If a particular district has a tradition of training certain children as fighters who will volunteer to be harvested, than there isn't any risk associated with taking tessera in those regions. What this means is that if you are in a region that has an active training program for fighters, you could take out tesseara multiple times with no risk.
Therefore, the region would be better fed and healthier. This benefit comes without having to actually "win" the Hunger Games at all.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Big Bug Artwork
I spent most of the day at the SABG to get a preview of their "Big Bug" exhibit. The gardens are playing host for about 8 large pieces of artwork that have the theme of, you guessed it, insects. The pieces have been created of wood that has been finished and lacquered, which gives them a completely natural feel. When you're looking at a 6' ant, for example, it doesn't look artificial. The texture of the materials used makes it convincingly organic. Some of the finer pieces like wings or web have the wood formed around a metal structure. The image above illustrates this.
What I liked the most about the spider and web was the location chosen for its display. It's in a part of the gardens that I haven't hiked in before and meshes perfectly with the surroundings. It's very impressive to come around a corner and see this looming before you.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Howl's Humble Beginnings
OK, I'll be the first to admit that it doesn't look like much. But from such humble beginnings, a great papercraft replica of Howl's castle will arise. I'm beginning to think that lots of this project is going to rely on faith.
Tribute Painting : How To. Complete!
Here it is in all its glory! Yes, it does make you want to peel it off the wall to see if there is a passageway behind it, maybe a gap which leads to a Soviet junkyard...
Hunger Games Flaw
I'm not going to go into any great detail about this because The Hunger Games is a good book that is skillfully enough written that to nitpick details is futile. The book is not aimed at an adult audience, and for that reason has some scenes which do not hold up to scrutiny. And that is fine. The book was written around a certain premise, and everything in the world that the story is set in is supporting that premise.
In short, gladiatorial combat featuring teenagers.
Now to anyone who has spent any length of time in a library, this is not a new concept. The idea of kids fighting each other to death is pretty routine, as is the idea of a reality show where contestants kill each other off has been explored fully and doesn't really need another analysis or review. The concept is simple and the idea interesting enough to provide an evenings entertainment from an armchair. But for some reason, the publisher and reviewers of The Hunger Games seem to have never encountered this premise before and so have reacted as though the Bible is in error and there is actually something new under the sun.
To tell the truth, the book is harmless enough that this error can be forgiven and the story can stand or fall on its own. After reading the first book, and bracing myself for the premiere of the movie later this week, I can confidently say that the book is workman like, adept and done with skill. The author has a story, tells it quickly and moves on. The story grabs the reader quickly and moves along past obvious reality based pitfalls, to provide a satisfying conclusion. What the book doesn't ask is a reader who questions some of it's underpinnings.
But I have to say them in any case. This are the logical arguments which must be suspended to enjoy this book:
1) the society uses the Hunger Games as a way of controlling a population. It keeps them in line and submissive. Actually, these games would have an opposite effect and would certainly incite rebellion. The population is actually more effectively controlled by the limiting of electricity to the districts. That alone would ensure their submission to the central authority.
2) The main female character (Katness) is out of her element when put in the Hunger Games. It would actually be more likely that EVERY child in the region would have daydreamed about what he or she would do if they ever were chosen in the game. Each of them would also have daydreamed about winning the games.
3) Each region would have trained and put forward their own champion every year, without fail. Look at modern sports teams for examples of this. No region would think of not having a skilled person to volunteer if the rewards were available for having a winner.
4) No region would be stunned and cowed by witnessing the death of on of their members. Society doesn't work like that, as is evidenced pretty much anywhere.
5) A gigantic arena would be created every year for the event. Too expensive. Any society would quickly embrace the ideas of recycling locations. The Olympics are in different cities every year, but in the world of the Hunger Games, only the Capitol has the money or ability to host an event of this scale.
6) land mines detonate if the participants step off the platform too quickly. Vastly more likely is a majority of participant would forget about the land mines, or would jump for safety/weapons because the rush of adrenaline would override their senses. In effect, they would forget about the land mines in the heat of battle.
7) The participants would try to win. If the children are actually as stunned and horrified to find themselves in the situation the author has created for them, it is far more likely they would choose suicide before the games begin. Most likely by stepping on the landmines at the beginning.
8) There is a point to the Hunger Games. The more accurate truth is that while it would be possible to create The Hunger Games and align a society around the event, the benefits of doing so would be miniscule and the costs and effort involved tremendous. It would be far more efficient to keep the population under control and deferential to a centralized authority by enacting a societal structure which rewards passivity. For example: capitalism.
In short, gladiatorial combat featuring teenagers.
Now to anyone who has spent any length of time in a library, this is not a new concept. The idea of kids fighting each other to death is pretty routine, as is the idea of a reality show where contestants kill each other off has been explored fully and doesn't really need another analysis or review. The concept is simple and the idea interesting enough to provide an evenings entertainment from an armchair. But for some reason, the publisher and reviewers of The Hunger Games seem to have never encountered this premise before and so have reacted as though the Bible is in error and there is actually something new under the sun.
To tell the truth, the book is harmless enough that this error can be forgiven and the story can stand or fall on its own. After reading the first book, and bracing myself for the premiere of the movie later this week, I can confidently say that the book is workman like, adept and done with skill. The author has a story, tells it quickly and moves on. The story grabs the reader quickly and moves along past obvious reality based pitfalls, to provide a satisfying conclusion. What the book doesn't ask is a reader who questions some of it's underpinnings.
But I have to say them in any case. This are the logical arguments which must be suspended to enjoy this book:
1) the society uses the Hunger Games as a way of controlling a population. It keeps them in line and submissive. Actually, these games would have an opposite effect and would certainly incite rebellion. The population is actually more effectively controlled by the limiting of electricity to the districts. That alone would ensure their submission to the central authority.
2) The main female character (Katness) is out of her element when put in the Hunger Games. It would actually be more likely that EVERY child in the region would have daydreamed about what he or she would do if they ever were chosen in the game. Each of them would also have daydreamed about winning the games.
3) Each region would have trained and put forward their own champion every year, without fail. Look at modern sports teams for examples of this. No region would think of not having a skilled person to volunteer if the rewards were available for having a winner.
4) No region would be stunned and cowed by witnessing the death of on of their members. Society doesn't work like that, as is evidenced pretty much anywhere.
5) A gigantic arena would be created every year for the event. Too expensive. Any society would quickly embrace the ideas of recycling locations. The Olympics are in different cities every year, but in the world of the Hunger Games, only the Capitol has the money or ability to host an event of this scale.
6) land mines detonate if the participants step off the platform too quickly. Vastly more likely is a majority of participant would forget about the land mines, or would jump for safety/weapons because the rush of adrenaline would override their senses. In effect, they would forget about the land mines in the heat of battle.
7) The participants would try to win. If the children are actually as stunned and horrified to find themselves in the situation the author has created for them, it is far more likely they would choose suicide before the games begin. Most likely by stepping on the landmines at the beginning.
8) There is a point to the Hunger Games. The more accurate truth is that while it would be possible to create The Hunger Games and align a society around the event, the benefits of doing so would be miniscule and the costs and effort involved tremendous. It would be far more efficient to keep the population under control and deferential to a centralized authority by enacting a societal structure which rewards passivity. For example: capitalism.
Howl's Moving Castle Papercraft
I'm committed to actually finishing this project since I've made the announcement to my friends that I'm making this thing.
What: A paper model of Howl's Moving Castle
Why: Because it's a paper model of Howl's Moving Castle
What is involved: About a million small nicks with an X-acto knife and countless daubs of Elmer's glue on toothpicks.
On an unrelated note, I can actually be found on Diasporia at the Ted Puffer feed.
What: A paper model of Howl's Moving Castle
Why: Because it's a paper model of Howl's Moving Castle
What is involved: About a million small nicks with an X-acto knife and countless daubs of Elmer's glue on toothpicks.
On an unrelated note, I can actually be found on Diasporia at the Ted Puffer feed.
Final Run of the Pirates of Penzance, Part II
The show is over and I thought it was a fantastic run. There is no doubt that the music directors we had for this performance made the singing exceptional. It helped that we had fantastic orchesteric accompaniment, but the actors were fantastic as well. Our Pirate King knocked it out of the part, and our Mabel was a delight. All in all, I'm very sad that the play is now a thing of the past. I'd have thought that considering the hundreds of times I've heard the music for this G&S play, I could easily do without it for a few years. But there is much more to the play then just music. There are great people doing something they love. And we put on a hell of a performance for the audience.
Also, the VVC theater was about 2/3rds full each night which was wonderful because we had a ton of performances. Again, this is a theater which serves Apple Valley. And, nice thought that local is, I couldn't have imagined it would be able to pack the place continually week after week. Yet we did, and judging by the audience reaction, we showed them a good time.
Now to let my skin recover from all the stage makeup. Since I was a constable for the second act, I decided to grow out a mustache into a bristly soup-catcher. It was fantastic while I was on stage, but for the 99% of my life outside of the theater, it was a hassle. This is the first time I can honestly say that when I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror I was taken aback. Gha! I'm sure there are people out there who can pull of the solo mustache look, but I'm not one of them. I'm just as happy to go around clean shaven.
Stage makeup is thick and my skin didn't break out or anything, but it's a close thing. Another week of putting on the Nye stuff and I'd have been buying Noxemia.
I did manage to get my hands on some of the photos from the show, and I'll be putting them up when I get a minute free.
Also, the VVC theater was about 2/3rds full each night which was wonderful because we had a ton of performances. Again, this is a theater which serves Apple Valley. And, nice thought that local is, I couldn't have imagined it would be able to pack the place continually week after week. Yet we did, and judging by the audience reaction, we showed them a good time.
Now to let my skin recover from all the stage makeup. Since I was a constable for the second act, I decided to grow out a mustache into a bristly soup-catcher. It was fantastic while I was on stage, but for the 99% of my life outside of the theater, it was a hassle. This is the first time I can honestly say that when I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror I was taken aback. Gha! I'm sure there are people out there who can pull of the solo mustache look, but I'm not one of them. I'm just as happy to go around clean shaven.
Stage makeup is thick and my skin didn't break out or anything, but it's a close thing. Another week of putting on the Nye stuff and I'd have been buying Noxemia.
I did manage to get my hands on some of the photos from the show, and I'll be putting them up when I get a minute free.
Tribute Painting, Continued
OK, the painting is done. This is going to be a wedding gift for my beloved sis because my original idea was nixed by Kathy. I really am happy with the way this painting came about and I think it will be a very fitting wedding gift as well. However, in the back of my mind I can't shake the feeling that I was on the right track before. See if you agree with me.
I had first thought to send my sis a painting that I did over the top of Ray's tower painting which I'd fallen in love with earlier this year. That painting was detailed and atmospheric. It showed a tower which is a conglomeration of differing architectural designs rising into the heavens. This tower is done in heavy browns and appears in a tan and sand colored sky. There is very little in the way of background details and in fact only the upper stories of the tower is shown. This gives the viewer the impression that this tower is climbing into the heavens and can be of an only unguessed at height.
I couldn't help thinking that I'd have added some subtle details and colors to the tower if I were going to venture on a similar painting. The idea of adding details to this painting had been floating around in my creative mind for a few months and then boldly asserted themselves when it was suggested that I make a painting as a give for Faith.
So I followed my plan and laid colors and details carefully over the top of the tower painting. The result is pleasing and enjoyable and the only thing that I regret is that I didn't take any photos of the painting before I started. Right now the painting is 'complete', but it would have been very striking to have a 'before' and 'after' image side by side for comparison. I have no doubt that the changed I enacted on the canvas improved the painting. But it would have been fun to see exactly how much was mine and how much was Ray's.
When I presented the painting to Kathy for a thumbs up or thumbs down, she told me that Faith would have preferred something that was 100% me. Humm. I'm not so sure. From my perspective I really do like the end result and the symbolism behind the work, but that's just me. So Faith is getting the tribute painting and I'm happy. She'll like this one for sure.
I had first thought to send my sis a painting that I did over the top of Ray's tower painting which I'd fallen in love with earlier this year. That painting was detailed and atmospheric. It showed a tower which is a conglomeration of differing architectural designs rising into the heavens. This tower is done in heavy browns and appears in a tan and sand colored sky. There is very little in the way of background details and in fact only the upper stories of the tower is shown. This gives the viewer the impression that this tower is climbing into the heavens and can be of an only unguessed at height.
I couldn't help thinking that I'd have added some subtle details and colors to the tower if I were going to venture on a similar painting. The idea of adding details to this painting had been floating around in my creative mind for a few months and then boldly asserted themselves when it was suggested that I make a painting as a give for Faith.
So I followed my plan and laid colors and details carefully over the top of the tower painting. The result is pleasing and enjoyable and the only thing that I regret is that I didn't take any photos of the painting before I started. Right now the painting is 'complete', but it would have been very striking to have a 'before' and 'after' image side by side for comparison. I have no doubt that the changed I enacted on the canvas improved the painting. But it would have been fun to see exactly how much was mine and how much was Ray's.
When I presented the painting to Kathy for a thumbs up or thumbs down, she told me that Faith would have preferred something that was 100% me. Humm. I'm not so sure. From my perspective I really do like the end result and the symbolism behind the work, but that's just me. So Faith is getting the tribute painting and I'm happy. She'll like this one for sure.
Friday, March 2, 2012
A shine for shoes
I just got leather cream applied to my 'pirate' boots by another cast member in an effort to make us look good. I think we look pretty good with or without shiny shoes.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Opening Night, Revenge of the Pirates
This is the official opening night for the VVC production of Pirates of Penzance. I really enjoy this play. The music is top notch, but the humor makes every experience new and fresh even if I've heard the 'often - orphan' joke a million times before.
Actually there was something that could have been fantastic about this production of the G&S play which was a bit of a missed opportunity as far as I'm concerned. This is a leap year, and we had rehearsal right in the middle of Feb the 29th. Frederick's Birthday! It would have been natural for us to have gotten together and had a special birthday celebration for Frederick, but for some reason we didn't do anything. Maybe it was because we've been working our tails off getting ready for the opening night and no one had any time free. But either way, I'd have liked to have done something.
Only two more pages to go for the shoe story. Yee Ha! This has been one project which has taken about two more weeks longer than I'd have originally estimates and I've been trying to play catch up ever since.
Actually there was something that could have been fantastic about this production of the G&S play which was a bit of a missed opportunity as far as I'm concerned. This is a leap year, and we had rehearsal right in the middle of Feb the 29th. Frederick's Birthday! It would have been natural for us to have gotten together and had a special birthday celebration for Frederick, but for some reason we didn't do anything. Maybe it was because we've been working our tails off getting ready for the opening night and no one had any time free. But either way, I'd have liked to have done something.
Only two more pages to go for the shoe story. Yee Ha! This has been one project which has taken about two more weeks longer than I'd have originally estimates and I've been trying to play catch up ever since.
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