Explaining Dragons

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Poldark: A ramble

Pixabay labeled for reuse

I've got to say BBC has been on a roll. At the time I wasn't paying attention to exactly which broadcasters I was watching, but in hindsight (great series btw) many of my favorite shows have come from the likes of BBC.

First and foremost: Sherlock. But even before then I was an avid follower of Merlin and Robin Hood.

"In a land of myth, and a time of magic. The destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young boy (man). Merlin."

Disclaimer: the above is what I remember it being from memory, so if it's wrong, well, look it up.

Anyway, I was watching something else on BBC (I can't remember what), and I saw the ad for Poldark. If I'm being honest, it mainly grabbed my attention because there was a horse in it... Also I quite like period dramas (I think that's what you call them..). I mean I certainly prefer series such as Merlin and Robin Hood, which are at least partially based off history. Nonetheless, Poldark has thus far been captivating enough to keep me watching.

I keep on visualizing Kili though... Who incidentally was the most memorable dwarf in the book (along with Fili, oh and excluding Thorin...). In the movies though, although memorable I did not like his story arc, as it deviated so thoroughly from the books. My I digress, this topic is for a different post.

Poldark is not at all similar to any series I am currently following, so let's see how it turns out. I have faith in you BBC.

Monday, March 16, 2015

Science

Superhero (Power Pose)

Hakuna Matata 9:51 PM

Labeled for reuse on google images (zap2it.com)

Grey's Anatomy. Yes I watch it. I binge watched it a couple years ago.... Anyway, recent episode Season 11 episode 14 was certainly a grabber. This was a Amelia Shepherd centric episode, as has been expected. SPOILER WARNING, for future reference I will probably neglect these warnings. If you are looking at episode articles, you should probably expect spoilers. If you don't, you are kidding yourself. Please refrain from this.

I'm not actually going to sit here and write about the episode itself (there are plenty other bloggers who do this quite sufficiently). I want to write about something that I found quite interesting, and perhaps helpful. As Dr. Shepherd prepared to slice into the brain of Dr. Herman she talked about a "Superwoman pose". I'm not sure if those were her exact words... She told Stephanie that she'd read somewhere just doing this pose has the potential to improve your performance, to make you feel more confident. If I've hooked you this is the pose:

Stand up straight
Roll your shoulders back
Place both hands on your waist (making right-ish angles with your elbows)
Stand proud

In other words, the superhero pose. I tell you, if I could've have found a decent creative commons image that displayed this pose I would've have put it in. I couldn't, so you're stuck with my pathetic attempt at a description. If it really isn't sufficient you know which episode to watch.

I am someone deeply fascinating with any new scientific research, so I jumped on this idea. Apparently this idea of body language is quite an important one, "Certain 'power poses' don't just change how other perceive you, Professor Cuddy says. They immediately change your body chemistry." Now you may be asking who is this Prof. Cuddy? Well. She is a social psychologist at Harvard Business School. I hope that helps. She describes this body language as, "This pose, in which the animal or person is 'opened up' is one of the most common high-power poses." We can see this posture quite a bit in the animal kingdom, anything from swans to the flaring of a cobra. The nature of the position is that you enlarge yourself, you stand straighter, taller, and more confidently. When you are feeling threatened, or uncomfortable you natural response is to clam up, like, well, a clam...You hunch in your shoulders, you may wrap your arms around the front of you, you try to make yourself as small as possible.

In other words, if you want to be more confident use the Wonder Woman pose. Good luck to you.

Whiplash

Movies to watch Part III

Anonymous 7:23 PM

And here is Part III. I do think this is the last one. Well I hope anyway. I still have my series to keep up with :)

How to Train Your Dragon II

labeled for reuse link

I better watch this one as soon as possible, as evidently, I've been incorrectly schooled in training my dragon. Why else would there have to be a number 2? In all seriousness, I adored that last edition, so let's hope this doesn't disappoint.

Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens

labeled for reuse link

And here comes the next episode the the epic Star Wars series. Are you really surprised that I'm a fan? I know many of us have been disappointed with the last three that we were presented with, my motto? They can't make it any worse, so why not give it a try? If they do it right, it could be the restart of something grand.

Although, I've got to say some of the scenes, especially the one in the forest, seem a little too fantasy-like to me. A little more something out of our high fantasy series, so they've got me a little worried there...

Inside Out: by Pixar

labeled for reuse link

Who doesn't like a good pixar flick? Maybe this will be another shining star of redemption: or maybe not. But, it looks interesting, and I'm a sucker for Disney films.

Into the Woods

labeled for reuse link

Interesting concept. Meryl Streep was nominated for an Oscar. Surprise, surprise. Worth a glance.

Whiplash

labeled for reuse link

Looks fascinating. Yup that's about it. I played guitar once upon a time. Actually Clarinet too, I hated it. Through no fault of my teacher...

Media

Words of Wisdom from our Oscar Nominees

Anonymous 7:16 PM

a. Apologies for going awol. Again. Well I'm back. Hopefully...
b. I realize the Oscars were a month ago
c. I did not see all the nominated movies. Apologies, I have only listed the ones I have actually seen.

Without further ado here are the nominees, who have already been chosen... Hehem.

Terence Fletcher: "There are no two words in the English language more harmful than 'good job.'"

Benedict Cumberbatch: "When people talk to each other, they never say what they mean. They say something else and you're expected to just know what they mean."

Eddie Redmayne: "There should be no boundaries to human endeavour. We are all different. However bad life may seem, there is always something you can do, and succeed at. While there's life, there is hope."

Julianne Moore: "I think I'll try to forget that just happened."

Felicity Jones: "Excuse me, did you say something?"

Keira Knightley: "Sometimes it is the people who no one imagines anything of who do the things that no one can imagine"

Labeled for reuse "acreelman.blogspot.com"

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Other

Sincere Apologies

Anonymous 8:36 PM

I will return.

The return is yet to be announced.

I suspect it to be soonish.

Wikimedia Commons "labeled for reuse"

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Movies

Movies I Need (want) to Watch

Anonymous 5:01 PM

The continuation of the movies I should, and indeed plan on watching. Maybe, if I feel inclined to, I'll review them. If I ever get around to watching them... But I digress, here they are.

Wikimedia Commons "Labeled for reuse"

The Age of Adaline

Seems like the type of movie I like: discluding my more usual, fantasy and science fiction. A movie that has a twist. Looks promising. Hopefully, it ends that way.

Lucy

I realize this movie has already been released... As I've already mentioned, I haven't had much time. Anyway, I am quite familiar (and very annoyed) and the common misconception that we only use 10% of our brains. Maybe this movie will help clear up this stupid idea that people have floating around in their minds. All things aside, this seems like an interesting movie, utilizing an interesting idea.

Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb

I watched the previous two when they first came out. I thought the concept was a very interesting one, and the movie turned out to be a rather good time. I wasn't all too anticipatory of the third movie, but Robin Williams is in it. So I will be watching it. As soon as I find time...

The Imitation Game

Word War II. Puzzles. A puzzle mastermind. What more could one ask for?

More to come. Sorry, I really haven't been watching anything but LOTR and the Hobbit... What can I say, my loyalties lie first with the Professor.

Monday, January 5, 2015

Movies

Movies I Need (want) to Watch

Anonymous 7:30 PM

Movies!!! Although, nothing compared to books, they offer a welcome relief. Sometimes, I can't bear to read another page after another day of nothing but reading. Sometimes, it is nice to just sit back, and allow my brain a little more of a rest. Anyway, as I've been largely preoccupied with watching TV series, I've neglected my movie watching (except for LOTR and the Hobbit). So, as a reminder (for myself), and as a consideration for y'all, I've compiled this list of movies that I would like to see. I've tried to add the trailer to all of them. I hope it works...

P.S: The Hobbit the Battle of the Five Armies, isn't on here, because I've seen that weeks ago :)

Jurassic World

It took me longer than most, to get on the Jurassic Park bandwagon. It was only after I became aware of Michael Crichton, as one of my favorite authors, that I began watching the movies. They are good, but compared to the book they are alright. However, based on movies alone they hold up pretty well, so be assured this one will be watched by me.

The Theory of Everything

The Theory of Everything, directed by James Marsch, and starring a really familiar looking actor. After a little research I realized he was Marius from Le Mis: It drove me crazy until I figured it out. Anywho, I want to see this movie because Stephen Hawking, is arguably, the most brilliant man alive. Who wouldn't want to see a movie about his life?

Interstellar

I'm not going to lie. The main reason why I want to see this movie, is because I think Christopher Nolan is a genius. So I make it my mission to watch any of his new films: thus far, he hasn't disappointed, so it's on my list.

Jupiter Ascending

I like science fiction. Need I say more?

In the Heart of the Sea

Moby Dick! The White Whale. Whales. I like whales. They be cute. I've also been planning on reading the book for quite some time. So I'll have to read that beforehand. If at all possible, I try to read the book prior to watching any movie. Unless of course, I realize only later that a book exists. No excuse here, I guess...

Woman in Gold

This movie, simply looks intriguing. Not in the same way as some of Nolan's films, but still intriguing. It's not really a movie that follows my usual genre, however, it isn't horror or pointless action flick, so I'm willing to try it.

Tomorrow I'll probably post another one of these. Don't want to overwhelm you guys :)

Featured image: It seemed tedious to find one... So my blog will just automatically convert one of the video covers to a image...

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Other

Since when does everyone ride?

Anonymous 12:03 PM

Wikimedia commons "labeled for reuse"

As a rider myself, I can immediately recognise anyone who is is wearing riding clothes. However, recently, I've seen more and more people tromping around in riding pants and shoes. Apparently, this is the new style craze. To me, and I imagine other riders, this wearing of riding equipment away from the stable just looks a little odd. Riding shoes, never look shiny, black, and clean for long. Mine look a little more like this (left picture):

Leather therapy "labeled for reuse"

So when I see hundreds of people traipsing around in their shiny black riding boots, I can't help wondering, what the heck are you doing? Those, shoes have been developed to muck out stables, to stick in stirrups, and the shape is such, that if you fall you aren't dragged around the paddock still attached to the horse. But it doesn't stop there: oh no.

For a couple months now, I've been seeing people in riding pants. I can tell they aren't going to the stable, because on their arm is slung a Louis Vuitton bag, and their jackets are from Armani. So when I see riding pants paired with that, I can't help snickering a little. My riding pants, smell like the inside of a horse's stable, they have brown spots all over, there a bits of hay clinging to the fabric, and in the summer it is covered in fur. The padded knee and calf parts of the pants, are there so that you can protect your leg from the constant pressure that needs to be applied to the horse's belly. Why on earth would you need a padded knee and calf to go to the city? Although, I can see why people may like the look of it, as a rider I simply find it amusing.

Go on non-riders, continue wearing the equipment of our sport. We won't stop you, we'll just have a laugh now and again.