I finally saw Alice in Wonderland this weekend. I. Loved. It.
My husband hesitated to see it because he'd read a couple of not so positive reviews. He actually suggested that we see something else.
Something else? I've been waiting for this movie since last year. I proceeded to ask him if he had ever seen a Tim Burton movie that he didn't like. Of course he said no, because Tim Burton is a flippin’ genius.
Alice in Wonderland is exactly what I expected it to be. Beautiful, dark, well-acted. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of that movie.
I will say that, other than Alice's plummet down the rabbit hole, the 3D didn't do a whole lot for this movie. There was very little ooh and aah when it came to that. I would have enjoyed the movie equally in a 2D format.
Maybe reviewers should make that part of their review process. Given the recent price hike, I might like to know if the movie is worth my paying an extra $2.50 per ticket to see the 3D version.
Thoughts?
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Fang
I finished reading Fang by James Patterson last night. Yes, with all of the last minute book and promo activities, I somehow found the time to read someone else's book.
I don't always love James Patterson books. I tried to read The Murder of King Tut and I actually stopped reading (which I rarely do). It was that crappy.
I really enjoyed Fang though. It was a quick read and filled with action and romance. Patterson writes the characters very well. The man knows how to tell a good story.
That's all for now.
Ooh, later I'm taking a break to go catch Alice in Wonderland!!! jumping up and down.
I don't always love James Patterson books. I tried to read The Murder of King Tut and I actually stopped reading (which I rarely do). It was that crappy.
I really enjoyed Fang though. It was a quick read and filled with action and romance. Patterson writes the characters very well. The man knows how to tell a good story.
That's all for now.
Ooh, later I'm taking a break to go catch Alice in Wonderland!!! jumping up and down.
Friday, March 26, 2010
movie theater price rant
What the hell. My husband informed me this morning that 'they' were raising the price of 3D movie tickets by 26%! ri-friggin-diculous
Like the damn movie theater wasn't expensive enough. It will now cost me roughly $100to take my family of four to a 3D movie and buy them popcorn and sodas.
I blame Avatar. Why? Because when demand increases, so does the price. And let's face it, there was some major demand going on with that movie. Sure, there are other factors in the price increase decision, but I'm American and can, therefore, blame whomever I want for whatever I want.
I'm going to see Alice in Wonderland this weekend and that will probably be the last 3d movie I see for a while. Seeing a movie in 3D is just not worth that much money to me.
Like the damn movie theater wasn't expensive enough. It will now cost me roughly $100to take my family of four to a 3D movie and buy them popcorn and sodas.
I blame Avatar. Why? Because when demand increases, so does the price. And let's face it, there was some major demand going on with that movie. Sure, there are other factors in the price increase decision, but I'm American and can, therefore, blame whomever I want for whatever I want.
I'm going to see Alice in Wonderland this weekend and that will probably be the last 3d movie I see for a while. Seeing a movie in 3D is just not worth that much money to me.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
and then there was launch
Today is officially author website launch day! Oh the excitement! Can you handle it? My very own online home.
Here is the link - www.LeaRyan.com
Here is the link - www.LeaRyan.com
Monday, March 22, 2010
random monday updates
I worked like a crazy person saturday and like a slightly less crazy person Sunday. I now have an ISBN for the paperback version of the book, a barcode, a twitter account which I have not yet used and a bunch of other stuff that I won't rattle off because that would be insanely dull. I did finalize the front cover art and set a release date for the title and the synopsis.
Important lesson I learned this weekend - I should take a break to eat BEFORE my brain stops functioning due to lack of food.
The children were gone for the weekend (hence the productivity). My inlaws brought my six year old son home with ice cream, movie theater candy, two dunkin' donuts with both frosting and sprinkles, and a ziploc bag of muddy rocks from the neighborhood pond. Next time he visits them, I am sending the following items - a chocolate cake (with sprinkles), a double shot of espresso, and a paintball gun.
I opened a twitter account this weekend. I mentioned that already, didn't I? The address thingy is @learyan. I'm still playing around with it but I should have something up and running on that front within the next week or so.
Also this week - official author website launch! hopefully
Important lesson I learned this weekend - I should take a break to eat BEFORE my brain stops functioning due to lack of food.
The children were gone for the weekend (hence the productivity). My inlaws brought my six year old son home with ice cream, movie theater candy, two dunkin' donuts with both frosting and sprinkles, and a ziploc bag of muddy rocks from the neighborhood pond. Next time he visits them, I am sending the following items - a chocolate cake (with sprinkles), a double shot of espresso, and a paintball gun.
I opened a twitter account this weekend. I mentioned that already, didn't I? The address thingy is @learyan. I'm still playing around with it but I should have something up and running on that front within the next week or so.
Also this week - official author website launch! hopefully
Sunday, March 21, 2010
star wars roller derby
Scar Wars (star wars roller derby) was awesome! It was the most fun I’ve had in a while. There were people dressed like Star Wars characters, beer, loud music, and chicks on roller skates knocking eachother down! What more is needed in life?
The Star Wars costumes (probably a fancier name for them) were so realistic. The 501st Battalion and Rebel Legion was walking around the arena and posing for pictures and just generally being their completely cool selves. They were all really nice.
Here’s a link if you want to check them out - http://www.501st.com/
The roller derby girls were not dressed as Stars Wars characters. Although, one of them did have her face painted like Darth Maul.
Best roller derby names of the evening: Cereal Killer, Ima Hurchu, Joan of Dark, Queen Elizab#tch, and Jackie O’Smashus. And I decided that if I were to ever participate in a roller derby, my name would be Hitney Veers! Awesome, right?
I had never been to a roller derby bout before. It was really fast paced. I’m still not sure about the various actions required to score points, but I could tell when they were doing well. If the Jammer (girl with a star on her helmet) was out in front, that meant they were scoring points. It wasn’t quite like the movie Whip It, where the girls just beat the crap out of eachother. There was still some shoving and tumbling but it wasn’t quite as dramatic as the movie. Also, the track was flat rather than banked.
The Naptown Roller Girls won the bout. We took some pictures with the girls after the match.
I put our pictures on a slideshow on flickr because they were too big and there were too many to put directly on the blog. The link is below. I vow to apply hairspray to my bangs for future photo ops.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/48608483@N07/4452742366/in/set-72157623667137338/
The Star Wars costumes (probably a fancier name for them) were so realistic. The 501st Battalion and Rebel Legion was walking around the arena and posing for pictures and just generally being their completely cool selves. They were all really nice.
Here’s a link if you want to check them out - http://www.501st.com/
The roller derby girls were not dressed as Stars Wars characters. Although, one of them did have her face painted like Darth Maul.
Best roller derby names of the evening: Cereal Killer, Ima Hurchu, Joan of Dark, Queen Elizab#tch, and Jackie O’Smashus. And I decided that if I were to ever participate in a roller derby, my name would be Hitney Veers! Awesome, right?
I had never been to a roller derby bout before. It was really fast paced. I’m still not sure about the various actions required to score points, but I could tell when they were doing well. If the Jammer (girl with a star on her helmet) was out in front, that meant they were scoring points. It wasn’t quite like the movie Whip It, where the girls just beat the crap out of eachother. There was still some shoving and tumbling but it wasn’t quite as dramatic as the movie. Also, the track was flat rather than banked.
The Naptown Roller Girls won the bout. We took some pictures with the girls after the match.
I put our pictures on a slideshow on flickr because they were too big and there were too many to put directly on the blog. The link is below. I vow to apply hairspray to my bangs for future photo ops.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/48608483@N07/4452742366/in/set-72157623667137338/
Friday, March 19, 2010
What is the difference between goth and emo?
My daughter recently asked me what was the difference between goth and emo. I came up with some lame answer about emo being more like poetry and that goth was more badass. LOL, like those guys dressing like Brandon Lee in The Crow at my high school were anything but posers.
I thought it was an interesting question and I've wondered about the same thing. I thought I would take a few minutes from what I was actually supposed to be doing to research the two subcultures.
Goth came first, way first! According to the wikipedia, the Goths were an East Germanic tribe in the middle ages. Clearly not the goths I'm looking for.
Modern goths got their start in the UK in the 70's. As with many subcultures, it began with music. Goth rock is an offshoot of punk and alternative. Keyboard and depressing lyrics are featured. Hence, sad boy pale faces and dark eyeliner to smear when one is overcome with emotion. As you may have noticed goth evolved into more than music. Goth has become style coupled with darkness. We have goth fashion, goth artwork, movies with goth sensibilities, a la Tim Burton. Everything is not rainbows and unicorns. We have goth rock to thank.
Emo got its start in music too, only a bit later than goth, the 80's. Like goth rock, emo evolved from punk into a mix of pop and indie. It really broke into the main stream recently though.
To me, emo seems like a wussified version of goth. Like goth rock, there are feelings, but emo music seems more whiney than dark. Think less Trent Reznor and more Good Charlotte. Emo fashion is skinny jeans and tight t-shirt, girlie hair on guys, and a dash of goth influence. I see guys like this at the mall. Apparently they aren't too depressed to shop.
There you have it. I guess the biggest difference is that emo is more pop culture than goth. The music is more mainstream and the clothes are hipper. But all involved cherish their broken hearts and their feelings.
We can now, officially, move on with life. Wasn't I supposed to be editing something?
Next blog - STAR WARS ROLLER DERBY! pictures and words
I thought it was an interesting question and I've wondered about the same thing. I thought I would take a few minutes from what I was actually supposed to be doing to research the two subcultures.
Goth came first, way first! According to the wikipedia, the Goths were an East Germanic tribe in the middle ages. Clearly not the goths I'm looking for.
Modern goths got their start in the UK in the 70's. As with many subcultures, it began with music. Goth rock is an offshoot of punk and alternative. Keyboard and depressing lyrics are featured. Hence, sad boy pale faces and dark eyeliner to smear when one is overcome with emotion. As you may have noticed goth evolved into more than music. Goth has become style coupled with darkness. We have goth fashion, goth artwork, movies with goth sensibilities, a la Tim Burton. Everything is not rainbows and unicorns. We have goth rock to thank.
Emo got its start in music too, only a bit later than goth, the 80's. Like goth rock, emo evolved from punk into a mix of pop and indie. It really broke into the main stream recently though.
To me, emo seems like a wussified version of goth. Like goth rock, there are feelings, but emo music seems more whiney than dark. Think less Trent Reznor and more Good Charlotte. Emo fashion is skinny jeans and tight t-shirt, girlie hair on guys, and a dash of goth influence. I see guys like this at the mall. Apparently they aren't too depressed to shop.
There you have it. I guess the biggest difference is that emo is more pop culture than goth. The music is more mainstream and the clothes are hipper. But all involved cherish their broken hearts and their feelings.
We can now, officially, move on with life. Wasn't I supposed to be editing something?
Next blog - STAR WARS ROLLER DERBY! pictures and words
Monday, March 15, 2010
mashing monday
There were four movies this weekend! Extravaganza! Since there were three, brevity is in order. Here are thoughts about each.
Clash of the Titans (original) - Harry Hamlin was delicious in 1981. Why were there Assyrian (Persian?) statues on the Mount Olympus set?
Role Models - Why is someone else's child cursing so darn amusing to me?
2010 - Effects were good, but the disaster scenes went on a little too long. They could've cut 20 minutes from that movie and it would have been a-ok.
17 Again - It is not conceivable that someone as pretty as Zac Efron would age schlumpily into Matthew Perry. Zac is officially too old/masculine to pass for a 17 year old. He's 22. Grown-up role time, sweetie.
End movie thoughts.
I pushed out my deadline for the book...again. Cue mockery and/or disdain. I read slowly, apparently. All will be well. What is one more week in 4 plus years?
Next weekend, we are heading to the roller derby! Yes, that's right, I'm leaving my giant TV and my recliner office to venture out into the big, bad world. I will try and take some pictures and post them up here on the blog for your viewing enjoyment. I hear tell the match is Star Wars themed.
Also, Cheeseburger Doritos taste like Burger King mustard. Not delicious, yet not repulsive.
Clash of the Titans (original) - Harry Hamlin was delicious in 1981. Why were there Assyrian (Persian?) statues on the Mount Olympus set?
Role Models - Why is someone else's child cursing so darn amusing to me?
2010 - Effects were good, but the disaster scenes went on a little too long. They could've cut 20 minutes from that movie and it would have been a-ok.
17 Again - It is not conceivable that someone as pretty as Zac Efron would age schlumpily into Matthew Perry. Zac is officially too old/masculine to pass for a 17 year old. He's 22. Grown-up role time, sweetie.
End movie thoughts.
I pushed out my deadline for the book...again. Cue mockery and/or disdain. I read slowly, apparently. All will be well. What is one more week in 4 plus years?
Next weekend, we are heading to the roller derby! Yes, that's right, I'm leaving my giant TV and my recliner office to venture out into the big, bad world. I will try and take some pictures and post them up here on the blog for your viewing enjoyment. I hear tell the match is Star Wars themed.
Also, Cheeseburger Doritos taste like Burger King mustard. Not delicious, yet not repulsive.
Friday, March 12, 2010
friday lip gloss rant
Urban Decay is making me sad.
I recently bought a kit of theirs that came with eye shadow potion, eye liner, sample lip stick and sample lip gloss. I loved the rocket pocket lip gloss. It stays on for a long time and it tastes like fruit loops. What's not to love?
The problem? A full-sized tube of the lip gloss costs $19 at ulta. Seriously? The tube isn't even a good size. It's a flat, little thing. I'm not paying that. Can I afford it? Oh yes. But I won't be buying it.
I take issue with someone trying to sell me something for more than it's worth. Lancome lip gloss at macys is $1 cheaper. And I'm pretty sure it comes with more. Really, Urban Decay? How massive is your ego? You need to charge more than Lancome? There is something wrong with that, in my opinion.
So I search for an adequate substitute. Maybe I'll go "bargain" shopping at the Lancome counter.
I recently bought a kit of theirs that came with eye shadow potion, eye liner, sample lip stick and sample lip gloss. I loved the rocket pocket lip gloss. It stays on for a long time and it tastes like fruit loops. What's not to love?
The problem? A full-sized tube of the lip gloss costs $19 at ulta. Seriously? The tube isn't even a good size. It's a flat, little thing. I'm not paying that. Can I afford it? Oh yes. But I won't be buying it.
I take issue with someone trying to sell me something for more than it's worth. Lancome lip gloss at macys is $1 cheaper. And I'm pretty sure it comes with more. Really, Urban Decay? How massive is your ego? You need to charge more than Lancome? There is something wrong with that, in my opinion.
So I search for an adequate substitute. Maybe I'll go "bargain" shopping at the Lancome counter.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Law Abiding Citizen = AWESOME!!!!
This weekend's movie selection was Law Abiding Citizen.
This movie stars Gerard Butler and Jamie Foxx and it's about a man who loses his wife and daughter to a couple of criminals who break in his house. Due to legal technicalities, the worse of the two criminals gets off with only three years in jail. The victim subsequently goes apeshit on everyone who he feels wronged him.
I'm not usually into action flicks but this movie kicked major ass. It's one of those stories in which you aren't sure who to root for. The good guys are a little inadequate at first and the bad guy is oh so justified.
It was kind of weird seeing Jamie Foxxx in such a serious role. Back in the days of In Living Color (one of my all time favorite shows), I never would have pictured Jamie Foxx in a role like he played in this movie. He is an amazing actor.
Gerard Butler (who has been in like every freaking movie in the last two years) was equally awesome. His character is calculating and very cool. Although, I do think he should do more acting with his shirt off. Shirt on, he is every guy. Shirt off brings the hotness.
This movie stars Gerard Butler and Jamie Foxx and it's about a man who loses his wife and daughter to a couple of criminals who break in his house. Due to legal technicalities, the worse of the two criminals gets off with only three years in jail. The victim subsequently goes apeshit on everyone who he feels wronged him.
I'm not usually into action flicks but this movie kicked major ass. It's one of those stories in which you aren't sure who to root for. The good guys are a little inadequate at first and the bad guy is oh so justified.
It was kind of weird seeing Jamie Foxxx in such a serious role. Back in the days of In Living Color (one of my all time favorite shows), I never would have pictured Jamie Foxx in a role like he played in this movie. He is an amazing actor.
Gerard Butler (who has been in like every freaking movie in the last two years) was equally awesome. His character is calculating and very cool. Although, I do think he should do more acting with his shirt off. Shirt on, he is every guy. Shirt off brings the hotness.
bundle of nerves
For anyone reading this who may interact with me this week, please expect me to act like a nervous wreck.
Business girl me has given a deadline and it's this coming weekend. I will spend this week finishing my read and send the manuscript in for a proof copy on Sunday.
The artist part of me could analyze the damn thing forever. My biggest fear is that it sux. I think it's good. I like my writing, but viewing your own writing objectively is so difficult. I worry that people won't see the great story that I do or they won't feel the rythm in the words or sympathize with the characters.
But I am letting go. I am taking deep breaths and not crying. The book is what it will be. I have to move on.
Business girl me has given a deadline and it's this coming weekend. I will spend this week finishing my read and send the manuscript in for a proof copy on Sunday.
The artist part of me could analyze the damn thing forever. My biggest fear is that it sux. I think it's good. I like my writing, but viewing your own writing objectively is so difficult. I worry that people won't see the great story that I do or they won't feel the rythm in the words or sympathize with the characters.
But I am letting go. I am taking deep breaths and not crying. The book is what it will be. I have to move on.
Friday, March 5, 2010
I see sunshine!!!!
Ok, the title of the blog really has nothing to do with the entry. I just couldn't contain my excitement.
In truth, I am a bit sad today. I live near a town called Pendleton which has a little downtown village of antique shops and stores selling country style decor. There are also a couple of salons and a coffee place. And a store that sells used books called Word for Word.
Word for Word is closing. I drove by this morning and there was a sign in the window. I didn't shop there on a regular basis but I really liked it the few times I visited. I loved the smell of old books, the creak of the floor, the abstract art they sold. I'll miss hearing the music played on the record player, seeing the store cat hanging out, the glass case with the really cool antique books inside.
A lot of stores in Pendleton don't make it. They close within a few years of opening. I don't know if the rent is too high or if the problem is a lack of foot traffic or what. I had hoped this store would make it. Word for Word really added character to that little downtown.
I'm sorry I didn't shop there more than I did. I will miss you, Word for Word.
In truth, I am a bit sad today. I live near a town called Pendleton which has a little downtown village of antique shops and stores selling country style decor. There are also a couple of salons and a coffee place. And a store that sells used books called Word for Word.
Word for Word is closing. I drove by this morning and there was a sign in the window. I didn't shop there on a regular basis but I really liked it the few times I visited. I loved the smell of old books, the creak of the floor, the abstract art they sold. I'll miss hearing the music played on the record player, seeing the store cat hanging out, the glass case with the really cool antique books inside.
A lot of stores in Pendleton don't make it. They close within a few years of opening. I don't know if the rent is too high or if the problem is a lack of foot traffic or what. I had hoped this store would make it. Word for Word really added character to that little downtown.
I'm sorry I didn't shop there more than I did. I will miss you, Word for Word.
Monday, March 1, 2010
fanboys
The movie Fanboys rocks out loud, seriously. Here is a brief list of reasons why.
Geek culture! The geekier you are, the greater the possibility that you will get the jokes and references.
Epic confrontations between Star Wars fans and Trekkies.
Big time star cast, most of these are cameos - Kristin Bell (not a cameo), Seth Rogen plays not one but TWO parts!, Billy Dee Williams, Jay and Silent Bob, William Shatner, Carrie Fisher, Will Forte (SNL), Craig Robinson (The Office), Danny Trejo (Devil’s Rejects).
Favorite line - "I'm William Shatner. I can score anything."
Lots of music by the band Rush.
A bar named the Mantina, as in Cantina, but with men. Heyyyyy!
Also present is a touching story line of friendly togetherness. A group of childhood friends embarks on one last journey together because one of them is dying of cancer. This may sound like a comedy killer but that part isn't all too bad. Everything fits together nicely.
Very good movie.
Geek culture! The geekier you are, the greater the possibility that you will get the jokes and references.
Epic confrontations between Star Wars fans and Trekkies.
Big time star cast, most of these are cameos - Kristin Bell (not a cameo), Seth Rogen plays not one but TWO parts!, Billy Dee Williams, Jay and Silent Bob, William Shatner, Carrie Fisher, Will Forte (SNL), Craig Robinson (The Office), Danny Trejo (Devil’s Rejects).
Favorite line - "I'm William Shatner. I can score anything."
Lots of music by the band Rush.
A bar named the Mantina, as in Cantina, but with men. Heyyyyy!
Also present is a touching story line of friendly togetherness. A group of childhood friends embarks on one last journey together because one of them is dying of cancer. This may sound like a comedy killer but that part isn't all too bad. Everything fits together nicely.
Very good movie.
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