Demi Lovato - Skyscraper
Demi's pretty, she has a nice voice (if you don't like it at first, it grows on you), she can sing live, and I like her. She was bullied in school, had eating disorders, cut herself, etc., and I think this song is about overcoming the ways other people hurt you and the ways you hurt yourself. I've heard songs that pull off this theme better and with more melody, but this song is definitely what they call an admirable effort, and definitely better than a lot of OTHER songs with similar themes. It's better than Mean by Taylor Swift because Skyscraper doesn't attack anyone else, only uplifts Demi. I think this is a sign of what one might call spiritual enlightenment, and the next step is actually helping people who hurt you. So, don't be put off it because Demi's a teen idol. Here's the song.
The Sound of Arrows - Magic
I love this so much. The music is lovely, but combined with the video, it's heavenly. It tells me I'm not the only one who fantasizes about everyone else dissappearing off the planet, how much fun I'd have (no offense to all you who are not me and therefore would be disappearing in said fantasy; I like you all very much, really). No ill-intentioned people to hurt me, no well-intentioned people to impose restrictions on me, no one I have to please but me. The whole world to myself, the whole world and all its "puzzles and wonders, mysteries and such." Absolute freedom and bright possibility. This video and these lyrics capture that feeling perfectly. Perfectly. Also, the kids speak in beautiful Spanish, and the video's all the better for it. The world is full of magic.
On Tuesday, I saw an epic new release at the movie theatre. It's a cultural icon, dramatically influencing thousands upon thousands of children throughout its lifetime, which has ended with this installment unless it hasn't. You all know what I'm talking about.
Yep, Winnie the Pooh. It was cute, entertaining, humorous, but not phenomenal. I expected it to be much truer to the tone and characters of the original movie, and it's not. I think it tried a little TOO hard to be true to the tone, and that just doesn't work, because the original movie had a tone of NOT trying too hard, if you know what I mean. And the characters were perhaps half-right, but they were also dim-witted and thoughtless, which is okay for Tigger and maybe Owl, but not the rest of the characters. Pooh, especially, is supposed to be wise and gentle, in his own way. Now, as for the animation, this is Disney's latest pencil-drawn movie, and hopefully not its last. I'm not sure why, but pencil-animation is just nicer to look at than computer-animation. It's not just my personal taste. My eyes literally feel different, more relaxed, looking at pencil drawings. We can't let this form of animation die out! We must support such animation whenever possible. Therefore, I do recommend you go see the movie in theatres and support Disney pencil-animation, but I suggest you consider it seperate from the original movies. Also, my favorite part was the Nessie cartoon before the actual movie. It's also pencil-drawn, glorious to look at, and sweet in story. So be sure to be there for that.
The Amazing Spiderman
This is the reboot of the Spiderman story. To be honest, I'm terribly excited for it. I liked the Spiderman movies of the last decade, when they came out, but that was before I discovered truly great movies and TV, including the 1992 animated series, Spiderman. Now, I deem the Spiderman movies ALRIGHT, but pasty in comparison to the series. I'm hoping this new movie will live up the series. It appears Peter's parents might just disappear in this movie. Maybe they're American spies in Russia. I think I remember them being spies in the series. That would be exceptional. On the other hand, Peter seems doesn't seem at all snarky from the trailer, whereas the series' Peter was just a basket of wit as both Peter Parker and Spiderman. Maybe it's not fair or wise to expect the movie to be like the series. Well, here's hoping it's enthralling no matter if it is or not.
Catlovers consider sneezing a privilege.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Ask Felines
We all love our humans. But how do we tell when they’re not feeling well, and how can we help them? Our experts are standing by to answer your questions.
Whiskers asks: My human seems sad. He stares blearily at the sun, which is more than a little worrying. What should I do?
Answer: Whiskers, sometimes it helps if you just sit on your human's lap and purr. How do you know if you're sitting on his lap? A good way to know if you're not sitting on his lap is if he makes noises to the effect of, "Whipsers, et off ma fafe!" In which case, you may be causing him more discomfort than anything. Also, attempt to purchase him a good pair of sunglasses.
Eyelashes asks: My humans have a small squishy baby, and it puts anything and everything in its mouth. I'm terrified of it. How do I keep it from getting me?
Answer: Eyelashes, it's always a shame to hear of humans and cats growing apart because a human bites. We possess proven methods of controlling homo sapien biting. You may wish to obtain a teething ring. When using this method, however, keep the ring between yourself and the child at all times. You want the child to come across the teething ring FIRST, before it can get to YOU. Chances are it will take up the teething utensil and forget about you (or at least give you a head start). If you put yourself before the teething ring, you will have a problem, as the child has not yet developed an understanding of its mouth's strength. In 20 years time, it will learn not to bite and can become your best friend, and the teething ring may well become obsolete.
Pan asks: My human is in the habit of dancing around to no music. Most of the time, I just lay there and pretend I don't notice. But I'm really worried. What could cause this? Should I step in?
Answer: Pan, you want to refrain from stepping in for as long as possible, as you might trip your human, a common mistake and one to be ardently avoided. Especially since there may be nothing wrong with him in the first place. Look closely at his head. His dancing may result from objects in his ears called "earbuds," out of which music emanates. Earbuds consist of teardrop shapes attached to hypnotizing strings you may be tempted to bite. Look and determine whether you're hypnotized. If so, there's a 21.3% chance the objects are ear buds. On the other hand, he may really be dancing to no music, which means he's harmlessly insane, which deserves congratulations! Many humans don't know the difference between harmlessly insane and contemptible and therefore avoid both, when harmless insanity is so much fun to watch. Just enjoy it. Then again, it's possible your human experiences the statistical anomaly of having so many spiders fall down his shirt that his cat calls it a habit. In that case, there's not much you can do until he gets the spider out. Stand by to jump into his lap and purr.
Wanderlust101 asks: I'm wondering about adopting this nearby human, but he's a bit strange. Should this affect my decision? But what are the benefits of adopting a human and how taxing is it?
Answer: Wanderlust101, humans are a very popular adoption option for many cats, partly because they offer handouts but more so because they offer affection and comfort. Humans are usually very independent. Many times, if you leave them to their work, they feed themselves. If you've never owned a human before, it helps to know what it involves, but not necessary. So often we find that cats just naturally pick up on all the human's needs and form a bond. Just be kind to them. If they are kind in return, they are perfect for you. This is not to say you should let down you're guard. If they come too close too soon, swipe at them and run. If they are true cat lovers, they'll understand your need to be cautious in this cold, cruel, cat-hating world.
Oreo asks: My human used to take out the big white jug from the big humming box and pour milk in my dish, but she never does anymore. She takes it out, puts it on the counter, pours her own glass, and puts it back just like that. It's becoming extremely frustrating. Any tips how to fix this?
Answer: Oreo, you really need to nip this behavior in the bud. Don't wait till it's too late and the jug is back in the fridge (the humming box). Get in there right away, and as the human puts the jug on the counter, purr loudly, meow pitiably, widen your eyes, and weave around the human's ankles. Do not, under any circumstances, forget to weave. It is the most critical aspect of the process. This method is the kindest way to inform the human that, if she doesn't release the milk, not only will her heart break, but she also won't get back to the fridge. This treatment is widely effective on kindly humans, but also widely irritating, so use with moderation.
Rawr asks: My human trips over me almost every night? Causes? Fixes?
Answer: Rawr, a little-known fact about humans is that they can't see in the dark like us. To solve this problem, follow these steps.
Step 1. (Some of you may prefer not to start at square one, as it is the farthest step from results. If this is you, skip to the final step, step 4.) Gather a dollop of unicorns. Leave it in place until step 3.
Step 2. Gather a handful of coal.
Step 3. Instruct the unicorns to trample the coal while wearing their star-nail horse shoes. Allow them to go home and retrieve the shoes if they have forgotten them. Also, check with their parents whether the young unicorns are allergic to coal. If they're immortal and invincible as rumored, let me know. I've always wondered. Have the unicorns trample the coal. Voila! Diamonds! Your human now possesses the resources required to attain a pair of night vision goggles. This variety of eye wear is particularly useful for vision at night.
Step 4. At night, be sure to avoid making beds in the centers of paths your human often takes, and keep a yard of distance between yourself and your human's feet at all times.
Fluffy asks: Every day, I bring my humans a mouse on their doorstep, and I'm like, "Here's a mouse, you guys, because I love you. Mouses are quite salubrious. Sometimes you worry me. I don't know why you won't eat more mice." But they won't eat the mice, and I'm afraid for their health. Why won't they eat the mice?
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Whiskers asks: My human seems sad. He stares blearily at the sun, which is more than a little worrying. What should I do?
Answer: Whiskers, sometimes it helps if you just sit on your human's lap and purr. How do you know if you're sitting on his lap? A good way to know if you're not sitting on his lap is if he makes noises to the effect of, "Whipsers, et off ma fafe!" In which case, you may be causing him more discomfort than anything. Also, attempt to purchase him a good pair of sunglasses.
Eyelashes asks: My humans have a small squishy baby, and it puts anything and everything in its mouth. I'm terrified of it. How do I keep it from getting me?
Answer: Eyelashes, it's always a shame to hear of humans and cats growing apart because a human bites. We possess proven methods of controlling homo sapien biting. You may wish to obtain a teething ring. When using this method, however, keep the ring between yourself and the child at all times. You want the child to come across the teething ring FIRST, before it can get to YOU. Chances are it will take up the teething utensil and forget about you (or at least give you a head start). If you put yourself before the teething ring, you will have a problem, as the child has not yet developed an understanding of its mouth's strength. In 20 years time, it will learn not to bite and can become your best friend, and the teething ring may well become obsolete.
Pan asks: My human is in the habit of dancing around to no music. Most of the time, I just lay there and pretend I don't notice. But I'm really worried. What could cause this? Should I step in?
Answer: Pan, you want to refrain from stepping in for as long as possible, as you might trip your human, a common mistake and one to be ardently avoided. Especially since there may be nothing wrong with him in the first place. Look closely at his head. His dancing may result from objects in his ears called "earbuds," out of which music emanates. Earbuds consist of teardrop shapes attached to hypnotizing strings you may be tempted to bite. Look and determine whether you're hypnotized. If so, there's a 21.3% chance the objects are ear buds. On the other hand, he may really be dancing to no music, which means he's harmlessly insane, which deserves congratulations! Many humans don't know the difference between harmlessly insane and contemptible and therefore avoid both, when harmless insanity is so much fun to watch. Just enjoy it. Then again, it's possible your human experiences the statistical anomaly of having so many spiders fall down his shirt that his cat calls it a habit. In that case, there's not much you can do until he gets the spider out. Stand by to jump into his lap and purr.
Wanderlust101 asks: I'm wondering about adopting this nearby human, but he's a bit strange. Should this affect my decision? But what are the benefits of adopting a human and how taxing is it?
Answer: Wanderlust101, humans are a very popular adoption option for many cats, partly because they offer handouts but more so because they offer affection and comfort. Humans are usually very independent. Many times, if you leave them to their work, they feed themselves. If you've never owned a human before, it helps to know what it involves, but not necessary. So often we find that cats just naturally pick up on all the human's needs and form a bond. Just be kind to them. If they are kind in return, they are perfect for you. This is not to say you should let down you're guard. If they come too close too soon, swipe at them and run. If they are true cat lovers, they'll understand your need to be cautious in this cold, cruel, cat-hating world.
Oreo asks: My human used to take out the big white jug from the big humming box and pour milk in my dish, but she never does anymore. She takes it out, puts it on the counter, pours her own glass, and puts it back just like that. It's becoming extremely frustrating. Any tips how to fix this?
Answer: Oreo, you really need to nip this behavior in the bud. Don't wait till it's too late and the jug is back in the fridge (the humming box). Get in there right away, and as the human puts the jug on the counter, purr loudly, meow pitiably, widen your eyes, and weave around the human's ankles. Do not, under any circumstances, forget to weave. It is the most critical aspect of the process. This method is the kindest way to inform the human that, if she doesn't release the milk, not only will her heart break, but she also won't get back to the fridge. This treatment is widely effective on kindly humans, but also widely irritating, so use with moderation.
Rawr asks: My human trips over me almost every night? Causes? Fixes?
Answer: Rawr, a little-known fact about humans is that they can't see in the dark like us. To solve this problem, follow these steps.
Step 1. (Some of you may prefer not to start at square one, as it is the farthest step from results. If this is you, skip to the final step, step 4.) Gather a dollop of unicorns. Leave it in place until step 3.
Step 2. Gather a handful of coal.
Step 3. Instruct the unicorns to trample the coal while wearing their star-nail horse shoes. Allow them to go home and retrieve the shoes if they have forgotten them. Also, check with their parents whether the young unicorns are allergic to coal. If they're immortal and invincible as rumored, let me know. I've always wondered. Have the unicorns trample the coal. Voila! Diamonds! Your human now possesses the resources required to attain a pair of night vision goggles. This variety of eye wear is particularly useful for vision at night.
Step 4. At night, be sure to avoid making beds in the centers of paths your human often takes, and keep a yard of distance between yourself and your human's feet at all times.
Fluffy asks: Every day, I bring my humans a mouse on their doorstep, and I'm like, "Here's a mouse, you guys, because I love you. Mouses are quite salubrious. Sometimes you worry me. I don't know why you won't eat more mice." But they won't eat the mice, and I'm afraid for their health. Why won't they eat the mice?
Can you answer this question? Register or Login.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Entertainment Recommendations
Looking for entertainment? Well, if you didn't read the title, you'll never guess that I have recommendations!
The King's Speech
Set in the early 1900's, The King's Speech tells the tale King George VI, King George the Stammerer, as he calls himself. The movie implements its soundtrack of classical music very well. I'm no expert on movie soundtracks. I usually don't even notice, but it seems movies often hit one extreme -- the orchestral scores that blend too well into the movie -- or the other extreme -- the latest pop hits I notice a little too much. In this movie, the music seems just right. I notice it, but it doesn't detract from what I'm looking at. I'd even listen to it separately. It sets the mood so well that The King's Speech is probably the first non-musical for which I've noted the music in a review. But what about the true meat of the movie? Its story and characters? The plot is well-paced and takes one through the characters' various triumphs and setbacks. It's sweet, gentle, funny, even more so because it's not trying HARD to be. The actors play the characters very naturally. I like all three leads and feel what they feel, from when Bertie gives his first stuttering speech to when he declares "I have a voice!" Not to sound cheesy, but the movie has an uplifting message too. "Those poor boys had cried out in fear and no one was listening. My job was to give them faith in their own voice," Lionel states. Even if you're not a king, you have a voice. So, watch the movie, or if you have already, tell me what you think. (I have no idea why it's rated R, except perhaps because of one scene where Bertie belts out swear words, but that was done in the least offensive way possible, as he doesn't direct them at anyone.)
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making
It's a children's book about a girl named September at odds with Fairyland's evil ruler A.K.A. the Marquess, but it's creative, heartfelt, AND smart. Can't you just tell from the title? I liked September and all her friends and some of her enemies. They're all interesting characters, and through them, the book presents many truths about wishes and secrets and courage and cities made of cloth. Like I said, creative, heartfelt, smart.
Edward Scissorhands
High on a hill, a kindly inventor dies before he can finish his creation, Edward, who is left with scissors for hands. Avon Lady Peg Boggs finds Edward and brings him to live with her family in the suburbs. How will Edward fit in, and will he make the football team? Just kidding about the football team. I think the fanbase for Edward Scissorhands has actually grown since 1990, but I don't think a ton of kids today have seen it, and people I know avoid the movie because everyone says Tim Burton only makes scary movies. I've only seen one scary movie by Tim Burton (Sweeney Todd, which I saw 10 minutes of before I ran away), and Edward Scissorhands is mild for any film. The first half is mostly sweet, and the second half is mostly sad, but it's never very scary. It has a lot of heart and kindness embedded in its tone and outlook. I love the characters, mostly Edward and Peg, because of who they are, but also because the actors portray them so splendidly. Here, I'll show a 10 minute clip (ignore the Hebrew subtitles), and you just watch their facial expressions and vocal intonations. So cute! Makes me want to say "Blend and blend and blend." and "Darn this stuff!" all day. And the way Peg goodnaturedly laughs at her ditzy neighbor's stupidity. She's so tolerant of idiots. Wish I was that tolerant. (I've decided I should give you warnings too. The movie contains some violence near the end with a minimal amount of blood and graphic-ness. It contains an unkind and superstitious religious person, prompting the eternal question whether the movie's creators were painting a portrait of all religious people or just that one.)
So don't avoid this movie. See it! Love it!
I want this shirt. Frankenstein Edward is so much gentler and more lovable than vampire Edward.
And a video of a cat hugging her baby
Awwwww!
The King's Speech
Set in the early 1900's, The King's Speech tells the tale King George VI, King George the Stammerer, as he calls himself. The movie implements its soundtrack of classical music very well. I'm no expert on movie soundtracks. I usually don't even notice, but it seems movies often hit one extreme -- the orchestral scores that blend too well into the movie -- or the other extreme -- the latest pop hits I notice a little too much. In this movie, the music seems just right. I notice it, but it doesn't detract from what I'm looking at. I'd even listen to it separately. It sets the mood so well that The King's Speech is probably the first non-musical for which I've noted the music in a review. But what about the true meat of the movie? Its story and characters? The plot is well-paced and takes one through the characters' various triumphs and setbacks. It's sweet, gentle, funny, even more so because it's not trying HARD to be. The actors play the characters very naturally. I like all three leads and feel what they feel, from when Bertie gives his first stuttering speech to when he declares "I have a voice!" Not to sound cheesy, but the movie has an uplifting message too. "Those poor boys had cried out in fear and no one was listening. My job was to give them faith in their own voice," Lionel states. Even if you're not a king, you have a voice. So, watch the movie, or if you have already, tell me what you think. (I have no idea why it's rated R, except perhaps because of one scene where Bertie belts out swear words, but that was done in the least offensive way possible, as he doesn't direct them at anyone.)
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making
It's a children's book about a girl named September at odds with Fairyland's evil ruler A.K.A. the Marquess, but it's creative, heartfelt, AND smart. Can't you just tell from the title? I liked September and all her friends and some of her enemies. They're all interesting characters, and through them, the book presents many truths about wishes and secrets and courage and cities made of cloth. Like I said, creative, heartfelt, smart.
Edward Scissorhands
High on a hill, a kindly inventor dies before he can finish his creation, Edward, who is left with scissors for hands. Avon Lady Peg Boggs finds Edward and brings him to live with her family in the suburbs. How will Edward fit in, and will he make the football team? Just kidding about the football team. I think the fanbase for Edward Scissorhands has actually grown since 1990, but I don't think a ton of kids today have seen it, and people I know avoid the movie because everyone says Tim Burton only makes scary movies. I've only seen one scary movie by Tim Burton (Sweeney Todd, which I saw 10 minutes of before I ran away), and Edward Scissorhands is mild for any film. The first half is mostly sweet, and the second half is mostly sad, but it's never very scary. It has a lot of heart and kindness embedded in its tone and outlook. I love the characters, mostly Edward and Peg, because of who they are, but also because the actors portray them so splendidly. Here, I'll show a 10 minute clip (ignore the Hebrew subtitles), and you just watch their facial expressions and vocal intonations. So cute! Makes me want to say "Blend and blend and blend." and "Darn this stuff!" all day. And the way Peg goodnaturedly laughs at her ditzy neighbor's stupidity. She's so tolerant of idiots. Wish I was that tolerant. (I've decided I should give you warnings too. The movie contains some violence near the end with a minimal amount of blood and graphic-ness. It contains an unkind and superstitious religious person, prompting the eternal question whether the movie's creators were painting a portrait of all religious people or just that one.)
So don't avoid this movie. See it! Love it!
I want this shirt. Frankenstein Edward is so much gentler and more lovable than vampire Edward.
And a video of a cat hugging her baby
Awwwww!
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