Sorry I didn't post during the week guys, I had studying and things to do because.... school is done for the year!
I got home yesterday and slept for two hours until it was time to go to work.
I do have something that might be interesting for people though. There's a documentary coming out on April 27 called Bully.
It's about peer-to-peer bullying in America, but bullying is a problem everywhere. There is a need for attention to be brought to bullying in schools, and in the "adult world".
Bullying is not only something that happens in schools, though it is a more noticeable problem there. There is bullying after school, only in more subtle ways usually.
I think people should see this movie because it's bringing attention to real problems, with real people. The kids in the movie are telling their real life stories.
Hopefully, someday, kids will feel safe in their schools. Because nobody should have to be afraid to get on the bus in the morning, or walk into class.
Here's a link to the movies IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1682181/
Talk to you all next week.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Dionysus in Stony Mountain
As promised, I'm doing a blog post about the play Dionysus in Stony Mountain this week.
Dionysus in Stony Mountain was written by Steven Ratzlaff, and directed by Bill Kerr. The play only had two actors, Sarah Constible as Heidi Prober and Ross McMillan as James Hiebert and Uncle Eric.
It was held at the Rachel Browne Theatre, which isn't very easy to find even as a Winnipegger. It is located in downtown Winnipeg on the second floor of 211 Bannatyne. We were warned before we went that there would be a lot of steps to get up to the auditorium, but it was also a fairly steep staircase, which is worse than if it were just a lot of steps.
There were baked goods and drinks in the lobby for attendees, free of charge, but they did have a donation box with recommended donation amounts if you did get food or drink.
When we actually got into the theatre and were seated it became quickly apparent that bringing school bags along with us was a poor decision, since there wasn't too much room in between seats.
When the play started I wasn't too sure what to expect, I'd heard opinions of it that it wasn't too engaging. At first I didn't find it to be engaging either. Then, as the story was progressing it slowly, slowly, sucked me into it.
About 10 minutes into the play I took out a pad of paper and a pen to write down observations and thoughts because this play made me think. It made me think a lot.With its discussion of philosophy, religion, neurology (I think the word is neurology) and discussion of societal problems in Winnipeg and the world challenged the way I'm sure a lot of people think of things.
I found that there was a lot of dry wit and sarcasm in the play, which I found fairly amusing. As my mother describes it, I'm one of those sarcastic catty people who enjoys sarcasm. My significant other says I just have a deadpan humour. This play also did not pull any punches. It touched on subjects like:
- repeat offenders in prisons
- the assimilation of children into residential schools
- national identity
- fetal alcohol syndrome
- the idea of free will
and
- the inherent nature of human beings
I managed to jot down some quotes that grabbed my attention during the play.
"The capacity to blunder slightly is the beauty of DNA."
And when we find out why the character James is in Stony Mountain (which is a prison).
"My greatest joy has been destroyed by my own hand."
That line had a lot of emotion in it, and invited speculation. How would I react if I ended up destroying what was most important to me? Would I turn to philosophy? Would I lose my mind? How would other people react?
Then, touching on the subject of schooling, the character James remarks that compulsory institutional schooling is the "stupidest thing ever."
On the more sensitive subject of developmental delays, more specifically fetal alcohol syndrome and how it relates to crime and punishment:
"Would you let a car with no breaks back on the road? No! ... Would you punish someone for something they can't control?"
These quotes grabbed me and pulled me further into the play. The fact that the actors seemed to actually be feeling the emotions they were portraying also made watching the play more intense.
I can easily understand why someone would dislike this play, the characters act insane, but in an incomprehensible way. James was ranting about Nietzsche in the first act, while the ranting bug seemingly took over Heidi in the second act.
I found the play relied a lot on body language and physical actions to explain character feelings and relationships, which was not a bad thing. It was used very effectively.
In a sadder part of the play, I could hear someone in the crowd behind me sniffling -- it might have been a cold, but I interpreted it at the time as a reaction to the emotion and gravity of the moment. I wasn't even aware of the rest of the audience for the rest of the play, it sucked me in so much.
If it were still playing, I'd suggest people who are interested in debating philosophy go see it. Who knows, maybe they will perform it again. If they do, I know I'll be going to see it.
---
I'll see you all later this week, I've got a blog post about The Hunger Games movie and the Five Finger Death Punch concert brewing, though the concert probably will come first... just as soon as my voice and hearing come back.
Dionysus in Stony Mountain was written by Steven Ratzlaff, and directed by Bill Kerr. The play only had two actors, Sarah Constible as Heidi Prober and Ross McMillan as James Hiebert and Uncle Eric.
It was held at the Rachel Browne Theatre, which isn't very easy to find even as a Winnipegger. It is located in downtown Winnipeg on the second floor of 211 Bannatyne. We were warned before we went that there would be a lot of steps to get up to the auditorium, but it was also a fairly steep staircase, which is worse than if it were just a lot of steps.
There were baked goods and drinks in the lobby for attendees, free of charge, but they did have a donation box with recommended donation amounts if you did get food or drink.
When we actually got into the theatre and were seated it became quickly apparent that bringing school bags along with us was a poor decision, since there wasn't too much room in between seats.
When the play started I wasn't too sure what to expect, I'd heard opinions of it that it wasn't too engaging. At first I didn't find it to be engaging either. Then, as the story was progressing it slowly, slowly, sucked me into it.
About 10 minutes into the play I took out a pad of paper and a pen to write down observations and thoughts because this play made me think. It made me think a lot.With its discussion of philosophy, religion, neurology (I think the word is neurology) and discussion of societal problems in Winnipeg and the world challenged the way I'm sure a lot of people think of things.
I found that there was a lot of dry wit and sarcasm in the play, which I found fairly amusing. As my mother describes it, I'm one of those sarcastic catty people who enjoys sarcasm. My significant other says I just have a deadpan humour. This play also did not pull any punches. It touched on subjects like:
- repeat offenders in prisons
- the assimilation of children into residential schools
- national identity
- fetal alcohol syndrome
- the idea of free will
and
- the inherent nature of human beings
I managed to jot down some quotes that grabbed my attention during the play.
"The capacity to blunder slightly is the beauty of DNA."
And when we find out why the character James is in Stony Mountain (which is a prison).
"My greatest joy has been destroyed by my own hand."
That line had a lot of emotion in it, and invited speculation. How would I react if I ended up destroying what was most important to me? Would I turn to philosophy? Would I lose my mind? How would other people react?
Then, touching on the subject of schooling, the character James remarks that compulsory institutional schooling is the "stupidest thing ever."
On the more sensitive subject of developmental delays, more specifically fetal alcohol syndrome and how it relates to crime and punishment:
"Would you let a car with no breaks back on the road? No! ... Would you punish someone for something they can't control?"
These quotes grabbed me and pulled me further into the play. The fact that the actors seemed to actually be feeling the emotions they were portraying also made watching the play more intense.
I can easily understand why someone would dislike this play, the characters act insane, but in an incomprehensible way. James was ranting about Nietzsche in the first act, while the ranting bug seemingly took over Heidi in the second act.
I found the play relied a lot on body language and physical actions to explain character feelings and relationships, which was not a bad thing. It was used very effectively.
In a sadder part of the play, I could hear someone in the crowd behind me sniffling -- it might have been a cold, but I interpreted it at the time as a reaction to the emotion and gravity of the moment. I wasn't even aware of the rest of the audience for the rest of the play, it sucked me in so much.
If it were still playing, I'd suggest people who are interested in debating philosophy go see it. Who knows, maybe they will perform it again. If they do, I know I'll be going to see it.
---
I'll see you all later this week, I've got a blog post about The Hunger Games movie and the Five Finger Death Punch concert brewing, though the concert probably will come first... just as soon as my voice and hearing come back.
Friday, April 06, 2012
Spring
Hello again on this fine Good Friday!
Spring is in the air in Winnipeg. It's weirdly warm here for April. But that means it's easier to go have new experiences earlier in the year.
Take today for example, I played hula hoop Frisbee. It's not as easy as it sounds, since a hula hoop is just a ring. It's also substantially bigger than a regular Frisbee. It's fun nonetheless though, and I'm pretty sure if you did it long enough you'd work up some considerable upper body strength. It also might help with reflexes. Get whacked in the head with a hula hoop enough times and you'll learn to dodge.
I'm other news, this week I have managed to make another trip around the sun since the day of my birth, and turned 19. Woohoo!
It's beautiful out though, so I'm going to go enjoy it! See you next week with a blog post on the play Dionysus in Stony Mountain.
Spring is in the air in Winnipeg. It's weirdly warm here for April. But that means it's easier to go have new experiences earlier in the year.
Take today for example, I played hula hoop Frisbee. It's not as easy as it sounds, since a hula hoop is just a ring. It's also substantially bigger than a regular Frisbee. It's fun nonetheless though, and I'm pretty sure if you did it long enough you'd work up some considerable upper body strength. It also might help with reflexes. Get whacked in the head with a hula hoop enough times and you'll learn to dodge.
I'm other news, this week I have managed to make another trip around the sun since the day of my birth, and turned 19. Woohoo!
It's beautiful out though, so I'm going to go enjoy it! See you next week with a blog post on the play Dionysus in Stony Mountain.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Journey for Justice
So, this week I've got a blog post for a school assignment.
Our class read a book called Journey for Justice: How 'Project Angel' Cracked the Candace Derksen Case by Mike McIntyre.
Since people who aren't from Winnipeg, or Canada in the 1980's probably don't really know about the Candace Derksen case, I'll give a little background.
Candace Derksen disappeared when she was walking home from school on November 30, 1984. She was 13 years old. She was found dead on January 17, 1985. Then, until 2007, no one was arrested. In 2007 Mark Grant was arrested as a suspect in her murder, in 2011 he was put on trial and found guilty of second degree murder and sentenced to life in prison with no eligibility for parole for 25 years.
All the information I have on the time when Candace disappeared is second hand, since I wasn't born until 1993. According to my mother it was very tense for parents, and their children. She was 17 when Candace disappeared, and got to see and feel the shocks sent through Winnipeg at the time. Things like children disappearing and being killed didn't happen often, at least not as often as it does today.
But Mark McIntyre's book is what this is about. It was released in 2011 after the trial was finished.
I'm the kind of person who has a very strong empathetic response to stories. Let's just get that out of the way.
The first part of the book I find very well written. It's engaging, and reading about Candace's disappearance from her mothers point of view made me cry. That might not seem like a good thing, but I feel it means that the writing in the book actually connected to me as a reader. Later in the book I found it a little off putting when there were a lot of blocks of text that were from newspaper articles and psychiatric reports on Mark Grant. I think I found this off-putting because they deviated so drastically from McIntyre's style of writing, and the way they were dropped into the story line was mentally jarring. I wasn't able to get as immersed in the story in the later sections. I found including follow up with Candace's friends helped flesh out the effects of Candace's death on the community and her friends and family.
On March 22 Wilma Derksen and Mike McIntyre came and presented to our classes. I wasn't sure what I was expecting before the presentation, other than that I would probably end up crying. I didn't though. I feel that was because they were telling us about the book and writing process.
But this book was very informative to me from a journalistic point of view. While reading the first half, it was more like a novel, but the quotes pulled from Wilma Derksen's book Have You Seen Candace? gave it a news article like quality. To me, the second half of the book seemed more like a research paper, with citation of medical fact. That to me seems like a big difference in how easy an article or book is to read. If it's conversational, a piece seems easier to read. When it's clinical, a piece is more difficult to read unless your audience has an understanding of the topic.
Having read a number of newspaper articles by McIntyre, I've noticed a difference between his writing styles. After making the obvious concessions to the fact writing styles would have to be different between a newspaper article and a novel, there are still some distinct differences and similarities. His newspaper articles seem to me fact driven (as is appropriate for crime reporting), but they are still accessible and easy to understand. This is different from the conversational tone I got in the first part of his book. While it was still facts, it was in storytelling format and easy to understand. The latter half of his book was again, like a research paper and more difficult to understand. His newspaper articles are not hard to understand, but they are fact. He has managed to strike the balance between conversational and fact driven.
I did like the book, I found it very interesting. It also gave me one source to get the information about what happened to Candace Derksen. I'd heard about it, but I don't trust just word of mouth, and when Mark Grant was arrested I was in the eighth grade, I think. The presentation was pretty interesting too, though I feel that there was a mix of the trials of writing this book specifically and then writing for news in general. Sometimes this mix was hard to define.
But I hope you all have a good night, and I would definitely recommend people read this book.
Our class read a book called Journey for Justice: How 'Project Angel' Cracked the Candace Derksen Case by Mike McIntyre.
Since people who aren't from Winnipeg, or Canada in the 1980's probably don't really know about the Candace Derksen case, I'll give a little background.
Candace Derksen disappeared when she was walking home from school on November 30, 1984. She was 13 years old. She was found dead on January 17, 1985. Then, until 2007, no one was arrested. In 2007 Mark Grant was arrested as a suspect in her murder, in 2011 he was put on trial and found guilty of second degree murder and sentenced to life in prison with no eligibility for parole for 25 years.
*Note, I'm getting my information from the book Journey for Justice: How 'Project Angel' Cracked the Candace Derksen Case, and followed up to confirm the sentencing here:
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/LIVE-BLOG-Grant-sentencing-hearing-122661859.html
All the information I have on the time when Candace disappeared is second hand, since I wasn't born until 1993. According to my mother it was very tense for parents, and their children. She was 17 when Candace disappeared, and got to see and feel the shocks sent through Winnipeg at the time. Things like children disappearing and being killed didn't happen often, at least not as often as it does today.
But Mark McIntyre's book is what this is about. It was released in 2011 after the trial was finished.
I'm the kind of person who has a very strong empathetic response to stories. Let's just get that out of the way.
The first part of the book I find very well written. It's engaging, and reading about Candace's disappearance from her mothers point of view made me cry. That might not seem like a good thing, but I feel it means that the writing in the book actually connected to me as a reader. Later in the book I found it a little off putting when there were a lot of blocks of text that were from newspaper articles and psychiatric reports on Mark Grant. I think I found this off-putting because they deviated so drastically from McIntyre's style of writing, and the way they were dropped into the story line was mentally jarring. I wasn't able to get as immersed in the story in the later sections. I found including follow up with Candace's friends helped flesh out the effects of Candace's death on the community and her friends and family.
On March 22 Wilma Derksen and Mike McIntyre came and presented to our classes. I wasn't sure what I was expecting before the presentation, other than that I would probably end up crying. I didn't though. I feel that was because they were telling us about the book and writing process.
But this book was very informative to me from a journalistic point of view. While reading the first half, it was more like a novel, but the quotes pulled from Wilma Derksen's book Have You Seen Candace? gave it a news article like quality. To me, the second half of the book seemed more like a research paper, with citation of medical fact. That to me seems like a big difference in how easy an article or book is to read. If it's conversational, a piece seems easier to read. When it's clinical, a piece is more difficult to read unless your audience has an understanding of the topic.
Having read a number of newspaper articles by McIntyre, I've noticed a difference between his writing styles. After making the obvious concessions to the fact writing styles would have to be different between a newspaper article and a novel, there are still some distinct differences and similarities. His newspaper articles seem to me fact driven (as is appropriate for crime reporting), but they are still accessible and easy to understand. This is different from the conversational tone I got in the first part of his book. While it was still facts, it was in storytelling format and easy to understand. The latter half of his book was again, like a research paper and more difficult to understand. His newspaper articles are not hard to understand, but they are fact. He has managed to strike the balance between conversational and fact driven.
I did like the book, I found it very interesting. It also gave me one source to get the information about what happened to Candace Derksen. I'd heard about it, but I don't trust just word of mouth, and when Mark Grant was arrested I was in the eighth grade, I think. The presentation was pretty interesting too, though I feel that there was a mix of the trials of writing this book specifically and then writing for news in general. Sometimes this mix was hard to define.
But I hope you all have a good night, and I would definitely recommend people read this book.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Happy Hunger Games!
Happy Hunger Games everybody!
As the fans of the Hunger Games series know, today is the day the Hunger Games movie is released today (March 23).
For those who don't know the series, it's kind of like Battle Royal. Although, I may be wrong, as I've never read Battle Royal, so I'm basing this on vague knowledge.
I would suggest the series to people who are fans of dystopian future novels.
It's also Friday today! Which means the weekend! Which means... working. But it's fun.
I've realized this week that I have a great job. It's not the highest paying, and I wouldn't make a career out of it, but I still feel I have a great job.
I work with great people, and our managers treat us well.
I'm going to go now, it's a relatively nice day, and I'd like to join the outside world, but I hope everyone has a good weekend.
As the fans of the Hunger Games series know, today is the day the Hunger Games movie is released today (March 23).
For those who don't know the series, it's kind of like Battle Royal. Although, I may be wrong, as I've never read Battle Royal, so I'm basing this on vague knowledge.
I would suggest the series to people who are fans of dystopian future novels.
It's also Friday today! Which means the weekend! Which means... working. But it's fun.
I've realized this week that I have a great job. It's not the highest paying, and I wouldn't make a career out of it, but I still feel I have a great job.
I work with great people, and our managers treat us well.
I'm going to go now, it's a relatively nice day, and I'd like to join the outside world, but I hope everyone has a good weekend.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Anime Music
So I'm pretty dead on my feet today, I've been awake over 24 hours.
That's why today I decided to find some of the Anime theme songs I like and post them for you, because music is one of the few things I'm truly, madly passionate about.
I will not promise all these songs are appropriate for younger or sensitive audiences, so view with caution.
So here we go!
Heros Come Back - Nobodyknows
This was a Naruto theme song and yes, I know that Naruto is a punchline a lot of the time now, but it's still a good song. I would have put the opening theme song animations, but sometimes I find the bands actual music video is much better.
What's Up People - Maximum the Hormone
This was used as a theme song for the anime Death Note. I won't lie, I love Maximum the Hormone. They have such a unique mix in their music, it's kind of rap-rock-pop-metal. And their drummer Nao is my drumming idol. But look how hard they rock in their videos, it's almost ridiculous. I'm only including videos that had their music used as theme songs in anime, but I'd definitely suggest checking out some of their other video's if you like this one.
And then we have this...
Zetsubou Billy - Maximum the Hormone
This was actually the first Maximum the Hormone music video I saw. I initially thought that Maximum the Hormone was a Visual Kei band (for more information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_kei ), and then I could see their full awesome. This song was also used as a theme in Death Note, though if you look up the lyrics, it looks like it might have been written for Death Note. Also, the video clearly references Death Note.
This is the Lucky Star opening. I'm not sure who made the song, but I'm also not sure there's any actual... point... to the song. But that can kind of describe the entire Lucky Star series. Still, it's a cute song.
But that's all for the day, I'm going to work on staying awake!
Bye!
That's why today I decided to find some of the Anime theme songs I like and post them for you, because music is one of the few things I'm truly, madly passionate about.
I will not promise all these songs are appropriate for younger or sensitive audiences, so view with caution.
So here we go!
Heros Come Back - Nobodyknows
This was a Naruto theme song and yes, I know that Naruto is a punchline a lot of the time now, but it's still a good song. I would have put the opening theme song animations, but sometimes I find the bands actual music video is much better.
What's Up People - Maximum the Hormone
This was used as a theme song for the anime Death Note. I won't lie, I love Maximum the Hormone. They have such a unique mix in their music, it's kind of rap-rock-pop-metal. And their drummer Nao is my drumming idol. But look how hard they rock in their videos, it's almost ridiculous. I'm only including videos that had their music used as theme songs in anime, but I'd definitely suggest checking out some of their other video's if you like this one.
And then we have this...
Zetsubou Billy - Maximum the Hormone
This was actually the first Maximum the Hormone music video I saw. I initially thought that Maximum the Hormone was a Visual Kei band (for more information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_kei ), and then I could see their full awesome. This song was also used as a theme in Death Note, though if you look up the lyrics, it looks like it might have been written for Death Note. Also, the video clearly references Death Note.
This is the Lucky Star opening. I'm not sure who made the song, but I'm also not sure there's any actual... point... to the song. But that can kind of describe the entire Lucky Star series. Still, it's a cute song.
But that's all for the day, I'm going to work on staying awake!
Bye!
Friday, March 09, 2012
IPPP's
For the past three days I (with my fellow CreCommer's) have been sitting through the IPPP's
That's the Independent Personal Project Presentations (and that's a mouthfull).
The IPP's (Independent Personal Projects) are something that students in the Creative Communications program have to do in their second year at the college. We have to pitch an idea to a panel of teachers, and if they approve it, we get to work on them in our second year.
The first year CreCommer's get the pleasure of presenting at the IPPP's next year, but for now I figured I'd push off thinking about it, and leave you all some breadcrumbs to projects that were presented this year.
Just as a head's up, all the presentations were awesome, but with at least 65 presentations, I'm not going to list all of them. So without further ado, A portion of the IPPP's in 2012.
The (un)holy War by David Driedger
unholywarcomic.com
I haven't read the comic yet, but based on the presentation, it looks good.
----
http://endelderabuse.org/
----
Heart Container - Albertine Watson
http://www.heartcontainer.ca/
Heart Container is a video game zine, which makes it pretty awesome, and when ordering a copy they will mail it to you even if you're out of country (if I understood the presentation correctly). I haven't bought a copy yet (being a broke student) but it's on the list.
----
----
Thor's Mighty Blog - Thor
http://thorsmightyblog.blogspot.com/
Just to clarify, not Norse God Thor. But it -is- a blog about comics and related paraphernalia.
----
Moon Drop: The dark side of the light side. - Breanna Perrelli
http://moondrop.breannaperrelli.com/
Part of the reason I was drawn to this graphic novel is the story, the other in the way it was presented. It was a great presentation, funny, a little adorable, and it got the information across.
It's another thing on the ever growing list of things I'm going to buy... eventually.
----
Now, there were a lot more presentations that were just so amazing (all of them), but I don't want to make this blog post much longer than it is.
So I'll leave you with the link to the IPPP's webpage, so you can see everything there was to offer.
http://2012ipp.com/index.html
Hope you all have a good day!
That's the Independent Personal Project Presentations (and that's a mouthfull).
The IPP's (Independent Personal Projects) are something that students in the Creative Communications program have to do in their second year at the college. We have to pitch an idea to a panel of teachers, and if they approve it, we get to work on them in our second year.
The first year CreCommer's get the pleasure of presenting at the IPPP's next year, but for now I figured I'd push off thinking about it, and leave you all some breadcrumbs to projects that were presented this year.
Just as a head's up, all the presentations were awesome, but with at least 65 presentations, I'm not going to list all of them. So without further ado, A portion of the IPPP's in 2012.
The (un)holy War by David Driedger
unholywarcomic.com
I haven't read the comic yet, but based on the presentation, it looks good.
----
http://endelderabuse.org/
----
Heart Container - Albertine Watson
http://www.heartcontainer.ca/
Heart Container is a video game zine, which makes it pretty awesome, and when ordering a copy they will mail it to you even if you're out of country (if I understood the presentation correctly). I haven't bought a copy yet (being a broke student) but it's on the list.
 |
| A jar of Heart Containers... hehehe |
----
Conversation Kitchen - Laura Kunzelman
conversationkitchen.wordpress.com
@conversationkitchen
It's a cooking blog, but it's got interesting original recipes that are easy to make.
----
Thor's Mighty Blog - Thor
http://thorsmightyblog.blogspot.com/
Just to clarify, not Norse God Thor. But it -is- a blog about comics and related paraphernalia.
----
Moon Drop: The dark side of the light side. - Breanna Perrelli
http://moondrop.breannaperrelli.com/
Part of the reason I was drawn to this graphic novel is the story, the other in the way it was presented. It was a great presentation, funny, a little adorable, and it got the information across.
It's another thing on the ever growing list of things I'm going to buy... eventually.
----
Now, there were a lot more presentations that were just so amazing (all of them), but I don't want to make this blog post much longer than it is.
So I'll leave you with the link to the IPPP's webpage, so you can see everything there was to offer.
http://2012ipp.com/index.html
Hope you all have a good day!
Friday, March 02, 2012
Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town
I know a lot of people who play video games (practically all of my friends). A lot of them also do things like play Dungeons and Dragons, or Warhammer.
People who don't play it go "Oh, it's a farming game? Like Farmville?"
Then there are the Non-player characters (NPC's). Other than your character there are no other characters controlled by you in the game. That's a lot of characters, at least about 39.
It's not all fun stuff either, there can be hurricanes in the summer, and blizzards in the winter. Your animals can get sick, and they can die from their sickness. They can also die from age.
 |
| Oh the memories... |
A few of them play Harvest Moon, in it's various incarnations. They're the ones who will understand me when I start ranting about it. The ones who don't play it give me a look that clearly says "What are you on woman?"
They do this because Harvest Moon is a farming RPG.
 |
| You're the one who's holding the dog. |
People who don't play it go "Oh, it's a farming game? Like Farmville?"
It kind of is, but only in the farming part.
In Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town, you start with your character showing up at on a farm near a small town, and the mayor of the town explains that the previous owner has died and left it to someone.
That someone is you.
If you choose to keep the farm, you start working on it the next game day.
You get to tend cattle, sheep, and chickens, and you own a dog, and a horse. But you only start with the dog, the cattle, sheep, and chickens you have to earn enough money to buy. The horse is given to you by the owner of the cattle farm.
 |
| Heeere chicken chicken chicken! |
Then there are the Non-player characters (NPC's). Other than your character there are no other characters controlled by you in the game. That's a lot of characters, at least about 39.
They all have their own personalities, likes and dislikes, interests, etc. They have their own birthdays even, which people like me (slightly manic people) try to find out.
For example one of the bachelorettes, Popuri, will like your puppy if you talk to her holding it, but when it's a full grown dog, she won't like it.
Speaking of bachelorettes, you get to have a girlfriend in this game (or several) and get married. You also get to have a child.
Personally, I always go for Popuri.
 |
| This is Popuri. |
It's not all fun stuff either, there can be hurricanes in the summer, and blizzards in the winter. Your animals can get sick, and they can die from their sickness. They can also die from age.
This is also a game that consumes you, you have to budget, plan when you're planting, and when you're harvesting, be friendly with the townspeople, not overexert yourself (or you faint and lose a week of game to recover in the hospital).
And you never win the game. It just keeps going and going and going.
At least in my experience it never ends. I had a file until recently that was into year five in the game, my character was married, had a kid, was running a good farm. And then my file disappeared.
It made me so sad, and when I told my friends that play Harvest Moon, they had a look of horror on their faces. When I told the ones who didn't play, they told me it sucked that I'd lost the file, but just play it again.
But it takes an emotional toll on you, you build a life in the game, and make a family, and then... BAM! it's gone.
Which sounds silly to a lot of people, I know, it's just a game.
But now I get to restart my game life tonight, and build it back up. Because no matter how many times I lose my files, I will keep on playing Harvest Moon.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Reading Week
Well, reading week has been busy, visiting and recovering and what not.
I also cleaned my room. And when I say clean my room, I mean really cleaned it.
I had to have my mom's help, since I was still kinda sick.
What we did was take everything out of my room. Everything.
Then we took the furniture out, and washed the walls.
I have spent the rest of this week sorting through eveeeerything in my room. Everything. I've sorted through every paper, every folder, everything.
So now I have a beautifully clean and organized room.
I think this kind of thing is something people (including myself) should do every year or so, kind of like spring cleaning.
It doesn't just help get rid of things you don't want or need anymore, it helps you find memories.
I found little things, like the wristband to an amusement park I went to with a good friend a few years ago. I can remember the visit on my own, but this wristband helps.
I also found things that aren't really associated with memories. Like notebooks. I have a ton of notebooks. It's almost silly. I filled up my desk with them.
I'm still sorting posters out, since I have to lay them out flat for a while, but I will soon be done!
And with that I'm off to enjoy the last little bit of reading week!
I also cleaned my room. And when I say clean my room, I mean really cleaned it.
I had to have my mom's help, since I was still kinda sick.
What we did was take everything out of my room. Everything.
Then we took the furniture out, and washed the walls.
I have spent the rest of this week sorting through eveeeerything in my room. Everything. I've sorted through every paper, every folder, everything.
So now I have a beautifully clean and organized room.
I think this kind of thing is something people (including myself) should do every year or so, kind of like spring cleaning.
It doesn't just help get rid of things you don't want or need anymore, it helps you find memories.
I found little things, like the wristband to an amusement park I went to with a good friend a few years ago. I can remember the visit on my own, but this wristband helps.
I also found things that aren't really associated with memories. Like notebooks. I have a ton of notebooks. It's almost silly. I filled up my desk with them.
I'm still sorting posters out, since I have to lay them out flat for a while, but I will soon be done!
And with that I'm off to enjoy the last little bit of reading week!
Friday, February 17, 2012
Sick, again
I had planned to do a blog post on Doctor Who this week, because Doctor Who is awesome.
And then yesterday I had the bad luck to wake up extremely sick. When I say extremely sick, I mean so sick that I slept over 17 hours in less than 24 hours, and still was tired and ill.
So, needless to say, a post on Doctor Who will not be happening today, as I find it mildly amazing that I'm still conscious.
Instead, I will discuss the book and soon to be released movie, The Lorax.
The Lorax is a good read. It's a book ahead of its time about considering how we use our resources in the world.
I would definitely recommend The Lorax to anyone - young or old.
It has a great line. "I am the Lorax, I speak for the trees."
It definitely makes you think.
But I'm off to pass out again.
Bye!
And then yesterday I had the bad luck to wake up extremely sick. When I say extremely sick, I mean so sick that I slept over 17 hours in less than 24 hours, and still was tired and ill.
So, needless to say, a post on Doctor Who will not be happening today, as I find it mildly amazing that I'm still conscious.
Instead, I will discuss the book and soon to be released movie, The Lorax.
The Lorax is a good read. It's a book ahead of its time about considering how we use our resources in the world.
I would definitely recommend The Lorax to anyone - young or old.
It has a great line. "I am the Lorax, I speak for the trees."
It definitely makes you think.
But I'm off to pass out again.
Bye!
Friday, February 10, 2012
Valentine's Day
Valentine's day is upcoming, and for people looking for gifts this can be stressful.
A lot of friends I have have been stressing about how much flowers cost (a lot).
Red roses seem to be the traditional Valentine's gift, which to me means that after a while they don't mean as much. Why not throw some of the favorite flowers in? It means that they can go buy a dozen red roses for almost $30, and then you're done. But what if your significant other likes iris's? Or Tulip's?
Wouldn't `t it be better to get them the flowers they like?
Avoiding the flower thing altogether could be good too. Get creative. My significant other got me Cthulhu Slippers for Valentine's day this year.
These are perfect (for someone like me). They're practical, and there was thought put behind them. Every time I put them on I'll think of my significant other.
A lot of friends I have have been stressing about how much flowers cost (a lot).
Red roses seem to be the traditional Valentine's gift, which to me means that after a while they don't mean as much. Why not throw some of the favorite flowers in? It means that they can go buy a dozen red roses for almost $30, and then you're done. But what if your significant other likes iris's? Or Tulip's?
Wouldn't `t it be better to get them the flowers they like?
 |
| There are more types of flowers than roses. |
 |
| Ahhhh! Cthulhu's eating my feet! Nomnomnomnomnom. |
These are perfect (for someone like me). They're practical, and there was thought put behind them. Every time I put them on I'll think of my significant other.
Personally, I think the best gifts come from a person going out and getting their partner something that made them think "So-and-so would love that" when they first see it.
If you really want to go the flower rout though, why not try a potted plant? Then they live longer, which seems more romantic than giving someone something that's dead.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Something I've also found interesting is Valentine's day and White Day.
From what I understand, the Valentine's day and White Day split is done mostly in Japan and South Korea. (Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong)
As I understand it, on Valentine's Day, women typically give chocolates and gifts to their friends and guys. On White Day, which falls on March 14th, The guys reciprocate the gifts. Which makes sense to me, it's logical (this gets me odd looks from my female friends). That way, they don't forget to give a Valentine's gift (it does happen), or don't go thinking that you're just a friend and don't think of getting you one (because you can still give gifts to friends). It also gives a month to plan.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Another thing could me making a card, it's inexpensive (hopefully) and it means more.
But, off for the food and whatnot, see you next week!
Another thing could me making a card, it's inexpensive (hopefully) and it means more.
But, off for the food and whatnot, see you next week!
Friday, February 03, 2012
Concerts, concerts and more concerts
Apparently Winnipeg is a real hot spot for concerts these days.
In the next four months I am going to at least three concerts.
Five Finger Death Punch, on April 9th at the Burton Cummings Theater.
I won't lie, I find them attractive. I'm a bit of a fan girl for Ivan Moody.
He's the one with the blond mo-hawk.
This will be the 3rd time I've gone to see them since April 3, 2010.
Here's some video's also, most people would likely know Du Hast if they know no other song
But here are some other songs!
Wollt Ihr das Bette in Flammen Sehen.
(Not reccomded for young audiences)
Typed in English (as I found it on my copy of Live Aus Berlin) Weisses Fleisch
Also. Look at the shoes shooting fire. Dear Lord that's a little scary.
Du Riechst so gut.
Look at how much fire there is in the first minute of this song!
Also, really, really not safe for children. In general none of these are ok for kids.
Best comment on this video? :
"3:12
Till: Ohhhh... Die nasse Haaaauuuuuut (pervert face, crotch grab)
3:20
Richard (to himself): Cant he act like a normal person for once?"
Made me laugh so hard.
But, that's all for me today, bye bye!
In the next four months I am going to at least three concerts.
Five Finger Death Punch, on April 9th at the Burton Cummings Theater.
I won't lie, I find them attractive. I'm a bit of a fan girl for Ivan Moody.
He's the one with the blond mo-hawk.
 |
| Paintball has never looked more appealing |
This will be the 3rd time I've gone to see them since April 3, 2010.
They opened for Korn that show. They also headlined Rock on the Range here last August. This time I get to go as a birthday gift (as the tickets aren't too expensive).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Next is Trans-Siberian Orchestra on April 13th.
The tour is called "Beethoven's Last Night 2012". I don't know what this tour is about, since all the other times I've seen then it has been around Christmas.
For those who don't know, Trans-Siberian Orchestra is basically metal Christmas Music. And it is awesome. Most people who have heard any of their songs will have heard Wizards in Winter (it's hard to find a video to post... so I'll let you guys use your Google and YouTube powers to find it if you want.)
I go to a lot of concerts where there are flashing lights and pyrotechnics (Rob Zombie, Slayer, Korn, ect.)
And Trans-Siberian Orchestra concerts can match these big Metal bands in the pyrotechnics category. And the flashing lights category (their concerts are not good for those that can have seizures induced by flashing lights). The last time I went I was sitting at the back of the stadium, basically as far from the stage as one could get, and I could still feel the heat from the pyrotechnics.
----------------------------------------------------
Speaking of Pyrotechnics, Rammstein is coming to Winnipeg may 10th. This will be their first time coming to Winnipeg... well, ever, from what I understand.
From what I understand Till Lindemann is a qualified pyrotechnician.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Next is Trans-Siberian Orchestra on April 13th.
The tour is called "Beethoven's Last Night 2012". I don't know what this tour is about, since all the other times I've seen then it has been around Christmas.
For those who don't know, Trans-Siberian Orchestra is basically metal Christmas Music. And it is awesome. Most people who have heard any of their songs will have heard Wizards in Winter (it's hard to find a video to post... so I'll let you guys use your Google and YouTube powers to find it if you want.)
I go to a lot of concerts where there are flashing lights and pyrotechnics (Rob Zombie, Slayer, Korn, ect.)
And Trans-Siberian Orchestra concerts can match these big Metal bands in the pyrotechnics category. And the flashing lights category (their concerts are not good for those that can have seizures induced by flashing lights). The last time I went I was sitting at the back of the stadium, basically as far from the stage as one could get, and I could still feel the heat from the pyrotechnics.
----------------------------------------------------
Speaking of Pyrotechnics, Rammstein is coming to Winnipeg may 10th. This will be their first time coming to Winnipeg... well, ever, from what I understand.
 |
| Those pictures are from Sehnsucht (the dark ones) |
 |
| Lots and lots of fire. |
I don't hide the fact that I like more metal music, but my taste is really eclectic. Still, I've had people ask me why I like Rammstein.
"Isn't is in German?" They say
And I tell them, "Yeah. So what?"
I don't know German (as of yet, it's on the list), but I do at least do checks on what's being said in songs. As someone who grew up listening to people speak in Greek half the time, I have an appreciation for how other languages sound. Example, I have never been yelled at by a Greek person because they're angry, we're just a loud people.
So I plan to learn the languages of some of my favorite bands. Meaning that come hell or high water I will be learning Japanese (fluently) and German.
Now, Some more Rammstein pictures! Have a good day everyone!
 |
| http://www.metalmusicarchives.com/images/artists/rammstein.jpg |
 |
| http://www.rammsteinwallpapers.com/wallpapers/rammstein-headsblack-wallpaper.jpg |
 |
| http://deathelectro.com/wp-content/audio/rammstein.jpg |
 |
| Flamethrower? Flamethrower. |
 |
| From what I understand this is done during Engel. That... that appears to be fire shooting out of his wings. |
 |
| Till, you look like the Joker. |
 |
| http://www.6millionsmiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/till_lindemann_rammstein_happy_birthday.jpg |
 |
| http://c438342.r42.cf2.rackcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/rammstein.jpg |
 |
| http://www.blogto.com/upload/2011/05/20110509_Rammstein4.jpg |
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| http://truecultheavymetal.com/media/users/jose/rammstein_rir.jpeg |
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| http://wallpaper.metalship.org/images/rammstein5.jpg |
 |
| http://www.blogcdn.com/www.noisecreep.com/media/2010/12/rammstein-456-e-121310.jpg |
 |
| http://static.nme.com/images/gallery/RammsteinPA271011.jpg |
Here's some video's also, most people would likely know Du Hast if they know no other song
But here are some other songs!
Wollt Ihr das Bette in Flammen Sehen.
(Not reccomded for young audiences)
Typed in English (as I found it on my copy of Live Aus Berlin) Weisses Fleisch
Also. Look at the shoes shooting fire. Dear Lord that's a little scary.
Du Riechst so gut.
Look at how much fire there is in the first minute of this song!
Also, really, really not safe for children. In general none of these are ok for kids.
Best comment on this video? :
"3:12
Till: Ohhhh... Die nasse Haaaauuuuuut (pervert face, crotch grab)
3:20
Richard (to himself): Cant he act like a normal person for once?"
Made me laugh so hard.
But, that's all for me today, bye bye!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
I've come to the realization...
As I was trying to think of what I would do my blog post on this week, I came to an important realization.
I don't have time to watch a movie every week. Nor do I particularly want to.
Watching movies is enjoyable, but not all the time. I came to realize today that watching movies isn't fun for me anymore. So I won't be watching movies for my blog this week, or any week in the future probably.
In truth, I thought up something I wanted to blog about last weekend, but before I got a chance it slipped my mind.
Then my friends provided me with something new to blog about.
Now, I don't like to bash on things since there are usually some people who like them. But today I have no patience for some things.
Last Friday my friends made me watch 3 hours of Robot Chicken because I'd told them I'd never really watched it before.
The reason I've never really watched Robot Chicken before? I don't really like it. I don't mean to be offensive to people who do like it, but the kind of humor in it just isn't my thing. That's also why I don't watch The Simpsons, Family Guy, Futurama, American Dad, and any other shows that are in the same boat as the ones I've just listed.
I don't have time to watch a movie every week. Nor do I particularly want to.
Watching movies is enjoyable, but not all the time. I came to realize today that watching movies isn't fun for me anymore. So I won't be watching movies for my blog this week, or any week in the future probably.
In truth, I thought up something I wanted to blog about last weekend, but before I got a chance it slipped my mind.
Then my friends provided me with something new to blog about.
Now, I don't like to bash on things since there are usually some people who like them. But today I have no patience for some things.
Last Friday my friends made me watch 3 hours of Robot Chicken because I'd told them I'd never really watched it before.
 |
| http://collider.com/robot-chicken-comic-con/104538/ |
I'm not saying I don't partake in juvenile behavior and humor, and I'm not saying that I'm not occasionally offensive.
But I really, really dislike shows like this.
That's one of the first things.
Second, I told them repeatedly that I didn't want to watch it (which might seem selfish, except none of them were watching it anyway). They ignored me every time. This is a pet peeve of mine, as it happens fairly often. I will speak to people and they will either ignore me, or can't hear me. After repeating something about five times, I give up.
You may have noticed that this week I am ranting. It happens on occasion that every frustration I am feeling will channel into one thing I am annoyed with.
/End rant
In other news, I spend a lot of time online. I don't hide that fact.
And recently I've enjoyed a site called Etsy.
Etsy.com is a shopping site, where people can sell a variety of items. I find it kind of like e-bay, except with a lot cooler stuff.
I've only bought one thing off of there. A replica of the scarf Watson has in the new Sherlock Holmes movie.
The woman (I'm making an educated guess) who I bought it from runs "Skybox Human Creations" on Etsy. There's an assortment of hand knit and crochet items - socks, scarfs, hats, etc. etc.
Here's the link for her, I'd suggest checking it out. The scarf at least is very well made, and really soft.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SkyBox?ref=seller_info
I think there is probably something for everyone on Etsy. (Everything will be linked in the captions).
Do you like Steampunk?
I've only bought one thing off of there. A replica of the scarf Watson has in the new Sherlock Holmes movie.
 |
| This is the Scarf. It is awesome. |
The woman (I'm making an educated guess) who I bought it from runs "Skybox Human Creations" on Etsy. There's an assortment of hand knit and crochet items - socks, scarfs, hats, etc. etc.
Here's the link for her, I'd suggest checking it out. The scarf at least is very well made, and really soft.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SkyBox?ref=seller_info
I think there is probably something for everyone on Etsy. (Everything will be linked in the captions).
Do you like Steampunk?
 |
| This is a USB stick OwO |
Looking for a Valentine's Day gift for someone who likes unique things?
If you're like me, you have a lot of friends who participate in goth/rave scenes. And if you live in Winnipeg like I do, you know how hellishly difficult it is to find things made for those sub-cultures.
Etsy is a good place for people like me and my friends because there is pretty much anything you could want.
Like this illuminated visor:
But I'm off for tonight, bye!
 |
| D'awwwww |
 |
| A hand made music box, is that not awesome? |
If you're like me, you have a lot of friends who participate in goth/rave scenes. And if you live in Winnipeg like I do, you know how hellishly difficult it is to find things made for those sub-cultures.
Etsy is a good place for people like me and my friends because there is pretty much anything you could want.
Like this illuminated visor:
 |
| An AWESOME illuminated visor |
But I'm off for tonight, bye!
Friday, January 20, 2012
Books
Hello hello,
To be honest I didn't really know what to write about this week, I haven't seen any new movies, and the D&D group I'm in didn't meet this week... or for the past few weeks.
I did finish the last book in the Night Angel Trilogy by Brent Weeks this week. It had a good ending to an interesting series.
It tied up loose ends, which I find great, because there are a lot of books that just leave to loose ends to flap in the wind. That's one of my pet peeves in books, when there are loose ends left flapping in the wind, mocking me, saying "You'll never know why this happened! Haha!".
I hate that.
And yes, my books talk to me.
I'm on a book kick recently, I find it's not as stressing on my eyes.
I got the book Hyperion for Christmas, and from what I've heard it's very good.
Does anybody else have any knowledge of it to give an opinion?
I'm off though, nighty night!
To be honest I didn't really know what to write about this week, I haven't seen any new movies, and the D&D group I'm in didn't meet this week... or for the past few weeks.
I did finish the last book in the Night Angel Trilogy by Brent Weeks this week. It had a good ending to an interesting series.
It tied up loose ends, which I find great, because there are a lot of books that just leave to loose ends to flap in the wind. That's one of my pet peeves in books, when there are loose ends left flapping in the wind, mocking me, saying "You'll never know why this happened! Haha!".
I hate that.
And yes, my books talk to me.
I'm on a book kick recently, I find it's not as stressing on my eyes.
I got the book Hyperion for Christmas, and from what I've heard it's very good.
Does anybody else have any knowledge of it to give an opinion?
I'm off though, nighty night!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Second week back at school...
It's the second week back at school for the semester, and I've got what looks and acts like the flu.
I was fine until about noon Wednesday, and then this hit me like a ton of bricks.
So I haven't reviewed a movie for this week.
Other than this flu though, I've enjoyed classes so far.
But I must go sleep, so I can be healthy again soon.
Night all!
I was fine until about noon Wednesday, and then this hit me like a ton of bricks.
So I haven't reviewed a movie for this week.
Other than this flu though, I've enjoyed classes so far.
But I must go sleep, so I can be healthy again soon.
Night all!
Thursday, January 05, 2012
First week back and a movie
School has started again!
It's not too bad so far.
But in movie news, I saw the American version of the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo last Sunday.
It was awesome. Like I said in my earlier post, I was worried they would ruin the movie, since the American version is a remake.
There was some random arty something or other in the beginning credits of the movie, which was weird, but tolerable.
The rest of the movie was just... it was great. It was on par with the Swedish movie, if not slightly better than it.
One of the reasons I think this version of this movie was better, for the North American audience at least, because from what I understand Swedish humor is very dry humor. This movie had the type of humor that is typical of American movies. Although it did keep some of that dry humor.
Rooney Mara made an excellent Lisbeth. She pulls off a bit mentally unbalanced very well. Which is pretty hard to do without actually being a little bit off.
It's not too bad so far.
But in movie news, I saw the American version of the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo last Sunday.
It was awesome. Like I said in my earlier post, I was worried they would ruin the movie, since the American version is a remake.
There was some random arty something or other in the beginning credits of the movie, which was weird, but tolerable.
The rest of the movie was just... it was great. It was on par with the Swedish movie, if not slightly better than it.
One of the reasons I think this version of this movie was better, for the North American audience at least, because from what I understand Swedish humor is very dry humor. This movie had the type of humor that is typical of American movies. Although it did keep some of that dry humor.
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| You can't see it, but her shirt has a lot of expletives. http://www.moviefanatic.com/2011/11/new-images-from-the-girl-with-the-dragon-tattoo/ |
Daniel Craig also plays Blomkvist very well. I wasn't too sure about how he would work in this role; not because of his acting skills but because I couldn't reconcile his appearance with the one the books describe of him.
While there were some changes to this version of the movie, they weren't too bad, not did they alter the story line in an unforgivable way.
I would suggest this movie to mystery lovers, as long as they don't mind violence, sexual content, rape and vulgar language.
Nighty night all!
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