Well they've finally both arrived.

Icelandic Arrival

Music: Ágætis Byrjun by Sigur Ros

Well, it arrived, I opened the containing box, removed and opened the CD box (a very nice cardboard one), removed the CD, set it in the player, and was transported to a blissful paradise. Sigur Ros have really captured the barren, frosty landscapes, that I imagine Iceland to contain, and Jón Þor Birgisson's voice (the Þ being said 'th', as in 'thing', but not as in 'this' - it's a soft 'th'. The ð is a 'th', pronounced as the start of 'this'); I say, Jón's voice seems to represent the singing doves that fly around the Icelandic air. I'm getting a bit sentimental already, but, all in all, I like the album, but have only listened to it twice, and I feel that it's the sort of music that you should listen to occasionally. It's sort of a bit over-sugared, if you know what I mean, and could actually get a bit irritating if listened to for prolonged periods. I think so, anyway.

Japanese Arrival

Music: Lullaby for the Moon composed and performed by various Japanese musicians

Now that this has finally arrived, I can write this entry. I haven't even listened to the whole of it yet - I had to pull myself away to come downstairs and eat something - but from what I've heared, it is fantastic. No, that's not good enough: it is beautiful. Two instruments can be heared on the album - Koto (こと ), the long, zither instrument, strung with 13 silk strings; and Shakuhachi (しゃくはち ), the end-blown bamboo flute. I simply love the sounds of both instruments, and to hear them playing this traditional Japanese music, is just such a delight. There are eight pieces on the album, and the two instruments appear in many various combinations: one of each; Shakuhachi duet; Koto trio; two Shakuhachi and a Koto; two of each; and solo Koto. I'll certainly be listening to this while reading Battle Royale. But by the time I get on to reading it, I might actually be living in Japan - so, I could be having a completely Japanese experience. Except, unfortunately, I'll be reading the book in the English language.

Word of the Week

A much belated continuation of the series. The word is:

Poised

poised adj. 1 composed, self-assured. 2 (often foll. by for, or to + infin.) ready for action.

Definition courtesy of the Concise Oxford Dictionary

Well, that's what the OED has to say about it. The word just sort of makes me smile, as will most of the Words of the Week. I usually apply it to my mum, when she's stood around with her apron on, spatula in hand, inevitably off to do or get something, but can't quite think of what it is. So there she is, poised, on her toes, just waiting to remember what it was she was trying to find.

And off she goes.

Poised. It doesn't look as good written down, though. It's much nicer when spoken. Until next time.