Batman the Brave and the Bold: Battle of the Superheroes
I love this show so much, a lovely throwback to the old batman show and silver age comics. Also, Superman being a dick.
Wolverine (anime version)
Interesting seeing how Japan interprets the character, and pretty impressive that he actually uses the claws for what you'd expect, bloody death. Also had a good deal of decent things from the comics (A.I.M., Madripoor, etc.) Not as bad as i was expecting, curious how it goes, and also curious about the X-Men anime that is coming soon.
Kore wa zombie desu ka? Episode 10
What is with the trend of Japanese things to get all serious after a while? Even goofy shows like this, not that i'm complaining a lot, but it confuses me.
Gokusen Episode 1
Fun! A teacher, who comes from a Yakuza background, takes on a class of delinquents. Definitely want to see the rest of this one.
Maid in Akihabara Episode 1
That was... something. Short, and pretty bad production values, and confusing as hell. Although it did help us understand the last movie of the night.
Hard Revenge Milly
Someone aired their demo reel? Short, but felt much longer, much, much longer. So little happening, although the bit at the end where she opens her jacket, that was amusing. If the rest of the movie would have been like that, might have been more worth watching. Still can't believe there is a sequel.
In this trailer, you get the whole story, and most of the action. I wish i was kidding.
How to Date an Otaku Girl
Not sure why it's named differently on imdb, or why it's rated low. I loved it, even if it did get more serious and down near the end. Watch after the credits too, they must have known what we were thinking. ;)
Couldn't find a trailer, but here is a clip
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Ore no Imouto
Another anime i watched a little while ago, from a couple seasons ago, is Ore No Imouto Ga Konna Ni Kawaii Wake Ga Nai, which translates pretty much to "There's No Way My Little Sister Can Be This Cute". I know what you're probably thinking, it's a hentai, you're wrong, mostly. The sister is a female Otaku, and is hiding it from her family, and her brother finds out about it, and helps her meet people with similar interests, and she teaches him about her hobby. I'm horrible at summing up stories, as you can probably tell. The boxes of the eroge are all mostly real life games, some of which i've played, but not all, so it's an added bit of otaku seeing themselves in the characters.
The opening titles, which change for each episode, sometimes hilariously, sometimes subtly, and it's even sort of lapshaded in the show.
A preview video of sorts:
One thing that i find absolutely awesome is that the show sticks with the game theme by having different endings. The series proper has one ending, the 'good ending', then a special with the 'true ending', and another special witch hasn't aired yet, but i'm guessing a 'bad ending'. They even had the choices pop up on screen at the main decision points. Pretty neat.
A video showing the various opening changes, not really any spoilers, but dizzying if you aren't prepared for it.
Basically, this is awesome, it's lighthearted, and pretty damn funny in lots of areas, more so if you are an otaku or 'get' the jokes. It also joins the ranks of Genshiken and Welcome to the N.H.K. as an anime about and for the otaku, both of which are released in the states on DVD already, and worth watching.
Funny thing is how "There's no way my XX can't be this XX" has been a meme in Japan, with several hilarious jokes and images made. ;)
The opening titles, which change for each episode, sometimes hilariously, sometimes subtly, and it's even sort of lapshaded in the show.
A preview video of sorts:
One thing that i find absolutely awesome is that the show sticks with the game theme by having different endings. The series proper has one ending, the 'good ending', then a special with the 'true ending', and another special witch hasn't aired yet, but i'm guessing a 'bad ending'. They even had the choices pop up on screen at the main decision points. Pretty neat.
A video showing the various opening changes, not really any spoilers, but dizzying if you aren't prepared for it.
Basically, this is awesome, it's lighthearted, and pretty damn funny in lots of areas, more so if you are an otaku or 'get' the jokes. It also joins the ranks of Genshiken and Welcome to the N.H.K. as an anime about and for the otaku, both of which are released in the states on DVD already, and worth watching.
Funny thing is how "There's no way my XX can't be this XX" has been a meme in Japan, with several hilarious jokes and images made. ;)
Myojo Ippeichan Yakisoba Japanese Style Noodles.
Temporally skipping a couple i've eaten between this and the last one, mostly because it's just so damn good. So i bring you.... Myojo Ippeichan Yakisoba Japanese Style Noodles. (dramatic eh?)
Printed on a plastic wrapper, but thankfully instructions also on the lid.
So many packets, wow...
Put in dried veggies and boiling water, wait, then drain out the water through this handy drain that is actually quite sturdy.
Put in powder stuff, liquid sauce, and drizzle the mustard mayo on the top.
I was a bit worried about the mayo, and it being too strong or "odd", but it was perfect really, added just enough extra. The funny thing is, all i can ever think when i hear "mustard mayo" or similar is the video below. I do have to say though, this is one of my absolute faves, and it doesn't look like it in the photos, but it's substantial and filling in addition to be tasty.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Movie Night - March 19th, 2011
Movie night for March 19th, as the title says. Although more a tv and anime night.
Glee: Original Song
Original song episode (duh) of Glee.
iCarly: iPity the Nevel
The vampire spoof was pretty funny, and spot on.
Gosick: The Dark Reaper finds the Golden Fairy
Started it, wasn't what we were in the mood for, even though it was pretty, just didn't grab us.
Practical Magic
Weird seeing them younger without plastic surgery, and boy do i want that house, to say the least.
HighSchool of the Dead: episode 5-12
So much fan service in the first part of this, so, so much. Thankfully tapers off nearer the end, but so heavy and overboard for a good while there. Looks like the series is coming to bluray and dvd in the states in June 28th, and an OVA is coming in april.
Glee: Original Song
Original song episode (duh) of Glee.
iCarly: iPity the Nevel
The vampire spoof was pretty funny, and spot on.
Gosick: The Dark Reaper finds the Golden Fairy
Started it, wasn't what we were in the mood for, even though it was pretty, just didn't grab us.
Practical Magic
Weird seeing them younger without plastic surgery, and boy do i want that house, to say the least.
HighSchool of the Dead: episode 5-12
So much fan service in the first part of this, so, so much. Thankfully tapers off nearer the end, but so heavy and overboard for a good while there. Looks like the series is coming to bluray and dvd in the states in June 28th, and an OVA is coming in april.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Nong Shim Big Bowl Udon
Been a while since i've done one of these, but feeling pretty down, can't sleep, and had a craving for them. So i bring you a late night bit of Nong Shim Big Bowl Udon.
Here with the plastic removed, as it glares just too much. Not the most in focus, but i am not exactly the most focused either.
Dried powder put in, the larger parts (tofu i believe) are there in with the noodles already. There is also some seaweed, and other bits, veggies and such in there too.
Pour in boiling water (days, or nights like this i'm glad i have one of those quick water boiling pitchers), wait four minutes (must be because they are udon, as the ramen ones take three minutes), stir and nom away.
My opinion, this is awesome, i will definitely be getting multiples of these from United Noodles when go again. It becomes substantial when done, has a good flavor, and all around damn fine instant noodles. I know eating instant noodles isn't probably the best for you if you do it too much, but it's such a comfort food for me for some reason. Lately, that is just something i need, the little pleasures in life, to keep me going.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Movie Night - March 12th, 2011
Movie night for march 12th, they were getting their cable upgraded, so it's a strange one. Not to mention the installer was also a geek who's wife made chocolate daleks and was into anime and such too.
Young Justice: Bereft and Denial
Out of order, but that's okay, as we've seen most of them, but the second one had Doctor Fate, one of my favorite DC characters.
iCarly: iHire an Idiot
This is one odd show, and i really hope there isn't anyone as stupid as that intern was made out to be. ;)
Pyaar Impossible
Took a while to get into it, as the guys face was just "odd" for a while there, but after about half an hour it started to get better. The songs needed some work, and it wasn't as well shot or good as I Hate Luv Stories, but was worth watching. Had to laugh at where he made her into a "geek" and she couldn't get a number, she was even cuter as a geek. Maybe that's just me though, heh.
Glee: Sexy
We started watching with their kid earlier in the night, but he started blushing so we delayed until after he went to bed. Flashback to the 70s with the songs in this one.
Dead and Breakfast
Good one to end a Saturday movie night on, not to serious and had a weird sense of humor.
Young Justice: Bereft and Denial
Out of order, but that's okay, as we've seen most of them, but the second one had Doctor Fate, one of my favorite DC characters.
iCarly: iHire an Idiot
This is one odd show, and i really hope there isn't anyone as stupid as that intern was made out to be. ;)
Pyaar Impossible
Took a while to get into it, as the guys face was just "odd" for a while there, but after about half an hour it started to get better. The songs needed some work, and it wasn't as well shot or good as I Hate Luv Stories, but was worth watching. Had to laugh at where he made her into a "geek" and she couldn't get a number, she was even cuter as a geek. Maybe that's just me though, heh.
Glee: Sexy
We started watching with their kid earlier in the night, but he started blushing so we delayed until after he went to bed. Flashback to the 70s with the songs in this one.
Dead and Breakfast
Good one to end a Saturday movie night on, not to serious and had a weird sense of humor.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Panty And Stocking With Garterbelt
Decided to share the other anime i've been watching lately, from this season and last, besides Madoka Magica.
Panty and Stocking with Gaterbelt
Ah yes, that name, heh. This is an odd one, from the last season, i first heard about it from Jhonen Vasquez who described the character Chuck as "the Mr. Sparkle version of Gir". It's fitting, that's for sure, and i'm guessing it's intentional as one of the characters wears a Slave Labor Graphics shirt in a later episode.
The show has quite a pedigree, being from Gainax, who brought us Neon Genesis Evangelion, FLCL, and others. They can do serious, seriously messed up, and seriously funny, sometimes all at once. This is more in the vein of mindless fun, and them experimenting i feel. The humor tends to be quite low brow, but sometimes very unexpected and twisted.
The opening credits:
It's style is mostly similar to the Power Puff Girls, angular and simple lines, but will shift art styles at various times. It's also mostly a half hour show with two stories, similar to how a lot of Adult Swim tends to be. The video below shows the shifts of art in the first episode, PPG style at first, then for transformation they shift to more "realistic" anime style (complete with stripper poles), then for the villain defeat, a real model.
The show isn't high art by any stretch of the imagination, well, maybe, but it's fun to see people trying new things and seemingly having fun doing it. It sort of ended on a cliffhanger/Gainax ending, and got enough ratings to get a second season, but the director hasn't said if he's just going to leave it there or go on. Either way, it's a fun watch.
Panty and Stocking with Gaterbelt
Ah yes, that name, heh. This is an odd one, from the last season, i first heard about it from Jhonen Vasquez who described the character Chuck as "the Mr. Sparkle version of Gir". It's fitting, that's for sure, and i'm guessing it's intentional as one of the characters wears a Slave Labor Graphics shirt in a later episode.
The show has quite a pedigree, being from Gainax, who brought us Neon Genesis Evangelion, FLCL, and others. They can do serious, seriously messed up, and seriously funny, sometimes all at once. This is more in the vein of mindless fun, and them experimenting i feel. The humor tends to be quite low brow, but sometimes very unexpected and twisted.
The opening credits:
It's style is mostly similar to the Power Puff Girls, angular and simple lines, but will shift art styles at various times. It's also mostly a half hour show with two stories, similar to how a lot of Adult Swim tends to be. The video below shows the shifts of art in the first episode, PPG style at first, then for transformation they shift to more "realistic" anime style (complete with stripper poles), then for the villain defeat, a real model.
The show isn't high art by any stretch of the imagination, well, maybe, but it's fun to see people trying new things and seemingly having fun doing it. It sort of ended on a cliffhanger/Gainax ending, and got enough ratings to get a second season, but the director hasn't said if he's just going to leave it there or go on. Either way, it's a fun watch.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Puella Magi Madoka Magica
I've decided to make a little (that will probably grow to be not so little by the time i get done with it) post about Puella Magi Madoka Magica, currently at the top of my all time favorite anime. It's been called the Neon Genesis Evangelion of magical girl shows, and that's putting it mildly. Basically for the fact that it takes what you know or think you know of magical girls and turns it on it's head. On Tvtropes someone mentioned that at episode 6 the page was already longer than most shows that have seasons, and it's true. Just note that i'll probably reveal some spoilers, as much as i try not to, so if you want to be unspoiled and watch this, just do without much knowledge other than you won't be disappointed.
Short description that should be mostly spoiler free, it's a 12 episode anime, currently on episode 8, that deconstructs the magical girl genre of anime (like Cardcaptor Sakura, Sailor Moon, etc), writen by Gen Urobuchi, who is famous (or rather infamous, heh) for writing games for Nitro+ that are less than "normal" (like Saya No Uta, Fate Zero and Phantom of Inferno). All you have to do is take a look at the links there (Saya No Uta to really get the idea of where this guy's head is, links sfw) to understand that when this was announced the anime crowd in Japan was understandably curious. The opening for the show is generally typical of most other magical girl anime, although as the show goes on you notice things that are superficial beforehand, and the openings also have changed slightly for each episode. The series starts out with a group of friends and a dream that could be of the future, followed by a mysterious magical girl and a "cute" creature that offers to grant the girls a wish as long as they fight witches for him. They are shown around by Mami, in the weird "worlds" or labyrinths of the witches, which take a very different style, most of the time different frame rates and more rough animation, sometimes cut outs and such. There are many "runes" throughout the show that people are working on figuring out, that give names to the witches and some hints at what might be to come. There is also a good amount of German, that are right out of Faust. The show follows general expectations in episodes one and two, (which aired without end credit sequences and ending music) and then episode three rolled around, and threw everyone who thought they knew what they were in for. All i can say is, it's a hell of an experience after that.
Here is the opening before i get to what could be spoilers (while it lasts on youtube, they've been fierce on getting them taken down)
Now to things that are spoilers... don't read if you want it unspoiled (and really, i'll try to avoid drastic revelations, but i'll mention things that could be figured out)
Ready? Okay.
Those credits up there, bait and switch, especially after episode 3 where you learn that anyone can, and most likely will, die. It's not the happy go lucky magical girl show they said it would be, but what would most likely be if you gave 14 year old girls very powerful magic, and told them to fight to the death with cosmic horrors. Oh, and in episode 8 when you learn where they come from, even worse. (possibly, this show is doing a very good job at hinting at what is to come, but showing it in a way i don't expect, and in a very emotionally powerful way too.)
Kyubey... the "cute" mascot that is general to most magical girl anime, who gives the characters their powers and teaches them how to fight, episode 8 reveals his true name (possibly, or job, not sure really) and it was the number one google Japan search the day after the episode aired. While an English word, it only hints at what he really might be, and we still don't know what his goals are. Funny side note, Gen Urobuchi has done a wonderful job at misdirection when giving interviews about the show. At first he said when interviewed before episode 3 aired, that this was his attempt at getting back to making heartwarming shows. After it aired, he pointed out that what he considers "heart warming" isn't what others do. Then around episode 7 or so he said that Kyubey's name is a hint, and kyu is like "cute". Guess what? It's not, but ..kyubey... (spelled differently) does make his mane.
QB (as he is also known) grants the wish of the girls and has them sign a contract, then gives them a soul gem (is what it says) that the girls use to do magic. When they defeat the witches, a Grief Seed (also, ditto) drops and the girls transfer the darkness that has gotten in their soul gem by doing magic into the grief seed and give it to QB, and once you sort of see what he does with it. What that means is still unknown though, but creepy.
I could go on, but i'll wrap it up here. Maybe once it's over i'll go more in depth, but i'm getting sleepy and not feeling too hot, but i do love this show more than i can say, and everyone who likes anime (or at the very least doesn't mind subtitles in animation) should watch this.
Short description that should be mostly spoiler free, it's a 12 episode anime, currently on episode 8, that deconstructs the magical girl genre of anime (like Cardcaptor Sakura, Sailor Moon, etc), writen by Gen Urobuchi, who is famous (or rather infamous, heh) for writing games for Nitro+ that are less than "normal" (like Saya No Uta, Fate Zero and Phantom of Inferno). All you have to do is take a look at the links there (Saya No Uta to really get the idea of where this guy's head is, links sfw) to understand that when this was announced the anime crowd in Japan was understandably curious. The opening for the show is generally typical of most other magical girl anime, although as the show goes on you notice things that are superficial beforehand, and the openings also have changed slightly for each episode. The series starts out with a group of friends and a dream that could be of the future, followed by a mysterious magical girl and a "cute" creature that offers to grant the girls a wish as long as they fight witches for him. They are shown around by Mami, in the weird "worlds" or labyrinths of the witches, which take a very different style, most of the time different frame rates and more rough animation, sometimes cut outs and such. There are many "runes" throughout the show that people are working on figuring out, that give names to the witches and some hints at what might be to come. There is also a good amount of German, that are right out of Faust. The show follows general expectations in episodes one and two, (which aired without end credit sequences and ending music) and then episode three rolled around, and threw everyone who thought they knew what they were in for. All i can say is, it's a hell of an experience after that.
Here is the opening before i get to what could be spoilers (while it lasts on youtube, they've been fierce on getting them taken down)
Now to things that are spoilers... don't read if you want it unspoiled (and really, i'll try to avoid drastic revelations, but i'll mention things that could be figured out)
Ready? Okay.
Those credits up there, bait and switch, especially after episode 3 where you learn that anyone can, and most likely will, die. It's not the happy go lucky magical girl show they said it would be, but what would most likely be if you gave 14 year old girls very powerful magic, and told them to fight to the death with cosmic horrors. Oh, and in episode 8 when you learn where they come from, even worse. (possibly, this show is doing a very good job at hinting at what is to come, but showing it in a way i don't expect, and in a very emotionally powerful way too.)
Kyubey... the "cute" mascot that is general to most magical girl anime, who gives the characters their powers and teaches them how to fight, episode 8 reveals his true name (possibly, or job, not sure really) and it was the number one google Japan search the day after the episode aired. While an English word, it only hints at what he really might be, and we still don't know what his goals are. Funny side note, Gen Urobuchi has done a wonderful job at misdirection when giving interviews about the show. At first he said when interviewed before episode 3 aired, that this was his attempt at getting back to making heartwarming shows. After it aired, he pointed out that what he considers "heart warming" isn't what others do. Then around episode 7 or so he said that Kyubey's name is a hint, and kyu is like "cute". Guess what? It's not, but ..kyubey... (spelled differently) does make his mane.
QB (as he is also known) grants the wish of the girls and has them sign a contract, then gives them a soul gem (is what it says) that the girls use to do magic. When they defeat the witches, a Grief Seed (also, ditto) drops and the girls transfer the darkness that has gotten in their soul gem by doing magic into the grief seed and give it to QB, and once you sort of see what he does with it. What that means is still unknown though, but creepy.
I could go on, but i'll wrap it up here. Maybe once it's over i'll go more in depth, but i'm getting sleepy and not feeling too hot, but i do love this show more than i can say, and everyone who likes anime (or at the very least doesn't mind subtitles in animation) should watch this.
Movie Night - February 26th, 2011
Not feeling so hot right now, not sure why, just kind of hit me. So i'm going to try and crank this one out quickly and hope it doesn't mess up.
Outcasts Episode 1
Seems like BBC does Battlestar Galactaca. Potential, bleak, but only eight episodes this season, so not that much time wasted if it's not good. ;)
How Not to Live Your Life, Don the Musical
Yes, we have watched this before, and it also makes me want to see David Armand in more things, especially after his interpretive dance bits on Fast and Loose.
Rubber
Awesome from the moment it starts, and just keeps on going. (no pun intended) Don't bother asking questions, just go with "no reason". ;) (could have done without the rabbit part though, sigh) It's even weirder than the trailer implies. Seriously.
Lip Service, Episode 1 and Episode 2
Kind of like the LWord in Scotland. Have i mentioned i have a weakness for scottish accents? Well i do. ;)
Outcasts Episode 1
Seems like BBC does Battlestar Galactaca. Potential, bleak, but only eight episodes this season, so not that much time wasted if it's not good. ;)
How Not to Live Your Life, Don the Musical
Yes, we have watched this before, and it also makes me want to see David Armand in more things, especially after his interpretive dance bits on Fast and Loose.
Rubber
Awesome from the moment it starts, and just keeps on going. (no pun intended) Don't bother asking questions, just go with "no reason". ;) (could have done without the rabbit part though, sigh) It's even weirder than the trailer implies. Seriously.
Lip Service, Episode 1 and Episode 2
Kind of like the LWord in Scotland. Have i mentioned i have a weakness for scottish accents? Well i do. ;)
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Kitty is calming down.
Afterwards, she hopped down, i gave her some dried fruit from Just Tomatoes, bunny crack that stuff is. ;) (also yummy for humans too). She avoided me for a little bit, but then started running around, and not making the *click* *clack* sound she did before, and i think she started to understand why. Not long after she plopped down where i took the photos. Less than two feet from me, for a long while. She's becoming more affectionate towards me, which is good, as i love her and she no longer has Zack to be there for her. She fights hard with every other bunny here, no matter how much i try to introduce them, she bites at them right away, no hesitation. I have no idea what happened to her before i adopted her from the humane society, but i'm guessing she had a rough life, with how much she avoided me and other bunnies other than Zack.
Now if the Vet and I can figure out what her skin condition is. It itches her, and is causing fur to fall out, but there doesn't seem to be any parasites, bugs, etc. Hopefully it's just something annoying, and not dangerous.
Saturday, February 05, 2011
Movie Night - February 5th, 2011
Three different movies from three different countries, not exactly what was planed on, but glad we ended on what we did, as i now have another favorite movie and soundtrack.
Terror of Mechagodzilla
These are so hard to chose what name to put in, as they seem to vary so much by country. Had it's moments, but wow did it drag in long, long spots.
Monsters
Low budget indie movie that didn't look it, but the script sure gave it away. Surprising visuals for the amount spent, but i just couldn't get past my hate of the main male protagonist, he just grated on me so much. Seems like he is going to be doing the next Godzilla, which i see as a good thing, as long as he doesn't write it. (no offense)
I Hate Luv Storys
Ignore the low rating on imdb, this movie is awesome. It's a romantic comedy that knows the tropes of romantic comedies and Bollywood movies, and does a great job using them to it's benefit. Doesn't so much mock them, as have a main character who knows them and hates them, and then it goes from there. It's long, although not as long as some bollywood movies, and doesn't drag at all in my view. Have i mentioned the cinematography? It's beautiful, every shot. Puts most Hollywood movies to shame (like i have to say that). The sound track is amazing too, i've just purchased it and am listening to it right now.
Can't find an english subtitled trailer, but it's on netflix instant subbed, so worth watching.
My favorite song, but this has spoilers, so yeah:
Title song, less spoilers, and shows the amazing cinematography
Terror of Mechagodzilla
These are so hard to chose what name to put in, as they seem to vary so much by country. Had it's moments, but wow did it drag in long, long spots.
Monsters
Low budget indie movie that didn't look it, but the script sure gave it away. Surprising visuals for the amount spent, but i just couldn't get past my hate of the main male protagonist, he just grated on me so much. Seems like he is going to be doing the next Godzilla, which i see as a good thing, as long as he doesn't write it. (no offense)
I Hate Luv Storys
Ignore the low rating on imdb, this movie is awesome. It's a romantic comedy that knows the tropes of romantic comedies and Bollywood movies, and does a great job using them to it's benefit. Doesn't so much mock them, as have a main character who knows them and hates them, and then it goes from there. It's long, although not as long as some bollywood movies, and doesn't drag at all in my view. Have i mentioned the cinematography? It's beautiful, every shot. Puts most Hollywood movies to shame (like i have to say that). The sound track is amazing too, i've just purchased it and am listening to it right now.
Can't find an english subtitled trailer, but it's on netflix instant subbed, so worth watching.
My favorite song, but this has spoilers, so yeah:
Title song, less spoilers, and shows the amazing cinematography
Thursday, February 03, 2011
Sid and Nancy
I recently picked up and read "And I Don't Want to Live This Life: A Mother's Story of Her Daughter's Murder", which is the story of Nancy Spungen from her mother's perspective. If you don't know who Nancy is, she is the Nancy part of "Sid and Nancy", with Sid being Sid Vicious of the Sex Pistols. I also watched a documentary called Who Killed Nancy, which put a different angle on the whole affair. Having seen the movie Sid and Nancy several times over the years, and knowing it was a lot of fiction based on real events, it kind of surprised me that it took me this long to get around to reading the book and seeing the movie. So while their relationship was portrayed in various ways over the years, it is mostly looked upon as a romantic and tragic thing, like Romeo and Juliet. There seemed to be certain parts there, but also not so much, but i'll get to that.
First off is how different the perspectives are, and how they looked at things. Her mom related stories of her troubled birth, undiagnosed until late teens paranoid schizophrenia, how the doctors just gave her drugs to make her "less trouble", and high intelligence. While the movie and documentaries, mostly interviews just portrayed her as loud, obnoxious and 'crazy'. Seems they didn't see or know her underlying issues, and why she was that way. Sid meanwhile is mostly viewed as misunderstood, but his friends tend to gloss over things they even say, like when he killed a cat in front of his roommate, just "because". Nancy's mom also talks about how she told her that he hurt her a lot, but that's not the "real him". I have to admit i haven't really read a biography of Sid yet, but reading about Nancy really put a lot into perspective that i hadn't known before. Side note, it also makes me think more when i see rowdy kids in public, instead of thinking "why don't they do something", i now wonder if there is a lot i don't know, like does the child have serious issues and the parents can't really do anything. Sometimes there is nothing you can do, especially if the person is seeing demon sharks wanting to eat them. Thankfully we have better (although not perfect) psychiatric care now, and some meds that can help some of the time.
Anyway, the book got me thinking a lot about my friend J. who Nancy really reminded me of, with some similar life experiences, drug troubles, and almost constant talk about wanting to die and expecting to die young. The similarities made it hard to read at times, reminding me of her, but also seeing how nothing i could have really done would have helped or changed anything. So again she is on my mind a lot lately. Not sure why i felt the need to mention that part, but there you go.
I guess out of all of these, i'd recommend reading her mom's book the most, it's the deepest with the most sincere point of view. The movie Sid and Nancy is a decent movie, but not really attached to reality of who the people were or what happened, although interesting to read things in the book that happen in the movie, although from a different perspective (calls home, their visit home, nancy describing things to her mom, etc). The documentary that i mentioned though, raises the question that Sid may have not killed Nancy, and one of the arguments was that she had a couple thousand dollars that would be reason. The police seemed to ask her mom about this though, and informed them that Nancy called her not long before asking for money, while the movie just keeps asking why cops didn't look into that. Seems like they didn't read her book, which they probably should have, or talked to her, which she probably wouldn't have done anyway.
The point of all this? Not sure really, other than it seems people always assume that everyone is or should be like them. If they aren't, then they are worthy of derision and mocking, without even trying to understand other points of view or life experiences. Just tired of people who have never been out of their little comfort zone insulting people who do or believe different things, but then get offended when people call them on it.
I'd also like to point out, i've never done illegal drugs, and it's a frigging miracle somehow. I mean, everyone seemed to think i did, teachers, parents, etc, an ex even thought i was a dealer before she knew me better (although that was more "how does he afford the car and house?" thing). Basically i was and still am in the groups they always say do them, (emotional troubles and things like that), had what the groups show as examples of doing them (I mean, look at this list, that's also sings of what i went through and severe depression, /sigh), and have been offered them. Don't know how many people i've told this to, if anyone, but here goes. Once when J. was visiting me, we drove into the cities to go to Barnes and Nobles, and she said she had to see someone quick. Turns out she had me drive to her and her boyfriends dealer and bought heroin. We did go to look at books, and when we got back she kept getting me to use some with her. I didn't, even though i could really never say no to her, and would do anything for her (this includes driving hours to get her in the middle of a blizzard where cars are constantly going off the roads), but i didn't do that. I know this doesn't mean much to anyone else, but i take pride in that, that i didn't. Not sure what kept me from doing them (don't really drink much, once every few months if that, and never to puking, more a social drinker, and don't smoke, although that could be allergies, very allergic to that), and i guess if i could bottle it, i'd make a mint. Probably a good part of it is having awesome parents who were (are still) very patient and loving to me, even with all i went through and did.
Eh, that got off track pretty quickly, sorry about that.
First off is how different the perspectives are, and how they looked at things. Her mom related stories of her troubled birth, undiagnosed until late teens paranoid schizophrenia, how the doctors just gave her drugs to make her "less trouble", and high intelligence. While the movie and documentaries, mostly interviews just portrayed her as loud, obnoxious and 'crazy'. Seems they didn't see or know her underlying issues, and why she was that way. Sid meanwhile is mostly viewed as misunderstood, but his friends tend to gloss over things they even say, like when he killed a cat in front of his roommate, just "because". Nancy's mom also talks about how she told her that he hurt her a lot, but that's not the "real him". I have to admit i haven't really read a biography of Sid yet, but reading about Nancy really put a lot into perspective that i hadn't known before. Side note, it also makes me think more when i see rowdy kids in public, instead of thinking "why don't they do something", i now wonder if there is a lot i don't know, like does the child have serious issues and the parents can't really do anything. Sometimes there is nothing you can do, especially if the person is seeing demon sharks wanting to eat them. Thankfully we have better (although not perfect) psychiatric care now, and some meds that can help some of the time.
Anyway, the book got me thinking a lot about my friend J. who Nancy really reminded me of, with some similar life experiences, drug troubles, and almost constant talk about wanting to die and expecting to die young. The similarities made it hard to read at times, reminding me of her, but also seeing how nothing i could have really done would have helped or changed anything. So again she is on my mind a lot lately. Not sure why i felt the need to mention that part, but there you go.
I guess out of all of these, i'd recommend reading her mom's book the most, it's the deepest with the most sincere point of view. The movie Sid and Nancy is a decent movie, but not really attached to reality of who the people were or what happened, although interesting to read things in the book that happen in the movie, although from a different perspective (calls home, their visit home, nancy describing things to her mom, etc). The documentary that i mentioned though, raises the question that Sid may have not killed Nancy, and one of the arguments was that she had a couple thousand dollars that would be reason. The police seemed to ask her mom about this though, and informed them that Nancy called her not long before asking for money, while the movie just keeps asking why cops didn't look into that. Seems like they didn't read her book, which they probably should have, or talked to her, which she probably wouldn't have done anyway.
The point of all this? Not sure really, other than it seems people always assume that everyone is or should be like them. If they aren't, then they are worthy of derision and mocking, without even trying to understand other points of view or life experiences. Just tired of people who have never been out of their little comfort zone insulting people who do or believe different things, but then get offended when people call them on it.
I'd also like to point out, i've never done illegal drugs, and it's a frigging miracle somehow. I mean, everyone seemed to think i did, teachers, parents, etc, an ex even thought i was a dealer before she knew me better (although that was more "how does he afford the car and house?" thing). Basically i was and still am in the groups they always say do them, (emotional troubles and things like that), had what the groups show as examples of doing them (I mean, look at this list, that's also sings of what i went through and severe depression, /sigh), and have been offered them. Don't know how many people i've told this to, if anyone, but here goes. Once when J. was visiting me, we drove into the cities to go to Barnes and Nobles, and she said she had to see someone quick. Turns out she had me drive to her and her boyfriends dealer and bought heroin. We did go to look at books, and when we got back she kept getting me to use some with her. I didn't, even though i could really never say no to her, and would do anything for her (this includes driving hours to get her in the middle of a blizzard where cars are constantly going off the roads), but i didn't do that. I know this doesn't mean much to anyone else, but i take pride in that, that i didn't. Not sure what kept me from doing them (don't really drink much, once every few months if that, and never to puking, more a social drinker, and don't smoke, although that could be allergies, very allergic to that), and i guess if i could bottle it, i'd make a mint. Probably a good part of it is having awesome parents who were (are still) very patient and loving to me, even with all i went through and did.
Eh, that got off track pretty quickly, sorry about that.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
"Don't photograph me!"
I forget where i heard this, but it's been mulling around in my head for a while. Someone compared how people seem to freak out when you take photos near them, even if they aren't of them, for various reasons. Then went on to describe how in Japan no one bats an eye at people with cameras or freaks out when they take pictures in their direction. That's not so much the part that sticks in my head, it's the part about how in past decades we seemed to make fun of the stereotype of "Japanese person with a camera", but they are now used to people with cameras, where we aren't.
I'm far from being one who "likes" being photographed, i'm more a behind the lens person, but that's more because of body issues and that i never like (well, maybe one or two) how i look in photos. I'm just tired of getting looked at like i'm up to no good when i go out with my camera, even if i'm not ever pointing at people. Having a more "professional looking" one sometimes helps, as people seem to assume i'm with press or something, but i'll still get dirty looks like "don't point that at me".
I don't know, this post really doesn't seem to have a point other than rambling out loud.
I'm far from being one who "likes" being photographed, i'm more a behind the lens person, but that's more because of body issues and that i never like (well, maybe one or two) how i look in photos. I'm just tired of getting looked at like i'm up to no good when i go out with my camera, even if i'm not ever pointing at people. Having a more "professional looking" one sometimes helps, as people seem to assume i'm with press or something, but i'll still get dirty looks like "don't point that at me".
I don't know, this post really doesn't seem to have a point other than rambling out loud.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Movie Night - January 22nd, 2011
Cold night for a movie night, but warmer inside than out. Car almost didn't want to start on my way home, can't wait for spring.
Outsourced, A Sitar is Born
A cute musical episode of Outsourced.
(can't find a "real" preview of this one, sorry.)
Young Justice
Two episodes, The first was the combined Independence Day and Fireworks
Then came Welcome to Happy Harbor
Godzilla vs Hedora
Oh man this was trippy. Made in 71, but oh so 60's. Random animation, fish headed people, "drunken" Godzilla music, and the weird fights. Not sure how to describe it better than that. ;)
(the trailer i could find is in English, but we watched it in Japanese, and the trailer doesn't convey the oddness of the movie. It also called it "Godzilla vs the Smog Monster", but oh well)
Night of the Demons (1988)
So very 80s in so many ways, and a movie i love for various reasons. No, it won't win an oscar, but it's fun.
Night of the Demons (2009)
Updated remake of the previous one. Better than i expected, but not as memorable. Also, Edward Furlong? Really? He didn't look healthy at all. Kind of surprised to see he's in as many movies recently, but oh well.
Outsourced, A Sitar is Born
A cute musical episode of Outsourced.
(can't find a "real" preview of this one, sorry.)
Young Justice
Two episodes, The first was the combined Independence Day and Fireworks
Then came Welcome to Happy Harbor
Godzilla vs Hedora
Oh man this was trippy. Made in 71, but oh so 60's. Random animation, fish headed people, "drunken" Godzilla music, and the weird fights. Not sure how to describe it better than that. ;)
(the trailer i could find is in English, but we watched it in Japanese, and the trailer doesn't convey the oddness of the movie. It also called it "Godzilla vs the Smog Monster", but oh well)
Night of the Demons (1988)
So very 80s in so many ways, and a movie i love for various reasons. No, it won't win an oscar, but it's fun.
Night of the Demons (2009)
Updated remake of the previous one. Better than i expected, but not as memorable. Also, Edward Furlong? Really? He didn't look healthy at all. Kind of surprised to see he's in as many movies recently, but oh well.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Movie Night - January 15th, 2011
I must be getting old, or need to wake up later or get better sleep. One of those, or two. Getting tired early sucks, but things were watched, and here is what.
Destroy All Monsters
Godzilla movie from the 60's, so some moments of awesome, some moments of silly, and some moments of "get on with it and show the monsters". ;)
Outsourced, Temporary Monsanity
An episode of the television version of the Outsourced movie (which i loved), better than expected and what i've read in reviews. Plus, it had the voice of Batman from the Brave and the Bold in it. ;)
Under the Mountain
Cthulhu for kids, from New Zealand, sort of. Although the main guy twin was so annoying i really wanted him to get eaten, and none of the Lovecraft mythos have happy endings. ;)
The Losers
Based on a Vertigo comic i have never heard of, strangely. Guess not a huge surprise as i've been bad at keeping up with comics for a while there.
Destroy All Monsters
Godzilla movie from the 60's, so some moments of awesome, some moments of silly, and some moments of "get on with it and show the monsters". ;)
Outsourced, Temporary Monsanity
An episode of the television version of the Outsourced movie (which i loved), better than expected and what i've read in reviews. Plus, it had the voice of Batman from the Brave and the Bold in it. ;)
Under the Mountain
Cthulhu for kids, from New Zealand, sort of. Although the main guy twin was so annoying i really wanted him to get eaten, and none of the Lovecraft mythos have happy endings. ;)
The Losers
Based on a Vertigo comic i have never heard of, strangely. Guess not a huge surprise as i've been bad at keeping up with comics for a while there.
Saturday, January 08, 2011
Movie Night - January 8th, 2011
Shorter Movie night tonight, couple of us were knackered. Was fun watching the kiddo playing with the Dalek, even though it was late for Christmas. Daleks are cool, everyone should have one.
Strings
Pretty cool marionette puppet story told in a very interesting and original way. Interesting trivia from that page, it was inspired by September 11, didn't really see that, but got a lot of other social symbolism. Released in 2004, i just heard about this not long ago. Kind of surprised, really surprised actually as i love puppets and such.
Dirk Gently
Yep, the one adapted from the Douglas Adams story. Odd fact, my brain always reads "Gently" as "Gentry", not sure why that is. It's annoying though. Seems that this got poor reception. This seems to be a one off so far, and it's been so long since i read the original that i liked it well enough for me to watch more of it. I remembered enough of the main story that the "revelation" was no surprise to me, but the humor was fun enough that i kept wanting to go along for the ride.
Peep Show, Season 7
Most of the episodes from it. Skipped a couple, but watched most. Love this show, even if you feel embarrassed for the main characters and their choices.
Strings
Pretty cool marionette puppet story told in a very interesting and original way. Interesting trivia from that page, it was inspired by September 11, didn't really see that, but got a lot of other social symbolism. Released in 2004, i just heard about this not long ago. Kind of surprised, really surprised actually as i love puppets and such.
Dirk Gently
Yep, the one adapted from the Douglas Adams story. Odd fact, my brain always reads "Gently" as "Gentry", not sure why that is. It's annoying though. Seems that this got poor reception. This seems to be a one off so far, and it's been so long since i read the original that i liked it well enough for me to watch more of it. I remembered enough of the main story that the "revelation" was no surprise to me, but the humor was fun enough that i kept wanting to go along for the ride.
Peep Show, Season 7
Most of the episodes from it. Skipped a couple, but watched most. Love this show, even if you feel embarrassed for the main characters and their choices.
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Riding the Synchronicity Highway
So yeah, synchronicity and i have a weird relationship. Part of which related to Rosemary's Baby which i will talk about (always said i was going to, so here is what i'm ready to reveal so far). Not sure where to start or where to work from, and this will probably sound like crazy rambling, but oh well, i find it interesting.
To start, my name at the adoption agency (and given to them by my birth mother) was Andy. Unknown to my adoptive parents, who name me Andrew. Tie in to Rosemary's Baby here as that was the male name she was going to give her son, the movie having been released 1968, two years before my birth. (not as tight a connection there, but that was the birth year of my birth sister, who wasn't put up for adoption.) Another odd connection, numerology wise both names (Andy, and my full name with middle here that was given to my by my adoptive parents) adds up to 8 each. From what i can gather, there is some "weirdness" with my birth father, and his family, at least what i've been able to find out. Have i also mentioned i was born with a tail? This was newer information to me, as i don't see back there very often, and only when asked by a doctor a while ago, did i find out. Yeah, i know they aren't "tail" tails, but there ya go. There's more, but not things i'm sure i really want to talk about here right now on this part. (oh and look what's on now, Rosemary's Baby in HD, heh)
Another interesting synchronicity that i find fascinating, i had a daughter years ago with a girl name Rosemary, and we had to put her up for adoption. I saw the adoptive parents once, she met with them several times to see if they would be good parents, in the type of place she wanted (a small town, closer to somewhere bigger), but one of the rules was we couldn't know names or places (even partial area). Cut to me moving here to be with girl i was seeing seriously and wanting to get out of LaCrosse. I had thought about moving to a larger metro area, San Fran, Chicago, or even in Minneapolis or Saint Paul, instead i move here. I then started frequenting a shop here in town, pretty much at random, and a girl working there had familiar eyes. Rose had distinctive eyes, several colors in each one, this girl also had them. Her name was the one Rose gave her, and i started to wonder. I couldn't ask her, as she wasn't old enough, and legally i'm not allowed to, she has to want to find me. There were doubts, until i saw her parents. Same people, they didn't recognize me, as when they saw me, i was just waiting, not with Rose, and was dressed pretty goth punk at the time. I was also much thinner and younger, but that's neither here nor there. So yeah, out of all the places i could have moved, i moved to where she was. (side note, i feel old, she's what, 19 now? Miss you, but god i was a mess back then, to say the least.)
Those are the biggies, there are smaller ones obviously, like the times i buy things, and i have only the exact change in my pockets, weather on significant days, etc. That's all part of magick isn't it though? Taking the path of least resistance, getting it done.
Yeah, i'm sure i sound like a nutter, i don't care. Just in a weird place mentally, felt like sharing.
To start, my name at the adoption agency (and given to them by my birth mother) was Andy. Unknown to my adoptive parents, who name me Andrew. Tie in to Rosemary's Baby here as that was the male name she was going to give her son, the movie having been released 1968, two years before my birth. (not as tight a connection there, but that was the birth year of my birth sister, who wasn't put up for adoption.) Another odd connection, numerology wise both names (Andy, and my full name with middle here that was given to my by my adoptive parents) adds up to 8 each. From what i can gather, there is some "weirdness" with my birth father, and his family, at least what i've been able to find out. Have i also mentioned i was born with a tail? This was newer information to me, as i don't see back there very often, and only when asked by a doctor a while ago, did i find out. Yeah, i know they aren't "tail" tails, but there ya go. There's more, but not things i'm sure i really want to talk about here right now on this part. (oh and look what's on now, Rosemary's Baby in HD, heh)
Another interesting synchronicity that i find fascinating, i had a daughter years ago with a girl name Rosemary, and we had to put her up for adoption. I saw the adoptive parents once, she met with them several times to see if they would be good parents, in the type of place she wanted (a small town, closer to somewhere bigger), but one of the rules was we couldn't know names or places (even partial area). Cut to me moving here to be with girl i was seeing seriously and wanting to get out of LaCrosse. I had thought about moving to a larger metro area, San Fran, Chicago, or even in Minneapolis or Saint Paul, instead i move here. I then started frequenting a shop here in town, pretty much at random, and a girl working there had familiar eyes. Rose had distinctive eyes, several colors in each one, this girl also had them. Her name was the one Rose gave her, and i started to wonder. I couldn't ask her, as she wasn't old enough, and legally i'm not allowed to, she has to want to find me. There were doubts, until i saw her parents. Same people, they didn't recognize me, as when they saw me, i was just waiting, not with Rose, and was dressed pretty goth punk at the time. I was also much thinner and younger, but that's neither here nor there. So yeah, out of all the places i could have moved, i moved to where she was. (side note, i feel old, she's what, 19 now? Miss you, but god i was a mess back then, to say the least.)
Those are the biggies, there are smaller ones obviously, like the times i buy things, and i have only the exact change in my pockets, weather on significant days, etc. That's all part of magick isn't it though? Taking the path of least resistance, getting it done.
Yeah, i'm sure i sound like a nutter, i don't care. Just in a weird place mentally, felt like sharing.
Saturday, January 01, 2011
Movie Night - December 31, 2010
Sort of a New Years Eve party, with movies, so technically a movie night. ;)
Assault Girls
From one of the reviews: "The only reason to watch this is because it has three hot Japanese babes in it." I'm guessing that's true, we only made half way through it, was just too boring really, and kind of pointless. Maybe someday i'll watch it again, it's barely over an hour, but who knows. Side note, at first i thought it was related to Avalon, but i'm not sure. Plus, why are they speaking broken english, with subtitles?? It's immersion breaking damn it. :P
Love Phobia
South Korean romantic comedy, (get used to that term, heh) which was very good. I have to say they seem to know how to make great ones, they usually have chemistry that ours lack, and other things that i should probably hold of saying as it might spoil the plots, which usually take many twists and turns.
(couldn't find one with english subs, so yeah)
Two Faces of My Girlfriend
Yeah, we watched this before, but one hadn't seen it, and after the previous one, we kind of wanted to watch it again. It's that good. :)
(again with no english trailer, good at least)
How Not to Live Your Life: Last two episodes of season 3
Still love this show, and i love how even though it can be a crude comedy, it has great characters and development. Now to wait a long, long time for season 4. :(
(random clip from series 3, heh)
Assault Girls
From one of the reviews: "The only reason to watch this is because it has three hot Japanese babes in it." I'm guessing that's true, we only made half way through it, was just too boring really, and kind of pointless. Maybe someday i'll watch it again, it's barely over an hour, but who knows. Side note, at first i thought it was related to Avalon, but i'm not sure. Plus, why are they speaking broken english, with subtitles?? It's immersion breaking damn it. :P
Love Phobia
South Korean romantic comedy, (get used to that term, heh) which was very good. I have to say they seem to know how to make great ones, they usually have chemistry that ours lack, and other things that i should probably hold of saying as it might spoil the plots, which usually take many twists and turns.
(couldn't find one with english subs, so yeah)
Two Faces of My Girlfriend
Yeah, we watched this before, but one hadn't seen it, and after the previous one, we kind of wanted to watch it again. It's that good. :)
(again with no english trailer, good at least)
How Not to Live Your Life: Last two episodes of season 3
Still love this show, and i love how even though it can be a crude comedy, it has great characters and development. Now to wait a long, long time for season 4. :(
(random clip from series 3, heh)
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Movie Night - November 20, 2010
Movie night, and a note that holy crap it's icy out there when i left. Car coved, driveway slippy, stay safe out there people.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Do i need to say how much i love, love, love this movie? Watched it four times or more now since getting the bluray, and still want to watch it more. I'll make the obligatory note that the graphic novels are great too, but both hold their own. You will get a lot more information about backstory in the books, that makes you appreciate the movie more, but the movie can stand on it's own. So many scenes were right out of the books, and most of the characters looked right out of the movie. Anyway, see this movie and read the books. I don't know of anything else like it.
Funky Forest: the First Contact
Speaking of nothing else like it, this movie. Wow, Japan sure can bring the weird. It was long, with an intermission, and then another intermission, but that was more a joke, but it kept you on your feet wondering wtf was going to happen next. Eventually, most of the parts sort of connected, mostly by characters, but still, very random performance art feeling. Not necessarily in a bad way, but a very, very weird way. Think dreams you can't control. That pretty much sums it up i think, but i could be wrong.
Hot Tub Time Machine
Liked this, tons of great call backs to 80s movies, and a great cast. Not the most sympathetic characters at times, but that is part of it's charm, and it's also not very PC. Not sure what else to say, but i'll have to see if i can find out more about certain characters, who seemed familiar.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Do i need to say how much i love, love, love this movie? Watched it four times or more now since getting the bluray, and still want to watch it more. I'll make the obligatory note that the graphic novels are great too, but both hold their own. You will get a lot more information about backstory in the books, that makes you appreciate the movie more, but the movie can stand on it's own. So many scenes were right out of the books, and most of the characters looked right out of the movie. Anyway, see this movie and read the books. I don't know of anything else like it.
Funky Forest: the First Contact
Speaking of nothing else like it, this movie. Wow, Japan sure can bring the weird. It was long, with an intermission, and then another intermission, but that was more a joke, but it kept you on your feet wondering wtf was going to happen next. Eventually, most of the parts sort of connected, mostly by characters, but still, very random performance art feeling. Not necessarily in a bad way, but a very, very weird way. Think dreams you can't control. That pretty much sums it up i think, but i could be wrong.
Hot Tub Time Machine
Liked this, tons of great call backs to 80s movies, and a great cast. Not the most sympathetic characters at times, but that is part of it's charm, and it's also not very PC. Not sure what else to say, but i'll have to see if i can find out more about certain characters, who seemed familiar.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Culture Fest and other stuff
Tuesday i decided to go to culture fest, after many hours of pacing around, changing my mind back and forth, etc. Part of why i was so undecided was that i only heard about this from the online calendar that UW-RF has on their site, and that they also listed the rehearsals but didn't make it clear which one was the "real" event. Sadly, it also showed i seemed to miss another drag show the week before. They really need to advertise things better, but who knows, maybe they have tons of info at the university talking about it, but off campus, even the local newspaper site, had nothing at all that i could find. Another part of tossing around if i should go was that it was at the North Hall Auditorium, which i've only been in a couple times at most, and many years ago. So i did't know if there would be a good spot to photograph from without bothering too many people.
Eventually, i did decide to just go. Fought the anxiety and just went. Also forgot my extra memory cards. D'oh! If i had the 5D with me that would be less of a problem, as with the 16GB cards it can hold around 800 photos, but i had the 7D and with the same card it holds about 500 or so. Sounds like a lot, but with still being not so used to low light, performance shooting, i set it on high speed capture, and try to get some good shots of motion. So sadly i had to set the capture to medium sized RAW, i'm not a fan of shooting in JPEG, as RAW saves so much more information, and allows more recovery of borderline shots post shoot.
So i get there, walk in the auditorium, and see it's got a balcony. I ask a lady working if it's okay to go up there, and she says it should be. I was mostly worried the doors would be locked, as there were lights up there, but once i got up one door was unlocked. I grab a decent seat, and get ready. Side note, have i mentioned how much i hate stairs? I really need to get in better shape, ugh. Before the event starts, three more people end up sitting up there, but after intermission aren't there anymore. I hope my camera wasn't too noisy, especially during the quieter moments, but that's part of why i sat where i did, to not be such a disturbance.
The event itself was pretty awesome, very similar to the Unity in the Community events that had people perform. A couple things of note that stood out to me the most (and i'll probably be talking about these on my daily photo site, but i wanted to post like this here, yeah, yeah, i know).
It started with a fashion show, various countries, here is the Japan group. All pretty neat, and well done, but the Japan ones were just adorable, they had fans they held up, even the guy.
The belly dancer, i believe her name is Dalal (i heard her last name, but no clue if i'd mangle it), and if i 'm not mistaken, the same woman who preformed the belly dances at the Unity in the Community events i've been to the years before. She's pretty damn awesome, i don't know much about belly dancing, but she did a great job. It was funny though, that when she was ready, they kept having problems with the music. They got it going right though, and off she went. Personally, i prefer her hair like this to the very curly she had before. This outfit is neat too, the layers of the white and red really played off each other well.
The swing dancers were pretty amazing too, doing moves like flipping around, tossing each other around and up, all that. Not what i was expecting at all, that's for sure. Just sad that at the shutter speed i had to use, a lot of them had a lot of motion blur and didn't look as good as i would hope.
I forget this guy's name, (i really wish they had programs for these, lots of hard to remember names) but he started out with a ukulele and moved on to a guitar and singing a medley of songs that one wouldn't think of as fit for acoustic guitar. Pretty awesome really.
The guy on the right was the main performer for this bit. Started out with telling a joke, then asked for someone from the audience, who he asked to help him take his clothes off, joked about her being his wife, and revealed a tattoo (fake?) of the falcon and UWRF. Then said it was because it was because of all the great people he has met here. (awww) Then the guy on the left came out, and they did a fight routine, with different music and such, that worked it's way into music from Mortal Kombat theme song and them fighting in slow motion. It was hilarious, they even had fake blood and were amusing. Some of the moves were very impressive too, so hard to describe really. One of the best of the night for sure.
Ha Family Lion Dance Troupe. I've always loved these, not sure why, but it was pretty cute how the tail wagged as it moved too. At one point it lost one of those balls on it's nose.
The singer, who's feet you can see on the stage, told people to sing along and dance if they wanted, so people did. It's was pretty fun, at first people started waving arms around, then a couple held up lighters, then several started dancing, more than you see here.
There were more pictures, and performers, but this is what i felt like elaborating on for now. Good times, good performers, but bad advertising.
I was going to talk about some other stuff, but this is getting long, and i'm sure people don't really want to hear about that. More just weird dreams, feelings, all that emo stuff. ;)
Eventually, i did decide to just go. Fought the anxiety and just went. Also forgot my extra memory cards. D'oh! If i had the 5D with me that would be less of a problem, as with the 16GB cards it can hold around 800 photos, but i had the 7D and with the same card it holds about 500 or so. Sounds like a lot, but with still being not so used to low light, performance shooting, i set it on high speed capture, and try to get some good shots of motion. So sadly i had to set the capture to medium sized RAW, i'm not a fan of shooting in JPEG, as RAW saves so much more information, and allows more recovery of borderline shots post shoot.
So i get there, walk in the auditorium, and see it's got a balcony. I ask a lady working if it's okay to go up there, and she says it should be. I was mostly worried the doors would be locked, as there were lights up there, but once i got up one door was unlocked. I grab a decent seat, and get ready. Side note, have i mentioned how much i hate stairs? I really need to get in better shape, ugh. Before the event starts, three more people end up sitting up there, but after intermission aren't there anymore. I hope my camera wasn't too noisy, especially during the quieter moments, but that's part of why i sat where i did, to not be such a disturbance.
The event itself was pretty awesome, very similar to the Unity in the Community events that had people perform. A couple things of note that stood out to me the most (and i'll probably be talking about these on my daily photo site, but i wanted to post like this here, yeah, yeah, i know).
There were more pictures, and performers, but this is what i felt like elaborating on for now. Good times, good performers, but bad advertising.
I was going to talk about some other stuff, but this is getting long, and i'm sure people don't really want to hear about that. More just weird dreams, feelings, all that emo stuff. ;)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
