"Nous écrivons des choses éternelles."
--Antoine de St Exupéry
Thursday, February 03, 2011
Info Thursday Saga of King Hrolf kraki
The old Norse saga above includes a Loathly Lady story that sounds a little more similar to the one I read because the lady asks to sleep in his bed and he reluctantly agrees and then she turns into a beautiful elf. Then her rapes her. Lesson: don't turn into a beautiful elf around strange men. The story I read as a child did not include rape, so this isn't it, but it's interesting. I do remember something about a house in the woods and she slept in the bed.
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Wildcard Wednesday Orion
Orion is my favorite constellation and is almost like a friend. He's always been there for me and used to look like he hung right over my apartment in Ohio. He makes me think of home and safety. My sister took this lovely picture, as I am not nearly so good with a camera in the dark. Click on the picture to zoom in and see it best. Orion is to the right over the trees. His belt (the three stars lined up) and dagger are most visible. The bright star to the lower left is Sirius, the dog star.
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
Diary Tuesday The Loathly Lady
When I was a child I heard some old folktale about a man marrying a truly hideous woman who became beautiful once they were married. But I will never forget the ending because it was so strange. Rather than her beauty being a simple happily ever after, it said he never forgot her ugly form. It was so bizarre that I've always wished I could find the story again, but I can't recall the name. While volunteering in the library today, I found a book with a very similar story called The Loathly Lady, but without the disturbing ending. Still, I think I may be on the right track because many folktales have several different versions, so it may be if I search enough Loathly Lady stories, I'll find the one I read all those years ago.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Writing Stats Monday
I just sent my first query of the New Year!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Photo Sunday Bike Trail
The bike trail near our home. And possibly a quail?
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Links Saturday Lonely Natalie
Most my friends know I love Natalie Tran's CommunityChannel on YouTube. If you haven't seen it, she's this hilarious Australian-Asian chick.* Because there's going to be a huge difference between But recently she started making travel videos for Lonely Planet that I've been enjoying as well. Recently she visited Miami! OMG, she's in the US! If only she weren't on the East Coast...
* On a side note, I suppose most people would think it should be Asian-Australian, but I think it really ought to go in the order of the place you've spent most your life. There's a big difference, for instance, between an Asian person born and raised in America (like myself) to one who's just moved there. I don't think this means anyone's rights should be curtailed, just acknowledged that people's situations make them different. Keeping that in mind, Natalie is definitely Australian-Asian as she grew up in Australia and acquired Australian mannerisms and accents which now come more naturally to her than would her Asian heritage.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Review Friday Rampant
Summary
Astrid is mostly concerned with fitting in, going to prom, and keeping her unicorn crazy mother from ruining her life until the impossible happens: a unicorn almost kills her boyfriend, and Astrid discovers a reemergence of these dangerous beasts means she must return to her ancestral roots as a unicorn hunter.
Overview
It's certainly a fast-paced book which is both dark and funny. Despite the subject matter of unicorns in modern times, I felt it was balanced enough with science and realistic character interaction to suspend our disbelief.
I have been hesitant to read the sequel: Ascendant, but not because I'm not curious what happens. It's mostly that the dark tone of the books take a certain mood for me to be able to read and I'm not personally in that mood.
7/10 stars * * * * * * * --A fast exciting read,, though I wish they had gone more into the themes introduced like medical ethics and whether it's right to kill the unicorns for trying to survive.
Book Club (Spoilers)
I thought Astrid's interest in the medical possibilities of the remedy, Phil's thoughts on how unicorns work as a species, and the pharmecutical company's involvement to be the most grounding elements of the story.
I also just liked the romance between Astrid and Giovanni. It was a well-done, feel-good, girl-power romance. Girl power in the sense that the romance didn't define Astrid, even when she wanted to renounce everything for it, the author does a good job of making many other aspects of Astrid's life more important.
However, it did bother me that, as smart as Astrid was, she didn't figure out that her ex-boyfriend didn't run away. She told creepy pharmaceuticals guy who he was and that he was the last one to have the remedy. If they didn't kidnap him and cut him open, then they did something even worse. Plus, how could anyone trust a pharmaceutical company with the possibility of finding a cure for all illnesses?
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Info Thursday Chancery
I am currently listening to Charles Dickens' Bleak House on audio book. The story is all about the Chancery Courts of England. I didn't know what these courts did, so I decided to look it up and according to Wikipedia it would seem they: "had jurisdiction over all matters of equity, including trusts, land law, the administration of the estates of lunatics and the guardianship of infants." Dickens critisizes their slow bureaucracy and he wasn't the only one as it seems the court was reforming even as he wrote Bleak House.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Wildcard Wednesday Photos!
Okay, sorry my Last Wish story got derailed again. I didn't have time to finish the section because I was too bust thrifting with friends. I'm sure you're all disappointed. But look, I got these awesome red leather boots! But other than a Mord-Sith costume, I can't think what to do with them... Bonus points if you know what a Mord-Sith is. Hint: It is NOT from Star Wars.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Diary Tuesday Club Jane Austen Book Club
I'm really excited that I found a group of friends interested in starting a Jane Austen Book Club! I didn't think I'd ever find enough interested people. It's also awesome because if you've read the book The Jane Austen Book Club or seen the movie, then you know it takes place in the Sacramento area where I am currently located. Now, if only we could get Hugh Dancy to join our book club...
Monday, January 24, 2011
Writing Stats Monday
Fantasy Novel Edit -- Cutting words at a breakneck snail's pace! Last Time: 206,499 words This Time: 206,109 words I nixed: 390 words
I've been really busy with job hunting stuff, so even that small amount is only because I spied an unnecessary section earlier this week that I was going to fix but decided was easier just to delete altogether.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Photo Sunday
My former college's coffeehouse and the poem it's named for.
Jabberwocky
’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves Did gyre and gimble in the wabe; All mimsy were the borogoves, And the mome raths outgrabe.
“Beware the Jabberwock, my son! The jaws that bite, the claws that catch! Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun The frumious Bandersnatch!”
He took his vorpal sword in hand: Long time the manxome foe he sought— So rested he by the Tumtum tree, And stood awhile in thought.
And as in uffish thought he stood, The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame, Came whiffling through the tulgey wood, And burbled as it came!
One, two! One, two! and through and through The vorpal blade went snicker-snack! He left it dead, and with its head He went galumphing back.
“And hast thou slain the Jabberwock? Come to my arms, my beamish boy! O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!” He chortled in his joy.
’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves Did gyre and gimble in the wabe; All mimsy were the borogoves, And the mome raths outgrabe.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Links Saturday Hank Games
Hank Green of the vlogbrothers has made a channel where he plays video games and makes ammusing comments to them. As amusing comments during game play are half of the reason I enjoy video games in the first place, I really enjoy this. Plus, I've always been interested in the Assassin's Creed series, and he's mostly played the newest one of those. Above is my favorite of his videos and here's the link to the channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/hankgames?blend=2&ob=1
Friday, January 21, 2011
Review Friday The King's Speech
Trailer
Overview
Great as both a historical and character drama. I think it was brilliantly acted, particularly by Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter, and Geoffrey Rush. Not only did I believe they were these characters but I cared about what happened to them. Firth excels at being simultaneously unfriendly but lovable. Carter is regal and somehow even gives the air of the Queen Mum. Her dress and make-up is spot on. Whereas no amount of make-up or costuming will make Firth look like George VI. But his acting was excellent, so it doesn't matter. Rush is the perfect addition for both fun and seriousness.
8/10 stars. * * * * * * * * A thoroughly enjoyable and well-made film.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Info Thursday How To Put On a Kimono / Yukata
I have yukata (a cotton kimono meant for summer), and I couldn't remember how to tie the obi or which side went over which (left over right--though, I did recall if I got it wrong, it symbolized death). So I looked up the following how-tos for the next time I want to wear it.
While shelf reading at the library today I came across a book of fairy tale poems that could be read both forwards and backwards in a book called Mirror, Mirror. While reading the one about Rumplestiltskin I realized that it is a story about names, but none of the characters, other than Rumplestiltskin, ever give their names.
I would also like to say that I'll be out pretty much all day tomorrow and will be staying at a friend's house, so there will once again be no Wednesday blog. I hope no one's on the edge of their seats to hear the next installment of my realistic fiction story, Last Wish. If even one person says they are, I'll post it instead of Info Thursday.
Writing Stats Monday (on Tuesday)
Last time: 210,579 words This time: 206,499 words I cut 4,080 words.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Photo Sunday Which of These Things Didn't Belong?
I used a digital editing program to erase two things from this picture. Can you guess what they were? You can ask me or the answer can be found in my Facebook photos.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Kato is The Awesome AND He Raps!
Okay, normally I don't like rap but if anyone can make it awesome, it's Kato. The actor who play's Kato--Jay Chou--is actually a Chinese musician and here's his song that was at the end of the Green Hornet's credits.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Review Friday The Green Hornet
Trailer
Overview
Kato is awesome.
I loved this movie based on that alone and you should too.
Spoilers
Um...Kato is the awesome? Seriously, the Green Hornet has no super powers, it's all Kato. Even thinking back on the story, I would not have cared at all if notfor Kato. Kato makes this movie but that's why it's worth seeing just to see him.
I've got a couple interviews I really need to focus on right now. I'll be back Thursday.
Sunday, January 09, 2011
Photo Sunday
This replica of a medieval chessman that I saw in San Diego's Museum of Man reminded me very much of the living chess pieces in Harry Potter.
Saturday, January 08, 2011
Links Saturday
After seeing the excellent film The King's Speech, I was eager to hear the actual speech portrayed in the film given by King George VI. And through the magic of you tube, here it is!
Friday, January 07, 2011
Review Friday Scarlett Fever
Summary
Scarlett Martin's indentured servitude (albiet well-paid) to the eccentric Mrs. Amberson has only just begun. Despite moving out of Scarlett's family hotel, Mrs. Amberson's new Acting Agency is easily a full-time job. Add that to school and boy problems and Scarlett has a rocky road ahead of her.
Overview(No Spoilers)
I want more Scarlett! And her family. While the first book was enjoyable, I really fell in love with the entire Martin family in this second book, and now I'm dying to read a third. I hope there's a third. There'd better be a third. Maureen Johnson, are you listening to me? No, probably not.
Anyway, There was actually less craziness and more business savvy from Mrs. Amberson, which I liked. But the highlight of this book was the family drama. I'll confess this is still a teen girl sort of book, highlighted by Scarlett's obsession with her ex-almost-boyfriend Eric. Book for most girls, this is a sadly relateable obsession.
Book Club (Spoilers)
I particularly want to know what happens to Spencer after the events of this book. Does he ever get another acting job? What about Scarlett's unpleasant sister, Marlene? Does being PowerKid of the Year make her better or worse? I want to know how Lola handles her marriage to Chip. It's foreshadowed that Lola agreeing to sign the postnuptial agreement forced on her by Chip's parents will not go over well later, but you never see the fall out of that in the book. I suppose I'm also kinda curious what happens with Scarlett and Max. I definitely like Max better than Eric. But I just want to know how it all turns out for the entire Martin family. And it better turn out well!
Got that, Johnson?!
No, of course not.
Thursday, January 06, 2011
Info Thursday Airport Insider
What the airports are currently doing for security measures is wrong, and if people choose not to travel by plane because of it, I don't blame them. However, some of us either don't have that option or would rather not give up traveling. For those people like myself, my friend encouraged me to give a suggestion that I gave her. Travel from low security airports who don't have the body scanners. But it is important to note that the TSA in any airport can still subject you to an an advanced pat down, so we still need to fight this entire idea in any way we can. Sadly, it may also become increasingly more difficult to avoid airports with body scanners with the recently passed spending bill that funded more body scanners. Here's a list of airports with body scanners. However, this is an older list (from November) and could change at a moment's notice, so it would probably be best to contact the airport to know for certain.
This doesn't necessarily mean the list will change for the worst, though. I've been led to believe that San Diego Airport, which is on the list, either no longer has body scanners or doesn't have them in every terminal. Specifically, the TSA at the terminal for Southwest Airlines told me they didn't have body scanners, though I was unclear if they simply meant at that checkpoint or in the entire airport. I was pulled aside for additional screening because I had forgotten to remove my toiletries from my bag. But all they did was test my hands for explosives by rubbing them with a cloth an putting that cloth through a machine. This was a minor hassle but far less invasive and far more practical than either body scanners or pat downs, and I would be in full support of airports doing this instead.
Sacramento Airport is already not on the list and did not have any scanners that I saw when I was traveling, nor did I see anyone pat down at either airport.
Unfortunately, the first anti-body scanner bill introduced by Representative Ron Paul unfortunately died in committee. But there are stirrings of a new similar bill. Hopefully, something will go through. I will also note this is the perfect issue to cross party lines as both Republicans and Democrats seem to dislike being felt up or goggled at in the nude. However, there do seem rather more Republicans speaking up... I would like the Democrats to step it up. I hate having to choose, but this issue is currently more important to me than health care because health care in the US has always been crummy, but travel hasn't always been this ridiculous and devoid of dignity.
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Wildcard Wednesday Last Wish
So for one Wednesday I wrote a not particularly exciting character vignette. Which I may turn into a not particularly exciting story. Why, you ask? Because it was the only realistic fiction idea I thought of in a long while, and I'm bad at realistic fiction, so I figured I'd give it a go. I'd be honored if people read it (start with the vignette as that is now the first part). But I totally understand if you don't want to. Comments on the writing (even the brutal truth) are welcome. This will be an ongoing story until it ends or people throw enough rotten fruit at me. The title, as seen above, is Last Wish.
* * *
Tory didn't listen to Brenda and asked the barista on a date. He often didn't listen to Brenda. It was the cornerstone of their relationship. It had been a problem when they were dating but somehow, as friends, it just worked. Go figure. People always said you should marry your best friend, but Tory suspected if he'd done that, he wouldn't have one anymore.
When Tory arrived his typical fifteen minutes late, the girl was already sitting at a table, playing with her smart phone. When she looked up, she smiled and waved enthusiastically. This was good. Any girl who would get upset over punctuality would never have lasted fifteen minutes with Tory--or rather, without him, as he wouldn't have shown up by then.
"Hey," she said.
"Sorry for being late." Tory said, still standing behind the chair as he did. It was best to get this formality out of the way first before he even sat down.
The girl waved her hand. "Oh, I didn't even notice. I'm stuck on level nine of Angry Birds." She flashed him the phone before sticking it back in her pocket.
Tory sat down. Plus one point for being unphased by lateness. Minus one point for being entertained a full fifteen minutes by a mindless cell phone app. So far she broke even. Not too bad.
Her name was Susan. Tory had to remind himself not to call her Coffee Girl, which was what he called her in his head. She didn't have the gravity of a Susan but didn't look much like a Susie either. Her hair was pulled back in a blond top knot and her grin seemed ever-present. If Tory had matched her grin for grin, his mouth would have started hurting after the first minute. Instead he maintained what he hoped was a pleasant neutral face, smiling whenever he felt it was appropriate.
They ordered drinks and talked first date pleasantries. Tory still thought it was rather clever of him to ask her out for coffee at the competitors to where she worked. No matter how lame Brenda thought it was. Anyway, it had worked.
Then a song came on the ambient music overhead, and the girl became excited. "Mmm," she swallowed her hot drink a little too quickly in an effort to speak and had to pause an extra moment to grimace. Then she finally said, "I love this song!" and proceeded to launch into a long explanation of the other bands this one was like--all bands Tory had never heard of--and how the radio stuff wasn't nearly as good as the actual albums, and how all music really ought to be heard live...
God. She was one of those. It wasn't strictly music lovers. Although, there did seem to be an awful lot of people far too willing to lecture on the virtue of polyphonics or vamping. What was with that? Still, the real problem was that she had this overriding passion, something that lit her up from the inside out. It was beautiful, depressing, and annoying all at the same time because Tory wasn't that passionate about anything.
"So, you're an artist, right?"
Yes, that. People assumed that's what lit Tory from the inside. Maybe it had once. Tory wasn't sure. He thought he remembered a thrill better than orgasm upon achieving a perfect painting. But he hadn't had that thrill (or an orgasm initiated by someone else for that matter) in quite some time. Perhaps it was just a false memory, just a dream to convince him that life wasn't meaningless and that he shouldn't walk in front of a bus.
But, of course, he couldn't do that. His family would be upset. More importantly, Brenda would haunt him. Usually it was the dead who haunted the living, but if he ever did anything like commit suicide, he was sure six feet of dirt wouldn't be enough to save him from Brenda's wrath. It was a comforting thought.
"Um, hello?" Ugh. He had spaced out already, convinced the date was a lost cause. But Coffee Girl--Susan--deserved to have him at least go through the motions. Then he would say he'd call her, and he wouldn't. And she'd sign him off as a lying jerk and forget about him. It would be his gift to her.
"Right, yeah, I'm a painter." Then the inevitable questions: "What do you paint?" Abstract art. A bit of a mix between Keith Haring and Picasso. He hated that description, but it was the only one people understood--after half of them went home and looked up Keith Haring. "Do you sell your work?" Yes, and practically all the paintings are snapped up by a gay Norwegian couple. No, he wasn't rich or famous, but thanks to the gay Norwegian couple and his job as a model for several art classes at his University, it paid the bills. "A nude model?" Yes. His date raised her eyebrows. That was the typical response. He made the usual comment about classes having trouble finding male models. He didn't mention that was how he'd met Jodi, and how Jodi had met her next boyfriend. That girl had a serious nude model dating complex. Susan-who-didn't-look-like-a-Susan asked the usual questions about whether modeling nude was awkward. He joked only if it was cold. They laughed and chatted about other forgettable things.
Then the date was over and they were saying goodbye, and he was saying he'd call her. Actually, later that night, he'd call Brenda. Brenda loved being right. Then he left the cafe.
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
Diary Tuesday Usefulness
I missed being useful! I mean, I guess it is useful to my brothers to have someone to play against in Age of Empires (Which I won three times over the visit! How much did I play? Er...). And it was good to have bonding time with my brothers. Even if one almost never speaks and the other spent half the time in his woodshop creating a repeating crossbow. It is useful to be a good sister, but it's a different kind of usefulness. I almost never have time to be bored, even now, but I did over break, which speaks of just how cut off I was from everything but family. So today it felt really good when I volunteered at the library this Tuesday, as I do every Tuesday. I'm normally a shelf reader but today not enough people were in, so I got to shelve. I miss shelving, but want to see how my schedule goes this before I commit to another volunteer day.
I also get so much more done when I have a lot of stuff to do. It helps me manage my time better. I guess it helps create a framework out of chaos. I can't put off tasks for mindless activities if I can't do them at any time.
Monday, January 03, 2011
Writing Stats Monday
Science Fiction 644 words
Sunday, January 02, 2011
Photo Sunday
Since the camera somehow ate the photos I wanted I'm feeling pretty surly towards photography at the moment. Imagine, if you will, the perfect picture. Cherie in a state of perfect serenity and peace sitting on a rock in the middle of a zen-like koi pond.
Okay, so maybe they weren't the perfect pictures. I'm sure, if I had them, even know I'd be thinking that I don't look as good in the picture as I'd like. But I still want them! Gah! Anyway here are some other pictures for San Diego that the camera didn't eat.
All of the following picture were taken somewhere inside San Diego's Balboa Park of awesomeness full of museums and gardens and all manner of marvelous things.
Cherie the cave girl sits by the skeletons of her kills. This replica of a cro-magnon cave was in the Museum of Man.
Here's the view from a cafe we ate at.
Here's the koi pond in the Japanese garden.
And here's another view of the Japanese garden.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
TheBest of 2010
Nothing horrible happened to me this year, which considering 2009, is something to celebrate all its own. But some very good things happened to me as well.
Best Personal News of the Year
I met Neil Gaiman!
I sent out my novel and got rejections and am looking forward to many more rejections in the new year.
I went to my first American Library Association Conference and got to see my awesome friend Sarah and visit Washington DC for the first time too.
I got my driver's license!
I finally feel like I have a good group of friends in the California area. However, unlike the the song Auld Lang Syne, my old acquaintance have not been forgot. I still love you guys.
Over 300 blog posts! Gotta admit, that's pretty good.
Best Books
Best Teen Book: Will Grayson, Will Grayson. I think this was easily John Green's best book with both humor and meaning--teaching us the importance of friendship.
Best Young Adult Fantasy Books: I was sure I reviewed I Shall Wear Midnight but cannot seem to find the review anywhere! My favorite Tiffany book is still Wee Free Men, but this is still Pratchett, and thus, still wonderful and Tiffany really becomes a woman and a witch in this book.
The Goblin Gate is another fabulous book I didn't review. I think what happened is I got these both as advanced readers copies at the ALA Conference and didn't feel right reviewing them until they actually came out and other peoople had a chance to read them. But in doing this, I forgot to review them completely! However, I do remember this is a fun, fast paced book with interesting ethical questions about survival. I eagerly await the sequel, The Goblin War.
The Lost Herowas easily the best Rick Riordan book I've read so far, and that's saying a lot because I really loved his other books. I did review this one. Just click title for the link.
I hope your year was full of great things as well and that 2011 is even greater!
Friday, December 17, 2010
Friday Note
Blog Break. I will be taking a break from regular blogging starting now. I may still blog sporadically, but no promises or punishments as I'm giving due warning. Your regularly scheduled blogs will return Sunday, January 2nd.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Info Thursday Low Blood Pressure, Postural Hypotension, and Salt Intake
I've known for a while that I had low blood pressure but never knew it was the cause of the frequent head rushes I get when standing. The official name for it is postural hypotension. A friend of mine mentioned today that she had the same condition because of low blood pressure, and the symptoms fit. It can also be treated with increased salt intake (though this is not recommended for those with preeisting heart conditions according to my research). This might explain my personal penchant for salty treats. It's not a serious condition but it's good to finally understand what causes it.
I don't generally feel strongly about music. I either like it or I don't, but something about internet artists inspires me to have an opinion. Perhaps it's because it's not a giant, focus-group run, corporation trying to crank out the next hit. It's actually just people doing what they like and hoping you'll like it too.
So that might be why I've been enjoying Charlie McDonnell's new album: This is Me, which you can listen to for free at: http://charliemcdonnell.com/music/
Charlie is known on YouTube as charlieissocoollike and I enjoyed his videos but never paid much attention to his music. But that's just because I didn't listen to it, until now. My favorite one is ASong About Love. I love how unpretentious it is, how unlike all the teenybopper stars out there, Charlie acknowledges that he's too young to talk about this with any expertise. The line about wanting to refine the person he wants to be before he worries about love is fantastic. I wish there was more of this type of thing in the general media. For similar reasons I loved Chemical Love as well.
The album's title song This is Me, is also great song both musically and lyrically. It follows the same youthfully wise vein of my other favorites. Same goes for Melody for Melody.
The song Bread has a great melody, and an animated music video, but I found the overall story so depressing that it can't be my favorite. But it's apparently John Green's favorite. I guess In the Absence of Christmas is also dark but I find that one funny and awesome.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Diary Tuesday It's Not Beginning to Feel Anything Like Christmas
I can't really remember the last time I had a proper Christmas with all the decorations and feelings of anticipation. It makes sense that those feelings would mellow as the years go on, specifically in a family that doesn't really do presents. But I used to still love the season regardless. Now days it just seems to pass me by. It doesn't help that the closest it gets to winter chill in California is a gross drizzly day like today. I did have a nice cup of peppermint tea upon arriving home, which does summon some good memories of childhood. But I still don't feel like this time of year is different than any other.
It's not that I really miss Christmas. It's more that I miss, missing Christmas. I miss how important it would have once been to me to decorate and celebrate. This feeling of sameness when so many other people feel different, is worse than encountering any Christmas Scrooge.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Writing Stats Monday
FFAAAIIILLLLL.....
But at least one of my beta readers who happens to be one of the best editors I've ever met finished reading my novel, so that will be a great help.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Photo Sunday
I took this picture when I visited France in 2005 but this is the first time I've posted this pic. I chose this particular gargoyle overlooking the city of Paris from the towers of Notre Dame Cathedral because I bought a black and white photo print of this very vista when I visited in high school.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Links Saturday Shaytards: YouTube Channel Review
This vlog is from back in August but it's a fun one. I didn't start at the beginning; I think I started watching somewhere around here.
As mentioned in my book review yesterday, I like watching sweet, quirky families go about their lives. It's so hard to be a cute, loving family without being obnoxiously so. But I think the well known YouTuber, Shay Carl and his family accomplish this. I'll admit I started by watching his vlogs, not his actual comedy sketches. I can't remember how or why, but I'm glad I did. I still primarily watch the vlogs. Rather than inciting annoyance or jealousy that we're not all as happy a family as them, they balance it with constant humor. In a world where people basically sign in blood to be exploited and act as dysfunctional as possible, I feel Shay's family are possibly the best reality show ever--actual reality that makes you feel better about the world.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Review Friday Suite Scarlett
Summary
A rich and eccentric visitor comes to stay in Scarlett's family hotel for the summer, and it quickly becomes the strangest summer any of them have ever experienced. Both for the worst and the better.
Overview
Teen chick lit isn't normally the type of book that I read, but since Maureen Johnson is a friend of John Green's, and I have found her YouTube videos on writing both amusing and insightful, I thought I'd give it a try. It's still not my favorite genre, but I liked it enough to get through the whole thing and get the sequel. However, that is probably because I'm a bit of a voyeur when it comes to functional but quirky families, which is something portrayed in this book. I liked the interactions that Scarlett had with her siblings and like, just as in many families, the siblings had their favorites, those they couldn't stand, and those they just didn't understand. It wasn't a profound book, but I got the feeling it was never meant to be, and that's fine. If you're looking for light read with humor and family drama, I'd recommend this.
Book Club (Spoilers)
I kept thinking that it was going to be revealed at the end that Mrs. Amberson was actually just some crazy mental patient escaped from the institution and that she'd somehow stolen all the money she was giving Scarlett. I was a little disappointed with the actual truth.
I laughed out loud a few times while listening to this book, but one of my favorite lines was the description of Lola's "creepy underwear sandwich."
Thursday, December 09, 2010
Info Thursday Orcus and Vanth
A few weeks ago I posited on the question of Roman mythology before it was blended with the Greeks. In my readings I've been led to believe that the Romans were not particularly religious before. But this still baffles me as to why they would adopt a foreign religion.
In any event, I did find a God separate from the Greek pantheon, Orcus, an Italic god of the underworld thought to have originated with the Etruscans. While he was later equated to Hades and Pluto, it is notable that Orcus was initially a separate god and even later more related to the punishing side of Pluto.
Worship of Orcus even survived into the Middle Ages.
There was also a goddess of death by the name of Vanth who has no overlap in the Greek and later Roman pantheon.
"Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society." --Mark Twain
Clearly this was before the time of the Abercrombie and Finch model.
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Diary Tuesday Why are you so cute?!
I will get to the bunny.
Today I was volunteering as a shelf reader at my local public library. For any unfamiliar with library speak, a shelf reader makes sure the books on the shelf are in the proper order. I was working on a section of the youth nonfiction shelves, and if you read those shelves like a sentence, the sentence would be something like: Cat the on mat sat. Yeah, the books were pretty out of order, though this is hardly surprising. Because it's kids, you say? No. Because they actually get looked at. Take a note adults. Read! When I was working as a shelver 90% of shelving was children's books. Which tells me why kids are sometimes smarter than adults. Actually, I'd venture to guess, if you're reading this, you probably do read more than the average adult. Good for you. Here's a cookie.
Anyway, as I was straightening up the animal books, and found like a million books on bunnies, a thought occurred to me. Why are certain animals cute? What useful purpose could it possibly serve to find the young of a different (very edible species) adorable? Shouldn't it be more common to look at it and think: "Yum, a vulnerable piece of delicious meat"? I suppose finding the babies cute could be a way to force us to let them grow before we eat them. But that doesn't explain why some animals are even cute when they're fully grown. Although, bunnies aren't nutritious enough to sustain you alone, so perhaps that's why. But I still remember this line from a fantasy book I read (Foundation, by Mercedes Lackey) where the boy sees a little girl crying over a dead rabbit, and having grown up with no food, the boy's immediate desire is to offer to help her skin it. Luckily, it's fantasy, and his magic horse prevents this social faux pas.
Still, there are some very edible animals that we consider cute. Is it maybe just conditioning, just because we're told they're cute? Did cavemen think they were cute? And why are they always mammals?
Monday, December 06, 2010
Writing Stats Monday
Sci-Fi 695 words
Fantasy I only edited a little bit just now, so not much this week. But it is nice to know that the story started out 234,891 words and is currently 210,579 words. So I've cut 24,312 words so far.
I've come to suspect that no one actually looks at my Monday writing stats. This is actually excellent since it means you probably all believe I'm getting so much more done than I actually am...
Sunday, December 05, 2010
Photo Sunday Dark Light
A dark picture of a very light painting, both in mood and color, that I liked in the art museum in Nantes.
Saturday, December 04, 2010
Links Saturday Associations
I talked about Sirius, the dog star this week, cause I heard this song on Glee:
Friday, December 03, 2010
Review Friday Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- Part 1
Trailer
Overview
In my personal opinion this is the best Potter book to film adaptation. The third film is still my favorite, but this one captured all of the most important parts of the 7th book, as well as being pitch perfect on the tone of both the book and the characters. Fans have often lamented than Ron's best lines from the book are given to Hermione in the film. But this was Ron at his best.
Overall, the pacing, which I feel has been the biggest problem in the last two films, was perfectly executed. I never felt things were to slow or too fast. In pacing, it's actually even better than the book, as I did feel the camping dragged on too long, but in the movie it was great character building and well integrated with excitement and suspense.
There were a couple quibbles I had with things being confusing if you hadn't read the books, but I actually saw the film with someone who had never read the books and had only seen the first film. And the only thing she said she didn't understand were the horcruxes.
Finally, the part where they chose to cut it worked surprisingly well. Many fans had been speculating they might cut it at Dobby's death but that it would be really depressing. By having Vodemort stealing the wand be the very last seen they balance that bleakness with suspense. I am eagerly looking forward to part 2.
Spoilers
Okay, so the mirror shard that Harry carries and sees what he thinks is Dumbledore's eye through, was my biggest complaint. They never explained it in any of the films and they didn't in this one either! The girl I was with who hadn't seen them probably assumed it had been explained and perhaps that's why she wasn't confused. But I knew they hadn't, so that annoyed me. But honestly I don't think it's that important. I think they could have left it out entirely. Many fans claim there's no other way to explain how Aberforth knew to send Dobby to help them. But trust me, there's always another way. But I'll reserve final judgement in the hopes they explain the mirror in part 2.
A change I loved was Hedwig saving Harry instead of simply exploding. At least she went out heroically and not trapped in a burning cage.
I also loved Dobby's speech. Only seriously maim. Golden. Some fans seem to feel it was too comedic, but I think it was just right. You can't have the entire film be dark, it would be too much. Plus, considering that we haven't seen Dobby since the second film, I think it was crucial to remind us why we love this little elf before he gets killed. Cruel, yes, but necessary to make us care.
Thursday, December 02, 2010
Info Thursday Dog Days
On the onset of winter, I thought I'd remind us all of summer. So if you've ever heard the phrase "the dog days of summer," then you may (or may not) be interested to know that it refers to the ancient, and incorrect, belief that summer was caused by the proximity of Sirius, also known as the dog star, to the sun.
The heart breaks when you lose a friend, but it's rare to have friends you don't eventually lose. If you're reading this, there's a good chance you're a friend, and I haven't lost you yet. So thank you. A big thanks even to those who will never see this. On the surface, it's a depressing thought. And, I guess, it is under the surface as well. But, in other ways, it's good that people can grow and change, even if it means growing apart. Sometimes friends are forever, and sometimes they're the person you need at that time. I don't think one is necessarily better than the other. We're trained to feel betrayed if someone leaves us, but what if we left them first? What if we changed so much or they changed so much that you're both just too different? Should that negate all the kindnesses they've done you in the past? I don't think so. I think there's something to be said for knowing when you've got nothing more to give. Having a friend grow apart from you is always a loss, but accepting that it's natural can give you solace. As long as we still have great people in our lives, we should rejoice and count ourselves lucky. I know I have (and have had) great people in mine.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Diary Tuesday Job Interview
Spent the day preparing for a job interview. Nothing particularly exciting to report unless you want to hear about me sitting in the same chair all day as I researched the library I'll be interviewing with and only getting up to eat and exercise.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Writing Stats Monday
Fantasy Novel Last time it was 211,670 words. This time it's 210,601 words. That's 1,069 words cut and my goal of having under 200,000 is looking a lot more feasible.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Photo Sunday Castle!
I don't recall which one but somewhere in France.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Links Saturday Barbie is Watching You
Possibly the most disturbing Barbie I've seen thus far is the new Video Girl Barbie equipped with a hidden camera. Seriously, I can't make this stuff up:
Tangled is hands down the best film since Tarzan ended Disney's golden age. On a list of my six favorite Disney films (based solely on their stories), Tangled is my third favorite. That list is: Mulan, Lilo and Stitch, Tangled, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and The Little Mermaid.
Like these other Disney films, Tangled has a great story, fun characters, and breathtakingly beautiful animation. There's only one snag that prevents it from being utterly perfect, a disappointing bug in an otherwise tasty porridge. No, it's not the fact that they changed the name from Rapunzel to Tangled because they thought the latter would attract more boys. Really, Disney, did Snow White, Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, or Mulan do poorly just because they had prominent female leads? Still, the name change was a minor annoyance, easily overlooked since it was overall a great film. No, there was something else that bugged me far more. But first I want to go over all the reasons why I loved it and why you should go and see it. What are you doing still reading this? Go now!
Story: The story was fantastic. I know the original Rapunzel tale pretty well, so I could spot the changes. But if I was a fairytale purist, I wouldn't like any of Disney's films. Besides, the changes made, in my opinion, worked very well. They added just enough life and detail to the story to keep up the pace and emotional depth over the course of a full length movie, while still staying close enough to the plot of the original tale. I'll elaborate more in the spoilers section. I am tempted to just do so here. I mean, if you don't know how Disney movies all end by now, then there's no hope for you. But I'll hold back. I do talk about a few specifics in the character section but nothing earth-shattering. You could figure out most of it from watching the trailer.
There was also a good balance of serious emotions and and humor, even though the trailer might indicate otherwise. It might be a little more comedic than the Disney classics, but what I liked is that even the comedic characters had serious sides. Pascal worries for Rapunzel and is her only friend. Maximus may always seem funny, but if you think about it, it's because for most of the film, he's out for Flynn's blood. Humor that involves wanting to kill or maim someone is always the best kind in my book. Same goes for the Vikings they encounter. Good tone is one of the first things I look for in a cartoon and Tangled delivers.
Characters: Rapunzel manages to be a very interesting character for a girl trapped in a tower for 18 years, which also makes her the first Disney princess to reach the age of consent before falling in love! She doesn't let being bored out of her mind make her a boring character, which is a tall order. She's had nothing to do but teach herself things like astronomy, guitar, and painting. She also has the drive and determination to question the woman she thinks is her mother, even though this is the only person she's ever known. And when the chance to escape her tower comes, Rapunzel grabs it (and hits it over the head with a frying pan). I also really related to her when she escapes from the tower. There's an excellent montage of her feeling alternately elated and morbidly guiltily which is absolutely hilarious.
Flynn is a more fleshed-out character than the traditional Disney male leads, like the princes from Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and Cinderella. But he didn't have quite the character depth of Aladdin, the Beast, or Tarzan. Still, it felt like he did have a good backstory, just like they couldn't fit it in the film. He mentions it a little bit, just not as much as I would have liked. Still, he's the perfect foil to the repressed Rapunzel and the chemistry between them works very well and keeps you invested in both their characters.
Pascal, Rapunzel's chameleon sidekick, is easily on my list of top five Disney animal sidekicks: Mushu, Pascal, Sebastian, Abu, and Zazu—in that order. Pascal doesn't talk, but his expressive face says it all. He's clearly the enforcer of the group.
Maximus kinda reminded me of Phoebus's horse from The Hunchback of Notre Dame, but I still enjoyed his stalwart and honest nature that suffers no fools, particularly not thieving ones. And you have to admire a warhorse willing to pick up a sword and fight his battles himself!
Animation: The lantern festival when all the lanterns started to light easily gave me the same chills I felt when the crowds at the Imperial City bowed to Mulan, visually stunning and emotionally moving when you think about how the lanterns represent love and longing. I also think Disney's made the right decision to do the whole movie in the style of a Rocco painting. Rocco was a reaction to being freed from the oppressive rule of Louis XIV, and this movie is all about freedom. Plus, it's just a pretty and whimsical style of painting, perfect for a cartoon. I could wish that the style of the characters had been a little more organic so it would look more like the actual Rocco style. The backgrounds did feel Rocco, particularly, Rapunzel's tower. But the characters, while charming and cute, look more like the standard plasticine doll-like versions of computer animation which would have looked right at home in Toy Story. But this would be my criticism of all computer animation. Regardless, I still thoroughly enjoyed the 3D, and it fittingly emphasized the action rather than being a gimmick. It makes the lantern scene that much more magical.
The Snag...
Okay, so after all this, you're probably wonder what I possibly couldn't like about this movie. What more is there than story, characters, and amazing visuals?
Well, from most movies, nothing. But since this is a Disney musical, there's one more element. The music. This is where this movie was a big disappointment. The songs aren't bad, but they are not anywhere close to Disney standards. They were supposed to be a musical mix of 1960s rock and medieval music, which is a great idea. I love modernized medieval music. But while the first song, When Will My Life Begin, starts well with a catchy beat, it fades away in a completely incongruously mellow way that makes it feel like two different songs sewn reluctantly together. The reprise, on the contrary, ended on a very good note but left out too much of the original bouncy nature. All in all, Out There, from the Hunchback of Notre Dame remains Disney's best song about being stuck in a tower.
Plus, other then the faintest possible Irish-like hint in the acoustic beginning, I fail to hear anything medieval about either of these songs. Rather than mixing the two genres, which could have been really fun and original, it seems Alan Menken decided to do one or the other. Although, honestly, none of the songs with lyrics had any medieval flair to them. I'm also not personally a fan of story songs, and all of them, except the love song and the one one the end credits, were tied too closely to the story to be a song that you can later turn into a radio classic.
Mother Knows Best was yet another story song and too musically repetitive, once again, with no good hook, not enough variety to the sounds or build in the middle and end of the song. The whole time she's mostly talking along to music rather than singing. Which I know is actually something they sometimes did in the 60s, but I'm not a fan of it, and the tune isn't strong enough to carry a lack of singing. Plus, it doesn't sound like a 60s song; it sounds like it's from the 50s or from a not very good theater musical.
As for the love song, after several listenings determined to like it, I've managed to appreciate it a bit more than when I first heard it, but it's still nothing special. It doesn't build enough or have a powerful enough hook to make you want to sing it, and I really don't think it challenged the singer's voices enough.
I'm usually not a fan of silly songs, but I've Got a Dream was the one that I actually liked most when I first heard it because it's got the best beat, is the most melodic, the overall tone is consistent, and it is actually sung!
Don't even get me started on the flower song. Musically, it's really pretty if a bit too short. But I can't see myself singing it. It's a song about a flower!
The instrumental score is actually quite good but not so good where I noticed it the first time around (with the exception of the excellent dance music in the town) because I was too busy being disappointed in the other songs.
Finally, the end credits song is good but sorta just stolen and not made for the film, so it doesn't really count. Though, it might have been better if they'd just stolen all the songs.
This is why, sadly, Tangled does not even make the list of my top twenty favorite animated musicals. Now, this list is strictly for the music, not the stories. I like most of their stories, but not all. Tangled doesn't even make it ahead of Lilo and Stitch (not listed), who stole all their music from Elvis. And I'm not even an Elvis fan! Yes, even a few lame Disney sequels had better music. * Note that the 1st, 4th, 5th, 14th, 15th, and 16th movies are NOT even Disney films. They are often mistaken for Disney, but they are NOT.
1.)* Anastasia 2.) Mulan 3.) Tarzan 4.)* Road to El Dorado 5.)* Quest for Camelot 6.) Aladdin 7.) Beauty and the Beast 8.) The Little Mermaid 9.) The Hunchback of Notre Dame 10.) Pocahontas 11.) Hercules 12.) Lion King II13.)Toy Story II 14.)* The Prince of Egypt15.)* Thumbelina 16.)* The Swan Princess 17.) Pocahontas II18)Lion King 19.) Cinderella 20.) Sleeping Beauty
Yes, these are exactly in the order starting with my most favorite and going down from there. Yes, I am a strange person (more evident at the later ones--the first few are pretty standard). But hopefully this gives you an idea of my musical taste so you have something by which to gage my opinion.
Spoilers
Notable differences between this and the original tale:
The whole sun drop turning into a magic flower was completely Disney, but I liked it. Actually far more epic than the original lettuce that Rapunzel is named after.
They reversed Rapunzel and Flynn's social statuses. In the original story Rapunzel, is a commoner, and the man who saves her is a prince. But I was fine with Rapunzel being the lost princess. I know how Disney loves its princesses.
Mother Gothel isn't actually using Rapunzel for any magic in the original tale. She just wants a child to love. Which actually makes her evilness rather more ambiguous. Sure, kidnapping and dropping the prince from the tower was wrong, but otherwise Gothel is more the archetypical over-protecive parent than evil stepmother. I actually wished Disney had played this up more, but I realize Disney villains rarely have that kind of nuance. I didn't feel they played up her evil nature enough either. I wish there had been more hints that she didn't really love Rapunzel. I don't think her constantly making fun of her really cut it because some parents do that. It makes them bad parents, but at Gothel's level, it wasn't even really verbal abuse. It easily could have just been someone who was too selfish to know better.
The prince gets his eyes gouged out falling from the tower into a bunch of thorns, but Flynn just gets stabbed.
In the original, Gothel cuts Rapunzel's hair but here obviously she couldn't because then it would be useless to her.
Rapunzel's tears do actually heal the prince in the original, but I really wish it had been her hair in this one since it was healing hair and the whole time I thought: “This is perfect because she could use her hair to heal Flynn when his eyes get gouged.” I always thought the tear thing was cheesy in the fairytale. But at least Disney didn't have to change it for a happy ending. The prince always lived at the end of Rapunzel. Interestingly enough, the witch doesn't die in any version I've ever read. The closest she comes is getting stuck in the tower.
Rapunzel has twin babies by the prince in the original. In some it's even how Gothel figures out what's happened. Then Rapunzel wanders the desert for years with her babies until she finds the blinded prince. But I get why they didn't want to explain that to the kiddies.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Info Thursday Being Thankful for My Sister Makes Me Unthankful for TSA
My sister has decided not to take the plane when we go to visit our family for the December holidays. The reason? She'd rather not be irradiated, shown nude, or rubbed down in all her intimate areas by TSA. Even though I don't personally have the same feelings, I do believe it should be someone's right not to have to endure this.
Plus, even I find the machines a little worrying. The back-scatter machines use X-Ray radiation. It's not very strong but some experts in the field point out that it's exposing your skin and not your bones to radiation, which puts you more at risk for skin cancer. Moreover, they just don't have enough research to prove it's safe to expose billions of people to this radiation.
The safe alternative are the millimeter-wave machines, but not all airports have these. Then my sister made a fair point that they're touching your privates with gloves that they sometimes forget to change from touching other people's privates which just is not sanitary.
But even if you don't believe it's a health risk, it still is a violation if people don't want to be touched there. Moreover, it's a violation to force TSA agents to touch people in places they don't want to touch! A bad situation all around.
I will still be traveling by plane but I will make it my mission to make TSA feel as uncomfortable and violated as they're making my sister feel. Intense eye contact, animal sounds, whatever it takes. I do feel immense sympathy for the TSA agents, but that's why I think they need to rise up and draw the line at what they will NOT do. They don't like doing it either. More importantly, it's not actually making us more safe (as proved in this video from Mythbuster Adam Savage). But there will always be too many passengers willing to travel no matter what, so it's the TSA that needs to draw the line at what they will and won't do to us. I understand we all want to keep our job in these hard times, but "I'm just following orders" is never an acceptable excuse.
I had a bunch of dreams when I fell asleep today but the only one I can remember is one where I was in my bed and these big dark storm clouds came rushing at my window. I shouted that it was a tornado but no one would believe me. I held my breath and waited for the glass to burst as the cloud reached the window but, nothing happened.
This dream may have something to do with the fact that I had taken a nap and it was dark when I woke up.
Diary Tuesday (on Wednesday!)
Go and Punishment
So I've been pretty tired for all the job apps I've been doing but I was very pleased when I remembered I lived near a UPS since sometimes I just don't feel like going to the post office. I wish more library applications could be emailed.
Anyway, I forgot to post on time because I've been playing Go against the computer non-stop because I've also got two human opponents and I want to impress them with my amazing Go skills and make them respect the power of my Chinese blood rather than laughing as their chess champion selves crush me into the dust. Oh, yeah, did I mention they're chess champions? But they've never played Go so that's an advantage. Right? Right?! Sigh... But one was afraid to play against me. So for one brief shining moment I made him afraid. I'll always have that.
Argh! And now I owe my sister another treat!
Sigh...
Monday, November 22, 2010
Writing Stats Monday
Er, do cover letters count? No? Sigh... This has been a bad week for writing, but I did turn in a job application today, and now I want to sleep so much that the desire has carved a hole in my soul.
Punishment Sunday (on Monday)
I received a portentous knock a few minutes ago. My sister caught me not blogging. There is now a treat for her. Or, there will be.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Links Saturday Tangled
I am so excited about this movie. I wish they'd just called it Rapunzel but, other than that, it looks like it has real potential. I've been waiting for it since I was 8 years old. There's a blog post I did in 2006 when I was drooling over the concept art. Okay, not drooling over the art exactly, which I wasn't sure about, but the concept was definitely making me drool. I hope the songs are good but even if they're just mediocre but the story is good, I'll still like it. It'd be hard for it to live up to my many years of expectation but I at least hope it's not bad. But, as far as I can tell from the trailer, it looks promising. It's even in 3D which I love. I'm a total sucker for 3D. But, I still expect a good story.
Review Friday (on Saturday) Morning Glory
Trailer
Overview
From the trailer I expected a diverting but pretty standard girl-power comedy and that is what I got. I enjoyed it but nothing much seems to have stuck with me other than wondering if the beginning was meant to start small and get bigger or if that was a glitch with the projector.
Spoilers
The angry banter in pleasant voices between Diane Keaton and Harrison Ford was highly amusing. I quite enjoyed Ford's performance as a humorless news curmudgeon. It seemed both similar and yet worlds away from the characters he normally plays. He was clearly a man's man who enjoyed hunting and solitude and had very inflexible values, but he's not the noble hero.
The romance between Rachel McAdams and what's-his-face, however, didn't really do it for me and I can't even recall how it ended or even how the movie in general ended and I just saw it Tuesday. It was happy but forgettable.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Info Thursday The First King of France
Since last time I told you about the last King of France, this time I thought I'd tell you about the first King of France, Clovis. Clovis is supposed to be a precursor to the name Louis. Don't ask me how. Sometimes I think linguists are just crazy. Although, they do sound similar at the end. Maybe people just got tired of saying the C and sorta slurred the V. I guess they did drink a lot of alcohol in those days.
Anyway, Clovis, according to the legend, is the reason the Fleur de Lis is the symbol of the French monarchy. He was hiding in this body of water from his enemies and came across this water lily and used it to breathe. So the Fleur de Lis is famous for being a snorkel for the first French king.
