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 :( )
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