Awkward Stereotypes

You know those people who are just so awkward when it comes to stereotypes that they seemingly walk on glass when they are around you? Well, I had such an experience today. Though it is of course in their interest not to hurt you and try to be polite and politically correct, said persons usually overcompensate.
Take for example our biochemistry teacher. She has had a tough year with us, and she is trying to win us back, much against the odds. Her English isn't great, thus she can sometimes say things in very funny ways.
Take today for example, when she was explaining to us vitamin D's importance to the human organism. The point she was trying to get across was that people with fairer skin tone have an increased production rate of vitamin D in exposure to sunlight. Reversely, darker people have a reduced production, and thus need more sunlight to make the necessary amount of vitamin.
She somehow managed to twist this into a very funny situation. See, I was sitting next to my fellow Swedish classmate who happens to be platinum blond, so the teacher instinctively turned her as she mentioned how the "blondie race" have a higher production rate of vitamin D, due to lighter hair and "purer skin". Those words exactly. We all just started laughing in the class at the situation, my friend felt comically targeted and singled out. Then of course the teacher had to explain what happened to the other "race", i.e. the darker people.  As she was fumbling over how to best explain the opposite of the "pure skin" people without sounding horrible, I quickly intervened, anticipating the train wreck about to happen. I jokingly confirmed that I was having terrible problems with my Vitamin D production in this Polish winter, with there being no sun and all. The teacher gave a small sigh of what probably was relief, and we carried on.
I think this little story is a good example of how we should treat these situations with awkward stereotypes, not as personal insults, but as opportunities for humor. Especially when, as in the case with this teacher, there is no intention to hurt, but just an honest mistake/language barrier. In my class we all laughed, we are used to these things and just find them funny now. This is a fine line though, being able to laugh at racist jokes/mis-sayings, but still making sure that it is all kept alright. It very much depends on the people and the situations, so the accepted norm seems to change from time to time. Then again, it is only awkward if you make it awkward... right?

Ode to the Tune

I feel the time has come to talk about something very close to my heart. Something that has been with me since my early high school years, and continues to be a big part of my day. It is the reason I get up every morning. I do not resent it for bringing me out of my sleep, rather I thank it for bidding me welcome to the world of the living. Without it I would not be the person that I am today. Thus, let me take some time out, and give my dear morning alarm tune the praise it deserves.
This is no simple tune, pre-installed by the powers that be Samsung Electronics, no, far from it. This is an actual full length song which became quite famous when it was released in 2003. Indeed, it was even used by the Polaroid Group to revitalize people's fading perception of those self-developing film cameras. Even though it might not have been able to single-handedly resurrect that industry, it certainly breathes new life into me each morning. Personally, I think its purpose is duly fulfilled.
Bet you want to know what song I am talking about. Maybe you have already figured it out. We'll, good on you, Sherlock Holmes! For the mortals in my audience, bear with me just a while longer.
As in the case with Pavlov's Dog, everytime I listen to this song I immediately associate it with waking up. I get a slight burst of energy every time I hear those lyrics: "One, two, three,uh!". I do not know if this is strictly normal, it may even be borderline mental, conditioning myself with the use of tunes like that. I have yet to salivate profusely though, so I think it is alright for the time being.

Figured it out yet? Think you've got it? Well, let me tell you. Got it just don't get it till there is nothing at all.

Ok. I have toyed with you enough, and if you have made it all the way down here without losing interest, you deserve your reward. I shall now share with you this tune that has been my steady companion for many years. You know what they say, nothing is forever, so what makes (what makes) this song the exception? Guess you'll find out.

*Warning* this brilliant song has been known to cause spontaneous dancing of joy. Listen with caution  especially if you find yourself at a boarding school where such movement of the body is highly frowned upon. 

As you were. Here it is. Go on, click it (song starts at 1:01) ===> http://bit.ly/V8BWIj

Steez Monkeys

Everyone has that one thing that they like a little bit too much. For some it is Nutella, others have an excessive obsession of Justin Bieber, and some people cannot think of a better spread than Marmite. Whatever the case it is usually a bit odd, but for the person themselves it makes complete sense.
I have this too I believe, but for something arguably more eccentric. I happen to think that Steez Monkeys might just be the coolest thing on the planet. I am not wrong either, think about it, name 5 things cooler than a  chilled out monkey in headphones. I know right? I couldn't think of many things either.
It started out with me having one of these monkeys on my notebook. Beautiful notebook that, and I think it is from this the fetish, if you will, started.
I also have a poster with the most epic Steez Monkey. It is that one with the monkey listening to some tunes and being generally awesome. Great poster.
In honour of that which is Monkey Art, I decided to include some of my favorites in one collage. Some Steez, some not. All fabulous.