wad definite a bit lazier in my style. That might have been because yesterday was just a really long day and I was exhausted... but I can't take that chance. So today, I've just returned from my run (newly titled "Regents Circuit") and am craving a bit of brain storm fueled blogging. Let us begin.

Before we begin (gotcha), to make this more interesting, you should imagine me narrating this post in a silly voice (perhaps like some kind of evil wizard, that is what i'm going to do... "saphires! With those I could open the gates of KARESH!"... Sorry.

On this fine day, I made my way to the Victoria and Albert Museum. It is actually the last large and famous museum that I need to make time for. The remaining ones are basically little offshoots of actual buildings. (EX: Bank of England Museum, London Transport Museum, National Maritime Museum) I think I actually have all the big monuments out of the way now. A good feeling indeed. However, let's not get ahead of ourselves... I need to talk about the museum a bit. So I got there, and I was looking around and at some point I thought that the only place I could see exhibits was on the first floor. I started milling around and I was a little disappointed. I soon found a staircase that went down one level. So I thought that was cool. I found the staircase up out of that little basement area and it went to the main level and up one more. So I checked it out. To make a long story short, it went up three more levels... and I looked at them all. That's how I am though. When I go to a museum, I'll see everything if I have time. Afterward, there was a small garden where guests were welcome to sit down and take a small break... so I did just that. I laid out in the sun for a half hour and got a little rest.

To finish out my trip, I took a pass by Kensington Palace. It was cool to see, but you can't get really close to it or anything. I just walked by, took a few pics, and made my way back to the flat. I actually missed the palace on my last big trip through Hyde Park, so I'm glad I made time for it.

Finally, I am now back at the flat. I have pizza and pepsi max (which is just diet pepsi here, only geared towards young males... ding ding.. they got me... actually, pepsi is half the price of coke here.. so they got me for a very different reason). Joe and I are hanging out with our neighbors this evening and I'll be uploading some photos soon (over 200 from the past week). Plus, I'll soon be posting a bit of a joke article on the pros and cons of London. Now.. I just don't want everyone to go crazy and think I'm having a bad time. This is merely for fun and some information. Adios.

Real Friday

I walked way too much today. I went to the British Library. It sounded like a cool place and ended up being as cool as I anticipated. Actually, it ended up being more cool than I thought. So no complaints. I got the opportunity to see the Magna Carta and I learned the story of Rama. The Ramayana if you will. That was the most interesting thing I saw.

After that, I made my way to Hamstead Heath... which is a giant hill filled forest in northern London. The trails aren't really marked on any map, so I got lost a bit. However, I eventually made my way to Highgate cemetery and saw Karl Marx's grave. Then I walked back over Parliament Hill. It was a long long walk, that I can't quite entertainingly describe while I sit here now.

Basically, I got back, made food. Now I'm taking it easy and having a few drinks with my room mate. It's a good deal.

I’ve always been saying that Thursday should be the new Friday

So, I again had this Thursday free to do what I wish. It’s really nice to have the ability to extend the weekend four days. I assure you though I don’t just sit around. I’m hard at work trying to get through my list of things I want to do before I leave. Today I made a trip to parliament and Westminster Abbey. Then I headed over to the Science Museum and spent the remainder of the day checking out all the cool stuff. It was fun. They had a ton of exhibits (the human body, steam power, agriculture, sailing, diving, plastic, and space). It was impressive. I like places that are suppose to impress kids because they usually contain a lot of boring information that children don’t like, but I do. Plus, it is presented really well in order to keep everyone who doesn’t like words interested. I was then walking and I found a theater that was selling tickets for their show, “Fat Pig” for a discounted price to students and I bought one. I basically just got back from that. Well, actually I serfed the web for a while and chatted with my brilliant flat mates. I’ll get more into it all soon. Actually now…
Okay, so I bought this ticket to “Fat Pig,” which from my previous estimation was going to be about body image. I checked out reviews and they were pretty good. It was also a pretty cheap ticket, so I can’t complain too much. The show was carried out in a small theater with only four actors/actresses. The plot involves a guy who falls for a heavy girl, but is embarrassed that he’s with her. Then his co-workers find out and give him a hard time. I thought that it would take the usual route… guy falls for girl… gets teased for his infatuation…. Something bad happens.. blah blah… he learns a lesson and they live happily ever after… that is what I expected.. However, the show sets this up really well and then ends with kind of a depressing ending.. which is fine.. but I felt like the show ended right before the characters were going to evolve… that final step… the acting was good and the writing was better. There’s a crazy ex-girlfriend written in this and she is a winner. It was like experiencing all my old breakups again. Kind of fun and terrible all at once. However, kudos to that actor being able to actually bring it back to me that well. Again, the price was fair so I can’t complain. Good play.
The play was about body image for sure, and how the media sets what the public expects of not only our individual looks, but also how we are expected to be with others who are “like” us. Coincidentally, I came back to find my flat mates actually discussing the hotness of groups of girls. I didn’t expect such a clear connection right then and there, but it was kind of cool.
I’m having a great time and I’ve got a lot of new pictures. I’ll post them maybe tomorrow evening or the next night.
PS: I accidentally took a pen home with me from the office yesterday and it made me think of a Simpsons quote.
“Another day, another box of stolen pens”- Homer, throwing a box of pens onto a pile of boxes in the back of his car.

I believe the photo speaks for itself

Today's update: nothing much

Sort of a boring day for me. Work, eat, run, chat, writing, and the pub. If anyone wonders what I mean when I say pub, it actually just entails me grabbing my computer, walking there, and then ordering a diet coke and spending two hours writing. I've really gotten caught up in this creative writing thing if people haven't noticed. It's fun.

One other part about today was that the flat a few floors below us (a group of girls in the CAPA program) was broken into and they had their computers stolen. Scary thought.. because it could have just as easily been our flat. The girls didn't leave their door open, and we're not in a dodgy part of town either. It was just bad luck. I'm definitely hiding my computer from here on out.

I didn't know that I needed my own size tissue

The non zelda related post

Hey everyone. Sorry about all the posts. Not much to update today. I went to work and bought groceries. I bought some tea. It's alright. I should buy some milk and sugar to go with it. I'm fine with black, but it's kind of harsh when you're just trying to relax. I then went on a nice run and then headed to the pub to write part 2 of zelda. I actually only wanted it to be 2 parts, but I didn't end up at a spot where I could end it, so here we are. I might take a little break. I've got some other stories that I'm working on. So yeah. Tomorrow I'll be working on a presentation at work, so I'm excited about that. Thanks to everyone who sent me their address in the past 24 hours. I'll be shooting out post cards tomorrow or the next day hopefully.

A note on the Zelda story

Okay, this will be a small rant, and it will be about zelda, but not in the "I like video games kind of way"... more in the way of trying to explain what I'm doing with this story. Let's begin.

First of all, I want to create the reality of how most people view this story in my mind. (emphasis on MY MIND). I'm guessing that most people see "ZELDA part 34" and think, "oh that's Dietz.. he likes Nintendo and Zelda.." Then they read the story and its fun. In a way, that is the truth of it all. I do like Zelda and I am having fun writing this story. However, there are some issues that I'm confronting while doing this.

Think about the character of Link. After playing.. mmm... probably around 10 iterations of the Legend of Zelda, what do we (players, watchers, readers) know about Link? What do the games actually tell us about him? I've been thinking about this, because well... I need to write him. I have found that the games tell us pretty much nothing at all. He's brave, courageous if you will. He typically does the "good" thing in his games. Besides courage, the rest of his character is pretty ambiguous, and that has made it difficult to write him as a character. Therefore, which is the interesting part, I've been trying to implement that unspoken aspects of Link (ha.. unspoken). Yes, he never has any dialogue in any game. He doesn't even have any thoughts that the player gets to look at during the game. All we have is that he is courageous. So, the unspoken aspects of Link are, in my view, what we as the player are filling in for him.

For instance, my story features Navi as an incredibly obnoxious character. And let's face it, Link's sidekicks are typically really obnoxious in the Zelda series (heck, in Majora's mask, you're accompanied by the fairy that helped the skull kid steal your horse for goodness sake). You'd have to assume, that no matter how "good" Link is, he'd have to get annoyed by this little helper. I think most players get annoyed by the attitude that many of these sidekicks give. In a way, I'm creating Link's personality out of my own personality by making him annoyed by Navi in my story.

Another unspoken aspect that I'm filling in with my own desires I guess is Link's morality. This is something that because the world of Zelda is so black and white, that we as players don't really question. Ganondorf is evil simply because he is. His motives aren't really brought into question. Furthermore, Link is just good simply because he is. He never speaks, so you never really know why he is motivated to save the world. I almost feel that if the makers of Zelda gave him a motive for saving the world (like revenge, glory, etc) it would break that black and white mold they have established.

However, I am trying to challenge this in my story. For example, I had writing Link's little scuffle with Gard the guard. Yet, I want the reader to think about how this scene challenges the actual role of Link. If you accept that idea that Link is "good" with no exception... I had him kill Gard. It was kind of softened by the idea that he just turned into smoke, but there are aspects of Gard that made him a character that should not have died. When it came down to it, I gave him voice and thought. He had feelings. As far as the story was concerned, he was real and Link basically executed him. It was tough for me to do because it completely does not fit the mold of Zelda.

Yet, I feel like this action fits what many gamers feel when they play Zelda. It is unrealistic to believe that Link is pure good. I wrote a small scene in the shop, and because Link doesn't talk, I had to voice a lot of opinion into Navi. I bet that many players of Zelda have at one point wanted Link to say this to the shopkeeper: "Listen, I'm trying to save the world and your a**.. so you're going to give me whatever I want for free.. or else I'm going to slice you with the master sword and then burn your little shop to the ground with fire arrows." Again, in the abscence of Link saying or thinking "well, I need to respect these shop owners"... the player's own feeling is really free to identify who Link is. Yes... the game restricts you from filling out your desire, but there's nothing there discounting that Link might be feeling what you are.

I'm sorry about the rant. I just wanted to put out there that this story, while its fun and about Nintendo, is also trying bring up the idea of the disconnect between what we know about Link and what we make out of him through our own thought and action.

LEGEND OF ZELDA PART 2

Link stood in front of the large door, flabbergasted by the giant eye serving as a locking mechanism. He understood a key, he understood a combo… he was even willing to accept a mouse trap like scenario where he would drop a boulder on a platform to start a domino falling and etc… but this is just ridiculous he thought to himself.
“HEY!... LISTEN!” Navi blared. “This isn’t where we ended the last time we finished playing… plus I told you so about the door… “
“. . .” Link said… this time he was really speechless about what they should do.
“Well… let’s just do that crazy flashback thing… you know… the scene will get all wavy… and some weird noises will play…” Navi explained.
Suddenly, the scene became wavy and some weird noises started to play.
“Yeah, that’s the stuff.” Navi said.
…………………………………………………………..
The vine quickly wrapped around Link’s leg, moving up his body, around his back towards neck. The purple head, source of the vine, snapped and spewed as its prey became entwined in its trap. Link reached for its sword, but his hilt wasn’t at his side. On the ground lay his sword, wrapped in vine, slowly being dragged away from him.
Shit he thought to himself. Link turned towards Navi, knowing that she usually had ideas, even if they weren’t always good.
“Umm… you’re on your own!” She yelped as she flew behind the tree.
The vine tugged and Link was suddenly pulled to the ground, falling on his back. The monster pulled him closer and closer. Stupid Navi he thought. Hiding behind that… that… that’s it. Now only feet away from the monster, Link drew his hookshot and aimed for a branch on the tree. “. . .” Link prayed. The wood splintered as the hook shot into the branch. As quickly as he had been caught, Link was now being pulled up, and away from the drooling creature. The monster let out a piercing screech, but Link now had the upper hand. Surprise was not his forte, but straight up combat suited his style. He dropped to the ground, drew his boomerang and slung it towards the creature, sprinting towards his sword. The monster lost the vine grasping the master sword to the spinning boomerang, but swung another towards Link. Link shoved his shield towards the oncoming appendage, deflecting the attack. The boomerang, now returning, cut another vine from the monster. Letting out another scream, the monster angrily swung its remaining vine downwards towards Link. Link rolled, barely dodging the oncoming vine and picked up his sword in the process.
“HYAAAAA!!!!” Link yelled as he drove his sword through the head of the creature’s gaping mouth. In a puff of dark smoke, the monster disappeared. That’s why they call me the f’ing hero of time he proudly thought. Exhausted, he sat down and took a deep breath, reflecting on what had just transpired.
“HEY!... LISTEN!” Navi stuttered. “Gee… umm… I’m impressed. I didn’t mean to hide. I’m sorry I hid… I’ll be stronger next time… I mean… Thank you.”
All in a days work Link thought, standing up again.
“Who would have thought that such creepy monsters could exist out here. Maybe it has something to do with the SPOOKY FOREST.” Navi commented.
Well duh Link thought. “. . .” he said.
“Yeah. Let’s go.” Navi concurred.
Link took three steps (the Nintendo 3) down the trail and drew his sword, spinning around towards a shady clearing in the trees near the former battlefield. Pointing the master sword out in front of him, his eyes darted back and forth with an intensity that reminded Navi of the fierce fight they had just been involved in. Link relaxed his body and resheathed his sword.
“HEY!” Navi shouted, clearly shaken. “What do you think you’re doing?! I’m already freaking out here! There’s no need to jump at shadows!”
Link turned and began walking again. The two traveled for a while with the sun setting and rising quite a few times within an unusually short time period. Soon, they arrived at a small cottage.
“Link, let’s stop and see what this is.” Navi excitedly proposed.
Link shrugged his shoulders and entered the one room hut. Inside were a lady, a child, and a host of items for sale. It was a shop.
“This is good luck. We can buy some much needed items. I think we’re gonna be alright from here on out. Just let me do the talking… not that you have much of a choice… but I’m an expert bargainer.”
“WAAAAAAA!” The small child groaned. Link shuffled away from the boy, who looked more like a cross between a dinosaur and an elf rather than a human.
The woman tending the actual shop was plump, had gray hair, and wore a plain purple dress. “Welcome strangers. Come see if there is anything you like.”
“Alrighty.” Navi proudly said, cracking her little fairy knuckles. “Let’s see what you’ve got here.”
“We have six items to choose from.” The shopkeeper informed Navi.
“You only have six items?” Navi said disappointedly.
“Yep.” The shopkeeper replied.
“That’s okay, we’ll get some good stuff anyway.” Navi whispered to Link. “Uhh, madam.. how much for that red potion there?”
“500 rupees.” She replied.
Navi choked a little bit. “500 rupees did you say!!! Umm… I think our wallet only holds 99. Does it come with the bottle?”
“No. 500 rupees. You need to provide a magic bottle.”
“What!? One, do a lot of people come in here with a magic bottle of their own? And two, what’s wrong with a regular bottle?” Navi snapped.
“500 rupees. Magic bottle.” The shopkeeper firmly stated again.
“Shit” Navi muttered to Link. “Well, how much for just a heart?” She asked the shopkeeper.
“50 rupees.”
“This shop is insane! You’re insane! Did you know you can get hearts from the bushes and rocks in this world! How can you charge 50 rupees apiece?! There is no market for that kind of pricing! Have you ever taken an economics course! I hope you and your hunchback child starve because of your foolish business choices. Furthermore, you can take your potion and hearts and” Navi said and continued to say with some choice swear words that Link had only heard once before when his grandfather’s parrot became drunk and high simultaneously. It was quite jarring for Link to have to relive that. The scene became wavy and some weird noises played.
………………………………………………………………
“And that’s the story of how I was never again allowed into the Regents Field shop ever again.” Navi proclaimed.
“. . .” Link said.
“Oh yeah… that wasn’t what we were talking about was it? What were we doing before I started this story?” Navi paused. She looked over towards Link, who during the course of the saga had piled all of his bombs against the eyeball locked door.
Link ran over to a large rock and pulled out a bombchu. Lighting it, he sent it off towards the pile of explosives lying up against the door.
“Jeez!” Navi screamed, flying behind the large rock with Link. In a huge blast, all of the bombs went off creating a large puff of smoke and debris. As the view of the door became clear, it was obvious that the bombs had not even made a dent in the barrier.
Link gaped at his failed experiment, wondering what could have gone wrong.
“HEY! Did the door have a crack in it?” Navi asked sarcastically.
Link shook his head no.
“Well there’s your answer, genius.” Navi sneered. “You should know by now that the only way bombs can blow up anything is if they’re already weakened by a crack.”
Link wondered why a bomb could blow up a stone wall with a crack, but would not even scuff a wooden gate… The physics in this world just don’t make sense he thought. I guess I’ll have to find the answer to the eye. Darn… and the bombs were such a good idea…

To be continued…

A full day: The beginning of the list

I've just spent the past half an hour dinking around with google earth and it is amazing. I'm now plotting paths of my journeys and saving the photos so you can all look at them. Cool eh? Well.. even cooler is that today, I did what I should have done long ago.. I went through my guide book and made a list of the sites that I still would like to see before I leave. The list ended up being roughly 30 long, with me crossing four of those off the list today. Pretty good if you ask me. Plus, I was probably out walking for about 5 hours.. so yeah. I started with the Tower of London, walked across Tower Bridge, passed the HMS Belfast, checked out the recreated Globe theater, and then went inside the Tate Modern art museum for a while.

I must say, thus far, the Tower of London was the most entertaining touristy activity available. The guides are really funny and I got to see the largest diamond in the world. I got a lot of good photos, but unfortunately they don't let you take any photos of the crown jewels or the giant diamonds. It was a good experience.

After that (which was like 2 hours later) I walked across Tower Bridge. It is a great view and I also got a lot of photos of that area. I'm a sucker for the scenic photo. I then got some lunch and walked towards the Globe Theater. I also passed the HMS Belfast, and I wanted to go in, but it cost money and it didn't look great. I just like looking at the ship itself. I wasn't too interested in the naval history aspect of the boat. I eventually entered the Tate Modern and checked out some weird art. I guess I just couldn't get into it all that well for some reason. I have a hard time appreciating art as it is, but then you throw in a lot of abstract stuff and it only gets more difficult to appreciate. Yet, I still enjoyed the experience. Finally, at the end, I walked across a bridge that leads from the Tate to the North side of the Thames. On that walk, there is a great view of St. Paul's Cathedral. I couldn't have asked for a better day trip.

Finally, I got back and went on my daily run. I finally figured out how far it is. 3.51 miles according to Google Earth. It kind of made me feel good. There was a time when I couldn't even run an entire mile. Here's the run that I do every day.


I really love stability in my life, and I actually think that I'm going to miss the Regents park run the most. Weird. I'll keep everyone updated. I have a new photo album up.. so check that out. I'll probably only have it up for a week because today I took enough photos to put another one up.

Congrats to Leif for making it to Oslo. He's a class act.

Ice London

What is great about this city is that sometimes you go on a run and come across something cool. So I ran back to my flat and by the time I got back they were taking it apart, but I was able to get a few pics.

I propose a race around the world. Meet me at Leister Square tomorrow. The Queen Herself will drop the checkered flag.

“Hmm, write our own cartoon. Bart! Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”
“Probably not… get in the snow and count to sixty… merry Christmas suckers”
- Bart and Lisa
It’s a rainy day in London this morning so I’m just kind of hanging out, getting ready to go on a run on the track near our flat. I usually cruise through the park, but I don’t want to be a mile away from our place if it begins to downpour. Not that I’ll come back if it starts to rain anyway, but I’d like to have that option. These past two days have just been slow in general. Yesterday, Joe and I went on a walk from Bank tube station to Charing cross tube station. We saw St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Bank of England, and the Royal Courts of Justice. Plus, we each bought football jerseys. It will probably be the one souvenir that I buy on this trip for myself. I was going to go to the taste of London festival yesterday or today, but it turns out that a ticket to enter is 25 pounds. Just to enter! Again… that is $50 US…. So I decided that it wasn’t really worth it. After getting done on our journey yesterday, Joe and I got back to the flat and then headed to the bar for some dinner and drinks. There is a deal where you get a burger, chips, and a beer for 5 pounds. Not a bad deal at all in my opinion. It was satisfying. I got a little buzzed from the beer because I hadn’t eaten anything. We got back and it was about 8pm. My other roommates were really tired from the night before, so they were just hanging out playing family feud online. I think they played for three or four hours… and they never came in first… bummer. Oh well. I’ll post some new pictures later today, I’m running out of internet time for this week so I’m trying to conserve what I use. If anyone wants to chat on skype, I’m doing it tonight at 10pm (4pm central).

Why do I need to learn English? I'm never going to England..

The simpsons is a pretty great show when you have some time. I went to a lecture about Richard II this evening. It was by Terry Jones, who I guess was in Monty Python. He basically pleaded the case the Richard, despite going down in history as a tyrant, was no more of a tyrant than any other king, and in fact was less of one than most. It was interesting, but i had a heck of a time finding the building it was in. I also bought some souvenirs for people. It was interesting... it made me think about what is making this trip memorable for me. And it definately isn't souvenirs. I haven't bought any for myself and I don't see me buying any. However, some of you lucky readers will receive some great stuff, so mentally prepare yourselves. I have new pics, I just don't have enough to justify a new slideshow... so give it a couple days and I will provide.. however, to tide you over, check out these photos that I have taken over the years at funny Simpsons stuff. It might get a little laugh out of you.

Taste of London

On my run this morning, I found out that the taste of London festival is going on in Regents Park this weekend. I plan on making a stop there tomorrow and I'll have some pictures to back up my claim that I'm going. Tonight I'll be attending a lecture by Terry Jones from Monty Python. It's been a good week at work. One last thing I'd like to comment on is that I found out yesterday that one of my coworkers plays video games and they just recently finished Resident Evil 4. That always gets me excited because that is easily one of my favorite games from the past year. So yeah... it's a lazy day and I'm just about to head out. Adios

A fine day

So, today has been a pretty decent day. I went to work, and that was fun. I got to do a pretty creative project that felt worthwhile. It's always nice to get to do something fun. Plus, I worked a whole lot with powerpoint 08 for mac. However, before that, I was using powerpoint 03 for vista, and the differences were incredible. The options are incredibly more expansive in powerpoint 08 and I just felt more comfortable on my mac. Anyway, I got back from work and went on a run, then I ate some dinner. Rice again.. as usual. That's okay though.

After dinner, I made my way to the pub to finish up the zelda story. It's been finished for a while, but I didn't get a chance to type and edit it until this evening. A couple things: 1. if you don't like zelda and you have never played a zelda... then you might not want to read it. It just won't be funny and won't make sense. 2. Fictional friday is dead.. the friday part anyway.. I still want to write fiction.. so expect a climactic ending the zelda in another week or week and a half. At the pub, this group of girls were giving me a dirty look because I was sitting at a table (which i sat at before they arrived because all the other spots were taken). They were mad because they were at a small table. I finished my story soon after they arrived, but i could hear them complaining. It was annoying. Finally, after I returned to my flat, my room mates were heading out to get a pint, so I joined them after a little peer pressure. Now I'm back here.

Overall, a pretty find day.

LEGEND OF ZELDA PART 1

Long ago… The HERO OF TIME was called upon the defend the land of HYRULE. The evil king, GANONDORF, spread his evil and darkness across the land, laying a scourge on its entire people. Only LINK, with the MASTER SWORD, was able to bring justice to Hyrule. As the land changed, so did the hero’s role; savior of the sea, twilight, and phantom. However, an evil power has again risen. Once again, a call goes out the hero…
GARD the guard, followed by two of his cohorts, trotted his horse past the northern most entrance to REGENTS FIELD. He laid his hand against his large broadsword, feeling the cold steel on his hand as the sun warmed the rest of his body. It was uncomfortably warm outside. Only made worse by the standard uniform of the soldiers. All guards were fully equipped in armor, shield, and weapon. Gard, being a captain, was expected to carry a larger than usual sword due to his elevated status.
“Attention!” Gard yelled. His two underlings rode into formation and raised their chins. “The KING has warned that an attempt to infiltrate Regents Field may take place soon. He has ordered that it be our top priority to guard the entrance and report anything suspicious.” He wasn’t sure why the King was so worried. Gard knew from his experience in the overthrow of the previous king that the current one was more than capable of defending himself.
“Sir! Suspicion imminent!” One of the Guards announced.
“What is it!?” Gard angrily responded.
“There is a small piece of wood on the ground near the hedges.”
Gard moved towards the small object. It was carved and curved, a fine job if he should say so himself. Followed by his subordinates, Gard inspected the small trinket.
“It’s just a small stick! What are you getting all worked up for!? If we are going to do our jobs properly, we can’t be bothered by every little…” And the rant continued.
Meanwhile, as the guards discussed the importance of what they believed to be a simple stick, a small, black, spherical object was rolled out from the hedge directly beneath Gard’s horse. Sticking out of the side of the object was none other than a lit fuse, quickly shortening with every passing second.
Gard continued bantering until one of the others interrupted, “Sir… where is that noise coming from?”
Gard, caught off balance from what was turning out to be an excellent lecture, hadn’t noticed said noise. However, now that he was silent, he could hear a small hiss coming from beneath his horse. He reared the horse back, looked down, and found the source of the interruption. As the black bomb flashed red in ever decreasing intervals, all three of the men wished to escape, but all three knew it was too late.
Gard, irritated but accepting at the same time, began his next lines: “Oh Sh”… … … …
Gard was on the ground, head against the stone, facing towards the hedge. He could feel a small flow of blood trickling from somewhere above his hairline. What had happened he wondered. Who could have planted that bomb? Just then, Gard noticed that on this sunny day, he was laying in a shadow. Not just a shadow, but a silhouette. Gard flipped around as fast as he could.
In front of him was a boy in a forest green TUNIC atop what used to be his horse. He had GAUNTLETS on his wrists, BOOTS on his feet, and a SWORD in his hand. Gard eyed it more closely. It wasn’t just any sword he realized. It was the MASTER SWORD, the blade of evil’s bane. Clearly, there was something unusual and special about this boy.
Equally unusual, but not as special… well… special in the bad way… was something small flying around the boy. Gard eyed what looked to be a small ball of light with wings. It didn’t look too menacing…
“HEY! LISTEN!” The small fairy shrilled in a high pitch. Gard reconsidered the threat that the small puff presented. “This is LINK… the hero of… well… many things… and he just used a bomb to blow up you and your buddies by equipping it to the D-PAD on the wii-mote.” (we are in the era of the wii after all)
“Who are you and what the hell is a wii-mote? It sounds dirty.” Gard accurately commented.
“HEY! I’m NAVI… his fairy… I state the obvious and give direction when needed” Navi explained to Gard. Navi then flew up to Link, “Well, let’s get this show on the road. You can perform a finishing maneuver by using Z-TARGETING. And you might as well throw in a catchphrase while you’re at it. You are the hero after all.”
Gard took a moment to gather his thoughts. He wasn’t sure what was happening or what a wii-mote was. As he attempted to get up, he heard the loudest prepubescent yell he had ever heard.
“HYAAAAA!!!!” Link yelled. Elegantly raising his sword, Link jumped off of Gard’s horse and pointed his blade straight down towards Gard’s vulnerable body. Gard now had the Master Sword sticking through his body, and in an instant he turned into a puff of black smoke. (as is the way with all Zelda baddies)
“Bravo on the catch phrase… I think you’ll have to say that every single time you attack someone from here on out.” Navi stated. “um… jk… you really don’t have to”
Link, ignoring that ‘jk’ said “. . .” and nodded in agreement. He wasn’t sure what to expect on this journey. All he was sure of was that he’d most likely be fighting someone whose name begins with G and ends with ‘anondorf.’ Not that he wanted to spoil the plot or anything. It’s just… why does every adventure need to end with the same villain? Is it impossible for another person to be evil in this land Link wondered. What about PMCs? What about global warming? And why would Andross take over a dinosaur planet?... That’s just silly. If anyone is the villain, it is those dirty writers…
“HEY!” Navi yelled, destroying Links deep train of thought. “Shouldn’t we be making our way to REGENT’S FIELD? Perhaps we can find a MAP to make our journey easier?”
Annoying as hell or not, Navi was correct that it was time to enter Regent’s Field. And while a map would make his life easier, Link really wanted to find the new item hidden there, that was inevitably part of the map/compass combo. Unfortunately, Link knew that he was destined to find the boring stuff first…
Entering the field on its northern side, Link and Navi were treated to a beautiful cinematic view of the different areas that they would be traversing. Panning from location to location, green grass and trees covered much of the area. A small stream flowed to the west into a lake. Directly south was a garden featuring statues of a variety of creatures ranging from small elves to large balroths. Finally, in the east, was a dense and spooky forest, well suited for a hideout of some kind.
Link was on the ground, rapidly and intently drawing on a sheet of paper.
“LISTEN!” Navi shouted. “What are you doing!?”
“. . .” Link replied.
Luckily, Navi was an expert at interpreting Link. “You say you don’t need to find the MAP any longer because the cinematic showed you all you need to know…” Navi stated. “What about the HEART PIECES! And MAGIC BOTTLES! Not to mention what your fans will think!”
Link, annoyed, thought that perhaps this would tide her over. He held the map over his head and a midi fanfare played, giving the impression that something important had just been found.
“YOU GOT THE MAP!!!” The fanfare said.
“To check it, press the 1 BUTTON.” Navi chimed in.
Link examined the map (using the 1 button of course). Hmmm, the evil hideout is in the east. Well, this doesn’t take a genius to figure out he concluded.
Link dashed down the eastern path, missing every rupee filled bush and rock as he went. On the horizon lied the spooky forest. Dark clouds gathered over it, as a dark purple haze crept up over the trees. Well this is unexpected Link thought to himself sarcastically.
“HEY!... LISTEN!” Navi shrieked in Link’s face. “Just where do you think you’re going!?”
“. . .”
“You can’t just GO to the spooky forest FIRST! You have to needlessly travel to every location in the area, eventually ending at the spooky forest…”
Link said “. . .” But his face said F*** you.
“Hey now! No need for profanity. I think this game is rated teen… maybe even E.” Navi pointed out.
Game?... Link thought to himself. What was she talking about? Oh well. Link turned and again began traveling towards the spooky forest.
“Fine! Go straight to the spooky forest, but when you run into some spikey bushes or a big locked gate that you can’t pass, don’t complain to me.”
Link was annoyed. That stuff didn’t happen for real, did it? Nah he thought. After traveling a bit longer, he felt something grabbing his leg. Jeez, I know that fairy has a crush on me but this is too much he mused.
“HEY! I’m up here…” Navi explained.
Looking down, his leg was quickly being entwined by the vine of a purple headed flower. Oh son of a ‘. . .’ he thought.

To be continued…

Yep... we're from the USA

This is me and a few of my pals at Stonehenge. I think we represent the American spirit pretty well here. If your country can do it, we can do it ten times better with better materials. I'm completely joking.

On another note: Skype is amazing and everyone should get it. On Sunday, I had the chance to chat with some good friends... and even video chat with one of them... it was amazing.. I'm doing it again this coming Saturday at 5pm your time.. 11pm my time. If you want to chat with me on Skype, just go online and add me. Skype is free.

Skype username: ericrobertdietz

Then, on my way to pick up some lightbulbs at the store

There she is... that's the real deal. I kind of think that colour is ugly... sorry queen. So today was a pretty good day I'd have to say so myself, despite the fact that I'm kind of in a bad mood right now. But that's okay... I'm don't let that ruin my big picture. My internship was satisfying, I bought groceries, went on a run, and tomorrow is looking pretty fulfilling as well. I feel as if I might be past some the "prove yourself" stage of my job... even if that is what I'm doing everyday... which is fine... I am the intern after all...

After work, I went to CAPA (the facilitators of this trip) and picked up my stipend and chatted with someone about volunteering while I'm here. I think most would believe volunteering to be a stupid idea... but I can't just bum around London all the time... even though there is a limitless amount of things to do here... but I do want some fulfillment and structure, even on my days off. So this weekend I might go help clean up the river. I went to buy groceries, which is satisfying.. but I don't buy enough stuff to use a cart, but enough that the basket gets really really heavy towards the end of shopping. Then, I have to carry that stuff back to my flat for about 3/4 of a mile. I enjoy walking, but my arms and shoulders kill at the end of that walk.

My evening began once I returned, and the first thing I did was go on my daily run through Regents park. I don't know how far the trip actually is.. but I always end it with a run up Primrose hill which is only across the street from Regents. I'm planning on taking my digital camera with me and recording my run at some point.. so i can sort of see where I went every day and look back on it. For a final note, I reached the top of Regents hill this evening to find an ice sculpture of downtown London. It was so surprising and pleasant. I ran back down the Hill to my flat and grabbed my camera, then ran back up to find them packing it up. I got a few photos, but they're not on my computer yet. I'll get them up. It was really neat to see an ice sculpture. It was so very unexpected. After the run I had some rice (like every night) and drank some pepsi max (which is just diet pepsi here). I don't know why, but Pepsi is a budget soda here. Coke products are about 1.50 Pounds while pepsi is 75 pence. Okay.. this has been a long post, but that's okay. I'm just giving the people what they want...

Now that's patriotism

I took this photo at the Queen's birthday celebration yesterday. It wasn't really her birthday, but it is the official celebration of her birthday. It was pretty neat. It reminded me of parades in the US... but with some small differences of course.

First, it was similar in that people of all ages showed up to see the Queen. I stood next to a family with a little girl who was particularly excited. She was short, so she couldn't see very well. So... she would do that thing where the child whines because their bored (it's kind of annoying, but i'm almost sure that every person has done it at some point, and let's face it... at least she was interested in where they were). But, her dad would joke with her, and I had to laugh, saying that the Queen had just gone by while she was whining and she missed it. The little girl just folded her arms and put on her cranky face. It was pretty funny.

The parade differed in a few good ways, and a bad way in my opinion. It was cool, because as you'll see in my photos, guards lined the road from start to end of the parade route. They all had weapons and marched in formation. It was quite a spectacle. It gave the parade a feeling of grandeur and importance that escapes most in the US. However, I must say that the actual parade... well... it wasn't much of a parade at all. I think the entire procession included four military bands... all spaced over about forty minutes. But I still had hope that the Queen would not be disappointing. Don't get me wrong, it was awesome to see the Queen... but she just rode by in her carriage... didn't wave or smile. It was over in about twenty seconds. I'm not really disappointed, but given how many people were there to see this parade, you'd think there would be a bit more to it.

New Slideshow

Hey everyone, check out the new slideshow I put up. I believe it has 175 photos from the past few days, so I hope you enjoy. Today is the Queen's birthday, so I've gotten up nice and early. I'm relaxing for a little bit and then I'm shipping out to hopefully see her. I'll put those pics up this weekend, depending on how close I actually get to seeing her. I don't know what this event is like yet, so it could really go any direction. Have a great weekend everyone.

Friday I'm in Love!

It was a good day today. I'm a little buzzed at this point after a few beers in the flat. It was a long day with a trip to Bath and Stonehenge. I give Stonehenge a B- and Bath and A. Both were interesting, but Bath was a great trip. Check out the updated photo album on the website. Here's a photo from my seat at the Apollo Victoria Theater for Wicked. Enjoy.

I promised, and I will deliver

I just need to say that I have some killer photos from Wicked. In the UK, there is no ban on taking photos in the theater. So actually... they aren't killer... but I have them and they let you see how close I really was.

Wicked: A Wicked Review

I started liking Wicked in 2005, my senior year of high school. I began listening to the soundtrack, reading up on the story, and watching a bootlegged copy of the show. Before that point, if you had presented me with the proposition of a musical expanding the world of Oz, I would have hit you with a yellow brick... maybe the entire road. Yet, as I listened and read, I became more enthralled with the interesting twist that Wicked presents to the Wizard of Oz. Ever since 2005, I have been desiring to see this musical live. I was given that chance today.

There is little bad I can say about the musical. The plot, set, cast, costumes, and atmosphere do a great job of getting getting the audience into the show. I must admit, that from the opening fanfare, I was trapped in this musical. At Shiz, the set reflects what is suppose to be a rather formal and dull atmosphere of the classroom. This is contrasted by Glinda and Elphaba's trip to the Emerald City, where green costumes, set pieces, and lights changed the atmosphere to one reflecting a busy city with a happening night life. My favorite part of the musical had to be the end of Act 1, as Elphaba was raised 20 feet into the air, cape strewn from her to the ground, with her finishing her solo in "Defying Gravity." I had to get a hold of myself at the end of the song, for I had my mouth hanging open in awe of the spectacle that was sight and sound.

Wicked is not only technically impressive though, the story and plot present themes to the viewer that affect all of us every day. Of course, the play pays tribute to stories of revenge and love that populate most plots, but there is a deeper level of storytelling going on in this musical. A theme that the play accentuates, and ultimately ends on, is the question of how we, as a society, decide what is "good" and what is "wicked." Can good and evil just be declared, or are are these concepts something deeper. The play ends with Glinda stating that "although Oz has been through many terrible things, I hope that from them, I can learn to be good." I don't want to spoil the plot for those who don't know how it ends, but I will say that it is not entirely a happy ending. Some characters learn and some don't. It is gratifying and frustrating at the same time.

For 25 Pounds (50$), this was an amazing show and I would recommend it to anyone who has yet to have the opportunity. Heck, I'm going again this fall. Peace out.

Kind of sick... but I saw it and couldn't resist

I will have a special video for tomorrow's installment of the funny picture.
Look at that guy right in the center of this photo. His face and action are just perfect. He's like: "perhaps I would like to use this service?"
Also.. I have no idea who reads this.. if anyone does... so if you read this blog, you should email me.. right now... do it!

This is the most drunk I've been here... one beer.. so not much at all

Yeah. Things are expensive here, so I don't really go out and drink a lot. But... this evening... soccer was on in the pub, I was doing some writing, and I thought I might as well have a guiness. It was good and worth the 3 UK Pounds that I paid. It's not something I've been doing often, so it gave it an extra special feeling.

Tomorrow I've got semi big plans. For a Thursday anyway. I'm going to go off at about 9AM (I don't have to work, so that is nice) and try to get rush tickets (even though they don't call them rush tickets here... they don't call them anything) for Wicked. I'm really excited to go see it. I might get them and I might not. I don't know... but this city has a wealth of musical opportunities and they're pretty cheap for students. I'm excited for it.

Just for an update, I've been working on my fictional friday piece. I don't think it will get posted on Friday... but i've put way more work into this one than the last at this point. This weekend I'm going to Stonehenge and Bath.. plus, it is the Queen's official bday on Saturday.. known as the trooping of the colours.. i'll have some good pictures.. the trick will be for me to get up on Saturday morning and get a good spot on the mall so I can see. I hope everyone is having great summers thus far and I'm excited to get back and see everyone.

Sorry Everyone

I must sincerely apologize to everyone I failed to see this weekend. Little did you all know that I flew back to Minneapolis just for Joey Lee's graduation party. Again, I'm sorry that I didn't stop and see everyone. I'll see you in a few weeks.

Routine

I have finally gotten into a routine for work in this city, which I suppose is not much of a surprise. This weekend felt like the first routine weekend, so why wouldn't the week follow suit. Here's the day:
7:15 alarm
7:30 get up
7:45 get out of shower
8:00 done eating, do a little internet surfing
8:45 leave for the tube
9:30 get to work
1:30 eat lunch
Between 4 and 5 I get to leave work
6 eat and simpsons
8 some writing/reading in the park/ at a pub
10 internet, email
11-12 bed

Yeah.. pretty boring I suppose... but for a work day. I've recently began running, so I'm fitting that in right after I get back from work. I end every run with a trip up Primrose hill... it is steep and tiring.. that is for sure. Well... as my schedule says, it is almost time for bed. So look out for another story this weekend... I'm giving a shout out to my Nintendo roots. Goodnight.

In your face sign!

This is me on the London Eye. As you can see, I clearly have no respect for civil order.

Running shoes.... finally

So, I finally broke down and bought a pair of running shoes today. About time I suppose after four years. My current pair is from the summer between my junior and senior year of high school. I paid roughly 60$ for the shoes. Not too bad, considering that my last pair was easily over that. The sporting goods store was called "Decathalon" and was pretty far out of my way. It was close to the "Canada Water" tube stop. Then, I went grocery shopping. I didn't get back to my flat until about 9pm. Less than idea, but that's okay. I got back and made some supper with my new groceries. Immediately after that, I went for my first run in my new shoes. I ran around the Primrose hill area and eventually up the actual hill. Then I came back and enjoyed a cold shower. Not by choice. Today, a repairman came over (for what, I don't know)... all he did for certain was get rid of the hot water! We had hot water... but now it's over... worst repair job ever... Things are going well at work... I like everyone there. And the London skyline is amazing. I'll run to the top of that hill every night just to see that.

Comment on "The Queen"

This story is meant for pure entertainment value only. There is no major political message and no serious criticism is being made. It is meant to be silly and written from an American viewpoint. I'm the American... so yeah. If you find any mistakes, just let me know and I can fix it. I'm really tired and i spent a short amount of time doing the actual typing of this story. I hope someone enjoys it.

The Queen: Fictional Friday... but on Sunday

The Queen, Great Britain’s pride and joy, awoke in a queen size bed, with a queen size comforter, and queen size sheets, to a Queen playing on the HMR iPod (Her Majesty’s Royal iPod).
She sat up, admiring the diamonds, pearls, rubies, and gold that surrounded her as she awoke. She also particularly admired her own Beatles PJs that she found in the States. Very Queen-like she thought to herself.
A familiar knock caught her attention.
“Enter,” the Queen granted.
“Greetings your majesty, (or YM for short) I am here to take your breakfast order this morning,” explained the butler, noticeably anxious.
“Wait, wait… what is your name servant?” The Queen said in an excited manner.
The butler, noticeably irritated after having his expected fears confirmed prepared to answer. He had been through this with the Queen before and was finding his hope that it would end to be rather foolish.
“Butlington… Butlington the Butler… happy?”
“Very!” She replied excitedly… Cheerios would be just wonderful by the way!... Cheerio!”
Butlington rolled his eyes and let out a sigh. “Very well. I’ll have them ready for you.”
“Say what I want to hear…”
(Sigh again) “Cheerio.” Butlington trailed off as he exited the room to prepare the most British cereal the queen could think of…
The Queen hopped out of bed, excited for this particular day. For this was no ordinary day. Today, Queen (the band, not herself… although she would also be there) would be playing a concert live in Hyde Park. “We WILL rock you.” She menacingly told her globe on the desk. “WE are the champions.”
The Queen entered her royal bathroom, took her royal shower with her royal water. Oddly enough, she used Suave to wash and condition her hair. She believed the price of hair product had unfairly skyrocketed and this was her own personal form of protest against this injustice. She felt she had to serve her people… She was the Queen after all…
Upon exiting her shower, she grabbed her George Washington towel and began drying herself.
“In your face.” She scoffed as Washington’s face met her butt while drying.
This was usually the point where she would make some line bashing the United States. Not because she hated the US, but she felt it was a good way to be patriotic… The US had rubbed it right in the British face back in 1776.
“Hmmm… No taxation without representation George? Well how about some personal face time with the Queen?” Oh yeah, that was a good one she thought to herself.
The Queen threw on her favorite gown and crown (The rhyming clothing combination. Bravo.) and flew down the stairs to meet Butlington and her breakfast.”
“Here are your cheerios YM”
“Honey nut?”
“Of Course.” Butlington replied, clearly annoyed.
“Prize!?”
“Not today YM… we haven’t finished this box yet.”
“Blast!” She replied as she ate the delicious Cheerios.
The Queen didn’t like Cheerios simply because of the opportunity to play on words. She also wanted that cute toy bee that was in the commercials and likewise in the box. The Queen in a way, saw herself as the “Queen Bee” of the hive that is Great Britain. Therefore, she really really wanted those darn honey nut Cheerio bees.
“Cheerio…” She chuckled to herself as she ate, impressed by her own cleverness. “You know what day today is Butlington?”
“I can only imagine…”
That’s right!” She said, not really listening to Butlington, but simply using him as a means to explain her plans. “Today, Queen will be playing in Hyde Park (again, not her, but the band). They are named after me. I mean… I have yet to wikipedia it, but who else could that name refer to? (according to wikipedia: no one in particular, it just sounded regal) And that means we need you in your Sunday best!”
“I’m already wearing a tuxedo… how much more dressed up can I get?”
“Fine! I’ll pick something out for you.”
(Moments later)
Butlington exited the palace, dressed in a full black tuxedo, vest, watch, loafers, bow tie, and a hat chosen by the Queen from her personal collection. It featured a large Union Jack (the British Flag) stretched across the front of the hat (a hate often bought by tourists enjoying their stay in Britain)
“Must I wear this?” Butlington grumbled.
“Oh I think it looks smashing on you Butlington.”
The Queen ‘s dress was equally as exquisite as Butlington’s (minus the hat). He wear featured a sparkling silver gown, a jeweled crown, a beautiful pair of heels, and one gold ring featuring a finely cut diamond with the etchings of the many royals who had once held the coveted ring.
“This ring has been passed down for generations. Every Queen must keep it with her at all times for not only her protection, but the protection of our fine nation.” She explained in a well rehearsed but serious manner.
“You make that speech every morning we exit the palace… what in bloody hell does that mean!... I mean… umm… what is the meaning?” Butlington corrected himself, remembering that he was just the Butler… Butlington the butler. He let out an internal sigh.
“Oh the meaning is not important now… but I will continue to say it every morning until it is relevant… (it almost undoubtedly would at some point… probably today) “That way, on that day, you’ll be able to think back and be like… ooo, it all makes sense now.”
“Great… I look forward to it.” Butlington let out another sign, unable to keep this on inside.
They entered the royal carriage and began the journey to Hyde. The ride was smooth and quiet for the first 30 seconds or so. It was at this time that the Queen liked to say a short prayer for herself, Butlington, and the country. She could hear the crowds cheering over the clip-clop of the horses pulling the carriage.
“What music will grace me on this trip?” The Queen asked Butlington.
“Umm… Queen YM?”
“No! I don’t want to burn myself out before the concert.” She replied.
“Alanis Morissette?”
“Butlington… we just celebrated Alanis Morissette Friday. I’m not quite ready for another dose yet.”
“The Who?” Butlington asked, clearly growing more impatient.
“Bingo! ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again’ please.”
(Cue “Won’t Get Fooled Again”)
It was almost as if there was no longer any other sound within the carriage. Only synthesizer, guitar, bass, and drums filled the small area within. The Queen was no ready to perform the fan service that she was so used to.
“Let us please our people. Yes Butlington?”
“Yes Your Majesty.”
Out of the top of the carriage rose the Queen and Butlington and likewise, the crowd’s roar elevated to a deafening decibel. Everyone turned out to see her. The Queen’s Guard, in full attire (including the furry hat) could not help but crack tiny grins as their patriotic ruler passed by. Wands waved wildly (now that’s what I call alliteration) as a group of Harry Potter cosplayers celebrated. The cheering continued as she passed the many segments of fans: soccer players, James Bond look-a-likes, pub-goers, tories, fish and chips eater, tea drinkers, and U2 made up just a portion of the many Brits celebrating the Queen’s presence.
“Isn’t this fun Butlington?”
Butlington the butler was not having as much fun as the Queen. All of these people were not here to see him. That actually didn’t bother him. He was used to going unnoticed. He was the Queen of Great Britain’s butler after all. That wasn’t the problem. The problem was that he was being noticed… he was being noticed for a particular hat that the Queen had chosen for him to wear.
“Who’s the American?” Heard Butlington numerous times as the carriage moved down the road.
“May I take this hat off?” Butlington, restricting his frustration, asked.
“It looks nice. Keep it on.” The Queen cheerfully, but sternly snapped back at him.
Butlington sighed another big sigh and resumed standing still while the Queen waved.
Nearing the entrance to Hyde Park, a disturbance of some kind was blocking the road ahead (not unlike a disturbance in the force, but for the road in GB). A large group of people was chanting, holding signs of chickens and cows in cages and pens. It seemed that this group of people was hassling some of the good citizens of the country.
“STOP!” The Queen shouted. Everyone and everything stopped.
Butlington helped her down from the carriage.
“What is the problem?” The Queen asked, noticeable annoyed by the disruption taking place in front of her.
“We are protesting the use of antibiotics in Livestock.” Commented one of the protesters.
“Yeah! And the confining of chickens to cages for the purpose of egg laying and slaughtering.” Another remarked.
“It is sickening how these animals are mistreated! Did you know that the natural activities of the livestock are restricted when they’re in cages?!”
“Yeah… that would be the point of the cage right?” Butlington remarked.
“Shut up American!” Yelled a protester.
“Damnit…” Butlington the butler whispered under his breath.
The Queen made her attempt to understand the situation.
“So… you gents are vegetarians? You don’t like when people eat meat?” The Queen glibly remarked.
“No. We are against the unethical treatment of animals.” A protester replied.
“So… you’re a vegan… is that it? You won’t eat any animal products? I know your kind… and that’s fine.” The Queen stated.
“No… We eat meat and are fine using animal products. We just ask that the animals be treated kindly before we…”
“Yeah. You’re okay with them being slaughtered to be eaten… or forced to lay eggs. But you want them to have a nice time while they await their death?” The Queen asked condescendingly.
“Can I take off this hat now?” Butlington asked at a very inopportune time.
“No! Keep it on. It’s cute!” The Queen snapped back at him.
“Well Queen… You may not agree, but you’re position is merely ceremonial. So what are you going to do about it!? The protest leader snapped in the Queen’s face. He then went over to a child eating his delicious UK hamburger and smashed it in the boy’s face.
The Queen was clearly angered by this display. “You may disrespect me. I can take such abuse. However, you will not abuse the good children of Great Britain.” The Queen’s ring began to glow a golden yellow. “The position of the Queen may only be ceremonial in the government, but that doesn’t mean that I’m completely powerless.” The Queen let out a small chuckle.
Instantly, she appeared behind the protesters. Then at their side, then on the other. Soon, she again stoop in front of them. The protesters threw rocks and food items of various types in her direction (coincidentally, some threw eggs… so much for treating animals with respect… some chicken went to a lot of work laying that egg. Somewhere, a chicken felt that it had been treated unethically after that protester threw the egg. Tsk tsk tsk.) The Queen, acting quickly and her ring still glowing, created a shield of blue light, instantly deflecting the oncoming projectiles.
“Ooo… the ring… it all makes sense now.” Butlington stammered as the Queen worked her literal magic.
With a final flick of the wrist, the Queen let out a ball of light that immediately knocked out every protester in sight. The battle was over with the Queen standing high. The gradually dimmed until it was no longer glowing.
“Arrest these men and women. Put them in the nick. We’ll decide their fate later. Hmf… Why can’t people learn to fight for causes that matter? I mean, these men and women could have fought against cancer, aids, slavery… but they chose getting chickens out of cages.”
The Queen reflected on what had just happened. “Everyone! Return to your celebration. The danger to you, your queen, and your country is over!”
The crowd let out a mighty cheer. Butlington approached the Queen, impressed and shocked at her hidden powers.
“I get it now. And my hat… you had me wear it because it is part of your power.” Butlington expressed happily.
“No. I just like the hat… so keep it on. Plus, I like to hear you sigh.”
Butlington caught himself before he let out another sigh.
“Let’s get to the concert.”
The Queen, Butlington, and the many Londoners who populated the area that day enjoyed a great concert and the night closed on a high note. All was right in Great Britain. All in a day’s work for the Queen. It may not be easy, but someone needs to do it.
“Cheerio..” she laughed to herself.

Are you sure this is England?

This reminds me of some country in particular... I just can't remember which one...

Weird Dream

So Saturday Morning... during that time when your alarm goes off because you forgot to shut it off, and the time when you actually wake up.. I had a pretty weird dream... Here we go...

So, it begins with Mark Hanneman and I on a plane back to the US. I don't know why I'm with him. The dream didn't confirm it, but I was under the impression that we were both part of the study abroad program. However, we were only going back for a weekend. It was going to be a short trip. I arrive, and it is night time. I then basically jumped to being with Tyler McCluskey. And we decided that we were going to visit Gretchen (who for some reason still worked for HRL and was working at some dorm). We arrived at the dorm (which was huge and not one that I could name out of all the housing on campus) and saw a party going on inside one of the rooms on the first floor. Well, Tyler and I, being experienced CAs, thought that we'll go handle this one while looking for Gretchen. We arrived at the room only to find that the police were already there. Tyler entered, and I was still out in the hallway, but for some reason, Tyler exited in a fashion that said "I've been here the entire time and I know what is going on."

That was the end. It kind of made me miss being a CA. Anyway, I just got done with a pretty decent walk around regents park (my first time) and like promised, will have a lot of pics to show off tonight from the past few days.

Team America

Right now, I am chilling out in my flat watching Team America. Not exactly the most expected thing to do in London... but kind of entertaining just the same. Worse yet, I bought Coke Zero today. It was kind of a stressful day, but fun at the same time. I went to the Epsom Derby.. one of the UK's premier horse racing events... I actually don't know how premier it is.. but the Queen was there... so it must be sort of important.. I would think... it was a tough journey though to get there.. so now I'm basically just dead tired.. and I can't really sleep in my room.. so yeah... that's my Saturday night this evening... but it is actually kind of nice to take it easy... night.. i'll have my new pics up tomorrow

First normal weekend

Yo everyone... I just want to mark that this is the first weekend that seems as if it is part of routine for me while I'm here. I've started my internship and now have a weekly schedule figured out for the most part. Yesterday was a pretty entertaining day for myself. I did a lot of touristy stuff... which is fine... so I'll have a new slideshow up for everyone to look at by tonight.

Also, I know I hyped up fictional Friday (if not for you, at least for myself). However, sometimes you start a fictional story on the Friday that you want to post it on... and then you don't actually finish on that day because you're in London and you just don't want to sit inside and write all day... I will finish the story though.. It is probably over half way done... so sorry if I disappointed anyone. I will try to get it up on time next friday.

Finally... some of you may have noticed that I had to take down a few posts. All you need to know that is that I had to take them down, and the reason for that is something that I would not like to share. It is nothing scandalous, so don't worry about that.

Those Fountains are Death Traps

In the US, this sort of message is found near nuclear power plants... but in the UK...

Another pic for today to make up for all the words

I'm sure without this sign you'd have tons of people racing up this staircase...

Britain's George Foreman?

Sure... it isn't quite a grill... but same idea... I don't know if this guy was a boxer

Slideshow!

I just posted new pics in the slideshow. Enjoy them and make sure to check back for a new post later tonight. I need to start hyping this thing:

HEY KIDS!
Do you love London? Do you love the UK? Do you love the US? If you don't, then you are probably some kind of terrorist. However, if you do, read Anarchy in the UK by Eric Dietz! It has pictures, jokes, people who write things, and much more! So don't delay, read Anarchy in the UK!

Anarchy in the UK is a non-profit organization that would completely be for profit if you gave it money. So think about it.

Britain sure enjoys parades

I usually have to wait for cars when crossing a road here, but this is just ridiculous. (It is the Queen's Guard. They are soldiers who when not doing this, actually take part in combat in other theaters around the world. However, when at home, they just ride around, pulling artillery all day.)

Nobody Likes Milhouse!

"I like you too milhouse... just not in that way... I think of you more as a big sister"
"No I'm not!... why does everyone keep saying that!"
I'm watching a little simpsons while I eat rice for dinner.


Today was a pretty slow day for me. I had my internship interview today with judicium. I met with Alex. He's a really cool guy. He asked me how I've been doing and what I've been doing for the past week. Basically I've found that I'll for sure be working Mondays and Wednesdays, but also a few half days for me to get to my 32 hours. I had a cup of tea and met the other workers. They all seem cool. I don't have to be to work until 9:30, and I get to leave at 4:30. I can't complain.

After that, I went to CAPA to get my stipend of 40 Pounds so I could buy food. I got quite a bit for only 22 Pounds. I think my food will last me until next monday and then I have some spending money. I plan on living on the 40 Pound budget. Hopefully it works out. I've got a lot of rice, chicken, carrots, salad, and yogurt. All the good stuff for an American in London.

The early picture post

I'm getting a jump start... I just found a place I can go shopping in London

This one goes to matt!

Notice the 130 British Pound price tag. That is 260 US dollars. Ouch. Sorry Britain. Guess you'll just have to listen to the Who rather than play their songs on a plastic guitar and drums. I wondered if perhaps the price increase is because the guitar and drum were built better. I doubt it. Way to go creators of Rock Band.

Sunday...

Today I took a short trip to the Imperial War Museum. This is my last free day before I have my internship interview tomorrow. I found the location of my interview and internship, but I didn't find the exact building. It is a Sunday after all. I'm not imagining a lot of law consultancies being open on Sunday. If I was a lawyer I'd be like: "If you make me work on Sunday I'm going to sue you." Boom. Done. (quick NOTE: I'm eating my first frozen pizza in London... yeah yeah.. i know I'm in London.. I should be eating something more british, but it's tough on a budget... and it's not as good as America's frozen Pizza... America= 1, Britain= 0). So I don't know the building that I need to enter tomorrow, but I have the address and it will be easier when I can actually go into the buildings. There is a shopping area near my internship and a grocery store, so I can't go wrong. It will be warm though.

As a small little blurb, I want to comment on the weather. I'm not sure how much I have to say about it, so this paragraph may suck. However, it still deserves some attention even if it only covers one sentence. The weather is pretty mild, but unpredictable (if that's possible). The temp is constantly fluctuating between 50 degrees and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Sounds pretty good, but it is very humid. So, 50 degrees and humid is still a bit cold, while 70 degrees and humid is sweaty weather. And when you enter the tube (the subway for those who haven't kept up... tsk tsk), the temp shoots up to a good 80 or 90 degrees. I need to wear a suit to work every day... so I'll be pretty warm on my way. That's all I've got. That paragraph turned out pretty well.

Alright. One last thing. Today I went to the Imperial War Museum which was heaven for me. It talks about all the best wars and is put together really well. I'll update everyone when I go there for real. I got there late and had to leave after an hour. And there is more stuff than I could cover in an hour.

Someone knows about fuel prices...

This car is always parked outside of my flat.

Here are more pics:
http://picasaweb.google.com/dietz057/UK6108?pli=1