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Of pickles and... more.

***

“How come some people can believe in something and other’s can’t?” Changmin started, staring off in the distance, observing the outlined buildings against the horizon. “How come everyone always has to fight over these things?” in a way, it had also to do with the situation the leader was currently in. On the other hand it was just general interest.

“Do you like pickles?” Yunho asked, raising an eyebrow at the confused glare he got in return.

“No, I don’t like pickles,” Changmin answered after a while, when he realized Yunho was serious about the question.

“I love pickles,” the leader continued, turning to lean with his back against the railing instead. “It is a matter of taste and a decision we make about what is tasteful and what is not. It’s different for everyone, because everyone comes from different places. If you eat a pickle every day, you will grow used to the taste and you might even start to like it,” Yunho started to explain, looking up at the sky. “Or you can grow to hate it more and more,” he added, switching his eyes to Changmin again.

“But you know wherein the difference lies?” he asked, watching the young man ponder over his words.

Changmin slowly shook his head, waiting for the leader to clear up the mess of thoughts.

“The difference lies in whether you hate it and accept that others might like it because tastes differ… or whether you hate it and hate everyone that loves it,” Yunho concluded.

@темы: fanfix, quote/unquote

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Saengil Chukha Hamnida!!!

@темы: Birthday, TVXQ

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I hate Rapidshare with passion! Makes me want to strangle someone...

@темы: WTF?

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Eurovision 2008

...Yes, I've seen it. I wasn't going to, but...

What can I say? It was pretty amusing and some artists actually quite impressed me. Turkish rock band was pretty good as well as Viking guys from Finland. Azerbaijan was original, I thought they would rank higher at least. Denmark wasn't anything special, but it was a nice cheerful song and I personally liked it.
It's hard for me to judge the chicks, most of them have good voices and nice moves. The young ones in short dresses, with catchy pop songs and hip-swayng dances (Armenia). And the older ones in long gowns with powerful vocals, they were as good as all those American divas, really (Norway). But I was trully impressed only by the Serbian performance. It was graceful and spiritual, reminded me of those grand stage musicals. All in all, one of my main criteria was keeping national identity and singing in country's own language. It's no fun when every damn country sings in English. There were several performances worth watching, but if I had to choose one, I'd undoubtedly go for that lad from Israel. The voice, the language, the song.. I found it really powerful and touching. (Btw, music and lyrics by Dana International)
On a side note, I totally can't understand how come the artists from the grand four usually suck. Esp. it concerns Britain, the home of European music industry, both pop and alternatiive.

Generally, I try to ignore the points and the rankings. Even so.. It's kinda sad to see that Europe has such a bad taste. I mean, I wasn't hoping any of the artists I like would win, but this... At least it gave me a feeling of high intellectual superiority.

General info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurovision_Song_Contest_2008

Hey, anyone needs downloads, check this site. Reading comments below highly not reccomended though)
http://www.cwer.ru/evrovidenie_2008_vse_pesni

@темы: review, musings

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HJ+JJ

It's a good thing I follow other fandoms too, 'coz I never heard about this in TVXQ community. I was blown away at the discovery. So anyway, here's the deal. I read this recent radio interview with HeeJun. There were many interesting things in it, but most of all the part where he was asked about his friends.

DJ: How many friends do you have?
MHJ: Well… Probably 10?
DJ: Ah? So it’s hard to ask… who are your best friends? Like who are your top three?
MHJ: Well… three? Among entertainers there is one, the other two are not entertainers.
DJ: With that said, who is the entertainer?
MHJ: Can I come out and say it like this?
DJ: Would that be a bad thing?
MHJ: This friend is a very clever younger brother. He also makes music. It’s my hope that all his life things will go his way, when he meets difficult times that I can help him.

And what do you know?


Well… It’s TVXQ’s Hero. He is very clever and a good person. When he makes music he is very hard working. He’s not in Japan now is he? To call him now would be expensive. So if I called him and he would see the number and hang up. Then he’ll use his own phone (land line?) and call me back.

This part can be seen here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9oVhNadDdE

Jaejoonie and HeeJunnie I mean, I'm not surprised they are friends, but, like, top 3? Even with all the ex-H.O.T. members... Wow. And then there's this little video from the Hollywood Bowl where they go offstage together with HeeJun's arm around Jae's waist... ))

@темы: H.O.T, match, TVXQ

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I want to thank everyone who remembered.

They were few and it seems each year less and less people do. Not that I care that much. I mean peple rarely just disappear from your life, ususally you let them go. It's an unspoken agreement or at lest that seems to be the case with me. But this time was a bit unsettling, even both of my grannies forgot. But I got a consolation prize. Just a couple of minutes before midnight I found an e-mail with a little greeting that brought me much joy. Just what I needed at a time like this. And I love her choice of a postcard)))

@темы: myself, musings

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It's the final straw, here's my notice that I quit
Though I'm not quite sure, but I'll take this leap of faith
It's not a waste of time if you enjoy the time you waste
So a wise man said, though it seemed like yesterday

I feel like I'm almost overcome, once again
More or less
I feel like I've always known much
Sooner than later

You can cry 2 my face
And I'll know what you want me to do
You can cry 2 my face
All the world will be hidden from view
You can cry 2 my face
No harm gets through

Such a smoky day, even saints have to wait
Though I'm not quite sure, as I found out today
Do you feel life like it's always on the line
But it feels so good, and it's like this every day!

It does feel like a milestone though. Point blank. Disconnected with my past, without a sense of direction. Means that I have to find one. Maybe this is freedom..

@музыка: Mansun - Cry 2 My Face

@темы: musings, lyrics, milestone

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So this is it. Today is my birth day. I don't have any idea what to write here. It's just a day in a life. And honestly so far it always brought more nuisance than joy.
21 wasn't easy. And I suppose it only gets harder from here.. It made me queston a lot of things -right to the edge of my moral grounds -and back. But it also saw some of my small dreams come true, moments to remember and cherish. And I do feel older.
The gift I want to bestow upon myself this year is.. Redemption. I have set for myself goals too high, I always do. Maybe it should be that way. To strive for more... But there's no place for disappointment or regret, it only buys you self-pity. And I definately don't need that. I did what I could without compromise or guilty conscience and I'm glad with where I stand. This is what matters the most.

Okay, like.. ignore that, that's just a report for myself. Now it's time to let go and leave it all behind... Time to step up and say:

Happy Birthday!/Omedetou!/Saengil Chukha Hamnida! (or whatever)

I'm 22, dammit! (getting old)

@музыка: Xiah - Lately

@темы: myself, Birthday, milestone

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Систер вчера позабавил. "Хочу кое-что показать" - говорит. "Я тут такое нашла!" Гляжу роется в википедии в разделе Аниме. Стою, жду с любопытством. Чем меня удивить хочет? Через несколько минут оборачивается ко мне с торжествующим видом указывая на экран. "Вот!"- говорит, "смотри." Я гляжу, а на экране красуется статья с крупным заголовком - "Яой". Сестра подчеркнула: "...и самое удивительное, что популярен этот жанр среди девушек." И вправду, бывают же извращенцы... Потом еще минут 10 ходила и мерзко хихикала)

@темы: crack

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the good stuff

I'm really tired, mentally more than physically. But satisfied. I did it. For about 2 hours I have been a teacher. It wasn't perfect, but I'm really glad my efforts paid off. It still doesn't mean I get the qualification, but I don't care that much. It's not something I intend to do, though you never know... The most important is that for me it was a challenge and I think I did very well.

I can't seem tot go to bed before 5 am. This time is was my acquaintance with Korean, Chinese and Thai sites and forums. The blind navigation is kinda amusing. Korean sites all require registration. Damn, there's so much good stuff. Hey, at least I could find the pics, they're protected, but you can always use the good old 'print screen', right? Chinese sites are the worst, I can't get a thing out of them. Thai forums are good. Especially since Thai fans nick all the good stuff from Korean sites) I finally! found the yusoo thread, took me long. Just that it keeps crashing all the time and the pics take forever to load, makes me go crazy. But there's always a price to pay, right?

The ficwriters seem to have found a lot of inspiration these days. Which is always Gut)) except thay they tend to post it at 5 am. Slash fics are like buses - you wait for them, get frustrated and then, when you have already lost hope, 3 come in a row.

I finally found and dled the Lola Rennt OST. Been looking for it for years, really. It feels so good, picking up another piece of myself.

After weeks of failed attempts I fianlly downloaded the damn documentary on Britpop. Patience indeed is a virtue.)

..not to mention I enjoy my own company, till Sunday the flat is all mine_

@музыка: Susie Van Der Meer - Somebody Has To Pay

@темы: myself, musings, misc.

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"Coming Out" - "The Korean queer revolution will be televised"

Actor Hong Suk-Chun to Host 'Coming Out'

Hong Suk-chun, the first Korean actor to publicly ``come out of the closet,'' is hosting his own television talk show, ``Coming Out'', a program that features the lives of homosexuals. Hong will be hosting the program with actress Jung Kyung-soon on cable channel tvN. He stirred the nation when he came out in 2000 and suddenly stopped appearing on television for a while.

At a press conference for the show, which was swarmed with reporters and photographers eager to get a glimpse of the now successful owner of three restaurants, Hong said that he was not initially thrilled about hosting the program.
``When I first saw the synopsis of the program, I thought it was crazy. There are people around me who once thought of coming out, but there were always problems with family and work. This program is not just coming out to your friends or family, but to all of Korean society,'' he said.
The program will show mini dramas of guests' lives as homosexuals and talk with Hong and Jung. The two hosts will work as mentors and give advice and coach guests on gay issues in Korea, particularly coming out.

Choi Seung-jun, the producer, said that his perspective toward the gay community changed as he worked on the program.
``Five percent of Korea's population is considered homosexual, but who knows if the number is higher? These are people who are living with us right now and the suffering they go through is unimaginable,'' Choi said.
He added that he wanted the audience to try and understand the homosexual community for a more ``healthy society.''

Perhaps it was because Hong had a rather difficult life after his announcement, being shunned by producers and friends and even the public.
``I don't advise people to come out because I know it is a hard decision. But as for myself, I have never been happier. I don't have to lie to myself any more,'' Hong said.

Actress Jung, who is straight, said that when she was asked to be the co-host of the program, she was more than happy to participate.
``I told the crew that the program must be based on humanity. So many minorities (including the gay community) are being discriminated against. Korean society needs more programs like this,'' she said.

Korea was never a haven for the homosexual community, but the hosts and producer agreed that the program will work as a means to bridge the gap between homosexuals and the public.

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2008/04/201_22429.html

But wait, here's the best part:

During the 'Coming out' press conference, Hong was asked if he had "talk to any gays in the entertainment field?" He replied calmly ," I have talked to the very famous couple you guys have always been talking about." Everyone was shocked by what he said. The rumours of some gays celebrities in the entertainment field is only left to be confirmed. However, Hong said that he is someone who keeps secret. Thus, he would not reveal the names.

Aaand...
Hong Suk Chun owns 3 successful and popular restaurants.

In KBS Happy Together, Yunho clearly stated that he went to a restaurant owned by Hong Suk Chul. JaeSuk asked if all DBSK members are all there. He asked because Yunho didn't mention who he was with. But then JaeJoong clearly admitted that it was only him and Yunho alone who ate in Hong Suk Chun's restaurant THAT NIGHT. - Busted!)))

Kinda makes you wonder... But anyway I'm really thrilled to see this happen. I wasn't expecting that such a show will be aired in Korea. It makes me very glad that Korean society is evolving like this)))

cuts from episode 1 (yet unsubbed, but soo touching)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epPMtFROEYo

More about the man:
http://www.time.com/time/asia/2004/heroes/hhong_suk_chun.html

@темы: the eternal debate

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Same-sex relationships status in the World

Пока я не забыла наши с Шу обсуждения... Эта карта мира, которую я периодически проверяю на изменения... вздыхаю и ухожу.




В Европе, конечно, не так все грустно, но прогресс тоже весьма незначителен. Хотя, по-сути, дело здесь даже не в законе, общество должно к этому прийти. А гомофобия как раз процветает на всех континентах...

@темы: the eternal debate

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есть люди - библиотеки

У них всегда можно чему-то научиться, открыть для себя новые горизонты знаний, особенно, если запастись терпением и не лениться потратить много свободного времени. Они многое знают и понимают и часто полны не только академического знания, но и житейской мудрости. К ним всегда можно обратиться за советом.

Пройти тест

@темы: flashmob

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You Are So Gorgeous or ... and Then The Star Smiled At Me

...It still feels like a bizzare dream. Seeing the man in all his glory, on stage and off...

We came at about 9, so we had to wait 4 hours for the actual event. But it was more than worth it. Juno Reactor gave a brillint performance. They certainly are unique, with all the costumes and horn-instruments, and their show was powerful and enthralling. I wish I could tell more about the band, but the truth is 90% of the time I had my eyes locked on him. Standing there illuminated by the light he looked like some deity, a creature from another world. His attire and make-up and his graceful movemets... He totally stole the spotlight from the creepy singer lady. At first his guitar was hardly heard, it was only by the middle of the concert that I could truly appreciate his skill. The infamous 'Pistolero' with a distinctive guitar riff made the audience go crazy. And when he started dancing along to the music I couldn't help but follow. 'God is God', another hit, also left a deep impression. Actually, I didn't even expect him to participate in all the tracks. I thought he'd be standing somewhere in the corner with his head down. But he gave it his all. Like a true artist that he is. And the violin... I wasn't hoping to hear it, but when he played it the whole crowd was effectively sent to a trance.

Now I suppose that I can understand why the man came to be called 'The Walking Porn'. Even though I think it does not do him honour. There was nothing vulgar about his acts, more like raw sensuality and grace. Especially considering that he wasn't expecting to recieve that much attention... Still, he looked so elegant is his black attire and make-up, which he kept fixing after nearly every track using a small mirror placed neatly on stage.

We failed in our guess as to on what side of the stage he'll be playing, but it didn't matter much. I could see him clearly from where I was standing and slowly we started to move closer, to the left side where he was. Towards the end of the concert we ended up in one heap, all 11 of us. Somehow shouting and cheering together isn't embarrasing. We were pretty noticable, I guess, because in the end he definately noticed us. And the most amazing thing is, when he did, he began reacting - waving and sending kisses... I can't blame the man, he performed in Tokyo Dome, in front of some 55 thousand people, so he is used to having an audience. To see him looking at us, smiling that beautiful smile of his, pouting and doing all those fluid movements so familiar, so characteristic of... no, not even him, of all J-Rockers, basically. I swear, they must be of a different race... Being able to actually interact with him on stage felt fantastic.

I bet he wasn't expecting to see his fans here in the first place, but I hope it was a good surprise. Now I've never been a big fan of him, he wouldn't even make it in the top 10 (not that I have it). Maybe it's good in a way, at least I was quite composed and didn't lose my grip. It proved much useful later, when after having waited for about half an hour in the cold near the back entrance we were greeted with his presence. For that we have to thank that Janco guy, who set up the whole thing. He was in a great mood too, after all that night his child was born)

So there he was - a Man-legend, looking all slender and almost frail. I have to say I was a bit surprised at how casual he was. Not that I had any expectations, but... a person of his status can't be even blamed for that. No trace of superior attitude or arrogance as one may expect. Just friendliness and warmth. I didn't really get to talk to him or even hear him much as I wasn't in line for autographs, but it's all right. I got much more that I could wish for. I got to see this wonderful man, on stage and off, hear his passionate music...

He's the embodiment of sensuality and grace. Androgyny at its finest. He doesn't look 20, but years only add to his beauty, like a good wine, with years becoming only finer. I am filled with deep respect and admiration for him as an artist and as a person. He is so gorgeous.)

There's a little side-effect to it all though. It leaves you craving for more. But there's also something more - a hope, a promise. A realization... that your dreams may be closer than you may think))

@темы: musings, milestone, report

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shadow*, приветствую! Открываю для вас скрытую (из-за моего ханжества и паранойи) часть днева. Надеюсь, вам здесь понравиться)

@музыка: Sugarcubes - Water

@темы: welcome

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Dammit, I almost forgot... she's going... away for over a month. And what's most mocking is that geographically she'll be closer than ever.
How am I going to endure? And at a time like this... She's the little light that made this time bearable. Now it's dark and cold. I need her so much, her and her stories. Everything just comes crashing down on me these days. What else can go wrong?

@музыка: Tony An - I Am Sad

@настроение: I'm sad...

@темы: myself, musings