Just a few notes from the housekeeper
by javabeans
(Random) SONG OF THE DAY
김연우 (Kim Yeon Woo) – “청소 하는 날” (cleaning day) [ zShare download ]
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In a nutshell:
- (More) web issues.
- Updates on this site.
- Possible future drama watching.
Edited to add: Media Temple rocks. Their support and hosting services are top-notch, and they’ve made my life ever so much less frustrating. In fact, if not for their level of helpful support, I’d have been sorely tempted to throw in the towel on numerous occasions. Never once have they made me feel stupid, although believe me I’ve felt it plenty of times.
Unfortunately, I’ve had to take Coffee Prince direct song links down. You can still download all the songs via batch links, but I said when the direct links killed my site I’d have to kill the links. Both died tonight, and the site is reviving without the links. I don’t know if someone linked to them somewhere but I got an incredibly sudden, drastic spike that completely disabled my server and I had to reconfigure some settings to get back online.
Web stuff blah:
(I should really just label all this stuff as How To Become an Accidental, Reluctant Systems Admin.)
Phew. I’ve learned, never say never. It’s probably a very good thing I didn’t know anything about web hosting until I actually did it, because if I’d known in advance all I’d need to know to run my own server, there’s probably no way I’d have been persuaded to do it. Nothing scares me more than having to configure settings on systems I’ve never heard about until about two seconds before I have to configure them.
The site has been running excruciatingly (or maybe just very; but it sure feels excruciating to me) slowly over the past few days, so I looked into what was going on, and bandwidth was one likely factor. The numbers probably mean nothing to you, but let’s just say that yesterday hit a new high at over 43GB of data transfer, which is fairly high (and especially for a mere blog). I considered taking down my media links (or a good chunk of them), but I’m stubborn and greedy and was determined to do what I could NOT to have to take em down.
It also looked like I was maxing out my max connections on apache, and we’ll just make a long story short of how I sweat bullets figuring out how to use Linux, access my root server, edit my config files connecting to SSH via putty, then reboot the server when I really didn’t have any idea what any of those things were. Or are. I’ve probably used all these terms wrongly, but that just goes to show how over my head this stuff is. Now that I’ve done it, of course, it seems simple, but when you’re wondering, “Uh, what exactly is apache again?,” those command lines are awfully hard to execute.
Now for words that make sense:
I had a Last.fm widget going in the sidebar for a bit, but that felt kind of vain so I took it down. If you care about the music listening habits of a stranger, here’s my Last.fm profile page.
Coffee Prince scripts posted through Episode 13.
If you’re not keeping track, Coffee Prince’s Unofficial Soundtrack is updated through Episode 14. The list isn’t entirely comprehensive, but I’ve done what I can to locate the most prominently used tracks. For instance, not all background tracks are identified every single time they’re played. That gets kind of tedious, and frankly I think including every little tiny thing actually detracts from the composition of the whole. (What I mean by that is, I’d rather locate the most significant song placements rather than get bogged down looking for every single measure of music ever used. But that’s just me.)
Upcoming dramas:
I don’t know which drama(s) I’m going to be watching next. I’m not that interested in what I’ve heard of the upcoming dramas (seems sageuk is coming back in full force?), so I may watch something that isn’t airing live. It will probably NOT include Time of Wolf and Dog (not my style), Karl/Oh Soo Jung (should’ve been a great concept, but man is the directing bland), or Bottom of the 9th with 2 Outs (I hear it’s all right, but getting past an admittedly slow beginning is a lot to ask of an impatient viewer). Golden Bride doesn’t appeal to me, and what little I’ve seen of Snow in August strikes me as overdramatic and shrill.
See, I may watch a lot of dramas, but I’m pretty picky. Either it’s gotta be good, awesomely bad, or easily entertaining (which includes subcategories cheesy, fluffy, and/or mockable).
On my list of possibilities are Taereung National Village (off to a pleasant start), or perhaps risque sex-themed cable comedy-drama Hyena. I may finally get to Thank You but at this point I feel like the excitement has passed, and it seems there were already plenty of invigorating discussions while it was still airing. Alone in Love is on my must-watch list and I fully expect to fall in love, but I haven’t been in the mood to start it. Similarly, cable drama Someday has always seemed interesting despite its mixed reviews, but I haven’t been in the mood to start. I’d love to catch quirky vampire sitcom Hello Francesca (whose director went on to Soulmate) but I haven’t found it readily available.
Since you probably have a decent idea as to my (weird) taste in dramas by now, got any suggestions? Anything in particular that I’ve just gotta see?
Tags: bloggy
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1 Mics
August 15, 2007 at 10:33 AM
I remember you said before that you'd do summaries for Devil are you still going to do that? I don't even know why I'm asking you that, lol. I'm not a fan of any of the actors there. I heard that the drama was good though I haven't watched any of it yet. Anyway, whatever you do I'll be sure to read =)
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2 jellyfish
August 15, 2007 at 10:37 AM
You should definitely catch Thank You, even if its an old (as in not currently airing) drama =).
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3 Bamidele
August 15, 2007 at 10:41 AM
if only there was a Soulmate 2 to watch :(
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4 Fritz
August 15, 2007 at 10:49 AM
On Hello Francesca, I have watched the first part of this sitcon and I say it's pretty hilarious, to think that I have to watch the action and read the sub at the same time. I'm hoping you would give consideration on this, since I am also looking for the second part, and have not found any source so far.
You did a great job on Coffee Prince, and I am really falling in love with all the coffee princes. Keep up the good work.
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5 eej
August 15, 2007 at 11:08 AM
The Devil is an awesome series. I finally finished watching it last night with English subs., ofcourse. I highly recommend for you to consider this show. It's dark, different and quite a thrilling ride.
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6 stargazer377
August 15, 2007 at 11:11 AM
i agree with Bamidele -- if only Soulmate 2 came out. but i highly recommend Alone in Love. i have to say though, CP has been spoiling me too and idk if i'll start up anything just yet as well... maybe some of the old ones you've recommended. but good luck sorting out all the website admin. problems!! and if i'm not mistaken, i think silentregrets has Hello Francesca. thanks for all your hard work!!!!
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7 anonymous
August 15, 2007 at 11:13 AM
both devil and thank you were wonderful...and i'm currently also watching hana kimi ~ikemen paradise~. it's silly as heck, which makes it cute to watch. plus, it stars oguri shun from hanadan as sano izumi. XP i'm also quite enjoying time of dog and wolf and hyena looks really interesting, thank you for you work!
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8 La Plume
August 15, 2007 at 11:15 AM
Ahem La Plume = Deedlith
Like Mics said I remember you saying you were planning to watch "Mawang" which seemed like a pretty awesome show... I have only watched 4 episodes didn't get hooked though, but maybe I was simply not in the mood to watch it.
Though you said "Time between Dog and Wolf" was not your style, honestly I feel it's a pity.
It's not my kind of drama either, but I gave it a try because of Lee Jun Ki and I find it extremmelly exciting ^^ The drama was just good until episode 5 but it really picked up at episode 6 and now I feel almost as addicted as Coffee Prince ^^ The suspens is killing me!
As of shows which were already aired... It's unlikely you would do a review about that but Jumong was one of the best drama I've ever seen...
I don't really have any idea 'cuz the shows you've planned not to do a review seem more interesting to me than the one you're thinking of doing one...
Hope you'll get something you like... If it's interesting I'll give a try to these shows, still I would avoid "Thank you", I didn't manage to watch two episodes I was already bored. Reason why I avoided "Flower for my life" ^^ Sorry. Should have given it a chance but well not a lot of space, not my style so that was it.
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9 Ima
August 15, 2007 at 11:20 AM
I've seen Alone in Love last year and it's actually one of my favorites. If the series is a person, I can describe it as a quiet, a bit laid-back yet intense individual. The critics are so-so about it, I think they find the theme too ordinary (they're so wrong). But that didn't dampen my interest of finding out why and how the two leading characters divorced when they obviously still love each other (as what the plot description says).
Their story is poignant yet their bickerings as ex-husband and wife, as well as the supporting characters (the best friend and the sister), were all surprisingly a comic relief albeit this was supposedly a drama. I have to commend the actors for their brilliant performance, it's very natural and engaging.
Though I have to say towards the ending, some episodes became a little bit of a drag. But the last eppy wasn't a disappointment. It's as real as it can get.
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10 nixxochick
August 15, 2007 at 11:21 AM
i think Thank You is a great drama...yeah its a bit late since its no longer airing but nevertheless its really great!
Alone in Love is also great....
but im pretty sure anything you pick to take on would be enjoyable
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11 Javabeans
August 15, 2007 at 11:27 AM
Yes, I'd considered watching Devil/Mawang at one point. I still may -- even though I know the ending, it keeps getting raves. Plus, Mr. X seemed to really like it and that's always a stamp of approval. I have managed to locate a clubbox with Hello Francesca so I'll see how the first episode goes (if I watch it streaming, no screencaps!). I hear the third season wasn't as great, but the first and second should be better. I'm not a historical/sageuk fan (although I hear the Hong sisters might write one, in which case I'll have to try) but Jumong... eek, anything with that many episodes scares me off. And I hear that the constant extensions only served to degrade the quality, which started out excellent but watered down by the end. And LOL to La Plume, because it seems we have completely opposite tastes -- guess we must've happened to meet in the middle with Coffee Prince :)
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12 Jessica
August 15, 2007 at 11:57 AM
Holy... 43 GB in one day! But then seeing the number of comments you're getting on the Coffee Prince posts this doesn't surprise me.
So I guess... congratulations on your success? :)
Thanks so much!
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13 JooJinMooLovesME
August 15, 2007 at 12:21 PM
Alone in Love is one of my ALL TIME FAVORITES. Its story, blended with the beautiful mood music, and the light comedy/tragedy that each character goes through that is purely human that makes it such a wonderful drama to watch over and over again.
I would be excited to read updates on Hyena and Someday. I own both, both haven't really started watching them due to time limitations. Though, I wouldn't really call Hyena the male version of Sex and the City, even though it is advertised that way.
Thanks for the frequent updates to your website. It keeps my workday going :D
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14 blueseeker
August 15, 2007 at 12:22 PM
I actually think you should give Thank you a chance, particularly if you liked Flowers for my life so much. If you start watching Alone in love and Someday please let me know what you think because i have not been in the mood to start it either but am rather curious. I feel there are not many kdramas right now worth to watch but it seems capital scandal, how to meet the perfect neighbor and just maybe golden era of a daughter in law. If you are a total addict like me lets try branching out to some jdramas at least until september comes around and we can get back on track....hehe.
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15 amy
August 15, 2007 at 12:35 PM
How about Ruler of Your Own World (As you wish) if you haven't watched it? It's a drama not to miss!
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16 mangoicy
August 15, 2007 at 12:59 PM
You're absolutely right.. the first half of your post above makes no sense to me whatsoever. LOL!
Recommendation: Of all the currently airing dramas, honestly, nothing is sparking my interest right now. I tried to watch 9th Inning 2 Outs. God.. *no offense to its loyal viewers* but words cannot describe how boring it was. I gave up after the first 2-3 episodes. The progress was way too slow, the storyline was too predictable, the acting was too mediocre. And we all know, TOO much of anything is not good for you -especially if they're all negatives-. Time of Wolf and Dog was too heavy for my taste, and Lee JunKi and Nam SangMi are lacking chemistry (again, sorry!). And that lack of chemistry is also the reason why I don't bother to watch Get Karl! (did I say sorry already?).
On a (much) lighter note! Some of the ones worth-mentioning, which you haven't covered for one reason or another, are Thank You (best of this year, extremely well-rated) and Capital Scandal (excellent drama, way way underrated).. But, as you've mentioned.. the train has left the platform, and I don't know if reviewing them now would be of your best interest. If, by any chance, you had not had a chance to watch these two (though I highly doubt it), may I suggest that you spare some extra time, even if you were not going to write anything about them. They were simply flawless in my book.
Then again, it's your blog, and you can write about whatever pleased you. I'm happy enough to get the chance to read your excellent writing -whatever it's all about-.
You rock!
err.. my socks! ~eek~
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17 eeky
August 15, 2007 at 1:13 PM
Oh man! I totally agree on your list of dramas NOT TO SEE!
I've previewed them all also and I dont like anything! "Time of Wolf and Dog , Karl/Oh Soo Jung, Bottom of the 9th with 2 Outs, Golden Bride etc. Just overly dramatic and sappy not humorous.
So i've been complying with my lil gag shows like "star king" "ya shim" and such
until I get to preview "I am Sam" with yang dong gun and top. Let me know what you see. I want to Hello Francesca also!
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18 soomp
August 15, 2007 at 1:23 PM
o my lord, how i know the pain and heartache of trying to figure out how to run your own server! if only there was an "idiot's guide to sysadmin 101 for dummies" or something that told you exactly what apache and my.cnf settings you need for your current situation! (-_-)
i really love how you have so much music for us on your site, but hosting the mp3s on your server is really cramping your (server's) style :x. my suggestion would be to continue having the mp3 streams (random song of the day, appropriate song that matches the scene), cuz i love that part ^^;, but not have any mp3's for download directly from your server -- only from those 3rd party download sites. i think it will make a huge difference on your server performance... hehhhhhhh
*pat pat pat* treat yourself to a cookie or something delicious :)
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19 tory
August 15, 2007 at 1:40 PM
I'm a bit afraid to get hooked on to other k dramas especially after my obsession over CP haha, but I'm sure your next choice will be awesome. Can't wait!
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20 nycgal5
August 15, 2007 at 1:47 PM
Hmmm...what about Rude Woman/Outrageous Women? It's a little old but someone told me it was good. Not as good as Coffee Prince though.
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21 GreenT
August 15, 2007 at 2:01 PM
Javabeans, I agree with you on Karl/Oh Soo Jung ,Bottom of the 9th with 2 Outs , &Golden Bride. Golden Bride's fake Viet girl's acting is really bad and overdone that's why I was really put off by it on the first ep. Didn't see Snow in August so no comments. My kids like watching Time of Wolf&Dog. We all watch the Eng.sub versions done by the WITH S2 Fansubs group.....(side note: you all are so generous with your time, we appreciate it a whole bunch).
I like watching Capital Scandals too, it's a bit dorky sometimes but really interesting to watch.
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22
August 15, 2007 at 2:05 PM
I would suggest skipping over Mawang. It was good, but it's pretty slow. There were times where I got frustrated with how stiff everyone stood, but that's probably because I'm used to having the actors move around a lot like in Kim Sam Soon, Delightful Girl, Coffee Prince, and Dal Ja's Spring. I think it's the type of drama you could skip out on. Thank You is a good drama to watch for characters, but the ending kinda disappointed me.
Now, for what you should watch. Capital Scandal as been pretty good so far, the main couple has been really entertaining to watch and doesn't follow all the normal cliches of dramas.
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23 Jubee1027
August 15, 2007 at 2:06 PM
I think you should watch 9 End 2 Outs. It's adorable to me. Thank You is a good watch and so is Alone in Love. The others are ok....
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24 kiwee
August 15, 2007 at 2:12 PM
oh god, please not capital scandal. that was way too much air city-esque-boring-terrorist-group-scheming-slash-maybe-it-wasnt-terrorist-but-very-unexciting. (as much as i love the main dude and girl).
and alone in love was ok. i thought it was pretty interesting in how they used a lot of characters, but frustrating in that they were so in denial. and the end was sort of abrupt. but whatever. i dont know if youd like thank you that much, because it was sort of melodramatic, but i watched it for the cute little girl. and the cute jang hyuk.
and the same for time of dog and wolf. dude there is way too much family-hatred-revenge-love-fate-y things going on there for me. even though i fell in love with the "good->evil" guy. (i get attached, what can i say)
i guess just wait and see what else.
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25 pizzamama
August 15, 2007 at 2:12 PM
I know you're not planning to watch Time Between Wolf and Dog and 9 end and 2 outs, but just in case you get curious in the future do not watch it. Time Between Wolf and Dog is a little over dramatic and the romance between the main two is not very well developed. 9 end and 2 outs is really, really slow. On the eighth episode, the main two haven't even started looking at each other in a different light yet. At least with Coffee Prince and Dal Ja's Spring the main guy started to look at the main girl differently at that point. Both of the dramas are not nearly as good as the ones you've been watching so far.
You should try watching Nodame Cantible it's from one to two years, but it's really good. If you liked Hana Yori Dango, you should like it too.
Good luck in finding a new drama!
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