Swans Blogs: 2013

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Journal 5: Drunken Technology

New way to friend request

Social Media just got a lot more social...

Budweiser launched a new social media tool, well.. cup, that is used specifically when you are drunk. The cup syncs to your phone and when the cup is tapped by another Buddy cup, your facebook information is exchanged. I do not know how I feel about this. I do not think this is going to sell very well because everyone needs the cup in order for it to actually be effective. Plus, some nights... you just do not want to remember who you were talking to and if that is the case, you for sure do not want them as a friend on Facebook. While drunk people tend to be more social in the first place and I feel like these will just add to the social aspect of being drunk. I guess the only upside is that you will never have to worry about forgetting the boy or girl of your dreams name last night because you were too drunk. This handy tool does the work for you and sends a request to the person you are drinking with. This cup is absolutely mind blowing, I do not want to know what the future of technology has in store for us.

To read more about this article written by Anita George visit Paste

Journal 6: Most Hated Celebrities (revised)

Most Hated People in the Town

In the Grantland Article, Star Ranks the Most Hated People in Hollywood, and Other Absurdities From This Week's Tabloids, written by Molly Lambert, a number of today's hottest musicians and actors are called out.

The article begins with Star magazines interpretation of the most hated people in Hollywood, this section is rather biased because it lists the top twenty most hated celebrities starting with Chris Brown at number twenty and Gwyneth Paltrow at number one most hated. After each celebrities name, a description of a time when they were caught acting like, for lack of a better word and pardon my French, an asshole or a recent scandal they were involved in, is posted directly after. The article is making a mockery of the tabloids and I agree they are not all fair justifications to call these people the most hated celebs in town. For Instance, the number eight hated celeb on the list :Justin Bieber, is hated because he addressed his haters saying "I would say to my haters, 'I love you. Thank you for supporting me by hating me.' When they write messages on my YouTube page, I get the money for that. So they're just giving me money to hate on me." This is not something to be hated over in my opinion. This is funny to me and it sounds like something I would say.

Most Hated

The next section of the article is In Touch Magazines most hated celebs and their gossip followed by OK! and Us Weekly's most hated stars. Following the bold heading of each 'hated' star is a description of the faults that have gotten them to land a place on the list of Hollywood's most hated. The most hated stars ranked are actually some of the most popular and famous at the moment, including stars like Anne Hathaway, Rihanna, and Taylor Swift. The articles and assumptions that magazines are coming up with today are so twisted and unjust. It is hard to find out and understand what these celebs are dealing with in their lives because they are human beings just like us... even if they are a lot more beautiful, wealthy and interesting to follow, these types of articles are the exact ones I try to avoid when gaining insights on the latest celeb info.

Journal 3: Favorite Movies (Revised)

My Movie Taste

*Warning Chick Flick Spoiler*

The Wedding Planner

One of my favorite movies of all time is The Wedding Planner. The movie is about a Wedding Planner ( Jennifer Lopez) who plans all these extraordinary wedding yet hasn't been able to find the perfect person to plan hers with. She suddenly was saved by a man who she later falls for after a few more random encounterments. The twist is she ends up meeting his fiance to plan their wedding and when they have their first meeting, the two see each other again and, as you all probably expect, cannot hold back their feelings, and end up together in the end. My summary just poorly explained the general plot of many movies in the same genre of Romantic Comedies.

I really enjoy romantic comedy flicks, ones that are full of love, struggling relationships, and of course a happy ending. Almost all of my favorite romantic comedy flicks involve the same plot or similar problems. Another of favorites is How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days. The movie is hilarious and stars two of my favorite actors: Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey. Matthew makes any movie better in my opinion. But besides the lead roles adorable face and charm, I like these movies for number of reasons. First off, who doesn't enjoy a comedy every once and awhile? If you do not enjoy funny flicks, most people can find humor in at least one or two moments throughout the duration of the comedy. But that's besides the fact of why I enjoy romantic comedies. I take particular liking to romantic story lines. I was a little girl once but I still dream of those fairy tale stories. I may not have found my prince charming but I have been stuck in situations that are mocked in romantic comedies. So I guess you could say I can relate to back to some of the instances in my life and my experiences. I also enjoy romantic comedies because you can basically watch them whenever and with whomever (along some guidelines). Perfect for popping in during a girls night, romantic comedies take number one pick for best GNO movie types. Many girls enjoy romantic stories then when throw in a little humor it makes the movies perfect to watch with a date or your other.

So who doesn't love a little romance and a little humor at the same time, add some failing and raising relationships and some awkward moments and voila! A romantic comedy!

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Journal 2: How the Grinch Stole X-Mas... Again. (Revised)

Animated "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" Remake

The Original Book picture found here

I chose to read Krystal Drew's article titled, "Animated How the Grinch Stole Christmas remake in the Works" because it attracted me and immediately reminded me of my childhood. When it comes to the classic How the Grinch stole Christmas, it could be categorized as a favorite holiday story or film or it can be categorized as one of the more popular of Dr. Seuss's classics. However we look at it, the different versions of the original story of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" keeps it alive and living today.

The Original Cartoon

When the title of a story or film pops into our heads, most of us imagine the pictures of the scenes and or characters. However, when the title How the Grinch Stole Christmas comes into our minds, a few different pictures of the story pops in our heads. I am sure most of us know the story pretty well by now but, Hollywood is not convinced that we have gotten enough of the Grinch in our lifetime so Universal Studios is producing a remake of the cartoon.

Live Movie. Can be found here

The original children's story, published in 1957, is one that has been shared for decades. Later it was made into a cartoon in 1966, which is a cartoon that most of us have grown up watching and loving around the Holidays. After many years of just being a cartoon, a live- action version of the film was released in 2000 starring Jim Carey as the Grinch. This is also a Holiday favorite that I have somewhat grown up with just as much as the original story and cartoon. My little sister would agree that this is in fact the "original" Grinch Movie. The new live action film does not take the place of the original cartoon in my heart. However, 13 years later, the producers and directors are at it again. This time, they are remaking the 1966 cartoon version of the film.

How I feel about this? Hmmm I do not like it... nope not one bit. If the cartoon is remade, I feel like people will lose a sense of their childhood favorite movies. The cartoon is a classic and has been around for over 50 years. We have already scared children by remaking the real version. What is next? Let me guess, How the Grinch Stole Christmas 2? or just a remake of the actual story itself.

I believe that the remake is simply an easy way out of creating a whole new childrens film from scratch or imagination. Dr. Seuss's familiar classics like The Lorax and Horton Hears a Who! have been made into animated films as well recently and they did pretty good in the box office. I agree with the authors belief that producers are running out of ideas so their only option is remake classics and make them appeal more to current and future generations by adding amazing graphics or by making them 3-D.

Therefore, I believe that the remake will cause the memories of the original cartoon to die in our hearts a little. However, I do believe that the different versions will allow the story to live on in the entertainment world and in the current generation and the future just as it has been doing for years.

To read more about the Grinch remake check out....
http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2013/02/how-the-grinch-stole-christmas-remake-in-the-works.html

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Blog 7: Iron Man 3

Iron Man 3... Chinese Version?

The Movie Cover

Iron Man 3 is expected to be one of the biggest movie openings of the year according to an an article written by John Horn and Gina McIntyre. But thats not the biggest news. The article titled,‘Iron Man 3′: Chinese version unavailable to U.S. audiences, for now, is all about how Disney’s Marvel Entertainment and China’s DMG Entertainment joined forces to make the superhero flick an international collaboration.This is huge for comic fans and moviegoers! The film being directed internationally is similar to the process of what happened with the Japanese film “Godzilla, King of the Monsters!” in 1956. The scenes for Iron Man 3 that are shot in China include a few new characters whom are which doctors and played by Wang Xueqi and Fan Bingbing. Shane Black, The co-writer and director did not direct the scenes that were filmed in China, and in fact the main character of the film, Robert Downey Jr. did not go to China for filming. The scenes are simply being added in, however, they will not be shown in American theaters. It would be awesome, and probably beneficial to box office sales, for there to be an option as to whether you would like to view the film in American or Chinese version.

The film is sure to make a lot of money because China has the second highest box office returns behind the US. Hollywood produces so many films that viewed all over the world and although China contributes to Hollywood Studios less than quarter in ticket sales, the returns can absolutely huge. The film is compared to the film “Avatar,” which grossed more than $200 million in China.

I do not know about you, but I am excited to see Iron Man 3. Let me know what you think about the Chinese version of the film not being shown in American theaters.

Blog 6: The Great Coachella

Coachella

Coachella Music and Art Festival Indio, CA

For those of you who do not know what Coachella is, the article "Dust storms, Danny DeVito, and Blur: 10 things The A.V. Club saw at Coachella" may be an interesting way to learn about this crazy weekend long music and art festival. The article, written by Marah Eakin, explains briefly that the festival is held every year in California and it is the place to be for indie rock fans. This year the headliners included New Order, Blur and the The Stone Roses. However, with the dramatic change in music styles from voice and instrumental to electronic, the festival had to include some modern musicians or should I say DJ's.

Nightlife at Coachella... Looks like a blast!

The A.V club attended Coachella and shared with us the top ten most interesting sights and trends they noticed at the festival. The top ten most interesting sights and trends were not entirely interesting to me. The list includes everything from the number two most interesting thing being The Postal Service's comeback performance to the number four reason, Violent femmes sound great; look horrible. I was interested in the fifth most interesting thing being the list of celebrities that were spotted at the festival. The celebs spotted included Danny DeVito, Rob Pattinson and Kristen Stewart and even Paris Hilton attended the rocking festival.

I enjoyed reading this article because I hope to one day attend the Coachella Valley Music and Art Festival in California one day. First I just have to make half a grand before this time 2014. Wish Me Luck

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Journal 6: Most Hated Stars

Most Hated

The article begins with Star magazines interpretation of the most hated people in Hollywood, this section is rather biased because it lists the top twenty most hated celebrities starting with Chris Brown at number twenty and Gwyneth Paltrow at number one most hated. After each celebrities name, a description of a time when they were caught acting like, for lack of a better word and pardon my French, an asshole or a recent scandal they were involved with, is posted directly after. In my opinion they are not all fair justifications to call them the most hated celebs in town. For Instance, the number eight hated celeb, Justin Bieber, is hated because ”he addressed his haters saying "I would say to my haters, 'I love you. Thank you for supporting me by hating me.' When they write messages on my YouTube page, I get the money for that. So they're just giving me money to hate on me." This is not something to be hated over in my opinion.

Most Hated

The next section of the article is In Touch Magazines most hated celebs and their gossip followed by OK! and Us Weekly's most hated stars. Following the bold heading of each 'hated' star is a description of the faults that have gotten them to land a place on the list of Hollywood's most hated. The most hated star ranked are actually some of the most popular and famous at the moment, including stars like Anne Hathaway, Rihanna, and Taylor Swift. The articles and assumptions that magazines are making today are so malicious to me and unjust. It is hard to find out and understand what these celebs are dealing with in their lives because they are human beings just like us... even if they are a lot more beautiful, wealthy and interesting to follow, these types of articles are the exact ones I try to avoid when obtaining my info on the latest celeb info.

Michael Perry

Response to Michael Perry's Book Discussion:

Prior to reading Coop, I was rather skeptical about how a book about a farmer in Wisconsin would turn out. I thought I knew everything already and in all honestly I didn't know how a book of this sort would make it in the non-fiction literature world. But when I read the first few pages I connected instantly and kept going.

Yesterday afternoon, I attended Michael Perry's discussion and Q&A on his book Coop. I was hesitant at first that Perry was not the Wisconsinite I had been picturing while reading his book because a man with dark hair and a sweater approached the room and began talking. The man was just warning us that MIchael was going to be speaking lightly due to his sore throat and then introduced the author the Coop, Michael Perry. Perry approached the center of the overflowing classroom in blue jeans, boots, a logo tee, and a flannel looking like he the Wisconsinite that he is. The classroom was overflowing with students who engaged in reading about his life, many of which who appeared to be very attentive and intrigued in what he had to say.

Perry began talking about his career as a writer and how he became a writer which was one of my favorite stories that he shared. He began writing and sending his work out after he graduated college with a nursing degree. Perry would send his work out to journals, newspapers, magazines, basically anything he could write for so that he could earn some extra cash. When asked how he got his inspiration to become a writer he answered " My inspiration comes from the food on the table that I provide for my family". This to me was inspirational. It didn't matter that Perry had gone to school to be a nurse, it didn't matter how many times his writings got rejected or scraped, it didn't matter if he was stressed or tired he kept writing so that he could provide for his family.

Perry shared many stories about his life in northern WI prior and post to getting his books published. Perry came off to me as very humbled so there wasn't much of a difference in his hometown after writing his books. People did not glorify him or treat him like a celebrity but instead same old Michael Perry, even one of his friends that was a character in one of his book informed him that he wasn't going to read it and he was perfectly fine with it. This shows me the familiar "easy going" side of Perry which is preeminent in many rural livers.

Michael Perry is a great small time author with enormous writing talents. He is humble and was very inspiring to a small town girl like me. UW-Stevens Point is full of small town rural going folk and Wisconsin native farmers which made the book a great one for many of the students to follow along with. I believe many of the students connected with Perry because he is just like all of them in one aspect or another.

Response to Coop

The cover of the book Coop

COOP

The book Coop written by Michael Perry allows us to follow the adventures of a rural Wisconsin farmer as he manages his farm and starts a family. Now from my description one may think that a 350 page book about the life of a country farmer could get redundant but the book is surprisingly entertaining.

I was skeptical about the book at first but after reading the the first two chapters I could not put the book down. I was first intrigued because the book used so many vivid descriptions to portray life on the farm, it reminded me of childhood days spent on the farms of my family friends and neighbors.The book was easy to relate to for me for a number of reasons. One of the main reasons being that the book is about a real rural Wisconsinite. The book is not only about a real rural wisconsinite but it is written by one. I, being a fellow Wisconsinite attending UWSP, feel like I can relate to his small town stories and understand his crude WI humor.

I can also relate with the author and the book with the fact that we were both raised very religiously. The religious atmosphere he explained growing up was almost identical to mine. Perry struggles with how to raise his daughter in terms of religion, which is something I know I will struggle with in the future when I have children.

Another reason I enjoyed the book is because it is humorous I enjoy that Perry is able to add humor into such situations and keep the book still relevant, well kind of relevant. There are many parts of the book where Perry trails off into somewhat irrelevant tangents. Tangents in a book is either a win or lose situation, either readers hate the random tangents or readers, like me, love the tangents. I love the tangents because it provides a further outlook into what the author is writing. I also enjoy the tangents because they remind me of the fast paced thinking I often get caught up in while trying to write or explain something to someone.

Overall, I thought Coop was a great book. I would have never picked up a book about pigs, chickens, and farming in WI if it were not introduced to me in English 202 class. Who would have known that a book of that subject could display such emotional detain in writing and interject as many feelings into its readers as it did. I feel like UW-Stevens Point is the best place to be if you feel like this book would fit your life.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Journal 4: Pete's Dragon

Pete's Dragon

When I first found this article written by Sean O'Neil I looked at the picture first and I thought hmmm Puff the Magic Dragon.. I will finally be able to see what exactly that is. But then as I read more closely I found that Disney is remaking Pete's Dragon.

URL to image of Pete and his dragon

As Disney remakes every movie under the sun, they forgot about this 1977's partly animated TV show. I have never seen or even heard of Pete's Dragon, but supposedly it was widely tolerated back in the 1970's. The show is about an orphan, a cartoon dragon and a town full of old, and I would say creepy, fishermen and aging comedians. I do not understand why anyone would find this show entertaining but then again, it is for children and it was mad in the 1970's, a time with not of great as technological advances as today.

To read more about this wacky cartoon of the olden days that will one day be airing on our HD televisions check out The A.V Club article http://www.avclub.com/articles/disney-realizes-it-hasnt-remade-petes-dragon-yet,93995/

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Journal Brief Screening Report

Bridesmaids

One of the most important scenes in the movie in my opinion is the toast to Lillian from Helen and Annie. The girls get up to do their toast and by the time one girl is done saying something the other will already have the microphone in her hand about to go off rambling up a recent trip to Paris or a ridiculous childhood story, depending on who was speaking. The girls continued to say something more extravagant or more memorable to Lillian for a few minutes until they not so gracefully end in singing a duet to Lillian. They were both a few champagne glasses in and having aggressive fun but still didn’t save Annie from enjoying her company any more than it did when they first met. In fact it made it worse.

Cover

I believe this scene is important because it is first where Helen and Annie meet. The scene sets up what the rest of the film is going to be like because it lets you know right off the bat Helen and Annie are competing and will continue to compete for Lillian’s attention throughout the film. Helen and Annie are Lillian’s best friends. Annie, her long term childhood friend, has been chosen over Helen to be her maid of honor. But that is not the issue at first. Their fighting and distrust in the movie adds much of the humor contained.

The scene occurs during Lillian’s Engagement party which is being held at Helen’s extraordinary home. Right before the scene you are introduced to Annie’s mother, who in my opinion is not that important to the story. The scene occurs a little under 1/3 through the movie. The following scene after the engagement party was important because it was when Annie is first introduced to officer \Roads who continues to remain in Annie’s life throughout the film.

Monday, February 25, 2013

Journal 3: Favorite Movie

My Favorite Movies

Warning Chick Flick Spoiler...

The Wedding Planner

One of my favorite movies is The Wedding Planner. It is a movie with Wedding Planner ( Jenifer Lopez) who plans all these extraordinary wedding yet hasn't been able to find the perfect person her plan hers with yet.Until she suddenly was saved by a man who she then falls for after they randomly encounter each other a few more times. The twist is she ends up meeting his fiance to plan their wedding and when they have their first meeting, the two see each other again and as you all probably expect cannot hold back their feelings, and end up together in the end. My summary just poorly explained the plot a lot of the same movies in the genre of Romantic Comedies.

I really enjoy romantic comedies flicks, they are full of love, struggling relationships, and of course a happy ending. Almost all of my favorite romantic comedy flicks involve the same plot or similar problems. Another of favorites is How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days. The actor Matthew McConaughey always helps add to a romance in my book too. But besides Matthews adorable face and charm, I like these movies for number of reasons. First off, who doesn't enjoy a comedy? and if you don't then I am sure you still can find pleasure and laugh at movies that think they are comedic while they may not be. However, most people can find at lease one moment humorous in a comedy. But that's besides the fact of why I enjoy romantic comedies. I also take a liking to the romantic story. I am a girl and I still dream of those fairy tale stories in the end yet I have had some of the situations occur in my life. So sometimes I can relate to back to some of the instances in my life and my experiences. Many girls enjoy romantic stories put it together with a more humor and it makes it more comfortable for males to view as well!

So who doesn't love a little romance and a little humor at the same time, add some failing and raising relationships and some awkward moments and voila! A romantic comedy.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Journal 2: The Grinch Stole X-Mas Again...

Animated "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" Remake

The Original Book picture found here

I chose to read Krystal Drew's article " Animated How the Grinch Stole Christmas remake in the Works" because it attracted me and immediately reminded me of my childhood. When it comes to the classic How the Grinch stole Christmas, it could be categorized as a favorite holiday story or film or it can be categorized as one of the more popular of Dr. Seuss's classics. However we look at it, the different versions of the original story of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" keeps it alive and living today.

The Original Cartoon

When a title of a story or film pops into our heads, most of us imagine the book pictures and characters as well as the characters and scenes from the movie. However, when the title How the Grinch Stole Christmas comes into our minds, many of us could have a few different pictures in our heads. I am sure most of us know the story pretty well by now but, Hollywood is not convinced that we have gotten enough of the Grinch in our lifetime so Universal Studios is producing a remake of the cartoon.

Live Movie. Can be found here

The story, published in 1957, is one that has been shared for decades now. Later made into a cartoon in 1966, which is a cartoon that most of us have grown up watching and loving around Christmas or the Holidays. After years of just a cartoon, a live- action version of the film was released in 2000 starring Jim Carey as the voice of the Grinch. This is also a Holiday favorite that I have somewhat grown up with just as much as the original story and cartoon. My little sister would agree that this is in fact the original Grinch Movie. The new live action film does not take the place of the original cartoon in my heart. However, 13 years later, the producers and directors are at it again. This time, they are remaking the 1966 cartoon version of the film.

How I fell about this? Hmmm I do like it. Not one bit. If the cartoon is remade, I feel like people will lose a sense of their childhood favorite movies. The cartoon is a classic and has been around for over 50 years meaning that is over 50 years of people viewing the cartoon as a child. We have already scared children by remaking the real version. What is next? Let me guess, How the Grinch Stole Christmas 2? or just a remake of the actual story itself.

I believe that the remake is simply an easy way out of creating a whole new child film from imagination. Dr. Seuss's familiar classics like The Lorax and Horton Hears a Who! have been made into animated films as well recently and they did pretty good in the box office. I believe that producers are running out of ideas so their only option is remake classics and make them appeal more to current and future generations by adding amazing graphics or by making them 3-D.

Therefore, I believe that the remake will cause the memories of the original cartoon to die in our hearts a little. However, I do believe that the different versions will allow the story to live on in the entertainment world and in the current generation and the future just as it has been doing for years.

To read more about the Grinch remake check out....
http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2013/02/how-the-grinch-stole-christmas-remake-in-the-works.html