For anyone who did not see the last episode of the television show Lost, it was perhaps the most intense of the season, if not the series. If you haven't seen it yet and want to I'm about to talk about what happened in the episode so I warn you. First off it is the final season of the show, and with only three episodes left I knew there was bound to be some carnage; I didn't however, think that we'd lose three original cast members within 10 minutes of each other! Sayid blew up, Sun and Jin drowned and even poor Frank got smacked down by the submarine door after the bomb went off. My jaw was literally on the floor by the end of the hour and not once did I lose interest and flip the channel to Glee, which is a rarity! What a literally explosive hour of television. I can safely say that from here on out nobody is safe, especially with the Smoke Monster / Locke impersonator still on the loose. I do have a few predictions that I've been thinking over, just for fun, and I thought why not post them up on the blog and who knows maybe I'll get some right.
1.) While I do think Jack is the most plausible replacement for Jacob, I don't really see anyone (good or bad) making it out alive on the island. My thoughts are that it will come down to Jack vs. Smokey and they'll take each other out and the island will go down into the ocean.
2.) While the island reality won't end happily ever after, I think the alternate universe that was established after the hydrogen bomb went off last season will see a positive ending for most of the protagonists.
3.) Kate and Jack will end up together somehow, or should because as a junior in high school that angle is what got me interested in the show to begin with.
There's my predictions. I thought there would be more; maybe I'm forgetting some and I can add them in later. Hopefully I didn't steal anything the creators are planning.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
Bloomsday: The T-Shirts
Is it depressing that I have lived in Spokane practically my entire life and I've only done Bloomsday once? Maybe not so much depressing as it is disappointing. Its not that I don't think its a good tradition, but there's several reasons why I don't participate. First of all I'm not the biggest fan of crowds, especially ones that consist of individuals who are perspiring a great deal. Second, the event takes place in the morning. I've never been much of a morning person, especially when exercise is involved. I'd like to say that I can get up and go for a walk or a run first thing, and maybe this will happen if I gain the motivation, but in my life right now I'm far too lazy. Third, it costs money. I know it benefits the city, which is important and that you're guarantee a nice shirt at the end, but that seems foolish to me. Granted, I think that Ironman costs about $500 so I'm not quite sure why I'm complaining. I don't know. I just feel that if you partake in an event that you literally put your blood, sweat and yes, sometimes tears into that you deserve a free t-shirt. Enough of the rant. The main focus of this post was going to be a discussion of the Bloomsday T-Shirts.
At this link Bloomsday T-Shirt History you can view all the past Bloomsday T-Shirts from 1977 to 2009. Its interesting to go back in time, to the 80s in particular and see how the styles have developed and changed over the years. 2007 is probably my favorite shirt, but the only one I own in the 1996 Ken Spiering one which features all the used cups on the ground. I'm not sure who put it out, but a couple of years ago they did do a vote for what T-shirt people thought was the best, and 1996 turned out to be the winner. So I guess I picked the right year to enter the competition. Still, its funny looking at some of the others and recognizing them; it stirs up a lot of memories. My sister wore the 92 shirt for years as a pajama top, and I remember how many kids had the 98 shirt in grade school. That's one of the things about the day after Bloomsday... seeing what the T-shirts look like. It'll be interesting to see what the next decade brings. This is a bit of a side note, but it just occurred to me that advertising what the shirt is going to look like weeks before Bloomsday might give incentive for more people to enter. By that same token, it may prevent people as well.
At this link Bloomsday T-Shirt History you can view all the past Bloomsday T-Shirts from 1977 to 2009. Its interesting to go back in time, to the 80s in particular and see how the styles have developed and changed over the years. 2007 is probably my favorite shirt, but the only one I own in the 1996 Ken Spiering one which features all the used cups on the ground. I'm not sure who put it out, but a couple of years ago they did do a vote for what T-shirt people thought was the best, and 1996 turned out to be the winner. So I guess I picked the right year to enter the competition. Still, its funny looking at some of the others and recognizing them; it stirs up a lot of memories. My sister wore the 92 shirt for years as a pajama top, and I remember how many kids had the 98 shirt in grade school. That's one of the things about the day after Bloomsday... seeing what the T-shirts look like. It'll be interesting to see what the next decade brings. This is a bit of a side note, but it just occurred to me that advertising what the shirt is going to look like weeks before Bloomsday might give incentive for more people to enter. By that same token, it may prevent people as well.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Critiquing
I don't have any objection to critiquing our blogs. I think that it is important to recognize that whatever we choose to write should have certain standards because it is going out to the public. For my own critiques I'm not so much concerned with the content as I am the technical aspects of a particular post. Spelling as well as punctuation are important, as well as clarity. If a blog post does not appear to have any organization or clear message its trying to evoke for the reader then I'll probably take issue with it. There has to be some effort behind the post. The most important thing I'm looking for is to be informed about something... if the post is merely someone's diary entry then I probably won't be invested, I'll be left asking myself why should I care? Actually I probably wouldn't ask myself that because I don't usually mind reading that sort of prose, but it does have to have a level of clarity for me to be able to access it.
My blog is no doubt random. I go from Meryl Streep to gelato, to the anti-Nazi resistance movement. Nevertheless, I hope that someone who goes into my blog and reads the posts individually will get something from them one way or another. They are each self-contained, but if they can provide some new insight to a topic or person then that's the best I can hope for. My fear with focusing on one topic in particular was that the posts would become too repetitive, and also that if a reader did not take interest in the topic of my choosing they would not pursue my blog as a whole. That being said there is a method behind my 'random' madness... well, hopefully you will think so too. *Crosses fingers*
My blog is no doubt random. I go from Meryl Streep to gelato, to the anti-Nazi resistance movement. Nevertheless, I hope that someone who goes into my blog and reads the posts individually will get something from them one way or another. They are each self-contained, but if they can provide some new insight to a topic or person then that's the best I can hope for. My fear with focusing on one topic in particular was that the posts would become too repetitive, and also that if a reader did not take interest in the topic of my choosing they would not pursue my blog as a whole. That being said there is a method behind my 'random' madness... well, hopefully you will think so too. *Crosses fingers*
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Going Unnoticed
Its the strangest thing how I'll be surfing for one thing on the internet and come upon some new discovery. Despite its many flaws, I think that's the best thing I can say for the world wide web, and particularly sites like wikipedia. While the website should not be relied on for 100% factual evidence, it does brush over thousands of topics from people to places. In this particular case I was reading about Anne Boleyn after watching the dreadful Other Boleyn Girl with Natalie Portman in the title role. I don't mind Portman, but can she never attempt a British accent ever again? Please? Anyway, so I was reading on about Anne Boleyn on wikipedia and at the bottom of her page there was a link to a list of those who'd been decapitated. Now I know what your thinking; she's morbid and that's gross, but hey it caught my attention. That actually brings to mind a quote from Oscar Wilde, something about war being wicked and therefore people will always have a fascination with it. Not that I'm fascinated with decapitation... okay I'm just going to move on.
Decapitation, as are all methods of execution in my opinion, both horrible and unfounded. I think the guillotine in particular is a barbaric instrument, and when I read that six University of Munich students had been executed in such a manner for distributing anti-Nazi pamphlets in 1943, I was shocked. I'd never heard of The White Rose, a non-violent resistance group in Nazi Germany. Its principle members: Hans Scholl (24), his sister Sophie (21), Christoph Probst (23), Willi Graf (25), Alexander Schmorell (26), and philosophy professor Kurt Huber (49) were found guilty and executed. The six pamphlets they wrote, the link to which I'll provide here: White Rose Leaflets have an intellectual grounding in their call against Hitler's regime, and the hope for a new Germany where freedom of expression and thought may exist once again.
Hans and Sophie Scholl were caught distributing pamphlets at the University, and Christoph Probst was arrested shortly after. In a matter of four short days (consisting of interrogation and trial) all three were dead. 21 year-old Sophie was the first taken to the guillotine, her last recorded words were "The sun's still shining."
What's puzzling to me is that I'd never before heard of The White Rose. I asked both of my Parents, both of which are pretty spot on with history, but neither of them had heard of the group either. And I know there's dozens of cases like this out there that I still have yet to learn about, but it never ceases to amaze me how something as profound and ultimately tragic as this has gone unnoticed by so many. I know that's often the case with history, and that's why we've gone and repeated some of the worst bits of it. Its easy to watch a movie about The White Rose, in particular the 2006 Foreign Film Oscar contender: Sophie Scholl – The Final Days and feel bad about what happened to these young people, but the more important aspect I think is to consider: what would I do in that situation? Sophie and Hans took entire responsibility for the pamphlets when they were arrested - refusing to name other members of the resistance. Would I have that kind of strength? I don't know if I would, but I do know that others have and that gives me some conviction. Sophie Scholl once said:
"The real damage is done by those millions who want to 'survive.' The honest men who just want to be left in peace. Those who don’t want their little lives disturbed by anything bigger than themselves. Those with no sides and no causes. Those who won’t take measure of their own strength, for fear of antagonizing their own weakness. Those who don’t like to make waves—or enemies. Those for whom freedom, honour, truth, and principles are only literature. Those who live small, mate small, die small. It’s the reductionist approach to life: if you keep it small, you’ll keep it under control. If you don’t make any noise, the bogeyman won’t find you. But it’s all an illusion, because they die too, those people who roll up their spirits into tiny little balls so as to be safe. Safe?! From what? Life is always on the edge of death; narrow streets lead to the same place as wide avenues, and a little candle burns itself out just like a flaming torch does. I choose my own way to burn."
— Sophie Scholl
We may think that the threat will never be this significant again. As Americans citizens we can go day in, day out despite the fact that our country is at war overseas. Is it the same? No, there will never be anything absolutely identical to Nazi Germany, but there are strong similarities, the same kinds of injustices everywhere in the world. I could go on and on about this, but I won't. Only consider and try to understand. What can we do? Well, we can write. And that's something.
(From Left to Right: Hans Scholl, Sophie Scholl and Christoph Probst)
Decapitation, as are all methods of execution in my opinion, both horrible and unfounded. I think the guillotine in particular is a barbaric instrument, and when I read that six University of Munich students had been executed in such a manner for distributing anti-Nazi pamphlets in 1943, I was shocked. I'd never heard of The White Rose, a non-violent resistance group in Nazi Germany. Its principle members: Hans Scholl (24), his sister Sophie (21), Christoph Probst (23), Willi Graf (25), Alexander Schmorell (26), and philosophy professor Kurt Huber (49) were found guilty and executed. The six pamphlets they wrote, the link to which I'll provide here: White Rose Leaflets have an intellectual grounding in their call against Hitler's regime, and the hope for a new Germany where freedom of expression and thought may exist once again.
Hans and Sophie Scholl were caught distributing pamphlets at the University, and Christoph Probst was arrested shortly after. In a matter of four short days (consisting of interrogation and trial) all three were dead. 21 year-old Sophie was the first taken to the guillotine, her last recorded words were "The sun's still shining."
What's puzzling to me is that I'd never before heard of The White Rose. I asked both of my Parents, both of which are pretty spot on with history, but neither of them had heard of the group either. And I know there's dozens of cases like this out there that I still have yet to learn about, but it never ceases to amaze me how something as profound and ultimately tragic as this has gone unnoticed by so many. I know that's often the case with history, and that's why we've gone and repeated some of the worst bits of it. Its easy to watch a movie about The White Rose, in particular the 2006 Foreign Film Oscar contender: Sophie Scholl – The Final Days and feel bad about what happened to these young people, but the more important aspect I think is to consider: what would I do in that situation? Sophie and Hans took entire responsibility for the pamphlets when they were arrested - refusing to name other members of the resistance. Would I have that kind of strength? I don't know if I would, but I do know that others have and that gives me some conviction. Sophie Scholl once said:
"The real damage is done by those millions who want to 'survive.' The honest men who just want to be left in peace. Those who don’t want their little lives disturbed by anything bigger than themselves. Those with no sides and no causes. Those who won’t take measure of their own strength, for fear of antagonizing their own weakness. Those who don’t like to make waves—or enemies. Those for whom freedom, honour, truth, and principles are only literature. Those who live small, mate small, die small. It’s the reductionist approach to life: if you keep it small, you’ll keep it under control. If you don’t make any noise, the bogeyman won’t find you. But it’s all an illusion, because they die too, those people who roll up their spirits into tiny little balls so as to be safe. Safe?! From what? Life is always on the edge of death; narrow streets lead to the same place as wide avenues, and a little candle burns itself out just like a flaming torch does. I choose my own way to burn."
— Sophie Scholl
We may think that the threat will never be this significant again. As Americans citizens we can go day in, day out despite the fact that our country is at war overseas. Is it the same? No, there will never be anything absolutely identical to Nazi Germany, but there are strong similarities, the same kinds of injustices everywhere in the world. I could go on and on about this, but I won't. Only consider and try to understand. What can we do? Well, we can write. And that's something.
(From Left to Right: Hans Scholl, Sophie Scholl and Christoph Probst)
Friday, April 23, 2010
Gelato: The Better Choice
Last night I was treated to some mocha gelato at this small Italian restaurant on the South Hill called Ferrante's (fantastic food btw) and not only was it delicious, but it got me thinking how superior the Italian dessert is to conventional ice cream. I don't mean to offend the ice cream fanatics out there, only provide a few insights on why gelato is oh so scrumptious.
1) Gelato contains less butter fat than ice cream and while that doesn't elevate to the status of a health food, it does mean that the tasty treat won't do as much damage to your waistline. The calorie count is usually lower as well.
2) Gelato typically contains fresh fruit (all sorts) and nuts. The rich flavors come in a wide, wide variety and vary place to place. Some are as simple as strawberry whereas others are a bit wild for the adventurous tasters.
3) Gelato is usually made by hand and daily so its more fresh. Not to mention the fact that it is churned at a slower rate than ice cream. This increases the density of the frozen dessert and makes for a thick, creamy composition.
4) The treat is served at a cooler temperature than ice cream so the chances of running into those chunky freezer burned mouthfuls is very unlikely. Gelato maintains its smooth texture whereas ice cream can become chalky and flavorless because its stored at arctic temperatures.
5) Remember, its Italian and I'm pretty much sure they're incapable of making bad food :)
1) Gelato contains less butter fat than ice cream and while that doesn't elevate to the status of a health food, it does mean that the tasty treat won't do as much damage to your waistline. The calorie count is usually lower as well.
2) Gelato typically contains fresh fruit (all sorts) and nuts. The rich flavors come in a wide, wide variety and vary place to place. Some are as simple as strawberry whereas others are a bit wild for the adventurous tasters.
3) Gelato is usually made by hand and daily so its more fresh. Not to mention the fact that it is churned at a slower rate than ice cream. This increases the density of the frozen dessert and makes for a thick, creamy composition.
4) The treat is served at a cooler temperature than ice cream so the chances of running into those chunky freezer burned mouthfuls is very unlikely. Gelato maintains its smooth texture whereas ice cream can become chalky and flavorless because its stored at arctic temperatures.
5) Remember, its Italian and I'm pretty much sure they're incapable of making bad food :)
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Blast From the Past
My sister made quite the purchase a month ago when she bought a television series we used to watch as kids on DVD. I'm not sure if any of my fellow capstone classmates have heard of Faerie Tale Theatre, but the series was pretty cool. I believe it was the late 80s when actress Shelley Duvall aka Olive Oil and Jack Nicholson's very unfortunate wife in The Shining put together a group of actors and actresses to star in one hour productions of both well known and obscure fairy tales. Robin Williams, Susan Sarandon, Mick Jagger, Jeff Bridges, Vincent Price, and Matthew Broderick are just some of the stars who play characters from the Frog Prince to the Mirror Mirror on the Wall. Apparently Francis Ford Coppola even directed an episode, which (and this shouldn't come as a surprise) featured his daughter Sophia... whose better suited working behind the camera (those of you who've seen Godfather III would agree).
What I found interesting watching some of the episodes on DVD now is that I'm not too sure these were appropriate for kids. Granted, being the youngest of four it was the norm for me to be exposed to shows with older content. Then again, fairy tales in general can be pretty disturbing on paper much less on film. One of the episodes that always stuck with me was Rapunzel, in which Gena Rowlands (that nice old lady from The Notebook) plays the evil witch who steals baby Rapunzel away from her parents. I guess you'd have to see the episode to believe me, but Gena Rowlands is terrifying and I think even though I didn't know it was the same actress when I first saw The Notebook, it was probably a subconscious reason I didn't shed a tear at the end of that film.
(Gena Rowlands above... not just the sweet old lady from The Notebook)
Faerie Tale Theatre is both a fascinating and oddball collection. Some of the stories are better done than the others (Cinderella, Dancing Princesses, and Little Red Riding Hood in particular), but there isn't one production that's completely without anything worthwhile. Granted, I haven't dared Pinnochio for fear of Pee-Wee Herman so I can't brag about that one. The point is if you happen to see this when your browsing for entrainment I highly recommend the purchase. Adults and kids will likely enjoy the series, but for different reasons. I can only imagine what the show would be like had it been done today... and that's just about as nightmarish a thought as any I've had in recent weeks.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Spring, Glorious Spring!
Its absolutely gorgeous outside today. Thanks to the power of Zyrtec I'm able to enjoy spending time outside this weekend. I met up with a few friends and we played some soccer and frisbee down at Hart field. There were two kite-fliers down there and it reminded me of a time when I was about six or seven when my Dad had put together one of those styrofoam / cheap wooden (the kind they make tongue depressors out of) model airplanes. My sisters and I had been so eager to walk down to the field to test the aircraft out, despite the fact that it was particularly breezy that day. There's no doubt that my Dad knew we probably should have held off for a day with a milder wind, but seeing how we were so excited he took us down anyway. We got one fair run with the airplane before it nose-dived into the ground. As I recall a rainstorm shortly followed. Looking back I can't remember if I was disappointed or satisfied with the test run, but what I can appreciate now is the fact that my Dad is always up for letting us try whatever foolish idea we had and continue to have to this day. My Mom is way more practical. I guess I'm pretty lucky in that respect, Mom and Dad provide me with a lot of room for deciding what's right for me because they approach life with different perspectives. Anyway, look at the tangents I've gone off on in this post. Whatever. Being organized when it comes to writing is overrated... kind of. As we learned in class this week that's the case with poetry at least. According to Rachel, its poetry so we can do whatever we want. Maybe that's part of the reason I can't do without it. Now enough with this computer, I need another dose of vitamin D.
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