One has to wonder what goes into those horrible grade D films you see on tv; the ones that never reach the teathers, that never raise a lot of revenue; as an avid addict of these shows, I decided to compile a list of the factors fueling a bad movie.
1. First, you need over reached steryotypes. Such as a shark-fishing movie I was watching on the beach- it's the beach, so of course everyone is Blonde.
2. Over-dramatic acting is a must. Anything complacent and it won't do the trick. You need people to rip their heart out and lay it in the table when they act. Otherwise, it won't work.
3. Stupid graphics are a must too; again in that shark movie, whenever the sharks swam away, they had the same 1 clip they continually replayed. Over and Over. It also helps to have bad special effects; like a when a car falls down a cliff, in mid air it should explode. For no good reason.
4. It always helps to have a cheesy love story. Enough said on that :)
If your looking for a bad movie I have a few suggestions; Shark Swarm, Jesus Christ Vampire Slayer, Pumpkin. :) Enjoy.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
The Dog
At the dog park yesterday, where we take my tiny, white, 15 pound Bichon Frise mix, I swear to god we encountered a bear.
Well, nearly.
It was late in the afternoon when we got there- the first time we'd been since they closed, due to flooding, weeks earlier- and there were a good number of cars parked in the lot around us. As we entered, the majority of the dogs were at the far end of the park, so we took the short loop around the trail, when we saw it.
An Irish Wolfhound.
It's huge! The woman said it weighed somewhere around 170 pounds- nearly twice my weight! It's a tad bit discomforting to be around dogs that weight more than you. I couldn't image how cricket felt. This dog, too, seemed to be acting like a puppy- prancing, dancing, wanting to play with my tiny bite-sized puppy. Whats amusing is that when he chased cricket, she was -terrified- yet when it's back was to her, she'd be brave enough to go up to it; as long as it didn't turn around.
It was quite amusing though, to watch my initsy-bitsy dog and this bear-sized dog play :D
Well, nearly.
It was late in the afternoon when we got there- the first time we'd been since they closed, due to flooding, weeks earlier- and there were a good number of cars parked in the lot around us. As we entered, the majority of the dogs were at the far end of the park, so we took the short loop around the trail, when we saw it.
An Irish Wolfhound.
It's huge! The woman said it weighed somewhere around 170 pounds- nearly twice my weight! It's a tad bit discomforting to be around dogs that weight more than you. I couldn't image how cricket felt. This dog, too, seemed to be acting like a puppy- prancing, dancing, wanting to play with my tiny bite-sized puppy. Whats amusing is that when he chased cricket, she was -terrified- yet when it's back was to her, she'd be brave enough to go up to it; as long as it didn't turn around.
It was quite amusing though, to watch my initsy-bitsy dog and this bear-sized dog play :D
Shopping
A thing I hate about living in Iowa is that, even traveling to a city such as Des Monies or Iowa City, the choices for shopping are severely limited. I have been to Minneapolis, New York, Chicago, and it's unparalleled the choices you have there. Because of this limitation, I am an avid looker- and occasional buyer- of online shops.
Here I will list a few of my favorites :)
www.Fredflare.com
This is a site where I got the best pair of shorts I own from. I love it. Not only is it a seller of men and women's clothing- cute clothing!- but it has other items, such as a banana holder for one's cell phone. :D I love all the unique choices
www.Modcloth.com
This was the first such site I found out about. I heard it mentioned in a magazine, and it was from here I found most the other sites I use :) Modcloth is amazing, just for the simple fact that you can get either a regular items, or one of their limited vintage items they sell. As they say "One of a Kind". Modcloth is also a big supported of really cute Japanese items, which, honestly- who doesn't love those?
Here I will list a few of my favorites :)
www.Fredflare.com
This is a site where I got the best pair of shorts I own from. I love it. Not only is it a seller of men and women's clothing- cute clothing!- but it has other items, such as a banana holder for one's cell phone. :D I love all the unique choices
www.Modcloth.com
This was the first such site I found out about. I heard it mentioned in a magazine, and it was from here I found most the other sites I use :) Modcloth is amazing, just for the simple fact that you can get either a regular items, or one of their limited vintage items they sell. As they say "One of a Kind". Modcloth is also a big supported of really cute Japanese items, which, honestly- who doesn't love those?
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Thrifting
One thing I love to do is browse thrift shops. Even second hand shops like Goodwill can be fun.
The other weekend, I went to "Houby" days in downtown check village. There they had a ton of different stalls- mostly food, but also a lot of antique/thrift stores that had put their wares out on the tables.
The first one we came across held old necklaces and jewelry- and one necklace I really liked. It was a big silver heart, and while it looked similar to another necklace I own, at the price tag of 50 cents, it was hard to resist buying. My mom also got cute earrings that are little thermometers.
I also love to goto different thrift stores, such as Goodwill. Now and then, amid racks of second-hand underwear, find that occasional dress, or skirt, or shirt that is accutally beautiful. It's rare yes, but I think sometimes the hunt is accutally more fun then the end resort at times :)
The other weekend, I went to "Houby" days in downtown check village. There they had a ton of different stalls- mostly food, but also a lot of antique/thrift stores that had put their wares out on the tables.
The first one we came across held old necklaces and jewelry- and one necklace I really liked. It was a big silver heart, and while it looked similar to another necklace I own, at the price tag of 50 cents, it was hard to resist buying. My mom also got cute earrings that are little thermometers.
I also love to goto different thrift stores, such as Goodwill. Now and then, amid racks of second-hand underwear, find that occasional dress, or skirt, or shirt that is accutally beautiful. It's rare yes, but I think sometimes the hunt is accutally more fun then the end resort at times :)
Friday, May 23, 2008
Kindness
So the other day something happened that is sorely lacking in my school; someone, a stranger to me, was unnessicarly kind. It happened in the wee hours of the morning, before 0 hour had started. I, parched, had found my feet leading me to the vending machine, where I entered my dollar and punched in the code for my favored citrus-flavored water. Yet nothing came. The sides flinched, but failed to release my sought-after beverage! I was distruat, and I most of voiced my annoyance, as a girl next to me turned. "Did the machine steal your dollar?" she questioned, and I said yes, shaking it pathetically with my palms. It was then she did something I hardly reckoned she would; she gave me a dollar.
Now, in some ways it may seem little. A dollar- so what? But to me it meant a lot. She was a complete stranger, unbeknowst to me, handing me another dollar of her own money to buy water for myself. I accepted it graciously and thanked her, and she left.
I don't know her name, nor who she is, but I was touched a bit. SO often I am disallusioned by the emotionless grunts and shoves of the hallway. But I must admit, it made my day. A small little act. I just hope I can pass on the kindness someday :)
Now, in some ways it may seem little. A dollar- so what? But to me it meant a lot. She was a complete stranger, unbeknowst to me, handing me another dollar of her own money to buy water for myself. I accepted it graciously and thanked her, and she left.
I don't know her name, nor who she is, but I was touched a bit. SO often I am disallusioned by the emotionless grunts and shoves of the hallway. But I must admit, it made my day. A small little act. I just hope I can pass on the kindness someday :)
Egale vs. Shark
Last night I watched a very odd movie; not a bad one, mind you, but an odd one all the same.
It was called "Eagle vs. Shark"
It's about a girl, who works at a fast-food restaurant, and everyday, at the same hour, a man arrives and orders lunch; until one day he gives her an invitation to a party he's hosting, where people are supposed to come as their favorite animal. She comes as a shark, and he's an Eagle. (Thus the title!) Basically, she then agrees to come with him to his home town to help plot and beat up his old high school arch nemeses.
Sufficient to say it's rather quirky. In some way's like Napoleon Dynamite, only a bit more "adult" and they all have New Zelander Accents :)
I liked it though. While it was weird, it didn't have the wholly silly atmosphere that Nap. Dynamite does. Plus, they have really cool accents.
And her shark costume rules everything :P
Heres and official trailer. It's won a lot of awards too, at Sun dance and other large movie places.
It was called "Eagle vs. Shark"
It's about a girl, who works at a fast-food restaurant, and everyday, at the same hour, a man arrives and orders lunch; until one day he gives her an invitation to a party he's hosting, where people are supposed to come as their favorite animal. She comes as a shark, and he's an Eagle. (Thus the title!) Basically, she then agrees to come with him to his home town to help plot and beat up his old high school arch nemeses.
Sufficient to say it's rather quirky. In some way's like Napoleon Dynamite, only a bit more "adult" and they all have New Zelander Accents :)
I liked it though. While it was weird, it didn't have the wholly silly atmosphere that Nap. Dynamite does. Plus, they have really cool accents.
And her shark costume rules everything :P
Heres and official trailer. It's won a lot of awards too, at Sun dance and other large movie places.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
TV Shows
I am not a huge watcher of TV; but I do, as anyone else, have my favorites.
The Office
For those of you who have never seen this show; watch it. It is absolutely hilarious. It is the perfect blend of that slightly-naught humor, with just plain normal humor, and absolutely awkward moments. The show is based off a British one of the same name; it features, essentially, people in a normal office-space. The men and women in it are not extremely beautiful, nor ugly- rather, they look regular. Each week features a new idea, and with the perfect blend of quirky characters, and it next to always makes me laugh.
Here is a video of a few funny moments from the Office :)
Scrubs
Another favorite of mine is Scrubs, a show about a group of four medical students- two doctors, 1 surgeon and a nurse- and how they grow up basically. It is also, of course, very hilarious. It in in part the ridiculous aspect of the show, but the medical parts are accutaully surprisingly accurate.
Here's my favorite moment from the show :D
The Office
For those of you who have never seen this show; watch it. It is absolutely hilarious. It is the perfect blend of that slightly-naught humor, with just plain normal humor, and absolutely awkward moments. The show is based off a British one of the same name; it features, essentially, people in a normal office-space. The men and women in it are not extremely beautiful, nor ugly- rather, they look regular. Each week features a new idea, and with the perfect blend of quirky characters, and it next to always makes me laugh.
Here is a video of a few funny moments from the Office :)
Scrubs
Another favorite of mine is Scrubs, a show about a group of four medical students- two doctors, 1 surgeon and a nurse- and how they grow up basically. It is also, of course, very hilarious. It in in part the ridiculous aspect of the show, but the medical parts are accutaully surprisingly accurate.
Here's my favorite moment from the show :D
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Marie Walsh Sharpe Summer Inisitiute
SO I have been accepted into the Marie Walsh Sharpe SUmmer Art Inisiute in COlorado Springs this summer. It is, essentially a 2 week program, where you stay in dorms at the Colorado College of liberal arts, and do art classes taught by local grad students and special artists they have for each session.
Whats amazing is that this is -free- save for airfare, even supplies are free- and they choose 60 people- 20 for each session- out of hundreds of applicants they recivied. :D I'm excited. A few years ago I did a similar thing at The U of I with the Blank SUmmer Insitiute- BSI- only then there were about 100 kids there for varying categories, but I suspect it will be somewhat the same.
Only now I'm 17, not 14, so it might be different with higher charged testosterone and what not. Who knows!
I'm excited though, and thrilled I got in- I really never expected to. Whats terrifying is, though, that I get to take a plane by myself to Colorado Springs. Since we'll be in illinois that weekend, I'm flying out of Chicago O'Hare- luckily it's a direct flight. Considering I still get lost at Kennedy, I'm not sure how I'd do with a layover- But it's by myself. Scary!
I leave June 8th too- less than a month! Ekk! But it will be fun :D Even if the people suck, I'll still have lots of art to do, which is nearly never boring.
Whats amazing is that this is -free- save for airfare, even supplies are free- and they choose 60 people- 20 for each session- out of hundreds of applicants they recivied. :D I'm excited. A few years ago I did a similar thing at The U of I with the Blank SUmmer Insitiute- BSI- only then there were about 100 kids there for varying categories, but I suspect it will be somewhat the same.
Only now I'm 17, not 14, so it might be different with higher charged testosterone and what not. Who knows!
I'm excited though, and thrilled I got in- I really never expected to. Whats terrifying is, though, that I get to take a plane by myself to Colorado Springs. Since we'll be in illinois that weekend, I'm flying out of Chicago O'Hare- luckily it's a direct flight. Considering I still get lost at Kennedy, I'm not sure how I'd do with a layover- But it's by myself. Scary!
I leave June 8th too- less than a month! Ekk! But it will be fun :D Even if the people suck, I'll still have lots of art to do, which is nearly never boring.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Chuck Norris
So this weekend I was at family video because nearly every weekend my family watches a movie with pizza for dinner- either saturday or friday. Well, as my mom was searching the racks for a movie to watch, I randomly sifted through their barrel of "2.99 movies!" Basically, horrible movies that aren't rented anymore, so they sell them.
Well, as my mom was checking out, I picked up one cover, and nearly had a heart attack. There in my hands was the ultimate golden ticket- Chuck Norris in WALKER, TEXAS RANGER: DEADLY REUNION!
It's essentially about chuck norris and his old fat friend dying from cancer, who are trying to find this guy who killed (as I thought for 90% of the movie) the fat guy's crisp dead lover. In the end it comes down to a show down with chuck norris and sniper, and chuck norris lodges a bullet in his gullet, and the guy dies.
Chuck Norris, as I've come to notice, has only one facial expression in all his movies. He had the same look when his friend died, when he was hugging/touching a woman/ and when he was shooting a guy to death.
It dosen't get any better
Well, as my mom was checking out, I picked up one cover, and nearly had a heart attack. There in my hands was the ultimate golden ticket- Chuck Norris in WALKER, TEXAS RANGER: DEADLY REUNION!
It's essentially about chuck norris and his old fat friend dying from cancer, who are trying to find this guy who killed (as I thought for 90% of the movie) the fat guy's crisp dead lover. In the end it comes down to a show down with chuck norris and sniper, and chuck norris lodges a bullet in his gullet, and the guy dies.
Chuck Norris, as I've come to notice, has only one facial expression in all his movies. He had the same look when his friend died, when he was hugging/touching a woman/ and when he was shooting a guy to death.
It dosen't get any better
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Mini-Reviews
I would like to use this post to bring light to some of my favoritve artists, bands, and writers out there. Now, I will totally understand if you ignore this; it is one persons taste, and often, my taste can be a bit strange.
Arists:
I have, in the pursuit of my own creative endevours, been forunet enough as to find those few artists out there that just make me stop, and stare at -everything- they do. It is a rare feat, when one is wholly impressed with the entire breath of a person's art. But I have found, over the years, at least two that have done it for me.
Barnaby Whitfield
This man is amazing. He effortlessly captures human emotions with chilling representations of savagely drawn men and women. He is known for his alabaster skin on humans, contrasted with blood-red hues for lips, cheeks, and other points of pigmentation. His art can often leap into the realm of fantasy without touching on fantastical elements (Which, to me, is amazingly difficult to do!) His representations and use of pastels is chillingly accurate at times, making one shun away from the picture's gaze... more over, as an added plus, he has done the art of one of my favorite band's cd poster.
Check out his art at http://barnabywhitfield.com
Jae Liu WUBAO/五宝
Other wise known gunnmgally from deviantart.com, this young artist has conquered a styled all her own. I have constantly been impressed with how she adapts 'typical' boundaries of anime style, and American style art into her own. Both her comics and her finished pieces are amazing; her use of color astounds me, and I am forever jealous of her mastered style.
Art: http://gunnmgally.deviantart.com
BANDS
I'm not going to dwadle long about bands- I really can't speak about them much. You honestly just have to listen to them.
The Hush Sound
Back with a new cd Goodbye Blues, the Hush Sound has again wowed me. With a more matured (female) voice, they bring across a new dimension I'd yet to hear from the group.
Listen: http://www.purevolume.com/TheHushSound
Tilly and the Wall
With a tap-dancer as their percussionist, Tilly and the Wall bring fourth a new sound to the world of music; one which deviates from rhythmic drum beats into a quirky, popish clicking.
Listen: http://tillyandthewall.com/music
BOOKS
I have but one book to add today, (well a series), for I've been picking it up between bouts of studying to anazlye in my free time.
Kushiel's Legacy
The author of this series is one of my favortives, Jacqueline Carey. Now, forewarning, this series of (soon to be 6 novels) is not for the pure minds; Carey is unafraid to reach into rather... unorthodox sences. But, what I love about Carey's novels, is both her wondrous intrigue, description, and riveting characters. By the third book, you even begin to feel -sorry- for the country's escaped traitor. I would also, recommend her series "Godslayer" if you don't like 'unorthodox' pieaces :)
Her books are all historical-fantasy. Neither really deal with high wizards, or spells, but rather more real; just set in a fanatical world. Almost as if history had developed differently, we'd be living in tere de'ange. They are -amazing- though.
(P.S. I would post pictures/ect, but it doesn't seem to be working :( )
Arists:
I have, in the pursuit of my own creative endevours, been forunet enough as to find those few artists out there that just make me stop, and stare at -everything- they do. It is a rare feat, when one is wholly impressed with the entire breath of a person's art. But I have found, over the years, at least two that have done it for me.
Barnaby Whitfield
This man is amazing. He effortlessly captures human emotions with chilling representations of savagely drawn men and women. He is known for his alabaster skin on humans, contrasted with blood-red hues for lips, cheeks, and other points of pigmentation. His art can often leap into the realm of fantasy without touching on fantastical elements (Which, to me, is amazingly difficult to do!) His representations and use of pastels is chillingly accurate at times, making one shun away from the picture's gaze... more over, as an added plus, he has done the art of one of my favorite band's cd poster.
Check out his art at http://barnabywhitfield.com
Jae Liu WUBAO/五宝
Other wise known gunnmgally from deviantart.com, this young artist has conquered a styled all her own. I have constantly been impressed with how she adapts 'typical' boundaries of anime style, and American style art into her own. Both her comics and her finished pieces are amazing; her use of color astounds me, and I am forever jealous of her mastered style.
Art: http://gunnmgally.deviantart.com
BANDS
I'm not going to dwadle long about bands- I really can't speak about them much. You honestly just have to listen to them.
The Hush Sound
Back with a new cd Goodbye Blues, the Hush Sound has again wowed me. With a more matured (female) voice, they bring across a new dimension I'd yet to hear from the group.
Listen: http://www.purevolume.com/TheHushSound
Tilly and the Wall
With a tap-dancer as their percussionist, Tilly and the Wall bring fourth a new sound to the world of music; one which deviates from rhythmic drum beats into a quirky, popish clicking.
Listen: http://tillyandthewall.com/music
BOOKS
I have but one book to add today, (well a series), for I've been picking it up between bouts of studying to anazlye in my free time.
Kushiel's Legacy
The author of this series is one of my favortives, Jacqueline Carey. Now, forewarning, this series of (soon to be 6 novels) is not for the pure minds; Carey is unafraid to reach into rather... unorthodox sences. But, what I love about Carey's novels, is both her wondrous intrigue, description, and riveting characters. By the third book, you even begin to feel -sorry- for the country's escaped traitor. I would also, recommend her series "Godslayer" if you don't like 'unorthodox' pieaces :)
Her books are all historical-fantasy. Neither really deal with high wizards, or spells, but rather more real; just set in a fanatical world. Almost as if history had developed differently, we'd be living in tere de'ange. They are -amazing- though.
(P.S. I would post pictures/ect, but it doesn't seem to be working :( )
AEI
So yesterday I got an award. Usually, when people recive awards, your excited, and jazzed to get the chance to be reconized for your talents- and it's not that I'm not happy, or grateful- it's the fact that the award ceremony was so painful.
Let me begin and say that the award I got (Being reconized as an All State Artist) was a feat in and of itself. I through the cd together at the last moment, wrote my pieace in a few miniutes... basically, it was put together hasitly, and I worried what might be thought of it. But I did win, and so I was asked to come to the ceremony on Saturday May 3rd.
In des moines.
It was, probably, about 45 miniutes of speaking/award giving for tweleve people. Forty five miniutes. For a four hour drive there/and back. Most of the kids there came from either Ames or DOwling cathoic school- both in or close to Des Monies- but my CR isn't close; it's two hours away.
Not only that but the introducers of the students took -forver- to get to their point. It's an introduction, not a monlogue. Then, I had an interview. -an interview!- No one told me this! On the way there we had stopped at a rest stop, and I had played on the playground, so my hair was far from nice, and my shoes were a bit dirty... and yet I have to give a filmed interview. At which they asked me stupid questions like "How will you use your art to bring light to the world's problems" I really just wanted to shout "I'm 17! I don't care!"
:(
The only good thing is that they had cookies. I do like cookies.
Let me begin and say that the award I got (Being reconized as an All State Artist) was a feat in and of itself. I through the cd together at the last moment, wrote my pieace in a few miniutes... basically, it was put together hasitly, and I worried what might be thought of it. But I did win, and so I was asked to come to the ceremony on Saturday May 3rd.
In des moines.
It was, probably, about 45 miniutes of speaking/award giving for tweleve people. Forty five miniutes. For a four hour drive there/and back. Most of the kids there came from either Ames or DOwling cathoic school- both in or close to Des Monies- but my CR isn't close; it's two hours away.
Not only that but the introducers of the students took -forver- to get to their point. It's an introduction, not a monlogue. Then, I had an interview. -an interview!- No one told me this! On the way there we had stopped at a rest stop, and I had played on the playground, so my hair was far from nice, and my shoes were a bit dirty... and yet I have to give a filmed interview. At which they asked me stupid questions like "How will you use your art to bring light to the world's problems" I really just wanted to shout "I'm 17! I don't care!"
:(
The only good thing is that they had cookies. I do like cookies.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Furture
One thing I hate with being a junior is the ardorous task of looking for colleges. Now, college itself sounds amazing- I've been a senior in spirit, probably since about sophomore year. And I am so ready to start college, to stop going to school -every- day. I'd already much rather have, say, mountains of homework, and no class, then no homework and going to class every day for a week.
The problem, too, is not that I don't know what I want to be- I have a pretty good idea. I want, probably, to go into Japanese, and something else like art or writing as well- I've gotten this down to at the very least, the liberal arts areas.
The problem is, though, that I don't want to go through the process of selecting, researching, and visiting schools.. I just want to find the right one magcially. Like by a unicorn coming to me on flying hamburgers. If that happened, I'd know it'd be the right school- honestly, how could it -not- be?
-sigh- I havent really even taken time to think about this yet- I still have highschool to deal with until June 6th at tweleve thirty... and until then, I don't think i'll worry about the problem of college.
-sigh- I havent really even taken time to think about this yet- I still have highschool to deal with until June 6th at tweleve thirty... and until then, I don't think i'll worry about the problem of college.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Creative Writing
In my class for creative writing we are assigned the task of poetry. Each term he has a different theme (Fall is Screen Plays, WInter short stories, and spring is poetry) Now, I have always been a fan of poetry- though, I must admit, I don't know to much about it. The class though, has done a fairly decent job in opening up poetry to me- that one dosent just sit down, poop it out, and then be done. They, like stories, take revising.
Right now were focusing on free-verse. I have always liked free verse, to an extent. However, I cannot stand, with any bone, self-indulgent poems. (You know the ones.. "I prick myself with a rose, the blood red is my pain flowing") One new poem we found today was Russell Edson. He's a prose poet, which means his work reads like prose, though it is acctually a poem. My favoritve, thus far, is called;
The Automobile
This poem makes me giggle :D But for tomorrow, I have to write a free-verse poem.. goody. I'm nervous. I can write, sure, but not poetry. I was just lucky my teacher liked my first poem, considering I spit it out in a few minutes!
Right now were focusing on free-verse. I have always liked free verse, to an extent. However, I cannot stand, with any bone, self-indulgent poems. (You know the ones.. "I prick myself with a rose, the blood red is my pain flowing") One new poem we found today was Russell Edson. He's a prose poet, which means his work reads like prose, though it is acctually a poem. My favoritve, thus far, is called;
The Automobile
A man had just married an automobile.
But I mean to say, said his father, that the automobile is not a person because it is something different.
For instance, compare it to your mother. Do you see how it is different from your mother? Somehow it seems wider, doesn't it? And besides, your mother wears her hair differently.
You ought to try to find something in the world that looks like mother.
I have mother, isn't that enough that looks like mother? Do I have to gather more mothers?
They are all old ladies who do not in the least excite any wish to procreate, said the son.
But you cannot procreate with an automobile, said father.
The son shows father an ignition key. See, here is a special penis which does with the automobile as the man with the woman; and the automobile gives birth to a place far from this place, dropping its puppy miles as it goes.
Does that make me a grandfather? said father.
That makes you where you are when I am far away, said the son.
Father and mother watch an automobile with a just married sign on it growing smaller in a road.This poem makes me giggle :D But for tomorrow, I have to write a free-verse poem.. goody. I'm nervous. I can write, sure, but not poetry. I was just lucky my teacher liked my first poem, considering I spit it out in a few minutes!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Exercising
It is a little pathetic how out of shape I am. I did a bikeride today (Probably about.. 5-6 miles? ) which, on a bike, isn't -that- far.
However, On the way home. (For those of you who don't know, I lived on wenig, the street kennedy's on, only at the top of the 3 huge hills) so going anywhere is great, it's nearly all downhill! But comming home... well, The middle hill is hell. It's huge. It has a crap-load of gravel on it now from all the rain washing it down, and, of course, after the first 10 feet of momentum from the short downhill before it, it's a painful climb.
I thought I was going to die.
Now, I had biked nearly 6 miles at this point, and I am sick- (or I have horrible allergys, I haven't decided which I rather choose, but since I am going for pity, I'll say sick)- and i have to get up this hill, while just previously going up about 4 uphills, and already dying of breath... and then I have to climb it.
I am proud to say I made it. I am not proud though to say that, while I -did- make it, I nearly died.
Then again, I don't like exercising. I don't think it's particuarly fun... More of a hassle than anything, really. :(
However, On the way home. (For those of you who don't know, I lived on wenig, the street kennedy's on, only at the top of the 3 huge hills) so going anywhere is great, it's nearly all downhill! But comming home... well, The middle hill is hell. It's huge. It has a crap-load of gravel on it now from all the rain washing it down, and, of course, after the first 10 feet of momentum from the short downhill before it, it's a painful climb.
I thought I was going to die.
Now, I had biked nearly 6 miles at this point, and I am sick- (or I have horrible allergys, I haven't decided which I rather choose, but since I am going for pity, I'll say sick)- and i have to get up this hill, while just previously going up about 4 uphills, and already dying of breath... and then I have to climb it.
I am proud to say I made it. I am not proud though to say that, while I -did- make it, I nearly died.
Then again, I don't like exercising. I don't think it's particuarly fun... More of a hassle than anything, really. :(
Saturday, April 26, 2008
AP exams
The time has come to crack down beneath unwanted heaps of pressure, bury myself in a cocoon, and begin the long, ardorous trek that is the AP exam time. Now, I will admit, the timing is nice- it's not around finals, so I have only two classes to worry about now, history and LA. The bad thing is, it's early, which means with our crap-load of snow days we were forced into a smaller time for AP test-prep.
Then again, in history, I hardly use my teachers to study. I have noticed that questions on the exam usually deal with insignificant small details- those which you get only by prodding and wading through the depths of my textbook. Will I have to know about the German-born presbyterian minister Gotlied Mofftiffin-something, and how he stood against religious freedom? I don't know... but I do know it.
On the bright side, I studied for 8 hours today- 3 chapters- and I took a quiz over them and didn't miss -one- point. AT least my studying, however insane, works.
In AP LA however, I am not so focused on it. I do well on In-class essays, usually getting within the B+ to A range, and I am usually one of the higher scorers on multiple choice tests. I will study, obviously, but I feel like Mr. Ayers has prepared us well for it. (Thankfully) so it doesn't fall to my shoulders to cram.
I would also like to point out, that, while I study like a mad man perhaps, I don't slack all year then cram. I read every chapter, did all the homework... it's just that our teacher mainly covered either broad general ideas or useless side information about LBJ's bathroom habits.
I think a part of me just thinks that, if I don't get a 5 again, it'll be a bit degrading. Perhaps I set the bar to high with my first test, making it difficult now to achieve that again. :( And they say this APUS one is the hardest... gah.
Then again, in history, I hardly use my teachers to study. I have noticed that questions on the exam usually deal with insignificant small details- those which you get only by prodding and wading through the depths of my textbook. Will I have to know about the German-born presbyterian minister Gotlied Mofftiffin-something, and how he stood against religious freedom? I don't know... but I do know it.
On the bright side, I studied for 8 hours today- 3 chapters- and I took a quiz over them and didn't miss -one- point. AT least my studying, however insane, works.
In AP LA however, I am not so focused on it. I do well on In-class essays, usually getting within the B+ to A range, and I am usually one of the higher scorers on multiple choice tests. I will study, obviously, but I feel like Mr. Ayers has prepared us well for it. (Thankfully) so it doesn't fall to my shoulders to cram.
I would also like to point out, that, while I study like a mad man perhaps, I don't slack all year then cram. I read every chapter, did all the homework... it's just that our teacher mainly covered either broad general ideas or useless side information about LBJ's bathroom habits.
I think a part of me just thinks that, if I don't get a 5 again, it'll be a bit degrading. Perhaps I set the bar to high with my first test, making it difficult now to achieve that again. :( And they say this APUS one is the hardest... gah.
Bad Hair Days
It will, I think, always be a mystery to me on how some days I can wake up and be blessed with beautiful hair- and then, the next morning, awake to find that my locks imitate something closer mutilated mop head. It baffles me. I don't do -anything- different. I shower, dry my hair, and sleep. It should culminate the same effects, right?
Wrong.
Today, I showered and I combed my hair out and did some studying as it air-dried a bit. Then, I finished it with a quick blow dry, and went to straighten my bangs. However, whatever I tired- hair spray, heat, mouse- my bangs would NOT stay down! They kept sticking out, as though I were struck with lightning! It's horrible, and I don't get it.
Also, I am always up for experimenting with my hair when I get time (weekends, usually) and often that means curling it. (I would curl it for school... but well, I don't want to wake up and extra hour to do it. I don't have that much narcissism in my body. :P ) but I've noticed that sometimes I can curl it, and it will be amazing- it will fall perfect, be smooth and soft, and stay in all day. Other times it wont take, or, it'll take too much and I'll look like a poodle.
I really don't get why my hair is so... untamable- but I -do- wish I had a private stylist to do m hair each morning. (Watching America's next top model makes me jealous, since they just sit and get their hair done :( )
I guess I could always be bald naturally.. that'd be a bit worse.
Wrong.
Today, I showered and I combed my hair out and did some studying as it air-dried a bit. Then, I finished it with a quick blow dry, and went to straighten my bangs. However, whatever I tired- hair spray, heat, mouse- my bangs would NOT stay down! They kept sticking out, as though I were struck with lightning! It's horrible, and I don't get it.
Also, I am always up for experimenting with my hair when I get time (weekends, usually) and often that means curling it. (I would curl it for school... but well, I don't want to wake up and extra hour to do it. I don't have that much narcissism in my body. :P ) but I've noticed that sometimes I can curl it, and it will be amazing- it will fall perfect, be smooth and soft, and stay in all day. Other times it wont take, or, it'll take too much and I'll look like a poodle.
I really don't get why my hair is so... untamable- but I -do- wish I had a private stylist to do m hair each morning. (Watching America's next top model makes me jealous, since they just sit and get their hair done :( )
I guess I could always be bald naturally.. that'd be a bit worse.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
BATTLE SENARIOs
Bruce Lee vs. Chuck Norris in a cage- WHO WINS?
Bruce Lee definietly because Chuck Norris, at the height of his career, never knew all there was to know about martial arts.
Bruce Lee Vs. Chuck Norris AND Jackie Chan in a cage- WHO WINS?
I think bruce lee still, because Jackie Chan would just find a way to escape, and Chuck Norris would follow him, because a roundhouse kick,whilist deadly, isn't all that effective sometimes.
Now, what about...
Chuck Norris vs. Hellen Keller in a cage- WHO WINS?
I think Chuck Norris because 1. Hellen keller wouldn't be to great at smack talk and 2. She'd be constantly trying to find her way out.
Chuck Norris vs. Hellen Keller AND Charizard
Def. kell and Char. I mean, come on, he's a 7-foot tall pokemon who breaths fire... and well she can control him. Pokemon can't control themselves.
Or...
Chuck Norris and SEABISICUT vs. Geogre Bush and non-exisstant WMD.
... I think it's about even. Though Bush could prolly. ride seabiscut because he IS horse and Bush is from Texas... then again, Chuck norris could roundhouse kick bush, and Seabiscut could throw him off onto the WMD that dosen't exsist and he might have to die in shame.
Ok I'm done now.
Just think about these... you know you want to.
Bruce Lee definietly because Chuck Norris, at the height of his career, never knew all there was to know about martial arts.
Bruce Lee Vs. Chuck Norris AND Jackie Chan in a cage- WHO WINS?
I think bruce lee still, because Jackie Chan would just find a way to escape, and Chuck Norris would follow him, because a roundhouse kick,whilist deadly, isn't all that effective sometimes.
Now, what about...
Chuck Norris vs. Hellen Keller in a cage- WHO WINS?
I think Chuck Norris because 1. Hellen keller wouldn't be to great at smack talk and 2. She'd be constantly trying to find her way out.
Chuck Norris vs. Hellen Keller AND Charizard
Def. kell and Char. I mean, come on, he's a 7-foot tall pokemon who breaths fire... and well she can control him. Pokemon can't control themselves.
Or...
Chuck Norris and SEABISICUT vs. Geogre Bush and non-exisstant WMD.
... I think it's about even. Though Bush could prolly. ride seabiscut because he IS horse and Bush is from Texas... then again, Chuck norris could roundhouse kick bush, and Seabiscut could throw him off onto the WMD that dosen't exsist and he might have to die in shame.
Ok I'm done now.
Just think about these... you know you want to.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Bad Movies
I've always wondered what sparks someone to create a movie that, by just -scanning- the brief description on the back cover, you know will be downright dreadful. Unmotivated actors, face full of obnoxious stereotypes, and of course a plot line that looks as though it was taken from the book of a second grader's writing.
At our local store, Family Video, they now have a selection of old VHS's avaible to rent. One, when I was searching through them, looked as though it'd be a -real- keeper.
I forget the title, but it was a kids how-to video. A how-to on keeping a pet, such as a hamster, dog or cat. As it said it had "Fun singalongs and cool animated characters!" And of course, it also dealt with the sorrow of losing a pet. (Dose that part have fun singalongs too?) The whole essence of the movie reeked, as though it were made on a 200 dollar budget. (Which it probably was).
Sometimes I think a bad movie is only bad due to the expectations, and the idea which, in production undoubtedly sounded good, but in practice were so very, very bad. Example? The Crocodile Hunter Movie Collision Course. Now I loved the crocodile hunter.. but seriously? Saying the CIA dropped some special spy thing and a crocodile ate it, whilst Steve Irwin had no idea what was going on... Well, Just watch it; you'll see for yourself.
Then there are movies like "Pumpkin" with Christina ricci that are... good in sentiment- a retarded boy, sorority girl, fall in love- but in accuctal play the acting is absolutely horrific. I love the part in that movie though, where the guy in the male fraternity she likes drives off a cliff, and before the car hits -anything- it bursts into flames. Then it falls about 500 feet. And later he's in the hospital without a single scratch.
Even though there bad though, without horrific movies, what would we laugh at? :P
At our local store, Family Video, they now have a selection of old VHS's avaible to rent. One, when I was searching through them, looked as though it'd be a -real- keeper.
I forget the title, but it was a kids how-to video. A how-to on keeping a pet, such as a hamster, dog or cat. As it said it had "Fun singalongs and cool animated characters!" And of course, it also dealt with the sorrow of losing a pet. (Dose that part have fun singalongs too?) The whole essence of the movie reeked, as though it were made on a 200 dollar budget. (Which it probably was).
Sometimes I think a bad movie is only bad due to the expectations, and the idea which, in production undoubtedly sounded good, but in practice were so very, very bad. Example? The Crocodile Hunter Movie Collision Course. Now I loved the crocodile hunter.. but seriously? Saying the CIA dropped some special spy thing and a crocodile ate it, whilst Steve Irwin had no idea what was going on... Well, Just watch it; you'll see for yourself.
Then there are movies like "Pumpkin" with Christina ricci that are... good in sentiment- a retarded boy, sorority girl, fall in love- but in accuctal play the acting is absolutely horrific. I love the part in that movie though, where the guy in the male fraternity she likes drives off a cliff, and before the car hits -anything- it bursts into flames. Then it falls about 500 feet. And later he's in the hospital without a single scratch.
Even though there bad though, without horrific movies, what would we laugh at? :P
Saturday, April 19, 2008
I forgot how fun it was to have a sleepover. It's been ages (Perhaps half a year, more) since I had my last one. In part, I think it's because I've grown, and the idea of sleeping, being unshowered, and hanging out is somewhat revolting- I absouletly hate the feeling of being unwashed in your clothes you slept in/wore the way before.
Even though currently I am in such a position. I should shower soon.
But, I also forgot how fun it was to stay up into the wee hours of the morning and watch god awful movies. Namely, "Breaker! Breaker!" starring CHUCK NORRIS. Now, I have never been a big chuck Norris woman- until I began to watch his movies.
They're absoueltly dreadful. Which is absouletly fun!
In Breaker Chuck Norris is a truck driver, who's little brother is stolen by these werid sadist-old men in a small town in California. SO Chuck (Or JD as he's called) has to fight a big polish guy, then go after them, and gets to the town and the retarted guy likes him but his brother tries to crush him in the car compactor, and norris is arrested, and for like, 10 miniutes hes being told he's being killed, and his face DOES NOT CHANGE. AT ALL. He dosen't even blink! Then Norris has random sex, the woman's child runs away, she somehow calls other truckers to breaker-breaker's side. Norris is shot, and so is the retarted kid, and this guy tells him his brothers in the barn, so Norris runs clutching his stomach, but, when the final battle comes- his shot wound is gone! Also, while he's beating this really creepy cop who felt up a boy, Norris's truck buddys destory the town with their 18-wheelers.
Then the towns destoryed and burning and Chuck drives away with his probably sicken, and almost dead brother.
:D We Also watched a ton of other movies. Yet, there's something so satisfactory in -bad- movies.
Up next? Lone Wolf McQuad and Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter :D
Even though currently I am in such a position. I should shower soon.
But, I also forgot how fun it was to stay up into the wee hours of the morning and watch god awful movies. Namely, "Breaker! Breaker!" starring CHUCK NORRIS. Now, I have never been a big chuck Norris woman- until I began to watch his movies.
They're absoueltly dreadful. Which is absouletly fun!
In Breaker Chuck Norris is a truck driver, who's little brother is stolen by these werid sadist-old men in a small town in California. SO Chuck (Or JD as he's called) has to fight a big polish guy, then go after them, and gets to the town and the retarted guy likes him but his brother tries to crush him in the car compactor, and norris is arrested, and for like, 10 miniutes hes being told he's being killed, and his face DOES NOT CHANGE. AT ALL. He dosen't even blink! Then Norris has random sex, the woman's child runs away, she somehow calls other truckers to breaker-breaker's side. Norris is shot, and so is the retarted kid, and this guy tells him his brothers in the barn, so Norris runs clutching his stomach, but, when the final battle comes- his shot wound is gone! Also, while he's beating this really creepy cop who felt up a boy, Norris's truck buddys destory the town with their 18-wheelers.
Then the towns destoryed and burning and Chuck drives away with his probably sicken, and almost dead brother.
:D We Also watched a ton of other movies. Yet, there's something so satisfactory in -bad- movies.
Up next? Lone Wolf McQuad and Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter :D
Sunday, April 13, 2008
A Fashionista
I am prone, perhaps as much as anyone, to the effects and allure that advertising holds over us. If given a pleasing image, my eye takes it in ravenously, devouring the message into my subconscious because the mere image- which, more often than not- has little to do with the actual message.
Lately I have been drawn to fashion magazines. I am not merely talking your typical "Elle" or "Marie Clarie" but the true blue artsy ones like "i-D" and "Nylon". (Though, I do admit, the last is not as servere as the first two as it contains stuff to read, not merely photos of art.)
I have nearly become a slave to these magazines. I pour for hours over the photographs they contain, sucking it in as a sponge. Now, contrary to most, I do not use these for the sake of basing my personal style- i admire them for their value as art. I am an avid fantasy reader, and I have a wild imagination. These photos often idolize that in their beauty. They blend humans within costumes and situations of fantasy, of wild hair and clothing that would -never- appear beyond the confines of a photo or runway, and still you find yourself wondering how they are so dearly beautiful.
I have always been fascinated by talent, and while they may be emaciated models sporting clothing worth more than my house, I am in love. It inspires me, and I have little doubt that the pages from these books will soon adorn my walls as though they were wallpaper.
While I look down on the conditions of modeling, the size 00 body and all other restrictions, I admit that, like my counterparts in society, I am drawn to this odd facsination of starvation and beauty. More often than not, I am drawn to the fashion, to the creation a photographer has made and granted to be shown in the thin glossy pages of my magazines.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Not For APLA
So this isn't for my APLA assignment. It's just for fun.
This site is amazingly fun: http://wordsmith.org/anagram/advanced.html
Apparently my name can make such combinations like;
Mangy Cereal Chin
A China Clergyman
Cancel Ye Harming
Enhance My Garlic
Angelic Car Hymen
Grey Machine Clan
I love my name. It's made the best anagrams so far out of all I tried :D
This site is amazingly fun: http://wordsmith.org/anagram/advanced.html
Apparently my name can make such combinations like;
Mangy Cereal Chin
A China Clergyman
Cancel Ye Harming
Enhance My Garlic
Angelic Car Hymen
Grey Machine Clan
I love my name. It's made the best anagrams so far out of all I tried :D
Pet Peeve's
There are a few, very distinct pet peeve's that annoy me. FOr the most part, they're pretty odd. Most might link a pet peeve to something like cracking knuckles (and yes, I cannot stand that, but it's not quite a pet peeve.) mine are more... unique.
For starters, I CANNOT stand it when your around someone who, when just sitting there blankly, has a mouth that hangs open. It's not that hard to close it.Seriously. It's so.. well, it's slightly disgusting to watch people sit there with their mouths hanging open, breathing. I don't know why but it bothers me. It really bothers me.
I also, cannot stand when people crack other parts of their body besides their knuckles. I mean, it's bad enough to seemingly snap your digits, but when people lean from side to side and i hear their back pop like a bag of popcorn I want to hurt them, if, for no other reason, to justify that popping sound.
Probably my biggest one though, is female mustaches. Now, I get that in a few rare cases it's some genetic disorder or another but... there is ALWAYS shaving, waxing, even dying it! But no, these women leave it, and I have to stare at a fuzzy catapillar on their lips and try not to act rude. Honestly though, what -is- the appropriate response for dealing with someone with a mustache?
In other news, totally unrelated, the ACT is boring and I am thoroughly amused with the band name "Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin"
For starters, I CANNOT stand it when your around someone who, when just sitting there blankly, has a mouth that hangs open. It's not that hard to close it.Seriously. It's so.. well, it's slightly disgusting to watch people sit there with their mouths hanging open, breathing. I don't know why but it bothers me. It really bothers me.
I also, cannot stand when people crack other parts of their body besides their knuckles. I mean, it's bad enough to seemingly snap your digits, but when people lean from side to side and i hear their back pop like a bag of popcorn I want to hurt them, if, for no other reason, to justify that popping sound.
Probably my biggest one though, is female mustaches. Now, I get that in a few rare cases it's some genetic disorder or another but... there is ALWAYS shaving, waxing, even dying it! But no, these women leave it, and I have to stare at a fuzzy catapillar on their lips and try not to act rude. Honestly though, what -is- the appropriate response for dealing with someone with a mustache?
In other news, totally unrelated, the ACT is boring and I am thoroughly amused with the band name "Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin"
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Talent: Given or Won?
sometimes I wonder if the intangible thing of talent is a birth-talent, or if it's the product of years of hard determination.
I have heard of those studies, both of the autistic and not, who, at young ages, were able to master techniques usually unheard of until the high school level in visual arts. Yet, Divinci was not born with a pen, painting the mona lisa, or developing his air-crafts. He studied, and learned it through his hard work.
I, myself, have been always honored with a talent when it comes to art. Since elementary school I was always labeled the artist, and honored for the talent I seemed to have. I don't doubt I am a bit gifted- but I think, it is also because I love art that I grew as I did. If you are given a talent, but detest the area, you won't excel.
Yet, I am also a lover of prose. Stories, mainly fantasy (Yes, I'm a scifi nerd!) enthrall me to no end. I can get lost for days in the pages of a good novel, and find that until I finish it, nothing else can tempt me. similarly, I am an avid writer. But I was not always a skilled writer. When I began my love of words around sixth grade, I was, in most respects, a joke. But I grew. I practiced hard, I wrote endlessly every day, I split my imagination into text, and I grew. I became a somewhat-decent writer through this work, and through my constant reading.
So I wonder- is talent something one can conguer, or is it given at birth? Personally, I don't know, but the idea intrigues me.
I have heard of those studies, both of the autistic and not, who, at young ages, were able to master techniques usually unheard of until the high school level in visual arts. Yet, Divinci was not born with a pen, painting the mona lisa, or developing his air-crafts. He studied, and learned it through his hard work.
I, myself, have been always honored with a talent when it comes to art. Since elementary school I was always labeled the artist, and honored for the talent I seemed to have. I don't doubt I am a bit gifted- but I think, it is also because I love art that I grew as I did. If you are given a talent, but detest the area, you won't excel.
Yet, I am also a lover of prose. Stories, mainly fantasy (Yes, I'm a scifi nerd!) enthrall me to no end. I can get lost for days in the pages of a good novel, and find that until I finish it, nothing else can tempt me. similarly, I am an avid writer. But I was not always a skilled writer. When I began my love of words around sixth grade, I was, in most respects, a joke. But I grew. I practiced hard, I wrote endlessly every day, I split my imagination into text, and I grew. I became a somewhat-decent writer through this work, and through my constant reading.
So I wonder- is talent something one can conguer, or is it given at birth? Personally, I don't know, but the idea intrigues me.
Japanese Game Shows
I am, completely and throughly amused with Japanese TV-Game shows. In America our game shows often focus on the monetary prize, and the little skill it takes the contestants to get there. For example, I was watching that show Deal or No Deal, where contestants have to first choose a suitcase, which holds a dollar amount between .01$ and a million dollars. Next, they must slowly choose suitcases each round, and eliminate different amounts. Basically, you guess, hope you don't get the million, and at the end of each round the "banker" makes you an offer that you can either take, or keep going, with the hope that the case you chose in the beginning is the million dollar one. This game show, however, is so mindless. anyone can stand on a podium and choose suitcases to open. The only reason they pick the people they do for the show is for the simple fact that they wont stop when it's logical, rather keep going for a dying cause.
Compared to our asian counterparts, our game shows are seriously lacking. Here are some examples of what I mean.
1. This gameshow- (Title of which I don't know, but I've heard it called 'human tetris' pits people on the end of a runway, with a pool behind them. Then, a giant cut-out will slowly start comming close, and the people then have to jump/worm their way through it. If they miss, or get pushed into the pool, they loose. The show, however, is not centered around money, but rather entertainment.
2. On this show... well I don't really know the point, but from what I've percived, contestants run on a treadmill, try to jump over the hurdles, and make it to the end. It looks so terribly exahusting.
3. .....I have no idea what this is. But it's japanese and it's a game show.
(I apologize for their skin-tight outfits.)
Compared to our asian counterparts, our game shows are seriously lacking. Here are some examples of what I mean.
1. This gameshow- (Title of which I don't know, but I've heard it called 'human tetris' pits people on the end of a runway, with a pool behind them. Then, a giant cut-out will slowly start comming close, and the people then have to jump/worm their way through it. If they miss, or get pushed into the pool, they loose. The show, however, is not centered around money, but rather entertainment.
2. On this show... well I don't really know the point, but from what I've percived, contestants run on a treadmill, try to jump over the hurdles, and make it to the end. It looks so terribly exahusting.
3. .....I have no idea what this is. But it's japanese and it's a game show.
(I apologize for their skin-tight outfits.)
Music Post
Now, I am not one to spend hours online browzing for new music; quite the contrary, I can get along fine with just a few CD's of intriguing tunes, but I feel like detailing a reviews for a CD I have just discovered.
Spiral Beach
Their music can best be described, in my limited musical capacity, as a mix between quirky pop tunes, techno effects, a soulful female lead directing the band on most songs. There are the occasional tracks which are sung by a male.
I have yet to listen to their new cd, so I shall review their older one, released in October 31, 2005.
Title: Sprial Beach
Publisher: Independent
Track Listing:
Track Listing:
1. New Clouds, Hot Clouds 2. Matches 3. Voodoo 4. Strobe 5. Periscope 6. Philosophy Is My Cat 7. Day OK 8. The Warm Street 9. Gregory's Birthday Box 10. Spiral Beach Goes On Holiday
I found out about this band while going to see the movie "Charlie Bartlet" as they were the band playing at this party he throws in the middle of the movie. If looking for a comparison I'd say they sound somewhat like The Pierces meeting CSS with a slight pop influence.
Sprial Beach is composed of four members:
Daniel Woodhead Maddy Wilde Dorian Wolf Airick Woodhead
(Picture Not Available)
Their website is aviaible here, Go check them out, and take advantage of the free download-able music!
Monday, March 24, 2008
I never really expected to be as effected as I was by a single Japanese exchange student.
When encountering another human- one who, as mine, hardly speaks English- yet finding yourself bonding, is priceless. It is as if, in some ways, you transcend conventional methods of communication, such as speech. Since I am limited in Japanese, and she in English, we found different ways to communicate. Ways that were simple, but fun.
Through simple actions we found ourselves rolling on the floor with laughter, or awing at the other about a talent, or something from their culture. Either way, I found myself attached to her in ways I hadn't expected. I also found myself spurred to learn Japanese fluently.
It was even in simple things- such as me taping a big origami dog head onto a fox's body, or eating cookie dough (something that apparently is unheard of in japan, which is strange because I absolutely adore it!) even consecutively falling at the skating rink.
It was amazing, those 18 days, and I can't wait until I go on the trip in a year and get to see her again. It was just a short time that she was here, but I was moved to tears when she left.
I can't help but realize how lonely it is in the morning now that she's left.
There is something though, something nearly unconscious, that created a bond between us, and that's amazing. Had someone said a random Japanese girl would of come into my life and touched me so, I would of laughed, but I get it now. I only wish she could of stayed longer :(
When encountering another human- one who, as mine, hardly speaks English- yet finding yourself bonding, is priceless. It is as if, in some ways, you transcend conventional methods of communication, such as speech. Since I am limited in Japanese, and she in English, we found different ways to communicate. Ways that were simple, but fun.
Through simple actions we found ourselves rolling on the floor with laughter, or awing at the other about a talent, or something from their culture. Either way, I found myself attached to her in ways I hadn't expected. I also found myself spurred to learn Japanese fluently.
It was even in simple things- such as me taping a big origami dog head onto a fox's body, or eating cookie dough (something that apparently is unheard of in japan, which is strange because I absolutely adore it!) even consecutively falling at the skating rink.
It was amazing, those 18 days, and I can't wait until I go on the trip in a year and get to see her again. It was just a short time that she was here, but I was moved to tears when she left.
I can't help but realize how lonely it is in the morning now that she's left.
There is something though, something nearly unconscious, that created a bond between us, and that's amazing. Had someone said a random Japanese girl would of come into my life and touched me so, I would of laughed, but I get it now. I only wish she could of stayed longer :(
Thursday, March 20, 2008
In school they love for us to read. I inturn, love to read.
But often I find I have such mountians of homework that I do not have the time to read. I want to read, sure, but I don't find time to do it. Recently I checked out the book "Dress Your Family in Courdory and Denim" by David Sedaris. This short, simplistic book took me a month to read because all the times I found I could read, I had to read either an Essay for APLA or another chapter from my never-ending History Book. (I know it's not physically possible, but I think as I read that thing it expands. It's all 'Hey look, someones reading, lets torture them!) It's not fun.
However, on the same note, i cannot read a thriller at this time. I did a few weeks ago with some books by Brandon Sanderson, and every free moment I devoured it- and in turn, didn't get to my homework. It was great, sure, but it caused me to procrastinate. Not out of choice, but out of that fact tht i couldn't put it down.
I'm just nervous for next year when I have to read a ton for APLIT at night. Not only a lot, but from long, boring books. :(
I just want to graduate now and go on a week haitus to read constantly.
But often I find I have such mountians of homework that I do not have the time to read. I want to read, sure, but I don't find time to do it. Recently I checked out the book "Dress Your Family in Courdory and Denim" by David Sedaris. This short, simplistic book took me a month to read because all the times I found I could read, I had to read either an Essay for APLA or another chapter from my never-ending History Book. (I know it's not physically possible, but I think as I read that thing it expands. It's all 'Hey look, someones reading, lets torture them!) It's not fun.
However, on the same note, i cannot read a thriller at this time. I did a few weeks ago with some books by Brandon Sanderson, and every free moment I devoured it- and in turn, didn't get to my homework. It was great, sure, but it caused me to procrastinate. Not out of choice, but out of that fact tht i couldn't put it down.
I'm just nervous for next year when I have to read a ton for APLIT at night. Not only a lot, but from long, boring books. :(
I just want to graduate now and go on a week haitus to read constantly.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
First off, I would like to make a point that is bugging me; a point that I think effects people beyond me. It's more than a personal peeve; it's a topical complaint.
For those of you who don't know, a new proclamation has been made in lieu of a few disrespectful individuals. This is, anyone who is not "enrolled" in band cannot sit in the band hallway at lunch. This, to me, is ludicrous.
First of all, it is a HALLWAY, one cannot ban a kid from standing in the hallway. I could see if it were the band room, but it's not- its the hallway.
Second, it's simple segregation. (Which I know sounds lame, but bear with me,) Say your in science, you love science- your an ace at AP Chemistry. However, they don't let you eat in the science hallway. The only way to get out of the Lunch-room Nazi's gaze is if you say your eating in the band room. How then can they say "only band people" when people of other classes don't have a place they can go? At the very basic level, it's unfair. At a higher level, it's discriminatory. For me, all my lunch-mates are a member of band. I'm not. Because of that small detail I can't sit in a hallway?
Third, there is no room in the lunch room! If given the choice to gather with friends, in a slightly quieter space to enjoy lunch, wouldn't you take it? I can honestly say If I'm forced to leave, I'm not afraid to start anything to counter this. Petitions, a group sit in, whatever it takes. It doesn't make sense. I have only thirty short minutes a day to enjoy with my friends, and The Dragon Of the Hobbit is attempting to take that away from me?
I won't stand for it. It's a freakin' hall way.
For those of you who don't know, a new proclamation has been made in lieu of a few disrespectful individuals. This is, anyone who is not "enrolled" in band cannot sit in the band hallway at lunch. This, to me, is ludicrous.
First of all, it is a HALLWAY, one cannot ban a kid from standing in the hallway. I could see if it were the band room, but it's not- its the hallway.
Second, it's simple segregation. (Which I know sounds lame, but bear with me,) Say your in science, you love science- your an ace at AP Chemistry. However, they don't let you eat in the science hallway. The only way to get out of the Lunch-room Nazi's gaze is if you say your eating in the band room. How then can they say "only band people" when people of other classes don't have a place they can go? At the very basic level, it's unfair. At a higher level, it's discriminatory. For me, all my lunch-mates are a member of band. I'm not. Because of that small detail I can't sit in a hallway?
Third, there is no room in the lunch room! If given the choice to gather with friends, in a slightly quieter space to enjoy lunch, wouldn't you take it? I can honestly say If I'm forced to leave, I'm not afraid to start anything to counter this. Petitions, a group sit in, whatever it takes. It doesn't make sense. I have only thirty short minutes a day to enjoy with my friends, and The Dragon Of the Hobbit is attempting to take that away from me?
I won't stand for it. It's a freakin' hall way.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Research, part two
This is my second post on my research topic. As I stated before, my first topic of self-cannibalism proved a dud. There was very little to be found on it, so I've decided to change my topic to that of the Nazi's "Human Experimentation" or their medical research in the death camps.
As of yet I have a few questions/paths I could use with the the idea. I thought of the popular topic of if we can use these documents as legitimate sources of research, considering how they were found. Yet, it seems there are MANY papers that address this issue, so I don't particularly want to do it.
I started my research of this with Wikipedia- rather, I got a broad idea of it though it, and used it to link me to other useful sources. However, my initial interest in this topic is due to my project for National History Day in 6th grade when I studied the holocaust- unfortunately, I never read much on the experiments seeing as I was both young and it was a broad topic to cover.
WHen beginning my investigation into this study, I was fascinated by the man Josef Mengele, and his infamous study on twins during the holocaust. The brutality of these, combined with stories of the survivors of this man's torture- how he killed over 3000 twins in his time at Auschwitz- are truly fascinating, and I think I might want to focus on these.
However, I have also looked into other methods of "human experimentation" during this time. These range from the terrors at Dauchu, both the Low-Temperature Experiments, and the High-Altitude Experiments, both of which were used to further investigation on how to keep the German soldiers alive better on the field.
One of the most interesting topics to me is both the idea of the T-4 program that dealt with killing/sterilizing the mentally ill, and using similar techniques in the concentration camps. The Nazi's used such horrific practices to get these results... but at the same time, they make break throughes in the area of hypothermia.
I also have one more question. If the Nazi's were so bent on exterminating Jews, why didn't they just kill them all? Why did they subject so many to a half-life of work and little food? It's hard to imagine that the work they did truly did much help in the end, considering their state.
ANyway, thats my research topic, and now I have the task of narrowing it down to a specific category, though I'm leaning towards Joseph Mengele's twin studies.
As of yet I have a few questions/paths I could use with the the idea. I thought of the popular topic of if we can use these documents as legitimate sources of research, considering how they were found. Yet, it seems there are MANY papers that address this issue, so I don't particularly want to do it.
I started my research of this with Wikipedia- rather, I got a broad idea of it though it, and used it to link me to other useful sources. However, my initial interest in this topic is due to my project for National History Day in 6th grade when I studied the holocaust- unfortunately, I never read much on the experiments seeing as I was both young and it was a broad topic to cover.
WHen beginning my investigation into this study, I was fascinated by the man Josef Mengele, and his infamous study on twins during the holocaust. The brutality of these, combined with stories of the survivors of this man's torture- how he killed over 3000 twins in his time at Auschwitz- are truly fascinating, and I think I might want to focus on these.
However, I have also looked into other methods of "human experimentation" during this time. These range from the terrors at Dauchu, both the Low-Temperature Experiments, and the High-Altitude Experiments, both of which were used to further investigation on how to keep the German soldiers alive better on the field.
One of the most interesting topics to me is both the idea of the T-4 program that dealt with killing/sterilizing the mentally ill, and using similar techniques in the concentration camps. The Nazi's used such horrific practices to get these results... but at the same time, they make break throughes in the area of hypothermia.
I also have one more question. If the Nazi's were so bent on exterminating Jews, why didn't they just kill them all? Why did they subject so many to a half-life of work and little food? It's hard to imagine that the work they did truly did much help in the end, considering their state.
ANyway, thats my research topic, and now I have the task of narrowing it down to a specific category, though I'm leaning towards Joseph Mengele's twin studies.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Research
When Fall trimester ended, the very afternoon I got home, I was flipping channels and found a three-hour segment on Cannibalism. Now, most people would probably turn away from this, but I was completely, and totally, intrigued. I sat there lifeless for those three hours, watching as it went into the history of famous cannibals (The urgagray soccer team, the donor party) and how it had others I hadn't heard of too (Some men at the bay of pigs that got stranded, A ship headed for America that got lost for some two months- In this one, they first shot the slave, stating he was "part of their cargo" and next had to choose lots on who would be shot and eaten next. This guy got picked, but seeing as the whole crew liked him, gave him one night. That night they were rescued, but their "intended" target went mad from the sheer thought- and was mad until he died. This show, which runs on the history channel, is what first got me interested in the idea of cannibalism for a topic of further research. (You can find a description of the show here)
Now I don't merely want to do the history of it- I learned that from this show, and it'd be boring to research it again.
I thought for a bit I'd do Self-cannibalism. Or Autocannibalism, given the name you assign to it, but there is very few sources available out there. when looking, I started with Wikipedia as my jumping off point, and found a link to this story about a man who served his own fat to guests for dinner. Ew. I also tired Ebsco host a bit, but there was very little on it- what I did find, they didn't even have the full text, just the title- basically, it was pointless.
This means, I can't do my original idea of self-cannibalism, and instead I am contemplating keeping with cannibalism, and trying to research the physce of what these people go through when they eat/after they've eaten people, or, if that too is fruitless, go with my next topic: Nazi Medical research in the death camps.
I realize these are both gross topics, but they interest me. Mainly because they are disgusting.
I won't just detail what the Nazi's did, but seeing as I spent hours researching a dead topic, I'll have to start over. When I do compose a good topic, I'll post again... May I could do an ethical question about it, like if the research is- while being collected in a horrible fashion- beneficial to the medical world?
Now I don't merely want to do the history of it- I learned that from this show, and it'd be boring to research it again.
I thought for a bit I'd do Self-cannibalism. Or Autocannibalism, given the name you assign to it, but there is very few sources available out there. when looking, I started with Wikipedia as my jumping off point, and found a link to this story about a man who served his own fat to guests for dinner. Ew. I also tired Ebsco host a bit, but there was very little on it- what I did find, they didn't even have the full text, just the title- basically, it was pointless.
This means, I can't do my original idea of self-cannibalism, and instead I am contemplating keeping with cannibalism, and trying to research the physce of what these people go through when they eat/after they've eaten people, or, if that too is fruitless, go with my next topic: Nazi Medical research in the death camps.
I realize these are both gross topics, but they interest me. Mainly because they are disgusting.
I won't just detail what the Nazi's did, but seeing as I spent hours researching a dead topic, I'll have to start over. When I do compose a good topic, I'll post again... May I could do an ethical question about it, like if the research is- while being collected in a horrible fashion- beneficial to the medical world?
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Japanese Girl Part 2.
So she's here. My Japanese girl. In some ways it's compeletly and totally awkard. I'm afraid too, once we've finished introductions like "Hi, look at this, look at this" I'm not going to know what to do with her. I mean, I showed her my anime, which she loved, and I showed her my "Seventeen" magazine which she enjoyed looking at the pictures in. She's also amused watching me play my DS, "Pokemon Diamond" to be exact. According to her, the music/and scenario is the same in Japan. Though all the Pokemon have different names.
Such as. The Pokemon above is called, in the English version of the game, Cleffa. (Then Clefairy, then Clefable I think, as it evolves) But in the Japanese version it's name is Pi. So, when my Japanese girl said 'I love Pi!" it kind of threw me for a second. But it's also my favorite Pokemon too! Yay for cross-continental likes!
It is fun though. I'm really glad we chose to do this (host a student). The only downside is that at this moment my moms in a hospital with her gallbladder out. Which, I learned in Japanese is "ShuJuzu" Like Shoe, Juu, like in Juice, and Zu, like Zoo.
I also learned how to make origami swans. Only they kind of come out retarded because I can't fold anything straight. I get the first few folds correct, and then blggth. I mess it up a little and it comes out with an uneven head. Poor crane.
I also introduced her to sledding, which was fun, and we made a snow dog, though it's face has fallen off. :(
Sunday, March 9, 2008
A Theory and a Movie
It is said that people only use about 10% of their brains at their maximum. This means that when Albert Einstein was developing the theory of relativity, he was only using about 10% of the total amount he could use. It makes one think that, if people were able to harness that last 90% what we might be able to accomplish. Some have said that if we were able to use all of our brains, we could levitate.
Now, I don't think this theory is wrong or right. I don't know if it is or not. I do though, think I know part of the reason that we don't use our whole brains. It is simply, I think, emotions.
How many times have you been unwilling to finish homework because you were sad, or depressed at something that had happened? What if you were continually always happy? And that emotion wasn't a block for your logical output- couldn't it be that then one might be able to better harvest the potential of their minds?
Now I'm not saying that emotion is bad; in fact, without it, life might be very unfulfilling. Emotions drive art- without it, someone of the greatest masterpieces both of pen and paint may not of been constructed- but I think, in some ways, they tend to hurt us. Love is grand, people continually say that, but how many people truly have a perfect relationship? And if it's not perfect, then there's sadness, and with that downtrodden emotion, people are less inclined to function to their potential.
Under emotion one may also classify spiritual beliefs. I'm not about to rally against believing in something, nor try to disprove it- I am merely making a point I thought of.
During the dark ages, when the world was suppressed by the Catholic Church, growth in science was severely limited. What if we had started the snowball of technology then that we did 2000 years later? What if we had taken away those years of repression by an intangible thing and used to create something tangible? Where would we be in technology? Would we laugh at our grandparents for boasting how cool their iphones were, for we have microchips just implanted at birth? No one can say, but I think one could label such a block as emotion as well.
Religion is good for some people- I realize that- but at the same time, where would we be if we all focused on science?
On a complete side note I watched the Darjeeling Limited this weekend with Owen Wilson, Adrian Brody and Jason Schwartzman. It's amazing. I'd recommend it for anyone who wants a quirky comedy. It's not really a laugh-out-loud comedy like Juno or anything, but it makes you just kinda laugh and smile on the inside.
Now, I don't think this theory is wrong or right. I don't know if it is or not. I do though, think I know part of the reason that we don't use our whole brains. It is simply, I think, emotions.
How many times have you been unwilling to finish homework because you were sad, or depressed at something that had happened? What if you were continually always happy? And that emotion wasn't a block for your logical output- couldn't it be that then one might be able to better harvest the potential of their minds?
Now I'm not saying that emotion is bad; in fact, without it, life might be very unfulfilling. Emotions drive art- without it, someone of the greatest masterpieces both of pen and paint may not of been constructed- but I think, in some ways, they tend to hurt us. Love is grand, people continually say that, but how many people truly have a perfect relationship? And if it's not perfect, then there's sadness, and with that downtrodden emotion, people are less inclined to function to their potential.
Under emotion one may also classify spiritual beliefs. I'm not about to rally against believing in something, nor try to disprove it- I am merely making a point I thought of.
During the dark ages, when the world was suppressed by the Catholic Church, growth in science was severely limited. What if we had started the snowball of technology then that we did 2000 years later? What if we had taken away those years of repression by an intangible thing and used to create something tangible? Where would we be in technology? Would we laugh at our grandparents for boasting how cool their iphones were, for we have microchips just implanted at birth? No one can say, but I think one could label such a block as emotion as well.
Religion is good for some people- I realize that- but at the same time, where would we be if we all focused on science?
On a complete side note I watched the Darjeeling Limited this weekend with Owen Wilson, Adrian Brody and Jason Schwartzman. It's amazing. I'd recommend it for anyone who wants a quirky comedy. It's not really a laugh-out-loud comedy like Juno or anything, but it makes you just kinda laugh and smile on the inside.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Japanese Girl
On Sunday my family will receive a Japanese Girl (Her name's Yurika) to live with us for the duration of two weeks. It's nerve racking! I'm freaking out about small things I never used to think about.
I wake up every morning and I usually eat, and then spend like 30 minutes in the bathroom, either getting dressed, doing my hair, etc, and I just realize I'll have to share it with her, which will totally disrupt my way of life. Now, I'm pretty flexible. When our plane to Washington DC was delayed for twelve hours this summer, I was fine. If my friend suddenly cancels plans, I don't view it as the ultimate end of the world.
But I've never lived with someone who doesn't really speak English. Well, she does, but only "moderately". And I don't speak Japanese. At least not much.
I do think it will be fun- I love to meet people- but it's also just so nerve racking to think about. My family eats such picky, odd meals. I'm a huge picky eater, my dad's a vegetarian, and my mom then has to cook around that, which only gives her a few meals to make.
My teacher also mentioned Japanese people, if you tell them to "help themselves to the kitchen" they wont. I'm somewhat the same, sure, but I'm wont go as far as to not eat because I don't want to get food from the kitchen...
SO much for people gaining weight here!
In other news, my mom's friend dropped off her dog to stay for the day/night when they go to the football game. And, it seems, her dog has teached mine how to... do certain physical activities involved in reproducing.
What fun.
I wake up every morning and I usually eat, and then spend like 30 minutes in the bathroom, either getting dressed, doing my hair, etc, and I just realize I'll have to share it with her, which will totally disrupt my way of life. Now, I'm pretty flexible. When our plane to Washington DC was delayed for twelve hours this summer, I was fine. If my friend suddenly cancels plans, I don't view it as the ultimate end of the world.
But I've never lived with someone who doesn't really speak English. Well, she does, but only "moderately". And I don't speak Japanese. At least not much.
I do think it will be fun- I love to meet people- but it's also just so nerve racking to think about. My family eats such picky, odd meals. I'm a huge picky eater, my dad's a vegetarian, and my mom then has to cook around that, which only gives her a few meals to make.
My teacher also mentioned Japanese people, if you tell them to "help themselves to the kitchen" they wont. I'm somewhat the same, sure, but I'm wont go as far as to not eat because I don't want to get food from the kitchen...
SO much for people gaining weight here!
In other news, my mom's friend dropped off her dog to stay for the day/night when they go to the football game. And, it seems, her dog has teached mine how to... do certain physical activities involved in reproducing.
What fun.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Research Topics
For the research essay we are doing in APLA, here are my purposed three topics.
+ Plastic Surgery - The effects, and consequences that come from the implantantation of silicone
+ Human Slave Trade- How it is still going on today/ polices, problems, ect. of it.
+ Cannibalism- Self-Cannibalism/as a weapon, or through starvation, ect. Basically, just humans eating humans.
Right now I'm most interested in the third topic, mainly because I once watched a 3-hour long segment on cannibilism on the Discovery Channel. :)
+ Plastic Surgery - The effects, and consequences that come from the implantantation of silicone
+ Human Slave Trade- How it is still going on today/ polices, problems, ect. of it.
+ Cannibalism- Self-Cannibalism/as a weapon, or through starvation, ect. Basically, just humans eating humans.
Right now I'm most interested in the third topic, mainly because I once watched a 3-hour long segment on cannibilism on the Discovery Channel. :)
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
A Grapefruit's Introduction
I have never before started a blog. I had, at one time, a live journal (but then again who didn't?) But I rarely, if ever updated it. I can remember of the three posts I did in the last year, one was continually listing a person's name (mainly because he was coming to town and I was excited), one detailed my exam reports from the AP test I took, and one was simply an excerpt of creative writing I did for fun.
Basically, when it came to actual blogging, I was a horrible criminal. I ignored it often, and never found the idea of posting my feelings online for the world to see as appealing- in any way shape or form.
I also don't have any real shockign feelings to share.
SO this blog is not a journal of my emotions. Rather, it will probably be a space for me to rant. Or brag, or glorify something that happened to me. It may also, very possibly, be a canvas for me to relate my dreams.
Once, I read this study on how cheese effects yoru dreams. It's crazy! These people gave their human-guneia pigs cheese about ten miniutes before bed, and then recorded their dreams they had. To sum it up, if you want interesting ones, then chedder's your choice.
I have yet to try this, but I will someday soon. I love cheese. And I love dreaming. Infact, a dream of cheese might very well be euphoria for me.
Anyway, this is not a blog for comfort. If you need someone to hold you, I'd buy a hooker, because I'm not going to run on about fluffy emotions. I may detail my life a bit, here and then, but that's about the whole of it.
I just hope this blog turns out better than my last. I don't think my teacher would appreciate me writing a 600 word entry with one person's name. No matter how cute I thought they were.
Also, P.S. I guess, if you havent noticed, I love grapefruit too.
Basically, when it came to actual blogging, I was a horrible criminal. I ignored it often, and never found the idea of posting my feelings online for the world to see as appealing- in any way shape or form.
I also don't have any real shockign feelings to share.
SO this blog is not a journal of my emotions. Rather, it will probably be a space for me to rant. Or brag, or glorify something that happened to me. It may also, very possibly, be a canvas for me to relate my dreams.
Once, I read this study on how cheese effects yoru dreams. It's crazy! These people gave their human-guneia pigs cheese about ten miniutes before bed, and then recorded their dreams they had. To sum it up, if you want interesting ones, then chedder's your choice.
I have yet to try this, but I will someday soon. I love cheese. And I love dreaming. Infact, a dream of cheese might very well be euphoria for me.
Anyway, this is not a blog for comfort. If you need someone to hold you, I'd buy a hooker, because I'm not going to run on about fluffy emotions. I may detail my life a bit, here and then, but that's about the whole of it.
I just hope this blog turns out better than my last. I don't think my teacher would appreciate me writing a 600 word entry with one person's name. No matter how cute I thought they were.
Also, P.S. I guess, if you havent noticed, I love grapefruit too.
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