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Guess It Takes A Little Time

Darlo — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:28:55 +0000

To read the original entry, please click here ( http://www.darlosworld.co.uk/2011/11/28/guess-it-takes-a-little-time/ )

Hello! Ok, about the song, I just looked on Youtube for a video with the words Takes Time in the title. I’m actually sat in a building in Shimonoseki city with my speakers down low, so I’ve not actually listened to the song … hope it works. It’s by Amy Grant and is called Takes a Little Time.

I know most of the people reading this have been following my antics and escapades on Twitter and Facebook, but I want to come back to the blog.

So what’s taken me so long? Well, to be perfectly honest I have no idea. I can’t say that I was having way too much fun and excitement to write anything, because I’ve had the time. In fact often I’m sat on my arse at home with nothing to do thinking “hmm … I could write a blog post”, but then end up just googling something weird with the telly on in the background.

That being said, don’t think I’ve not had my share of adventures. There’ve been sake festivals, national sports competition, me shaving off my beard, the war of the insects, visits to various places, trying to buy things online, and of course keeping up with my Japanese.

But I guess rather than try to given detailed explanations of each of those I’ll just show you a picture of me taken yesterday, and say “see you next time”.

Possibly the last of the British Samurais

See you next time!

It’s Just Around The Corner

Darlo — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 21:58:44 +0000

With one more day of lessons left, conveniently a day with just one lesson, it’s pretty fair to say that the Winter break is just around the corner.

Just around the corner by ~xXxFucked-UpxXx on deviant ART

It seems I’ve been spending a lot of random time in London lately; participating in the UK Rock Paper Scissors Championships, handing in my application for a job in Japan, taking the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. But, much to my parents pleasure I’m sure, I wasn’t involved in the recent ‘student’ activity in the capital. It is unfortunate that the cost of going to University will rise, but at least loans and grants are still there for us poor saps, and I’m just thankful I’m supposed to graduate this year.

Even George is a bit curious about what I'm up to.

So what are my plans for the long awaited winter break?

Well to be honest I’m not planning on venturing out an awful lot. Going out means (generally speaking) money spent. I will be heading back to Telford at some point for a few days, but will definately be venturing back up to Leeds before New Year.

On Sunday I have a Poker Tournament at the Alea Casino, something I’m really looking forward to. As normal my game plan will simply be “don’t be that pillock who’s out first”, though I guess I’ll have to wait and see on that one.

There are many project that need my attention aswell so I want to be able to spend a bit of time on those.

Of course studying and preparing for the January exams will be high on my list, as well as making a start on my dreaded dissertation. 8,000 words to write, give or take 10%. So I guess I’d better get off my arse and make a start on something. Catch You later.

Road Trip – Day Four – John O Groats to Falkirk

Darlo — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 22:15:27 +0000

大きな地図で見る

Starting Mileage: 203341

We’ve reached the top, so I guess it’s all down south from here (ish). Having added 820 miles to the clock just getting here, we headed to the official starting point.

SYHA John O Groats, where we spent the night.

After nosing through the various souvenir shops, visiting the small museum (which led us back into one of the souvenir shops), and explaining to a small group of American tourists that they weren’t a mere “30 or so kilometers” from London (you’d have thought they would have seen the sign), we were on our way.

876 miles? Maybe if you went straight there.

As this was our first day of serious driving distance wise (according to google maps our entire route would take 7 hours 20 minutes), I made sure to stop along the way for quick rests. The mountains of Scotland are beautiful, though a little strange. After waking up from a quick nap in a layby, I opened the door of the car to see a dead crustacean.

Sebastian hadn't realised Scotland was famed for seafood.

We took a short break in Inverness for some lunch, and to also meet up with a friend. Ironically while she was regaling us with a tale about a crash at an accident hot spot (while we were walking right next to it), there was almost another crash between a bus and a car; the car had jumped a red light. I love good timing.

Next on our stop was the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and, if we could time it right, seeing the Steam Train ride across it. Those Harry Potter (& the Chamber of Secrets I’m told) fans will know it as an iconic bridge where … something happened. I won’t lie I don’t know anything about HP unless it’s related to sauce. Is this the route to Hogwarts? Didn’t he get the train from London? What’s it doing up here in Scotland? Unfortunately we were too late to see the train itself, that only runs twice a day, but the viaduct was still very impressive. If only the rain didn’t dampen the fun (commence booing).

The Glenfinnan Railway Museum, still an actual train station

£18,904, that's about the end nubbing of Wayne Rooney's little finger.

Here comes the rain

The Famous Glenfinnan Viaduct

How did I get this picture, you ask?

Very bloody carefully. That's an umbrella by the way.

Sebastian and the viaduct

It looks cool, but those clouds are where we're driving next.

We left the viaduct and went southward towards Falkirk. The mountainous roads seemed endless, and the weather had become much worse. Dangerous as it got, we couldn’t help but gander over at the way the clouds were just falling across the mountains (and the sodding road).

Yes it looks cool and mystical. Unfortunately it was heading right for us.

I wanted to try and squeeze in a visit to Loch Lomond since we were somewhats in the vicinity, but with the weather being what could only be described as pretty shitty, we kept on course. To be fair, I only wanted to go there so I could sing the song (like a bit of a twat, I know).

Loch Lomond, so close and yet so far. I guess this is me taking a third middle road.

We arrived at our hotel in Falkirk tired and sodden. The Shat-Nav had sent us to the wrong area of Falkirk and we had a hell of a time finding the hotel, and the rain came down harder than ever. But that didn’t matter, for this place had free internet access.

Road Trip – Day Three – Dundee to John O Groats

Darlo — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 20:52:38 +0000

So I’ve made it back to Shropshire in one piece (though my back feels like it’s in four or five), and so it’s time to crack on with telling you about the trip.

Day Three – Dundee to John O Groats

大きな地図で見る

Bloody good breakfast. Yum.

Starting Mileage: 203017

We left the hotel and headed north, stopping early along the way for a couple of pictures.

The Waterfront

That's a pretty long looking bridge.

Driving through the hills of Scotland really was quite fun. We had empty roads and great weather. Normally when I think of Scotland I just think of cold rainy weather, the complete opposite of what we had on day 3.

Not a soul for miles it seems

After passing through Inverness, we headed back down south a bit to Loch Ness, in hope of catching a glance of the famed Loch Ness Monster (do you remember The Family Ness cartoon?).

Welcome to Loch Ness

The Loch itself is a lot bigger than I’d anticipated, but it was good to drive along side it.

Sebastian hanging out by a waterfall that flows into the Loch

Is that a monster in the lake? Nah, it was just a boat.

As I expected Loch Ness contained a lot of tourist attractions. History of the Loch, information on expeditions, a very interesting set of toilets, free parking, and even something for the pets.

Nessy gives Rover a drink

An early (yellow) submarine

And of course, we found him.

Sebastian meets Nessy, the Loch Ness Monster

I think the reason so many people fail to find him is that he’s actually no longer living in the main lake, but a smaller lake right next to Loch Ness (and right next to a gift shop, coincidentally).

Sebastian finds a mini version of nearby Urquhart Castle

We left the beautiful Loch Ness and headed North. Far North. In fact, we went all the way north!

Sunset at Dunnet Head

We went right up to Dunnet Head, the most northern point of mainland Britain (though many think John O Groats holds that honour). It was quite late so we didn’t really see much, so after having a look at the nearby lighthouse we headed to the John O Groats Youth Hostel, where we were to stay the night. Coincidentally, we met another Japanese traveller.

It doesn't get anymore north than this (in mainland Britain anyway)

How to Avoid The Chuggers (Charity Muggers)

Darlo — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:06:32 +0000

Take a walk down pretty much any high street these days, and often just a regular street, and chances are you’ll get accosted by a ‘chugger’. No I’m not talking about someone overly downing a massive amount of beer, though they may go and do that later on. I’m talking about very cheerily aggressive people stopping you and telling you all about the wonders of a charity that they’re supposedly trying to help.

Chugger (noun): Charity + Mugger
Paid “charity” street worker (read: student) who has been trained to believe that they are carrying out a worthy task, improving peoples’ lives by conning Joe Public out of their money for this week’s Good Cause. Usually an agency worker where the agency takes a hefty cut of the hourly rate that the charity in question has paid for, whilst at the same time increasing profits by selling on details of those foolish enough to actually stop and sign up to said Good Cause. (Urban Dictionary)

So while your walking down town and trying to mind your own business and keep your money safe, what methods do you use to try and steer clear of these young ambitious (and seemingly well paid) chuggers? A couple of friends and I have assembled a top 10 list of our favourite tried and tested methods that have got us out of awkward conversations and helped a real charity-case; ourselves. I do want to point out that I’m not against charities and do give what I can when I can (which I’ll admit isn’t very often), but I’m not a fan of “all these people are suffering and only you can help them” type sales pitches. I don’t want that kind of responsibility, I’m not frickin’ Batman.

Honourable Mention: Rugby – When eye contact is made, picture yourself on a rugby pitch with the tri line just behind them. Run, dodge and weave your way right past them, not stopping until you’ve planted your non-existent ball (usually your shopping) in the scoring zone (usually the lap of an elderly man sitting on a bench).

Chuggers may use subtle psychology to try and part you from your money.

10. Photography – Interestingly how I got the pictures for this blog. When you’re walking down the road and spot the Chugger Patrol, get your camera out and look up and the tops of the buildings. Take a few pictures (fake it if you want), then fiddle with some settings. Say things to yourself like “ooh, the lighting isn’t quite right” and “I’ll just adjust the exposure a tad” then take a couple more. By which time the chuggers will have seen you ‘working’ and won’t be arsed to talk to you as you walk past them. The main downside to this is that it can take a little time, so not ideal if you’re in a hurry.

9. Be Literate – As well as killing time on a long commute, having a book, newspaper, or magazine to hand can help bypass a chugger or two. Open a page and put your nose right in to give you an excuse not to notice the massive smiley person after your money. However, try to keep an eye on where you’re going, particularly if you’re heading towards a main road, otherwise a chugger will be the last of your worries.

8. The Direct Approach – Chuggers are trained to be very friendly and positive in their approach, so this is a regular fire versus fire technique. Instead of allowing a chugger to spot and approach you, you head in their direction with the biggest creepy grin your can concoct. You can make this more effective by turning your head slightly sidewise but maintaining eye contact. The goal is to get nearer to the chugger so they get creeped out and move to someone behind you. However, cock-this up and you’ve virtually given your bank details right to them.

7. The Very Direct Approach – The English language has been blessed with a rich lexicon, as such there are plenty of words that you wouldn’t want your 8 year old to shout in front of a church of elderly people. This technique is commonly used by anyone who has had a bad day, normally work-related, but isn’t recommended for people with small children (protect their little sodding ears and all that). It works simply as this, when approached by a chugger, trying to capture your attention by talking about how great things are, you simple keep on walking but give them two “words of encouragement” that rhyme with Cook Off.

6. Be Embarrassing – Most effective when you’re visiting somewhere that people are unlikely to see you again, so not one for your home towns. Once eye contact with a chugger is made you have but a few seconds to try and make yourself as unappealing as possible and make the chugger go straight for the unfortunate person behind you. Some suggestions are faking tourettes, rip off your t-shirt and shove it down your bottoms, or get into dance mode and try to moonwalk past the chugger.

5. The Floor – I’ll tell you what, I never noticed how fascinate the floor is. Go ahead, have a look. If you think it’s pretty good now, it’s really thrilling when you’re out there on Chugger Street. Pulling off the ‘Stare At The Floor’ does require a bit of a steely determination, and a dynamite concentration. Try focussing on the feet of the person in front of you, unless of course it’s a chugger. Like the reading a book tip, watch where you’re heading.

To be fair, this Chugger started his spiel with "I'm not after your money today".

4. I’m Late! – One of the easiest evasion methods on here. When approached by a chugger simply speed up your walk, point down to your wrist, and announce that “you’re late for work, sorry”. This can have comical effects when you’re wearing a t-shirt and clearly have no watch on. Be warned though, a determined chugger will offer to walk with you in which case you’d better think of somewhere you can get to and claim it to be your place of work (if you’re brave, properly equipped, and love a bit of irony, you could always be on your way to work as a chugger yourself).

3. Eigo ga dekinai (I don’t speak English) – A treat for anyone who has an interest in the world. For this one to work you have to be able to mutter a line or two in a foreign language, something most of us can do thanks to learning it at school (if we can remember that far back) or European holidays. Beware that most chuggers are or have been University students, and it’s very possible that they studied that language that you are about to try and blag your fluency in. This is more likely to be the case with European languages. Thankfully I have yet to meet a chugger who can speak Japanese.

2. iGnore – The beauty of the portable music player has meant that you have a visible reason for blatantly ignoring people. Spot a chugger down the street and whack your headphones in. You don’t even need to be listening to anything, as long as your headphones are visible you can just breeze past them. You can make this more effective by singing along (quietly) to what you’re listening to (or pretending to listen to). Of course listening to loud music means you’re (supposedly) more likely to get robbed, so still keep your wits about you.

Smart move my friend, keep your hands on your money ... literally.

1. The Phone – The easiest way to avoid chuggination in this day and age is down to the fact that there are over 70 million mobile phones connected in the UK (which is actually quite funny if you know what the UK population size is). The technique is to simply whack your phone to your ear and pretend to talk to someone. Use a few “hmm, yeah …” and “so did it work?” type sentences, try to imagine a conversation you might have with someone. Or if your imagination’s not up to the task, you could actually ring someone and have a brief chat. This way if you’re approached by a chugger you just need to gesture to your phone and they’ll get the hint (unless they’re sodding rude). Please remember to put your phone on silent, otherwise you risk not only deafening yourself but also looking like a complete berk.

So there we have it, our top ten tips on how to avoid getting chugged. Unfortunately if the dialogue begins you’re on your own there, but here are three quick methods of trying to break it. First of all, if they ask you any ‘Qualifier Question’ (ie are you in a specific age group) just say “No”. If it’s followed up with other questions just repeat No until they get bored of you. If they have a memorised script then let them say the entire thing, then just stand there for a moment, make a few “thinking noises” then casually walk off. If all else fails, start crying. You can almost guarantee they’ll let you go.

And just because a friend of mine asked me how the Japanese ignore people, here’s a rather stereotypical scenario (set to start at 5:33).

HUGE BEAR FOR SALE! O_O (edit: more photos)

Darlo — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 23:40:29 +0000

Hey everyone, I’m selling a huge bear on eBay. Please tell your friends.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330448961030

For Sale on eBay

5 Foot 8 Inch Tall “Bear Factory” Display Bear

Absolutely huge display bear from the Bear Factory chain of stores (formerly a part of Hamleys though now known as Build a Bear Workshop). This particular bear was from the Telford branch that I once worked at, and was given it after the last shift before the shop underwent its refit (and was no longer needed). It also went to the Telford MCM Anime, Manga, Comic and Sci-Fi Expo in September 2007 (you might be able to find some pictures of him online).

Don’t actually want to sell him, but I’m having to have a clear out to try and save some money for my final year University. Due to his size, if you walk into a room and unexpectedly see him you might get a bit startled (which can actually be quite funny when you have guests over). Hence why he can’t stay at home much longer. It would probably suit a kids bedroom that has a lot of other bears already, or somewhere where his smile can warm the room.

There are a couple of darker spots on his head from his time in the shop, and has spent a couple of months in an attic.

Due to his size (height = 68 inches (170cm), length & width = 22 inches (55cm)) and weight (around 12kg (1.89 stone)) this is an eBay item that won’t fit in the standard postman’s bag. I would highly recommend a local pick up (in which case pay on pick up will be fine), though if you’re in Telford (TF post code) I will probably be able to deliver this myself at no cost. Otherwise the buyer will have to arrange for a courier/delivery service etc. I will try to get some quotes in the next day or so and update the auction, though if you’re outside mainland UK I’m afraid you might be out of luck.

Don’t miss this chance to have a very rare (and very cute) bear for your collection, and please do feel free to ask any questions!

It’s Over (until August at least)

Darlo — Sat, 29 May 2010 18:32:26 +0000

First of all, a tune I’ve listened to quite a lot lately.

My exams are finally over here at Uni, and that means I have a bit of time before I need to start panicking about resitting them. Hoorah pesimism. So what do I plan to do now that I have a bit more free time? I’m going to go back and work on some of long over-due projects that’s what.

The Lotaku webcomic is in drastic need of an update, and since I have a half complete page already I really should crack on with that. The last uploaded page was a dramatic shot of Simons mom being wheeled into the hospital.

On a similar topic, my should also crack on with my contribution to the Leeds Uni Anime Soc Manga Project. My section is going to be a part side-story of one of the Lotaku characters, but I won’t say much more on it just yet … mainly because I’ve not bloody decided.

I also want to do another animation this year for LSTV. At the mo, I’m thinking of doing one to this song, Funny Man by Rodney Carrington. So I guess if I start that during the summer I can get it in early. I’m also planning on doing a few more TV shows for LSTV this year; possibly remaking some stunning Japanese TV moments.

Finally, one thing I MUST do is upload the rest of my photos from Japan. Yes folks I know I’ve been really slack on it, but I’ve already posted a chunk on now. Go ahead, check them out. It’s already been scheduled to do another set tomorrow, so I’m planning (again) to get a new set up every day. I can’t believe it’s already been a year since I came back to the UK.

Oh yeah, need a house for next year too.

Fly Julien!

It’s a Bit Nippy Up In Leeds

Darlo — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 21:30:54 +0000

So the temperature up in Leeds has dropped somewhats, and along with me having to do a complete factory reset on my laptop, I’ve now had to faff about in fairly deep snow if I want to go outside. Those of you who follow me on facebook will have already seen the little video I whacked on there from my webcam, but on my way about town and through Hyde Park today I took a few pictures for all to see. Now this is how many people would like to see Christmas.

The graveyard at university really reminds me of A Christmas Carol.

The view from my bedroom. Last night this poor lamp post was hit by a car and a rubbish collection truck.

The road towards Leeds city centre looks a bit bleak.

Glad I wasn’t under any trees when they shed their loads.

Hyde Park was the deepest snow area I walked through, with areas of virgin snow coming to just a few inches under my knee caps.

In yonder distance yee can see, a humble snowman who hath yet to be.

These guys were making an igloo. On my way back it was really impressive, but I didn’t want to take my camera out as the snow was coming down heavy again.

I shall name him … (looks around room to found a random and somewhat obscure name) … Leopold.

This may look like a spherical sculture covered with snow, but I can tell you this … I don’t remember it being there a couple of days ago (recent … ish … google maps pic), and there was a mysterious looking trail of missing snow, grass and mud leading to it from the park.

Evergreen trees … the laziest of all.

This little house and garden area really go well with a snowy environment.

The Queen Vic.

Photos, Eggs and a Japanese MMORPG

Darlo — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:26:42 +0000

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とても卵 (Totemo Tamago - Very Egg)

It seems yesterday was a good day for pictures. To start with I uploaded a shed-load of pictures from my time in Japan to the blogpress site, and have scheduled it so more will be added daily so do feel free to have a gander at those.

Also the other day out of the blue I combined to Japanese words in my head and thought it sounded quite funny; とても卵 (Totemo Tamago). Literally translated as very egg, at roughly the same time I had a picture of a boss-type egg in my head and thought it’d make for an interesting T-Shirt design. So yesterday I sat down, opened up Flash and drew it out. It’s currently on Cafepress if you do fancy buying one (if you want me to put it on a different coloured shirt let me know and I’ll see what I can do).

Finally, lately I started playing a Japanese (language) MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game) in an effort to keep up learning Japanese from different non-textbook sources. Mabinogi (マビノギ) is pretty much your general level-up type rpg, but as far as helping my language goes … well, I’m thankful I have a dictionary and luck. Anyone fancying a go at Mabinogi, have your character on the モリアン (morian) server so we can help each other out.

Share Your Stories of Kindness

Darlo — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:15:59 +0000

I’ve added another load of photographs from my time in Japan to the blogspot site and still have loads more to come (hundreds, possibly thousands) so be sure to keep checking them out.

Now if you think back my new year’s post I mentioned a very kind woman on a train who gave me and a friend a biscuit and a mandarin orange, and how if that had been England it would have been a very scepticle moment. In fact here’re my very words.

One thing I forgot to write about in the last entry is about the kindness of others here. On the train to get our hair cut, we were sitting across from and elderly woman wearing a facemask. Facemasks are a common sight here as people wear them to either try to stop the spread of any disease they have (or have been in contact with), or to try to help them avoid a common illness going around. As we were leaving the train she tapped me on the arm and held out a mandarin and a biscuit. I couldn’t translate what she said well, but she was giving them to us as a gift. We were stunned and had absolutely no idea why, but this kind of generosity back home would have caused a lot of scepticism.

Well one chap’s taken note of this act of kindness and a lot of other occaisions of people helping people on his own blog, Seeking and Sharing Stories of Kindness and I think it’s a brilliant idea. In a time where people are trying to sue each other for pointless things (I used to work in Claims Direct’s call centre and boy there were a few weird ones), it’s nice to see that there are still people about who are willing to look out for their fellow man. So far he has 6 posts of kind deeds, so if you have a story to add to the (hopefully) ever growing list, do let him know!