Title: The Hunger Games
Series: The Hunger Games Trilogy
Author: Suzanne Collins
Released: 2008
Rating: 5/5
Basic Plot: Katniss Everdeen takes her sister's (Prim) place in the Hunger Games and now has to fight for her life.
Big, Bad Government Theme
I admit I have a very low opinion of government. This hasn't been helped by how the US Government is acting now (especially SOPA and Protect IP which effect me). And the big, bad government is a big part of the book. The Capitol (the Government) created The Hunger Games as a big fuck you to the 12 Districts of Panem (the old USA). What's especially great about The Capitol is that you feel its evil even without it being in the scene.
The Bloody Scenario
This book is for Young Adults and yet it has something that belongs in an adult novel. That something is children (12-18 year olds) killing other children because the Capitol finds it amusing. I loved when I was a teen when Young Adult authors would treat me like an adult. If you are a teen, and feel the same way I did when I was young, you'll love this aspect of the book. If you're an adult, this still might disturb you just because children are killing children.
The Bleak Future
This book has one of my favorite scenarios: the bleak future. I don't like happy futures but I like to see how the future can go wrong. This book's depiction of the future is so down and it gets worse as things go on.
Final Thoughts
This book made me want to read the other two books in the trilogy. I can't tell you how painful it is to wait to finish the trilogy. One mystery I want to find out is who the mutated wolves are. For a young teen this might be gritty. For an adult, it won't be as bad for you.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
Two Days (SOPA)
Correction: They're only voting on whether to pass the bill to the house floor and then later the senate. The house committee is only a small number in comparison to the rest of those in the house and senate. And from what I understand, a lot of them aren't fully aware of the SOPA do to being involved with other crap. - @m1919_tscc (Twitter Account)
I truly wish this time wasn't upon us. But SOPA will be voted on December 21, 2011. This, as I have stated before, will affect the enter internet community (yes, even you, non-American Citizen)! This is very sad when such a freedom of expression will be taken away (even though you hardcore porn fans are creepy).
Know what the saddest thing about this is? It's the fact that the people voting on this don't know what the fuck they're voting about. It's just that companies pay them money and they don't ask questions. This made the SOPA hearing very annoying to listen to. It could be a comedy if it wasn't real. The line 'The Internet is for Porn' was stated more than once.
Luckily there were voices of reason. Unfortunately they were very few and far between. So, those in the US of A, write (or call) your senator/representatives to tell them that you are against this bill!
Also, don't forget that Protect IP is a lesser form of SOPA, but could prove to be just as deadly.
I truly wish this time wasn't upon us. But SOPA will be voted on December 21, 2011. This, as I have stated before, will affect the enter internet community (yes, even you, non-American Citizen)! This is very sad when such a freedom of expression will be taken away (even though you hardcore porn fans are creepy).
Know what the saddest thing about this is? It's the fact that the people voting on this don't know what the fuck they're voting about. It's just that companies pay them money and they don't ask questions. This made the SOPA hearing very annoying to listen to. It could be a comedy if it wasn't real. The line 'The Internet is for Porn' was stated more than once.
Luckily there were voices of reason. Unfortunately they were very few and far between. So, those in the US of A, write (or call) your senator/representatives to tell them that you are against this bill!
Also, don't forget that Protect IP is a lesser form of SOPA, but could prove to be just as deadly.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Sushi, Sake, and Tanuki: A New Leaf 8
"What you did, Rig Katashi, was not becoming of someone of your station in life." Hijunaki said. I bowed my head in shame. Especially because he had put a very harsh emphasis on the word Katashi. What I had done to Akumie had been found out. She hadn't been happy and the news had gotten to Hijunaki.
"Instead of showing her how great my palace is you showed her that I can only create slime." He continued. "If Akumie hadn't ordered me to keep you alive I would kill you now. I would think that she would be much madder considering the circumstances."
I was confused and frightened. If an angry goddess had let me live that only meant that she wanted time to think about how she would kill me. What confused me was that there could be a circumstance that would make being used worse than another circumstance. "What circumstances, Hijunaki?" I asked.
"The fact that her old lover has recently died." He hissed. "The fact that you are the first lover she has taken since his death."
I was taken aback. I didn't know whether it was because I felt insulted or that I felt ashamed. It felt like an insult because it made the deed too easy. A mourning widow is easier to comfort than a happy wife. It felt like I was ashamed because I had cut her deep and probably would never be forgiven. I couldn't decide which emotion or reasoning was stronger.
For the next hour Hijunaki used words to do what arrows could only hope to do. He was finally cut off when Akumie came in. She was beautiful, as always, but an anger could be sensed coming out of her. It consumed her and seemed to make her a different being.
Hijunaki bowed to her and I could only stand up straight. This wasn't because I was trying to anger her more, but it was because her gaze had frozen me in fear. As she walked closer to us I was afraid I was going to die. That Akumie hadn't needed that long to figure out how she wanted to kill me.
"Hijunaki, I thank you for your hospitality. Your kindness is not something I will ever forget." Then Akumie turned to me and I could see that her face showed no emotion, but I still felt anger coming from her. "But some of your creations do not have that same hospitality."
Hijunaki, still bowed, asked, "But the actions of my creations will not make you forget your favor of me?"
"Of course not." She replied and then left. Not by walking, but by turning into lightning and shooting off into the distance. With her absence gone, I felt fear. Now that she was gone I knew what would happen to me would be painful. And that would be putting it lightly.
Hijunaki turned his head to me and looked me straight in the eyes. Within the blink of an eye I was tied and floating above the pool I had bathed in earlier. The one that I had washed all of the wetness from Akumie off. But now it smelled extremely salty. I heard, and then felt, a lash on my back. Every time it came down I was pushed down into the water.
The lash had spikes like dragon's fangs and the salt felt like claws digging in deeper. It didn't help that I felt like I was going to drown. Each time I tried to yell I couldn't hear myself. After what must have been years I lost consciousness.
"Instead of showing her how great my palace is you showed her that I can only create slime." He continued. "If Akumie hadn't ordered me to keep you alive I would kill you now. I would think that she would be much madder considering the circumstances."
I was confused and frightened. If an angry goddess had let me live that only meant that she wanted time to think about how she would kill me. What confused me was that there could be a circumstance that would make being used worse than another circumstance. "What circumstances, Hijunaki?" I asked.
"The fact that her old lover has recently died." He hissed. "The fact that you are the first lover she has taken since his death."
I was taken aback. I didn't know whether it was because I felt insulted or that I felt ashamed. It felt like an insult because it made the deed too easy. A mourning widow is easier to comfort than a happy wife. It felt like I was ashamed because I had cut her deep and probably would never be forgiven. I couldn't decide which emotion or reasoning was stronger.
For the next hour Hijunaki used words to do what arrows could only hope to do. He was finally cut off when Akumie came in. She was beautiful, as always, but an anger could be sensed coming out of her. It consumed her and seemed to make her a different being.
Hijunaki bowed to her and I could only stand up straight. This wasn't because I was trying to anger her more, but it was because her gaze had frozen me in fear. As she walked closer to us I was afraid I was going to die. That Akumie hadn't needed that long to figure out how she wanted to kill me.
"Hijunaki, I thank you for your hospitality. Your kindness is not something I will ever forget." Then Akumie turned to me and I could see that her face showed no emotion, but I still felt anger coming from her. "But some of your creations do not have that same hospitality."
Hijunaki, still bowed, asked, "But the actions of my creations will not make you forget your favor of me?"
"Of course not." She replied and then left. Not by walking, but by turning into lightning and shooting off into the distance. With her absence gone, I felt fear. Now that she was gone I knew what would happen to me would be painful. And that would be putting it lightly.
Hijunaki turned his head to me and looked me straight in the eyes. Within the blink of an eye I was tied and floating above the pool I had bathed in earlier. The one that I had washed all of the wetness from Akumie off. But now it smelled extremely salty. I heard, and then felt, a lash on my back. Every time it came down I was pushed down into the water.
The lash had spikes like dragon's fangs and the salt felt like claws digging in deeper. It didn't help that I felt like I was going to drown. Each time I tried to yell I couldn't hear myself. After what must have been years I lost consciousness.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Best of 2011
Here I say what are, in my opinion, the best: movie, book, song, and season of a show!
If that version doesn't work, try this one:
If that version doesn't work, try this one:
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Opening 3
My third try at an opening.
Song:
Save Me by My Darkest Days
Clip From: Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines
Logo at End Drawn For Me by Zack
All other footage is of me and my stuffed animals.
If that version doesn't work, try this one:
Song:
Save Me by My Darkest Days
Clip From: Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines
Logo at End Drawn For Me by Zack
All other footage is of me and my stuffed animals.
If that version doesn't work, try this one:
Monday, December 12, 2011
Red State (2011)
Title: Red State
Director: Kevin Smith
Starring: Michael Parks, Melissa Leo and John Goodman
Rated: R
Released: 2011
Rating: 5/5
Oscars: N/A
Basic Plot: Three teenagers go out to have sex with a woman and are caught by religious extremists.
Everyone is Not Likable
What I mean by that is that there is no good character. The three teenagers are all horny bastards and those are the ones we first meet. However, the characters are all interesting in their own unique ways. Each character shown is there to prove a point (or to add something to the plot). People complaining because there are no likable characters are not people I can understand. I don't need likable characters in my fiction, I need characters that are interesting to follow.
The Meaning of the Title
The meaning seems, at first, to mean that the state it's taking place in is a red state (aka one that favors Republicans). However, by the end of the film it's clear that the title means the whole United States of America. The fact that by the end of the film you realize the government isn't your friend makes you realize there's no one powerful to turn to for help.
The Westbero Baptist Church
There is hardly anyone that doesn't know about this cult. A few people don't know about it (one of them being someone I'm related to) but the majority of people will see the similarities. Hell, Kevin Smith didn't deny the fact that it's that cult. This really lends the movie horror that it wouldn't otherwise have. A good thing with horror is to have it be realistic. The fact that it could happen makes you afraid even past the ending credits. That's what the connection to the Wesbero Baptist Church adds to this movie: real terror.
Final Thoughts
This movie is a horror film to me. That being said, this is NOT for the weak of heart. The subject matter and graphic violence don't lend itself well for young or easily startled audiences. If you do feel you can tackle this beast: do so now! I do not see why this movie has received so much hate when it's brought me so much joy (in a painful good way). I have watched a special on a journalist going to live with members of the Westbero Baptist Church and it equaled the horror to this movie. The cult referred to in this film is really terrifying.
Director: Kevin Smith
Starring: Michael Parks, Melissa Leo and John Goodman
Rated: R
Released: 2011
Rating: 5/5
Oscars: N/A
Basic Plot: Three teenagers go out to have sex with a woman and are caught by religious extremists.
Everyone is Not Likable
What I mean by that is that there is no good character. The three teenagers are all horny bastards and those are the ones we first meet. However, the characters are all interesting in their own unique ways. Each character shown is there to prove a point (or to add something to the plot). People complaining because there are no likable characters are not people I can understand. I don't need likable characters in my fiction, I need characters that are interesting to follow.
The Meaning of the Title
The meaning seems, at first, to mean that the state it's taking place in is a red state (aka one that favors Republicans). However, by the end of the film it's clear that the title means the whole United States of America. The fact that by the end of the film you realize the government isn't your friend makes you realize there's no one powerful to turn to for help.
The Westbero Baptist Church
There is hardly anyone that doesn't know about this cult. A few people don't know about it (one of them being someone I'm related to) but the majority of people will see the similarities. Hell, Kevin Smith didn't deny the fact that it's that cult. This really lends the movie horror that it wouldn't otherwise have. A good thing with horror is to have it be realistic. The fact that it could happen makes you afraid even past the ending credits. That's what the connection to the Wesbero Baptist Church adds to this movie: real terror.
Final Thoughts
This movie is a horror film to me. That being said, this is NOT for the weak of heart. The subject matter and graphic violence don't lend itself well for young or easily startled audiences. If you do feel you can tackle this beast: do so now! I do not see why this movie has received so much hate when it's brought me so much joy (in a painful good way). I have watched a special on a journalist going to live with members of the Westbero Baptist Church and it equaled the horror to this movie. The cult referred to in this film is really terrifying.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Best of 2011 Nominations
Best Movie I Have Seen This Year (will be renamed Best Movie)
Rules for Nomination:
1.) Must be a movie I have just seen this year.
2.) Doesn't have to have been released this year (this since I usually don't see most movies the year they are released).
Nominations
Paranoia (Video 2011, Writer's Cut)
Reason: This movie is indie but is just as good, if not better, than a big budget film. This movie kept me interested the whole way through. Plus, it managed to have a big build up for an out of this world twist! Only the Writer's Cut is nominated since I haven't seen the Director's Cut and can't judge it.
Horrible Bosses (2011)
Reason: I don't usually go for comedies but this amused me so much that it would be a shame not to have it at least be nominated. This movie combined an excellent plot, great acting, and hilarious moments.
A Very Harold and Kumar 3D Christmas (2011)
Reason: The 3D in this movie is more than enough reason for this nomination. However, the wtfness of the whole movie, that never stops even once, is the second reason for this nomination.
Limitless (2011)
Reason: The premise of the film is interesting and it is handled well. The only downside is that the movie is VERY different from the preview.
Repo! The Genetic Opera (2008)
Reason: I fell in love with the music long before I saw the movie. The plot and new take on the opera genre was a love to watch. Plus, it had Anthony Stewart Head in it!
Black Swan (2010)
Reason: This movie is very much a psychological thriller. It makes you question what's happening even past the ending credits. Also it proves that a movie about a ballerina doesn't have to be boring, cliche, or a chick flick.
Best Book I Have Read This Year (will be renamed Best Book)
Rules for Nomination:
1.) Must be a book I only read for the first time this year.
2.) Can be one I started last year and finished this year.
3.) Only one book from a series can be chosen.
Nominations
The Dresden Files: Ghost Story (2011)
Author: Jim Butcher
Reason: Being a The Dresden Files fan I was more than excited to read the latest book. It turned out to be the best Dresden Files book I have read so far in the series. It managed to give a new take on the Dresden Files Universe. And while the ending was sort of a let down, it wasn't so big that it ruined the book for me.
Full Dark, No Stars (2010)
Author: Stephen King
Reason: This is sort of a cheat since this book is a collection of short stories and not a novel. However, the quality of the stories are all the same. Plus, they all have the same dark atmosphere that comes from Stephen King's writing.
Best Song I Have Heard This Year (will be renamed Best Song)
Rules For Nomination:
1.) Must be a song I have heard for the first time this year.
2.) Only one song per artist.
Nominations
If I Die Young
Artist: The Band Perry
Reason: While this song is a selfish look at death as a means to be heard, the voices and beat make it memorable for me. I had this song stuck in my head for weeks on end.
Believe
Artist: The Bravery
Reason: I first heard this song in a Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles Fan Music Video (FMV) and I fell in love with it. The song fit the music video and it also fit a roleplay character I am using.
Save Me
Artist: My Darkest Days
Reason: Yeah, they did more than Porn Star Dancing. I like the longing the singer has for the woman mentioned in this song. It also feels more real than some other songs.
Undisclosed Desires
Artist: Muse
Reason: It has an awesome beat as well as vocals. I did find this on another TSCC FMV. Unfortunately I can't hear this song without thinking of the video. The video being of a John Connor/Sarah Connor pairing.
When You're Gone
Music: Akira Yamaoka
Vocals: Mary Elizabeth Mcglynn
Reason: This is a very haunting tune and fits in well with the series. The chorus is really what grabs me, though. Also, I love Mcglynn's singing voice. Sad she won't be doing another Silent Hill game.
Best Season of a Show
Rules for Nomination:
1.) Has to be a season from this year.
2.) Can't have nominations for multiple seasons of a show.
3.) Doesn't have to be a whole season. Though it has to be a complete first or second half of a season.
The Walking Dead
Season: 2 A
Reason: This season just expanded where the last season left off. While it did have a much slower pace than the first season, it seemed to leave off with the promise of a more action oriented Season 2 B.
Fringe
Season: 4 A
Reason: I am nominatining this season more for love of the show than how I feel. While it is very interesting the fact is that it might end up being totally pointless.
Rules for Nomination:
1.) Must be a movie I have just seen this year.
2.) Doesn't have to have been released this year (this since I usually don't see most movies the year they are released).
Nominations
Paranoia (Video 2011, Writer's Cut)
Reason: This movie is indie but is just as good, if not better, than a big budget film. This movie kept me interested the whole way through. Plus, it managed to have a big build up for an out of this world twist! Only the Writer's Cut is nominated since I haven't seen the Director's Cut and can't judge it.
Horrible Bosses (2011)
Reason: I don't usually go for comedies but this amused me so much that it would be a shame not to have it at least be nominated. This movie combined an excellent plot, great acting, and hilarious moments.
A Very Harold and Kumar 3D Christmas (2011)
Reason: The 3D in this movie is more than enough reason for this nomination. However, the wtfness of the whole movie, that never stops even once, is the second reason for this nomination.
Limitless (2011)
Reason: The premise of the film is interesting and it is handled well. The only downside is that the movie is VERY different from the preview.
Repo! The Genetic Opera (2008)
Reason: I fell in love with the music long before I saw the movie. The plot and new take on the opera genre was a love to watch. Plus, it had Anthony Stewart Head in it!
Black Swan (2010)
Reason: This movie is very much a psychological thriller. It makes you question what's happening even past the ending credits. Also it proves that a movie about a ballerina doesn't have to be boring, cliche, or a chick flick.
Best Book I Have Read This Year (will be renamed Best Book)
Rules for Nomination:
1.) Must be a book I only read for the first time this year.
2.) Can be one I started last year and finished this year.
3.) Only one book from a series can be chosen.
Nominations
The Dresden Files: Ghost Story (2011)
Author: Jim Butcher
Reason: Being a The Dresden Files fan I was more than excited to read the latest book. It turned out to be the best Dresden Files book I have read so far in the series. It managed to give a new take on the Dresden Files Universe. And while the ending was sort of a let down, it wasn't so big that it ruined the book for me.
Full Dark, No Stars (2010)
Author: Stephen King
Reason: This is sort of a cheat since this book is a collection of short stories and not a novel. However, the quality of the stories are all the same. Plus, they all have the same dark atmosphere that comes from Stephen King's writing.
Best Song I Have Heard This Year (will be renamed Best Song)
Rules For Nomination:
1.) Must be a song I have heard for the first time this year.
2.) Only one song per artist.
Nominations
If I Die Young
Artist: The Band Perry
Reason: While this song is a selfish look at death as a means to be heard, the voices and beat make it memorable for me. I had this song stuck in my head for weeks on end.
Believe
Artist: The Bravery
Reason: I first heard this song in a Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles Fan Music Video (FMV) and I fell in love with it. The song fit the music video and it also fit a roleplay character I am using.
Save Me
Artist: My Darkest Days
Reason: Yeah, they did more than Porn Star Dancing. I like the longing the singer has for the woman mentioned in this song. It also feels more real than some other songs.
Undisclosed Desires
Artist: Muse
Reason: It has an awesome beat as well as vocals. I did find this on another TSCC FMV. Unfortunately I can't hear this song without thinking of the video. The video being of a John Connor/Sarah Connor pairing.
When You're Gone
Music: Akira Yamaoka
Vocals: Mary Elizabeth Mcglynn
Reason: This is a very haunting tune and fits in well with the series. The chorus is really what grabs me, though. Also, I love Mcglynn's singing voice. Sad she won't be doing another Silent Hill game.
Best Season of a Show
Rules for Nomination:
1.) Has to be a season from this year.
2.) Can't have nominations for multiple seasons of a show.
3.) Doesn't have to be a whole season. Though it has to be a complete first or second half of a season.
The Walking Dead
Season: 2 A
Reason: This season just expanded where the last season left off. While it did have a much slower pace than the first season, it seemed to leave off with the promise of a more action oriented Season 2 B.
Fringe
Season: 4 A
Reason: I am nominatining this season more for love of the show than how I feel. While it is very interesting the fact is that it might end up being totally pointless.
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