Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone. I tried to post up a Christmas/New Year message, but blogger was determined to prevent such well-wishing; despite that, I sent it out to everyone I know anyway, so it's not a big deal.
So I had a reasonable Christmas, although the "no rest for the wicked" saying was proved true in that I only had 2 days off and then was back into it again. Working tomorrow and I'd rather not be...
As for New Year's, I'm not sure what's happening in that arena yet. I am looking forwards to being done with 2008 though, I can tell you that. It's been a pretty crap year, and I'll be chuffed to see the back of it.
Blake.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Time for a Rant
The blog is called Postmodern Rantings, and I am about to give you a list of things that will in part fulfil the second bit of the title.
Here are some things I have come across that really get my goat this year:
1. People who drive slow in the fast lane, or just in any lane, to be honest. If you get in front of me when I am in the fast lane, with the aim of overtaking someone in the slow lane, here's a hint - the object is not to then sit beside them until I am ready to kill you.
2. The University. After 3 years of my degree, being told I had to have a minor, I am now informed that I didn't actually have to have one. The information came in the form of a polite email saying that there had been some confusion over the whole thing, and *no*, we did not need to have a minor. Idiots.
3. The fact that things get released later in Australia, completely unaccountably. Books, movies, tv shows, games, the whole lot - everything (although movies not so much now, but other things certainly) get released later here for absolutely no reason. Bastards.
4. Rowling. That's right, Rowling. Her new book is totally meh. I am glad it was only a mere $10.00, otherwise there would be trouble.
5. People who say that Facebook is the adult version of MySpace. Well, if you mean that it doesn't work as well, and isn't as much fun, you're right. If on the other hand you are referring to content then go to buggery - the fact is, on Facebook I can throw a sheep at someone, become a Pirate Lord, or simple become a fan of "Channel 4 News With Ron Burgandy". So basically, try and tell me it's more adult, and I'll rip your nipples off.
6. Morons on YouTube making the gayest little video compilations you ever did see, and then naming them things "New Batman Trailer", or "Star Wars Episode 7 Announced". Get off the internet you scabrous villains!
So there is a small list, which no doubt will be supplemented at some point by more whinging.
Have a nice week, Blake.
Here are some things I have come across that really get my goat this year:
1. People who drive slow in the fast lane, or just in any lane, to be honest. If you get in front of me when I am in the fast lane, with the aim of overtaking someone in the slow lane, here's a hint - the object is not to then sit beside them until I am ready to kill you.
2. The University. After 3 years of my degree, being told I had to have a minor, I am now informed that I didn't actually have to have one. The information came in the form of a polite email saying that there had been some confusion over the whole thing, and *no*, we did not need to have a minor. Idiots.
3. The fact that things get released later in Australia, completely unaccountably. Books, movies, tv shows, games, the whole lot - everything (although movies not so much now, but other things certainly) get released later here for absolutely no reason. Bastards.
4. Rowling. That's right, Rowling. Her new book is totally meh. I am glad it was only a mere $10.00, otherwise there would be trouble.
5. People who say that Facebook is the adult version of MySpace. Well, if you mean that it doesn't work as well, and isn't as much fun, you're right. If on the other hand you are referring to content then go to buggery - the fact is, on Facebook I can throw a sheep at someone, become a Pirate Lord, or simple become a fan of "Channel 4 News With Ron Burgandy". So basically, try and tell me it's more adult, and I'll rip your nipples off.
6. Morons on YouTube making the gayest little video compilations you ever did see, and then naming them things "New Batman Trailer", or "Star Wars Episode 7 Announced". Get off the internet you scabrous villains!
So there is a small list, which no doubt will be supplemented at some point by more whinging.
Have a nice week, Blake.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Time for a change
Sometimes in life, you get these strange moments when things become clear, or when things you knew to be true but hoped were not are revealed in their entirety and you are left with no real choice but to get on with things.
This happened to me today. Something that I had been refusing to fully accept or move past was essentially brought to a head, and consequently I've had to do some thinking about things. Ultimately, nothing really changes externally, but there is a degree of internal change that has to occur as a result of the day's revelations.
I won't go into pointless detail, because this isn't the place for it, but suffice it to say that I am now simultanously freer and yet more sad than I have been in an awfully long time.
Hoping you all have a lovely week, Blake.
This happened to me today. Something that I had been refusing to fully accept or move past was essentially brought to a head, and consequently I've had to do some thinking about things. Ultimately, nothing really changes externally, but there is a degree of internal change that has to occur as a result of the day's revelations.
I won't go into pointless detail, because this isn't the place for it, but suffice it to say that I am now simultanously freer and yet more sad than I have been in an awfully long time.
Hoping you all have a lovely week, Blake.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
In Parkes on Prac
Well, it's official. I'm out here in Parkes, NSW, on prac teaching. I'll be blogging about the adventures (or lack thereof) and will begin by saying - It's one heck of a long drive out here from the east coast, going 90km an hour. Mind you, the slower pace saved me petrol, but still, it makes for a long day, and I am now incredibly sleepy.
As for Parkes - it isboth bigger and more built up than I thought it would be (which is comforting, because I am not a fan of large, open spaces: they give me the wiggins), and I am looking forwards to Monday when I can begin the teaching. It will be awesome to have something to do. As for the morning, I am going to find a nice little cafe that serves pancakes, and enjoy the weekend (I work pretty much every weekend, so it's sort of a novelty to have one, even if I did have to travel about 500km to get it...).
Night all, Blake.
As for Parkes - it isboth bigger and more built up than I thought it would be (which is comforting, because I am not a fan of large, open spaces: they give me the wiggins), and I am looking forwards to Monday when I can begin the teaching. It will be awesome to have something to do. As for the morning, I am going to find a nice little cafe that serves pancakes, and enjoy the weekend (I work pretty much every weekend, so it's sort of a novelty to have one, even if I did have to travel about 500km to get it...).
Night all, Blake.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Obama for the Win!
I was overcome yesterday afternoon when Obama won the Presidential race. I am not an American - I'm a proud Aussie - and I have never even been to the States, but I sat there watching his speech yesterday on the verge of tears. I've followed Obama's campaign for the last year and a bit, and have been hoping against hope that this brilliant man would get in. And he did.
I believe that Obama is a signal of progress, acceptance, and hope to both America and the wider world, and that his winning the election allows people to pause and take stock of what is happening, and where we need to go from here. Electing him throws off the chains of the Republican government that has been strangling America for so long (and the rest of the world that has suffered under the incompetence of the Bush administration), and gives me over here in Australia a hope that America isn't dead yet.
Congratulations Obama, well done America.
I believe that Obama is a signal of progress, acceptance, and hope to both America and the wider world, and that his winning the election allows people to pause and take stock of what is happening, and where we need to go from here. Electing him throws off the chains of the Republican government that has been strangling America for so long (and the rest of the world that has suffered under the incompetence of the Bush administration), and gives me over here in Australia a hope that America isn't dead yet.
Congratulations Obama, well done America.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Like essays typed reluctantly, so are the days of our lives...
I am currently avoiding doing uni work. It's pretty easy to tell periods of high stress for me, because I take to blogging regularly as a means of control (or something like that).
Anyway, today's avoidance included a bit of retail therapy, during which I purchased 3 books:
Clarice Lispector's The Hour of the Star - it's a book for my final Modern World Literature essay, but it looks good, so I will count it.
Melina Marchetta's new book Finnikin of the Rock - she is a good writer, and this is a fantasy novel, so I live in hope
John Marsden's Hamlet - a novel, set in present day (I think, based on the first couple of chapters) which is a retelling of Shakespeare's classic play. I am excited about it for 3 rather simplistic reasons - 1, I love the play, and I think that it's one of the best Shakespeares (alongside Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth); 2, I love John Marsden; 3, it has an awesome cover.
So there are some more books to read, simply adding to the pile of things not-uni-work that I would rather be doing.
I also got a copy of Neil Gaiman's new book The Graveyard Book, put aside when it eventually gets released over here in Oz.
Blake.
Anyway, today's avoidance included a bit of retail therapy, during which I purchased 3 books:
Clarice Lispector's The Hour of the Star - it's a book for my final Modern World Literature essay, but it looks good, so I will count it.
Melina Marchetta's new book Finnikin of the Rock - she is a good writer, and this is a fantasy novel, so I live in hope
John Marsden's Hamlet - a novel, set in present day (I think, based on the first couple of chapters) which is a retelling of Shakespeare's classic play. I am excited about it for 3 rather simplistic reasons - 1, I love the play, and I think that it's one of the best Shakespeares (alongside Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth); 2, I love John Marsden; 3, it has an awesome cover.
So there are some more books to read, simply adding to the pile of things not-uni-work that I would rather be doing.
I also got a copy of Neil Gaiman's new book The Graveyard Book, put aside when it eventually gets released over here in Oz.
Blake.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Max Payne Film Review
Ah, Max Payne. I played the game a few years ago, when I had the time (and the computer) for that sort of thing (laptops aren't conducive to gaming, apparently...). At the time the game was released, there was talk of a film (there always is, though, isn't there?) and I waited with bated breath, for reasons unknown.
So, imagine the old excitement that awoke when I heard the film was actually coming out, and imagine then the disappointment upon hearing that the eponymous hero was to be played by Mark Wahlberg. Oh dear. I don't hate him, I rather enjoyed Shooter, for instance, but as a character as recognizable as Max? I didn't think so. (Incidentally, when I first saw a screenshot of Marv from Sin City, I thought it was a still from a Max Payne film.) I went into the film uncertain as to what I ought expect.
The first half of the movie was good, I liked the (perhaps too obvious) exposition, and despite the fact that he shot off a million bullets and reloaded once (maybe twice) I loved it. Then things got a bit strange(r) and the story fell off the rails a spot. I can pinpoint exactly where this happened in my opinion, but I won't say for fear of ruining it for those who wish to see it. It is a pretty obvious point though, and hard to miss.
The thing that really annoyed me though, was the ending. It was awful. The film ended on a hopeless note, leaving even a die-hard Payne fan like me queasy at the notion of a poorly-plotted
sequel.
There are two things that I felt were brilliant in the film. The first was the gorgeous rendering of the city. It was done with excellent crafting, and allowed the film to capture the essence of the game more singularly than any other feature. The action sequences were also nice, with sparse, but well-timed appearances of the classic "bullet-time".
Overall, it wasn't as bad as I had heard, but wasn't as good as I hoped. I really think there has to be a sequel in order to finish the stories that were left up in the air at the end, but I dread to think where it will go should it ever rear an ugly head. If you haven't played the game and enjoyed the experience, I wouldn't spend the money or time watching this film.
Blake.
So, imagine the old excitement that awoke when I heard the film was actually coming out, and imagine then the disappointment upon hearing that the eponymous hero was to be played by Mark Wahlberg. Oh dear. I don't hate him, I rather enjoyed Shooter, for instance, but as a character as recognizable as Max? I didn't think so. (Incidentally, when I first saw a screenshot of Marv from Sin City, I thought it was a still from a Max Payne film.) I went into the film uncertain as to what I ought expect.
The first half of the movie was good, I liked the (perhaps too obvious) exposition, and despite the fact that he shot off a million bullets and reloaded once (maybe twice) I loved it. Then things got a bit strange(r) and the story fell off the rails a spot. I can pinpoint exactly where this happened in my opinion, but I won't say for fear of ruining it for those who wish to see it. It is a pretty obvious point though, and hard to miss.
The thing that really annoyed me though, was the ending. It was awful. The film ended on a hopeless note, leaving even a die-hard Payne fan like me queasy at the notion of a poorly-plotted
sequel.
There are two things that I felt were brilliant in the film. The first was the gorgeous rendering of the city. It was done with excellent crafting, and allowed the film to capture the essence of the game more singularly than any other feature. The action sequences were also nice, with sparse, but well-timed appearances of the classic "bullet-time".
Overall, it wasn't as bad as I had heard, but wasn't as good as I hoped. I really think there has to be a sequel in order to finish the stories that were left up in the air at the end, but I dread to think where it will go should it ever rear an ugly head. If you haven't played the game and enjoyed the experience, I wouldn't spend the money or time watching this film.
Blake.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
The Long-Awaited 100th Post
This is the long-awaited (by me) hundredth post. True, I could have posted it a lot earlier, but I kept holding out to give something of the Little Red Riding Hood appropriation I wrote a while ago. Unfortunately, having actually handwritten it, I have not had massive amounts of incentive to actually type it out; there are a million other things (mainly to do with my degree) that are begging for more immediate attention than a completed story.
I have been churning ideas around in my head, and in the company of a few like-minded people, and I have some stories in the process of being written, and one or two that are basically written in my head, but require some help in making the leap to the page. I hope that after this next couple of months is done, I will have a bit more time for some interesting things to come out and get written.
SO! What is special about a hundred posts? Not a great deal, I'll grant you that, but I have had numerous blogs over the time, and never made it past about 8 posts before my interest waned. As it turns out, I have given the blog a facelift, doing away with the black in favour of a nicer look. I also intend to do a lot more reviewing of various books or films, which will be fun (for me), as I get to rant, recommend, and talk a bit about what I think makes good books/films/whatever.
Currently, I am reading a few books:
1. Ray Bradbury's Now and Forever (Harper Collins 'Voyager'), featuring the two novellas "Somewhere A Band Is Playing" and "Leviathan '99"
2. Caitlin R. Kiernan's Alabaster (Subterranean Press), which is a short story collection about the albino monster hunter, Dancy Flammarion, first introduced in her second novel, Threshold.
3. Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files series (Orbit editions), on Book 2, Fool Moon.
I will review these as I finish them, along with the film Max Payne, based on the eponymous video game, which I am seeing this evening.
Have a good one. Blake.
I have been churning ideas around in my head, and in the company of a few like-minded people, and I have some stories in the process of being written, and one or two that are basically written in my head, but require some help in making the leap to the page. I hope that after this next couple of months is done, I will have a bit more time for some interesting things to come out and get written.
SO! What is special about a hundred posts? Not a great deal, I'll grant you that, but I have had numerous blogs over the time, and never made it past about 8 posts before my interest waned. As it turns out, I have given the blog a facelift, doing away with the black in favour of a nicer look. I also intend to do a lot more reviewing of various books or films, which will be fun (for me), as I get to rant, recommend, and talk a bit about what I think makes good books/films/whatever.
Currently, I am reading a few books:
1. Ray Bradbury's Now and Forever (Harper Collins 'Voyager'), featuring the two novellas "Somewhere A Band Is Playing" and "Leviathan '99"
2. Caitlin R. Kiernan's Alabaster (Subterranean Press), which is a short story collection about the albino monster hunter, Dancy Flammarion, first introduced in her second novel, Threshold.
3. Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files series (Orbit editions), on Book 2, Fool Moon.
I will review these as I finish them, along with the film Max Payne, based on the eponymous video game, which I am seeing this evening.
Have a good one. Blake.
Friday, August 29, 2008
A Laugh for the Weekend
Unfortunately, due to being rather busy with uni, I have had little time for blogging, or finishing off that story. I am looking to have it done two weeks from now.
In the meantime, look up Italian Spiderman on Youtube. You'll get a laugh. I did.
*Two men making fun of a woman in a corridor, she turns around, angry and shocked*
*Italian Spiderman appears and punches them, saying "Respect da woman!"
She responds "Thank you Spiderman!"
*Spiderman punches woman "Shudda your mouth, pussycat, and pour me a macchiato, pronto!"
Have a good one folks. Blake.
In the meantime, look up Italian Spiderman on Youtube. You'll get a laugh. I did.
*Two men making fun of a woman in a corridor, she turns around, angry and shocked*
*Italian Spiderman appears and punches them, saying "Respect da woman!"
She responds "Thank you Spiderman!"
*Spiderman punches woman "Shudda your mouth, pussycat, and pour me a macchiato, pronto!"
Have a good one folks. Blake.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Generic crapping on...
Well, this is post 98, so yay for actually sticking with this blog (to a degree: I've been lax of late). The 100th post, if all goes according to plan, will actually be a fairly large snippet of the Little Red Riding Hood adaptation that I have yet to finish typing.
Owing to the fact that The Witching Hour did not really eventuate in the manner I would have liked, ie, a twelve chapter novel, I am going to go back once more to the very idea I had at the beginning of twelve short-ish stories, with various links throughout, coming together to form a singular book. This will range in tales from ancient history, through to present day - I have a nice idea for a story set in Rome, and the private detective one will make an appearance as a modern day tale. In between are stories set in Faerie, stories set on the ferry across the Styx, and stories about Victorian London. It's all rather dark, and gruesome/grotesque, but I hope it will come together nicely.
Overall, I think the original format better suits what I wanted to do recently, but didn't work properly. At least, I hope it does.
See you soon! Blake.
Owing to the fact that The Witching Hour did not really eventuate in the manner I would have liked, ie, a twelve chapter novel, I am going to go back once more to the very idea I had at the beginning of twelve short-ish stories, with various links throughout, coming together to form a singular book. This will range in tales from ancient history, through to present day - I have a nice idea for a story set in Rome, and the private detective one will make an appearance as a modern day tale. In between are stories set in Faerie, stories set on the ferry across the Styx, and stories about Victorian London. It's all rather dark, and gruesome/grotesque, but I hope it will come together nicely.
Overall, I think the original format better suits what I wanted to do recently, but didn't work properly. At least, I hope it does.
See you soon! Blake.
Monday, August 18, 2008
No wonder people think they're crazy
I am not a massively religious person, despite growing up in church, and believing in God, I find a lot of the churchy stuff to be rather false and hollow. I suppose I would identify myself as a more spiritual person than a religious person.
Now for the rant. People, especially Christians, often sook and whinge about people calling them stupid, or crazy, or that people do not listen to their message.
I just now read an article about a prayer group in Washington that is claiming responsibility for lower petrol prices. Who the hell is going to listen to a thing they have to say? I identify as Christian, and yet I find what they say to be nonsense. Basic economic functions should not be claimed as an act of God, in my opinion. Seriously, these people are their own worst enemy.
Now for the rant. People, especially Christians, often sook and whinge about people calling them stupid, or crazy, or that people do not listen to their message.
I just now read an article about a prayer group in Washington that is claiming responsibility for lower petrol prices. Who the hell is going to listen to a thing they have to say? I identify as Christian, and yet I find what they say to be nonsense. Basic economic functions should not be claimed as an act of God, in my opinion. Seriously, these people are their own worst enemy.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Back, After a Busy Week
Well, it's been ages since I have blogged anything, owing mainly to the fact that I have been busy, and, when I haven't been busy, lethargic. Oh well.
I have, however, been writing at a good pace - Tuesday night I sat down and hand wrote (yes - remember that, with pen and paper?) a short story based loosely on the characters and events of Little Red Riding Hood, along with a few other characters, and fairy tales and mythology mixed in.
It was great fun, and I would say that it wrote itself (in that I didn't have to think about it or puzzle it out: it came of its own accord) except for the fac that my hand was incredibly sore after writing about 15 A4 pages. This might not seem like a lot, but it's the equivalent of about 4000-5000 words for me, and it's been a long time since I hand wrote that much. I am in the process of typing it out, now, but I am glad that it is finished. It's given impetus to actually complete other things, which is nice.
This arvo I had an idea for a kinda satirical Private Eye story: you know, the hard-bitten devil-may-care sorta guy. Well, I have a notion for a bummed out PI who buys a second-hand fridge, which contains more than he bargained for. The trail leads him back through a string of grisly murders, culminating in a Lovecraftian ending. Ah, sweet smell of ideas.
Have a great weekend folks.
I have, however, been writing at a good pace - Tuesday night I sat down and hand wrote (yes - remember that, with pen and paper?) a short story based loosely on the characters and events of Little Red Riding Hood, along with a few other characters, and fairy tales and mythology mixed in.
It was great fun, and I would say that it wrote itself (in that I didn't have to think about it or puzzle it out: it came of its own accord) except for the fac that my hand was incredibly sore after writing about 15 A4 pages. This might not seem like a lot, but it's the equivalent of about 4000-5000 words for me, and it's been a long time since I hand wrote that much. I am in the process of typing it out, now, but I am glad that it is finished. It's given impetus to actually complete other things, which is nice.
This arvo I had an idea for a kinda satirical Private Eye story: you know, the hard-bitten devil-may-care sorta guy. Well, I have a notion for a bummed out PI who buys a second-hand fridge, which contains more than he bargained for. The trail leads him back through a string of grisly murders, culminating in a Lovecraftian ending. Ah, sweet smell of ideas.
Have a great weekend folks.
Friday, August 1, 2008
A Couple of Days of Fun
Well, the last couple of days have been pretty good. I visited my Nan yesterday, and spent the arvo hanging out with my awesome friend Liz. Today I was at uni, but was engaged in rather marvellous intellectual discussion about various literature. I am currently on a Rainer Maria Rilka bender, his poetry is beautiful, ethereal, and incredibly deep.
Now I have to do some work. Have a nice weekend. Blake.
Now I have to do some work. Have a nice weekend. Blake.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
On for a rant
I am sick of people being stupid over The Dark Knight. It is an excellent film, I personally loved it. Heath Ledger's performance was amazing, and more or less flawless.
What I don't get are all these idiots saying that there should never (ever ever) be another Joker. Jack Nicholson from the 1989 Batman has evidently come out and said as much. Allow me to use an example. Da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa: should we never paint another portrait of a woman? The idea is ludicrous and goes against the very nature of film as an artistic expression.
While I exert that anyone wanting to play the Joker would have to be very cautious, and bring something different to the role, I do not believe that the character has been spoken for once-and-for-all. That notion is frankly daft.
Ah, hype. It's great to watch everyone in such a flap. I saw some moron saying on a message board somewhere that he had "stayed to the end, and there was no RIP Heath message!!!" What a douche. Of course there was. It went something to the effect of "This film is dedicated to the memory of Heath Ledger". Grow some genitals, dude, and actually investigate things properly before running off with half-cocked rubbish. God knows the internet has enough of that already.
Have a good one folks. Blake.
What I don't get are all these idiots saying that there should never (ever ever) be another Joker. Jack Nicholson from the 1989 Batman has evidently come out and said as much. Allow me to use an example. Da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa: should we never paint another portrait of a woman? The idea is ludicrous and goes against the very nature of film as an artistic expression.
While I exert that anyone wanting to play the Joker would have to be very cautious, and bring something different to the role, I do not believe that the character has been spoken for once-and-for-all. That notion is frankly daft.
Ah, hype. It's great to watch everyone in such a flap. I saw some moron saying on a message board somewhere that he had "stayed to the end, and there was no RIP Heath message!!!" What a douche. Of course there was. It went something to the effect of "This film is dedicated to the memory of Heath Ledger". Grow some genitals, dude, and actually investigate things properly before running off with half-cocked rubbish. God knows the internet has enough of that already.
Have a good one folks. Blake.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Scares all round
I had a bit of a fright last night when this darling piece of 3 week old machinery decided not to turn on. Brown trousers time for sure. As it turns out, it's all good, and this sort of thing happens occasionally with my motherboard. My mate Lee, who is a god with all things of a computorial variety affirmed his brilliance by fixing it in about half a second, along with the assurance "Yeah, mine does this. Take the battery out, boot it from the A/C power, and then chuck the battery back in. Champion effort.
So now I am back to my old way, wasting time on the internet with aplomb, and avoiding the looming deadlines for uni assignments. Aah, tradition. It's a wonderful thing.
Question: I have been chatting with a friend recently on Facebook, and we were wondering if fish speak English, like the do in The Little Mermaid. I would be saddened to learn that Disney has been lying to me... I mean, hell, if fish don't speak English, then maybe Peter Pan isn't real! Where does it end?!?!
So now I am back to my old way, wasting time on the internet with aplomb, and avoiding the looming deadlines for uni assignments. Aah, tradition. It's a wonderful thing.
Question: I have been chatting with a friend recently on Facebook, and we were wondering if fish speak English, like the do in The Little Mermaid. I would be saddened to learn that Disney has been lying to me... I mean, hell, if fish don't speak English, then maybe Peter Pan isn't real! Where does it end?!?!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Some random stuff
Well, I am now (almost) back into the swing of uni stuff, I have sorted out my timetable and so on. Now all I need is to do the mandatory organisation of assessments so I know when I need to stress, and then I am all set.
I am working on an essay at the moment due next Friday on Star Wars: A New Hope. I'm discussing Lucas' potrayal of gender stereotypes. "Oh, how fun!" I hear you say. It's not really all it's cracked up to be.
Also I am rather busy now. Working 3 days, Uni-ing 3, with one off to do (probably nothing, really) uni work on. Gack.
Watched a strange film last night called Sleuth with Michael Caine and Jude Law in it. They are the only 2 actors, and it was rather odd. Apparently it was a remake of an old film circa 1975 (I can't be arsed looking it up), and having not seen the original, I can say I was pretty impressed. I like both actors, and their brilliant psych chemistry was great. Worth a look. 3.5/5
I am working on an essay at the moment due next Friday on Star Wars: A New Hope. I'm discussing Lucas' potrayal of gender stereotypes. "Oh, how fun!" I hear you say. It's not really all it's cracked up to be.
Also I am rather busy now. Working 3 days, Uni-ing 3, with one off to do (probably nothing, really) uni work on. Gack.
Watched a strange film last night called Sleuth with Michael Caine and Jude Law in it. They are the only 2 actors, and it was rather odd. Apparently it was a remake of an old film circa 1975 (I can't be arsed looking it up), and having not seen the original, I can say I was pretty impressed. I like both actors, and their brilliant psych chemistry was great. Worth a look. 3.5/5
 | blakejolly Blah. Despite lots of sleep, I am tired. Bought a million $ worth of textbooks. Thanks for making me pov uni. Thanks a lot.bj. |   |
| | blakejolly Back at uni. Timetable mashup, and I now have to cope with changes in routine... buggeration. bj. | |
| | blakejolly I am going to begin writing again. I usually write best while using it as a diversion from uni work. Uni's good for something. bj. | |
| | blakejolly Big day at work. Uni back this week. Thank goodness. I get melancholy when my mind is not academically occupied. | |
| | blakejolly Just finished watching the last episode of Dr. Horrible. Was sad... Saw Dark Knight again, and want to see the Gotham Knight anime thing.bj. |
Saturday, July 19, 2008
JOSS WHEDON ALERT - DR.HORRIBLE
Joss Whedon has put up a mini-event on a blog. Its a musical affair with Nathan Fillion and others in an insane and hilarious piece. Its only available until midnight Sunday 20th July.
Check it out now.
Check it out now.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Tu-whit, tu-whoo!
If you are wondering about the title, look it up, I'm not giving these away. I'll give you a hint that it's a poem... But here is some twitter, to round off the week's posts:
| | blakejolly Oh. I am also reading Twilight, which is every bit as trashy as I had been warned, but strangely compelling. The author needs a root. bj. |   |
| | blakejolly Just saw the Watchmen trailer. Rather impressed with the time-shift look on Dr. Manhattan/Jon. Have a good weekend. | |
| | blakejolly My ankles are inexplicably cold... They always seem to be the coldest part of me. I need ankle warmers - not socks, warmers. for ankles...bj | |
| | blakejolly Oh, saw Dark Knight - was awesome. Well done all. Thorough recommendation from someone who is a pretty mean critic. bj. | |
| | blakejolly Gack. I never thought I would say this, but I want uni back. I am bored, and my mind is melting out my ears. Mostly out of the left one...bj | |
| | blakejolly Had to unexpectedly work today, and here's the kicker, I have to go back in half an hour to close up. I love my life. | |
| | blakejolly Proud Capatalist Pig. | |
Watchmen Trailer
The trailer for the movie Watchmen is up. Looks great.
Release date is March 9, 2009, according to the film's website.
Have a great weekend. Blake.
Release date is March 9, 2009, according to the film's website.
Have a great weekend. Blake.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
I wonder...
A joke I like to use from time to time on people that don't know me particularly well is when they say something to the effect of "you're an arse!" I reply with "Yeah, my ex wife tells me that."
It is scary how many people fall for it, and fall hard, too. It gets me to wondering: why do so many people think that at age 21 I would have an ex wife??? Am I really that bad?
Answer is probably yes.
Have a great weekend peeps. Blake.
PS - Looking for wife #2...
It is scary how many people fall for it, and fall hard, too. It gets me to wondering: why do so many people think that at age 21 I would have an ex wife??? Am I really that bad?
Answer is probably yes.
Have a great weekend peeps. Blake.
PS - Looking for wife #2...
Film Review: Batman - Dark Knight
Well, this film was categorically genius. Performances by all were wonderful. Despite the (rightly deserved) hype over Ledger's creepily manic performance as the Joker, I believe that this has a lot to do with his unfortunate and untimely passing. His performance was stunning, yes, but there hasn't been much talk of Bale's ever-marvellous Batman, or even Aaron Eckhart's Harvey Dent/Two-Face. Maggie Gyllenhal was also tops (after Katie Holmes, though, anything is an improvement...).
There was the electric relationship beteween Batman and the Joker, however, that made the film. The actors (and writers/director) captured the mutual reliance on one another perfectly. The comics of the late 80's depicted a hardcore Batman, willing to do whatever it took, and an utterly insane Joker, neither of which found true purpose without the other. The Killing Joke and The Long Halloween, to name a few mentionable examples.
The support cast was brilliant as ever, the same star studding this movie reprising their roles from Batman Begins. Gary Oldman's Commissioner Gordon is supurb, challenged with hard decisions in an ever-crumbling situation. Michael Caine's Alfred is there to offer wit and advice, as is the moral high-ground Morgan Freeman.
The relationships were interwoven and explored, and the camera work, the dialogue - essentially the full package pulled together and meshed really well making this not only a very enjoyable film, but one that is critically very good also.
It's worthwhile to mention that there are a few rather amusing quips througout the film, perhaps the most noticable being early on, when Bruce Wayne asks if his new suit is dog-proof, to which Lucius Fox wrly replies "You might have more luck against cats" - an in-joke reference to Catwoman.
Essentially a brilliant film, and I personally feel that Bale plays a definitive Batman on the big screen - the nuances and torment of the character are made real, not glossed over as in the older films - here is a man tortured by what he has to do in order to make the world a better place. He shows us that heroism is not easy; that heroes must be selfless, and take the fall for those undeserving.
For one of the best films I have seen to date, a score of ***** 5/5 Stars.
There was the electric relationship beteween Batman and the Joker, however, that made the film. The actors (and writers/director) captured the mutual reliance on one another perfectly. The comics of the late 80's depicted a hardcore Batman, willing to do whatever it took, and an utterly insane Joker, neither of which found true purpose without the other. The Killing Joke and The Long Halloween, to name a few mentionable examples.
The support cast was brilliant as ever, the same star studding this movie reprising their roles from Batman Begins. Gary Oldman's Commissioner Gordon is supurb, challenged with hard decisions in an ever-crumbling situation. Michael Caine's Alfred is there to offer wit and advice, as is the moral high-ground Morgan Freeman.
The relationships were interwoven and explored, and the camera work, the dialogue - essentially the full package pulled together and meshed really well making this not only a very enjoyable film, but one that is critically very good also.
It's worthwhile to mention that there are a few rather amusing quips througout the film, perhaps the most noticable being early on, when Bruce Wayne asks if his new suit is dog-proof, to which Lucius Fox wrly replies "You might have more luck against cats" - an in-joke reference to Catwoman.
Essentially a brilliant film, and I personally feel that Bale plays a definitive Batman on the big screen - the nuances and torment of the character are made real, not glossed over as in the older films - here is a man tortured by what he has to do in order to make the world a better place. He shows us that heroism is not easy; that heroes must be selfless, and take the fall for those undeserving.
For one of the best films I have seen to date, a score of ***** 5/5 Stars.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Twitters of Our Lives, and more stuff signed.
| | blakejolly Wondering why the heck I planned to travel to Sydney while World Youth Day was on. I get a prize for "douche of the month". |   |
| | blakejolly @templesmith - on my flight the other day, thew flew at a daft level and the pressure made my head want to explode. Not fun. | |
| | blakejolly "All art is about exorcism" - Otto Dix. I think this is clever, and fairly true. Writing, for me, is about letting the stuff free... bj. | |
| | blakejolly Just read "Descending" by Thomas M. Disch. I am using the stairs from now on... Well worth a read, although a little creepy. night. bj. | |
| | blakejolly Loving new laptop. Organising to go to Sydney to see an Anime Batman film, followed by Dark Knight at the IMAX. Rocking on. bj. |
The above is from Twitter. When I can't be arsed doing a full blog, I'll put in some of these. Also, get Twitter. Because 1) I say so, and; 2) It's really cool. Because I update Twitter with horrid frequency, I will use it and collate stuff under the heading "Twitters of Our Lives", in tribute to Days of Our Lives, which is roughly as substantial in form and content to my Twittering. Oh Yay for Irony.
Also, I got stuff signed by Ben Templesmith, namely Conluvio, and Hatter M. Pictures to follow.
Blake.
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