Monthly Archive for July, 2007

The Golden Compass: Extended Preview

Published on July 29, 2007 in His Dark Materials and Media. 5 Comments Tags: , , .

I’m going to die happy; a new trailer for The Golden Compass movie was released at Comic-Con. It’s stunning, breathtaking, spectacular, and other such synonyms.

If you didn’t know, my favorite book series ever is Philip Pullman‘s His Dark Materials. The Golden Compass is the first book of the trilogy, and the movie for the book will make its debut on December 7, 2007 (a date which will live in infamy).

This trailer is awesome because it relieves some of my fears about the movie. First and foremost, the trailer clearly states that the antagonist of the movie will still be the Magisterium (church), enabling the movie to stay true to its roots.

The Magisterium seeks to control every world, and every universe. Nothing will stop them from trying to take over. Nothing but you.

Next, we’ve finally been given a glimpse at Dakota Blue Richards in character. If I had a test for who is fit to play Lyra, the book’s protagonist, she would pass it. I don’t ask for much, just someone who I won’t hate. The entire movie just seems wonderful, and I really can’t wait until December.

I’m looking for a group of people to take to see the movie, so if you’re interested, let me know. You might think it’s absurd to plan so far in advance. You’re right. Something this awesome calls for absurdity.

The Simpsons Movie

Published on July 28, 2007 in Media. 2 Comments Tags: .

Last night I went and saw The Simpsons Movie with a few friends in Danbury; it’s brief review time, without plot spoilers!

I don’t watch TV. I stopped consuming the mindless madness more than a year ago, with the onset of podcasting. I found this new media able to cater to niche audiences and stay much more appealing and intelligent. That said, I wasn’t able to escape the onslaught of Spider Pig, from children quoting the commercial at the Academy. Since I was a fan of The Simpsons when I was a child, I decided to round up a group of friends to see the cinematic experience, despite my disdain for theaters in general.

After sitting through the advertisements that spawn my hatred for theaters, The Simpsons Movie started with a bang, jam-packed hilarious first twenty minutes. Of course, the comedy continued throughout. I really liked the movie, with an emphasis on the beginning rather than its end, but think it could have been a bit longer. It clocks in only at 1:27! I admit that I’m severely unfit to write a proper review; take this link to a real one, and the advice to see it somehow.

Michael Moore Just Got Served

Published on July 27, 2007 in Media and Politics. 3 Comments Tags: , .

…a subpoena, for the Cuba scene in SiCKO. Here’s the full story.

Here’s an exercise: think of every contemporary muckraker that you know of. If you can think of more than a few, I’d be interested in knowing in the comments. It’s typical that Moore, one of the revitalizing journalists of our time, is being received this way by the Bush administration. Perhaps history will treat him kindly, depending on where the universal health care issue goes in 2008 and the future.

Mail from Rensselaer

Published on July 27, 2007 in College Admissions and Dover. 8 Comments Tags: , .

It’s been a long time coming. Finally, after learning that I received Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s ‘Rensselaer Medal’ back in the spring, I got something in the mail from RPI. It contained the news that I’m guaranteed a $60,000 scholarship at that school over four years. Unfortunately though, I’m not sure that I’m interested in a technical institute over a traditional university. Also, I’m still unsure about what I want to do or major in.

Opinions about tech schools in comparison to universities? I really need some help with this one.

Final Thoughts on the Dover Carnival

Published on July 24, 2007 in Dover and Dover Carnival. 2 Comments Tags: .

This is definitely going to be the best week of this year.

It was, Ricky; it most certainly was. Overall, I had an awesome time at the carnival. I was able to ride impressive rides and hang out with friends and acquaintances I’d normally never see. For these reasons, I’m going to miss it. I wish that every day could be the Dover Carnival. But, while writing this point, I gave it some intense thought.

Perhaps the Dover Carnival isn’t a time or place. Maybe it’s a state of mind: one where we try to let go of our problems and fly in the air singing about pirates; one where we wander around aimlessly until finding the warm feeling of friendship; one where we spend too much money on food to compensate for having too much fun; one where Dover isn’t a place we complain about for being too small, or too far away from civilization, but instead a place that we all love. Join me, let’s let each and every day be the Dover Carnival.

The Computer Academy

Published on July 23, 2007 in College Admissions and Computer Academy. 2 Comments Tags: , .

I’ve been getting questions left and right about my new job, understandably. People are inherently interested in where and how others are making money. At the time of this post, I’ve been working at Dutchess Community College for two weeks at a function called Computer Academy. Also, at the time of this post, I’ll be working there for two more weeks.

The Computer Academy is a summer camp program for children interested in computers. It’s broken up into two two-week sessions, of which students may attend either one or both. I’m a Teaching Assistant, and I also work as a monitor while escorting children around campus. I’m really enjoying it, and I’m actually learning a lot. It’s some good money, and a desperately needed college resumé booster.