Riegel & Blatt

Since we're nearing the end of the semester, I thought it would be fun to make a last post and share my favorite comedy duo.  I'm not usually into comedians and I'm picky about my comedy sketches.  However, these guys have made me nearly bust a gut laughing on multiple occasions.

Riegel & Blatt are a pair of guys from Los Angeles who have made a ton of different comedy videos.  In some cases it's plain stupid humor, but for people like me that's great.  Not quite Beavis and Butthead stupid... but close enough.

One of my personal favorite sketches of theirs is 20 Floors Under the Sea.  In this, Rob Blatt acts as a diver who is being chased around the city by the bloodthirsty and hungry shark portrayed by Sam Riegel.  It's silly and quite clever.

You can find some of their other stuff through their website, riegelandblatt.com or through their Facebook page.

Personal Essay (Sukiyaki Night)

Everybody in my family understands the concept of "Sukiyaki Night."

To understand this event, it's important to understand what sukiyaki is.  Sukiyaki is a Japanese meal in which the family gathers around the table and cooks their food right in front of them.  There's a portable gas stove filled with a special broth that sits in the middle of the table.  Plates of raw vegetables and beef in addition to uncooked rice noodles surround the stove.

With this sort of setup you can take what you want and add it to the broth.  You let it cook for a few minutes and then you can take it out and put it on your plate.  It's then ready to eat.

My grandmother was born in Japan and is a full fledged Japanese woman.  It it because of this that my family has always had a preference for Asian food, Japanese in particular.  Sukiyaki Night is a great way for us to get the family together to catch up with each other.  Since everybody cooks their own food at such a slow pace it gives the perfect opportunity for us to have conversation.

The Runaways (2010)

Floria Sigismondi has created a film that does not disappoint.  "The Runaways" follows the story of two young girls who are part of a five member band by the same name.  The two leads Cherie Currie (Dakota Fanning) and Joan Jett (Kristen Stewart) plunge into a world where they learn that harsh realities they must face while being in a rock and roll band in the 1970's.  Cherie, in particular, finds that this world isn't so friendly.



One of the main themes of this movie is loss of innocence.  We see Cherie starting off as a relatively normal fifteen year old girl.  As she is thrown continuously into being the face of the band her habits and attitude begin to change drastically.  She starts living a life that she never asked for and eventually finds herself struggling to get through it.


The real highlight of this movie however is Joan Jett.  Kristen Stewart plays her part surprisingly well.  The more intense emotions of Joan come through loud and clear.  One key scene in a recording studio at the end is a prime example of this.


Overall, "The Runaways" told a decent story.  It does not sugarcoat the world of rock and roll in the 1970's and it shows just how much of a devastating effect it can have on an individual, especially one who is still so young.

Memories

I'm sure every person has had experiences that have stood out to them.  It can be meeting a person who changes your life or achieving a long-desired goal; it can be anything.  The saddest part about these experiences is that they always seem to fly by so quickly.  You wish they could last just those five minutes longer.  They never do, however, and you are then left with a wonderful memory.

Experiencing something in life you consider incredible will likely become a cherished story that you may never forget.  Such positive influential moments make me personally remember why even the worst experiences in life are, in a sense, necessary.  Without them, it's unlikely we'd appreciate the good times as much as we do.

After having the most amazing weekend of my life on April 2-4, 2010, I've come to truly realize how important memories are.  They're a core part of who we become and, in some cases, can also encourage us to become better people.

Costuming in May

CONCORD, NH -- Are you having trouble prepping for the next convention?  Are your props constantly breaking in two?  Or do you not even know where to start in making your own costume?  No worries because you can now get the help you need!

At Concord High School from May 14-16 a costuming workshop will be held.  There will be a group of costumers giving tutorials and strategies on topics such as constructing props and complicated sewing projects.  Even if you're new to sewing as a whole, we can offer basic lessons so that you can learn.

Materials will be provided for you to work with including various fabrics and tools for prop construction.  If you find yourself struggling then the workshop presenters will be there to give you a hand.

For a small fee of $10 you can now also get the tips you need.

Spring Costuming Workshop

Who said that costumes can only be worn during Halloween? It's a hobby that people have been doing for other events such as contests, conventions, or just for fun. The primary problem people have these days with costuming is lack of experience if they want to make their own outfits.

It's true -- making your own costume is a time-consuming exercise. It is also one that requires constant practice. That's why, coming up later this spring, is a three-day costuming workshop! Now New Hampshire residents can come learn tips and tricks on how to sew their own outfits and craft their own props. But it isn't limited to only folks from the Granite State -- bring your friends too!

Definitive dates have yet to be decided, but our location will be in the gymnasium of Concord High School. Tables with sewing machines will be set up in rows along the room so you'll be able to work together with friends and other participants to produce the item that you want. The head presenters will give mini-tutorials directed to the entire group. and we will also be there to guide you along if you need assistance. We will be providing 100 lbs of material for your use though please feel free to bring your own material if you'd like.

There is a $10 participation fee. Any money received will be donated straight to AAC, a yearly convention that is held in Nashua, NH.

We hope to see you there!

Dream Occupation

Totally forgot this was canceled, but since I'd already typed it up anyway, here it is...

At the moment, it's difficult for me to say what I would like to do with my life. I have no real dreams that involve some sort of occupation. Though I will say that when I was younger there were two things that really stuck out in my mind: working as a veterinarian or voice acting.

The veterinarian dream obviously stemmed from a love of animals. When I was in kindergarden we had a day where we had to dress up as if we had the job we wanted when we got older. However, two major things prevented me from ever seriously considering this. Firstly, I cannot stand to see animals hurt in any way and I doubt I could deal with that sort of stress. (As a side-note, I give so much credit to people who can. You have my deepest respect.) Secondly, I have an extreme disgust of blood and a near-paralyzing fear of seeing gore or injuries no matter how mild or severe. So I'm sure it's not too hard to see why I dropped this idea rather quickly.

Oh, voice acting. I follow quite a few animation/gaming voice actors whose works I really enjoy. I love acting (though I suck horribly) so I had always thought that voice acting would be an incredibly fun profession. However, my lack of talent for such a thing is what prevents me from attempting to get a job in this industry. Plus it's not a well-paying job and I would need another job alongside it to be able to support myself.

So, in conclusion, I have no idea what I'd like to do.

Microfiction - Acceptance

"Exhale" by Artist Lisa Rae Winant

Image used by permission of the Artist
48 x 20 / oil on panel

It was refreshing to see the bright shades of blue, green and other colors fill the air. She gazed at the balloons, the light from the sun making them shine. They hung from a plainly decorated orange-brown booth. The man behind was selling the balloons, likely waiting for children to pass by. However, the only surrounding guests that day were adults who loitered around the area.

She had come to see this area on the recommendation from a friend. After suffering through a horrific accident followed by an intense surgery she needed a place where she could relax and forget about her troubles. It was not a vastly populated area -- it had many different species of tree and few booths containing people who were looking to sell various types of merchandise. In particular, she was quite fond of the balloons. They added more color and life into this otherwise overbearingly green area. It was then that she saw the balloon stand owner let out a tiny scream.

The balloons began floating away together. She could not help but watch as the mixture of colors filled the sky. The man behind the booth was panicking realizing that any money that was to be made was drifting off into the sky, never to return. Even though that particular man saw the flight of these balloons as something negative, she could not help but disagree. The fact that they only left for the sky so slowly and gracefully made a feeling of relaxation come over her. She turned, her back to the booth, and took a deep breath. The wind continued to blow, but gently this time, pushing her hair ever so slightly into her face. Another deep breath. It felt so good to be free.

"The Blind Side" (2009)

Released on November 20, 2009, "The Blind Side" is a movie, directed by John Lee Hancock, that introduces a new meaning to the word "family." Based on a book that is based on a true story, it is a powerful tale that tells of a wealthy, Christian family, the Tuohy's, who take in a poor teenager who has lived with multiple different foster families. Though he has run away from all of his previous foster families, Michael, the teenager, ends up staying with the Tuohy's and, with their help, begins participating in school as well as the school's football team.

The actors involved give a performance to be remember, especially for the main two characters. Sandra Bullock, as Michael's adoptive mother, Leigh Anne, is able to well portray a woman who seldom shows her deepest emotions despite her kind and seemingly selfless actions. Bullock is capable of realistically expressing Leigh Anne's stern expressions, even at the moments when the character is not actually acting the way her face tells the viewers. Michael is played by Quinton Aaron who does an excellent job of showing viewers through his own facial expressions that he is a troubled individual trying to find a place where he belongs.

The fact that the events in this movie are not entirely fictional is one major factor in the emotional power that this movie contains. The deed that Leigh Anne and her husband, Sean, perform brings another family member into their lives. The bond that they have with Michael shows that blood relation is not a factor in determining how close a family can truly be.

Overall, The Blind Side is a movie worth watching for those who enjoy heartwarming stories. People who primarily prefer action in their films would likely not find this movie as enjoyable as others.

For more information, check out the official website .

I miss Vermont horribly. Such a lovely place. :)