It's never too late for anime :-D

Welcome!! (not really my thread but heck).

I visited France about 5 years ago - Paris to be exact. I did not get the vibe that people hate Americans... But heck, how could I tell? I didn't exactly get into long discussions with the locals - I went on a museum sight seeing spree (loved the Louvre - so much good stuff stolen by Napoleon there to see ).

I met a wonderful Moroccan girl there and I have very good memories of my Paris excursion...

Also the definitions of what liberalism and conservatism are very different in the USofA and throughout the rest of the world.

But that is for another post BAGirl.....

IDIOT SIGHTING: I was at the airport, checking in at the gate when an
airport employee asked, "Has anyone put anything in your baggage without
your knowledge?" To which I replied, "If it was without my knowledge,
how would I know?" He smiled knowingly and nodded, "That's why we ask."
Happened in Birmingham, Ala.


I always wondered about that dumb question

In my opinion a pretty ignorant guy.

I found it funny

Cool man no problem there - you base your opinion on first hand experiences.

I would be fascinated if you could tell us exactly why you felt hated in France? What were the things that happened that proved to you that the French hate the Yanks?

On a funny note:

I found this money quote in a plentyoffish forum:
"im a country boy who lived many years in new york city, los angeles, austin and south florida....how many freaking cultures do i have to partake of b4 the issues become clear?"

I really like her stuff - she is all over the place, from rock, rock opera, jazz....

Really cool stuff.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoko_Kanno

http://www.jameswong.com/ykproject/


The last one is her own site. And it has her music on it to sample/download.

One thing that always amazes me is how insulated the USofA is with regards to other countries' cultures. USA, since the 1950's, has always exported its culture - music, movies, mannerisms, fashions, etc etc.

However, we the people living in America have hardly any influences from other countries/cultures. Have you heard a German song on the radio lately? Have you seen a French movie? Do you know what fashion is popular in Europe right now for the Autumn season?

Of course not. On the radio we have 100% American made songs, on the TV we get 100% American made movies and shows. Name me one foreign movie that people saw in the theatres (cinemas really)?

This leads to ironically nonsensical situations, as for example I was talking to a person and and we started to chat about France. His statement of "The French suck! They hate us anyway!" was countered with three questions:

1) Have you been to France?
2) Have you talked to French people about what they think of America and Americans?
3) Were you exposed to French newscasts or movies that validate your point?

No, no and no of course. But he did see this viewpoint on TV...

This cultural isolation makes the media propaganda machine to work so well in the States. This is why Americans are perceived as dumb by others - simply because media here report very selectively, and international news is a joke. That is why A Dutch, Polish or Belgian person has more knowledge about the world and current situation.

After all, if all we know about France we learned from the Simpsons....

I would like to bring my experiences in Europe to illustrate my point. On a German radio station, you will hear German, French, American, UK songs and music...

On a Polish TV station, you will see of course shows made in Poland but also French, German and American movies...

PS
And no, eating at a Chinese Restaurant is NOT being exposed to Chinese culture...

PSPS
America right now is culturally invaded by an incredible Latino cultural influence. Everything from TV shows, reggaethon (Latin rap, which I like), and food is available here in virtually every city here in the US. That is the one (but huge!) exception to my rule.

It's also used for porn

Bebop, Ghost in the Shell, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Wolf's Rain...

Actually Yoko Kanno composed for every anime show.

Yes. Go exercise 3-4 days per week, not every day.

Most gyms are now not that expensive, and their classes are free of very cheap. Join a class - it is more fun that way. Stepping is a good cardio workout that is just perfect for beginners. Gets your heart rate pumping, your body moving and your weight dropping. At Bally's right now the classes like that are free of charge, open to everybody.

Diets do not really work. Whatever you lose will come back - the day after you quit a diet.

Baby steps - do not lose 10 pounds in a week - lose a pound a week.

You will see that after a month of this (actually very fun activity) you will feel better and have more energy. You will not become a skeletal model (think Victoria Beckam - ughh! shudder!) but you will lose a few pounds and be much more healthy.

Baby steps.

Cowboy Bebop is back on TV on Adult Swim. Well worth checking out.

You guys heard of Yoko Kano? She is the composer responsible for most anime music. Her music is on par with Beethoven and Chopin in my book.

There's operations

I gotta turn you onto the 'Dawn of War' franchise...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=SFkFo5SBx-g
http://youtube.com/watch?v=8TS6IReSvo4

9 races in an RTS man... 'nuff said.

One of the better shows on TV.
It is so packed with inside jokes even I miss a few.

Of course.

Ghost in the Shell stand alone complex, for one.

What happens to Zuko's sister, Azula? She is sooo evil...

And whom does Katara love (mmmmmmm Katara!).

Learn more about the show here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avatar:_The_Last_Airbender




PS
Wiltard if you were a woman I would marry you. You got a sister?

Yeah, this is currently the best show on TV. I am not kidding.

People might be put off because it is an animated feature and of course cartoons are only for kids....

But its the most well written show I've seen (after Scrubs). This is a 30 minutes well spent. The character development, the background story, the landscapes, the ideas behind the story, the writing - all add up to a wonderful show.

I am seriously thinking about buying the DVDs'.

NO.

Just NO.

I think I will be the only one to get the joke here...