So being that I lack a radio and am therefore completely disconnected from anything new that hits the airwaves, my friend alerted me to the fact that Leona Lewis did a cover of Snow Patrol's "Run." I am not entirely sure how I feel about this version. Particularly the ending with the added choir of voices. I felt the original had a bit more (for lack of a better word) deeper sound to it, while Lewis's cover was a bit too poppy for my taste. In the original the crescendo toward the end is just fantastic (just this swell of music), while in Lewis's version I feel the choir (which replaces a lot of this musical crescendo from the original) takes away from the song. That being said, if I had never heard the original I don't know if I would feel the same way.
Here are both the original and the cover:
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Twilight
I just got out of the theatre and literally raced back here (or well drove back) to write about the movie Twilight. As I have only just recently picked up the Stephenie Meyer book I didn't know too much about the book going into the theatre and I don't think that hindered me in any way. I figure that most everyone in the last 48 hours or more has heard of this movie or at least the book series so I will keep the synopsis brief:
Bella (Kristen Stewart) moves in with her father to a place called Forks. Its kinda dreary and grey compared to what she was used to in Arizona, on top of all this are the new kids in school who seem to be fascinated with her strictly because she's "different" and new. Guys in particular seem to be enchanted with her. But all is not bad in Forks as Bella soon discovers the Cullen's. The seemingly perfect family (in looks and skills) consist of Dr. Cullen, his wife, and their foster children. One child in particular catches Bella's eye...his name being Edward.
****Bit of a spoiler alert, you've been warned***
Not really a big spoiler, but in case you've been living under a rock for the past year...the Cullen's are vampires. Edward (played by Robert Pattinson aka Cedric Diggory from Harry Potter) and Bella fall in love, which complicates things as she is still human. The rest of the movie really sets the stage for the lives of the vampires in the Cullen clan who are non-human eater (vegetarians) and Edward and Bella trying to keep their relationship from tearing them apart. All
The movie was good. Not perhaps the best acting, but for the roles they were given the movie was good. The plot followed Meyer's book to the tee sometimes. As with any novel made into a movie I had trouble getting away from preconceived notions as to what these kids/places were supposed to look like. Other than that there are some pretty cheesy moments in the film that just make you laugh out loud (and were most likely non-intentional). Overall I say fans of the book series should definitely check out the movie. Those who aren't quite sure about the whole vampire love story thing should probably check this out when it comes out on DVD.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Esla Peretti Earrings
This is part of a set of heart earrings by Elsa Peretti at Tiffany's for around $195. They are absolutely stunning and I am dying to get them for Christmas this year for myself as I have been saving up. I know thoughts of praticality are running through most peoples minds right now, but I have been eyeing them for the past year and in light of my increase in shifts this month, really long and hard classes, working at the lab and hospital, and applying to graduate school I feel like these would be a nice present to give to myself. You can check out the rest of the collection at: www.tiffany.com
Encounter Point
I had the opportunity the other day to watch a documentary film entitled "Encounter Point." The documentary follows several people who are working to bring non-violence in Israel and Palestine. The documentary follows many individuals as they cope with the losses they have endured over the years due to the conflict.
While I wouldn't say necessarily that I felt it was one of the best documentaries I've seen, I would say that it was mind-opening. I feel like I (and perhaps many others who are outside of this conflict) do not think/know exactly what its like to be over in Israel or Palestine. It definitely opened my eyes to the conflict going on over there and the lives it has affected. I feel like the movie could have used a bit more narrative or better tie-ins with the various stories as at times it was often difficult to keep track as many individuals were introduced throughout the film. It definitely gave a new prospective to this war, in that it showed the losses from both sides as well grassroots organizations on both sides trying to garner peace.
The most touching story in the film was the two fathers (one from Israel and the other from Palestine) both have lost daughters due to the conflict over there. They come together at this convention for the bereaved who have lost children and wish to find a way to end the conflict peacefully. I also found the impromptu open forum discussion that a another young man led to be quite enlightening as well. This man had lost his brother, served time in jail, and was visiting his nephew in a hospital, who had been shot by a soldier despite the fact that he was a civilian. The rawness of the conversations that this man had with others who had been injured as civilians and their takes on what steps should be done were completely emotional and was what I hoped the rest of the documentary would have focused on a bit more.
Though I fully realize it was meant to follow the trials the grassroots peace leaders were going to, to help spread the message of non-violence to both sides...it would have been refreshing to also hear a bit more from those who were not yet converted to a existence of non-violence.
Overall I found the movie to be eye opening. Many times they quoted other famous leaders of non-violence (Ghandi, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela) and how they too started off small and grew to encompass more like minded individuals who wish to achieve peace through non-violent acts. If you are interested in learning about the conflicts between Israel and Palestine or non-violence grassroots organizations around the world hoping to establish peace than I highly recommend this movie. It is definitely worth seeing.
Recommendations:
While I wouldn't say necessarily that I felt it was one of the best documentaries I've seen, I would say that it was mind-opening. I feel like I (and perhaps many others who are outside of this conflict) do not think/know exactly what its like to be over in Israel or Palestine. It definitely opened my eyes to the conflict going on over there and the lives it has affected. I feel like the movie could have used a bit more narrative or better tie-ins with the various stories as at times it was often difficult to keep track as many individuals were introduced throughout the film. It definitely gave a new prospective to this war, in that it showed the losses from both sides as well grassroots organizations on both sides trying to garner peace.
The most touching story in the film was the two fathers (one from Israel and the other from Palestine) both have lost daughters due to the conflict over there. They come together at this convention for the bereaved who have lost children and wish to find a way to end the conflict peacefully. I also found the impromptu open forum discussion that a another young man led to be quite enlightening as well. This man had lost his brother, served time in jail, and was visiting his nephew in a hospital, who had been shot by a soldier despite the fact that he was a civilian. The rawness of the conversations that this man had with others who had been injured as civilians and their takes on what steps should be done were completely emotional and was what I hoped the rest of the documentary would have focused on a bit more.
Though I fully realize it was meant to follow the trials the grassroots peace leaders were going to, to help spread the message of non-violence to both sides...it would have been refreshing to also hear a bit more from those who were not yet converted to a existence of non-violence.
Overall I found the movie to be eye opening. Many times they quoted other famous leaders of non-violence (Ghandi, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela) and how they too started off small and grew to encompass more like minded individuals who wish to achieve peace through non-violent acts. If you are interested in learning about the conflicts between Israel and Palestine or non-violence grassroots organizations around the world hoping to establish peace than I highly recommend this movie. It is definitely worth seeing.
Recommendations:
- Coming with an open mind - it helps with any documentary, especially a documentary about such a difficult subject to come with an open mind
- Be prepared to read subtitles - unless you don't need to, in which case I recommend turning them off
- It is very emotional- especially with the bereaved parents and when they discuss their children that have died
- The movie is only about 83 minutes long
Definitely check out the films website: http://www.encounterpoint.com/
It has helpful bios of the individuals featured in the film as it can at times be difficult to keep up, as the stories switch rather rapidly. In addition check out the section about the film makers, Ronit Avni and Julia Bacha The film is available at Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/), which there is a link to on the website. There are also helpful links if you wish to show in a screening.
Here is the trailer for the movie:
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Microsoft Surface
Technology is certainly something that alludes me. Being somewhat computer illiterate I find myself at odds with the new gizmos that come out each year. One thing that caught my eye is Microsoft Surface. A co-worker mentioned this at work and I was immediately intrigued by the possibilities. Apparently a lot of people have been talking about this product lately. According to wikipedia its a multi-touch system from Microsoft. The screen is like a computer (in capability), but allows you to touch the screen. Not sounding too technologically advanced....let me continue.
What is amazing is what you can do with the touch screen. Uses include in restaurants where just placing your credit card on the screen you can pay for the meal. It also allows you to touch and switch around what food/beverages purchases can be paid on each card. By using one's phone and placing it on the screen you can view your photos. If another person places their phone on the table you can exchange photos and pick which ones you want to share. So cool!
Here's a promo video:
Needless to say I am quite impressed! There are more videos available at www.microsoft.com/surface
What is amazing is what you can do with the touch screen. Uses include in restaurants where just placing your credit card on the screen you can pay for the meal. It also allows you to touch and switch around what food/beverages purchases can be paid on each card. By using one's phone and placing it on the screen you can view your photos. If another person places their phone on the table you can exchange photos and pick which ones you want to share. So cool!
Here's a promo video:
Needless to say I am quite impressed! There are more videos available at www.microsoft.com/surface
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Wow
I cannot believe that as I am writing this our new President-elect is Barack Obama. He will be the 442nd President of the United States of America. I am in shock that in my lifetime I was able to see such a historical event. The crowds in Chicago were absolutely terrific (loved the shot of a tearful Oprah). As a Boston gal...this whole city was on pins and needles hoping that the rest of the country voted the same. Obama's speech was amazing and so hopeful. I truly believe he will be a great President...he has already changed history!
McCain speech was particularly moving as well. While I did not personally support him, I believe that McCain truly wants what is best for America (and while I am sure he is disappointed)...and right now that is Barack Obama.
Needless to say this political race was one for the history books. I feel like enough attention to the campaign was good to help get America out of a political apathy. Helping people (and especially young people) care about what goes on in politics and the world was really an important part of this election season. I cannot wait to see what the next four years bring!
McCain speech was particularly moving as well. While I did not personally support him, I believe that McCain truly wants what is best for America (and while I am sure he is disappointed)...and right now that is Barack Obama.
Needless to say this political race was one for the history books. I feel like enough attention to the campaign was good to help get America out of a political apathy. Helping people (and especially young people) care about what goes on in politics and the world was really an important part of this election season. I cannot wait to see what the next four years bring!
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