My nerdy little corner of the internet where I try my hand at updating regular like with game, film and television show reviews along with stuff that I find interesting...
It's a little bit heartbreaking but well worth a look, especially for nostalgia's sake.
2. Next it's an indie game that I found called Fish Listening to Radio. It's a simple game where you just have to move a fish around and make it eat the worms of the hooks as they are going down and avoid hooks going up. The graphics are simple and hand drawn but it's a lot of fun. Go, play, have fun. You're welcome.
3. Next it's a video from one of my favourite YouTube channels CDZA. They always create these great and educational music videos such as 'the history of whistling' or 'misheard lyrics'. Anyway, they are brilliant and talented and, for Valentine's Day, they created two videos. I'll link you to the first one but you must go and subscribe to their channel to see all the awesomeness.
4. Then there is this cover by Christina Bianco. It'sLet It Go from Disney's Frozen. She does impressions - check out her divas.
I love anyone who can do impressions and can sing really well. I admit that I am a little bit jealous.
5. And then there is this artist who has stitched a Star Wars 'Bayeux' tapestry. Seriously, I'd love this to be in my house...unfortunately, I don't have the space nor the money for such extravagence.
Read more and see more at themarysue.com Click me!
Hope some of these bring a smile to your face this weekend, or what's left of it.
Peace and pancakes,
Jaime
P.S. I'm going to do a proper blog post hopefully before next weekend. :)
I didn't update yesterday because it was a rough day. Not bad just rather disappointing in regards to my students being unprepared and I had to turn into 'growly' teacher and it isn't a role that I enjoy that much. But I refuse to use this post to complain about what my students did or didn't do.
Instead, after watching a few random videos on YouTube, namely this one, I thought I would do my own post on nostalgia. So here are ten things that I remember, fondly, from my childhood.
Ten: Doug the cartoon. This came out just before I hit double digits and lasted for a lot longer than I actually remembered. With great characters such as Patty and Skeeter and, of course, Doug and Porkchop. Great cartoon.
Nine: Hiding behind my parents 'pleather' couch while watching Dr Who in the late, late 80s. I loved that show but the daleks scared the crap out of me. Seriously. But I just couldn't look away. I have the sudden feeling that this could have been one of my first geek moments and now I'm smiling as I remember the house we were living in at the time. It was an old (for New Zealand, that is) colonial house which will always hold some amazing memories from my childhood. I'm genuinely sad that we had to move away from there and I find myself thinking what would have happened if we'd stayed there.
Eight: Georgie Pie. For those of you not from New Zealand, Georgie Pie was a fast food chain similar to Mickey D's and BK except that it sold meat pies. Unfortunately, it was bought out by Maccas. But those pies were so good and such a special treat for those long trips up to Auckland.
Seven: New Kids on the Block. Mainly this song:
I have no shame at admitting this was my first introduction to the world of boy bands. I have grown out of it so I can look back fondly but excuse me for a moment while I go and listen to some Zeppelin and CCR.
Six: Side ponytails. I had really long hair when I was younger...seriously...I could sit on it. I used to wear it in a long plait but there were a couple of times where I wore it in one of those odd side ponytails that were made popular on all those feel good sitcoms of the 90s. Unfortunately, my hair was far too long and heavy so I often looked lopsided and it is also possible I walked with a strange gait because of it.
Five: Jurassic Park. Both the film and the book. I think I was eleven when it came out and my obsession with dinosaurs amped up several thousand notches. Along with my fascination with computers. Lex may have been the hacker in the film but in the books it was all about Tim.
Four: Bullrush. Another one of those New Zealand games that kids used to, and probably still do, play. The basic premise is everyone lines up at one end of the field except for the person who is 'it'; they stand in the middle of the field and have the option of calling one person at a time in an attempt to tackle them, rugby style or calling bullrush and have every kid make a made dash across the field. We always played it at the start of the school year and by week two it was normally banned due to excessive nose bleeds, sprains and various bruising.
Three: Christmas at the beach. As a pretend adult I look back on Christmas as a kid with so many fond memories. Of course, our Christmas is in summertime and the beach was the place to go but not before waking at the arse crack of dawn (though is it really waking if you haven't been to sleep?) to see what Santa left. Our Santa, by the way, wore board shorts and loved his beer. And, for some strange reason, Rudolph would always do his 'business' behind the tree. Except for that one year when we accidentally gave him the runs...well, that's what Santa told us.
Two: Snap bands or snap bracelets. Man, they were pretty stupid but so much fun. I'm not sure but I think they also got banned from school cause we'd keep snapping them in class much to the annoyance of the teachers.
One: Saturday morning cartoons. Not the piss poor efforts that are currently on our television but the real cartoons. Mind you, this was the late 80s and early 90s so we had things like Thundercats, My Little Pony, Transformers, Racoons, GloFriends, MoonDreamers, Rainbow Brite, He Man, Gummi Bears, Captain N, X Men and the list just goes on. I could, honestly, talk about the great Saturday mornings I had when the cartoons started at about six and went till at least ten. None of that Religious, you're going to hell if you don't repent, stuff that seems to be on every channel now-a-days.
I hope you enjoyed this random trip down memory lane and I have to admit, it's made me feel a lot happier on this cold Saturday morning.
I'm doing things a little different today because I'm feeling a little 'bluesy'* and a little tired. So, in an attempt to perk myself up I thought I'd write a list of 20, count that, 20 things that I like. Feel free to tell me what things you like or what things make you feel better when you're feeling a little down.
Finding a new singer/band or song that I really like. For example, the other day I downloaded the free tune from iTunes - Lady Luck - by Jamie Woon and I'm loving it.
My dad's attempts to make the perfect jalapeno bread. We had some when we were last in California and dad had been experimenting every weekend. I don't mind being a taste tester for that.
Playing my guitar. I've come to the conclusion that I'm never going to be anything other than a mediocre player but that doesn't stop me from trying.
Walking around barefoot. I hate shoes and, if I don't have to, I won't wear them. This is something that is easier to do in New Zealand than it is in many other places since we don't have snakes etc.
Ordering books online. I love www.bookdepository.co.uk and use it regularly. I have been thinking about getting a kindle but the verdict is still out on that. In case you wanted to know I have just ordered A Game of Thrones, Sister's Red and The Knife of Never Letting Go.
Daydreaming. This normally has me staring out a window thinking about nothing or everything.
Paint my toenails. I just like doing this with either a really good movie on in the background or some great music playing. Sometimes I like to imagine I'm in one of those silly movie montages...
Piling the books that I am currently reading/about to read just to see how high it goes. Sometimes I make little book towers - no idea why...I just do.
The way the trees in autumn become multi-coloured before the leaves fall.
The first fire of the winter season. I often feel the urge to find marshmallows and roast them over the fire. (I have be known to do this over candles...)
Browsing www.etsy.com. Especially the geekery section and the witty badges. I collect them and some of the ones on there truly amuse me.
Quirky coffee cups or mugs. I have been trying to get ones from every place I visit just as a keepsake. I know this is a bit silly because, honestly, how many cups does one need? But I keep doing it.
Root Beer floats...I've only had one when I was in Las Vegas last year and it was so yummy. I don't care about the calories etc (mainly because there isn't anywhere I know that does them here.)
The sound of rain on the roof on a day when I know I don't have to go outside or be anywhere but at home. I love it when it rains in the middle of the night - the sound is so relaxing to me.
Loving a book series so much that when I talk about it I refer to the characters as if I know them personally.
Imagining what I would do if there was a zombie apocalypse. (I have a rather bit imagination...what can I say!)
Burger Rings or Rashuns sandwiches. Burger Rings and Rashuns are staples of the New Zealand chip (crisp or potato chip) range. Yummy.
Second Hand bookstores. I have been known to spend hours wandering around looking for books that I feel deserve a new home with me.
Chocolate - specifically Cadbury's dairy milk or Whittaker's dark chocolate. It is one of my true weaknesses but I have got some control...well...maybe...
Hanging with family and friends discussing how we can solve the world's problems over a glass of wine.
*One of my dear friends coined this word for when she was feeling a little down and I loved it.
I often get music stuck in my head. Most of the time it is good music and, every so often, it isn't. I've already talked about the songs that annoy me so here goes a list of songs that I find catchy at the moment. These are all ones that are in the charts on iTunes as I have to make sure to limit my choices otherwise I will go on and on. As a disclaimer or a side note all these will come from the New Zealand iTunes store cause...well...that's where I am.
I've also gone to the extra trouble to provide video clips from YouTube incase you wanted to see how amazing these songs are. Warning: there is some bad language; you have been warned. Enjoy.
F*** You/Forget You - Cee Lo Green
Simon Pegg tweeted about this song last year and I instantly fell in love with it. The lyrics are witty and the beat is catchy plus it is a fun song. It is upbeat even though the subject matter is quite, um, serious...that's not the word I am really looking for but I'm sure you catch my drift. Even the video for it is beautifully done. And, let's face it, I find myself humming it for days on end.
Have You Ever Seen the Rain - CCR
I'm adding this just cause I am thrilled that it is in the charts. I have been a fan of CCR since I was knee high to a grasshopper.* My favourite of theirs was Looking Out My Back Door for a long time or Bad Moon Rising but this song is still amazing and the vocals are such a change from a lot of the music that is coming out at present. (No auto tune makes me happy.)**
Use Somebody - Kings of Leon
I love Kings of Leon and this song is definitely my favourite. It's gritty and juts very raw. Plus some of the covers of this song are amazing. It is a beautifully written song.
Raise Your Glass - P!nk
I love P!nk. I love the sound of her voice, her 'honeybadger don't give a sh*t' attitude and her strong lyrics and this song is no exception. I could listen to this song all day. Then I'd be sick of it but I'd still recognise it for the good song that it is.
Little Lion Man - Mumford & Sons
I have to admit that I hadn't heard of them until very recently but this song got stuck in my mind and I love it. It's got an agressive tone but that makes it great to sing along with and the actual music itself is a bit different which makes it stand out in my mind.
Until next time. Enjoy the tunes and let me know what you think or what your favourites are.
*Yes I know this is impossible but I love the saying and for some strange reason I always imagine the grasshopper from an old Disney short...at least I think it is a Disney short.
**I'm not against auto tune but it is over used at the moment. Or so I feel.
If you are starting to think that I am somewhat jinxed or cursed or just really unlucky I don't blame you but I'm just going to stay as optimistic as possible. The reason I say this as because I am currently trying to flush out a kidney stone - doesn't that sound sexy. What this basically means is I am trying to drink as much water as possible while hoping it doesn't get any worse otherwise I'm in for a trip to the hospital. (Which would make it the third trip in the space of 18 months.)
Enough of my moaning though. I've got a steady supply of water and other liquids and I want to hit this list. I'm a huge Disney fan and I have been for a long time. There is something magical about Disney that makes me smile and makes me want to draw. One of my dreams came true last year when I finally got to Disneyland in California where I regressed in age to about five.* I could seriously live there and be quite happy. This leads me to my top five (animated) Disney films.
Aladdin
"Riffraff! Street rat! Scoundrel! Take that!" I loved the story from a young age and Robin Williams turn as Genie was pure comedic brilliance. And Iago was annoying and funny. I just loved this movie and, let's be honest, who doesn't dream about escaping the life they have for something new and different. Every character in this film wants that with the exceptions of Rajah and the Sultan.
The Black Cauldron
This was one of Disney's darker films that I remember scaring me a little as a child. (No where near as much as Alice In Wonderland scared me when I was younger**) Based on Lloyd Alexander's Chronicles of Prydain it had some lovely scenes and the visual art in this film, although darker, was still quite beautiful. I'd recommend reading the books as well.
Treasure Planet
It's a space western. Actually it's a futuristic version of Treasure Island. And I really loved it. Jim has always been a character that I liked - always wishing for something more and pushing at all the boundaries available. Plus, who wouldn't want to give solar surfing a try. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
If anything deserves to be in a top five list it has to be Snow White. The ultimate classic Disney film and a pure work of art. Plus it has Dopey and he has always been a secret favourite of mine. He is adorable. And we cannot forget the evil Queen in this film. She is terrifying and brilliant. Tangled
This is my new favourite Disney film for two reasons: Rapunzel and Flynn. I saw it twice in the theatre, once in California and the other time here in New Zealand and I am just waiting for it to come out of DVD here. (Though I might have to buy it online.) It is beautiful, funny, witty and just amazing. The art alone is stunning. Then the character development is spot on. The chemistry between Flynn and Rapunzel is classic. I could really go on and on about this film but you have to just go and see it to understand. And, because it's Disney and I can't narrow it down here are some honorable mentions: Beauty and the Beast, The Sword in the Stone, The Rescuers, The Emperor's New Groove, Lilo and Stitch...ah crap I'm about to list so many more...I'm guessing you get the drift.
Anyway, enjoy. I'm off to drink a lot of water. Until tomorrow, take care and watch some Disney!
*I'm not kidding. I put my hair up in high ponytails and jumped around the park. I was worse than a child on a sugar high. I had also had a wee bit of caffeine which could explain it? **I now have a strange obsession with all forms of Alice In Wonderlandand would definitely recommend the Disney version and the Syfy mini series for two unique looks at Carroll's world.
Okay - quick post today because, as I type, the headache gnomes in my head have begun their evil clog dance on my brain.
Nice and easy one today with my top five vampires and there will not be a Cullen or Hale in sight.
Dracula
We start with the most revered and classic vampire to have ever graced our screens and pages. The old count himself. Played throughout the years by Bela Lugosi, Christopher Lee, Leslie Nielsen and Gary Oldman and many other great actors. He has been played as a victim and as a hero, as a serious character or a buffoon. You cannot have a list of top vampires without mentioning this great 'father' of vampires.
Thomas Raith (Dresden Files)
Not your typical vampire but Thomas Raith has a certain something. It could be the fact that he is part of the White Court or it could be the fact that he is Harry Dresden's half brother. Maybe it is cause he is described as incredibly good looking and was more than a little devoted to a girl who was driven insane. Oh so tragic but incredibly interesting. Closely tied with Susan from the same series but she was never turned into a full vamp...well not really...
Louis de Pointe du Lac
Most people seem to like Lestat from the Vampire Chronicles but I have always had a soft spot for those tortured souls so I have to have Louis in this list. He often did not understand his own true nature and fought against it constantly. I like him as a character and a vampire as he tried to retain some of his humanity.
Angel
The classic tortured vampire with a soul. As Angelus, however, he is one badass vampire. He tortured Drusilla, making her into the insane mess that she was in the show. Plus there was that whole in love with the Slayer business.
Spike
And you can't have Angel in the list without having Spike. Both in love the slayer in their own ways. Spike with his bleached blonder hair and two slayers under his belt he brought just enough comedy to his persona to make him truly memorable. And, well, it's Spike. What more do I need to say.
As per usual there are several other vampires who could have made it to this list but, as I am doing this off the cuff and on the day this is the list you get.
As a child I was always considered odd. This was the kind of odd that most parents smile and nod about but behind your back say such things as:
"Boy, your kid has quite the imagination there." Random visitor
"She sure does. The other day she came tearing through the house screaming about evil knights who were after the kingdom before diving out that open window there and rolling down the hill." Proud (hopefully) mum. *
"Does your daughter know that it isn't appropriate to hold seances in the school library?" Concerned parent.
"She's an imaginative girl, we don't want to stifle her creativity." Confused but proud father. **
"Why did your daughter go to a cemetery on her birthday?" Confused parent.
"She likes to pay respects to the living by remembering the dead." Possible equally confused mum. *** Oh, and I have to apologise to the poor girl that I may have possibly scared by sneaking up behind them in said cemetery. She was a friend - well until I realised that she was standing on an unmarked grave. I honestly didn't mean to scare her that much.
To many my parents were often considered too lenient on my...uh...different behaviours. To say I wasn't like the others in my peer group growing up could be an understatement. But I don't think I ever saw the world in quite the way that others did. Cemeteries were never scary places whereas clowns were, and are, the minions of the devil. Yes I am scared of clowns. The feeling is mutual I like to think. Or maybe it's just because I lash out at clowns who enter my personal space bubble.
All through primary school I was do my own thing but often drag a lot of the others into my hi jinks. I guess it was a good thing that the school I attended was a small rural school. Can you imagine the kind of trouble I've gotten into if I was living in a city. I mean, convincing others that the library was haunted. Telling ghost stories to scare the younger kids. Alternatively, I was earning science badges left, right and centre and writing up projects on Marie Curie and Dr Jack Horner while causing a fuss to the Bibles in Schools programme that was forced on us. It wasn't my fault that I was upset when the teacher, who shall remain nameless because I've forgotten the name, told the entire class of 5 year olds that Santa wasn't real and that they should give their presents to the church. Or when another one tried to tell us that dinosaurs and man walked around at the same time. I think it was around that time (when I was about 10 or 11) that my parents removed me from that particular lesson.
Anyway, my antics carried on to high school where people would often ask me why I was so weird and I honestly didn't have an answer. I didn't really think I was weird I just worried that everyone else was far too normal plus I hated high school - or the deepest level of hell as I affectionately recall it being. The teasing was manageable, the bullying less so but the lack of interesting topics made me feel absolutely and totally bored. I mean, how many ways can you read Romeo and Juliet without wanting to scream about the stupidity of both the story and the teachers interpretation of it. Seriously, it is not a romantic story. We must remember that Romeo was only 16 and Juliet was barely into her teens. They died because they weren't honest. And let's face it, Romeo was a total playa (yeah I used the word playa. Whatcha gonna do?). I mean, one minute it was all about Rosalind and the next thing he's all "Juliet, sun, moon, stars, dead." That's not healthy. (Especially the dead part.)
Even now many people think my habits are odd or my ideas are somewhat strange. Fortunately, though, many of the people who know me well understand that it's my quirks that make me who I am. You know, the geeky obsessions, the love of quotes, dinosaurs, BSG, odd socks, fantasy, horror, adventure and the list goes on.
Oh well - at least this is a somewhat better blog compared to the last two. "May the force be with you."
Peace and pancakes
*Well, in my imagination there were fifty black knights who were trying to overthrow the kingdom and I couldn't let that happen could I?
**I was utterly convinced that my primary school library was haunted when I was younger. I decided to prove this theory by any means necessary. Needless to say, some of the other parents were not as understanding as my own.
*** I find cemeteries interesting. All these headstones as a reminder of those who once walked around with the living.
