Strangers

The horror film that I watched over the weekend did not particularly pertain to the apocalypse, but was quite scary.  I watched a movie called "Strangers."  "Strangers" is about a couple that is going through some rough times.  However, the two soon forget what happened, as a group of people are messing with them.  They start to hear loud knocks at their door, see people creeping in their yard, and, eventually, find these people in their homes.  Basically, the entire film consists of the people toying with the couple, until the end, where the couple is found dead on their kitchen floor by two young boys.  The movie ends with the strangers heading the other direction on the road. 


The film was very scary.  I don't enjoy these film too often, but this was very interesting and entertaining.


If there was an apocalypse, I see it happening in the same fashion as it was in the movie, "Children of Men."  There would be a World War III.  It would be epic and people would be responsible for their own destruction.  Like in the movie, a giant war would engulf the whole world, leaving every, once great, country looking like a barren wasteland.  People would still survive, however, not many areas would be populated.  Only a few, strong countries would be left standing.  Those such countries, of which the  United States could be one, would heavily control (by way of military and weaponry) their surroundings and what comes in and out of the area.  Other people, outside from the people that occupy the strong standing countries, would be killed off or forced into slave camps.  The world's countries would kill each other off and then the amount of people would dwindle away until there was nobody left.

My apocalyptic world is similar to Dick's in Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? in some way, yet much different in others.  First of all, the world in Dick's novel is barren and much of the geography is destroyed, aside from a few areas.  This is the same case in my apocalyptic world, where most of the world is desolate, except for a few countries.

The dialogue, lighting, and costuming from the scene in Blade Runner were indicative of a few things.  The dialogue between Rachel and Deckard was almost flirty, but not quite.  You could tell that the two were, sort of, into each other from their facial expressions and reactions during their conversation.  The lighting was very dark and the sky was a dark pink.  This gave the scene an almost calm and peaceful, but almost eerie, feel.  The costuming was very strange, but quite indicative of garments of the future.  Deckard was clad in a  scruffy clothes with a brown overcoat, which gave the impression that he wasn't rich or poor, but a middle-class citizen trying to get by.  Rachel was dressed in a futuristic suite that looked like something from Star Trek and fit her nicely for her job as an aid to Eldon Rosen.


In the second scene where Roy is talking to Deckard before Roy dies, lighting, music, and dialogue contribute to how the audience feels.  Roy is giving his last hooray speech before he dies.  He is not angry, but sad that his life has come to an end.  For this, the audience feels sympathetic.  Deckard, who is sitting on the ground in front of Roy when he is doing this, is quiet, watching Roy during his final moments.  From the beginning of Roy's speech, until the end, there is music playing.  The music starts very subtle, when the audience is still against Roy; however, as Roy gets deeper into his speech, the music gradually gets louder and louder, before Roy dies and the music stops.  In addition, the two are in very dark lighting in this particular scene.  During Roy's speech, Deckard is on the ground huddled up, trying to back away from Roy.  Once Roy starts giving his final speech, Deckard just looks at him, with the rain pounding down on  him.  It is possible that Deckard was crying, however, nobody will ever know for sure because it was raining in the scene. 

After Roy dies and Deckard is finished with his final mission, he runs off with Rachel for the rest of her life, which ends up lasting the next two weeks.  The two travel, what's left of, the country together.  They stop at places such as Athens, Ohio for Halloween weekend, Miami, Florida to sit court-side at Heat game, and, lastly, Dallas, Texas where Rachel was supposedly born.  Shortly after they leave Dallas, she dies in the hover craft and Deckard gets another call from his boss.

Currently, my research is struggling.  I have acquired a number of helpful and useful sources that provide good information towards my topic.  My research question is:  How can we make sure all calls made in professional sports (MLB, NBA, and NFL) are "got right?"  So far, I have found much information that can assist in backing up my points, however, I have not read in-depth on my gathered info.  My two possible solutions are 1) institute an instant replay system, that can challenge any call, in the tree major American sports and 2) eliminate referees and have a computer system that makes the calls.  I feel that the first idea is much better than the second, because it has already been started.  Instant replay is used currently, however, not to its fullest potential.

Technology

Technology is overly present in our everyday life.  We use technology in almost every task that we do.  It is present when we brush our teeth, regardless of whether we have an electric or regular toothbrush.  Nearly everything is technologically designed to suite our needs.  Everything that we use.  The chairs and couches that we sit on, or the utensils and dishes that we eat on/with were all designed to suite our needs and make our lives easier.  Technology is the reason that our lives and the objects in our lives evolve.  The first computer, for example, were very large and made up an entire room and could perform a minimal list of tasks.  Now, the average cell phone can be considered more advanced than the first computers and smart phones are, basically, capable of the same things as many laptops and personal computers.  It is simply shocking.  Technology will continue to improve our lives as long as human beings are present on this planet.

My Paper

All in all, I thought my paper went smoothly.  I chose to discuss the differences between Deckard's character in the novel and in the film.  I based my paper on three particular examples that displayed the differences between the two: the complexity of the characters (The novel's Deckard was much more round than the film version and seemed complete as a character.), the way in which each character was portrayed (The film's version of Deckard was shown in a darker light, while the novel's Deckard wasn't really portrayed in a particularly dark or gloomy manner.), and, lastly, the differing relationships with women between the two characters (In the novel, Deckard is married, cheats on his wife, but then comes back to her; and, in the film, Deckard is divorced and falls for Rachael.).  I didn't have any problems, although, I felt that I had much to say in my paragraph's about the differing character complexity and not quite as much to say about the other two points.  I don't think, however, think that it negates from the paper in any way.  I conclude my paper, stating my opinion that the novel is a much greater detailed and, overall, superior story when compared to the film adaptation.

The film "Fahrenheit 451": Summary and Review

The 1966 film, "Fahrenheit 451,"is an adaptation of Ray Bradbury's novel of the same name and directed by Francois Truffaut.  The film is set in a future society where the government controls the people and what they are exposed to.  The goal of the government is to form a society that is void of their own opinion and that will conform to all the government's wishes.  In order to do this, the government administers drugs to the citizens and, most importantly, outlaws all printed reading material.  The government feels that if the citizens are given nothing to read, then they will not be able to think for themselves and, thus, will not be a threat to the government.  The people, most of whom appear clueless, receive their news and entertainment from large, wall-length television screens that display what the government wants them to.  The film's main character is Montag.  Montag is a firefighter whose job in the film is to seek and burn all the books that he can.  Although, Montag is married to a Linda, he meets hi new neighbor, Clarisse.  Clarisse is very interested in reading and she introduces Montag to the beauty of reading.  In turn, Montag becomes fascinated with reading. Eventually, it is realized that Montag has been stealing books in order to read them.  When he is discovered, he torches his captain with his flame thrower and takes off, fleeing the scene of the book burning.  Shortly after, he discovers a secret society of people, who, like him, love to read and think for themselves.  Montag, also, finds his neighbor, Clarisse, who first sparked his interest in reading.  Together, the members of this society memorize books and hope that there knowledge can one day be put to use.

All in all, I enjoyed the film and thought that it was rather interesting.  I felt that the story itself, originally by Ray Bradbury, was a great choice to adapt into a film.  Although I haven't read the novel, after seeing the movie, it seems that the society in which they live in is similar to the society in George Orwell's "1984."  In addition, given the time (1966) in which the film was made, it was very good.  For example, the special effects were excellent.  All of the extravagant fire scenes and the fact that the fireman carried flame throwers, added to that perception that the film was ahead of its time.  They didn't get it exactly right, however, as the people do not look anything like they do nowadays, which was the "future" that the film was shooting to portray. For instance, the fireman looked like they belonged on an episode of "Star Trek," rather than burning books. Also, I found it funny and a bit ironic that the fireman started fires in the film, as opposed to fighting them.  Back to my first point, all this movie did was make me interested in the book. I really enjoyed the concept of the story, but I simply felt that I wasn't getting the entire story.  I'm sure that the book is much better, which is most often the case when a book is adapted into a movie.

Three Interesting Points in "Objectified"

The documentary, "Objectified," was very intriguing.  Going into the film, I was not aware of the process that most designers go through when designing new object or improving an old one.  The documentary showed how a few different groups of designers brainstorm, jot down ideas, craft a plan, and then put that plan into action.  I also found the part with the Apple designer very interesting.  He explained how may of the Apple products are made to be flawless, meaning that when people view them they accept the appearance of the object as a "staple" or a "standard," rather than coming up with their own ideas on how to improve upon the object.  In addition, I found it interesting how the MacBook only contains about 6 different parts, since the designers aim to make each part do many things.  All in all, this film was very interesting and I am glad that I watched it.

Blade Runner Scene

The scene I found most interesting from the film Blade Runner was the last scene involving Roy and Deckard.  It was quite peculiar that after fighting and trying to kill each other for a good amount of time, they would stop, sit, and end up not killing each other.  The two are fighting throughout J.F. Sebastian's apartment complex for a while.  Roy toys with Deckard.  Roy breaks his fingers then lets him go and he counts down numerous times to give Deckard time to run away and hide.  After the first couple times that this happened it was apparent that Roy wouldn't end up killing Deckard.  Deckard eventually makes his way up to the roof of J.F.'s building, where he is met by Roy.  In order to escape Roy, Deckard attempts to jump across to the roof of the adjacent building.  He misses the roof but grabs hold of a piece of protruding steel.  Roy jumps across to where Deckard is holding on.  As he is standing over Deckard ready to knock him off the ledge and kill him, something comes over him.  Deckard climbs up and Roy sits next to him.  Roy is about to die and knows it.  He didn't take Deckard's life because there was no point.  His mission was to find a way to elongate his life, which, according to Tyrell, is not possible.  Therefore, since his mission is not possible, there is no reason to take Deckard's life in the name of his failed mission.  He passes away and then Deckard is able to carry on with his life.

Climax

I felt that the climax of the novel was pretty wild.  It was like an old western movie through certain sections of chapter 19.  I thought that Rick would, eventually, end up killing Pris Stratton and Roy Baty.  However, the way in which it all went down was crazy.  I can't wait to see the movie with scenes like this.  In addition, I was surprised to find out Rick's take on Mercer.  The whole concept is still up in the air to me, as the author I would have made it more clear earlier on.  In the end, Rick comes to terms with Mercer as a god and not a real individual, which is reassuring.  Overall, I liked the novel.  I liked how it began and ended with Rick and Iran in the apartment, opening with conflict and ending with resolution between the two.

Interesting Scene from Blade Runner: Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?

I found the scene in which Rick is speaking with his neighbor about animals to be quite interesting.  It seems as if the scarce amount of people living in Rick and Iran's area are not too friendly, so for Rick and his neighbor, , to have a lengthy discussion about a personal matter is very intriguing.  I am also still enthralled with the fact that animals are such a status symbol with the characters in the novel.  They are comparable to cars in today's society.


Question: Why do you think we, as the readers, are introduced to Buster Friendly?  Do you feel that he is an android and will later be killed by either Phil or Rick?

Chapter 11 of Allyn & Bacon

After reading chapter 11 of Allyn & Bacon, there were a few things that I found quite interesting.  I found out the pertinance of writing multiple drafts.  I have always written multiple drafts to my papers, however, I was not aware of the numerous benefits, such as helping writers break the limits of short-term memory, helping to clarify the writers audience and purpose, and allowing the writer to revise more often, saving the perfection for later on in the writing process.  In addition, I like the idea of revising a paper in double or triple-spaced print.  This allows for quite a bit of space to make corrections or notes to yourself.  Furthermore, it is much easier to read the paper if the lines are double or triple-spaced, making it ideal for an in-class peer review or any other type of revision.

Something Strange and Interesting in Blade Runner: Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep

Blade Runner is a very strange, yet interesting, novel.  It is set in the future, for starters, and after I finished the first couple chapters, I had many questions regarding some of the content.  Although I was "up in the air" on many things in the novel, what stood out to me most was how they value their animals.  The main character, Rick Deckard, and his wife own an electric sheep that they tend to and value more than anything they own.  Rick, while arguing with his wife, says that he is saving up to get a real sheep, as opposed to an electric one.  Later on in the chapter, he is discussing the possibility of buying his horse or another one from a magazine.  I find it strange that in the particular time and setting of the story, animals are akin to material objects in today's day and age.  Rick, his wife, and his neighbor all value their animals, just as I value my iPod or may laptop computer.  The animals, to them, are almost status symbols.  If you have a good animal, then you are of higher standing than those who have a lesser animal or no animal at all.

Allyn & Bacon: Chapter's 1,2,3

In the first three chapters of the Allyn & Bacon Guide to Writing I learned quite a bit I did not already know, as well as refreshed my memory on a couple topics that I had forgotten about.  Most notably, something new that I learned was the difference between closed-form prose and open-form prose.  Closed-form prose is a more professional style of writing.  It features an exact, identifiable thesis statement, topic sentences, and an overall organizational structure for the piece.  Differently, open-form prose is a more unconventional style that features story telling and other methods.  Open-form prose is not as keen on the rules of grammar, as is closed-form prose style.

The first three chapters also helped to reiterate things that I have previously learned, such as the fact that the writer's job is to pose questions about their subject matter that will make the audience thing and evoke a good response.  A good writer needs to keep the reader wondering why you wrote what you wrote?  For what reason did the author include that detail in the story or piece.  This is a very important skill that I like to remind myself of frequently.

Frist Blog!

My name is Tyler Schindewolf.  I am currently a student at Ohio University and I created this blog for my English 151 course.  I will be bloggging throughout the duration of the course in order to fine-tune my writing skills and stimulate thought, as well.  The course is centered around an apocalyptic theme, so many of my posts will be related to the idea of the end of the world.  I really enjoy reading and writing.  I plan to leave Ohio University with a Journalism degree from the prestigious Scripps College of Comunication.  I really enjoy reading about anything informational.  If the material can teach me something that I did not already know, I am interested. regardless.  As much as I love reading, I love writing that much more.  Writing is my way to spread my ideas to the masses (especially through this blog!).  Reading, however, is the one of the best ways to better your writing ability because you are constantly exposed to new words and different ways to organize them, grammatically, on a page. The most common things I read on a daily basis are newspapers, magazines, or online magazine articles.  Sadly, most of my writing takes place on a computer keyboard, usually on Facebook. In correlation with my last sentence, the technology I am most exposed to would have to be computers.  It is outrageous how much time the average college student needs to spend on a computer each day for schoolwork, social networking, etc (cell phones are a close second to computers in my eyes).