Faustian Contracts are always a joy to read about. And, at the end, the person regrets it but it's too late. When I started reading "Fair Extension" I expected the same. But the changes Stephen King made to the story made it more than a little disturbing.
Title: Fair Extension
Book: Full Dark, No Stars
Author: Stephen King
Released: 2010
Rating: 5/5
Basic Plot: Dave Streeter has cancer and makes a deal with Elvid to have him live longer. But everything has a price.
Best Friends. Not!
Dave and Tom have been best friends for years. But Dave is secretly jealous of Tom. Why? Tom took his girl (and is now married to her) and has a much better life than Dave. Dave has cancer and Tom doesn't. There are more things but the basics are that Dave is jealous. To make his life longer, Dave has to have bad things happen to a person that is close to him. I figured that once bad things started happening to Tom (and his family) that Dave would regret and try to stop it. Nope, Dave lets things continue and is happy about it. Even at the end of the story, Dave wishes for more. And these aren't little things that happen to Tom. It's just really eerie how Dave reacts to things.
Elvid
It took me a few minutes to get that. It's just rearranging the word Devil, therefore implying Elvid is the Devil. Some of the comments that Elvid makes furthers that assumption. Does the story make clear if Elvid is the Devil? No. It's left up to the reader to decide.
25 Years
The deal that Dave makes with Elvid is that his life is 25 years longer. In The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus (by Christopher Marlowe) Faustus is given 24 years of unlimited power. In "Fair Extension" Dave gets one more year than that. It might just be coincidence, but it is interesting nonetheless.
Final Thoughts
I liked this story and the confusion it gave me. I was just shocked that Dave didn't ever waver in his decision. That he didn't care about a fellow human being. However, I didn't give it a 6/5 because it didn't pull major heartstrings. It got a 5/5 because it has a nice twist and the story is engaging.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
"Fair Extension" (Full Dark, No Stars)
Jingle Bombs Cover
If that version does not work, try this version:
The Original Song
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Just Joking
I don't mind some gay jokes while, at the same time, I am for gay rights. I find that I don't mind when people joke about most subject matters as I know they are in jest. Why should I be offended at a simple joke? There is no reason to be.
However, some people do have bad intentions when they "joke". They will say something mean spirited and, when you point out how mean they just sounded, they will use the excuse that they are just joking. And then point out that you're sort of dense for getting offended.
Some "jokes" can be used to further a point. Stephen Colbert (in The Colbert Report) uses this tool of satire to further his point. It's a type of "humor" where you have to delve under the surface to figure out what's really being said.
There are some people that I joke around with because I know what I say, and what they say, is just good fun. But joking around can sometimes be more serious under the surface. This is why I'm weary of who tells gay jokes or makes remarks about women. If you're a friend of mine, most likely I won't get offended at your jokes.
However, some people do have bad intentions when they "joke". They will say something mean spirited and, when you point out how mean they just sounded, they will use the excuse that they are just joking. And then point out that you're sort of dense for getting offended.
Some "jokes" can be used to further a point. Stephen Colbert (in The Colbert Report) uses this tool of satire to further his point. It's a type of "humor" where you have to delve under the surface to figure out what's really being said.
There are some people that I joke around with because I know what I say, and what they say, is just good fun. But joking around can sometimes be more serious under the surface. This is why I'm weary of who tells gay jokes or makes remarks about women. If you're a friend of mine, most likely I won't get offended at your jokes.
"Big Driver" (Full Dark, No Stars)
After reading the compelling "1922" (also from Full Dark, No Stars) can anything really equal such a great story? I went into the next story expecting the usual goodness but didn't know whether or not I would have another 6/5 on my hands.
Title: Big Driver
Book: Full Dark, No Stars
Author: Stephen King
Released: 2010
Rating: 5/5
Basic Plot: Tess gets raped and then goes after her rapist seeking revenge.
Stephen King Cliche
Tess is an author. Not only that, she is a mystery writer. King seems to use writers as main characters a lot and he does again in this story. Tess being a writer provides the reason for being raped (as you find out at the end of the story).
Revenge Story
This story is very much a look at the viewpoint of a rape victim. The victim is a woman (Tess). What I liked about her going after her rapist (which turned out to include his mother and brother) was that it wasn't a quick decision. When she was raped she just wanted to lie low afterwards and not tell anyone. It took a little bit for her to actually go after her rapist. And when she went after her rapist it was somewhat realistic.
The Rapist's Name
Though the title is "Big Driver", the one who raped her is "Little Driver". Though that, in itself, isn't correct as it's the name Tess assumes the rapist has.
Tess' Voices
Tess has voices that she makes up for things in her life. She has a voice for her Tomtom (Tom) and her cat (Fritzy) among others. This helps lend a creepy tone to the story. We have the main character going insane with the voices. At the beginning of the story it is somewhat normal (what? I talk to my birds all the time) but by the midway point of the story it becomes VERY creepy.
Would It Make a Good Movie?
While "1922" didn't seem to make that good of a movie, "Big Driver" seems more fitting for a movie. The story could be told relatively well with visuals. Since the story is short, it would need to be expanded upon for a movie. Things would probably be ruined in the process.
Final Thoughts
I loved this story. I was sad when I had to stop reading it to go to bed. Tess starts off as just an author making a quick buck and turns into a kickass person searching for revenge. And she doesn't just burst in, she plans ahead. This story is very much a look into rapists, rape victims, and rape. Those who don't want those subjects looked at should stay far away from this story.
Title: Big Driver
Book: Full Dark, No Stars
Author: Stephen King
Released: 2010
Rating: 5/5
Basic Plot: Tess gets raped and then goes after her rapist seeking revenge.
Stephen King Cliche
Tess is an author. Not only that, she is a mystery writer. King seems to use writers as main characters a lot and he does again in this story. Tess being a writer provides the reason for being raped (as you find out at the end of the story).
Revenge Story
This story is very much a look at the viewpoint of a rape victim. The victim is a woman (Tess). What I liked about her going after her rapist (which turned out to include his mother and brother) was that it wasn't a quick decision. When she was raped she just wanted to lie low afterwards and not tell anyone. It took a little bit for her to actually go after her rapist. And when she went after her rapist it was somewhat realistic.
The Rapist's Name
Though the title is "Big Driver", the one who raped her is "Little Driver". Though that, in itself, isn't correct as it's the name Tess assumes the rapist has.
Tess' Voices
Tess has voices that she makes up for things in her life. She has a voice for her Tomtom (Tom) and her cat (Fritzy) among others. This helps lend a creepy tone to the story. We have the main character going insane with the voices. At the beginning of the story it is somewhat normal (what? I talk to my birds all the time) but by the midway point of the story it becomes VERY creepy.
Would It Make a Good Movie?
While "1922" didn't seem to make that good of a movie, "Big Driver" seems more fitting for a movie. The story could be told relatively well with visuals. Since the story is short, it would need to be expanded upon for a movie. Things would probably be ruined in the process.
Final Thoughts
I loved this story. I was sad when I had to stop reading it to go to bed. Tess starts off as just an author making a quick buck and turns into a kickass person searching for revenge. And she doesn't just burst in, she plans ahead. This story is very much a look into rapists, rape victims, and rape. Those who don't want those subjects looked at should stay far away from this story.
What's the best thing that happened to you in 2010?
Getting started in blogging (serious blogging). Thanks to all the people that stood by me (especially in my early days) !
Monday, January 10, 2011
Stephenie Meyer Hate
I don't hate Stephenie Meyer and I try to focus my rage on her writing. Her writing is slightly below average. She's the type of writer that should have a few fans and then be quickly forgotten by the majority of the world. She doesn't deserve her fanbase. Twilight (books 1-4) and The Host are just a waste of talent.
But I don't hate her. She has said some stupid things but I just laugh them away.
If Stephenie Meyer would write something that was, at least, average I would tell the world and admit that she could write. But, as she stands right now, she isn't good.
What worries me more than Stephenie Meyer? Her fans. aka The people that think that they want a guy like Edward Cullen (a stalker and abuser) and think Bella Swan is a compelling character (who doesn't react like a normal person would). I am glad that it gets some children reading and hopefully they'll branch off onto better books.
I will continue to read her to see if she improves. I'm not holding my breath but would love to be surprised.
But I don't hate her. She has said some stupid things but I just laugh them away.
If Stephenie Meyer would write something that was, at least, average I would tell the world and admit that she could write. But, as she stands right now, she isn't good.
What worries me more than Stephenie Meyer? Her fans. aka The people that think that they want a guy like Edward Cullen (a stalker and abuser) and think Bella Swan is a compelling character (who doesn't react like a normal person would). I am glad that it gets some children reading and hopefully they'll branch off onto better books.
I will continue to read her to see if she improves. I'm not holding my breath but would love to be surprised.
The Walking Dead (Season 1)
I wanted to do a video review of the first season of this show. However, things are already taking up space so I decided to do a written review instead. I decided to check out this show when I saw all the positive reviews of the Pilot Episode. I am not a zombie fanatic so that didn't play any part of whether or not I liked this show.
Show: The Walking Dead
Season: 1
Episodes: 6
Developed By: Frank Darabont
Released: 2010
Rating: 5/5
Basic Plot: Rick wakes up from a coma and finds himself in the middle of a Zombie Apocalypse. He ends up leading a group of survivors (including his wife and son) through horrors made from both zombies and humans.
The Short Season
Six episodes? Really, six? Pretty Little Liars (another show) I watched had ten episodes and that was only midseason and Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles had around ten episodes its first season (and the show wasn't doing that good, though I would suggest checking it out). I felt, personally, that this was too short of a season for a show.
The Zombies
These zombies do not look pretty at all. Kudos to the person that worked on the makeup. That person did a VERY good job. Do these zombies have super speed? No. They move a little slower than a human, smell horrible, and can be attracted by loud noises. Throughout this season using a gun is seen as a last resort because no one wants zombies on their doorsteps.
The Comic
I haven't read the comic so I can't compare the two. I do want to check out the comics but, as of this review, I haven't read any of them yet.
What Caused the Zombie Apocalypse?
This is left as a mystery for the first season. At one point Rick and gang go to see a scientist. While the episode begins hopeful it turns out that the scientist doesn't know what caused it. However, it is shown that (once bitten) a person ends up dying and their brain only turns on the parts that are essential to living (aka no higher processes).
Rick, Shane, and Lori
When the Zombie Apocalypse begins (and Rick is in a coma), Shane takes Lori and her son to safety. Afterwards, Shane and Lori form a relationship that is sexual. When Rick comes back Lori doesn't even have doubts about loving Rick, she is angry that Shane said that Rick was dead. The most disturbing scene that comes out of this (so far) is when Shane tries to rape Lori. I am very interested to seeing how this will continue to season two as Shane did think about killing Rick at one point (even going so far as to aim a gun at his head).
Seeing a Zombie That Was a Loved One
This is an issue that is dealt with multiple times in this season. A husband sees his zombie wife and a sister has to deal with her own sister becoming a zombie. Kudos to this show for dealing with it in a realistic way. While I was screaming at the husband and sister to both kill their respective zombies, I could understand the hardships they were dealing with. And when one of the zombies was killed, the person didn't seem happy but was still sad (even suicidal).
Favorite Character
Merle Dixon was, in my opinion, the best character of the Season. Was he a nice, caring, and compassionate character? No. But he was fun to watch move around. I have heard that he wasn't in the comic, though. His brother, Daryl Dixon, comes in at a close second.
Final Thoughts
I am very excited for a Season 2 of this show. This is one of the few shows I watch and I think it is a good one. I'm not a big zombie fan but, from this show, I can see how someone can like those creatures. However, I feel that there is more focus on the human element in this show.
Show: The Walking Dead
Season: 1
Episodes: 6
Developed By: Frank Darabont
Released: 2010
Rating: 5/5
Basic Plot: Rick wakes up from a coma and finds himself in the middle of a Zombie Apocalypse. He ends up leading a group of survivors (including his wife and son) through horrors made from both zombies and humans.
The Short Season
Six episodes? Really, six? Pretty Little Liars (another show) I watched had ten episodes and that was only midseason and Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles had around ten episodes its first season (and the show wasn't doing that good, though I would suggest checking it out). I felt, personally, that this was too short of a season for a show.
The Zombies
These zombies do not look pretty at all. Kudos to the person that worked on the makeup. That person did a VERY good job. Do these zombies have super speed? No. They move a little slower than a human, smell horrible, and can be attracted by loud noises. Throughout this season using a gun is seen as a last resort because no one wants zombies on their doorsteps.
The Comic
I haven't read the comic so I can't compare the two. I do want to check out the comics but, as of this review, I haven't read any of them yet.
What Caused the Zombie Apocalypse?
This is left as a mystery for the first season. At one point Rick and gang go to see a scientist. While the episode begins hopeful it turns out that the scientist doesn't know what caused it. However, it is shown that (once bitten) a person ends up dying and their brain only turns on the parts that are essential to living (aka no higher processes).
Rick, Shane, and Lori
When the Zombie Apocalypse begins (and Rick is in a coma), Shane takes Lori and her son to safety. Afterwards, Shane and Lori form a relationship that is sexual. When Rick comes back Lori doesn't even have doubts about loving Rick, she is angry that Shane said that Rick was dead. The most disturbing scene that comes out of this (so far) is when Shane tries to rape Lori. I am very interested to seeing how this will continue to season two as Shane did think about killing Rick at one point (even going so far as to aim a gun at his head).
Seeing a Zombie That Was a Loved One
This is an issue that is dealt with multiple times in this season. A husband sees his zombie wife and a sister has to deal with her own sister becoming a zombie. Kudos to this show for dealing with it in a realistic way. While I was screaming at the husband and sister to both kill their respective zombies, I could understand the hardships they were dealing with. And when one of the zombies was killed, the person didn't seem happy but was still sad (even suicidal).
Favorite Character
Merle Dixon was, in my opinion, the best character of the Season. Was he a nice, caring, and compassionate character? No. But he was fun to watch move around. I have heard that he wasn't in the comic, though. His brother, Daryl Dixon, comes in at a close second.
Final Thoughts
I am very excited for a Season 2 of this show. This is one of the few shows I watch and I think it is a good one. I'm not a big zombie fan but, from this show, I can see how someone can like those creatures. However, I feel that there is more focus on the human element in this show.
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