Ask Kate

[Yuuji]

Originally Posted by Zelor.eXe

Well I didnt see anything about musical instruments, and if they don't allow it it says I can take an item to my room, so that would be fine, thank you for the link.

You are welcome.

I actually have a pair of those, they cost like $28 though and I still considered it a rip off .

That's what I mean.
Only the expensive 'noise-canceling' headphones really do the job they are supposed to.
Cheap ones are just white noise generators. The more expensive ones actually have the microphone built in, to listen to a sound, and then generate a 180 degree reverse amplitude sinusoid to negate it.
(Sound is a sinusoid of air pressure at certain frequencies and amplitudes (loudness). If two sounds are equal, but 180 degrees out of phase with each other - you'll hear neither sound)

Yeah, I learned that **** in a 4000 level college class.

But they have the noise canceling option, not sure how it would work against a jet engine, but they are ear covering phones, which was my single main reason for buying them, but they do not have the clarity I was looking for as I wanted it for my music recording etc, but they are ok for mp3/computer use.

Hmmm, clarity is the best. Give them a try again, hopefully they'll knock some of it out. Be prepared to have a backup plan though, for entertainment.

I remembered earlier today, wait, earlier yesterday (I work nights, still getting my schedule fixed in my head), my debit card will work just like a credit card, so that would be no problem.

Oh, good to hear.

I have read english online as a 2nd, maybe even third language and had discussions in the same manner, you are among those who really makes it clear what you are saying, so no, it was like reading butter, except I can't read butter, and butter can't read...<_< lo

l.*hehs*
I'm just glad what I wrote makes sense, and was/is of some use to you.

Well if scanning it won't be an issue and carrying a guitar on a plane won't be an issue I would likely do that and just check my clothes bags or something, I can see what they charge, but I know my amp + guitar would weight a good deal less than a large luggage bag of clothes.

*nods* I just do not know what else you might bring. And such things can sneak up on you when you've never flown before.
Even up into my 30's, air travel was a nervous experience. Especially after September 11th.

But now I've done it enough, so it's a lot easier (especially since I pack a lot less these days)

I do appreciate your taking the time to help with the info etc, it means a lot.

You are very welcome.

[katelynisspecial]

Yuuji --

Spark notes is basically a place where they summarize and analyze the chapters online, so you can read it and understand without reading all of it, but still getting details and important points from the book. It made Huck Finn especially a lot easier of a read.

Yeah, I'm probably planning on staying at the Regency. My dad has spent a LOT of time in Columbus because of work and says there are some cheaper hotels right around the corner (in walking distance), but I just want the whole experience atmosphere, and it's my money, you know? =P

Currently I'm bringing a friend with me, and may be meeting some of you all there as well. My parents I think are going to stay in the city and sightsee during the weekend to be there in case something happens. I was irritated at first, but I don't really mind now. Because we'll be able to have our own room, keep our own hours, and come and go as we please. So they're just there as backup.

I'm starting to get really excited, I wish it were closer~!
I'm going to start saving specifically for the con after I put $200 more in my bank account to make an even $2,000.

Also, we went to a meeting for the Europe trip today!
The itinerary is like this..

Day 1: Fly overnight to Germany
Day 2: Munich
Day 3: Munich
Day 4-5: Heidelberg
Day 6: Reims / Paris
Day 7-8: Paris
Day 9-10: French Riviera
Day 11-12: Provence / Barcelona
Day 13: Barcelona
Day 14-16: Zaragoza / Madrid
Day 17: Fly home

That's just the locations we're spending the night. We'll be taking day trips to other cities, and even to Monaco! It's sooo tiny, smaller than my town, but really rich and has a lot of royal history.

Some of the places we'll go include: German Olympic Stadium, BMW Headquarters, Dachau (concentration camp), German castles/palaces, Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Opera Garnier (where the Phantom of the Opera legend came from!!!), Notre Dame Cathedral, TGV (French version of the Bullet Train), Monacan Palace, The Prado, and a bunch more tours.

I'm really excited, it's pretty certain we'll get to go. We get breakfast in the hotel, but we go to a cultural restaurant for dinner every evening. Lunch is on our own, they say they try to split into groups to go to to cafes or pick up sandwiches to picnic with.

Also, I have two friends that are probably going (one almost definite), so it'll be fun. My sister's going too.

[Yuuji]

Originally Posted by katelynisspecial

Yuuji --
Spark notes is basically a place where they summarize and analyze the chapters online, so you can read it and understand without reading all of it, but still getting details and important points from the book. It made Huck Finn especially a lot easier of a read.

Ahhhh, the 21st century internet equivalent of Cliff notes.

*scanned it*
Yeah, they want money...but apparently Huck Finn is free (and is the example listed too).

Maybe I should check it out in Test Prep. I have to take a GRE soon (the SAT for Grad school)

Yeah, I'm probably planning on staying at the Regency. My dad has spent a LOT of time in Columbus because of work and says there are some cheaper hotels right around the corner (in walking distance), but I just want the whole experience atmosphere, and it's my money, you know? =P

Ahhhhhh, then your father will have a LOT more insight then I have on the local area.

I have never been there.

I just have experience in researching sites, and gaining information. But all of my information is indirect, so might have holes.

Currently I'm bringing a friend with me, and may be meeting some of you all there as well.

Well, I for one, will be very glad to finally meet you.

If you want to meet other members of Genshiken, I can arrange it.

The only question will be, is if you would have to meet me after they have dressed me up? (aka: cosplay....they seem hellbent to do it)

My parents I think are going to stay in the city and sightsee during the weekend to be there in case something happens. I was irritated at first, but I don't really mind now. Because we'll be able to have our own room, keep our own hours, and come and go as we please. So they're just there as backup.

*smiles and nods*
That sounds like a perfect plan.

And I know, there is that 'twinge' in the back of you head....but after some of the shit I've seen...I rather have a lifeline, as long as I have complete freedom sans emergency.
It's a good stepping stone, even if it has that bitter aftertaste like medicine.

*thinks*
BTW, for some strange odd reason - I wonder if I should ask if your parents would care/wish to meet me?
....not in cosplay though. I'd rather meet them in dress clothes.

I'm starting to get really excited, I wish it were closer~!
I'm going to start saving specifically for the con after I put $200 more in my bank account to make an even $2,000.

*Grins*
So are members of my group.
Remember that the cheapest registration ends by the end of this month (30th). Though you probably already know that.

Again, second warning: Unless they drastically improve maintanence - elevators break due to abuse in the con. And the wait time can be past 10 minutes for the ones (due to lines) not broken. So the earlier you reserve your room, the lower it will be for walking stairs, the better.

Rooms start on the 5th floor, but since the con suites are there, it might be loud.
Our room is on the 6th floor.

Also, we went to a meeting for the Europe trip today!
The itinerary is like this..

Day 1: Fly overnight to Germany
Day 2: Munich
Day 3: Munich
Day 4-5: Heidelberg
Day 6: Reims / Paris
Day 7-8: Paris
Day 9-10: French Riviera
Day 11-12: Provence / Barcelona
Day 13: Barcelona
Day 14-16: Zaragoza / Madrid
Day 17: Fly home

Nice.

And I'm officially, completely envious.

Again, Japan and Canada - those are the only two foreign countries I have been too.
You probably already, due to your southern vacations, have me beat country-wise. And this European trip will really solify that.

That's just the locations we're spending the night. We'll be taking day trips to other cities, and even to Monaco! It's sooo tiny, smaller than my town, but really rich and has a lot of royal history.

*nodnods*
Welcome to Europe!
I've heard that people are surprised how small it is (for example, if you placed the continental US over mainland Europe, it would stretch from France almost to Russia!)

But since so much documented history happened there, it is (per square mile) so much richer.

Some of the places we'll go include: German Olympic Stadium, BMW Headquarters, Dachau (concentration camp), German castles/palaces, Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Opera Garnier (where the Phantom of the Opera legend came from!!!), Notre Dame Cathedral, TGV (French version of the Bullet Train), Monacan Palace, The Prado, and a bunch more tours.

Again, nice. A great list.

I already know you are camera-ready.
But do you plan to take movies as well? Or just the camera movies?

One my greatest joys during my last Japan trip was filming it. Something I still hold dear to this day. (even though it was on older film, with a subpar camera compared to today's HD standards). It didn't even have a steadyshot feature!

And the french bullet train was finally built?
*thinks*
....yeah...it has been years since I last heard about it. it would make sense, I'm just surprised to hear about it here first.

Now you'll know what a Shinkansen feels like! (which I never got a chance to ride)

I'm really excited, it's pretty certain we'll get to go. We get breakfast in the hotel, but we go to a cultural restaurant for dinner every evening. Lunch is on our own, they say they try to split into groups to go to to cafes or pick up sandwiches to picnic with.

I don't know whether to be extremely happy for you....
...or think you're digging the envy dagger in deep.

Actually, it's being really happy for you.
But I hope the second comment made you laugh.

Especially since I remember the days you were slightly jealous of my Japan trips. But now you are sooooo gonna surpass me.

Just be nice to the next generation, when you tell them of your travels.

Also, I have two friends that are probably going (one almost definite), so it'll be fun. My sister's going too.

Cool!
Friends make it better.

BTW, what kind of person has your sister turned (or is turning) into?
Is it a good thing, or a bad thing that she is going?

As you probably remember, my brother and I used to be extremely close (being born less then 359 days apart), but then those teenager days happened, and totally went into different directions.
And from that last 'post' I made a month or two ago, I am no longer giving him second chances.
Damn shame, but he made his choices. I miss my brother from my youth.
C'est le vie (irony intended)

[katelynisspecial]

Wow. We had massive winds from Hurricane Ike come through, and we lost power/internet/phone/cable for awhile. Did anything happen for you guys up there? It was crazy, they even evacuated King's Island.

Well, it wouldn't be a problem to meet the other members, but I don't know how much there would be to talk about, since I don't know of any of them, and they don't know me, haha! I look forward to seeing your costume though =P
And don't worry about my parents, I don't think they're even coming into the convention center at all, so meeting them won't really come up at all.

I hope I can take video on my trip, but it would probably be off of the digital camera, I don't really have an official video camera to use.

And, my sister is rather opposite of me, and it's generally a bad thing. But we get along sometimes. She's really preppy and obsessed with things like High School Musical and the Disney Channel, while my interests are normally more off the beaten track. Sometimes it's sickening, but... whatever. Haha.

[Yuuji]

Originally Posted by katelynisspecial

Wow. We had massive winds from Hurricane Ike come through, and we lost power/internet/phone/cable for awhile. Did anything happen for you guys up there? It was crazy, they even evacuated King's Island.

Yep, we lost everything as well. But my section got it back.

I completely thought it was only local though! Just a bad tree on a powerline somewhere...
But apparently it's all over Ohio.
And that was AFTER Ike made landfill.

BTW, just to laugh: Ike, (eee-kay) means something quite different in Japanese. (I'll let you look it up to enjoy)

Also makes a good song for Ichigo 100%

Well, it wouldn't be a problem to meet the other members, but I don't know how much there would be to talk about, since I don't know of any of them, and they don't know me, haha! I look forward to seeing your costume though =P

*heh*
_If_ I let them do it to me.
and if they'll actually spend the time to do it. We'll see.

And don't worry about my parents, I don't think they're even coming into the convention center at all, so meeting them won't really come up at all.

Actually, no worries at all. Part of me is/was actually interested in meeting them.

Seriously, there never once was any question about who the *beep* is this 30-something who was sending you all the mail?

Speaking of which, did my last letter make it?

I hope I can take video on my trip, but it would probably be off of the digital camera, I don't really have an official video camera to use.

Ah, and probably more compact. The footage from today's digital cameras are almost as good as my camcorder that I used from 5+ years ago. Might even have optical stabilization (which mine didn't have)

And, my sister is rather opposite of me, and it's generally a bad thing. But we get along sometimes. She's really preppy and obsessed with things like High School Musical and the Disney Channel, while my interests are normally more off the beaten track. Sometimes it's sickening, but... whatever. Haha.

*sighs*

The few pictures I've ever seen with you, was you and siblings smiling together.
and you used to have good things to say about them.

The damn teenager years....people change. And not always for the better. Damn shame.

Just hope that you don't turn out like my brother and I. (be more like my cousins, they got along fine)

[Zelor.eXe]

Turns out there isn't any reason I see so far that will stop me from going.

debit card: will work in place of credit card

time off work: I just have to put in for it three weeks in advance, and I can back it against my weekend so that will work.

Yuuji answered my questions about the stuff I can bring and bring on the plane (Thank you again ), and it being 3 days 2 nights I wouldn't need a lot, just the fun stuff and some clothes.

Last night my concerns about flying were alleviated, I found out the take off speed is only like 120-150 mph then they pick up speed after take off, which was a worry with me because I always imagined them increasing in speed at a fast pace and my body telling me to panic.

My only issues to work out now is what airport is nearest to me, since it will be winter, and what means of transportation to use to get from the Columbus airport to the convention center, probably a cab I guess? I've never taken a cab.

[Yuuji]

Originally Posted by Zelor.eXe

Turns out there isn't any reason I see so far that will stop me from going.
debit card: will work in place of credit card

Excellent.

time off work: I just have to put in for it three weeks in advance, and I can back it against my weekend so that will work.

Yuuji answered my questions about the stuff I can bring and bring on the plane (Thank you again ),

Very welcome.

and it being 3 days 2 nights I wouldn't need a lot, just the fun stuff and some clothes.

Last night my concerns about flying were alleviated, I found out the take off speed is only like 120-150 mph then they pick up speed after take off, which was a worry with me because I always imagined them increasing in speed at a fast pace and my body telling me to panic.

Yeah. Admittedly first experiences can be very unnerving (Hell, what can you compare them to, in order to prepare yourself?)

What eventually happens is that you get into a 'centered' feeling/approach, or just become apathetic to it all. One is more difficult, but less negative side effects...the other....well, if you ever wondered why some adults are ignorant schmucks, that's why.

My only issues to work out now is what airport is nearest to me, since it will be winter, and what means of transportation to use to get from the Columbus airport to the convention center, probably a cab I guess? I've never taken a cab.

That is a problem.

And I've never taken a cab either.

Some possible suggestions:

• If another friend is around the area, have them pick you up (kinda looks at Kate for this, but she might be driving her other friend).
• The Hotel, being higher class, might already have a free shuttle. Ergo, ask them.

[xXNeoJakeXx]

hmm..
What exactly is the function of a rubber ducky :3
telll meee xD
nah i joke
i have a bunche of anime series and was wondering could i contribute them to teh site im new so if theres a way, i havent foun dit x3

[Zelor.eXe]

Originally Posted by Yuuji

Yeah. Admittedly first experiences can be very unnerving (Hell, what can you compare them to, in order to prepare yourself?)

Well I'll be fine, I get nervous going to someones house for the first time.

As far as flying, me being a Christian I trust God to keep me safe, so I'll take comfort in that and also listen to plenty of music to keep from being bored, maybe watch the in flight movie if they have one and if its good.

That is a problem.

And I've never taken a cab either.

Some possible suggestions:

• If another friend is around the area, have them pick you up (kinda looks at Kate for this, but she might be driving her other friend).
• The Hotel, being higher class, might already have a free shuttle. Ergo, ask them.

Is Kate driving there? lol

And yea I can look into whether they have a shuttle, that would be cool, I rather not think of what a cab would cost, maybe not a bunch, but with gas how it is, lol.

[katelynisspecial]

Yuuji --

Yeah, your letter made it! I have to write back =)
And I just had my last day at KI this past Sunday, now I have to work on finding a new job.
Also, I had my homecoming Saturday, which was fun. But I can't post pictures because they're all with my one friend, and she doesn't think she looks good, so I'm not allowed to show them >_>

Zelor --

No, we're getting dropped off, I think. Your best bet will probably be a cab. For one person, not far, it shouldn't be that bad.

I don't know what else to say, nothing much has happened xDD