So my husband recently bought tickets to Megacon, which I've been looking to for a while because confession: I've never actually been to a convention before. Growing up, I simply never had the money or means of transportation to get to any local conventions and before this year, my hubby and I have really only had just enough money to pay the bills. But now I have a chance to go, and not only that but Stan Lee will be there signing autographs.
Yeah, that's right. Stan FREAKING Lee -- the king of the nerds! Er Marvel nerds, anyway.
Here's the thing, though. I'm actually thinking about not going. Why, you ask?
Well, I'm not gonna lie. A lot of contributes to my social anxiety. I have anxiety attacks that are triggered by every day ordinary interactions and I really don't want to humiliate myself by meeting Stan Lee while I'm crying and hyperventilating.
Not only that, but a few years ago, I was actually publicly -- well, as public as you can get on the internet -- humiliated by a well known comic book artist on their blog. I'm not gonna say who or what happened because, honestly, I've deleted any screencaps of the convo, and have really just been trying to move on from that situation. The point is, though, that person was one of idols and they were a total, freaking, dick and long story short, they basically shat all over my childhood.
Who wants to go through that again?
I mean, I read online that Stan Lee is supposed to be this ridiculously nice guy, but I really don't feel like testing my luck, especially since I know that I will definitely have an anxiety attack as soon as I even get a glimpse of the guy. But at the same time, he and Jack Kirby are responsible for about 95% of my childhood -- the parts that have yet to be destroyed by the interweb, anyway. Every morning and afternoon, my brother and I would be watching some form of Spider-Man or X-Men. I don't know what to do, guys. Honestly, I'd probably be happy just staying home reading and working on my writing. But my husband thinks that if I stay home, I'll just be making a huge mistake. What would you guys do?
Okay, so I'm not gonna lie. I totally have LGR (LazyGameReviewer) to thank for all this because had I not seen his video LGRThrifts, I would have never been inspired to stop by my local SPCA thrift store to see what kind of nerdy goodies and video games I was able to find. But I am really glad I did, so because of that I would just like to say, thanks, LGR, and please don't stop posting your awesome vids any time soon.
By now, I bet you're wondering what it is I actually found at the thrift store, aren't you?
No, not really?
Well, I'm gonna tell you anyway.
One of the coolest things I found at the store was a copy of The Sims Deluxe Edition priced down to $3.00 because it's an old game. In case you guys haven't noticed, in some of my previous posts I sort of made it obvious that I have a weird sort of love affair with The Sims franchise and the truth is, I kind of don't. Don't get me wrong, The Sims is a great game. But after a long bout of video game addiction involving The Sims 3, I just got tired of giving EA Games my money. Seriously, I was one of those suckers who gave them $10, so I could have a cow plant in my game. Then when I downloaded it, I was too afraid of it eating my Sims to actually play with it.
Yeah, it was bad.
However, that doesn't change the fact that the games hold a special place in my heart and since I already have a growing collection of The Sims games, I'm usually pretty quick to pick this stuff up when I see it. Especially when it only costs $3.
Plus, one of the really cool things about The Sims Deluxe Edition -- that I'm sure any hardcore Simmer could tell you -- is that it actually comes with a free copy of The Sims Livin' Large Expansion Pack, The Sims Creator, and also exclusive "deluxe" content. So essentially when I bought this, I was really getting two games and a much needed upgrade for the original Create-A-Sim. Who can say no to that?
The next thing I managed to find was a copy of The Sims Makin' Magic Expansion Pack, priced down to $4. Yes, I know, I know. More Sims stuff?
Well, I almost got a copy of the Toy Story 2 PC game, but the disc was all scratched up. Plus, The Sims 3 Supernatural is my favorite Expansion Pack and this actually came with a pretty cool surprise.
The surprise turned out to be a second disc that included a The Sims 2 Sneak Preview. Say what you will about this franchise, but it is widely known that The Sims 2 set the bar for high graphics standards in video games. If nothing else, the game is worth playing simply because of how beautiful it is. So this is something I thought was really cool.
Total, my copy of The Sims Deluxe Edition and The Sims Makin' Magic cost me $7. Was it the Playstation2 I was actually hoping to see up for sale?
No, but it's still freaking awesome, and I still have one last find to tell you guys about.
Alright, alright.
This last find isn't nerdy and if I'm being honest with myself, it's probably not all that interesting unless you're huge fan of the author's work like I am. Like, for real, this chick is one of my writing idols.
And her name is Laurie Halse Anderson. She's probably best known for writing the controversial YA novel Speak, which has since found it's way onto The Banned Book List in several states and counties across the US. Because people in this country need to read less in order to get smarter. That'll help the stereotypes, alright -_-
Anyway, when I stopped by the thrift store it looked like a book store had just thrown up in there. There were two huge crates of books along with the regularly stocked shelves full of books, and my husband and I had a lot fun just looking through all of them. And as you can see, I was lucky enough to find two of Laurie Halse Anderson's best sellers. What made finding these even more enjoyable is that they're hardcovers and had I bought them at bookstore, they'd have cost me about $15 each.
Now, I haven't actually read these books yet, so I don't actually know what they're about, but the first book is Fever 1793, which I do know is a historical fiction novel. The other one I managed to find is called Catalyst, and honestly, I've only ever heard it mentioned in passing.
I'm more than likely going to do reviews on these books sometime in the near future, but I've got a lot of stuff going on. So until then, if you haven't picked up a book by Laurie Halse Anderson, I would highly recommend doing so.
Ever wonder what I do in my free time aside from this blog? Well, here it is. I write. What do I write, you ask? Fanfictions, novels, poetry, lyrics. Pretty much everything. I even had a vampire novel in the works at one point, but decided to shelve until the vampiric hell that is The Twilight Saga finally blows over. If you're interested in reading some of my work, please check out the links below. Thank you.
As someone with social anxiety, I am already prone to attachment issues. So I think some people may say that I've always had a bit of an odd relationship with Pokemon, specifically the ones in the video games. Whenever I got to play a Pokemon game, which wasn't often, I would treat the Pokemon in my battle party as my pets. I mean, sure, I would never actually confine my pets to small, plastic balls with who-knows-what inside of them and then force them to beat the crap out of other animals until they fainted, but let's not get technical, right? I firmly believed and still do believe that battling with my Pokemon would bring me closer to them and help me to develop a special bond of friendship with them. I would always buy way too many Potions, give them nicknames, and whenever we went to the Pokemon Center, I would pretend that we had stopped there so I could feed them and see they were given proper medical care. I believed the Pokemon in the games were my friends and that they should be treated as such, and got into many an argument because of it. In other words, I got really attached to them and basically had to learn to remind myself that they weren't real animals. As I got older, it became easier and easier not to get emotionally invested in my Pokemon. I mean, I liked them, I cheered for them in battles, and I always gave them their own nicknames. I understand now that they aren't real, but then Pokemon-Amie came around and made it a lot harder for me to view them as just little blocks of data or whatever.
Don't get me wrong. I love Pokemon-Amie. It's probably my favorite feature in the Generation 6 games, but essentially what Nintendo is telling us to do with that feature is to treat our Pokemon the way we treat our pets. They want us to feed them, pet them, play them, and essentially love them. And, seriously, how could we not? Pokemon are some of the most adorable creatures ever to come into existence. Sure, not all of them are cute and cuddly like, say, Charizard. Most people would probably fall down in tears if they ever saw a Charizard in real life, especially a wild one. But still we put all this time into training them and teaching them how to battle, so that they can carry us to victory against the Elite Four and, in my opinion, Pokemon definitely deserve our love for that. Taking all that into consideration, it's really, really hard not just to melt into a puddle of freaking goo when you see your prized Pokemon eat a cake with chocolate on top of it, basically, out of the palm of your hand. Or when they turn to you in battle and ask you what to do "with trust in their eyes". Who can't love that? With all the cuteness and love and trust involved, it's hard to think that there could possibly be a downside to Pokemon-Amie, but believe me, there is. The bad part about Pokemon-Amie is that no matter how much you love a Pokemon, sometimes you just can't them with you throughout the entire game. That means that there are some Pokemon you might end up having to box in the Pokemon Center PC. Now, I know what you're thinking. You're thinking, "But, MJ, that's nothing new. We've all had to box our favorite Pokemon in previous games." That's true. It's not a new feature, but it is so much worse than it was previous Pokemon Generations. I mean, think about it: You have this Pokemon that you love and play with every day, that you tried all the way up to level 20-something. Then suddenly you realize, your party is full and no one can learn the new TM that is essential for completing the game. That means someone in your party needs to replaced with a Pokemon that can learn the TM. As if to make things worse, you start off on the road to the nearest Pokemon Center when suddenly you get into a battle and out pops your favorite Pokemon -- the one you know needs to be boxed -- and the text box on the screen says, "So-and-So looks at its Trainer with trust in its eyes." It trusts you -- it knows you love it and you know it loves you because you just checked its affection level, and you HAVE to box it! Get the idea? Now, I know this may not seem like a big deal to some people, but really that's only because those people are heartless jerks with no real concept of love and friendship. And I used to be one them. Originally, I'd planned on keeping a Furfrou named Paris in my party simply I liked the Pokemon and via Pokemon-Amie, I managed to get pretty attached to it. I knew eventually I might have to box it because Furfrou is a Normal-type that doesn't learn any spectacular moves except maybe Surf, but, honestly, I didn't know what was going to happen when I did. I just thought it'd be like when I was a kid and I'd be all happy and smiling and like, "Bye, Furfrou. See you later."
Uh, no. I was so depressed I had to stop playing my game until I managed to forget about Fufrou. I'm not going to say that my social anxiety has nothing to do with it. It probably does, but that doesn't make me special. I know there are other people out there who get depressed over the simple action of boxing a Pokemon now, and not just because my post about it on the Miiverse got five Yeahs! It's because Nintendo reminded us that we have feelings and that if Pokemon were real, they'd have 'em to. So I guess what I'm really trying to say here is thank you, Nintendo, for emotionally comprising an entire generation of Pokemon Trainers.
Starring: Noomi Rapace, Micheal Nyqvist, Lena Endre
This is a movie I've been looking forward to watching for quite some time ever since I read the first book in the Millennium trilogy. However, I'd like to give a word of warning to anyone who, like myself, is new to the world of the trilogy and is reading it for the first time: Do NOT watch this movie before you finish the series. Just don't. It is filled with spoilers and foreshadowing that could potentially ruin the series for you.
Anyway, with that aside, I would just like to say that this movie was amazing and it's kind of making me question whether or not I should even bother with the American version of the film. But don't worry, I will be watching it if only to compare the two. I do, however, have some complaints about this version, which is the original Swedish film.
As far as casting goes, it's my opinion that the only character they nailed 110% was that of Lisbeth Salander. Noomi Rapace did an amazing job and did nothing to dampen the fangirl crush I've been harboring on the characterbecause, seriously, Salander is just so f*cking cool. As for the characters of Mikeal Blomkvist and Erika Berger, well, let's just say the choices could have been a lot better. Like a lot a lot.
Okay, okay, Micheal Nyqvist didn't do a bad job as Blomkvist. The acting certainly fit the character,and if I'm being honest here my only real complaint is that he did not at all fit the Blomkvist I was picturing inside my head.
The cast choice for Berger kind of makes me cringe, though. I mean, in the book she's described as this cultured, sexy, much talked about magazine editor that has an on-going polyamorous relationship with Blomkvist for more than twenty years. That's a long time, and I get that she's supposed to be middle-aged, but in the movie, I can't help but think that she looks....Like.....Well, the exact opposite of that!
See this -- this is her! This is Erika Berger! Obviously!
I mean, for real, I just can't look at this picture without wondering when the last time she picked up a comb was. I guess that's probably more the costumes department fault than hers, but Lena Endre would be the last choice I'd make for Berger if I had a chance to make this movie over again. Maybe I'll come to like her in later films or something, but I just...I just...I can't.
She is so not right for this role to me.
Another complaint I have about the movie is that the foreshadowing -- AKA spoilers -- seemed really unnecessary. I mean, I guess they help to give us a bit of insight into Salander's character, but anyone who has the read the books would not need that insight and the incident brought to light by this foreshadowing wasn't even mentioned in the first book. They just threw it in the first movie just because!
Or more than likely for lazy people who decided they didn't want to read the books first, but I don't feel like being nice to them -- I was in the middle of the second book when I watched this. They spoiled parts of it for me very badly. If I had known about these spoilers beforehand, I would have NEVER watched this while I was in the middle of the trilogy. I would have waited and watched the whole thing in one sitting.
Spoilers and one less than ideal casting choice aside, this was still an amazing movie. Oplev and the writers did a hell of a job with making sure it stayed close to the book's dark, controversial, and somewhat disturbing plot and stay close it did indeed.The production value of the film wasn't great, though. I remember thinking more than once that it looked like a bad made for TV film, but that doesn't take much away from the film and certainly is not something to hold against it. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the entire movie and can't wait to watch the second and third films. Which I will be doing as soon as I finish the trilogy.
In the end, I'm going to award the movie eight of ten stars because everything aside -- which isn't much -- Oplev did a damn good job with this movie and despite its flaws, I'm jumping up and down in my seat with excitement at the idea of watching the next movies. Would I recommend this movie to everyone?
To everyone, no. If you can't stand subtitles, well then quite frankly this movie is not for you and I feel bad for you because I learned the hard way that some of the greatest movies of all time never even make it to the States much less get translated or remade in English. And if you dislike extreme violence, then yeah, stay far, far away from this movie. Like as far away as you can possibly get because this movie just like the book is not for the faint of heart.
Everyone else, though, do not miss this movie. I don't care that it's a couple years old or you didn't like the books or whatever. Just watch the damn movie.
Back to talking about Animal Crossing New Leaf for Nintendo's 3DS. Now, for those of you who don't know, I've had a very love and hate relationship with this game ever since I picked out a bad map a while back. Well, actually it was more like a feeling a mild claustrophobia as I slowly wandered around the map and realized as I walked, "THERE'S NOT ENOUGH SPACE TO BUILD ANYTHING HERE!"
Seriously, though, those maps defy the laws of physics. You can have an area of land that looks it hold like two or three buildings tops and be about a mile wide and long IRL, then find out, it can only fit one building. One tiny-ass building. I know they operate based on the number of squares per feet or something like that, but seriously -- where did they come up with freaking logic?
It's freaking mind-boggling, if you ask me.
Anyway, though, I decided that I want to overcome those feelings and challenge myself with an Animal Crossing Nuzlocke challenge, and just have fun with it. No themes. No trying to outdo Aika Village because let's be realistic here, I'm afraid of Paranormal Activity -- I can't kill a bug without bursting into tears. Why would I want to outdo Aika Village?
No, the only real goal is to keep with the challenge and have fun with it. Overall, I just want to build the town of my dreams. Which is where the scifi movie references and self-obsession comes in.
As you can see the town is named Skynet after the evil corporation from the Terminator movies. I decided to go with that because I thought it was an awesome name with a good reference that would grab people's attention. It actually wasn't my first choice, though. My first choice was actually Leafshire, but it was too long, sadly.
The mayor of Skynet is named Emerald after my birthstone. If and when I mention her again in upcoming posts, I'll probably refer to her as Emme/Emmy for short.
Overall, I really like the town, though I have been experiencing a bit of map anxiety. Hopefully, it turn out fine and I'll have picked a pretty decent town map.
In the screenshot, you can also see my villagers, most of whom I'd already encountered in previous saves. Though there are some newcomers, one of whom I'm hoping will leave as soon as humanly possible. But from left to right, they are Hopper, Snake, Eloise, Sally, and Bubbles.
They're a pretty good bunch, IMO. Though I freaking hate Snake. Don't ask me why. I just do. I really, really want him gone, but since I'm playing a Nuzlocke, I'm probably just gonna have to deal with him.
Speaking of which, here are the rules of the ACNL Nuzlocke challenge:
1. You must set one of your villagers catchphrases to cough. They have the plague. If all your villagers start saying cough, you must reset your town. 2. If a villager asks to move, you have to let them. 3. You can time travel, but not to get villagers out. 4. You may not reset for maps or villagers. 5. No glitching. You can accept glitched items though. 6. Beetle farming is not allowed, you may only use fruit/shells/Stalk Market/selling random stuff. 7. You can ONLY use your town fruit, your Island fruit and the fruit from Isabelle. You can take off up to 3 of these rules to make it easier. You can also add rules. Nuzlocke Rules
And, yeah, I will be ignoring some rules. Numbers one, six, and seven specifically, and while I won't be resetting for villagers or any of that stuff, I will be attempting to adopt them out when it is time for them to move.
Artist(s): Mokona, Tsubaki Nekoi, and Satsuki Igarashi
Cardcaptor Sakura was originally published in 1996-2000 and is quite possibly one of the most popular magical girl manga in publication. The story centers around fourth-grader Sakura Kinomoto, who has been chosen to recapture the magical Clow Cards after awakening the Cards' guardian, Cerberus -- AKA Kero -- from a book found in her father's library. From early on, it is made clear by the author and artists that Cardcaptor Sakura was intended to be a children's manga. However, due to the story, which captures the reader and makes the book ultimately unputdownable and the beautiful artwork, it is easily something that can be enjoyed readers of all ages. But because of the overall theme of love -- all kinds of love -- human to creature relationships and acceptance, some might believe that the book is more suitable for open-minded, adult readers. Even in this first omnibus book, which collects volumes 1-4 of the series, we see examples of same-sex romance and pedophilia. Because of the pedophilic relationships -- yes, there's more than one -- I would not recommend this book for someone under the age of thirteen and fourteen, and would urge adults to remind the readers that it's really just a story and things don't work that way in the real world. Anyway, despite what some may consider a somewhat controversial theme the story, overall, is incredibly upbeat and moving. We see characters struggling to overcome their hardships with each other for the good of others involved, and Sakura's optimistic attitude is incredibly contagious and will leave the reader feeling good once they've finished. This really is a story anyone can enjoy reading, though. It has everything -- action, romance, drama, and comedy. Not only that, but this is an example of some of CLAMP's finest artwork ever. I don't think anyone can look at the characters in this book and say they aren't all beautiful in their own way. While it is possible for some to argue that the artwork is too girly for male readers to enjoy, I would like to remind you that this does fall into the shoujo genre and really, since when is artwork "girly"? I didn't realize that artwork had a gender unless you're referring to the use of flowers and Lolita style outfits Sakura dons throughout the book, in which case you're just being gender biased. Hate to break it to you. In any case, do not discount this book because it is a magical girl shoujo and certainly not because of the artwork. If anything, the artwork is one of the things that this series so great. There are so many beautifully depicted panels in this book, it's hard to describe them all. Plus, because it is an omnibus reprint, the book also includes some of the most beautiful color prints I've ever seen in any manga. Overall, I'm going to give this book an eight of ten. The story grabs the reader tight from the very beginning and the artwork is beyond beautiful. Again, it's definitely something you do not want to pass up. Trust me. If you missed this series in the 1990s, go out and pick up a copy of the omnibus now. You won't regret it.
