NewfoundJoye

Jedi Ninjas

2011-12-20T12:12:00.000-05:00

Not as cool as the idea of ninja cowboys, but I'll take it as I sees it.

Stop-motion FTW

2011-12-16T12:53:00.000-05:00

Stop-motion animation is not only awesome when clay figures are manipulated in feature films. Something as simple as a box can become so much more. Check out Proteigon below.
PROTEIGON from BURAYAN on Vimeo.

Cartoon Chatter | Total Drama Island

2011-12-14T14:57:00.004-05:00

To give Cartoon Network series a bit more of a shout out, this Cartoon Chatter is all about Total Drama Island. The show is from the makers of 6teen, and it is a parody of Survivor. To its credit, Total Drama Island did an excellent job of jabbing fun at survivor-type reality shows while being creative. Like many Cartoon Network shows, some of the humor goes more to adults than children, but it broadens the target audience.

Each episode of the show follows the struggles of each challenge the participants face. The teens are all different with some very unique personalities. The beauty of a show like this is that you can create various characters to which kids can relate. The show has a lot of jokes, and it is linear, which I always enjoy. Some of the material is probably dated now, but the scriptwriters did a good job of keeping with things popular at the time.

Of course, some challenges result in some pretty disgusting things happening, but that's kid humor for you. Despite all maladies and vomit, the show often highlights interesting things without beating you over the head with it. There is something for everyone here—romance, betrayal, trust, acceptance, and more. The actual style of the show makes it easy to follow the characters from episode to episode. Like Pepper Ann and Doug, the characters generally wear the same outfit every episode. I think this could have been updated more often, but that's just me. I always like cartoons that switch things up in a realistic way.

Although it has now delved into more seasons than I have watched, I can definitely vouch for the first season of the show. I have some catching up to do to reach the current Total Drama Action.

Poor bat

2011-12-14T14:32:00.000-05:00

I sometimes wonder if cats do things just to show off. Actually, I am kind of convinced that is probably the case.

What I imagined eReaders would do

2011-12-05T15:34:00.001-05:00

When eReaders first popped onto the scene, I imagined that they would add depth and value to the written word. This small experimental video shows one possibility of how a book can be taken to the next level (without interactivity even). Some stories can be told differently now that eReaders can process information easily. Hopefully, authors consider this when they write their new books.
The Mysteries of Harris Burdick from Daniel Savage on Vimeo.

Jedi Squirrels

2011-11-22T09:41:00.000-05:00

Absolutely hilarious! It seems that one should keep an eye on squirrels. Never know when they might encounter a lightsaber.
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Thursday Traffic | 10 November

2011-11-10T14:17:00.001-05:00

It is Thursday and let me tell you what—traffic was moving today. The usual "parking lot" that we have to drive through to get to work was more like an expressway. When things move, everyone is happy. Speaking of moving, I'm taking a big step and moving out on my own. It's a nerve-wracking, yet exciting thing to do. There are some pros and cons to living alone:

Pros

A space to call your own—some people never get a chance to experience this. This will actually be my first time experiencing it myself. You can choose your "look" for your place and do whatever you want whenever you want.
Less energy usage—the more people you live with, the more electricity/water you will use. Trust me.
Controlling the strings—sometimes, it's nice not to worry about upsetting someone else, or dealing with other guests. With your own place, you don't have to ask if it's okay to invite a few friends over, and you don't have to have any awkward moments where you try to find something in common with a roommate's friends.

Cons

Expensive—sharing a space certainly does lower the cost of renting.
Lonely—having someone else to talk to can be nice. It's also good if you can split up chores like cooking and cleaning and such.
No extra key—living with someone can guarantee that someone else will have a key to the house. Alone, you have to be more careful. That includes other things too, like did you leave the oven on?

Yeah, so maybe I am exaggerating on a few points, but I'm super pumped to be living on my own. I think it'll be a fun experience. Any of you have your own place? Any tips and pointers for me?

Image procured from the internet

Batter up!

2011-11-08T10:16:00.000-05:00

(Image via flickr/angeloangelo)

Birds aren't all that bad

2011-11-07T09:45:00.002-05:00

I am not a huge fan of birds, but this video has definitely helped me to appreciate one aspect of these feathered travelers—they can look really pretty when they fly.

Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

Cartoon Chatter | The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy

2011-10-31T09:57:00.001-04:00

Generally, I have talked about cartoons that I love during Cartoon Chatter, but it's about time for me to pick up on some others that I am not particularly fond of. Just over the weekend, I caught an episode of The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy (also known as Billy & Mandy). It has been a while since I last watched it. If you have never seen this show before, all you need to do is think of Ren & Stimpy. If you can envision it, you will already be partway to understanding Billy & Mandy.

The titular characters, Billy and Mandy, are two children who live in Endsville. Billy is an idiot, and Mandy is a melancholy, unfriendly girl. The two manage to force the Grim Reaper (Grim) to be their "best friend" for ever and ever. The show is basically a non-linear depiction of the adventures the three face. They end up battling denizens of the Underworld and everyday children's issues—like school.

Unlike many other cartoons, Billy and Mandy never really stood out to me. The animation is nothing particularly special. The grotesque nature of the monsters and such is heavily reminiscent of a mix between Ren & Stimpy and Aaahh! Real Monsters. Perhaps because it aired on Cartoon Network, it never received the bad rap that Spongebob does. With often questionable dialogue and fairly pointless episodes, Billy and Mandy is the kind of show that you might watch in passing only to be completely confused later. I wouldn't recommend this one, but that is due to my own personal opinions.

The show did spawn one video game, so you can look out for it. It might possibly have a DVD as well, but I didn't check. Do you love this cartoon? Sound off in the comments.

Trick or Treat

2011-10-31T09:10:00.000-04:00

Let me begin by saying that I am no stranger to random acts of magic. Whilst eating at Ruby Tuesday, I was entertained by a friendly magician. He didn't skip a beat either. It was trick after trick after trick. However, there is another magician on the loose, and this one is targeting drive-thru windows. Enjoy these and Happy Halloween! (ps, I'm partial to the second video myself.

Burning Hot

2011-10-13T13:33:00.001-04:00

Another nice video with fun animation. The paper cut outs are very well done. I love the change from an almost human form to a flickering flame. Very cool. From what I read, it is about spreading happiness.
"Ho-Ho" -this message is boiling hot- from SonyDigital001 on Vimeo.

Evelyn Evelyn

2011-10-07T13:05:00.001-04:00

Today, I discovered Evelyn Evelyn due to the awesome music video posted below. I think that oftentimes, we don't realize that people who might have a deformity or mutation might also be very talented. I'm happy that this duo can make us celebrate differences, even though their connection is completely fictional. Besides, I'm a happy mutant. I was born with extra fingers on both hands. Makes me different, but also interesting, in my honest opinion. You guys have any physical uniqueness happening?

My issue with Facebook

2011-09-28T09:21:00.000-04:00

My friends and family are quite aware that I am not often on Facebook. In fact, they often remark that I am "never" on Facebook. However, I was part of the first wave of users who discovered THE Facebook some years ago. In college, it was a different feeling. You could keep in touch with people that you had just met on campus, schedule meetings for group projects, and rediscover old friends from elementary school. At the time, it was only open to those with a college/university email address, so everyone was in a similar age range with a similar goal. Cue the rest of the world entering Facebook and there arises my issues.

This age of "social media" has really been a big disappointment to me. I think that what is happening with all of these online relationships is that we are losing touch with what is real and really around us. So quickly we take a photo and upload it to a page (or tweet about it) where our friends (and some followers, because I doubt you can be true friends with 8,000 people) can dissect it and spread it along. While this can be enlightening and helpful, it also allows us to become these couch friends. We might shoot someone a small message like, "Hey, how are you?" every now and then, but how insensitive is that? We have so much information around us that we don't even care enough about one subject for more than five minutes. Oh, your friend got married? Great, quick post on their wall and forget about them after that.

Real friendships and real relationships cannot fit within small timelines highlighting your favorite music and foods. Life is not that easily placed within some clever algorithm cooked up by a bunch of programmers. Facebook touts the idea of friendship and that is where my issue arises. I have great friends, but I don't need Facebook to have a relationship with them. It is a sad day when we connect online, but not in person. While it is a great way to get into contact with those who cannot be near us (similar to the telephone), it does not replace a true friendship.

I know that Facebook is a company, and like most companies, the bottom-line is what is most important. However, I don't appreciate them selling "friendship" as if it was created entirely by them. Friendship isn't liking some ridiculous, snarky comment that your friend posted on their wall. It isn't sending your friend some virtual icon of a present on their birthday. It isn't posting what music you listen to. Friendship is so much deeper than Facebook makes it out to be, and I don't like that they belittle it. If I think my friends will like something, I will tell them. I don't need Facebook doing it for me.

Dexter al a 60s

2011-09-22T13:25:00.000-04:00

If Tolkein produced Fresh Prince

2011-09-22T10:33:00.002-04:00

Twin Serpents

2011-09-14T12:06:00.000-04:00

I'm not really knowledgeable about all of the things that happen at Burning Man, but these twin serpent vehicles that were there are still quite eye-catching. They are made with recycled materials. Some parts are crafted completely by hand while others are created using technology. Overall, a very cool project. The best part? They work! I did a little research into the developers, and I discovered that this started as a Kickstarter project.

All Images © Jillian Northrup

Really clever use of water

2011-09-13T14:18:00.001-04:00

Out of Sight

2011-09-07T11:48:00.001-04:00

Tchaikovsky in a different medium

2011-09-07T10:38:00.002-04:00

Tchaikovsky looks like it will be an amazing short. For more about its production, check out Joe Clarke's site.

Brown Bag Lunch

2011-09-07T09:51:00.000-04:00

I've known quite a few people that wrote sweet messages on their children's brown paper lunch bags. I thought it was really cool, so I did the same thing for my sisters for a while. However, one father—sorry, dad—has a much better idea. He draws nostalgic and popular cartoon and video game characters on his children's lunch bags. For more eye candy, check out tumblr.

Makes you want to save Hyrule

2011-09-06T23:01:00.000-04:00

DIY | Crocheted School Spirit Throw

2011-08-24T16:17:00.001-04:00

I came across this pattern on Red Heart last month. It was a nice blanket, and I thought it suited my sister. On a whim, I decided to make it for her. Although they specify the type of yarn you should use, I opted not to use a Fiesta style yarn. Instead, I let my sister choose her own colors. I think that grey and white was an excellent combination. If you are new to crochet, this pattern is definitely for you. You will learn how to hold your yarn properly and it is the same stitch over and over again.

Difficulty: Easy/Beginner
Time: Depends upon experience (took me approximately 48 hours total to complete over the course of 3–4 weeks)
Expense: Moderate ($30+)
Materials: Available in craft stores and online (I bought from Michaels and AC Moore)

Hit the jump for some additional images of the blanket (including a nice closeup).

Look at that fringe!

Look at all of those double crochets! Easy peasy for beginners.

NewfoundEtiquette | Using the Escalator/Moving Walkway

2011-08-24T13:50:00.000-04:00

It's a sad day when you have to tell people how to use an escalator/moving walkway. However, there is a right way (and a wrong way), to ascend the moving staircase. How do I know? Well, I commute in DC. Trust me, we have more escalator issues than a public transportation system should. First things first hit the jump, and we'll liken this to driving.

Image via The New York Times

Technically, when you drive on the interstate (or autobahn), you drive slower in the right lane and faster in the left lane. Divide your escalator into a left and right lane. Left lane—move it. Just like in driving, you need to keep that lane moving. If you are holding up traffic (i.e. people walking behind you), you need to move over to the right.

It happens to the best of us. You board the right side of the escalator only to be caught behind a person opting to stand on the right. Now, this is completely allowed (just don't catch that person standing on the left side), but you want to pass that person. Good, that's fine. However, like with driving, you need to check your periphery. Is there a fast walking person standing right next to you? Yes? DON'T YOU DARE GET OVER! Walking collisions can be avoided just like vehicular collisions. Check, indicate that you are moving over, and do it. Don't jump over and walk slowly either. If you are not passing a person that is standing still, then you have not done anything. Get back onto the slow side.

Now, you might come across an escalator that is not moving. Treat this like any other set of stairs. Walk up one foot after the other. If you are not quite as nimble as others, you should keep to the right. If you are basically flying up the escalator and gravity is doing its best to keep you from shooting to the moon, definitely use the left side. Don't let a broken escalator back up foot traffic. Just like a traffic jam, you can't have people switching sides or stopping unnecessarily.

Some people have everything (and the kitchen sink) with them on the escalator. If you have luggage or bags, be aware of them. Keep big suitcases on the step directly behind yours. Keep right if you are not going to be moving up the escalator (which you really shouldn't if it is a big bag). Strollers are never recommended on escalators, so do use the elevator (unless it is broken). On a moving walkway, keep the left side clear for fast moving traffic. Don't clog walkways with your luggage.

If you follow these simple rules, walking should be a breeze, and you'll get to your destination in record time.

Forget Clementine, I'm all about Madeleine

2011-08-22T16:27:00.000-04:00

People can call Clementine darling, but they have not met Madeleine. This petit French cake is delectably simple with such a wonderful flavor. As Proust said, they are best eaten warm from the oven. I had, until this past Saturday, never tried a madeleine in my life. Now, I feel like I want to eat nothing but them. Go buy a madeleine baking pan and give these sweet treats a try. Hit the jump for a simple recipe via Williams-Sonoma.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup cake flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 egg
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp. orange flower water
4 Tbs. (1/2 stick) softened unsalted butter
Confectioners’ sugar for dusting

DIRECTIONS

Position a rack in the lower third of an oven and preheat to 400°F. Generously butter the molds of a 12-place madeleine pan. (I used a 24-place madeleine pan)

Sift together the flour and baking powder into a bowl and set aside. In another bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the egg, granulated sugar and orange flower water on medium speed for 30 seconds. Increase the speed to high and beat until the mixture has quadrupled in volume and is very thick, about 10 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, carefully fold in the flour mixture and then the butter. Spoon the batter into the prepared molds, filling each one about three-fourths full. (I piped the batter into the molds)

Bake until the madeleines are light brown around the edges and on the bottom, 10 to 12 minutes. (If you are using a dark, non-stick pan like I did, these will take approximately 8–10 minutes) Remove from the oven and immediately remove the madeleines from the pan to a wire rack. Using a sifter or fine-mesh sieve, dust with confectioners' sugar. Serve warm.

Makes 12 (or in my case, 24) madeleines.

Calling the "Pink Flamingo"

2011-08-22T15:10:00.001-04:00

Maybe flamingos have their own superhero, and this is their call for the "Pink Flamingo"?

(via National Geographic)

Nail Biting

2011-08-18T11:19:00.000-04:00

Yes, reader, I am one of those people. I don't "bite" my nails so much as run them beneath my front teeth. However, even if I do not bite/chew/strain my nails, they still break. It's an annoying habit, but one that I feel confident in stopping. You see, whenever I become completely engrossed in a project, my fingernails become victims. My latest project? Well, to be honest, they are projects:

NaNoWriMo 2011! I really enjoyed participating in this last year, so I am getting a head start on outlines and development this year.

Etsy! I have technically had a shop for almost one year, but I have yet to sell anything. Reason? I'm slow. I want to sell crocheted goodies. Nothing very expensive, but small things you can wear or use.

Baking! If you read my blog, you see the results of my baking.

So, not a huge list, but three things that are taking up my time. This is in addition to me playing video games, watching Netflix, reading, and dancing (in private far away from anyone). However, I feel that I need to give my loyal readers a sort of update as to why I haven't been posting a lot. As always, there is more to come.

The Last Airbender: The Legend of Korra

2011-08-01T14:41:00.000-04:00

First of all, how did I miss this? I cannot believe that DiMartino is up for another spin with Nickelodeon. This is the most exciting news I have received since I found out that they have whole festivals devoted to bacon. Check out the trailer below. Also, anyone else find it odd that it is still called "The Last Airbender"?

(via Cartoon Brew)

NewfoundEtiquette | Dealing with Creepers

2011-07-28T14:18:00.000-04:00

In the days of old, Miss Manners let you know how to handle the world around you. She could tell you everything from what to wear to proper ways to respond to questions. In fact, she still gives eager seekers a touch of help in a weekly column. Yet I don't believe that Miss Manners has to deal with creepers often.

What are creepers? you ask? Well, you know a creeper when you see one. I feel that I must have a creeper magnet or something. There is always some weirdo or another that approaches me for an odd reason that is just downright creepy. Case in point: All I really wanted was Potbelly (continued after the jump)

For lunch, I headed out into the summer heat in search of a quick bite. I was about to go to Corner Bakery, but the line was a bit too long for my taste, so I opted for Potbelly. Everything was fine and dandy until I paid and left the restaurant. Enter the creeper—a heavily accented (perhaps Italian), suit-wearing, slicked back hair, older gentleman (probably my father's age) got my attention. He offered to buy me lunch (or dinner). When I politely refused the offer, he persisted. Maybe I would like a ride in his car, he thought. Again, I refused. What is it that creepers don't understand about the word no, I wonder?

Either way, all you want to know is how to deal with these creepers. Here is the rundown:

First of all, don't lose your cool. Yes, they might be oddballs, but they are still people. Stay calm and breathe steadily.
Next, confirm your stance. If they are trying to sell you something that you just aren't buying, let them know it. Be firm in your words.
If that second tip doesn't shake the creeper off, it is time to take some more serious precautions. While in a public location, use the other people to your advantage and call the creeper out on their actions. If you can leave your current location safely, give the creeper the slip (go somewhere that would dissuade your new stalker).
Important! Do not go anywhere with creepers or accept anything from them. If any person ever makes you feel extremely uncomfortable, call the cops on them.

Artist Spotlight | Tommy Ingberg

2011-07-22T09:24:00.000-04:00

There are so many amazing photographers these days. Even in the hands of a child, a camera can be a tool that captures such amazing things about life and emotions. However, every once in a while, there is a photographer that is truly like an artist. Enter Tommy Ingberg, surrealist photographer whose works remind me of amazing paintings. You can view his photographs (and buy prints) from his site. He achieves a very rich range of tones, which is quite a feat. Hit the jump for a few more images, or just check out his website.

All images are copyright of Tommy Ingberg Photography 2007–2011

Breakfast Interrupted

2011-05-25T14:23:00.000-04:00

BSS | Breakfast Interrupted from Bruton Stroube Studios on Vimeo.

Film Review | Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

2011-05-23T14:59:00.000-04:00

I've been very devoted to watching each Pirates of the Caribbean installation in theaters. This latest (and final) offering from the Disney franchise, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (POTC 4), left me feeling a bit sad and disappointed. Hit the jump for the full review (spoilers follow).

Grade: C-
I tried my best to think of reasons why POTC 4 fell flat. To be honest, this latest film actually put a real pirate into the film—Blackbeard. They did not disappoint. They made him a formidable villain. Not only could he control the ship's rigging using his sword, he could also raise the dead (zombies) and he was merciless. However, the usual suspects were missing. The welcome comedic relief of Pintel and Ragetti was completely missing as was Barbossa's pet monkey, Jack. I was glad to see Elizabeth Swan and William Turner gone, but it felt very strange without the usual bond of the crew.

Visually, the film was appealing. It kept with the look of the other films quite well though Jack Sparrow's hair seemed oddly lighter. The same swashbuckling music kept the POTC feel strong, but it did not change how strange the film was. The sudden appearance of Angelica and her relationship with Jack Sparrow felt forced and fake. I was hugely disappointed by the Spanish. Their whole point in the movie was so minimal that it was a bit ridiculous.

I suppose that in the end, there were a lot of ends—the priest and mermaid, Jack and Angelica, Blackbeard and Barbossa, the Spanish and the fountain, Gibbs and not dying—that came together with a fizzle. It was a decent movie, but definitely very disappointing. I guess that the age of the sequel is becoming played out. Maybe movie producers should go back to producing original films not based upon books, comics, or rides?

If you decide to watch this, I would suggest not paying the money for 3D. I watched it in regular vision and nothing seemed like 3D would have greatly improved it. At least go to the matinee show if you can.

The Adventures of Tintin come to the big screen

2011-05-18T09:15:00.002-04:00

I will never be on Oprah, Mom

2011-05-17T10:19:00.001-04:00

If you have heard the news, you are aware that Oprah's last show will air next Wednesday. It's odd for me to think of the fact that it will be over. You see, adults watched their favorite shows end as my generation was born. In turn, it is now my time to watch the popularity of shows completely change.

Oprah was one of the only talk shows I have ever watched willingly (though not often). Her show was often life-changing for her guests. She helped people, she gave gifts, she brought secrets to light—she made dreams come true, with Disney finesse. We watched her battle with her weight from season to season, and she became more and more elaborate as the years progressed. Books rose to popularity at her word and Dr. Phil was introduced to the world. As she made her changes, my life changed. I grew older, I learned more, I found a goal for my life (maybe). However, in the back of my mind, I've always wanted to be on her show. I've wanted to accomplish something worthy enough to be aired on one of her shows, or at least sit in the audience once.

It seems that an appearance on her show is simply not in my fate. However, as Oprah ends its twenty-five year run, my mind can come up with nothing to take its place. Not just anyone can replace a woman who has spoken with celebrities, political figures, and the everyday person on the same level she did. As I raise my hat to Ms. Winfrey, I hope that no one tries to touch what she created. Now, I will simply have to wait for the next part of my childhood memories to vanish completely.

BOM: Cupcake Challenge 7/175

2011-04-25T12:41:00.000-04:00

I decided upon making carrot cupcakes for Easter because for some reason, carrots are popular. I have a limited taste understanding of carrot cakes/cupcakes, only having one of both fairly recently. So, you can imagine that I was a bit daunted by this recipe from Martha Stewart's Cupcakes cookbook.

My ingredients were easy to measure out. Nothing too crazy. I bought pre-shredded carrots and ended up giving them a bit of a chop in the food processor. Not sure if that's a normal thing, but hey, this was my first try with this and I didn't want huge strings of carrots.

It was a bit odd to mix carrots with other ingredients. I suppose it is similar to working with pumpkin, but I still had a hard time with it. However, I was able to combine all of my cupcake ingredients by hand. Power to manual labor. These also were put into lined muffin pans which allows for easy cleanup.

Twenty-five minutes later, I pulled these good looking cupcakes out of the oven. They smelled delightful! I tried a plain cupcake because the cookbook said they make a good snack when eaten this way. It tasted good, but it seemed more like a muffin without frosting.

That realization was my cue to start on my cream cheese frosting. I had no idea that this popular frosting was so easy to make. Those four ingredients are all you need! I never would've guessed. My sister said that it was my best frosting yet. (WIN!) I'm sure that you notice our Kitchen-Aid mixer had to be used for this step.

And there you have the iced cupcakes. This is definitely a great cupcake to make. Not too sweet and very light and moist. Shouldn't be too much to clean either. I suggest giving it a try.

Happy Spring

2011-04-04T11:58:00.000-04:00

For perhaps the first day since spring began, it is actually a nice "spring-ish" day. Have you completed your big spring cleaning, Reader? I'm still working on that (slowly), but it's coming along. I think that when the weather is warm, I enjoy eating more than ever. So, I had a nice excuse to bake up some delicious. If you worked with me, you'd be eating some chocolate fudge cake pops right about now.

Since you do not work with me, I wanted to share this with you so you can surprise your own coworkers. I've made cake pops before (wow, they looked so lumpy), but I think my skills have somewhat improved. Due to the recent "cake pop-ularity," companies are starting to create items for them. Wilton made the carriers (which I decked out using Hallmark's adhesive ribbon available in stores) and they also have a stand for decorating cake pops (but make sure you use styrofoam to dry your pops!). Actually, if you search their site, you'll come across a lot of great supplies.

Woodkid - Iron

2011-04-04T10:58:00.000-04:00

Woodkid - Iron from WOODKID on Vimeo.

(via NewWork)

Cartoon Chatter | The Wild Thornberrys

2011-03-30T12:31:00.001-04:00

Although it was not as popular as Rugrats, Klasky Csupo's The Wild Thornberrys was a great cartoon that ran for a good six years (and reran until a few years back). It follows the titular Thornberrys as they travel the world filming wild animals. The protagonist of the show, Eliza, is a nerdy yet very brave girl with the ability to speak to animals. Perhaps I liked this because I always wished that I could speak to animals, but it provided some pretty interesting episodes and taught some good lessons.

Like other Nickelodeon cartoons, it wasn't always what you would expect kids to be watching (feral son, parents that let their children climb mountains unattended, lots of conflicts with poachers), but it was a thoughtful and interesting series. The animation was what you expected from Klasky Csupo and the stylized look was one familiar to kids at the time. Give a few episodes a try and you might become a fan. There is even a movie!

Image via sodahead.com

On games and graphics

2011-03-28T11:11:00.000-04:00

Todd McLellan's works are like real life Dismantlement games except there isn't a bomb to worry about. Instead, your eyes can feast on a creative, motion-filled photograph of a disassembled mundane object from a clock to a typewriter. For more on Todd, check out his site. If you are intrigued by my vague mention of Dismantlement, check out the addictive, short point-and-click flash games.

Apart Wind Up Clock by Todd McLellan; via UPPERCASE

Just the right amount of whimsy

2011-03-28T10:45:00.001-04:00

Some long-awaited eye candy for you.

Image via yours truly

Film Review | Rango

2011-03-28T10:29:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since I've been to the movies and I was very excited to see Rango—we're talking Johnny Depp and cartoons? Well, my excitement was short-lived, but let's just get right into the skinny, shall we?

Grade: C-

Image via moviedeskback.com
So, let's begin with what makes Rango a good film. I really don't want to start this Monday on negative notes. First, the animation was remarkable. At some moments, I was really amazed by how well the scenes were rendered. Hans Zimmer did a great job on music and the sound effects were believable and appropriate. In fact, the actual look of the film is the reason that the film scored so high in the grades. Otherwise, I'd probably have given it more of a D.

Unfortunately, Rango's plot was stiflingly pointless. There was all of these elements (for example, environment, heroism, religion, dictatorship, betrayal) that were put into the film, but little coming together of said points. For being Nickelodeon, I was expecting more humor and less...well, not humor. However, this particular film was rated PG for good reason. The language was a bit surprising as was most of the film. It all seemed a bit adult, yet without a purpose. Depp's voice didn't add much to anything and it wasn't really a movie that I see myself watching again.

Unless you have absolutely nothing else in the world to watch in theaters and feel the need to waste money, I wouldn't suggest watching Rango. I don't know if you should even wait until it's on for free.

The Periodic Table of Meat

2011-03-25T11:22:00.000-04:00

Notice that bacon is not only a noble meat, but also the "meat of life." Enjoy this illustrative periodic table of meat.

(via A Girl and Her Fork)

Artist Spotlight | Robert Longo

2011-03-25T09:59:00.000-04:00

Though I learned all about classic artists and painters while I was in college, I did not learn much about artists in these days. It is a sad truth, but one that I am glad to change whenever I stumble across a talented artist. Robert Longo is an amazing illustrator with a photographic approach to detail. He makes charcoal, graphite and ink into something that I never could—but now want to.

His work is presently being exhibited in Spain and Germany. If you have some time, look through all of his works on his site. Otherwise, just enjoy some works that I selected from his site.

Men in the Cities (Untitled)

Untitled (Hector)

Untitled (The Face)

All images are the work of Robert Longo; Image at top: Untitled (Homage to Robert Bresson's au hasard balthazar)

Dance Assassin

2011-03-24T11:25:00.000-04:00

Artist Spotlight | Dana Tanamachi

2011-03-22T15:05:00.000-04:00

In my opinion, typography is one of the most important parts of graphic design. You can have as many illustrations and photographs as you'd like, but nothing can quite be as effective as the proper usage of typography. For some, it comes almost naturally while for others it is a constant struggle. Dana Tanamachi has a hands-on approach to typography that I think would make my design professors proud. Her work shows careful thought in terms of stretching, skewing, and readability. I'm not a huge fan of her posters, but the hand-drawn type is great! For more about Dana, visit her site.

All images via Dana Tanamachi's site

BOM: Cupcake Challenge 6/175

2011-03-17T11:59:00.000-04:00

Top o' the mornin' to ya, readers. I promise that is the only cliché phrase I will use this St. Patrick's Day. To celebrate, not only did I don a bright, lime green wig to work, I also whipped up another batch of cupcakes from my Martha Stewart Cupcakes cookbook. Unsurprisingly, I opted for the St. Patrick's Day cupcakes. These use the Brown Sugar Pound Cake recipe from earlier in the book (for that recipe, these are topped with Brown-Butter Icing—same as the Pumpking Brown-Butter Cupcakes I've already made) and are liberally covered with Bailey's frosting!

My cupcakes actually were not going to look like the book. I did not want to put an inedible item on the top of the cupcake, so I chose to use green sprinkles instead of a clover.

Of course, I had to begin by prepping my ingredients (a short one this time).

After combining my materials for my batter, I spooned it into the festive muffin liners. It baked for 25 minutes.

While my cupcakes were in the oven, I started working on measuring and sifting my ingredients for the Bailey's frosting.

Here are the cupcakes coming out of the oven and my work on the creamy Bailey's frosting.

Then came the fun part. Nothing like icing a cupcake and covering it with (a conservative amount of) sprinkles. A paper towel beneath the cupcakes makes cleanup easy.

And here are the some of the finished products getting ready to go to work with me. By far, this has to be my best work on a frosting. It was smooth and creamy and sweet. The cupcake was not overpoweringly sweet, so you can really enjoy it.

The patience of a five-year old

2011-03-16T00:03:00.000-04:00

As children, we knew these two words would come up sooner or later. "Be patient," your guardian would say with obvious disgust. How could a child with no worries or responsibilities be impatient? they thought to themselves. The very idea! However, despite the idea that one should learn to be patient, hardly anyone is patient.

City folk already have a reputation for being notoriously impatient, toe-tapping, gum-chewing, watch-checking, heavy-sighing, hands-on-hips, no-nonsense people. Yet despite the stigma, I know many patient city dwellers (including myself). Surprisingly, the people that I have noticed with the least patience are those that have been here on earth longer than many others—that's right, I'm referring to our senior citizens.

Perhaps a lifetime of waiting has just worn out the elderly community. They have waited for so many things and people already (and seemingly only have death to wait for). Yet the elderly have an even worse situation to deal with—very rapid change. With all of the new, automated gadgets and programs, our grandparents have to learn things that are completely new to them.

Just tonight I went shopping for some baking supplies at my local Giant. It was actually quite busy within the store, but nothing extensive. Since I had checked out my items as I shopped, I opted for the self-checkout kiosks. Several other customers were already in line, and I queued up in the second lane. The people before me were having some issues, so I was just waiting and flipping through a Life magazine. Lo and behold, the elderly gentleman at the lane beside mine was having hard time checking out. He handled the situation completely wrong and I probably should have helped him (another blog post on that, I promise), but I thought it best to leave it up to the professionals. He wisely selected the help option on the screen and became upset when the associate did not come immediately (he was already pre-occupied with another customer). After huffing and puffing for about thirty seconds, he went and got the associate himself. Apparently, he was not happy with what the man told him, and he flung an innocent head of lettuce down the conveyor belt.

It was then that I thought to myself, "Good gosh, this man has the patience of a five-year old." Then, I immediately took that thought back. You see, we are always quick to say when a person is impatient. You know what I mean—the idiot that cut you off, the jerk that let the elevator doors close during peak hours although you were obviously indicating that you needed to board, the loser that jumps in front of you in line. However, when the shoe is suddenly on your foot, we have excuses for our behaviour.

As we hit hump day this week, try to consciously be patient. Breathe deeply, count to 100, do what it takes to stay calm. Patience may be a virtue, but it can be achieved with much practice.

New Newfoundjoye

2011-02-23T11:39:00.000-05:00

I feel obligated to blog about my blog's new look. I thought that the previous look was a bit stale, so I refreshed it! It's part of my entire refreshing attitude that has sprung up this year. Look forward to new updates as well as ongoing series such as my BOM Cupcake Challenge. Thank you for reading and I appreciate your comments!

Happy happy joy joy

2011-02-23T11:18:00.001-05:00

Perhaps the best thing about this video is the end result. It is definitely a complicated little gizmo.

(via NewWork)

BOM: Cupcake Challenge 5/175

2011-02-14T12:24:00.003-05:00

I wasn't going to make cupcakes this weekend, but whenever Valentines rolls around, I can't help making delectable treats. In honor of Valentines, I used one of the holiday cupcake recipes. Brownie cupcakes topped with pink tinted vanilla frosting and brownie bites.

These precious, paper liners from Wilton made a nice show of Valentine's Day. They come in a pack of 75 (25 of each design).

Quite a large assortment of ingredients. Lots of flour, lots of eggs, and lots of butter—lots of mixing.

I ended up doing a lot of mixing by hand. Instead of using my electric mixer, I opted for a hand mixer because I was using quite a large bowl.

The batter is ready to be spooned into those paper liners. Isn't it chocolately looking? What, with 12 ounces of Ghirardelli chocolate, it out to be.

Fresh out the oven. I had an additional brownie pan for the cutouts (the part of recipe that didn't go over well).

Electric mixer is a must for this fluffy vanilla frosting which I tinted pink with some drops of red food coloring.

I probably waited too long to cut out my hearts from my pan of brownies. So, I just cut little squares to top the cupcakes with. They taste delicious! I'm thinking I might make them again sometime soon.

All images courtesy of yours truly

Because of Martha | Valentine's Day 2011

2011-02-14T12:09:00.003-05:00

First and foremost, let me wish you a very happy Valentine's Day. I love this holiday because it is another craft-friendly one. My lucky co-workers get showered with handmade goodies once again. Last year, I made little treat bags. This year, I ended up making something edible (it was a tough decision). I turned to the "Queen of Crafts" for ideas and wound up falling in love with the Valentine's Cookie Sandwich Pops. Hit the jump for process and results images.

All photos are courtesy of yours truly

I had to gather my ingredients first. This recipe calls for sugar cookies and royal icing, which I made from scratch. If you want to save on time, you could get pre-made sugar cookie dough.

After combining my ingredients, I had to chill the dough for one hour. I cannot honestly tell you what this did for the whole process, but it is a nice break to clean up dishes and such.

Once I rolled out my dough, it was a matter of cutting out little circles. There is a variation on this recipe that allows you to cut out smaller outs and fill them with candy. I didn't try that one out, but you might be interested in it.

Once the cookies had baked for eight to twelve minutes (you want them to be firm, but not brown), I let them sit on wire racks to dry. They actually don't take long to cool.

When my cookies were cool and decorated, I made my royal icing and sandwiched two cookies together with a lollipop stick between them. Then, I let them dry.

Here you see some cookie pops drying. I used edible marker to decorate the cookies. These can be purchases inexpensively at craft or party stores. Mine are Wilton brand, but there are others.

I wrapped each cookie pop in cellophane treat bags and tied them with a ribbon. I love the result. Kids will love working on a project like this.

Here's another image of the wrapped treats. Pretty delicious, right?

DIY | Extruded Bracelets

2011-02-10T21:35:00.000-05:00

I don't know what it is about February, but I feel extra crafty during this month. Maybe it is because Valentine's Day is right around the corner. Either way, I found a great, easy project that you just might want to try out. These extruded bracelets by syndee holt are inexpensive to make and a great way to accessorize. Believe it or not, these only require Sculpey (modeling clay). While the tools might seem a bit pricey, you can reuse the majority of them, so the cost can be justified.Visit the Polyform website for detailed instructions.

Difficulty: Easy/Beginner
Time: 45 minutes to an hour
Expense: Moderate (I spent $65 on supplies)
Materials: Available in craft stores and online (I ordered through A C Moore)

There is one thing I changed. Instead of getting Jacquard brand inks, I bought Copic Ciao markers to add color to my Premo! Sculpey. That saved me the trouble of wearing gloves and using cotton balls. My results are actually the image above! Not too bad for my first time, right?

Thursday Traffic | 10 February

2011-02-10T21:24:00.000-05:00

It's been a while, hasn't it? I haven't been blogging about traffic for some reason. I mean, it's there every week. Anyway, I had a particular point of talking about the traffic today. You see, people go on and on about how humans have destroyed forests and such. I must say that when you see a deer walking along the interstate, it might just be a fact.

However, I like to imagine that these animals prefer the suburbs. Of course they don't, but they are masters of adaptation. Other animals that you might just spot during a morning commute? Check out my great list below:

Foxes—They might be cute on cartoons, but good gosh, not so much in real life.
Skunks—Hold the tomato juice please. No, I'm kidding. You can get rid of skunk smell with specialized products.
Rats—Unfortunately, this is a fact in most major cities.
Neighborhood "pets"—Random dogs and cats might roam your neighborhood. Don't expect them to clean up after themselves either.
Rabbits—Cute and fluffy, but only if they aren't flattened by a car.

This is not new

2011-02-09T22:46:00.001-05:00

I have been very newly informed about Kirby Ferguson. While I have been watching many of his videos since, I really wanted to showcase his series, Everything is a Remix. This should be four parts and the first two are already up and out. If you have some time, watch the videos below.

Everything is a Remix from Kirby Ferguson on Vimeo.

Everything is a Remix Part 2 from Kirby Ferguson on Vimeo.

Super Bowl Spread

2011-02-07T09:11:00.002-05:00

I'm honestly not a huge fan of American football (or any sport, really), but I still watch the game. My sisters and I threw a party and I thought I'd share some eye candy of the event. Enjoy!

BOM: Cupcake Challenge 4/175

2011-02-07T09:05:00.000-05:00

Thanks to last fall's purchase of Martha Stewart's Cupcakes cookbook, I challenged myself to make all 175 recipes. I have no deadline or anything. Instead, I make them as they come. Though I am not going in any particular order, I have been skipping through sections to switch up the difficulty. This edition is all about Peanut Butter-Filled Chocolate Cupcakes.

As usual, I gathered my ingredients. This is for the chocolate batter.

I also had to grab some other ingredients for the peanut butter filling. Just a couple needed here. You can also see the recipe right there. Doesn't it look delicious in the photograph?

Next step was to work with the chocolate batter. It was not too bad. Chocolate is usually a bit messy for me.

Before I could really throw the chocolate into a paper lined muffin pan (yes to easy clean up!), I had to get my peanut butter filling mixed. Surprisingly, this whole process did not require use of a mixer, just physical mixing.

The recipe called for alternating between chocolate batter and peanut butter filling. Then, you were to swirl the top. I think my measurements were off though.

After baking for nearly 40 minutes, I had the finished result. Maybe not exactly like the photo, but very tasty. I'm thinking that my skills are slightly improving though, so that's a relief.

DIY | Candles

2011-02-04T23:55:00.000-05:00

A candle is such a versatile item. It can be given as a gift, used as decoration, burned for relaxation and much more. What makes a candle more than just any candle? When YOU make it of course! I made candles as Christmas gifts for close friends and you could make them for your friends/loved one(s) for Valentines as well. It was a new experience for me that was made easier by my choice of supplier. I ordered online at CandleScience and followed their guide. Hit the jump for supplies and such.

Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Expense: Moderate
Materials (available in craft stores and online):

Wax (I used paraffin, but choose the right kind for your project)
Pre-tabbed wicks
Dye Blocks or Chips
Container or Candle Mold (for pillars and votives)
Wick Bar to hold the wick during pouring
Wooden Spoon for stirring
Pouring Pitcher and double boiler
Thermometer to check wax temperature
Candle fragrance (optional)
Decorative materials like glitter or stickers (optional)
Warning Labels (recommended when giving gifts)

First, I had to decide what kind of candle to make. With about eight candles to send, I wanted something inexpensive to mail—meaning light and small. I decided upon these really wonderful little jars from The Container Store. They were not terribly expensive. If you want a stand-alone candle, you can easily purchase a mold used to make pillar or votive candles.

I bought pre-assembled wicks online instead of fiddling with the process myself. In the above image, you can see my dye blocks as well as a bubble wrap bag of pre-tabbed wicks and my fragrance (cinnamon for Christmas). Before beginning, I prepped my containers by attaching my wicks to the bottom of my jars. Then, I kept them in place with some quick skewer work. You can get wick bars that keep the wick steady, but I made it work my own way because I didn't realize that until I was starting the project.

Melt your wax inside of your pitcher over a double boiler. When your wax is warm enough, you can add your scent and dye blocks. Check your instructions for the temperature that works best for your type of wax.

When the wax is melted and the additional mix-ins have dissolved, pour your wax into your containers. Notice my skewered and masking tape "wick bars" and know that I do not condone using my method. The one closest had a small wax drip on the inside of the lid. I was able to get rid of it easily by hand. No worries there.

My wax receded slightly on some candles, so you might need to top them off with another hit of warm wax after they have dried slightly. And voila! you have just made a candle! You can add a warning label to the bottom of your candle if you want to cover up the wick at the bottom of your candle. Now, burn and enjoy.

Game Review | Donkey Kong Country Returns

2011-01-24T10:51:00.000-05:00

I have been on a video game kick this year. I've been buying games a bit extensively (I can admit this with all honesty). My favorite so far is Donkey Kong Country Returns for the Nintendo Wii. I finally bought this title a few weeks ago and I have been enjoying the game so far with B. Hit the jump for my full review.
So, Donkey Kong Country Returns is definitely a show of creativity. What made the original Donkey Kong Country exciting was the side-scrolling gameplay with formidable foes and hidden places filled with secrets and mini-games. This new offering revamps the idea with so much imagination that I constantly find myself saying "wow" as I play the level.

The K-O-N-G letters are still around. You can gather them in each level to unlock bonus "platform" temples that are rather difficult. Puzzle pieces are new. If you collect all of them in a level, you can unlock concept images for your viewing pleasure. Between the KONG letters and the puzzle pieces, you'll find yourself revisiting levels to grab every extra item. You can also use banana coins to purchase more balloons (lives), a parrot (helps you find those pesky puzzle pieces, or even banana juice (makes you invincible?—have yet to try it).

Donkey Kong and Diddy are both in the game. Their banana hoard has been stolen by some musical tikis, which is the purpose for the game. As you go through the levels, you can visit Cranky Kong's store. Funky and Candy are not around as you don't need to use a barrel plane to visit worlds and your game is saved automatically.

Overall, the game has the same exciting jungle rhythm combined with stunning visuals. Gameplay progressively becomes more difficult as you continue which keeps you on your toes—or on your thumbs. What is my ruling? Is this game worth it's hefty 50 dollar price tag? I haven't even beat the game and I think it is!

Better late than never

2011-01-10T09:13:00.000-05:00

The year 2011 has been around for ten days and I've just resumed blogging. There are many excuses I could offer to you (I'm crocheting a tablecloth, I have been working on the Sketchbook Project, I'm playing video games...), but nothing changes the fact that I don't always have the time to blog. So, my sincerest apologies for the lack of posts, but I'm back in action. Also, I believe that I kept last year's resolution: to blog.

I posted all kinds of things in 2010 and many of them will continue this year—movie reviews, my BOM: Cupcake Challenge, Thursday Traffic, etc. Some items will return with more dedication like DIY projects. So, while it might be a late start, Newfoundjoye is still around.

After a long moment of nothingness, I plan on adding more about books to Newfoundrhapsody. I have a library of reading materials to share and dissect, so if you've wondered why it's never updated, you can actually see some posts in a few days.

Instead of Threadless in my sidebar, you can expect to see Society6. I like the way it works much better. You can purchase prints or clothes, so check out my studios if you have the time.

I look forward to posting more in 2011. Please, return for more.

Experiments with HTML5

2010-12-14T09:04:00.000-05:00

With the recent dismissal of Flash, all eyes have been moving to HTML5. Because some people are not sure how it can be used, it is great that there are people experimenting with the code. One of these HTML5 "scientists" is Hakim El Hattab and his experiments might just have you wasting time. You can also play around with the code and learn a thing or two yourself.

The Killers even released an HTML5 site recently. Check out their site to be surprised.

Salesman Pete

2010-12-10T15:51:00.000-05:00

A slow(er) Friday here provided me with the opportunity to don headphones and watch a few shorts. One of them was just so funny that I had to share with you. Enter Salesman Pete. Some French guys created the entire thing. Give it a look see. If you have some extra time, Meet Buck (not by the French guys, just so I'm clear).

Salesman Pete from Salesman Pete on Vimeo.

Awwwww....

2010-12-09T15:09:00.000-05:00

Don't even pretend that you didn't gush slightly at the sight of this picture. You became strangely jelly-like and felt happy, didn't you? Maybe? Possibly? Well, if not, I hope you enjoyed this eye candy just the same.

Via tumblr/thingsthatinspiree

A few of my favorite things (part quatre)

2010-12-09T11:35:00.000-05:00

Making a comeback right at the end of 2010 are my favorite things. This is part four (in case you don't read French) and I am so thrilled to be bringing up things I like. I started this last year in November and I plan to do a few more during the month of December. Go ahead and hit the jump. Let's not waste time.

The Container Store is a new favorite of mine. I never guessed that so many wonderful things could be available in one place. Just one trip to the store sent me into a crafting wonderland. They have wonderful jars and packaging supplies. Check out their online store. You won't regret it.

Image via The Village at Gulf Stream Park

Softies are another favorite. You can make them yourself or buy from various sources (for example, Etsy sellers). There are also the ever popular Uglydolls as well. If you decide to make your own, I suggest starting with Martha Stewart's stuffed animals from kid's drawings.

Image via Saffron Craig

Wooden ABC blocks. These hearken back to the days of my childhood. They are more nostalgic than something I want, but still a fave. The blocks from the image can be purchased from Nature's Crib. You can also find these in toy stores in the baby aisle.

Image via Nature's Crib

Thursday Traffic | 9 December

2010-12-09T10:14:00.000-05:00

I know there have been many a missed Thursday for the past few weeks (since October!), but life has been busy, readers. I've been working tediously to prepare for Christmas. Although I am more into the Biblical reason behind Christmas, my family does engage in gift-giving. Though we always "say" we are going to give small, I have a hard time choosing that path. Gift-giving is just something that I love from start to finish.

First, finding the right gift. There is a magical moment about realizing that you have found an item that the recipient will cherish. Deciding upon what to buy or make for a gift is difficult at times, so I often start making my lists early in the year.

From a designer's aspect, packaging the gift is just as much fun as finding it. Choosing wrapping papers, tissue papers, ribbons, bows, tags, strings, stickers, bags, boxes, and more is like a gift to myself. I try to be consistent with my choices so that gifts from me are obvious when viewed beneath the tree.

Despite everything that leads up to it, the opening of the present is the most exciting. Watching the recipient either tear through or slowly salvage the packaging is a tense moment. Then, seeing their face light up when they realize that you've paid attention to things they prefer and like is enough to give me a warm, fuzzy feeling inside.

Because it is Christmas season, there has been a variable amount of traffic lately. This rush of shopping paired with ordinary work schedules clogs up the interstate like nobody's business. However, because it is the Christmas season, I am much more forgiving of time wasting than I normally am. So as you go about your daily errands, take time out to breathe. It will keep your stress levels down and help you be more alert for mistakes others might make. For some stress relieving tips, check out this hunch:

Ways to De-stress - get personalized recommendations at Hunch.com

Image via flickr/excalipoor

Cartoon Chatter | Monster High

2010-12-08T09:53:00.000-05:00

My adorable little sister is a huge fan of Monster High. I had heard of the show, but I never watched it on television. Since she raved about it over and over again, I gave it a look-see. Well, to be honest, Monster High is not a cartoon that I would put on my list as "ridiculously awesome" or anything, but it's okay for kids.

Like most other contemporary cartoons, Monster High is exceptionally cheesy. It's got obvious morals and corny jokes. They highlight pop culture with puns—Justin Biter, Jaundice Brothers?—and that appeals to the kids of today. My little sister is eleven years old, so she finds these things hilarious. Her favorite is Frankie Stein, a hodge-podge female Frankenstein. There's a whole bunch of others—Cleo De Nile (a mummy), Clawdeen (a werewolf), Draculaura (a vampire), Ghoulia (not certain exactly), and Lagoona Blue (a sea monster thing).

The animation is decent for the kind of show that it is. There are animated foregrounds and backgrounds. You'll see some repeat animation (animations that have been flipped and repeated, or looping animations), but it's not as noticeable to kids. There's music as well. It sounds like whatever is on the radio now, so I'm not a huge fan, but I'm not the audience.

Overall, Monster High is a nice show for tweens to watch. They can somehow relate to these characters, I guess. They are at that awkward stage and seeing other awkward kids makes them feel normal, I suppose. If you have time, check out their YouTube channel and look around.

Monster High image via fanpop.com

Game Review | Disney's Epic Mickey

2010-12-06T12:19:00.000-05:00

Video game creators are feeling very epic this holiday season. Disney's Epic Mickey is not "epic," in my own opinion, but it is very un-Mickey. This game shows the harsh side of being a forgotten cartoon. Oswald the Lucky Rabbit has been holding a grudge against Mickey Mouse for quite some time. Now that Mickey has been dragged into a world that he ironically ruined, he has to right some wrongs—or not.

Epic Mickey allows gamers to decide whether they will be naughty or nice. You can paint and fix the places you visit, or you can choose to thin them out and destroy them. Not only does the environment get your special touch, the people do as well. You can gain their favor or you can piss them off entirely. Depending on the actions you choose, your play experience will change.

Certain tasks will help you in the end while others might cause you more work (a LOT more work). If you choose to be mean, you can miss out on special extras. If you are always nice, you might not notice a hidden path or object. In the end, whether you allow your conscience to be your guide or not, Epic Mickey is a fun, slightly different game with an engaging plot.

Graphically, you get some nice 3D atmosphere as well as some 2D, simplified animated stories. You also get some platform action while you head between projectors (and the opportunity to be part of classic Disney cartoon shorts). There are plenty of things to catch the eye—was that a Mickey Mouse phone? Yes, it was, and you can dial it. The music can be somewhat eerie at times ("It's a Small World" for example), but it matches your particular situation. Expect a somewhat nerve-wracking change in music when enemies are present.

So, if you decide to follow my somewhat erratic post, you're waiting to know whether I'd tell you to purchase this release. Well, as an avid fan of all things Disney, I recommend this game to all my fellow Disney fans. You might not be as impressed if you dislike the franchise. The play is not terribly difficult—you get unlimited lives, and the game saves automatically and often. However, for true gamers, there will be the collection aspect. I enjoy interacting with the other cartoon characters and running errands for them. This makes the gameplay richer and more entertaining. So, should you buy it? I say yes, but if you don't trust me, rent it and see for yourself.

Because of Martha (BOM): Cupcake Challenge 3/175

2010-11-29T12:46:00.001-05:00

I was busy this past weekend. Busy enough to pop out two cupcake challenges. This third challenge is the Snickerdoodle Cupcake. Are you familiar with the snickerdoodle cookie? It is delicious and one of the few cookies that I am really good at making.

So, I got my ingredients together. There was a good amount of cinnamon making an appearance. However, it was actually a fairly standard bunch of ingredients overall.

Dallas was little help. He wanted me to throw his string. He was a huge distraction during this process.

Yay, paper liners! Cleanup was a snap. I used plain white baking cups from Betty Crocker.

So, this was how my cupcakes were supposed to turn out. I didn't have the knack for piping, but let me continue. You'll see soon enough. (T-T)

Mixing was easy. My ingredients only required measuring and sifting. Talk about a simple Sunday baking project.

With my dough ready, I managed to fill my cupcake liners. Trust me when I say that it was stretching it to get 24 only because I over-filled my first batch. But 28 would have been a weird number anyway.

This is one batch coming out of the oven. They are crinkly on the top and they smelled like cinnamon heaven.

Here is where things took a turn for the worse. My piping skills were atrocious. However, I blame this partly on the fact that I don't think my frosting was stiff enough. I was just afraid of making it dry and it drying out. However, they taste really good, so I will just have to practice piping for the future. Then, I'll revisit these with the appropriate skills.

Film Review | Tangled

2010-11-29T12:27:00.002-05:00

Naturally, I have been waiting to see Tangled for some time—since nearly last year actually. Then, it was called Rapunzel, but that is neither here nor there. When it comes to animated movies, Disney holds the crown. Some of my favorites are their cell-animated feature films from the 80s and 90s. However, Tangled really showed off their skill with 3D animation (though I watched it in 2D—do you know how outrageous ticket prices have become?). Hit the jump for the full review.

Grade: B

Image via BSC Review
Tangled was presented very well. It has all that Disney magic in it and all. It was nice to have songs make another comeback. That being said, the characters in the film were thought through expertly. You can tell a lot about each one. The villain of this film was definitely a nasty one. Not Ursula, Jafar or Scar bad, but close enough. Rapunzel had some spunk. I liked that about her.

Detail in each scene was phenomenal. I can imagine that many of the scenes looked great in 3D, but I'm honestly glad I watched it flat. Some of the imagery was very nice to look at. It all felt very much like what it was. Rapunzel's hair worked out well too. In fact, hair overall looked great in Tangled. Very smooth animation there. The plot was engaging enough and I couldn't really predict every little thing that was going to happen—which is often the case with animated features.

Music was another big part of the film and they made some smart choices. The songs were well-written and they corresponded to each scene well. They also weren't annoying. They did not particularly stick in my head and now, I can only vaguely remember parts of each one.

So if you have a kid or you just wondered whether you should see Tangled, I would recommend it. It's cute enough and it isn't like all of the other princess movies. Whether you watch it in 3D is up to you, but I got the basic gist of everything without the added dimension. The only thing I have to say is that at the end, Tangled was a good movie, but there was nothing extremely amazing about it that knocked my socks off, hence the above average grade.

Because of Martha (BOM): Cupcake Challenge 2/175

2010-11-29T11:41:00.003-05:00

For any unfamiliar readers, I am a fan of Martha Stewart. She (and her genius employees, of course) is very talented at coming up with excellent recipes and crafts. I happened upon her Cupcakes cookbook and BOOM!—lightbulb. I decided since there are 175 cupcakes total, I'd do the crazy thing and make each one. This is not a Julie & Julia thing, but it is proving to be delicious. I have no set deadline or time to make cupcakes, but there are moments when you need a cupcake. In the future, I hope that this will aid me in becoming a better baker with more ideas and several tricks up my sleeve.

This installment features Pumpkin-Brown Butter Cupcakes. They seemed like a perfect Thanksgiving cupcake. They take all that is wonderful about pumpkin bread (or cookies) in cupcake form.

Like everything else, this began with gathering my ingredients. Most of these are commonly used for pumpkin, so you'll notice the nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon and light brown sugar as quite traditional. There were great deals on the price since it's baking season.

This is my hopeful outcome, but let's get started.

The recipe called for the sage to be chiffonade. I had to do a bit of research and watch a video, but I think the sage added some good flavor to the mix.

After browning my butter, I measured and combined all of my ingredients. A Kitchen-Aid mixer will save your life, trust me.

Once my dough was the proper consistency, I spooned the dough into buttered-and-floured muffin cups. No liners for this one. Talk about messy.

About 22 minutes later, these warm cupcakes were ready to come out of the oven. They smelled divine. I wish I could attach the smell of fresh pumpkin-brown butter cupcakes to this post!

Once they were completely cooled, I dipped them in brown-butter icing. Maybe they don't look exactly like the ones above, but they are kind of close and very good. I loved these! They are not ultra-sweet so the glaze gives just the right touch. Talk about a well-balanced recipe.

Images by B. and me

Film Review | Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part I)

2010-11-29T11:03:00.002-05:00

These past few weeks have been extremely busy and packed full of things to do, so I am only now getting my review for Harry Potter 7 up. I have never read any of the books for Harry Potter, so I am only basing my review from the movies and their relation to one another. That being said, I'm going to go ahead and jump right in with the review.

Grade: C+

Perhaps it is because this has been dragging out for so long, or maybe it is because the movies are not as exciting since it's the seventh one, but I was not terribly impressed by the film. Yes, it had really great special effects and most of them were used in previous versions, so I don't really think much of them in this particular one. I suppose that the story is what I'm not particularly keen about. I find it very pathetic that all of the wizards can't stand up to one guy (with no nose at that).

Personal issues aside, the film has a great score and excellent visual effects. The little elves seemed like they were there in the flesh. Of course, there was a decent amount of magic involved and some familiar faces. However, I just feel like this series has been dragged thin. There is something nice about being able to watch characters grow up on screen, but I think this is a bit much. I'll be excited next summer when the final installment is complete. I think that the tone will be a bit less dark and a bit more action-packed. This first part was very gloomy with several instances of desolate landscapes (but there are several amusing moments).

I look forward to the second part if only to end this whole series. I enjoy the films and they have a great aesthetic, but I feel that it is time for the whole thing to end. Maybe once it's over, I'll read the books. Have you seen it? What are your thoughts?

Beggar by choice

2010-11-15T14:20:00.000-05:00

For those of us that live in cities, we are aware of a population that is lumped into the term "homeless." I think that is an incorrect assumption. Over the course of the past two years, I have discovered that a better term for this population is "beggar." If you read the Bible or follow the idea of noblesse oblige, you will feel that it is your duty to help these people. They are less fortunate, they are in need—that is what we are taught believe.

However, they are not always those things. More often than not, beggars are not in their right mind, and they are addicted to drugs (or a combination of the two). Instead of giving to them, passersby flat out ignore them. When I was first hired in the city, the recession was going full force and many people were out of work. It was a hard time for everyone and I was only an intern making some odd dollars an hour.

It was during this time that I met Mike, a younger guy that sat outside of a convenience store near my workplace. He would ask for spare change every afternoon as if it were a full-time job. My mother has perhaps jaded me, but I don't believe in giving money to beggars. Instead, I would save carrot sticks or cookies from my lunch to give him. If I didn't have extra food, I would give sticks of gum. What began as, "Do you have spare change, ma'am?" became "Do you have any more gum, ma'am?" in a few short weeks.

I assumed that Mike couldn't find a job, and I pitied him because even though I was an intern, I had an income. However, as weeks turned into months and years, I have found that there is more to Mike than meets the eye. Like many other beggars, Mike does work. He is recovering from a drug problem, so his performance fluctuates, which affects how much work he gets—and that affects how much money he makes. He has a phone, he has a place to live, and he plays chess (he also has a girlfriend, which is a recent development). However, he needs additional money to make "ends" meet, by which I mean that he wants extra money.

Perhaps that is what causes me to categorize beggars differently than the homeless. It is because homeless people don't always beg for money. They are the ones that sleep between the doors of businesses to feel heat and cool air. They carry their belongings with them at all times and have a block that they call their stomping grounds. Even if offered a job, they would probably decline the opportunity in favor of the place where they feel comfortable. Being homeless is sometimes a lifestyle choice.

Both beggars and homeless people will accost you as you walk down any city street. Some of them make you feel threatened and others annoy you. Whichever extreme the person falls under, I no longer feel obligated to empty my pockets for them. Oftentimes, giving will find the beggar asking for more (or being picky about what you gave them). Instead, I will speak to them if addressed and continue on my way. When I walk down the street, I don't make a point of talking to everyone I encounter, so I just treat them the same as anyone else in the city. At the end of the day, we all have to live our lives—no one else's. So if you find yourself in the presence of a beggar, don't assume that they did not choose their current situation.

Game Review | Kirby's Epic Yarn

2010-11-08T19:20:00.001-05:00

I've played enough of the newly released Kirby's Epic Yarn to give a rather cohesive review. For those who are familiar with Kirby and all of his fluffy pinkness, this new video game will change your thoughts about him. Instead of his usual ability to suck up enemies (and spit them out or copy their abilities), you are a yarn version of Kirby. Gone are the days of sucking things up like only Kirby can. Instead, you can become various vehicles and you use your "lasso" of yarn to grab and destroy enemies or other obstacles.

I'm torn about the graphics. Some of the backgrounds are very competitive, but the imagination put into each scene is definitely worth more than a small personal issue of mine. The way that sand is shown as unraveling yarn reveals how creative and thoughtful the developers were while they made this piece. After you beat each level, you gain a patch that when properly placed allows you to continue to the next level.

Besides the usual levels, you can also bring the collected items you've found and add them to an apartment complex. If you bring all of the correct items to an apartment, a friend will move in and additional mini-games will open up to you. It's a good way to keep the gameplay fresh and give you something else to do if you are facing a difficult level.

Another nice extra is your own place. You can decorate it with anything you find in the levels. Thanks to the beads scattered all over Patch Land, you can purchase more objects or wallpaper/flooring from the stores.

So, if you enjoy the standard platform game but want a bit of a twist, Kirby's Epic Yarn will definitely be worth your hard-earned money. It's great for kids because you can't really die. If you have a friend over, they can even join the fun and you can play the day away.

Film Review | Megamind

2010-11-07T19:19:00.001-05:00

I am always excited to see cartoon films. If you have read my blog for a while, you'll know that I generally see most animated feature-length films while they are still in theaters. Since Harry Potter and Tangled are coming out later this month, I expected Megamind to be a decent film for a lazy Sunday afternoon to tide me over until these come out. To be honest with you, I am not a huge fan of 3D, so I watched Megamind in good, old-fashioned 2D and I enjoyed the whole thing. Hit the jump for the full review (with spoilers).

Grade: B

Megamind begins at the end of the tale. It starts showing the film's namesake falling through the air. To bring the audience up to speed, Megamind narrates the film back to the very beginning of his fateful life. It goes through why he became evil and the storyline was fairly great. Will Ferrell did a great job of bringing Megamind to life and you actually enjoy how silly he is, instead of evil.

However, B. (from iCantbelieveable) pointed out that the storyline is one that has been around for some time. It highlights a "bad" guy that transforms into a "good" guy and gets the girl. Yet I have to say that despite the tired idea behind the film, Dreamworks brought the story to life in a new way.

The best thing about the film besides the fun music are the graphics. Even without watching the film in 3D, it looks amazing! There are all kinds of things to give your eyes a surprise overload. The colors pop, the animation is fluid, and the voices match so well. It was an extremely well-presented film and one that is good for both kids and parents. If anything, the silliness of Megamind will keep you laughing (and you will laugh many times throughout the film).

So, if you have some extra money, some extra time and a hankering for a fun-filled animated feature film, then get out to your local theatre to watch Megamind. I think that you'll enjoy it. If you have kids, it's a plus because they will enjoy it too. Let me know if you watch it and what you think.

Because of Martha (BOM): Cupcake Challenge 1/175

2010-11-07T19:02:00.001-05:00

A recent purchase at Barnes & Noble has prompted me to challenge myself in the way that only a nerd like me would. When I noticed that the Martha Stewart's Cupcakes cookbook has 175 recipes, I thought that I may as well make each recipe. Don't start thinking Julie & Julia. I just thought that this challenge would help me improve at baking with extra sweet results.

To begin, I thought it made sense to start with the very first recipe, which happens to be Chocolate Chip Cupcakes. It gathered my ingredients taking extra special care to follow the directions that were outlined (and even more, the amounts of ingredients). Other than a quick run to get unsalted butter because of my terrible math skills, I was ready to go.

I began by mixing together my ingredients for the cupcakes. The recipe yields thirty cupcakes (exactly for me) and they were really beautiful on their pans both before and after baking. They took about twenty minutes a tin.

While I waited for the cupcakes to bake, I worked on the frosting. It was a dark chocolate frosting that tasted really delicious alone (trust me!).

After cooling, I decorated the cupcakes and served them up for my sisters. They are quite sweet, which I was not expecting. Although I love chocolate frosting, I think that perhaps it was too much chocolate to go with the chocolate chip cupcakes. One snag I ran into with the frosting is that it has flecks of chocolate in it instead of being perfectly smooth. I think this was due to me cooling my melted chocolate too much. However, they are great cupcakes and they taste nice plain if you don't like frosting! Look forward to my next installment of my BOM: Cupcake Challenge coming later this month.

Recipe from Martha Stewart Cupcakes. You can purchase online or in any book store.

The digital book

2010-11-05T16:42:00.000-04:00

As eReaders become the choice of readers, I become more and more sad. There are several nice things about eReaders, don't get me wrong. I have one too! You can read while being jostled around a crowded Metro. No need to flip pages, so you are able to hold onto a pole. They are slim and fit in most any bag. Most eReaders have great cases and other accessories.

What is the problem, then? You wonder. Well, with this move to the digital book, there are at least three things that bother me:

I can't lend my library to someone else. Being able to pass a book on to a friend when you finish it can fuel a later conversation. However, it isn't as easy with eReaders when you use it to read the books that you have saved on it.
You lose the conversation. Have you ever spoken with someone simply because they saw the jacket of your book? At times, these small exchanges lead to even more book recommendations or a new friend.
It's no longer personal. Having your own book makes it real and it makes it yours. You can write your name inside of it. You can doodle in the margins if you want (though that is not my preferred way to treat my own books). With things being digital, you don't have the same ownership. The book goes from being special to being another file on your computer's hard drive.

So, don't take this the wrong way. EReaders are helpful for many people and they come in handy often. Just don't forget that printed books save trees and start jobs. There is something about a book that I love and enjoy. What about you? Just how digital are you?

Artist Spotlight | Marian Bantjes

2010-10-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

Last night, I had the pleasure of listening to Marian Bantjes promote her newly released book titled I Wonder. In an almost comical statement, she said that she could hardly describe exactly what this work is about in less than two minutes. I agree.

For a bit of background, Marian Bantjes is an artist/graphic designer/illustrator/writer. She dropped out of art school and began working at a printer where she developed a love of type and typography. After a 10 year career there, she and a friend started a business together. They worked together for quite some time and Ms. Bantjes eventually realized that it was not what she wanted to do. She gave her portion of the company to her friend and after four years, she discovered what it was that she wanted to do.

If you have ever seen her work, it is meticulously detailed with lots of subtle repetition and careful placement. She is inspired by illuminated texts, religious ornamentation, heraldry and more. I discovered her like a child discovers an artist from days past. Without knowing who she is, you might have seen her work. She has graced the covers of several magazines and even designed materials for Nieman Marcus. Surprisingly, she works with many American and international companies despite the fact that she is from—and lives—in Canada.

For more information about Marian, visit her website. She explains more about herself and her influences/inspiration/history/you name it. You can look at all of her beautifully executed pieces and maybe buy I Wonder so you can sit down and read through it (I thoroughly enjoyed it to be honest).

Image of Marian Bantjes via Computer Arts

I'll whip my hair back and forth

2010-10-20T10:20:00.000-04:00

You know, I recall my mother avidly hating the music that my sisters and I listened to when we were children. In many ways, it is almost like a tradition—parents will dislike your music and you will in turn dislike the music your children enjoy. However, as I grew older, I understood the reasons why my mother did not like the music that I sang and memorized from the radio. The true meanings behind the lyrics weren't appropriate for someone of my age and it was a big change from the music that she liked.

However, while I can appreciate the oldies that my mother likes, I can still like the music I listened to when I grew up. Yet the music of this generation is not really that appealing to me. There are artists that come out with fairly good music, but I feel that the story is now something that I don't relate to any longer. While kids devour these manufactured songs that have little to no purpose, I explore songs that have been out for years and rediscover old favorites—or keep to the artists that aren't as mainstream.

So, when Willow Smith's song came out, it was something that actually made me laugh. She's a nine-year old with a definite style of her own creation. Her confidence in her choice of dress and hair-do—though unusual—should be inspiring. Not many have the bravery to do something that the world might not like or that will cause others to stare. People become slaves of conformity. While I received stares and giggles for wearing harem pants to the grocery store one day, it was my own thing and my own style (they were the rage in Paris, but it hasn't caught on in the US).

Even though Willow Smith is taking a Lady Gaga route in some people's opinions, I must applaud her. She is not doing anything too grown in her video and her lyrics are playful and amusing. If anything, she makes a great role model for the kids of today. She shows that she can be something great at nine years old, even if the adults of today don't like it. With that in mind, check out her music video, it might just make you whip your hair back and forth.

Now in season

2010-10-19T15:23:00.000-04:00

I love candy corn, if for no other reason than the fact that they are candy. Hope you are preparing for a fun Halloween, reader. If not, enjoy this literal eye candy.

Image via Wikimedia Commons

Film Review | Red

2010-10-18T13:09:00.000-04:00

To be completely honest with you, reader, I did not know much about Red, but I wanted to see it. Unlike most of my movie picks, I didn't check out the official site or follow it avidly until it opened. Instead, I saw one glimpse of Helen Mirren shooting someone followed by quick shots of Morgan Freeman and Bruce Willis. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised after watching this engaging film. Hit the jump for the full review (sans spoilers).

Grade: A-

In some ways, Red felt a bit like Joseph Heller's Closing Time (the sequel to his popular Catch-22). Former CIA-agents are having a difficult time adjusting to being older. They are retired and they cannot really enjoy their new "freedom." Instead, they all live in a sort of routine finding pleasure in little things, but remaining rather unhappy.

Bruce Willis is the main character, Frank. He was one of the best agents of his time and is now living in a sleepy town. He finds joy in speaking with a pension claims associate—Sarah—over the phone, so he tears up his checks to keep in contact with her. When he is targeted, he must not only find and half kidnap, half rescue her while reconnecting with other CIA-agents, but he must also find out the skinny for the sudden death threats.

The cinematography is very well executed. Between locations, they use postcards to show the new cities and it adds a really nice touch to the film overall. There are all kinds of explosions and shootouts to satiate the action-enthusiast in all of us. There is blood and the assassins aren't really killed in the kindest of ways, so if you are squeamish, you might be closing your eyes—but hey, this is action, why would you see this kind of movie if you can't take a bit of blood.

The actors are a real hodgepodge of favorites for me. Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren and Richard Dreyfuss bring a lot of character to the film. Something about people the age of your grandparents running around kicking some serious butt is enjoyable to watch. The characters' quirks were well-considered and the plot was organized well.

So should you see it? Well, I truly enjoyed this film. It had a bit of a somber tone to it as it brings death and the idea of growing old into the mix, but it was worth the money. Though I paid matinee price, I don't think I would've felt it was overpriced during regular hours. If you have some time, go ahead and visit your local theatre for a good fall film.

Be water, my friend

2010-10-15T00:55:00.000-04:00

Earlier this year, I remember reading an article about how little we (as humans) know about water. It is an elusive topic and one that is being brought to the forefront as Blog Action Day 2010 kicks off. Water covers nearly three-quarters of the earth's surface, yet it remains a mystery. Space travel is like a thing of the past, yet what lies beneath the ocean continues to daunt scientists.

Water is so versatile. It can soothe, it can refresh, it can relax, it can clean, it can power. Water is also dangerous. It can flood a village, it can freeze onto roads, it can rush onto beaches and it can sink a ship. Water can also be completely breathtaking and it can provide energy. Yet somehow, despite its faces, water is essential for each of us. Unlike manufactured beverages like soda and wine, water requires no other ingredients—it is the way it is. Every creature requires water to survive and water is part of nearly every aspect of our lives.

Perhaps that is why it is a shame that we know so little about it. Statistics float to the surface every now and then—did you know that we use less than 1% of the world's available water? —but it seems that nothing ever comes out of them. There are still more than 800 million people worldwide that do not have access to healthy, clean drinking water. The majority of water on Earth is found in the oceans. Although costs of desalination are decreasing, it is still rather expensive to convert salt water to drinking water—and that does not work for the poor countries that need water the most.

How can we know more about water? What will truly raise our awareness of what it is? We gain so much from our oceans, rivers and lakes. We (as humans) are also not the only ones that need and use water. The sea life that inhabits Earth's waters are also affected by our knowledge. This great balance that water provides to the other elements is responsible for our survival and if we are to survive, I believe we should learn more.

Though I continue to talk about learning more about the world's water, I don't want it to seem like we are completely uninformed. However, while many aspects of life are placed on pedestals—oil consumption and energy, technology, and "green" living/sustainability—water is always pushed to the background. Projects to provide drinking water or to advance our knowledge of water generally fail or are underfunded. However, efforts are being made to remedy this fact and providing water to poor countries can be accomplished. By signing the petition to build an International Water Treaty providing everyone in the world with clean water, you can take action.

For more information about water, visit Water.org. If you would like to know more about Blog Action Day 2010 and how you can be involved, visit BlogActionDay.org.

If only I smelled like a monster...

2010-10-14T09:42:00.000-04:00

Game Review | Sonic 4

2010-10-14T09:36:00.001-04:00

After much waiting, I finally downloaded Sonic 4: Episode 1 from Nintendo's WiiWare on Monday. I had been looking forward to this moment for quite some time and I honestly was not unimpressed. The game has the same side-scrolling charm. The enemies look quite similar to their classic counterparts, but they have been updated with better rendering. Even the rings are looking shiny and new. For the full review, please hit the jump.

The best part of the game is being able to replay the stages you have been to before. I used to enjoy some of the levels in Sonic 2 and it was sad when you completed it unable to return again. These newer levels are much more dynamic than the older ones. You can go in so many directions that it's almost more interesting to explore than to beat the level. The item boxes are still around (I used to think of them as televisions when I was younger), so you can grab invincibility, shields, speed shoes and more. The Special Stages are fun and much easier to get into than they were in Sonic 3—finding those rings was so annoying. With the ability to replay levels, you can easily snag a chance to try for an emerald (that's nice but a bit too convenient).

However, with the good often comes the bad. While this new Sonic is new and wonderful and filled with nostalgia and charm, it also is a bit easy. I've only gone through the first Act and boss battle, but it seems like the Sonic Team was afraid of letting players die. First of all, there is this targeting ability. If it is active—indicated by a red, flashing target—you can press the 2 button and automatically zoom onto whatever it is. This could destroy an enemy or attract you to a bumper of some sort. Either way, it makes it simpler to get through the level quickly. Secondly, the only challenging enemy in the game thus far is the chameleon that manages to rob you of your coins by suddenly appearing and shooting a ball of fire at you.

In terms of music, it is similar to older Sonic offerings. It gets you through the game and is appropriate really. The graphics are nice, but they don't really match up. In some ways, the background graphics don't seem as fresh as Sonic or the rings that you gather. The invincibility stars could have been handled better as well. However, you don't lose yourself in the game, so that's a plus.

So, I know that you want the skinny. Should you get this game? Well, if you are an avid gamer and a Sonic fan, why not? If you are not as passionate, it's probably not worth the $15. This is episode one, so you can expect future Sonic games, so if you want a series of games that don't require much of a time investment, this might be perfect for you. In other words, I would suggest that you only buy this game if you enjoy the series or you are a casual gamer. Otherwise, I'm not sure it's worth the money.

Thursday Traffic | 14 October

2010-10-14T08:51:00.006-04:00

I've been a bit busy these past couple weeks working on some things. That explains my lack of blogging and my sudden interest in "busy-ness". See, many people today lead very busy lives. Some are busy in five hour meetings that would have served better as a ten-minute pow-wow around a water cooler. A few others are busy complaining about how busy they are. Others are busy looking busy so that no one suspects that they aren't busy. In fact, being busy is something that is almost expected of us.

Have you heard that saying, "An idle mind is the devil's workshop"? I must disagree. First of all, what most of us are busy doing does not matter in the long run. The things that people nearly kill themselves to accomplish could be completed at a normal pace and still yield the same results. Secondly, while it is excellent to be engaged in projects for the health of your mind, being too busy causes stress and can result in more harm than good. Third, there is no need to be so busy that we are not able to spend time with our friends, family and other people that matter to us.

So are you too busy to take a moment and breathe? If so, don't pat yourself on the back and do a victory dance. Instead, reflect on where your time went and how it was spent. We live in a fast-paced society nowadays. We no longer have to wait two weeks or more for a letter to reach a friend overseas (then, an additional amount of time to receive a response). The convenience of cell phones, modern agriculture and packaging, the internet and transportation have revolutionized our way of life. Because of this, I believe that we shouldn't be as busy—if anything, we should have more time to spend doing things that we like instead of busy work.

What do you think?

Photo via flickr/Techne

What the Hunch? I've been interviewed!

2010-09-28T21:20:00.004-04:00

For the first time ever, I have been interviewed. Read the full scoop on Hunch!

Image of yours truly by yours truly

Words you might enjoy(e): Installment IV

2010-09-27T09:15:00.002-04:00

I haven't blogged about a word in quite some time. I was reading a book today that I haven't read in ages and I came across the word widdershins.

Widdershins basically means to take a course opposite the apparent motion of the sun (Northern Hemisphere). Also, it can refer to circling an object counter-clockwise. You can think of widdershins as the opposite direction as usual.

(via Wikipedia)

International House of...

2010-09-16T11:15:00.003-04:00

I read an article this morning about IHOP (that would be the well-known, often 24-hour restaurant, which is the International House of Pancakes) suing IHOP (this is the 24/7 International House of Prayer) for using their name illegally. Now, I understand that IHOP is really unique and you know what it is without even saying the whole name—it's like the USO now in that way—but exactly how is the International House of Prayer using their name illegally? IHOP argues that the organization is using their name to attract visitors.

As an aside, basically, you cannot use the same name when you are competing for the same market. So you can't have two department stores named Target. That's infringement. I am so curious as to how the International House of Prayer is competing with the International House of Pancakes. My thoughts?

They are stealing their paying customers because these people have decided to pray instead of munch on pancakes.
They have completely ripped off their logo and building style and are wearing the blue uniforms to persuade possible customers to pray.
They are making pancakes and giving them to people who come to pray for free.

No, really, all jokes aside, I think this is a case that didn't need to happen. I am giving IHOP some mercy and assuming that they spoke to this International House of Prayer prior to taking them to court. The responsible action would have been for faux-IHOP to change their name. So always be certain to check out any name ideas online before using them so you avoid this kind of situation. What are your thoughts about all this?

Pac-Man-ia

2010-09-14T22:29:00.001-04:00

I don't want my MTV

2010-09-13T08:23:00.005-04:00

You know how when you were younger, you'd always say to yourself, "I'll never be like my parents" or something along those lines? Well, even if you haven't, I usually thought that when I was in trouble or I wanted to do something and was told no. However, one thing I never agreed with my mother on was music.

When you are young, you fall in love with certain bands and it seems that your parents are bound to hate them due to some genetic trait that causes them to dislike everything you find interesting. My mom would always say that what we listened to wasn't music. She would go on an on about "real music" which was just oldies to me at the time. Now, I have an appreciation for the oldies and my childhood favorites after watching the VMAs on MTV.

First of all, as you all know, MTV is no longer "music television." It's just MTV. It has become a haven for reality television and digitally remastered musicians. There are still good artists out there, but they aren't that mainstream. While I switched between the VMAs and the football game last night, all I heard from the stage performances was noise. There wasn't much else. So when did I become my mother? Why did I start disliking this music? Three reasons:

Music isn't about lyrics anymore—Have you listened to some of the things these artists talk about? I hate listening to the radio because the songs are so pointless. That is if I can even make out what they are saying.

Music isn't about music anymore—The digital beats are sometimes catchy and creative, but more often than not, they are sampled parts of other artist's songs. Talk about being unoriginal. Even worse is that people don't have to be good singers anymore because they digitally enhance their voices.

Music isn't about anything anymore—Music used to mean something to artists. They were expressing ideas or supporting causes. Nowadays, they are just talking about any old thing. The meaning has changed and I don't like the direction it's gone in.

I wont judge you if you like today's music. I just don't feel like I hear much that is worth listening to. What are your thoughts?

Image via Multnomah County Library

Spool of thread

2010-09-09T11:19:00.005-04:00

Yes, readers, I am now on threadless. I would love to create something awesome that you'd like to spend your money on—you know, if you were looking to spend money anyway? Check back every few days so you can vote on my submission, Circuit-tree (if it is approved). The little widget in my sidebar makes it easy for you to keep track.

Thanks for your support!

Image via yours truly

Now I lay me down to sleep...

2010-09-08T14:17:00.003-04:00

I stumbled across this awesome post about the (and I quote) "Most Coolest Beds," and I decided to share them with you. If you have time, check out WHATtheCOOL for other fun stuff.

What the Hunch?

2010-09-08T12:50:00.003-04:00

Halloween is coming up next month and the new costumes are fresh on the racks. If you are trying to decide what to be, there is a hunch for that.

Halloween Costumes - get personalized recommendations at Hunch.com

Television Season

2010-09-08T12:20:00.004-04:00

That's right, ladies and gents! With the coming of fall, television networks are about ready to queue up their offerings for our viewing pleasure. What will I be watching? Well, just hit the jump and find out!

These are the shows that I will definitely tune into this fall:

Community (NBC): The second season of Community will hopefully be as hilarious and quirky as the first season. For more about Community, visit the official site.

Dexter (Showtime): My favorite killer dealer returns for yet another season. Dexter Morgan has to face the loss of Rita and his constant struggle with the "dark passenger". For more about Dexter, visit the official site.

Fringe (FOX): Despite a bit of a disappointing finale last season, I'm looking forward to some alternate-world vs. regular world action. For more about Fringe, visit the official site.

Outsourced (NBC): The first season Outsourced will debut this fall and I think it will be entertaining to say the least. For sneak peaks and such, visit the official site.

Cartoon Chatter | My Life as a Teenage Robot

2010-09-08T11:14:00.003-04:00

Every now and then, a cartoon comes out that is funny and somewhat moralistic. Enter My Life as a Teenage Robot. This Frederator produced cartoon had a rather good soundtrack, decent animation and a fairly good storyline. Most episodes have a moral, but unlike other cartoons, you aren't knocked over the head with it.

XJ-9 (better known as Jenny) is a teenage robot created by scientist Nora Wakeman to protect Earth from alien invasions and other disasters. Instead of taking this responsibility seriously, Jenny prefers to hang out with her friend Brad and his brother Tucker. She has her share of odd encounters and romantic interests.

Perhaps what I like most about My Life as a Teenage Robot is that it presents a bit of a homage to animation greats Walt Disney and Otto Messmer. The popular hangout spot for Jenny and her friends is a spot called Mezmer's that has a black cat on its roof (Otto Mesmer created Felix the Cat). One episode pits glove-wearing mice in red shorts against Jenny (Mickey Mouse anyone?). These little Easter eggs are fun for me to see and hearken back to the beginnings of animation. While there are not any new episodes, you can catch some reruns on Nicktoons.

Image via flicker/Fred Seibert

Paper Plane

2010-08-26T22:47:00.002-04:00

I enjoyed this video by Margherita Premuroso and I hope that you all do as well. If you have time to watch, it's less than a minute.

Paper Plane from Margherita Premuroso on Vimeo.

Thursday Traffic | 26 August

2010-08-26T11:41:00.007-04:00

Not all traffic is on the road. The largest amount of traffic some of us face is found in the workplace. Projects flying onto your desk so rapidly that you feel like someone just cut in front of you when you were on a roll. Summertime is busy at my job. When you experience lulls in the rush, you start to get a bit used to the relaxed pace. That is until you find yourself on a clogged highway and realize that you are behind schedule. However, that's not the point.

Today, people worldwide woke up (mostly to the sound of some alarm), got dressed, maybe ate breakfast and went on their merrily way to work. It's a never-ending cycle. As you read those last two sentences, approximately eighteen babies were born and they will be ready to do the same thing eighteen years from now. As many other twenty-somethings have mused, what is the point of it all? Why work? Is having a job the only way to live in society?

We work because it is the easiest and most common way to make a profit. You could probably make the same amount of money doing some illegal dealings if you don't like the job market. Yet there are the fortunate few that make a living doing something other than working a normal 9-to-5. However, I think the reason why people work (other than making money) is because working is a way to make something of yourself. Your hard work—or the lack thereof—is a way for you to leave a legacy. So even though working might not be your forte or your favorite thing to do, it has its benefits. Oh, that's another reason some people work, those benefits can be better than your pay.

Hopefully my random musings have given you a few thoughts to mull over. Come back next Thursday for more traffic.

Image via dc.streetsblog.org

Author Spotlight | Terry Pratchett

2010-08-26T11:27:00.004-04:00

Thanks to my friend, I have been introduced to the imaginative and creatively worded novels of Terry Pratchett. I've started my journey of his Discworld Collection with The Truth. It is the kind of book that throws puns and politics to you all at the same time. There is something for everyone—vampires, werewolves, zombies, people, dwarfs and imps. Oh, did I mention that there is also magic? If you like a good fantasy novel, give Terry Pratchett's extensive library of options a try. You can read his Discworld collection or something more individual—it's all up to you. For more about Terry Pratchett, head over to his site. If you like organization and online orders, check out Barnes & Noble (yes, I shamelessly promote my preferred bookstore of choice).

Photo via extra quick internet search

Eye popping

2010-08-26T11:15:00.002-04:00

Illustrator Tiago Hoisel brings life and lots of color to his illustrations. If you have been in need of some eye candy, there is plenty for you to feast upon if you click here. For some more of my favorites, hit the jump.

ALL illustrations by Tiago Hoisel; story via Designers Couch

Thursday Traffic | 12 August

2010-08-12T20:13:00.003-04:00

I know, it's been a while since I posted about Thursday traffic, but don't dismay—it's back! I was caught in two storms during the traffic today, once on the way to work and once on the way home. It was the kind of storm that catches you off guard and makes you feel out of place. The sky darkened and a sheet of rain seemed to fall from the sky in an instant. It was during this moment that I thought about how much can change in the blink of an eye.

It seems that when we turn 10 or so, we begin reminiscing and thinking about how our lives have been and start to consider what our lives could be in the future. (wait, was that just me thinking that?) Then, when we become teenagers and start to compare ourselves to whatever else is in the world, we begin to imagine what our lives would have been like "if." We think, what if I had been like this person or what if I knew about that then. It's then that I feel we begin to decide who we really are—our personality becomes more defined and we start to take "control" of our lives.

I put control in quotes because I feel that though we have our own thoughts and preferences, we have very little control over the things outside of them. For example, though someone may hate cigarette smoke, a person can still be smoking near them. In the end, we can decide that we want something, but we might not always have the means or the method to achieve it.

Yet despite storms and other obstacles, I feel that we all have certain dreams that we cannot deny ourselves. Thing we want to accomplish more than anything—a purpose to achieve. So though for a moment today, I looked out of the window of the bus wondering how the weather might affect me. But I still knew that I had a destination I needed to reach and as we live our lives, we are all heading for our places, our destinies.

So long, farewell, aufwiedersehen, goodbye

2010-08-11T11:12:00.003-04:00

First of all, don't freak out, I'm not closing my blog or anything. I just wanted to talk about farewells. I have noticed that my friends differ on how they end telephone conversations with me. One friend was adamant about never saying "goodbye". She would say "see you later" instead even though we haven't met up in a few years. Other friends don't really say anything. The conversation just kind of fizzles into a "well...I'll talk with you later" or "enjoy the rest of your day" kind of deal.

It's not only an issue found in American conversation. In Germany, you can hang up saying "Aufwiederhoren" meaning "hear you later" or "Tshüß" meaning "bye". These distinctions are part of who we are, I think. People who don't happily say "goodbye" might be afraid of losing friends or acquaintances. I'm not sure, but I've noticed it a lot over the past few weeks. How do you react when some says "goodbye" to you? Is it fine? Are you upset? Do you say "goodbye"?

Cartoon Chatter | Tiny Toon Adventures

2010-08-04T22:59:00.006-04:00

They're tiny, they're toon-y, they're all a little loony! Yeah, every time they invaded my TV and I was taken in by the poppy, easily-stuck-in-your-head theme song of Tiny Toon Adventures (better known as Tiny Toons), I was a little loony too. Oh what a loon I was. The best and most obvious thing about the show was that it took the famous and popular Warner Bros. characters like Bugs Bunny, Daffy and Porky Pig and turned them into miniature, alternate versions of themselves modeled after the kids of the 90s.

Most episodes were filled with several small skits and usually had one music video involved (these were the glory days of music videos, you know). I still remember "The Name Game" (you can skip to 0:40 if you'd like) and "Particle Man" because they were so comical and funny. Unlike the moral heavy Disney cartoons of the time, WB proved that they didn't always need to beat you over the head with virtues to make a good show.

I'm sure that if it aired now, it wouldn't be as popular as it was then, but truly, Tiny Toons definitely deserves a moment in the limelight because it was a great show. In addition, Sega created a great Tiny Toon Adventures game called Buster's Treasure that I liked playing. But hey, those were the good ol' days of cartoons (said like someone a lot older than myself, I know).