Time Traveling

Obviously, girl can’t catch a break. This blog is still going through a lot of tweaking and figuring out, and the possibility of the url changing is definitely high. So many things are actually happening all at the same time this week, and insane is a major understatement. It’s been quite a while since I last juggled random duties at intense situations, and seriously, I have never been so close to tears in my entire life. And trust me, it takes a LOT to get this lady lady to shed some serious tears!

On the subject of tears, I don’t get why it was only yesterday that I got to see the trailer for A Time Traveler’s Wife. I recall blogging this novel before, and I’ve got nothing but great words for it. I’m not a big romance novel reader, although I do enjoy watching a couple of chick flicks once in a while. There’s just something about romance novels that [sorry!] makes me cringe just a bit. All that cheesy sappy lines, and those too good to be real characters just makes people all disillusioned about what it really is. Besides, how life changing and thought provoking can they be? Most of the time they do end tragically. So why pick up the book? Well, that little gist books have at the back cover had me.

Here’s what A Time Traveler’s Wife is. Girl first meets boy at the age of 6, and he’s 35. Boy first meets girl at age 27, and she’s I think around the same age. And I, am trying very very hard not to type any spoilers. The moment i found out that the novel would be turned into a movie, no brainer, it’s jumps into my ‘must see’ list. The trailer has me very very excited. I’ve imagined Clare to be a lot fuller, compared to Rachel McAdams’ frame, but I’m not complaining. I actually have a good feeling about this film, and there are a lot of key scenes I’m actually dying to see. For now, I’d gladly settle for the soundtrack. Whatever date it hits stores, or iTunes. The movie hits theatres in the US on August 14th, and yes, I do wish for a moment that I’m in NYC to catch the books signing, or at least see the premiere. I’m guessing it’ll hit local cinemas next year, at best.

Here’s a trailer in case you missed it:

Oh, and I swear, once I get a chance to do design work again, I’ll be posting them here. I miss it already.

Wackadoodle Wednesday

Here’s something I’ve done yesterday while trying to figure out my new blog’s CSS.

Yeah, a loose screw’s here somewhere. And I’m half cringing with all the girly pink energy flowing in that thing. It’s almost sooo not me! Very pop-arty if you ask me. Kind of reminds me of Warhol, although, of course, not as classy.Kitty cat photo from xnickixstockx, which btw, was absolutely convenient. My yawning kitty photo had grass all over her mouth, and I was just too lazy to photoshop them away.

And speaking of “new blog”, link, of course, I am not sharing yet, I can’t decide between these two:

I’ve got the color scheme planned out already, along with the layout. I’m just stuck trying to figure out how to translate them to CSS. And this process is just such a pain! Apparently I have no patience with making codes from scratch. And finding a suitable skeleton for me to base my layout on is not so easy either. Bah. Pain will be worth it though, that, I’m sure of. Basically, the new blog will be slightly similar to this one, except it’ll have more images and video clips in it. It’s quite exciting, getting to blog some of the things I haven’t really posted here. This blog doesn’t exactly support vimeo, so I’ll see how I can work that out on the new one. I’m also narrowing down blog names.

I’m also missing a lot lately. I’m no longer up to speed with what’s happening on True Blood and Nurse Jackie. I may have to settle for DVDs. So far, I’m going through the “calm before the storm”. I have a LOT of things that needs to get up and running by the -ber months, and I’m barely halfway at best. Hmm… I might post some packaging studies here soon. 

Into the Passion Pit!

If you happen to be a fan of the electronic genre, might have heard of these artists. My love for this genre would mostly be credited to Psapp and The Postal Service. These two have changed my choices in music, from purely alternative rock, to a new age 80’s sort of feel. I doubt that I’d be turning my back on this anytime soon.

Passion Pit: Manners

Released mid-May this year, Manners is the band’s second album. Although it is their first full length one. Formed just two years ago in Massachusetts, Passion Pit has already gained a lot of media exposure. Their single Sleepyhead, which happens to be my second favorite track in this album (my uber fave being Little Secrets), has already been used in various TVCs and ad spots in the US (and the UK, I think. I’m not so sure…).  They’ve also opened for acts such as Death Cab for Cutie, and Franz Ferdinand. Their music was also featured on Gossip Girl!

So, this is how I found Passion Pit. One fine slow work day, Sh3lly ym’d me two MTV’s of this band, and insisted that I hear them. She seemed to be absolutely raving about them, so why not? Sleepyhead had me hooked. The moment the song was over, I just knew. Must. Have. Album. I’m guessing they’d make it on the charts by the end of the year on last.fm. Remember that list I’ve posted last year on the best of 2008? I’ll be having another one for this year, plus a list of what’s on my playlist. At the rate this band’s going on my iTunes, I’m pretty sure it’ll be at the top.I’ve already got their album playing over and over as I type! And doing a bit of research on this band, you wouldn’t believe how they started! A laptop. The rest of the info on this band  and how they started, you can wiki, or check their page on last.fm and myspace. An absolutely amazing group, I wouldn’t be surprised to one day see them win a Grammy, and top the charts. They’re stellar, and I see nothing but stellar success for them. 

Manners contains 11 tracks of absolute eargasm, which includes the ever popular Sleepyhead. Manners opens with the delightful track Make Light, which oddly reminds me of the 13 Going on 30 soundtrack, but with a twist. Cheerful and uplifting. Track two is my uberfave Little Secrets, which I’ve conveniently blip-ed for you to hear. Moth’s wings is a beautiful mix of strings with a very uplifting feel. The Reeling, whose video was released on their YouTube page has this 80’s feel that for some reason is just so much fun to sing along to, no different from the next track To Kingdom Come. Swimming in the Flood’s intro is slightly reminiscent of Linkin Park’s music, although of course less grungy. Eyes Like Candles, odd enough starts almost like Hoobastank’s The Reason, until more instruments start playing, and you start swaying to the music. All in all, Manners is an absolute treat no one should miss.

I rate it:

For more info on the band delivered from the PassionPit, visit their official website. Trivia: Passion Pit is a slang term for “slang word for a drive-in movie theatre where kids used to go to make out.” If you heart them, don’t forget to give ‘em some love on their facebook and twitter page.

On a slightly unrelated note, I’ve decided to not write a review on BEP anf KOL. We all know that they’re awesome.

The rollercoaster that is HPizzle 6

Yesterday, I had a fabulous opportunity to watch the latest Harry Potter movie for free. Yes. And thank you. Honestly I was never really a major Potter fan. I’ve never read a book, or even browsed or thumbed one at all. Yeah yeah, raise your brows. Remember when Harry Potter first came out and it was absurdly controversial, that there were even churches that banned it? Yeah, that is why I’ve never read one. Not that I follow rules, I just wasn’t interested in reading a material that “controversial”. Six movies later, I’m actually considering reading the books. Ha ha ha.

The Half Blood Prince might be the best HP movie ever released. It certainly was different on all counts compared to the previous films. Although I am raving about this movie…it isn’t perfect. There were certain elements ever present in HP movies that were suddenly gone in this one. The staircases no longer move, the paintings no longer talk, the pictures…are pictures, literally. Suddenly, the little things that make their world magical were missing. I know that they’ve established that part already, but that’s what makes it all so charming. And I missed that. Also, it was like half of the movie was dedicated to their hormones and love potions and stalking fangirls. It’s just sad because for some reason, I’m given the impression that this movie was sexed up to be Twilighty. And I don’t like that. I mean sure, they find love and go fondle and snog in the books, but aren’t there more pressing matters to focus on? Case in point, Malfoy? Like I said, I’ve never read the books, so I found myself seriously lost in the story. Thanks to a mini primer, I wasn’t as lost as I should be.

Those, are the imperfections. What made me go raving about this movie? Malfoy. Weasly. My, my, these two just sparkled and shined in the movie! I loved that other cast members were given better opportunities to show their acting skills, and give more life and meaning to the characters they portrayed on screen. And can I just say yet again, Tom Felton had me blown away with his performance as Draco Malfoy. At the end of the film, it was just so hard not to feel for him. Like despite his ever present scowl and mean-ness, you get to see him in a different light, and understand why he is the way he is. Yes. I heart him now. Ron “won-won” Weasly also gets his moment in the film. Being a keeper seems to have its “perks” gaining a stalker in the form of Lavender Brown. The roller coaster that is Ron Weasly’s moment, or moments, was just insane. Into one girl, thanks to Hermione, then to another, thanks to a love potion. Ron has always been the one to bring in the laughs, and this time, he does it, but differently. I think people who’ve seen the film, or read the books would know what I mean. Everyone has changed, yet remained the same. I know. Weird.

Steve Kloves and David Yates in my opinion, have done an amazing amazing job in this movie. It doesn’t happen very often that I go raving for a movie, and actually talk someone into seeing the movie twice. That should count for something. I love that they have injected a lot of humor, wit, and sarcasm in the lines of these three young wizards, and that they’ve made them much more relateable.  Despite the fact that I’ve been slightly lost in the story, there was just something about how this movie was made and written that they’ve made the world of magic and wizardry oddly tangible at some point. And that the characters are real,you can just feel them. And that, doesn’t happen very often. I think it’s pretty smart too, that they ended it hanging. Although that ending seemed Lord of the Rings-y. And speaking of LOTR, note the scene with 500 Gollums. Their entrance made me jump three inches off my seat, much to the delight of my dear seatmate. And before I end this, is it just me, that everytime they say “The Dark Lord”, I just can’t help but think Sauron and that flaming lidless eye? Anyway, despite its flaws, [which I do hope they address on the next film], it was awesome. And yes, I’d love to see the movie again.

Oh, and for amusement’s sake, I found a bogus review that is just too bogus not to share.

And “HPizzle” isn’t something I’ve come up myself. I credit @wishdreamhope for that.

The photos that could’ve been

This week is starting off insane. Digged up a couple of photos that were supposed to be submitted to a photo contest of sorts today.

Printed Images A and C. I was also looking forward to trying metallic prints. Unfortunately, the shop I went to didn’t have that, so I had to settle for matte prints. Doesn’t matter though, since I got caught up, and missed it. I was really really looking forward to today, only to find out we all could’ve gone home, and I could’ve showed up somewhere else. That was 5 hours waiting time, and a cancelled commitment. Who does that anyway?

Anyway, music reviews are coming. I’ve started a new blog, much similar to this one. I’m in the process of looking for templates to base my design on, so nothing’s final with that yet. I’ve been doing a couple of designing things to fill up my portfolio. Basically, I’m working on the whole “branding” and “packaging” thing. I hope all turns out well, and that everything gets done soon. I’ll be posting studies and drafts in between reviews and rants whenever I can. For now, it’s those photos above. Hopefully, the next post will be on the recent set of electronica album’s I’ve acquired. If you’ve seen my blip and twitter, you’d know who these artists are, and that I believe that they are absolutely eargasmic. So there. My quickie update.

H

Regina is not Far

The moment I got my freedom back, I immediately rummaged for all the albums (and TV shows) I’ve missed. I’ve gotten hold of five albums recently, and since I’ve been too ocupied to update this post asap so I can post it already, they’ve all caught up with each other. So maybe the next series of entries will be on these albums. I’ve got La Roux too! Can’t wait to share that! Anyway, starting the series of music blogs is Regina Spektor’s latest album, Far.

When I first listened to Far, I knew without a doubt, it was a Regina Spektor album. Regina has her signature style, that in an ocean of music, you’d know it’s her the moment you hear it. Released just last month (I think), Far is reminiscent of her last album Begin to Hope. Far’s got less melancholy as opposed to her previous one, yet balances it out with an interesting mix of tracks. I can’t say I enjoyed her previous album, although it was good. It just wasn’t my cup of tea. That’s the thing with these hard core artsy musicians. Either you’d think their album is absolutely amazing, or you won’t get it and think it’s the worst you’ve heard by far.

Far, in my opinion is neither. There are some tracks I just don’t get, others I’m not too fond of, and there are other tracks that are refreshing, and LSS worthy. There are a couple of tracks in the album I’ve enjoyed and loved. Dance Anthem of the 80’s is one I’ve completely gone LSS to. It’s catchy, fun, and cheery. And you can dance to it, just not bump and grind. It’s fun, uplifting, and happy. Exactly how I like it. Folding Chair has the exact same feel. A little odd on some parts, but happy is good. Laughing With is a meaningful song I think everyone should hear. Despite its sad feel, it is beautiful and worth listening to. One More Time With Feeling was the first track I listened to in the album. ‘Twas fun, and interesting. At least it sounds fun. It’s quite enjoyable, actually. Regina Spektor fans would absolutely adore this album. As for new listeners, it’s a matter of personal taste.

If Fiona Apple, Rachel Yamagata, and the like is your thing, you just might love this album too.

I say 4 of 10 stars. 

Feeling Artsy

Been really really occupied this past few. Just got back to work a few days ago. Yep, the vacay is over.

Well, so many things are indeed happening, and it certainly isn’t waiting for me to get up to speed. It’s overwhelming how much I’ve missed being sick for a week and required to be on bed rest another week. So much has happened, and so much needs to be done and decided upon. Yes, I’m being quasi-cryptic again. It’s like stress has given me twelve days to not worry about anything but get better. Then the moment I return, it slams me to insane amounts of intense things to get done asap. And it’s not even work. It’s bigger than that. Bah. Stress.

On less cryptic matters, I’ve been getting myself immersed in the world of graphic design. All that whether-to’s, why-for’s, and how-to’s are just beyond overwhelming. There is so much information out there and I’m trying to cram them all in my head every single day. And that’s just the beginning. What about inspiration? So I go look for the cream in graphic design and get all these artworks that are just mind blowing. And I get them in insane amounts as well. It’s dizzying, how much I’m trying to sink into my system that I feel like a computer about to crash. Seriously! So, in line with that graphic design thing, allow me to share what I’ve done these past few.

Yeah, my typography [inspired] business card. It’s a draft. I’m still polishing it, but the essence is there. The text, if you can read it, says what I do. The images were all taken by moi, and the contact information at the back are fake. I want the card to show what I can do in a nutshell. I’ll be tweaking that text up front to make it more readable. So, what do you think?

This, was fruit of a moment of inspiration. Photo was taken by moi, brushes were downloaded from various corners of cyberspace, and yeah, the rest is magic. Be nice, I’m still learning.

Oh yeah, both were done today. While listening to Paramore, AAR, Green Day, and Regina Spektor. Yeah, Regina’s a bit out of place there. Anyway, great day today. So much more to do. I’m giving my head a bit of a rest today, which is why there’s what you see up there. By the way, I’m open to commissions and collabs. If you want to see my photography portfolio, I have one at deviantart, flickr, and multiply. But I’d rather you visit the first two. I’m still working on my multiply layout. Links are at the dandy sidebar.

The holidays are not so far away, and I’m also working on my jewelry collection. I’m no jack of all trades, but I do what I can. I can’t draw, but I can take good pictures. And put them together and edit them and make them into something else. And I can cook too. But opening my own resto is a little too much. This is what I love to do. Someday I’ll post videos. But right now, let’s start with the non moving ones.

Cheers!
H