Once more, with feeling?

I took Spanish and French classes in High school and at University, with mixed results. I can speak a little Spanish and read a little french, but probably not enough to carry a conversation. Yet, as it often does in the fall, my urge to learn another language, fluently, has reared it's head.

The first one that comes to mind is Japanese, but for shallow reasons. I like manga, anime, and the rich culture. Not sure I'd ever visit the country, so outside of being a possible Weeaboo, the applications are limited.

Then comes my own heritage and culture; Hebrew or Yiddish. I know a little of both, stray words here and there that have been peppered into my daily life. But my contact with that side of the family is minimal, and another venture where I'd have little chance to use it.

There's always re-learning Spanish, probably the most useful in my area, but with little reward. I managed okay the first time, but it wasn't of that much interest.

I could learn Russian and induce Hubby to re-learn it alongside me, but aside from having our own communication system, it's a limited application.

German interested me; I'm part German, I work for Volkswagen, and I started on that path with Duo-Lingo. But that went nowhere.

I'm torn. Aside from theater all attempts at a hobby have fallen away. Do I have the wherewithal to try this again? And if so, what do I start with?

Out of everything, Japanese seems the most interesting, and with the most application to my own interests. But can I really justify learning the language just to watch movies and read manga? Can I reduce a rich culture down for the possibility of running into another speaker? A country I'll probably never go to? I don't know.

Does it make me a Weeaboo?

Clowns to the left of me, clowns to the right.

So, clowns have invaded two towns in South Carolina. Children report the figures are trying to lure them into the woods with money. With over 2 months until Halloween, it's a little early for antics this hardcore. And that's coming from someone who's favorite book is literally about a clown stalking and killing children.

Also, they're a giant spider. Not kidding.

My original joke was that this was a marketing campaign for the new IT remake. There's speculation that it's viral marketing for Rob Zombie's new film 31. If this was the case I'd assume it'd happen in more places, with less emphasis on kids. No studio or director is going to want a promoter shot in the name of marketing. There's reports of residents randomly firing into the woods to deter the clowns. So...yay.

I'm all for scaring kids, creepy clowns, and horror movies. But this is a step too far. Scare kids on Halloween, in haunted houses, or a hayride. Not in their backyard, unannounced.

Best case, this is misguided marketing. Most likely it's a prank.

I don't want to consider the option that mentally ill people are doing this, and what they might intend. Killer Klowns are one thing, Creepy people are another.