...ignorance is most certainly bliss.
That's all.
That's all.
Wednesday, 29 February 2012
Tuesday, 28 February 2012
- Berlioz was a music critic
- Uruguay became totally independent in 1828.
- Domingo Faustino Sarmiento was known for his progressive policies.
- TBA
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* * *
Been rewatching Sherlock BBC (season 1). I like it even better this time around...21st century setting, fantastic music, wonderfully choppy dialogue, and Benedict Cumberbatch. You can see him thinking. You can see it in his face. That's chiefly how he reminds me of Jeremy Brett. Cumberbatch, of course, plays Holmes much like he was in A Study in Scarlet. There's a brilliant balance between genius and childishness, especially at the ending of "Study in Pink". He can't resist the temptation of proving himself right or, at least, of proving he's insusceptible to the killer's best spiel.
Anyway. Yes, he's eccentric. But I like his eccentricity. If he weren't a stoic, he'd have a hard time being himself--people make fun of him as it is. Obviously, not a good idea to be quite so stoic as Sherlock. Still, I relate to him because he is himself and he is different than everybody else and he doesn't let it bother him. That takes a lot of guts.
Sunday, 26 February 2012
 | |
| Gen. Santa Anna. "Quite a character." |
Latin American History...summaries on General Santa Anna, Benito Juarez, and possibly Juan Manuel de Rosas. And then the names/nationalities of all the dictators ("caudillos") who started out good, turned bad, and were overthrown. And some battles.
US History...summaries on the Republic of Texas, Mexican-American War, and Abraham Lincoln. Pre-Civil War and Civil War eras. Not too bad.
Modern Conflicts...summaries on African conflicts and a couple of other topics we haven't covered yet. Then about two dozen separatist movements in Africa and the Americas and probably Asia. Then some names of political leaders. I'll be lucky if I remember the separatist movements.
The lowest test score is dropped, but I'm one of those irrational people who attends every test and wants to earn a lowest test score of A+ (ha!).
 |
| A secondary character from the books. |
As an aside, my brains are overflowing with ideas for my historical fantasy/adventure trilogy. To be more specific, it follows the early reigns of three queens of a (fictitious) country--grandmother, daughter, granddaughter--at the very end of the monarchy. They each have different personalities, different strengths, different people to deal with.
It's not real historical fiction, but roughly speaking, it extends from the late 1700s to the mid 1800s, though more in the psychological than literal sense. Some might call it "alternate history", but it's not meant to replace or speculate about real history. As an author/reader who loves anything like historical fantasy or steampunk, I've been debating on how to balance history with fantasy, even considering the coexistence of smartphones and horse-drawn carriages... In the end, I resigned myself to a strictly historical-based setting. For this series, at least. ;)
Saturday, 25 February 2012
The Idiot (1958), based on the book by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Synopsis
My overall rating: 3 out of 5 stars
This was one of those films that you don't completely enjoy but finish it anyway. It's even more unusual because it's two hours long yet only covers the first half of the story (if that). In some ways, it might be for the best--the first half makes for a better ending than the second half, though if you haven't read the book it will seem exceedingly abrupt.
What I loved about this adaptation is Prince Myshkin. He's practically perfect casting (apart from the "crazy eyes", a common attribute in this movie). Just as in the book, Myshkin is the driving character in the story, and Yuriy Yakovlev is able to capture his whole range of personality--naivete, pity, nervousness, and grief. In the book, Myshkin becomes weaker and weaker towards the ending, but had they filmed the second half, I think Myshkin would certainly have come across as likeable as he is at the start.
Another pro is the fact this movie is in Russian. Having tried to watch the War & Peace miniseries a couple of weeks ago, I can vouch that watching Brits portray Russians is as distracting as watching Americans play Austrians. So The Idiot, fortunately, is in Russian with decent English subtitles, and the frequent overacting is sometimes a bonus for non-Russian speakers who can't understand the nuances.
At the same time, the overacting is a con. PEOPLE SCREAM A LOT IN THIS MOVIE. It gets wearisome.
There's a couple instances of nasty name-calling--other than that, it's a family-friendly film. Just as in the book, Myshkin stands out as an humble, forgiving character when everyone else is swallowed up in their bitterness. The proposal scene was particularly well-done. The sets are very dark, and practically every house is decorated in red--think the Nautilus submarine, only darker.
Overall, I wouldn't recommend this film unless you are looking for an adaptation of the book. It's incomplete and very slow-paced. However, if you're bored, or simply interested in watching a Russian-language film, you might find The Idiot worthwhile.
Synopsis
My overall rating: 3 out of 5 stars
This was one of those films that you don't completely enjoy but finish it anyway. It's even more unusual because it's two hours long yet only covers the first half of the story (if that). In some ways, it might be for the best--the first half makes for a better ending than the second half, though if you haven't read the book it will seem exceedingly abrupt.
What I loved about this adaptation is Prince Myshkin. He's practically perfect casting (apart from the "crazy eyes", a common attribute in this movie). Just as in the book, Myshkin is the driving character in the story, and Yuriy Yakovlev is able to capture his whole range of personality--naivete, pity, nervousness, and grief. In the book, Myshkin becomes weaker and weaker towards the ending, but had they filmed the second half, I think Myshkin would certainly have come across as likeable as he is at the start.
Another pro is the fact this movie is in Russian. Having tried to watch the War & Peace miniseries a couple of weeks ago, I can vouch that watching Brits portray Russians is as distracting as watching Americans play Austrians. So The Idiot, fortunately, is in Russian with decent English subtitles, and the frequent overacting is sometimes a bonus for non-Russian speakers who can't understand the nuances.
At the same time, the overacting is a con. PEOPLE SCREAM A LOT IN THIS MOVIE. It gets wearisome.
There's a couple instances of nasty name-calling--other than that, it's a family-friendly film. Just as in the book, Myshkin stands out as an humble, forgiving character when everyone else is swallowed up in their bitterness. The proposal scene was particularly well-done. The sets are very dark, and practically every house is decorated in red--think the Nautilus submarine, only darker.
Overall, I wouldn't recommend this film unless you are looking for an adaptation of the book. It's incomplete and very slow-paced. However, if you're bored, or simply interested in watching a Russian-language film, you might find The Idiot worthwhile.
Thursday, 23 February 2012
See this?
This is no mere notebook. This is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance. In all gravitas, this is the rewrite of Rosamunda, my historical fantasy book. Those papers tucked in the back cover are the first draft (2/3), saved for reference. I've tried before several times to rewrite it, but now my writer's block is finally gone and this is the real deal. <3
My sibs deserve some credit, by the way. My brother gave me the "finish the books you started!" lecture that I needed, and he helped brainstorm a name for a character in the sequel (it's gonna be a trilogy!). My sister commiserates with me when I have author's angst and listens/contributes patiently to my chatty character analysis & plot twist discussion. And she's a fan of my steampunk protagonist. Which book I'm also going to start working on again. <3 (I'm also going to try posting more regularly at my writing blog.)
Excuse all the hearts.
Speaking of hearts...some of my latest 'glimpses of goodness'. Yeah, weather often makes it to the list. What can I say--I love clouds.
This is no mere notebook.
My sibs deserve some credit, by the way. My brother gave me the "finish the books you started!" lecture that I needed, and he helped brainstorm a name for a character in the sequel (it's gonna be a trilogy!). My sister commiserates with me when I have author's angst and listens/contributes patiently to my chatty character analysis & plot twist discussion. And she's a fan of my steampunk protagonist. Which book I'm also going to start working on again. <3 (I'm also going to try posting more regularly at my writing blog.)
Excuse all the hearts.
Speaking of hearts...some of my latest 'glimpses of goodness'. Yeah, weather often makes it to the list. What can I say--I love clouds.
Wednesday, 22 February 2012
Monday, 20 February 2012
Saturday, 18 February 2012
I've seen this on a few other blogs, and it looks like a lot of fun! Hosted by Kellie at Accordion to Kellie.
Well, I'm a Christian, homeschool graduate, writer, and college student working towards a comp sci major. I live in the Pacific Northwest, my favoritest place on terra firma. Consequently, I own two umbrellas which I rarely use, and have an almost vampirical distrust of sunlight (just kidding).
Marian Halcombe (The Woman in White), Tatyana Larina (Eugene Onegin), Amy Dorrit (Little Dorrit), and Alice (Alice's Adventures in Wonderland).
Kidnapped, Under Western Eyes, Shirley, Moby-Dick, and Heart of Darkness.
Tie between Alan Breck Stewart (Kidnapped) and Razumov (Under Western Eyes). They're both pretty complex characters. Alan is kind of annoying and egotistic on the surface, but deep-down he means well and is a true patriot. And Razumov is a person who leads a hardworking, upright life until circumstances tempt him into bitter revenge. It's fascinating to read the character arcs of both of these guys.
Starbuck (Moby-Dick). He doesn't know whether to stage a mutiny and go against his pacifist beliefs, or stand back and let Ahab destroy the crew. It's a lose-lose situation, and Starbuck acts as conscientiously as he can.
Rome--city tour and catacombs, England--Lakes, Scotland--highlands, and maybe the Galapagos Islands.
I don't really have a favorite. Good books are good!
Probably a violin/cello duet with my sister!
Probably Jane Eyre. But if I wanted to go all out, I'd dress up as Marguerite Blakeney (The Scarlet Pimpernel), with a super extravagant ball gown...
I love chocolate, but fortunately it's not addicting for me.
Right now, Joseph Conrad and Lewis Carroll. They're awesome and underrated.
An open mind...
Probably a tie between 19th and 20th.
Sherlock Holmes (surprise!). I decided that when I was 9 or 10, haha.
A two-storey colonial-style house on a hill overlooking the Puget Sound.
Traditional, practical, plain, sweaters, grey.
Only my own characters', but that doesn't happen often.
Totsky (The Idiot), closely followed by Dr Moreau (The Island of Dr Moreau).
The Bible, A Tangled Tale (Carroll), and Through the Magic Door (Doyle).
Playing piano, taking photos, blogging.
I actually own my dream hat. It's a brown fur-trapper hat with fur trim. I've been tempted to add a pair of goggles for a true steampunk look, but my family wouldn't be thrilled...
"Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." (Ecclesiastes 12:13b)
Introduce yourself! Divulge your life's vision, likes, dislikes, aspirations, or something completely random!
Well, I'm a Christian, homeschool graduate, writer, and college student working towards a comp sci major. I live in the Pacific Northwest, my favoritest place on terra firma. Consequently, I own two umbrellas which I rarely use, and have an almost vampirical distrust of sunlight (just kidding).
What, to you, forms the essence of a true heroine?
- Moral strength
- Loyalty to loved ones
- Respect for others, including children
- Respect for human life
- Dedication to justice, honesty, and liberty
Share (up to) four heroines of literature that you most admire and relate to.
Marian Halcombe (The Woman in White), Tatyana Larina (Eugene Onegin), Amy Dorrit (Little Dorrit), and Alice (Alice's Adventures in Wonderland).
Five of your favorite historical novels?
Kidnapped, Under Western Eyes, Shirley, Moby-Dick, and Heart of Darkness.
Out of those five books who is your favorite main character and why?
Tie between Alan Breck Stewart (Kidnapped) and Razumov (Under Western Eyes). They're both pretty complex characters. Alan is kind of annoying and egotistic on the surface, but deep-down he means well and is a true patriot. And Razumov is a person who leads a hardworking, upright life until circumstances tempt him into bitter revenge. It's fascinating to read the character arcs of both of these guys.
Out of those five books who is your favorite secondary character and why?
Starbuck (Moby-Dick). He doesn't know whether to stage a mutiny and go against his pacifist beliefs, or stand back and let Ahab destroy the crew. It's a lose-lose situation, and Starbuck acts as conscientiously as he can.
If you were to plan out your dream vacation, where would you travel to - and what would you plan to do there?
Rome--city tour and catacombs, England--Lakes, Scotland--highlands, and maybe the Galapagos Islands.
What is your favorite time period and culture to read about?
I don't really have a favorite. Good books are good!
You have been invited to perform at the local charity concert. Singing, comedy, recitation - what is your act comprised of?
Probably a violin/cello duet with my sister!
If you were to attend a party where each guest was to portray a heroine of literature, who would you select to represent?
Probably Jane Eyre. But if I wanted to go all out, I'd dress up as Marguerite Blakeney (The Scarlet Pimpernel), with a super extravagant ball gown...
What are your sentiments on the subject of chocolate?
I love chocolate, but fortunately it's not addicting for me.
Favorite author(s)?
Right now, Joseph Conrad and Lewis Carroll. They're awesome and underrated.
Besides essentials, what would you take on a visiting voyage to a foreign land?
An open mind...
In which century were most of the books you read written?
Probably a tie between 19th and 20th.
In your opinion, the ultimate hero in literature is…
Sherlock Holmes (surprise!). I decided that when I was 9 or 10, haha.
Describe your ideal dwelling place.
A two-storey colonial-style house on a hill overlooking the Puget Sound.
Sum up your fashion style in five words.
Traditional, practical, plain, sweaters, grey.
Have you ever wanted to change a character’s name?
Only my own characters', but that doesn't happen often.
In your opinion, the most dastardly villain of all literature is...
Totsky (The Idiot), closely followed by Dr Moreau (The Island of Dr Moreau).
Three favorite Non-fiction books?
The Bible, A Tangled Tale (Carroll), and Through the Magic Door (Doyle).
Your duties met for the day, how would you choose to spend a carefree summer afternoon?
Playing piano, taking photos, blogging.
Create a verbal sketch of your dream hat - in such a way as will best portray your true character.
I actually own my dream hat. It's a brown fur-trapper hat with fur trim. I've been tempted to add a pair of goggles for a true steampunk look, but my family wouldn't be thrilled...
Share the most significant event(s) that have marked your life in the past year.
Share the Bible passage(s) that have been most inspiring to you recently.
"Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." (Ecclesiastes 12:13b)
Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Thus the Club would not receive a man simply because he chose to pass his days collecting broken sardine tins, unless he could drive a roaring trade in them. Professor Chick made that quite clear. And when one remembers what Professor Chick's own new trade was, one doesn't know whether to laugh or cry. - The Club of Queer Trades / G. K. Chesterton
I tried my utmost to listen to an audiobook of The Club of Queer Trades, but, as with most books absorbed at bedtime, it lasted about twenty minutes before I started falling hopelessly asleep. Oh well...I'll keep trying.
In other news...my poetry book is finally finished. Words don't describe (haha, no pun intended) how happy this makes me feel. It's the kind of happiness that eclipses emotion. Because I've been ready for it to be finished for so long--the last poem to be finished was begun in August 2011, which feels ridiculously recent even though it isn't. The book as a whole was started in 2008 or 2009. It's high time for it to exit the 'work-in-progress' stage...
Now I've just got to finish up the title, cover, and format details before submitting it to FastPencil. I'm taking a good deal of time with this, but hey, if I've waited this long, I can wait a little longer to do it right! Also, I can move on to finishing up my other projects. And more poetry, of course.
Poetry is so point-blank. It go straight to the heart of the matter, delves right into the message of the words, no stopping or detours. I remember meeting a violin teacher who said that the "Tchaikovsky (violin concerto) goes straight to the heart. But Brahms (violin concerto) takes a detour to your heart." It's an apt illustration, and I find the same applies to novels and poems. My biggest failure as a novel-writer (and greatest attribute as a math student?) is an impatience to get to the root of the problem.
copyright: Jason Mrachina
Tuesday, 14 February 2012
Wednesday, 8 February 2012
- Berlioz was a music critic
- Uruguay became totally independent in 1828.
- TBA
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From Alexandra at Of Trims and Frills and Furbelows. This is part of "Dickens Week" that she is hosting at her blog!
1. How were you first introduced to Dickens?
I watched some versions of A Christmas Carol as a kid, and a little later I read Great Expectations & Oliver Twist. I became a real Dickens fan when I read Nicholas Nickleby. :)
2. Which is your favorite Dickens novel?
Nicholas Nickleby.
3. How many Dickens adaptations have you seen?
At least 16! :) My family and I love watching Dickens. The plot twists, quirky/scary/wonderful characters, British actors and actresses...Dickens movies are the kind of movies you can watch innumerable times. And there's such a balance of humor and drama that you don't feel sad at the ending (usually).
4. Which Dickens adaptation is your favorite?
Hard to choose one...they're most of them equally brilliant. I guess the ones that particularly stand out to me are Bleak House (2005), A Tale of Two Cities (1989), and Little Dorrit (2008). Such great characters and character portrayals. Little Dorrit has fantastic cinematography & sets, too.
But there are many more I like. Martin Chuzzlewit (1994) gets points for being the creepiest film I've ever seen (well, up there with Sherlock: The Great Game). The '80s and '90s saw a lot of good Dickens adaptations. Can't forget Our Mutual Friend.
5. Have you seen multiple versions of A Christmas Carol? Which version is your favorite?
I've seen 5 versions: Mickey Mouse, Alastair Sim, Disney (Jim Carrey), a local theater production, and a one-man version at the York Castle Museum. For a filmed version, Alastair Sim's version is by far the most intelligent and well-done, and my favorite live production was the one-man performance--highly abridged but also well-done.
6. Who is your favorite Dickens hero and (if applicable) who does your favorite portrayal of him?
Well, as I said on Dickensblog, mine are subject to change from day to day...there are just so many great characters. :) Some of my favorites:
7. Who is your favorite Dickens heroine and (if applicable) who does your favorite portrayal of her?
Amy Dorrit, played by Claire Foy. She's a truly admirable character--dedicated to her father, kind to everyone, and faithful to Arthur Clennam even when she thinks she won't see him again.
8. Who is your favorite Dickens villain and (if applicable) who does your favorite portrayal of them?
Tulkinghorn, played by Charles Dance. He appears to be so polite and respectable, when in reality he's a ruthless persecutor.
9. Have you seen any musical adaptations of any of Dickens’ stories? If so, which is your favorite song from it?
10. Do you have a favorite Dickens quote? If so, what is it?
Off the top of my head:
No man of sense who has been generally improved, and has improved himself, can be called quite uneducated as to anything. - Daniel Doyce, Little Dorrit
And this quote is very famous, but I do think it is so true, even today:
1. How were you first introduced to Dickens?
I watched some versions of A Christmas Carol as a kid, and a little later I read Great Expectations & Oliver Twist. I became a real Dickens fan when I read Nicholas Nickleby. :)
2. Which is your favorite Dickens novel?
Nicholas Nickleby.
3. How many Dickens adaptations have you seen?
At least 16! :) My family and I love watching Dickens. The plot twists, quirky/scary/wonderful characters, British actors and actresses...Dickens movies are the kind of movies you can watch innumerable times. And there's such a balance of humor and drama that you don't feel sad at the ending (usually).
4. Which Dickens adaptation is your favorite?
Hard to choose one...they're most of them equally brilliant. I guess the ones that particularly stand out to me are Bleak House (2005), A Tale of Two Cities (1989), and Little Dorrit (2008). Such great characters and character portrayals. Little Dorrit has fantastic cinematography & sets, too.
But there are many more I like. Martin Chuzzlewit (1994) gets points for being the creepiest film I've ever seen (well, up there with Sherlock: The Great Game). The '80s and '90s saw a lot of good Dickens adaptations. Can't forget Our Mutual Friend.
5. Have you seen multiple versions of A Christmas Carol? Which version is your favorite?
I've seen 5 versions: Mickey Mouse, Alastair Sim, Disney (Jim Carrey), a local theater production, and a one-man version at the York Castle Museum. For a filmed version, Alastair Sim's version is by far the most intelligent and well-done, and my favorite live production was the one-man performance--highly abridged but also well-done.
6. Who is your favorite Dickens hero and (if applicable) who does your favorite portrayal of him?
Well, as I said on Dickensblog, mine are subject to change from day to day...there are just so many great characters. :) Some of my favorites:
- John Jarndyce. Book version, or played by Denis Lawson (aka Captain "Dreadnought" Foster).
- Nicholas Nickleby. Book version.
- Arthur Clennam. Portrayed by Matthew Macfadyen.
- Herbert Pocket!
7. Who is your favorite Dickens heroine and (if applicable) who does your favorite portrayal of her?
Amy Dorrit, played by Claire Foy. She's a truly admirable character--dedicated to her father, kind to everyone, and faithful to Arthur Clennam even when she thinks she won't see him again.
8. Who is your favorite Dickens villain and (if applicable) who does your favorite portrayal of them?
Tulkinghorn, played by Charles Dance. He appears to be so polite and respectable, when in reality he's a ruthless persecutor.
9. Have you seen any musical adaptations of any of Dickens’ stories? If so, which is your favorite song from it?
10. Do you have a favorite Dickens quote? If so, what is it?
Off the top of my head:
And this quote is very famous, but I do think it is so true, even today:
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to heaven, we were all going direct the other way - in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.
Monday, 6 February 2012
Friday, 3 February 2012
I'm joining Mirriam's new journaling/blogging series called Glimpses of Goodness. Similar to the life is sweet posts (which I've very much missed!), Glimpses of Goodness is about all the "details that make up the richness in our lives". Like Mirriam, I want to make this a habit. So I've collected all of my currently empty journals together, with the intent of writing about Glimpses of Goodness as much as I already write in my every-day journal. I'll try to blog about it at least one a week!
School, meanwhile, has been going pretty well. I don't know yet how my grades are faring in Tech Writing, but the assignments are comparatively simple and we have lots of time to complete them. History is fantastic. I've learned something interesting in each class, but I think my favorite is Modern Conflicts--it's so applicable and extensive, it really feels like several classes instead of one.
Wednesday, 1 February 2012
Vlasis was duly aware that, from the moment Jon had stepped ashore, those circumstances had stamped their savage singularity upon him in an irreparable way. Jon, to his benefit or disadvantage, would never belong to the City. He would never, for instance, drive around the Integrand like another common mortal. Perhaps mortality itself was the only thing that would reconcile Jon to his fellow human beings, for he would not give up that singularity.
- The Infinite Now
* * *
They say that Yevgeny Timofeyevich Onegin has died; Zaretsky communicated the news to us this afternoon, with a great deal of unwarranted excitement. His life must be exceedingly dull if such macabre events offer him entertainment. In any case, it is none of our concern. A brother or nephew of some sort has come up from St Petersburg to lay claim on the inheritance, and Zaretsky, who has met him already, did not think him likely to stay.
- Tatyana Larina: A Novel in Prose
* * *
"I have a heart," she repeated, in that crooning accent. The corners of her mouth turned up, and beneath her lips were a set of white teeth. "I have a heart, you have a heart; we're the same, aren't we? I'm not very different. I have everything you have, Ms Halbury."
"Except—"
"Pardon?"
"Except a soul. Do you have a soul?"
Her lips parted again, and she giggled. "Yes...I'd have a soul if there were such a thing as a soul. There is no soul in anybody. You should know that."
"But I have one! I have a soul."
"Then show me. Please?" The little eyebrows went up again. "Please show me?"
Her lips parted again, and she giggled. "Yes...I'd have a soul if there were such a thing as a soul. There is no soul in anybody. You should know that."
"But I have one! I have a soul."
"Then show me. Please?" The little eyebrows went up again. "Please show me?"
- Footnotes
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