Sometimes More Isn't Always Better

Sequels.

Oh my goodness! My favorite show, book, movie is continuing! How can I hold all of my excitement over this extension that is completely unnecessary? Even though what I originally loved should have been left alone, I’m happy all these characters are coming back and they are continuing the story! Yay!

But not yay.

When an author writes a book series with an intent to keep the story going until it is over. That is the goal of a series. For example, Harry Potter. JK Rowling knew she would write seven books in order to chronologically tell the story of her teen hero. This story would not have been possible if there had only been one single book (well, maybe, but a lot of stuff would have been left out or it would have been crammed into one novel). This goes the same for trilogies—a beginning, middle, and end (which is the simple process of a basic storyline).

However, when it comes to a singular story, you cannot have too much of a good thing.  Even though Inception was a beautiful film, I do not ever want to see a sequel. It is absolutely perfect left on its own. Write all the fan fiction you want, but I don’t have any desire for a part two canon. 

I could look at you all day, Mr. Depp. But that's probably all I'd care about. Plot? What plot?

Pirates of the Caribbean has been subject to this. The movies keep going on and on. It should have ended with just the three movies. Beginning. Middle. End. Done. Now, there is going to be this huge series of Pirates movies. Sure, I love Captain Jack. But I don’t wanna be around when Pirates 26 comes out. It’s a bit ridiculous. Leave it as it is, please! The same goes for TV series. Once multiple story arcs have been created, it may be a little difficult to make successful ones. You really do not want to run something into the ground. 

I watched a show on Nickelodeon called “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” It was absolutely beautiful, brilliant, and just an all around amazing story. It lasted for only three seasons because that was how long the story was. Because the fan base was so large, there was great demand for more episodes for years (the show ended in 2008). However, instead of deciding to continue the original series with the same 

characters, the creators of the show chose to make a separate show in the same world set seventy years later. It is generally a new story but with the same beauty and background of the original. We are getting what we want without having the story ruined for us. I think “Avatar: The Legend of Korra” will be extremely successful because of the same witty writing and gorgeous artwork while appeasing the fans of the original series!

Do you have a book/movie/tv show/etc that has been dragged out way too much? Or have they been successful?

Hetalia--Making WW2 Hilarious Since Tomato Boxes

Reader,

I watch a lot of anime and read manga in my spare time (lol. what spare time?). Earlier this year, a friend of mine got me into a show/manga called Hetalia (literally, "useless Italy").

Hetalia is a comedy that brings to life all the different countries. They all have personalities that most of the time stereotypically represent their country. For example, America is very self centered and eats fast food all the time. England is snobby and rude to the other countries (especially America). Italy is a scared wimp who runs to Germany for help whenever he can. The list goes on and on. The way the characters interact is absolutely hysterical. Nevertheless, Hetalia also offers some valuable information in the matters of World History.
In a sense, all this crazy running about and petty fights are actually teaching you something.
What? Really?
Yes, really. In fact, I am taking World History right now, and Hetalia has helped me study for my tests. I can relate a certain event to something silly America said or a reference Japan made. Linking the two together really strengthens your knowledge of history. For the kids and adults who are struggling with history or just do not know much about it, this show definitely helps.
I went to a panel recently at Anime Weekend Atlanta. I didn't stay for the entire duration of the panel, but one of the leaders showed confessions from high school students who have seen Hetalia that reveals an increase of interest and grade scores in World History. The world is becoming more engaged and knowledgeable about the countries around them. People want to know more because the characters have encouraged them to do so. I find it so amazing!
The fandom is brilliant as well when writing historical fan fiction (well, non fiction in this case). Events in history that are not covered in the manga or the anime are created by the fans. They role play different countries and make personalities of their own (like a country that has never been made in the show). This takes something in your history book and transforms it into a silly scenario that also teaches readers. It is such a wonderful way the fandom spreads their love for the series and connect with others! The fans are extremely passionate about the countries. I myself did not like being an American. I hated our country because of all of its negative traits. But somehow, Hetalia taught me how to be proud to be an American. Everything we have been through and what we have done to become a great nation (not to mention, the personified America is very nice to look at! Haha!). In all seriousness, this show has transformed how many people see history and learn about what has come to pass.
So, even if you don't care for anime, I would give this show a watch. You'll get tons of laughs, and you'll probably learn a thing or two about World History!

Homestuck. Stuck at home. LOL. NOPE.

Reader,

Let me teach you about the wonderful world of Homestuck. And by wonderful world, I mean crazy ass nonsense that is so amazing, you can't even honk your horn or look at your bro the same way again. Or astrological signs for that matter. Or Betty Crocker...or Nicolas Cage...
Okay, moving on.

So, Homestuck is an online web comic hosted by the website mspaintadventures.com. It was created in 2009 by a man named Andrew Hussie. The basic layout of Homestuck is in a second person game-like format. Even though you aren't really playing and this is just a comic, you can still interact with it at some points. You find out about the characters every time you happen to be in their point of view during the story. By learning about them more and more as you go, you grow on the characters and feel a part of the storyline.
Now, there are four types of characters:
The Kids (4)
The Trolls (12)
The Exiles (4)
aaand...characters I cannot reveal to you because of spoiler reasons!
The first and main Kid, John, is receiving a new game for his birthday. This game, however, is the main cause for the conflict in this story. It turns the Earth world into chaos. Now John and his friends must figure out how to survive this apocalypse by helping each other the best they can and figuring out the odd circumstances they are faced with (such as fighting off imps, Grannysprite, Trolls, Exiles, and freaky time travel).
Throughout the comic, you will find flash videos. These flashes are sometimes interactive. They play out a scene of events that are going on in the story. This could be a mash-up of all the characters at once or one particular scene. A common element in the beginning is "Strife." Each Kid has a Strife scene. It's like you are playing a video game within the comic when really you are just clicking the buttons they give you. The story is very confusing but somehow makes sense when it all comes together (you'll see as you read further and further).
Another feature that is sort of video game-esque is the way everyone stores different items and documents. They all have Captchalogue cards. Using these cards, they can carry around multiple objects and pull them out whenever needed. It's a fun little feature that definitely adds to the game-like quality of the comic. Most of the events are quite serious. However, they are not taken seriously in the least. Within the story, the characters refer to different people, movies, and books in pop culture. From that previous knowledge, the reader can find a good laugh.

The Trolls have orange to yellow horns, gray skin, black hair, and they wear a black t-shirt with a different astrological sign. In their own ways, the characters represent the different signs very well. The Trolls start as internet "trolls" by messing with the Kids here and there. They become more important as the acts go along. They are the most recognizable characters of the comic because of their unique look. They are a very complex and interesting race. We learn the different ways they love, their blood, and their personalities. 
Homestuck is currently on its sixth act (while I am on the third act). It has created a wide fan base and admiration. The characters, the story, and the atmosphere of Homestuck really pulls you in, and you fall in love with this chaotic mess of a comic. I highly recommend it to everyone. It will probably change your life at least a little!

Advanced Procrastination! I blame Myers Briggs...

Reader,

Crap.

I should have been studying for my French test. I should have done that homework for my English class. I probably should have been updating this blog more frequently and decided on a focused topic. Instead, my attention span was focused on updating my Tumblr and keeping up with different animes and Doctor Who.

Go figure, I got this from Tumblr...and then starting Tumblin' for a while. Oops.

Procrastination.
This is a problem. We have all experienced it, and the effects it has on our lives could be pretty harsh. Or maybe getting things done at the last minute gives you an adrenaline rush. But for me, I torture my fingernails and pull out my hair worrying about all these things that need to be done.
I remember in my high school Advanced Placement Literature class, we were a bunch of kids who were smart but lazy. We would show off our intelligence and talk about the assignments we had, but we would never do anything. Thus began the Advanced Procrastination class. We would all meet up five minutes before class started so we could help each other on papers that were due the very same day. Sometimes, work would not be done at all. Honestly, I tried to stay focused and do what needed to be done. So I usually had all my work finished. But not all the time. At one point, nearly the entire class had not finished an assignment. Our teacher had to leave the classroom that day. She was extremely disappointed. I think that was one of the deciding factors that made me realize procrastination isn't always a good thing. Sure, you can put work off for a little while and do what you want, but the consequences are not too great. You could just rush the work and come out with something that's complete bullshit or get that adrenaline to make something brilliant.
Since then, I have still procrastinated.Why is this? What makes you procrastinate?
I took the Myers Briggs test recently.
It said I was INFP (introverted/feeling/perceptive)
Another friend of mine, Hannah, got a similar result, INTP (introverted/thinking/perceptive).
We wanted to analyze what we had in common (the introverted part and perceptive bit).
We realized our minds wander and stock up with some great ideas. We usually are not open with all of these thoughts. It's not because we wish to hoard our epiphanies or intelligence. In fact, we enjoy spreading it whenever we can. Sometimes things are just not completely shared. We were both very shy in high school and did not want to engage in social interaction that much unless we were around people we found intreging or like us. Those who would rather sit around keeping to themselves and coming up with fabulous ideas.
But this can cause quite a problem when it comes to the perceptive side.
We are quite creative, Hannah and I. We can conjure up some wild stories and out of the box ideas. However, if you want to put these ideas on a chart, they would probably end up scattered.

This is where procrastination comes along. We know there is a set date coming up where something is due or there is a test to study for. We can brainstorm for hours upon hours coming up with different points and topics. Eventually, the deadline will come about, and we come to a blank. We percieved all these plans and how the project could turn out, but we never got around to accomplishing anything.
And that's why I blame my Myers Briggs results.
I have been kept from doing what needs to be done because of it. Well, because of my mind that goes all over the place like a chicken with its head chopped off...yes, you read that correctly.
Since I am also "feeling," the procrastination stresses me out. I start to panic rather than resolve the situation. I have to go to others for help leading the way (or making my scatter plot back to a line). It can be difficult, but I seem to always get things done in the end.
What are your Myers Briggs test results? How does it help you see who you are as a person and how you go about life?

I support Gay Marriage. U MAD, BRO?

Hello again, Reader,

WARNING. If you don’t support gay marriage, you won’t agree with my post. I have all the strong feelings about it.

This is a story about friendship and mindlessness and love. I would like to begin by telling everyone that I love hearing opinions, I really do. It’s interesting to see two sides to every situation. Some reasons might not make sense. Both sides might be correct in their own way!  But the fact of the matter is—don’t try to prove your goddamn point with idiotic reasons and hateful words. It isn’t right. Anyway, onto the blog.

It’s really dangerous to talk about one’s personal opinions on Facebook. Generally the people on there are your friends (about 10%), family (about 5%), people you know but generally don’t care for (70%), and people you hate (15%). These percentages may be incorrect depending who you are, however.

Nevertheless, you really have to be careful. Or just not give a damn.

I come from a very small town with small religious minds. Damnation here and God hates this there. There is hypocrisy and bigotry everywhere I go. This is probably why I became agnostic. Oh, yeah, and there is a hatred for agnostics and atheists and anything else that is not conservative Baptist. Living in this environment, I was surrounded by people who thought homosexuals were an abomination. Everyone was raised to believe homosexuals will be damned. This never made sense to me, even when I was a child.

Why would God damn people for loving? What?

In high school, I got into a deep debate with my two friends about gay marriage. They said it was a sin and is not right in the eyes of God. I asked these “friends” how they would react if I told them I was a lesbian or bisexual. They told me they wouldn’t be as close of friends with me. Why? Because you think every lesbian will hit on you just because you’re a girl? Who the fuck made you Venus? A guy I sat in front of in my Biology class said something similar but more extreme. If he found out his best friend since birth was gay, he would immediately curse them, disown them, and tell them they are going to burn in Hell. WHAT? 

LOL. They're pretty happy demons, fuckass :D

And then something happened just recently.

A church in North Carolina will no longer hold straight marriages until homosexual marriage is considered equal. I thought this to be wonderful! Oh, what a great movement. This made me so happy and want to visit this church. I posted the link on my Facebook so all could see. It got many likes and supporters. Until a “friend” of mine’s boyfriend commented that it was “stupid.” I asked him why, and he said the idea is just unnatural and isn’t right according to the bible. I was immediately made the enemy because of my differing opinion. Thus, I have pretty much lost closeness with that friend because of this. 

I don’t understand.

So, love isn’t right in the eyes of God? Ok, hold on for a minute. You are referring to the Leviticus quote, correct? Man shall not lie with another man because it is an abomination blah blah blah. Y’know what is also said in the OLD TESTAMENT (which no one should go by, by any means…)? It says cutting your hair, getting tattoos, divorce, and playing with pig skins (football) are also “abominations.” It doesn’t make any sense as to why people would go by this.

My opinion?

Love is love no matter what. God is love (if he exists). He cares about everyone on this planet, no matter what sexual orientation you are. As a Christian, why don’t you spread some of that love instead of all this fucking hate? It’s annoying and not attractive. I don’t want to worship a God that says my best friends who happen to like others of the same sex are going to Hell.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. That is perfectly fine! But I don’t want to hear your bigotry. It’s annoying and not necessary.  I don’t see a reason to judge someone based on their sexual orientation. Keeping someone from marrying the person they love is just an insane idea. Please, someone give me a good reason as to why this is true. I would LOVE to know. I figure I need to make better friends as I go on in life. I have a great line up, but you’re bound to have a few rotten eggs here and there. 

Damian Made Me Gleek Out

Hello, Reader!

I never was interested in Glee. Well, maybe that's a lie. I was sort of intrigued by the idea, and it looked like a fun show. I love musicals and show choir, and I had heard good things about Glee. Unfortunately, I never got into it because I didn't have a drive for it, and I get easily distracted.
Until recently.
There is a young singer who I particularly enjoy hearing on my iTunes. His name is Damian McGinty. He's from Ireland and sings in one of my favorite bands, Celtic Thunder. They are an Irish band that gives their own Celtic kick to popular and folk songs. One day, my mother told me I should watch The Glee Project (a reality show on Oxygen that had twelve contenders competing to win a seven episode role on Glee). I was not inclined to watch it. I cannot stand reality shows to be perfectly honest. They are predictable, annoying, and I would rather not spend my time watching people compete, fight, and talk about their emotional troubles.
"Damian's on here."
Well, that made me do a 180.
I immediately began watching, hoping every week Damian would progress. He has a brilliant talent, and I was happy to see him branch out and wanting to fulfill his own dreams. Also, I am a rabid fangirl who freaks out over the sight of anyone I happen to admire.

He's kind of super adorable. Look at those big puppy eyes. Excuse me while I melt.

It seems I wasn't the only one who would tune into Oxygen to see the adorable Irish lad. On Tumblr, Facebook, and Blogger, people were talking about how much they loved Damian. Some were like me who had just decided to watch this show because they were Celtic Thunder fans. Some had never heard of Damian. It's not that hard to see why he would get such a large, possitive response. He's cute. He can sing. And he's Irish. Instant heartthrob, no?
As the show progressed, there was concern Damian would be kicked off. He wasn't in the judges' graces too well. They loved him, of course, but they believed the other contenders could do a better job than him on Glee. There was talk from the fandom that plenty of viewers would stop watching TGP if Damian were to leave. I'm not exactly sure, but I think the producers were concerned with this and wanted to keep Damian on (even though it was a competition). Another contender ended up quitting, which saved Damian from elimination.
As it turns out, Damian ended up winning The Glee Project along with another contender, Samuel Larsen.
I think there would have been one winner if it weren't for the fans. I got to thinking how reality shows and just how television works in general. You can pull from one common interest in order to lead others in your direction.
In other words, Glee is now one of my favorite shows because I watched The Glee Project BECAUSE I wanted to see Damian. (Not to mention, Darren Criss who plays Blaine Anderson started out doing a Harry Potter parody musical which probably attracted a lot of his original fans to watch Glee).
It's all connected! People who follow actors, writers, directors, etc. know exactly what I'm talking about. What shows have you collected under your belt from tracking different people in the television/movie business?