"The world is nothing more...

...than all the tiny things you left behind." Gran Torino, Jamie Cullum and Clint Eastwood. 

Ah me, another rainy day. My roomie and I were reminiscing about those vague memories of finals last spring, featuring blue skies and gentle breezes and picnic study sessions by the lake. I vaguely remember wondering if I had anything both dressy enough for graduation and cool enough to be out that long--I don't think that will be a problem this year. 

I have one paper left (a memo for Foreign Policy: 4-6 single-spaced pages, addressing the Oil and Terrorism Crises in Nigeria), four classes (two Philosophy classes and two Physics Classes), two physics homework assignments, three afternoons of work, and four finals left before I am DONE. I'm so very close, but all I want to do is sleep...a temptation to which I yielded this afternoon for an hour or so. It was lovely. The cloudy day and mood music (it came with the room; I had nothing to do with it--honest!) don't help my lethargy very much. (I tried to switch to something more upbeat, but my head started to simply pound, so I gave in and let the music have its way. It has been mostly soundtracks from such as Amelie, Zorro, Prince Caspian, Lord of the Rings, Goodbye Lenin, Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium, and then a little Jamie Cullum and Pink Martini. Only the peaceful songs (also only the melancholy  songs). 

I'm not sure why this is my favorite music, but it really is. When I want peace, this is what appears...even if I don't turn on itunes, I find myself humming "My Father's Favorite" from Sense and Sensibility or one of Yo-yo Ma's Cello Suites as are on Master and Commander. Today it was Tchaikovky's Sleeping Beauty Waltz. Though if you were to ask me, I would certainly say that classical music is not my favorite--but I love the stories that come into my mind with this music--I can't for the life of me remember music except by what movie it comes from, and honestly that goes for pop, classical...everything. There are a very few artists who stick in my mind as real people, and their voices or music are quite distinct to me, and information about their songs (years, albums, tours, etc.) are also clear because it seems like you're just talking about a friend--like Bing Crosby, for example, or the Beach Boys. 

Dear me, here I am rambling about music when I ought to be writing a memo. Sigh. I can hardly express how little I care about American policy regarding the Nigeria oil problem...the religious persecution part is somewhat more interesting. It appears that since Islam is growing significantly in Nigeria, with 12 northern states instigating Sharia law since 1999 and an increase in radical Jihad (including various links to Al Qaeda) the persecution especially against Christians has become unbelievable. 

This matters a surprising amount to America because Nigeria is the #1 petroleum and natural gas exporter from Africa, as well as possessing the largest oil and gas reserves. Since the energy crisis in '73, one of America's vital interests has been to protect her top ten oil suppliers (Nigeria is number 5). Our national security requires oil, but the supplier is only as stable as the country producing it, which in Nigeria's case may become troublesome. This seemingly small issue of religious persecution (which, in terms of human rights we have ignored quite successfully as a nation so far) is capable of triggering a pretty nasty recession (even more so, I mean), job loss, and threats to national security...now if only I could make that into politicalese and stick it in a memo. :/

Humm, it's stopped raining. 

In other news, I went to the play last night and tonight, and it was absolutely fabulous. How we manage to do what we do with the people we have, the lack of facilities or money...we are awesome. :) The directors this semester chose Twelfth Night and set it "off Broadway" as between to play houses instead of in Shakespearian times. The fool (played as a kind of painter, crew person go-between) carries a bucket around with her and sings little interludes to help us keep up with the story as we watch Duke Orsino's Westside Story-themed "house" walk around in black leather jackets and flip around switchblades and Olivia's Sound of Music clad "house" skip around singing clips from the musical and playing pranks on each other. 

For the "yellow stockings" and "cross garter" Malvolio comes out wearing the most SHOCKING skinny yellow jeans. For every time "true love" happens (i.e., Olivia and Sebastian, Sir Toby and Maria, Viola and Orsino) the fool comes throws a handful of rosepetals all over them--very picturesque. As soon as pictures are sent out, they will be posted. 

The costumes start out in stark contrast, with Orsino's house wearing hot-pink and black and Olivia's wearing either black (in mourning) or green. Both houses gradually fade to red, and the butcher-papered and graffitied set was torn away bit by bit until you saw a beautifully painted rose outlined in black across a solid red background.  The two leading ladies came out in white dresses for their final scene (a puffy prom-like dress for Olivia and a delicate short white creation on Viola).

All in all, a fabulous play.  (Which reminds me of this cute sketch I found.)

Anyhow, I most definitely need to write that paper now. It is due in precisely 23 hours and 13 minutes. 

Isn't life ironic? My last school paper ever!!!