Editing Talk:Suzumiya Haruhi:Volume8 Wandering Shadow (section)

=='''Translator's Notes'''==

==='''Rembrandt'''===

Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (July 15, 1606– October 4, 1669) is generally considered one of the greatest painters and printmakers in European art history and the most important in Dutch history. His contributions to art came in a period that historians call the Dutch Golden Age (roughly coinciding with the seventeenth century), in which Dutch world power, political influence, science, commerce, and culture — particularly painting — reached their pinnacle.

"No artist ever combined more delicate skill with more energy and power," states Chambers' Biographical Dictionary. "His treatment of mankind is full of human sympathy" (J.O. Thorne: 1962).

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rembrandt for more info

==='''Rubens'''===

Peter Paul Rubens (June 28, 1577 – May 30, 1640) was the most popular and prolific Flemish and European painter of the 17th century. He was the proponent of an exuberant Baroque style which emphasized movement, color, and sensuality.

More info at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Paul_Rubens

=== '''Shar Pei''' ===

The dog breed Shar Pei originated in China and has the distinctive features of deep wrinkles and a blue-black tongue. The name (沙皮, pinyin: shā pí) translates to "sand skin," not because of color but because of texture. As puppies, Shar Pei have lots of wrinkles, but as they mature, the wrinkles disappear as they "grow into their skin". The American Kennel Club did not recognize the breed until 1991.

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shar_Pei

=== '''Tangut Inscriptions''' ===

By "Tangut Inscription on paper strips", Haruhi actually means charms, the type you usually see in chinese movies that are yellow and have red ink over them, which are commonly used to bind chinese vampires. Tangut is actually an ancient Tibetan language, and has no link whatsoever to chinese vampires. Haruhi is just speaking whatever pops into her mind.

Here's the link to the Tangut Language: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tangut_language

=== '''miko''' ===

There is no strict definition in English for miko, although "shrine maiden" is commonly used. Other terms that have been used as equivalents are prophet, medium, priestess, nun, witch, or sorceress. They are not actual priestesses, but can serve as clerics if needed. 

For additional information and photos, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miko

=== '''Hinamatsuri''' ===

Japanese "Doll Festival", or "Girl's Day" as it is affectionately known. It involves displaying a large set of ornamental dolls, which are also sometimes called "Princess Dolls".

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinamatsuri for more info and some pictures.

=== '''miko-mai''' ===

A ceremonial dance performed by miko.

=== '''Scottish Highlands White Terrier''' ===

West Highland White Terriers, commonly known as Westies, are a breed of dog known for their spirited personality and brilliant white coat. They are friendly, good with children, and thrive on lots of attention. They have black, penetrating eyes and small, pointed ears. Chances are, you've seen it before either in real life or in television.

For pictures and more info, go here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Highland_White_Terrier

=== '''French philosopher''' ===

Kyon is referring to Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a French philosopher that influenced the French Revolution. His first name, Jean-Jacques, is shortened by Haruhi into JJ, hence the nickname.

For more info, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Jacques_Rousseau

=== '''Sutra of Wisdom Perfection''' ===

The Sutra of Wisdom Perfection is part of the Mahayana Sutras and is a direct translation from the 
Sanskrit term prajña paramita. There are several other sutras under it, which include the Single Letter Transcendant Sutra and the Heart of Transcendant Wisdom Sutra.

For more info see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perfection_of_Wisdom and http://www.empty-universe.com/prajnaparamita/index.html

=== '''Shiba Inu''' ===

Yes apparently that is the official name given to this breed of dog. It is one of the six original and distinct breeds of dog from Japan.

For pictures see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiba_Inu

=== '''turn the calendars red''' ===

This is a saying that means taking an unofficial leave/being absent without reason. Most calendars mark Sundays and Holidays as red (i/e: the date is printed in red instead of the usual black/green), hence the saying.

=== '''Lactobacilli''' ===

A type of lactic acid bacteria that are present in the human gastrointestinal tract. They are benign and are often used in production of yogurts.

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lactobacillus

=== '''Escherichia coli''' ===

A type of bacteria that lives in the lower intestines of mammals, and are also known as gut flora. They are generally benign to humans.

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Escherichia_coli

=== '''Yamataikoku''' ===

An ancient country in Japan recorded in the Chinese History Book Sanguo Zhi (三國志) a.k.a Records of the Three Kingdoms. It was recorded to be the head of thirty allied countries, which were previously battling each other. 

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamataikoku

=== '''Polynesia''' ===

A large group of more than a thousand islands scattered around the Pacific Ocean.

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polynesia

=== '''Hinekobyou''' ===

Literally 'Sunny Cat Disease' (陽猫病), it is named after cats lazing in the sun, which is referenced later below. An attempted westernization of this could be 'Solarata Felinuenza', but since it sounds cheesy, I'll leave it as Hinekobyou for the time being ;P

=== '''Nostradamus''' ===

Nostradamus (Latinised name of Michel de Nostredame) was one of the world's most famous publishers of prophecies. He is best known for his book Les Propheties, the first edition of which appeared in 1555.

Since the publication of this book, which has rarely been out of print since his death, Nostradamus has attracted an almost cult following. His many enthusiasts, as well as the popular press, credit him with predicting numerous major world events.

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nostradamus