Suboptimist
I’m not quite a pessimist. I’m more of a suboptimist.

So, I’m at work, and the people I usually talk with to pass the time are missing, as if they are forcing me to pass the time by updating my blog instead. Fine.

It turns out that classes start a week earlier than I had expected: August 20^th. Anyone who goes to the University of Utah or is familiar with its academic schedule understands why this is strange. Usually, we start the last week of August, and we usually start on Wednesdays. Perhaps starting on a Monday is intended to make our schedule less bizarre. The typical schedule means we don’t get a full week of classes in until the third week of the semester, but I still feel like I am being cheated out of a few extra days of frivolity in what is shaping up to be my last summer as an undergraduate.

This means that I really have to start getting my $#!* together. I have to buy my books, I have to get ready for the GRE, I need to take the CASA exam, register to graduate, meet with my Model Arab League co-president, etc., etc. It’s amazing how these things sneak up on you.

In case anybody is interested, my class schedule is [tentatively] as follows:

Phonology of Arabic or Java

I don’t know which I am going to take. They haven’t determined who is teaching the former, and the latter could be marketable of I go the HLT route. I’ve taken a couple other classes along the lines of phonology of Arabic, so it may just be a repeat.

Advanced Phonetics and Phonology

I am really excited for this class. I decided that I like phonology enough last semester in intermediate to take the advanced course this semester.

Sociolinguistics

I took an Arabic sociolinguistics course once. I liked it, and this is where I can learn the basic ideas behind what was so vaguely taught me a year ago.

Statistics

Yes, I’m taking a stats class.

I found this strip (also from June of 2003) rather pertinent.

From the accompanying post:

I read the new Harry Potter book, all nine hundred or so pages of it, before I went to bed that day. I got it early, passing the mailman wearing the wizards hat, pushing down a little girl. I drove home with the book in my lap, singing a song which could not be transcribed, because it was the audible form of joy.

I have seen it discussed - is it good? Who cares. It’s not like you get a new Harry Potter book every day, you have to treasure this shit. I don’t slink home from the solar eclipse and be like, well, I’ve seen more invigorating natural phenomena. I know now the dark depths and dizzying highs of true fandom, and don’t fuck with me about this because I’ve got a nine hundred page hardcover in my grip. I’ll bat your head clean off and start running for first. First what, God only knows. I guess it all depends on where I kill you.

I just finished reading the latest and final installment in the Harry Potter series. I originally intended to take my time reading this one, since it was, you know, the last one I would get to read. Realizing that it was only a matter of time that I would be out in public and hear somebody ruin the ending for me, I opted to finish it the day after I bought it. There are only a few books ever written that truly make me happy when I read them. I am half ashamed to say that the Harry Potter series is one of them. I may write a complete review later.

The Reverend is out of town for the week. It’s strange, I go out of town fairly regularly, leaving him to his own devices for weeks. Now, for the first time in my recollection, he is gone for a fairly extended period of time. Yesterday, around 5:00 PM, I thought I would call and see if he wanted to grab some delicious Taco Time. It was weird. The following Penny Arcade strip provides a [slightly exaggerated] rendering of my boredom.

The newspost accompanying the strip details how Gabe passed the time with his other friends. I did that this weekend. It was actually very enjoyable.

P.S. I apologize to Gabe and Tycho for any copyright infringement that is likely occurring here.

So, I haven’t updated in well over a week. The story could be interesting, but it isn’t. A while ago I built a new computer and didn’t feel like doing anything until I got all the crap together. Then, I got sick, and didn’t feel like doing anything that required complex thought. Then I just didn’t feel like blogging. Legitimate bloggers report to their readers when they are going to be taking a hiatus. I should have done so, as well, since I am sure you are all experiencing withdrawal from the habit-forming nature of the pearls of great wisdom contained here in this Web-log. Don’t expect anything remotely close to the earth-shattering wit and wisdom usually seen here in today’s post. I just want to alert everybody to certain [Items] I hope to acquire in the near future. You know, in case any of us become close enough friends for you to buy me presents.

First, a book brought to my attention through the library: Forensic Speaker Identification by Phil Rose. I am not entirely sure why this book appeals to me. I like phonetics, but I have never considered forensic linguistics as far as I can remember. I browsed through the copy at the library, and it’s strangely fascinating.

Second, Assassin’s Creed for the Xbox 360. In this game, you play Tair, a member of the original Assassins, journeying in the Holy Land taking out prominent crusaders who died under mysterious circumstances. The environment looks amazing, and I have usually liked Ubisoft releases I’ve played. The history is also good, considering it is a video game. I am inclined to think that this game could be a wee controversial here in the States. Anybody care to venture a guess why?

Lastly, for now anyway, Tolkien (and son’s) Children of Hurin. I don’t know why I haven’t picked this up. I really ought to read it.

Hmm…after I graduate, I am thinking human language technology…

A few gems from the Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar Race of Man forum thread entitled, ‘Our breasts are not big enough’:

Maendark187

This is game breaking. DEVS

DEVS!

D E V S !

Tridelo

Snake? Snake?

Snaaaaaaaaaaake!

Jeffredo

Well my male Man (?) has no package. Talk about a nerf.

ZenofAnger

I roffled so hard.

Trixie

Wonder if they will institute the Plastic Surgeon profession in a future update?

Or heck, give us /inflate!

CaitlynJones

While you’re at it, my gluteus maximus could use some adjustments.

The last two posters are presumably female. Wow. I don’t know if anybody remembers my post discussing the Daedalus Project’s discussion of gender. This adds an interesting perspective. A large number of male MMO players have indicated that they play female characters to have something nice to look at. In fact, the female models often sport the ‘magazine body.’ I will admit, in LotRO, the female model is drawn much better.