Rush is long passed, but we're still celebrating our new members:

Annie Atura, Erika Lantz, Jesi Egan, Stasha Rosen, and Steven Feis!

Steven

Erika

Annie ------------ Jesi

Stasha

Clearly, Rush was a huge success. I wish I could put up the recording of Red, Hot, and Blue from Parents Weekend to show off the ridiculousness of our tap class, but sadly I can't figure out how. Keep checking www.redhotandblue.org to see more pictures of tap night, Freshmen Retreat, and maybe hear some tracks from our Parents' Weekend concert!

For now, it's back to my Philosophy paper.

More sooner... or later,
Brady

Rush has begun! (almost)

Woolsey is over, Dwight is tomorrow, and rush is about to be in full swing. Exciting! Being on stage at Woolsey is just an amazing feeling; there's nothing on Earth like it.

This picture is us during God Bless the Child. Emma sounded amazing, and the picture almost captures how hot we are. Almost.

Dwight will be crazy and fun as it always is, and I can barely wait for auditions. Sadly enough, I'll have to miss the Sunday ones because of a Whiff gig, but I will sit in on as many as possible while I'm in New Haven. Hearing the auditionees is one of the best parts of a cappella. It's sad that this will be my last rush.

On a happier note, Redhot is sounding amazing and I'm sure freshmen are chomping at the the bit, so to speak, in anticipation of rushing us. Especially since Redhot is losing me to the Whiffs and Hayley to Whim, I'm really looking forward to hearing the best singers the class of '11 has to offer.

posting from maine

So our posts lately have been lacking... rather, nonexistent, so here's a little update on Summer Retreat. The road trippers (me, Dee Dee, Keiji, Emma, Mike, David, Tommy, Kate, and Chris) left New Haven for Maine rather late on Tuesday because I (stupidly) locked my keys in the car - a classic start to a road trip, I suppose, and it was a lovely wait in the pouring rain. After that fiasco, everything went smoothly and we arrived in Hampden in no time. As it turns out, Maine is even more beautiful than we expected. Anna lives in a pretty little town, and we're loving the time out here before heading back to New Haven. Her house is situated right next to a grassy field with a couple of barns in back where the goats live and, behind that, trees and trees. A few days ago, we spent the evening at the American Folk Festival (not all folk, actually) which is held in Bangor. There were all sorts of different acts going - Irish, Gospel, Merengue... there are some good pictures of Keiji, Anna, Drew, and Chris salsa dancing. Yesterday we rehearsed in a glade behind the house and then Dee Dee, Chris, Marcelle, Anna, and I went blackberry picking (Robbie, where are you for this stuff?!) I was barefoot, which was quite painful with all the thorns - and because I stepped on a wasp on my way over. But the berries were delicious, so I guess it was worth it to climb into thorn bushes to get them. After gorging ourselves, of course, the most logical thing to do was to use the berries as warpaint. Thus, Chris ended up with a black eye, I had a giant peace sign down my face, Dee Dee was a Native American Princess, and Anna was a bunny. We spent the evening at Anna's friend Bennett's house for a cookout with his friends from Olin College (which sounds completely ridiculous, in a good way.) We had a good time hanging out and trading music - Bennett and Anna's friend Amanda played for us on their guitars (Amanda is apparently going to meet with P. Diddy's producer about recording - amazing) and we sang for them in turn. Before I write too much, I'll go back a little. We spent the first few days at Anna's cottage on Sutton Island, off the coast of Maine. I really don't know what I could say that would even approach encompassing the island. It's a tiny island, just about a mile across and blanketed in forest. It is absolutely breathtaking. We took the ferry over on Wednesday, bringing all of our food along with us. When we docked, we set out across the island on foot - the only means of transportation. The Field House (the Wood house, named after one of its previous owners, Rachel Field, author of the Newbury Honor book "The Calico Bush") is at the far end of the island, and peeks out from the woods right over the rocky shore. I think it was Marcelle who said that Sutton Island is the place she always imagined growing up, and I don't know how to say it better. It was such an escape from the world, and the time we spent there was luxuriously simple, if that makes any sense. We had no computers, no TVs, no phone service, just us and the island. We didn't rehearse there, so we spent most of the time exploring, relaxing, and enjoying the peace. We played a pretty intense game of Capture the Flag, and my team (sadly) lost; true to form, we got in a lot of Mafia time, too. As it turns out, Chris is a fantastic Mafia player and can get away with anything - blaming movement during the Mafia time on a wedgie when he was in the Mafia, or escaping death by accusing Anna of being in the Mafia after she died the first round. We gave a small concert for some of our island neighbors one night, and we met some really interesting people, and hopefully made some good contacts for future concerts :). I feel like I've presented such a tiny tiny part of the wonder that is Sutton Island, but, for now, I'll just say that it was absolutely the best way to start the year off on the right foot. Since arriving back on the mainland, we've spent a lot of time rehearsing. I'm really excited about the new direction we're taking with the music. For those of you that know Redhot's repertoire well, we're now using Randy Hostetler's ('85) revision of Just You (which can be found on Live in Concert 1983.) It incorporates some fun new rhythms. We're also bringing back the old intro to Kick, using a quartet to open Sweet B, and so on. Ah! Anyway, I've monopolized this computer for long enough, I think, so I'll sign off. There will be more from Maine coming soon. We miss our absent Redhotties desperately - here's hoping you're all having a good time wherever this may find you. love love LOVE, Brady

Jamba Juice Tip

So, I don't know if this is a strictly-Hawaii thing or if it's country-wide, but I thought I'd pass this onto you just in case:

Jamba Juice has a "secret" menu (only for those in the know, of course). Bet you didn't know that Jamba Juice serves up such interesting flavors as: white gummi bear, red gummi bear, chocolate gummi bear, pink starburst, strawberry shortcake, fruity pebbles (yes, the breakfast cereal), and skittles. Essentially, these flavors are just interesting combinations of yogurts, sorbets, juices, and fruits - there's nothing artificial about them.

And you want to know the amazing thing? They actually taste like the things they claim to be. The best one is the white gummi bear. I had one today which is why I decided to share this wonderful finding with y'all. Try ordering one next time! Again, word of caution: I'm not sure how widespread this is. In fact, I'm not even sure it's offered outside of Hawaii, but it doesn't hurt to ask. And you can get the satisfied feeling of knowing something the rest of the world doesn't. :-)

Holy moly, just had my first official RETREAT FREAK OUT MOMENT....

So I was sitting at my computer, happily creating a loose itinerary for retreat, when it hit me: I looked up at my mother and I said "Mom, they're going to arrive here, and they're going to need dinner."

She smiled at me and said "I'll make chili."

I filled out Kate's survey today, you all should do the same - it feels good :)

Respond to my e-mail, please!

Hey all,

The title actually has nothing to do with this post - just a friendly reminder. Do it if you haven't...please. :)

So sorry for my blog-related negligence... I swear, I was busy fending off all sorts of perils to posterity in the Beinecke - like map-collectors names Mr. Smiley who come with their own exacto-knives (ask me if you want the whole story) and stupid Explo kids who get stuck in the revolving doors because they don't know how to push... but overall it's been a good summer.

I work with the most awesome people who I really wouldn't have gotten to know otherwise... a girl on the women's Crew team, a literature major who loves Russian, an actor who has a self-proclaimed weakness for strange plays, and a quirky piano major in the Yale School of Music who has about 6 degrees and snorts when she laughs. We had fun... most of it involved playing in the glass tower with our walkie-talkies and taking absurdly long breaks in the Beinecke lounge while struggling with the NYTimes crossword.

Some fun stuff that I've handled this summer: THE GUTENBERG, the Audobon books (huge, by the way), a real samurai sword that's like...100 years old, every letter Langston Hughes has ever written....ever, a bunch of Japenese scrolls from the 1800s, decks of playing cards from any country imaginable, first editions of about 12 Shakespeare plays...
the list goes on. :) It's so hard not to get distracted when they sent me to find something for a patron... but then, sometimes, I'm forced to do really stupid things like photocopying, counting, and alphabetizing... which is usually when I catch up on my facebooking. Erm.

Other news... my brother arrived today from Chicago (my mom drove him out - crazy woman; she said to tell you all hi and that our house is too quiet without our "Dream" rehearsals. :)). He's staying with me at Luther House for two weeks until school starts, and then moving into L-Dub (he's in Pierson)... he's *also* working at the Beinecke with me...eesh. The real reason he's here early is because my mom was getting tired of him... he'll say he wanted to "explore the campus and everything Yale has to offer before everyone else arrives!" but don't listen to him.

I miss you all SO much! It was really great to see Keiji, Brady, and Emma this weekend... and David, Dee Dee, and Jennie earlier this summer... and John, Jill, and Darrick in New York! But living in New Haven in the summer is really very lonely compared to the rest of the year. I can't WAIT for retreat. :) I've developed an unhealthy dependence on Payne Whitney (seriously... it's closing for 10 days and I feel my world crashing around me) and the Starbucks at Chapel and High. Mmmm iced chai...

Right now I'm babysitting... the little girl is in bed - 2 years old - so cute and so LOUD when she doesn't get what she wants. But whatever. She's sleeping (they're always better that way) and I'm getting paid $8/hour to blog. Wooooot!

Another short story: I have to move ALL my furniture out of my room tomorrow night because my landlord wants to get new carpeting in there when there's nothing wrong with my carpet and I'm moving out because of retreat in a week anyway but he won't wait so I have to carry all this stuff out by myself??? I think I'll make my brother do it. Actually, that I'll make my brother at least help me is pretty much an absolute certainty. Grr.

David Leigh - you'd best be in New Haven when I get home tonight, yo.

Alright... many many hugs from a very hot and humid New Haven! I can't wait to see you guys next week!

Love Kate

Hey, Jealousy...

My dearest Redhot & Blue,



I miss you all, but more importantly, I am jealous of you all! I have been whilin' away the hours here in Aiken, SC since mid-June, reading avidly your far- and farther-flung adventures. My summer hasn't been entirely without highlights -- after Commencement, I headed to Ireland with a friend and hung out in Dublin for ten days or so. Then to London and Oxford to visit friends, and finally back to Dublin to celebrate Bloomsday (yes, the Joycean celebration of Ulysses. And yes, I know I'm a nerd.) That was all wonderful, but since then, I've been home, living the life of a retired fellow. I took tennis and sailing lessons, watch Jeopardy! many times a week with my grandmother, and play bridge every Friday night. I'm getting pretty decent at bridge, too, which is great. Christine and I have plans to have bridge and Bloody Mary engagements every Sunday in New York next year. I've also taught vacation Bible school, helped paint my church, and spent loads of time with my mother. All very sweet, though tame.



Soon, though, I will be off on the ultimate adventure: real life. I move to NYC in ten days and move into my Tribeca apartment. I'm driving up with my dad, so I'm busy collecting furniture, decor, and &c. If any of you are there around the 24th (perhaps between retreat and school?), come visit me!

I really can't say how much I miss Redhot -- I haven't even been away a whole summer yet, and already I am pining for Singing Dessert and other excuses to visit New Haven. Enjoy the rest of your summers, and see a few extra wonders of the world for me!

nineteen days! AH!

Hi all,

So I haven't written a substantial post in a little while, and I know you're all just dying to hear about all the exciting happenings of my life.

I found out a couple weeks ago that my family's trip to Russia had to be postponed until after I leave for Yale. So that means that I won't meet my newly adopted brother until Parent's Weekend. It's still a little odd to think of Kyrill as part of my family, but I've become a lot more comfortable with the idea. It will be an adventure, that's for sure.

So since I had requested this week off for the Russia trip, I scrambled to arrange some different trips. I went to Chicago last weekend to see my brother Matt and my friend Connor. We spent most of the time just catching up and walking around the city - hanging out by the water, passing an afternoon in the Art Institute of Chicago. I passed Millennium Park on my wanderings and, though crowded, it looked awfully lonely without Redhot. I also played my first game of Whirlyball with Matt and his friends - it's this semi-ridiculous game kind of like basketball, but played with scoops and in bumper cars. Very odd. True to form, I spent most of the time crashing into people and avoiding the ball, but I managed to get some pretty gorgeous bruises anyway… mostly from the seatbelt.

Now I'm back in Hamburg and enjoying my week off. My family is busy shearing sheep for the county fair, which is coming up, and though I generally stay away from the sheep, they've had me out collecting wool a lot lately. I went on a creekside hike with a few of my friends today. It was quite scenic and peaceful, and we were having a grand old time until we came upon some random man who yelled at us for being on private property. Oops.

I'm heading to Kansas City to visit my dad tomorrow, which will be relaxing. Then it's not too long before Mike arrives in Hamburg and we head out to Maine. I'M SO EXCITED.

Hope you're all doing well in your respective locations!

love you all,
Brady

Less than 2 weeks?!

DOUBLE POST--ALSO, 3 WEEKS 'TIL THE INVASION OF THE WOODS'! (GOT A NICE RING TO IT, HUH?)--JUSTIN, I'M SORRY THIS POST IS SO LAME COMPARED TO YOURS...

It is pretty shocking that this whole adventure is so close to concluding. On top of that, this week has been going by pretty quickly itself! I'll be home (probably eating a burrito) in 2 weeks...

But until then, my days continue to be very full! Classes are still pretty demanding but are as a whole getting easier and easier as I'm more and more accustomed to the idea of learning 30+ words with 40+ characters in one night. In other news, although the program is drawing to a close, I finally have a new roommate. I haven't said anything about that whole issue on this blog before, but I've had major trouble with my roommate this entire trip--actually my only complaint this whole time. He was inconsiderate, arrogant, and severely passive aggressive in everything. Almost every time anyone found out who my roommate was, they would literally say "Oh... I'm sorry". Anyway, I've been trying to roll with it for the past six weeks, but we finally had a major direct confrontation Sunday night, and after that there was no question what needed to be done, so I have a new roommate who's so far been totally great and I think will make these last few days all the more pleasant!

Today I had a fantastic talk with my language partner: Today's lesson discussed lingual differences between China and Taiwan, so we started off talking about that and eventually went on to the much juicier topic of China-Taiwan politics. It was really a thrill how much we were able to discuss with very few English words thrown in there! She talked about differing opinions in Taiwan between old and young people, and I was able to point out that whether China recognizes Taiwan as independent, it's independent de facto. I was able to express why I thought a one-party unelected government was bad and I was able to understand the advantages she pointed out in reply. The conversation went on for about an hour beyond the official meeting time, and it was genuinely intellectually stimulating as if I'd had the conversation in English! It was fascinating to hear her take on everything, and I've got to say she defended the communist party pretty well, which is precisely why I need to keep improving my Chinese :-D

Otherwise, life continues pretty normally (aside from some pretty intense lightning storms we've had the last couple of nights), and it's starting to hit me that though this program's almost over, I'll be back at Yale starting the new year in less than a month! Life is crazy.

努力学习，
Jon (高俊!)

Cabbages and Condoms

So, in my travels to the city of Bangkok, I came across a lovely little restaurant called "Cabbages & Condoms." Weird name aside, C&C serves up some excellent thai food (deep-fried fish patties with sweet chili sauce, satay chicken with peanut sauce, pad thai, tom yum goong, green curry on sticky rice, just to name a few). But that's certainly not the most memorable aspect of this restaurant.


Cabbages & Condoms operates as a local nongovernment organization. Its philanthropic mission is to advance the fight against HIV/AIDs in Thailand and to support agrarian development in rural parts of the country by providing aid to poor farmers. This unique blend of philanthropy and authentic Thai cuisine makes this restaurant a real attraction for visitors to Bangkok (They also run and operate a hotel/restaurant in neighboring Pattaya). Its menu boasts that eating at the restaurant is "guaranteed to prevent unwanted pregancies." (Don't you just hate it when you eat at a restaurant and then bear twins the next morning? God, I hate it when that happens.)

And, to top it all off, one cannot help but wonder who was put in charge of the condom-themed decorations. Here are some of my favorites:

The Condom Suit: Definitely on the list of things NOT to wear on a first date. Though I think starting a new trend in condom couture could be worth considering--perhaps they should make more of these for undersexed teenagers at their high school proms.

Stylish no? I like the condom pants.

The Condom Lamp: Perfect way to spruce up your plain old dorm room. Charming yet practical at the same time. Keep your evenings well-lit and well-protected.










Yes, apparently, condoms will solve all the world's problems of collective security. If only more countries would concentrate on stockpiling WMPs instead of WMDs.

Condom Boat: For the buckaneering condom pirate and other seafaring sea-men. Oh yes indeedy, even the sails are made of condoms!

I have no idea what this is. But, it seems like somebody's idea of a joke......a really really bad joke.


















Computer & Condoms: Need to keep your 'hardware' protected? The human firewall keeps out all manner of viruses.















Coffee & Condoms: Did you want cream and sugar with that? Your coffee, I mean.....















And, lest we forget: the Big Condom. It's the mother of all condoms - and it's lighted!












At the end of our meal, our waitress brought us a plate of condoms instead of mints. Condoms....the perfect way to keep your mouth feeling minty fresh after any meal.

Okay, that's it for now. Hope you enjoyed my little blog entry about some of the many inventive ways to use condoms.

J. Lo....out.

damn you turkish internet

merhaba, hosca kalin!

i'm alive and well in istanbul, and it just took me ten mins to find the sign in button (yendi gonduri, with oomlaut, duh) and locate the silly 'add post' (gonderme oluster, with squiggly s, of course) button on this 'blogu'. at least this is my computer and not a turkish keyboard like the one i have at work. sorry if i've been out of touch, i only have internet access at work and unlike most of my coworkers feel really awkward taking long personal email breaks at work. (i have begun to grow accustomed to frequent 'cay' - tea - breaks, however. i don't take them every half hour like most of the office, but i'm learning.)

i can't write much now but i had to share this: i am sitting in a cafe seeking internet access after a long wireless-less period, and what song comes on the radio?

"istanbul not constantinople..."

i don't know whether to cringe, laugh, or simply sit in bemusement.

oh wow, "my humps" just came on. puts things in perspective.

again, i can't write a long post now but here are some highlights of the last few weeks: going to a traditional pre-wedding henna party; going to the wedding on a boat on the bosphorus; taking a boat trip on the bosphorus to the black sea to eat delicious fresh fish, swim, and visit a castle; staying out till 3 or 4 in a terrace bar with sweeping views of the city dancing with friends to gypsy music and being joined by a ridiculously man that resembled a leprechaun in size, general demeanor and dancing style (i am an expert in leprechaun dancing, of course); finally finding permanent housing and having it be FREE and with an amazing roommate; buying delicious food SO cheaply; seeing glorious mosques and an ancient roman cistern and spice bazaar, among others; having crazy small world moments; from now on out, being free to report on whatever i want whenever i want for the turkish daily news.

i had an interesting day today: after staying out till 4 (oops) i woke up early to attend a chaldean catholic mass nearby -- chaldeans are a tiny catholic sect that still holds masses in aramaic! and this congregration, which holds masses in a basement chapel right off of istiklal street, modern istanbul's 'main drag' (where i live), is mostly made of iraqi refugees. and what's more -- the priest leading the church only speaks french and turkish. so i have found myself in turkey -- a 99% muslim country where turkish nationality and the turkish language dominate overwhelmingly -- speaking french with the priest of a catholic church of iraqi refugees.

whoo.

this is a fascinating place. it has been so interesting to just arrive in a city knowing literally no one, nothing, no turkish and jump right into work and the center of modern istanbul. i have learned to find nothing awkward, like the fact that much of my time at work is spent with me as an english-speaking island (perhaps the princes' islands, right nearby) in a turkish language sea (sea of marmara, or black sea - take your pick, they're at both ends of the city). yay for bad metaphors.

ok - tis all for now - i'm thinking of all of you in your respective locales!

iyi akshamlar! (i'm not even going to pretend to know how to spell that...but it is a general 'good evenings' phrase. yes, plural. weird.)

katharine

Who knew lemonade was so filling?

So I don't know how many of you heard about this back when I was researching it in the spring, but I am currently finishing up with a detox diet that a few of my friends have done and I was curious about. It's called the "Master Cleanse" but a lot of people know it as "The Lemonade Diet". Basically it is a liquid fast where for 10 days you drink nothing but a special mixture of fresh-squeezed lemon juice, grade B maple syrup, cayenne pepper, and obviously water. What it's supposed to achieve is giving your body a break from putting so much time and energy into digestion, so instead it uses that excess energy to boost your immune system, and more importantly, cleanse your digestive tract of all the icky build-up of toxins from all the crap that they put in the food we eat today. It has been, among many other things, an adventure. Who knew someone could survive on such a limited diet? Deedee was there when I first discovered that my tongue was covered in a white fuzz which happens when your body begins to tap into fat cells, resulting in a high level of ketones in the body (or something like that, you guys can do the scientific research if you want). The cool thing about it was that after the first couple days, I was energized, focused, sleeping well, and actually feeling really great! To be honest, it wasn't hunger that bothered me as much as the desire to just chew something, feel different textures and taste different tastes. But now I'm in the recovery period! Tonight Deedee and I are having our Jason Bourne extravaganza, and snacking on all the things that I can eat at this point - basically everything except dairy, meat and breads. and caffeine. and high sugar stuff.....so just fruits and vegetables and nuts for now but I'm getting there!

I think that the best thing about this whole experience was just proving to myself that I actually had the self-control to succeed. It was extraordinarily empowering. If that was the only thing that I got out it, that would be enough. I'm so proud of myself! I love food so much, and have definitely felt like I didn't have the self-control to stop myself from eating. It really is like an addiction, and this experience included a lot of feelings where I felt like I had the symptoms of someone breaking a serious addiction. I'm so proud of myself! I'm not sure I would do it again, mostly because of what I'm going through now which is the uncomfortable process of introducing food back to my system, but yeah -- yay me :)

I'm freaking out about retreat by the way, I can't believe how close it is! It's really scary being here in New York and knowing that I'll only have 2 weeks to prepare 2 different houses for all of your once I get home! It will all work out though, as it always does. Love you all and miss you terribly. Here is a picture that may or may not lift your spirts - but I found it on my phone earlier today.

I think it's from the night that keiji got horribly sick hehe. More on that later.....

Media!

DOUBLE POST FROM FELLOWSHIP BLOG (NOTE: I LOVE REDHOT!!!)

So, by some unexpected miracle, I was able to upload a few video clips from when we scaled the Great Wall several weeks ago!

I filmed this first clip at the highest point we got to on the wall (which unconfirmed reports say might be the highest point the wall ever reaches). The wall was just as high up as it looks, snaking along a huge narrow ridge.



I took this video on the descent. The climb is just as steep as it looks. It was incredible, and by then it was probably only 7am or so. (Pardon my tongxuemen (classmates)--I think some language is audible.)



In other news, this week's not going too shabbily! Last night I and the other DSIC Yalies ate at a great duck restaurant with JE's Dean Kyle Farley and two instructors I hadn't met before, Peisong Xu and Paize Keulemans. We were at two tables and each had a whole duck! (Apologies to any vegetarians who might be reading this blog.) I really like the way we eat duck, wrapped up in a tortilla-type thing with a dark sauce and cucumbers--simple, dependable, and delicious! The meal lasted about 3 hours, but fortunately the night's lesson was quite short and today's classes went well.

Well, I mainly was just really excited that I was finally able to upload some video, so I'm going to go do my homework and post again sometime soon!

Peace,
Jon

2 World Wonders Down

Hi Redhot! I'm not sure if you all have seen the new world wonders (or if you care), but I listed them below. I bring it up because I visited my second one of them today! They are:

-The Great Wall (Jon went there recently; we're so cultured...)
-Petra (maybe Katharine would've gone there if she had been less American/murderable)
-Christ Redeemer statue in Brazil (stupid choice. should've been ankgor wat)
-The Colosseum in Rome (i would've chosen angkor over it, too)
-The Taj Mahal
-Machu Picchu (i went there last summer!)
-Chichén Itzá (i went there today! though i would've chosen teotihuacán for a mexican site)

I'm sure I'll get some more out of the way on world tour with the Whiffs next year; at least the Taj Mahal, Great Wall, and Christ Redeemer statue.

Mexico has treated me well so far. I'm going to have a pretty decent tan for the first time since my freshman year (I spent the previous summer at home in the garden and swimming). I got my worst sunburn since Hawai'i, though, which is just a part of it I guess. I've peeled and now my epidermis is happy.

Hope all is well in the States, China, Britain, Japan, Western New York, France, Turkey, and wherever else Redhotties might be. We should make a map of the places we've traveled this summer-- I volunteer (though it'll have to wait until I get back home).

I want to hear more about the lives of my beloved redhotties! Though I have constant insight into the minds of Justin and Brady, the rest of you are slacking to some degree.

Who heard "Foggy Day" last week while eating dinner in a random Japanese port city called Otaru? Oh yeah...me.

*Scowl*

So, my parents have reserved a copy of Harry Potter for my sister, and they're going to take it to her next week at camp, and I'm going home tomorrow, so I'll get it then, and read it in a week, and that's all fine and good, but EVERYONE AROUND ME is reading it AT THIS VERY MOMENT. As in:

Anonymous Harry Potter Reader/Emma's Friend: *stifled giggle*
Emma: What? What now? What is it?
AHP/EF: Well, you see...*another stifled giggle* NO! I can't tell you.

...5 minutes later...

AHP/EF: *GASP!!!*
Emma: Dammit, WHAT?!
AHP/EF: OK, so there was this....*remembers* OH WAIT. Nope, sorry.

It is agony. It is torture. I'm kind of freaking out.

In other news, I baked cookies today.


much much much affection,
E.

It's been a while...plus my job is unbearably boring today

Hello all,
It's been a while since I've posted, but honestly there isn't much new info coming from me...summer has been pretty consistent...
Let's see...what's new...well, I've seen all the good summer movies to be seen so far and have plans to see Hairspray and the last Bourne movie with Anna soon - we decided to have a Bourne marathon and watch the other two first because we're that cool. And I've been re-reading the 5th and 6th Harry Potter books in anticipation of the last one. I really don't remember them that well, and clearly I need to be prepared for the madness that is the final book. FINAL book. I can't believe the saga is over...so sad.
I just found out a couple of weeks ago that both of my parents want to take me and the bro away for a week each in August, which leads right into Summer Retreat, so I'm essentially not home at all for the last month of vacation. Which means that I have to pack for school and get all my rush stuff together in the next two weeks - crazy! It wasn't exactly what I was expecting, but it should be all good. Not quite sure where I'll be yet, but it sounds like my dad wants to go to the Northwest - Oregon, Washington, etc. - which should be cool.
Anywaysssss that's about it. See, really not much.
Love you all and miss you intensely,
Deeds

:)

So I was just thinking about the day we had the Pacific Union Club concert in San Francisco. Remember how afterwards Katharine's dad took us on a tour of the club? He brought us to that really beautiful room in the basement where we sang by the pool and the music just filled up the room. We all danced around (and, judging by the jam videos, I probably looked like a fool) and it was one of those things I'll never forget. I was telling my friend about Redhot today and that came to my mind, and it occurred to me how happy I was - it was a moment where everything just seems perfect.

So I know this is a cheesy reminiscent post and I kind of make myself want to gag, but I was thinking about it and I missed you guys a lot so I'm writing about it anyway. Thirty six days and counting.

Haha, I should also let you know that as I was posting this the recording that Liz, Emma, Kate, and Katharine made of You Go To My Head entirely on the syllable "boop" came on. Perfect. David, when are we going to get the recordings of Sunny on alternating Katharine-me syllables and the fast God Bless? Seriously now.

Just another day in Chelan...

Hello all!

So I feel like a big slacker for not posting on this blog sooner. But my summer has been pretty uneventful, especially compared to the summers of those adventuring in exotic places around the world. As most of you already know, I'm working at a real estate office here in town (it's actually my 5th summer working there). Today was especially exciting, as I spent nearly the entire day collating and stapling. But even though it sounds like it would suck, I really don't mind taking a break from thinking every once in a while.

Other than working, I've pretty much been at home hanging out with my family and reading. And since I don't have much else to say regarding my activities over the last few months, I went for a walk around town with my brother Chris and took pictures to give you an idea of what Chelan is like this time of year (and perhaps to incite you to jump on a plane and come visit me). It was hot and sweaty due to the temps that have been reaching up above 100 degrees, but I managed. Here goes:





This is part of the Chelan Butte, and a lot of people call it the "sleeping elephant" (this picture pretty much just shows the head). I, personally, think it looks more like a water buffalo, but whatever.









At right is a view across the Chelan River (a part of the lake closest to the dam, right before the Chelan Gorge). You can see on the hillside where some of the orchards have been torn out, which is one of the sad parts about getting more and more people wanting to live in the area.

This picture just shows how darn clear the lake is...people uplake have pumps that suck their drinking water directly from the lake (a few hundred feet down to avoid too many fish and all the driftwood and pollen that sometimes covers the surface). I've heard that someone once sent a sample of the lake water to a lab to be tested, and it was just about as good as bottled water. Not bad...

Here's looking uplake...and straight into the setting sun.









This is Lakeview Drive-In, which has been around since 1957. I worked there for a few summers before I switched to the real estate office, and Chris works there now. I think a few of my uncles even worked there at some point years ago. I'll have to get a limited edition 50th anniversary t-shirt before I leave...









The Riverwalk Pavilion (the little white building) where they had live music and a barbeque when we walked by...sometimes people just sit on their boats and listen if there's a concert.

And, finally, the Starbucks that went in this spring. I haven't been there yet, but I think it fits into the landscape pretty nicely. And it helps the people who come over from Seattle and can't live without their coffee fix.

Anyway, that's about all I've got for now. I hope everyone continues to have a great summer, and I can't wait to see everyone again for summer retreat!!!

No shoes, no shirt, no problems

Though I realize few members of Redhot will get the Kenny Chesney reference, I decided to try it anyway. He's is native to my land, if you will (another reference sure to be lost on most), so I feel compelled to listen to his music. It's country, for those unfamiliar folks. The song popped into my head as I realized the title.

So I sympathize completely with Emma re extreme heat, cold showers, and lack of air conditioning. I'm in Cancun right now, and few buildings even have windows and totally enclosed interiors, much less air conditioning. It's in the 90s during the day and mid to upper 70s at night, meaning one always feels sticky and gross. On the plus side, my hostel is a little under $10 per night. Cheap=good. I wish I could upload some pictures, but I need a usb cable that I didn't bring. I'll get around to it eventually.

For the past two days, I have spent the majority of my time lounging on the beach. People are right about its beauty, though I wouldn't say it is as nice a beach overall as Waikiki or Panama City Beach (mentioned in my previous post). It's not well upkept, and has some trash and vegetation in the sand, which itself is composed of larger grains than I prefer. Once in the water, the bottom is really uneven and there are rocks that you can be swept into (as I was, making my knee even more pitiful than it already was). The shades of blue truly are mesmerizing, though.

Today I was sunburned just enough to make me want to be in shade. This is as opposed to the greatest degree of sunburnedness, which I experienced in Honolulu after laying for hours (was it four? five?) on Waikiki during the first day. That is the ¨whole sheets of skin peel off¨ degree, and I don't care to repeat it.

Since people have been mentioning food, I figured I'd tell of my culinary experience so far. The most remarkable food I have had was chicken tacos with beans and rice. I got two coronas for about $3 (score!) and really great nachos with it. The tacos were rolled and fried, and looked more like what I would think to be a burrito. I certainly wouldn't question the locals on such matters.

Though I've said it before, I reiterate that I miss you all hyperbolic amounts. Also, I'm going to be in New Haven on the 23rd of August to be measured for my Whiff tails, but we don't leave for the ski lodge in Vermont until the next day. Anyone have a free couch?

-me

p.s. I fully expect people to repeat some of my tags in future posts. Who knows when someone will want to browse only entries containing mention of sweaty grossness?

Go and see the new Harry Potter movie

Reasons why you should see it:

1. Cho Chang makes out with Harry
2. Umbridge is a grotsky biatch
3. Voldemort gets his ass kicked by Dumbledore

Other movies you should see: Ratatouille and Transformers.

That was a really random post. I apologize.

it is hot in New Haven.

Like, really hot. I haven't taken a shower that wasn't freezing cold in the past week and a half. My apartment gets great light, and the downside of that is that we get great HEAT. It's like a little toaster. Miserable.

Otherwise, things are wonderful here -- I dropped one of my classes for second session of summer school and so have very little work to do other than read interesting books and watch several interesting if depressing movies -- Boys Don't Cry, Schindler's List, American History X, etc. My American Studies seminar has three people, one of whom is like 8 feet tall and talks really really loudly, another of whom is about 4 feet tall and barely speaks at all, and myself. Hm. Happy medium? Or something. But the professor seems entertaining at least...though she used the phrase "super-interesting" 13 times in a two hour period. AFter the first four I started a tally. Let's hope she kicks THAT little habit.

My roommate, Zan, is going to Israel for a week and a half tomorrow morning -- so I'm going to have the apartment to myself. I'm not sure what to think about it. It's going to be *empty*. But I suppose the quiet will be nice -- the only things truly on my agenda for the next few weeks are watching Top Chef like it's my job and catching up on X-Files episodes. I am on Season 2 (I'm rewatching all 9 seasons frmo the beginning) and it is truly joyous. Like, spectacular. I have a million novels lying around that I've been waiting to get a chance to read so hopefully I'll be able to do that too.

I, by the way, am missing Redhot like crazy. I got so sad the other day that I started singing 42nd Street. Why? Why would I do something like that? It got THAT bad. I always take Redhot for granted towards the end of the year, because I spend so much time with them it just feels so normal -- then we're all scattered for the summer and I never know what to do with myself.

OH! Just this weekend I went up to upstate NY to see my sister perform at her musical theater camp. She was Ariel -- the lead in Footloose -- so basically she strutted around stage wearing little denim short-shorts and a lot of makeup, dancing ridiculously and singing some of the worst/best music ever. I have Let's Hear It For The Boy stuck in my head -- and, not gonna lie, it's basically the best thing I could imagine. But really it was so good to go see her. I am so proud, I don't even know how to express it -- it's what she loves to do best, and it makes me so happy to see HER so happy. It's always a little bittersweet, though -- reminds me of how much I love musical theater, and how much I miss it. I always get so nostalgic, and make all these plans to jump back into it. This year. This year. Truly. It'll happen. OH and the other day my roommate and I used our borrowed tortilla press for the first time. Seriously delicious. Justin, I thought of you. Like, really.

More soon -- I've been ridiculously busy considering it's July. Hmph. I should have much more time -- that is, much more time to count down days till retreat. Hours? Seconds? I'm considering it.

also I kind of just wrote a lot and about very little. Oops.

--E.

living easy

Hi all -

A few things before my life-update: I started my morning off by making my mom listen to the midi of Keiji's "Hit the Road, Jack" twice (at which point she said something about feeding the sheep and retreated), then I caught myself singing the alto line of Haven't We Met as I walked down the hall of my school, of course looking like a complete fool, and finished the day by saying something about "when I go home" to my friend in conversation, referring to retreat and seeing you all. I think these are signs of something. Maybe that retreat needs to hurry up and get here.



I passed Fourth of July with my grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles at my cottage in Traverse City, MI. I drove up with my grandparents, which was perilous to say the least, with my 87 year old nearly blind and deaf grandfather behind the wheel until my intervention. After that, it was great fun. I spent a lot of time reading, playing with my little cousins, swimming, rolling down the massive Sleeping Bear sand dunes (see picture to the left), and, true to form, consuming lots and lots of fudge and cherries (both FANTASTIC in Traverse). I also discovered that I am even better at sailing than I remember. Really, if anyone is in need of some entertainment, I invite you to watch me man a sailboat. It's good for a laugh.


What now? Lots of work, of course. Then I head to Russia to pick up my newly adopted brother Kyrill, which is exciting but scary. My mom went over to Russia while I was in Traverse last week to finalize the adoption, and, after some difficulties, everything is set... aside from my passport, which is expired of course, but we're trying to pull some strings. Hopefully that works. I'll keep you all updated. After that, only two weeks until RETREAT. Yay!

all the best,
Brady

Summer Retreat is coming!!!

...and you all have no idea how FREAKING EXCITED I AM!!!!! It must come into my mind at least 5 times per day. I was just reading Robbie's post and read the words "maine for summer retreat" and my stomach actually did a backflip. To be honest, I'm also a little bit nervous. Ok, a lot bit nervous - just because you're all going to be in MY HOUSE! And, well, my house isn't the most put-together place, more like organized chaos if you know what I mean :) Ohhh but we're going to be on the island as well, and even though y'all might THINK you know what you're in for, I think (hope) that you will be blown away by the spectacular beauty and peace of the place. I've been having such a blast planning out the few things that we'll be able to do! Although I was so sad to find out that the rope swing that I've gone to out on Black Stream had finally broken! We could still go there though and jump off the bridge or the old train tracks (for the mighty of heart only). Also, the National Folk Festival is coming to Bangor that weekend, which is always a blast - they have the greatest music: Blues, folk, gospel, jazz, and always a marching band from New Orleans! Also, we could go to Fort Knox and explore (it's dark and wet and slimey and GREAT) and get some ice cream from the other side of the river. Don't worry, there will be plenty of time to regroup and sing and do some serious Redhot and Blue bonding before we go back to Yale.

On a completely different note, I've currently found my new favorite song: Keiji's "Hit the Road Jack". If any of you haven't listened to it, or at least looked at the music yet you are seriously missing out. Also, it was 85 degrees in New York today. At 7:45 in the morning. Luckily I work in a freezing cold building all day due to extreme air-conditioning (great for the environment). Now I'm off to torture some poor young children and separate them from their mother who just might be going insane right now since I'm not there to save her. Glad to see you're all doing so well and are so happy with your summers! I miss and love you all like WHOA

こんにちは。　　ローゼンタルだ。　　日本語が上手になりたいから、　今、　日本の北海道の函館にいる。　　楽しいけど、　レッドホットがいなくて、　さびしい。

In other words, hey all. It's me. I want to become johzu in Japanese (in other words, I want Japanese SKILLS), so I'm now in Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan. I'm having a blast here, but Redhot isn't here, so I miss you guys. Hakodate is possibly the most boring city I've spent much time in (vying for the title with New Haven), but the other students are great, and my host family is off the wall--last night, the six of us (mom and dad, three girls ranging from 7 to 13, and me) had some quality bonding time watching Child's Play 2. WTF?

I'm keeping an occasional blog for the Light Foundation, so I'm counting on you to read it: parallelnosekai.blogspot.com. While you're there, check out the title--you might appreciate it.

Oh yeah--Keiji, what does the name Accardo mean to you?

I'm a lumberjack and I'm okay

So today I cut down a tree with a chainsaw, partially while I was standing in it! Okay, so I only cut the branches above my head while I was actually in the tree, but it was fun nonetheless. The part I cut was to my right in the picture, and stretched twenty feet or so above my head, forking into two big branches. Though it probably could have fallen on my head and knocked me to my death/the ground (20 feet below or so), it didn't. I proceeded to split it into functional firewood. We haven't used a wood-burning stove since I was probably ten, and I only did a little bit of wood splitting back then, so it was cool to try it again.

Two posts in a row! I'm just trying to get in my licks while I'm in the country.

In other news, I went running up the road and saw a bunch of berries that needed pickin'. So much to do before I leave...

Berries and Dolphins

Hi All, I'm writing from Hinkle and have just returned from Panama City Beach, Florida. They have some of the best beaches I've ever seen, plus a bunch of relatives live there. My cousin and her husband took us out into the gulf on their boat, and we saw some dolphins! One came up flipper-style begging for food (though feeding them is illegal so we didn't have any). It had nasty fish breath, but was really cool anyway. Later in the day, we were swimming a bit closer to shore and I got stung by jellyfish a few times. Though that sucked, another dolphin swam up to me and hung out for a few minutes- it was awesome.

Otherwise, Robbie's life has been that of a typical creek-dweller. I've spent a few nights sleeping up in my family's cabin in the Daniel Boone National Forest, about two miles from my house. Though my house is technically in the DBNF, the cabin has no phone line/cell access, nor does it have internet access of any kind. Nice and isolated, really peaceful, gorgeous, etc. I love spending time in the cabin- I want to take Redhot there someday. Maybe a reunion or something.

The week before going to Florida, I fought off the rattlesnakes and picked over a gallon of raspberries and blackberries- really great stuff. My mom made raspberry dumplings and blackberry cobbler, and I probably gained about twenty pounds. Eh, well, I'll lose it soon. Which brings me to...

Mexico! I'm leaving on Wednesday for Cancun, and will come back a little over a month after via Mexico City. How will I get from Cancun to Mexico City? I'll figure something out. During the month, I'll visit Belize and possibly Guatemala (though I went there last summer), looking for all sorts of awesome archaeological sites that I can photograph and ponder to help me better understand the art and architecture of the region. My senior project will benefit greatly from it, too.

Somewhat distressingly, retreat starts a week after I return (so I must pack everything I want to take to Yale in that week). Even more distressingly, I won't be in Maine with Redhot. Sad. On the upside, I'm sure Whiffenpoof retreat will be a lot of fun.

Hope all is well in the various corners of the globe in which Redhotties have settled for the summer!

Briefly...

REDHOT! I MISS YOU!

I'm in England now and it's wonderful. For those of you who don't know, I'm here rehearsing for Sweeney Todd, which goes up in August. Kind of crazy how busy that keeps me. I've really never experienced anything remotely like this. The cast is SO talented, and so, so nice. Of course, all this means is that I compare them all to Redhotties constantly. That guy with the whistle-range up to a Soprano high C is like Jonah, but not as cool. The amazing dancer over there is like Keiji, but not as funny, so what's the point. Etc., etc. Anyway, life here is great.

I didn't have internet until yesterday, so I couldn't biz, and instead spent my free time reading over old Redhot schtick. I miss you guys so, so much. You have no idea. Also the eurotour ones made me SO pumped!

Anyway, I'm late for rehearsal. I love you all!

Just another day at work...

Anna here, reporting in: So for my research this summer I have to interview random people from across the country about their experience with social networking sites. Last week I had the pleasure of chatting with 19 year old who referred to this time period as "the 30th century". Later when asked what he wanted people to think when they viewed his MySpace profile, he responded, "that I like to thrash, and skate, and hang out with chicks, and get drunk". Brilliantly stated, really. My all-time favorite quote however was a 17 year old who stated, “I downloaded the SuperPoke application one day because I thought it was funny, and then I spanked this girl who didn’t want to be spanked. At first I think it was a little upsetting to her but I think she got over it pretty fast. And then she proceeded to pinch me after the spank.” I also talked to a girl who described her meticulous selection of "a sexy profile pic so that people would notice and tell me that I'm hot".

There are some sad, scary people out there. But at least I'm entertained.

redhot is everywhere these days...

Hey all! I'm copying over the post I made a few days ago on the blog I keep as part of my funding requirements! I'll double-post on this blog and the other from now on (and hopefully future posts will incorporate video though that's hard on this connection). Here goes...


So I'm finally making my first post from actually inside China. A number of barriers have stood in the way of this post, including the overwhelming first week of classes, an inability to directly access blogger.com, and a slow on-campus internet connection. Fortunately, I made it through the first week without dying, am currently using the Yale proxy server, and am now in an internet cafe/restaurant where I and a few other DSIC students have been camping for quite a few hours doing things that benefit from a far superior internet connection, including transferring actual photos:


So the first week was crazy, sometimes very unpleasantly so, but I think now that I sort of know what's going on and how much time the academics are going to take, this next week will be much easier to manage. I never claimed to be the greatest Mandarin student around, but I'm definitely going to be a dramatically better one by the time I leave mid-August. I just need to stop thinking about each word individually as I hear it and start hearing the language. The oral component just isn't an area of giftedness for me, but what better place to force myself to get better at it than right here in Beijing?

It's hard to summarize the past week in the limited time I have right here... Beijing is a fascinating city... It's both stunning and repulsive at the same time. Parts look like Times Square, and it's not uncommon to have literally 10 or more full-size construction cranes in sight at once. But you only have to look at something about 10 meters away to realize you're walking in an endless cloud of smog, and sometimes at night the skyline fades out behind the smog long before it can disappear below the horizon.


It's very nice to have air conditioning (a luxury not enjoyed by the local students at the university), but the plumbing has been somewhat undependable and the internet connection is a major blow to someone like me who needs to be well-wired for a number of reasons this summer. DSIC is obviously by far my major time commitment for the summer, but I also need the web for some other Yale-related obligations this summer. I think we'll be visiting this newfound wireless restaurant on a weekly basis.

In other news, I and a few other Yalies went and saw the Whiffenpoofs perform at a very nice hotel last night. It was a fantastic way to spend the evening, topped off by an invitation to join the group as they performed at a private party for some number of ambassadors to China from various countries. It's amazing to see how many Yalies are in Beijing for one reason or another, for study, work, play, whatever.

That only reinforces the sense I sometimes have that I'm not even out of the states. All I have to do is look for billboards in characters to confirm I'm still across the Pacific, but many parts of the scenery are right out of my neighborhood in Dallas. I even shop at Wumart, which is a great convenience with it's every day low prices:


Speaking of prices, I don't mind getting a full meal for about $1 USD.


The food hasn't caused me trouble yet, and I'm hoping to keep it that way, fingers crossed.

I was going to post some video on youtube and link it to the blog, but I guess that will have to wait for a later post. We may yet find a way to improve the internet situation on campus, but until then video and photo transfers are pretty impractical.

Juggling,
jon

I'm going to....

ISTANBUL!

That's right, I've found a new use for this crazy grant after my Beirut newspaper job fell through. After weeks of emailing friends of friends of so-and-so who knows so-and-so who has a friend who works in journalism in the Middle East, I emailed one Editor-in-Chief directly and got a dream job: an internship at the Turkish Daily News! Seems random, I know. But also AMAZING. Look at this city...

http://www.bitrot.de/city_istanbul.html

I heard only a few days ago, but I'm leaving THIS SUNDAY for TURKEY. What??!?! TURKEY? This is so surreal, especially after a semester of Lebanon planning. But I'm incredibly excited, and I don't regret cancelling my trip to Beirut. There were more bombings after I made my decision, the threat hasn't totally subsided, and fighting continues in the north - and now south - of the country as well. If I were a hardcore freelancer in my 20s seeking a life in mortal peril, maybe I'd still go. But as you know, I'm not quite that type...

Well, I can't exactly practice Arabic or French in Istanbul, but I'm having my first Turkish lesson tomorrow so that I can at least pronounce the names of my coworkers. (There are a few crazy accent marks to figure out...) In many other ways, Istanbul is a logical replacement for Beirut -- they are both cosmopolitan cities that have been cultural crossroads, East-meets-West sorts of places throughout history. The Turkish Daily News is the major English-language daily in the country, known for its aggressive reported on controversial issues like the Armenian genocide. The whole staff is Turkish...except the Editor-In-Chief, who is from San Francisco! Random...

I'm particularly excited to be in Turkey for the parliamentary elections on July 22. They're a big deal this year and were rushed up from the original date in fall, in hopes of averting increased political tension. In a nutshell, Turkey has had a secular government since independence, which has set it apart from much of the Middle East. But recently there has been more of an Islamist influence on Turkish politics, and many Turks feel the country's historical secularism is under attack. These elections should be somewhat of an assessment of that growing Islamist movement. So as long as there isn't a military coup as some fear, it should be a fascinating time to be there. (I mean, I guess a coup would be interesting in its own way as well...)

Meanwhile, Hayley is staying at my house while she starts a class at UC Berkeley! It's great -- it's like Spring Tour 2.0 on a more manageable scale. (Of course, I loved having all of you here too, as did my mom. She talks about you all the time. In a good way.) It's been a lot of fun hearing about Hayley's Malian adventures and catching up in general, although I fear our staying up late has probably made her early morning physics class somewhat less tolerable. Drew, Hayley and I shared some real Mexican food (yay California) a few nights ago, and hopefully we'll manage a RHB reunion with Matt Gabb and Chris Mathias soon -- both are at Stanford right now!

Alright, typical, typical...I wrote a novel. I'll stop here and post next from Istanbul (!). Justin, I want you to know that Istanbul is known for its cuisine - exquisite kebabs, apple tea, fresh fish, wonderful salads...

Missing you,

Katharine

Weird Stuff

http://redhotblue.blogspot.com/
http://meyerhoff.goucher.edu/rhb/

There apparently is a group at Goucher, which is co-ed and called Red Hot Blue. They abbreviated to RHB. Weird.

Title of weblog

First of all, the name of the group is "Redhot & Blue," not "Redhot and Blue."

But more importantly, I really think this blog should be called "Redhot & Blog."

You're all so influential....

Ok ok....so I changed my name. I got scared that maybe we were supposed to represent ourselves more accurately and then I started thinking about all the studies I've been doing over the last couple of weeks about people who project different identities though the Internet and I realized that I needed to come clean. Not much else going on with me since yesterday. I clipped my fingernails last night (I stopped biting them at the beginning of the summer and now they're soooo pretty!). And took care of 4 screaming children ages 6 and under. Good stuff.

robbie, learn to spell

Also, Robbie, "Rush Mangers"? Really now. (see below)

:)

It's June and I'm doing homework...

but it's actually not as bad as I expected. I'm in New Haven, taking courses all summer, and it's quite different to be doing astronomy problem sets in beautiful (ok muggy and kind of overpoweringly hot) weather without any other responsibilities than it is to be doing problem sets in October while thinking about a million other things.

I'm also moved in (pretty much) to my new apartment! The only thing is the ceiling's caved in, so our living room is a bit of a mess right now. Plaster/paint on the floor, gaping holes, etc. But once that's fixed we'll be all set... :) Truly, though, it's so nice to have space to myself that's not in a dorm -- feels so different. It's lovely.

In other news I am in serious singing withdrawal, and by singing withdrawal I mean redhot withdrawal. I keep finding myself singing shoe parts but somehow it's just not as satisfying when I'm in a big empty apartment by myself. Or in the shower. Either way. Retreat could not come soon enough.

Also, I just went home on Sunday to see Wilco play and it was SO GOOD I repeat SO GOOD. I'd seen them last year at home as well but this year's set was even better. Great to be home for a day -- I played with my dog and sat outside reading.

I suppose I'd better return to outlining this paper on obscure modern poetry. Eh. More soon!

-E.

J. Lo Reporting from Singapore

So, I think this just about sums up my love for Singapore. It's just one foodgasm after the next. My new favorite dish is popiah (poh-pee-yah) - it's a Southeast Asian take on the popular fajita. You can find it at most any of the local Hawkers (food centres). Wrapped in a thin wheat pancake, the best popiahs have a sweet chili sauce and some hoisin - usually filled with jicama (the "j" is silent), beansprouts, chopped nuts, and bits of egg. Just a tad sweet and nutty with a little bit of spice and saltiness for added kicks......Mmmm, served warm, it's absolutely the next best thing to a Roomba burrito.

I suppose I should digress from talking about food and give you an update on life: Well, I'm currently working at CSR Asia. It's a firm that combines the work of private sector consulting with the work of a nonprofit thinktank (think: NGO). They use the profits from their consulting work to fund public briefings and research which they make publicly available to companies looking for best practices in the area of corporate social responsibility. I'm concentrating on more of the think-tank-type work. Last week, I wrote an article on the subject of agricultural child labour in the Philippines (and the role of the ILO). This week, I finished an article covering human trafficking and the U.S. Department of State's latest Trafficking in Persons report. (What I learned: Don't go to Malaysia and Sri Lanka unless you want to get sold into sexual exploitation and involuntary servitude). Anyway, this afternoon I'm attending a talk by one of the regional managers for the World Bank - CSR-Asia is sponsoring it.....should be insightful.

This Friday, my cousins and I are throwing a pre-July 4th bash. Apparently, I'm in charge of preparing the food.....yay? So, we'll probably end up having a big ol' BBQ and then go out afterwards for margaritas by the river. And next week, the Yalies and I are all taking a trip to Cambodia to do some service work with an orphanage. Yale's paying for our transportation and accomodations so that's pretty exciting. I just got my visa a few days ago....I'm pretty stoked.

Anyway, that's my update for now. I hope you all are doing well. If you're ever looking for someone to talk to, I'm usually around on AIM (screenname: WeReact) from 9 PM - 12 AM EST. I leave my AIM on (for the most part) during work - and, unless you're distracting me from something that I'd rather be doing, I will probably respond. :) Kidding, of course.

Best regards,
J. Lo

P.S. Don't watch "Surf's Up." It's a stupid movie about penguins that surf. Why didn't anyone warn me ahead of time? I could've prevented myself from wasting one hour of my life.

life without redhot :(

Hi all.

I'm writing from the overwhelming heat of Buffalo, New York - I know, it's hard to believe, but life is tough here without AC.

I've kept busy working at a joint elementary-middle charter school in the city. The area is pretty rough and the students are all fairly disadvantaged, but the school is makes a huge difference in the community, and it's amazing to watch it happen. The teachers have the students reading way above their grade level and passing exams in eighth grade that my high school doesn't give until tenth grade. So far, I've been doing a lot of administrative work - setting up their summer school (which about 60% of the school attends voluntarily), coordinating field trips, arranging class lists, et cetera - but hopefully I'll be able to get into the classroom when summer school starts.

In other news - last week we got a call from an adoption agency in Russia saying that we have finally been approved to adopt a little boy. I'm not sure how I feel about the adoption - it's something my mom has been working on for years, but I never actually thought it would happen. Now that it is, I am adjusting to the fact that I'm going to have a new brother. Anyway, I am going to make the trip to Russia with my mom at the end of July to pick up Kyrill (sp?), who is seven years old and knows no English. So that's exciting, but we'll have our hands full.

Otherwise, I am making plans for a trip to my cottage in Michigan, where I'll get to see lots of cousins, aunts, and uncles. Maybe I'll head up to NYC again sometime to say hi to all the city kids - I saw David, Dee Dee, and Keiji on my last trip up (er... down? east?) and I would love to see more of my Redhotties! Though if you want to bop down to Hamburg, NY, anyone is welcome :)

Hope this finds you well,
xo - Brady

summer summer summer

Hey all! Just wanted to post a quick note to everyone to tell you guys just how much I miss you. It's hard not to be around people who break out into song all the time and who wont judge you if you do the same. I've been doing it at home, and all I get is "Dee Dee, shut up already" from the little bro.
But anyways, summer is pretty decent otherwise - I'm home in NYC, but so are a bunch of my high school friends and a couple of Redhotties! So I get something of an occasional dose of Redhot loving - last night, I went to that amazing all-you-can-eat sushi place with David and Darrick that has become so famous with Redhot (yeah, you're all jealous) and then we tried to sing some songs together which sort of failed (think Haven't We Met without an alto and another tenor and a sop I), but it was an amazing time. The job isn't bad - I'm working at the Newington Cropsey Cultural Studies Center, which is an organization dedicated to the preservation and re-emergence of the "traditional" arts (figurative painting, metered poetry, tonal music, etc.). It's a lot of office work, but at least the material is interesting...
That's about the end of my news - I can't wait to see you all in Maine for Summer Retreat!
love
Dee Dee

Am I the only one who made up a sweet user name?

Hi everyone, it's me, Anna. I'm an alto 2 in redhot, thus my amazingly creative user name. I'm in NYC right now (even though I'm originaly from Hampden, Maine woo woo) doing an internship with a market research firm called "Applied Research and Consulting". I'm doing a project on social networking sites which is actually really cool, because I get to do random phone interviews with Facebook and MySpace members. But first I had to design an interview guideline which I completed yesterday and my boss approved it so I started messaging random people on those sites - I got my first answer this morning!!! It was very exciting. Anyway, that's what I'm doing this summer. I've really been missing Yale lately though, especially Redhot - I'm so excited for this fall's rush! Alright, I think I'm done now :) happy blogging!

Rush Managers

So, for those of you who don't know, Yale a cappella is a huge thing on campus that consumes the lives of about a quarter of the undergraduate community for three weeks each fall semester. The hundreds of a cappella group members listen to the auditions of the hundreds of rushees. Groups and rushees have meals together to get to know one another. The groups have concerts too woo rushees. All this leads up to tap night- when rushees are chosen for groups. I won't go into detail right now, but there are group members specially trained to handle the rigors of rush, from the group side and that of rushees: the Rush Managers.

This year, Redhot has four rush managers. Brady, Dee Dee, Emma, and Keiji will lead us through the process. They are now authors on this blog, so feel free to harass them about whatever suits your fancy.