1st Plan; text

[blondtactician]

Hello, this is Armin Arlert. I've met one or two of you already, but I'm new to this place. This is my first attempt at making a post, so bear with me.

First of all, I'd like to thank everyone who's made very informative and interesting posts recently. There is a lot here to understand and adjust to, and I appreciate the effort it must take to compile that sort of knowledge.

I have a few questions.

1. This might seem like an obvious distinction, but is there an actual difference between men and women's soaps and such? I purchased some items and the clerk asked if I was shopping for my girlfriend. I don't really care one way or another, but I'm curious.

2. I am attending high school, and several people have asked me if I'd be interested in joining their club or sports team. Is participating in extracurricular generally beneficial to my entire education experience, and if so, are there any groups which are superior?

3. On a similar note, I am making a list of suggested reading materials to work on over the summer while I am not in school. I would appreciate any suggestions, particularly of books that would offer good insight into America and living here, or that you enjoyed growing up. I'm also at a loss where to begin when it comes to choosing what music to listen to, which is apparently a large factor in the forming of youth sub-groups and identity. What bands and singers do you like?

4. I sometimes feel as though we are under constant scrutiny here. Maybe I'm just not used to this much attention. How are you holding up? [This, of course, is the most important question: Armin doesn't want to ask outright hey is anyone else being followed?]

Thank you for your time and patience at this overly long message. I hope my next one will be better.

Comments

[everylittlething]

[Aw, he must be some kind of exchange student!]



Let's see!

1. Women's soaps usually smell like fruit or flowers, and men's soaps smell kind of weird and "rugged." But they all get you clean the exact same way.

2. It can be fun to be in a club because you'll make friends with similar interests! But you should probably actually be interested in the club you join.

3. Music-wise, I like rock bands like the Gavinners, but I haven't been able to find anything about them here. I'll have to get back to you on books.

4. Holding up what?

[blondtactician]

1. Yes, most of the "Men's care" stuff had a harsh smell, which is why I picked things with an "ocean breeze" scent. So I wasn't wrong in assuming they were the same?

2. Good point. Some of the club subjects seem quite interesting to me, but I also want to make sure whatever I sign up for is good use of my time.

3. I keep seeing/hearing the term 'rock bands' come up. Can you tell me more about these?

4. I meant, Are you dealing with it alright? Does it bother you?

[everylittlething]

1. Nope! You're right. They all work the same. Though I think "ocean" is kind of a gender-neutral scent, actually.

2. What was interesting to you?

3. A rock band! You know, like rock and roll. They play loud music with guitars and drums and usually with a dreamy lead singer with long hair. It's fun to dance or headbang to.

4. Yeah, I'm okay so far. I guess I don't do anything to worry about being watched for.

Unless you're talking about my daddy constantly scrutinizing me. But that's a dad thing.

[isaytheeneigh]

They actually bother to have a difference between men and women's soaps?

[He's remarking upon that because he doesn't know the answer to the rest of the questions. ... Except for the one where he feels watched. Jean definitely feels that way, but he isn't just going to say it here.]

[blondtactician]

That seems to be the case, yes.

I bought you some deodorant. It has hawks fighting on the package.

[selfequipped]

I think people have the soap question covered, so I'll skip ahead. But for what it's worth, wear what you like, and use what you like.

2. Extracurricular activities are good for getting into college, if that's the path you want to follow. It might help you make friends and integrate yourself better into society here. Either way, you'll end up doing something fun. I did fencing in high school! It's become rather useful.

3. Check out a recommended reading list. Virginia Woolf is a favorite of mine, and Toni Morrison. Look into the Harry Potter books, too! And once you're done, join Pottermore. :) Music-wise, check out Dvorak and I'd give you a couple Russian composers, but the government might raise a red flag about that. Otherwise, Bruce Springsteen and the Beatles.

4. We've been under scrutiny the entire time, but it's a lot more obvious now. I'm holding up all right, but it's curious, isn't it?

And don't worry about lengthy—I beat you on that just yesterday!

[blondtactician]

Would chess team or debate be better for college? Both build a skill set with good applications.

I'll write those down. I recall seeing Toni Morrison come up on a list of frequently banned books, which interests me. What is Pottermore?

It is. It seems like people have a lot riding on us.

I read your post yesterday, sorry I didn't comment, but I didn't have anything new to add.

video;

[iampretty]

For music, somebody recommended me...ah, Nine Inch Nails and Alice in Chains. [said with the smallest attempt at a smile, THANKS, TATE.] So those might be popular?

Anyway, I wouldn't know about books that offer a good insight into America--though one of my coworkers does enjoy US Weekly.

video;

[blondtactician]

[Armin replies with video, pausing a moment to write down both of those names.] Thanks, I'll look into them.

You're not from America either?

[symmachy]

The only difference in the soap is if you want to smell like a high school boys' locker room or good.

[blondtactician]

I definitely preferred the scents I picked, but I am, by definition, a high school boy.

text :

[alofts]

I have a gift card to iTunes I don't need.

Yes, it's really spelled like that.

[blondtactician]

What is iTunes? A music store?

VOICE.

[soldiarity]

I've been asked the same thing. Which sports team? I haven't been able to make any decisions.

voice;

[blondtactician]

Baseball or track. I guess they thought I'm fast, which is pretty funny. I'm just in good shape. [A small laugh.] What about you? There's this team sport called football, or I guess they also do wrestling?

Video

[foreshadower]

[ Asking about books!!! HELLO... ]

Some would likely recommend anything by [ A pause, as if he's a little disappointed with himself at even mentioning it. ] Mark Twain, if you want the authentic American experience.

Personally, you may wish to start with To Kill a Mockingbird, or Animal Farm, if you're feeling allegorical. [ A pause. ] Or for something light, read some Poe.

video;

[blondtactician]

[The person who answers is young, fresh-faced, even appearing somewhat gentle and retiring, but with an air of precision and discipline about him when he speaks. He seems to be in a library, and at the tail-end of writing down those answers when he begins recording the video.]

Hmm. A lot of these are on the list of frequently banned books. I'll definitely have to give them a look. [A small smile.] Thank you.

[hostage]

I could totally send you some music right now if you want

[blondtactician]

That would be nice, if it's not too much trouble.

video;

[filthyworld]

Slow down.

There's zero reason to go to school. You know that, right? Oh--and if you want music and poetry, I'm a huge fan of a lot of things. You can borrow some music or we could listen to it, if you wanted to.

[blondtactician]

[Armin turns on video to reply. He raises an eyebrow.] There are reasons to go to school. I wasn't raised in this world, I have a lot of learning to do.

I've never been much one for poetry, but I'm very curious about music. Mostly that there's so much of it that it's hard to know where to start. It might be fun to listen to some of it together.

text

[gevurah]

Hey, it's Kate again. Redhead Kate.

[ As he's met the other fabulous Kate now. ]

There's a lot of musicians I like. Peaches, Blondie, Reverend Horton Heat, classic Madonna. The 69 Eyes but they might not exist here.

[blondtactician]

Thank you for the recommendations, Miss Kate. Are you well?

voice;

[pyms]

Extracurriculars are a fantastic opportunity for you to engage other people in your age group. I really encourage you to participate as much as possible. Don't let anyone tell you that one club is superior than another, they all give you the chance to socialize with others and develop skills you never know you'll need later on and can't gain in an academic setting.

Choose something you like, or think you might like. Something you've never thought about doing before and just go on, give it a crack!

voice;

[blondtactician]

[The voice is a young one: a boy of 15, delicate and precise.] I am trying my best to gain some practical social understanding in addition to trying to catch up to this world's history and scientific knowledge.

You sound like you speak from experience. I'm guessing you did extracurriculars when you were younger?