Friday, January 21, 2011

I hope I don't find myself in any chemical warzones this weekend, I haven't yet had my chance to read up.

Today's learnings:

-Razor wire is actually easier to cut through than barbed wire, but is considered effective in combat situations for being a psychological deterrant.

-There's a "Barbed Wire History Museum" in Illinois.

-Horses panic more easily than other animals (which I guess I knew already but hadn't really considered)

I'll take this opportunity to present you with my favourite work research (discursion) discovery to date: Buzkashi

If you ever are at an awkward loss in a social situation, you could bring this up.
I was translating something about someone who went on a mission to Khandahar and then I thought to myself "I know literally nothing about Afghanistan, I wonder what kind of entertainment culture they have?" You know, because that's not only relevant, but also all I need to know for the text I'm working on.
Then, unfortunately, I found their national sport. Buzkashi. Essentially it's like polo, but instead, guess what they throw around. Guess. I'll give you a clue, it's like a goat, but without a head. Still don't get it? Me neither. But it's a headless fucking goat. They try and toss it over a goal line into a vat or something.

What's wrong with soccer?
I assumed someone had been trolling poor old Afghanistan's Wikipedia page, but alas, it's not only real, but a big thing in all the "-istan" countries. When the Taliban were calling the shots, they banned it for being immoral. I never thought I would agree with the Taliban on something, although I'm sure they were trying to stop the happiness and fun of fans and participants, and not injustice towards goats.

Really, Afghanistan?
No wonder horses panic so much, they're afraid of having to partake in things like this.

Other discoveries:

-The BASE in BASE jumping stands for stuff you can jump off: Buildings, Antennae, Spans, Earth

-Anne Hathaway is next in line to play Cat Woman. What is she going to do, bore her victims to death?

2 comments:

  1. I find your quick summation of the talents of Anne Hathaway to be just. I saw the last fifteen minutes of 'The Princess Diaries' by accident and I wish her nothing but a lack of success in her future.

    In the barbed wire museum I assume they have at least a wing dedicated to http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0o2Sl1EmBjM/S_S9U7ZIPqI/AAAAAAAAU64/iY3RmIQeTjY/s1600/Barb+Wire+%281996%29+%28In+Hindi%29.jpg

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  2. She's "the girl next door," but not even next door to you or anyone you know. Like the neighbour of a stranger. About as interesting.

    And yes, one could understandably assume there's a Pamela Anderson wing. I bet they get asked a lot and reply something like "No, we take barbed wire very seriously here!"

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