So, my last post was about looks over personality. Well, this time I am wondering...do we show out true personalities? or do we put on an act appropriate to our situations or backgrounds?
Sometimes we might not show our true colours to gain friendships and follow the act whenever we are around our friends. We will follow the leader of the groups example and act more like them so they will like us more. Some people may fear being out casted from a certain group for being different. This can be linked to peer pressure of some form. But others may hide their true selves to protects others...or themselves. For example if you had problems with anger, you wouldn't want people to know about it and you fear that you will hurt someone if they got close to you. So, you put on a happy act keep everything locked away in the mind.
Most people can say that they can truly be themselves at home, where there is no one around to watch your stage performance.
So the point is, can we really trust someone's personality?
I have met a few people recently at uni, they seem o.k at first, but there is just a feeling I get that they are putting on an act. Maybe it is natural to try make an effort to please. Too much effort to be yourself because in uni you have to make friends or be isolated throughout the year until you move out then move in with different people for the next year. But that is the thing, everyone is so worried about making friends and not being alone they are putting on a nice act. Sometimes it isn't a nice act but a playful, cocky act...usually guys you mess around. Maybe it is their true selves or they are being typical boys putting on a show to be top dog. I can never be sure. But there are also those who put on the isolated act and seem like they want to be left alone. Those are usually the ones with a darker past they don't want repeated, not wanting to be hurt again. Sometimes their silence cries out for someone just to notice them and make an effort to try and get to know them. They will but on a strong act to keep people away when all they really want is someone to be there for them for once.
Always keep an open mind and don't judge anyone too quickly. xXx
Tuesday 8 October 2013
Saturday 5 October 2013
Are looks really everything? Does personality matter?
This is a subject I am always frustrated with and it's about time I let it all out really. I took Media Studies in A level and I am currently studying Film and Television at University, so this is a topic I usually come across and is an everyday frustration for me.
In the Media it is always the more attractive ones that get more coverage. The example I can think of right now is in the band Fall Out Boy. Usually in bands the singer is the front man, but with Fall Out Boy it is the bassist, Pete. He isn't the most attractive person ever but within the band he is. Some may disagree if having different taste, but this is the overall opinion. Front men are usually the singers though; Billie Joe Armstrong, Oli Sykes, Chris Motionless, Andy Biersack, Matt Tuck, Ronnie Radke, Jocoby Shaddix, Matt Shadows etc etc. Most of the time they are the most attractive within the band attracting fans with looks rather than the music. In my opinion it should be the music what matter because that is what they are doing...creating music, that is their job.
Does personality really mean anything anymore? There is a stereotype for rock starts that they play music, do drugs, sleep with whoever they want and treat fans like shit...but that is what they are famous for. Miley Cyrus is an example. Her songs even include the home truths of doing coke in the bathroom. Small children look up to her from her Hannah Montana days and her father is highly respected in the music industry. She looks a mess, she has come off the rails...yet she is still famous and people like her.There are so many stars in the Media industry who are terrible with no personality what so ever. But, because they look amazing and attractive, they still get fame, fans and fortune.
This happens to everyday people too. Not the fame and fortune, but the so called "fans". Attractive people get all the attention. I can not count how many times I've been out and seen attractive people get all the action. They can be complete assholes but people will fall all over themselves for them. It is frustrating. Maybe I find it frustrating because I am not very attractive myself and no one really gives me a second glance. All my life I have watched those I have admired go for these so called "beautiful" people. They could be complete bitched, but, because they look hot it didn't matter. Right now I have the same problem every time I go out. I either see people making out all over the dance floor...or my skinny and pretty friend gets pulled. It is every time I go out and now it is just annoying. But, like I said, it could be frustrating for me because I'm not good enough. But within the Media it is very much true that looks come before anything in the industry of Music, Film and Television...unless they are a stereotype that is meant to be less attractive. xXx
In the Media it is always the more attractive ones that get more coverage. The example I can think of right now is in the band Fall Out Boy. Usually in bands the singer is the front man, but with Fall Out Boy it is the bassist, Pete. He isn't the most attractive person ever but within the band he is. Some may disagree if having different taste, but this is the overall opinion. Front men are usually the singers though; Billie Joe Armstrong, Oli Sykes, Chris Motionless, Andy Biersack, Matt Tuck, Ronnie Radke, Jocoby Shaddix, Matt Shadows etc etc. Most of the time they are the most attractive within the band attracting fans with looks rather than the music. In my opinion it should be the music what matter because that is what they are doing...creating music, that is their job.
Does personality really mean anything anymore? There is a stereotype for rock starts that they play music, do drugs, sleep with whoever they want and treat fans like shit...but that is what they are famous for. Miley Cyrus is an example. Her songs even include the home truths of doing coke in the bathroom. Small children look up to her from her Hannah Montana days and her father is highly respected in the music industry. She looks a mess, she has come off the rails...yet she is still famous and people like her.There are so many stars in the Media industry who are terrible with no personality what so ever. But, because they look amazing and attractive, they still get fame, fans and fortune.
This happens to everyday people too. Not the fame and fortune, but the so called "fans". Attractive people get all the attention. I can not count how many times I've been out and seen attractive people get all the action. They can be complete assholes but people will fall all over themselves for them. It is frustrating. Maybe I find it frustrating because I am not very attractive myself and no one really gives me a second glance. All my life I have watched those I have admired go for these so called "beautiful" people. They could be complete bitched, but, because they look hot it didn't matter. Right now I have the same problem every time I go out. I either see people making out all over the dance floor...or my skinny and pretty friend gets pulled. It is every time I go out and now it is just annoying. But, like I said, it could be frustrating for me because I'm not good enough. But within the Media it is very much true that looks come before anything in the industry of Music, Film and Television...unless they are a stereotype that is meant to be less attractive. xXx
Friday 4 October 2013
Why is Media important? Would we survive without it?
In
today's society, Media has become an everyday cultural thing. It is
always there in forms of newspapers, television, advertisements,
magazines and in the many ever-growing forms of the Internet. It is
almost impossible to ignore as the technology that we are surrounded
by grows and becomes more advance and easier to use and carry around everywhere we go.
But
we study the Media to investigate what attracts different people to
the content of Media and how it effects them. Through these studies
we can find the age groups of the viewers, their cultural background,
what working class they are in etc.
Also
through studying the Media we can look at who creates these many
different types of content in the Media and who they plan to
specifically target. We can find what attracts certain audiences and
why they are so attracted to that form of Media and what use it has
to the target audience. For example it could be just for social
interaction, sitting and watching television with friends or family,
or having something to talk about in day to day lives. We can see how
audiences get attached to certain Media as if forming a relationship
with the content. There is so much we can learn through studying
Media and this helps when working on our own pieces to see what we
can possible do with Media and how we can improve.
Another thing about social Media is that it can be very addictive. For example, Facebook is commonly used and most people can not stop using it and it has become as important to them like food and drink. They will constantly check if they have any notifications, inbox messages...or simply be addicted to the many games available on Facebook. It can be like this with other social networks too. But Media has been a part of people's lives for many years, it has become almost a necessity. Internet seems to be the most important to many people's lives. Business' can revolve around the Internet use, information is found on the Internet about pretty much everything and it is a great form of entertainment. Television is also a form of entertainment that even parents enjoy to keep the children quiet. Plus, there are so many forms of gaming that a lot of age range of people use and so many platforms such as Xbox, Wii, Play Station etc etc. These platforms also grow and become newer and better...and more expensive.
So, What would happen if they all just disapeared?
Could we as humanity survive? Without the knowledge of the Internet, the joys of gaming and television, social networking sites....all these disappear and I personally think that we would not be able to handle it. Maybe in some countries where they had little Media use to start with, maybe they will be o.k. But In the UK, America and countries with major Media use...will we survive? Will we be able to live on and get used to having none of these luxuries? Will it be better for us if we lived life like back in the old days?
Uni Starters
So, I have been at Uni for a good two weeks now. First week however is known as Freshers week, where us freshers go around and simply drink every night! It is not required, but most students seem to do it. For me it was a goal I had to achieve as I never go out much.
Starting Uni and moving to a new place is always a bit scary but after a while you do kinda get used to it. I was the very first person to move into my flat. In our student building there are 9 flats. A few people had already moved into the other flats, but I was the only one in mine for a while. Since I had a good few hours on my own, I took advantage of the time to claim kitchen spaces and look around to get a good feel for the place. My bedroom was way bigger than the little box of a room I had at home, I also got a great sea view!
Some Uni residencies had ridiculous sized rooms though. Tiny rooms with no space to walk, like prison cells. I guess I was just lucky. But my advice is, when you move in claim a kitchen space and part of the fridge. When you're the first in the flat it is a lot easier ha ha.
Another tip would be to keep your door open. When your flatmates finally arrive they can see you and that way you seem more open and sociable. I got to know my flatmates really quickly by doing that. Also, go look around the other flats. Don't just stick to your own flat. Look around the building and meet more people that you are sharing it with. On my first day before my flatmates arrived the top floor people came down and asked me to go out around town with them so we can check out what the best places for a great night out are. You always want to check out the nightlife, you will be living there for quite a while and you are always going to want to unwind a little bit after doing work.
Another thing you have to do is know your limits or you will make a fool of yourself. The flats upstairs get wasted and do stupid things and no one invites them out anymore. Also, don't be a prick to people in your building, that's just not cool and it pisses a lot of people off. Don't try be the king of the building because no one will like you and you will have less fun.
When cleaning is concerned, it is always good to share the responsibility. Don't just leave it to other flatmates to clean your stuff. That will piss them off. Cover all duties of the flat between you and switch duties every week so one person isn't doing the toilet every week until the end of the year. That is just not fair on anyone.
Last but not least, respect your flatmates. If you come in late after a night out please respect their sleep as they might have lectures in the morning. Even if they don't, be quiet. No one likes being woken up late at night. Do not enter their rooms unattended and without permission, respect their privacy.
The rest of the stuff you have to do for Uni should be simple and obvious. Just make friends, don't be a prick to people, share responsibilities and don't hog the shower! xXx
Starting Uni and moving to a new place is always a bit scary but after a while you do kinda get used to it. I was the very first person to move into my flat. In our student building there are 9 flats. A few people had already moved into the other flats, but I was the only one in mine for a while. Since I had a good few hours on my own, I took advantage of the time to claim kitchen spaces and look around to get a good feel for the place. My bedroom was way bigger than the little box of a room I had at home, I also got a great sea view!
Some Uni residencies had ridiculous sized rooms though. Tiny rooms with no space to walk, like prison cells. I guess I was just lucky. But my advice is, when you move in claim a kitchen space and part of the fridge. When you're the first in the flat it is a lot easier ha ha.
Another tip would be to keep your door open. When your flatmates finally arrive they can see you and that way you seem more open and sociable. I got to know my flatmates really quickly by doing that. Also, go look around the other flats. Don't just stick to your own flat. Look around the building and meet more people that you are sharing it with. On my first day before my flatmates arrived the top floor people came down and asked me to go out around town with them so we can check out what the best places for a great night out are. You always want to check out the nightlife, you will be living there for quite a while and you are always going to want to unwind a little bit after doing work.
Another thing you have to do is know your limits or you will make a fool of yourself. The flats upstairs get wasted and do stupid things and no one invites them out anymore. Also, don't be a prick to people in your building, that's just not cool and it pisses a lot of people off. Don't try be the king of the building because no one will like you and you will have less fun.
When cleaning is concerned, it is always good to share the responsibility. Don't just leave it to other flatmates to clean your stuff. That will piss them off. Cover all duties of the flat between you and switch duties every week so one person isn't doing the toilet every week until the end of the year. That is just not fair on anyone.
Last but not least, respect your flatmates. If you come in late after a night out please respect their sleep as they might have lectures in the morning. Even if they don't, be quiet. No one likes being woken up late at night. Do not enter their rooms unattended and without permission, respect their privacy.
The rest of the stuff you have to do for Uni should be simple and obvious. Just make friends, don't be a prick to people, share responsibilities and don't hog the shower! xXx
Wednesday 11 September 2013
Some people just can't be helped
Today I have done something I never thought I would do in all my life. I stopped caring.
The story is that I had a friend with a few "issues". I have known this for so long and I have tried to be there for her and do things for her. God knows how much money all together I have spent on this girl. I thought of her as my best friend, so, of course I didn't want anything bad to happen to her and I wanted to help her out of the state she was in. I met her only about 2-3 years ago now I think. She seemed alright, she lived into the next town away from mine and it was cool having someone that seemed happy and fun around. At first she was the one cheering me up. After a few months I didn't see her a lot because I had sixth form. She would have been in college but due to some apparent health issues, which I think are connected to her depression (so, all in her head) she couldn't get out of bed. But somehow managed to go out drinking and able to not go home for days. Again, all down to her depression but if you cant go to college but you can roam the streets everyday and night??? c'mon!
After the few months not really talking to her she suddenly drops it on me that she tried to commit suicide. Now, I did worry for a while. I didn't know what to do. This was all new to me. I was really worried about her and wanted to know she was going to be ok. She told me she tried to drown herself but a stranger dragged her out the river and she hated that she survived because no one helped her and she was just put in a police cell for the night. I am not entirely sure, but I don't think that is how it works. To be honest, with everything she has told me over the years...she would have been locked up by now if all of them were true. I do not know what to believe anymore. She has told me about many suicide attempts and all of them conveniently fail. I have held my tongue about this for a while but today she has pushed me to my limits of understanding.
After all the depression and suicide stories I have tried to be there for her and gave her all the support I can give. I tried to encourage her and try make her look on good sides of things. Nothing works with her. But the other day she said she was going back to college and was really happy about it and looking forward to actually doing something with her life rather than sitting in the house doing nothing all day everyday going deeper and deeper into her dark hole of depression. So I was happy for her and if I am honest I was proud that she finally had pulled herself out of this dark mindset she had been in for so long. All I wanted was for her to live life to the full and do everything with the full capability that she has. She isn't stupid and she isn't a waste. But she was wasting her life doing nothing for so long.
So I didn't text her on her first day, obviously because she would be doing work or something.......so I thought. I text her in the evening and she told me it had been hell and she had a breakdown because it was too hard and everyone thought she was a freak. She took Drama, it was the first day, they wouldn't exactly been doing much. But I did care about her so I tried to help her stay positive and even offered to go see her. She just went on about she didn't want to be alive. I think I talked her round and calmed her down a bit, I had faith in her and believed she would overcome it if she put her mind to it. She was calm until today. She took a day off yesturday so I asked how today went. She said she had given up and staying home from now on. WTF! seriously! ONE day...ONE!!!
I just gave up. I had spent days crying over her worrying about if she was ok. I have had sleepless nights thinking about her. So I didn't want to sugarcoat it. I just said I gave up and there was nothing I could do for her anymore because she is just sinking deeper into her own depressive mind. You know what she said to me? I will tell you. "Shut up you pathetic fat bitch. Leave me alone" So to this point I just fucking flipped out. I offered her help, she wouldn't take it. I tried being there for her only for her to tell me I don't get it and I don't understand because I have no mental issues. She acts like I've never had to go through bad times in my life and I've never felt bad about anything and never been depressed. She is 19, soon to be 20. She hasn't lived long enough to know how shit life can really get so she is pretty much fucked. I tried telling her that she meant too much to me for me to watch her destroy herself with all that is in her head and that was exactly what it was...IN HER HEAD! I siad I will still be her friend but I can not watch her be like this. Guess what she said..."I hope you die!".
That is the thanks I get. I have tried to help her for years and worried about her for so long. I have spent so much money on her. I took her on holiday, I bought her thinks. Got gig tickets and band t-shirts and everything. I did everything I could think of to make her happy. But because I gave up and didn't want to watch her suffer anymore she goes and throws it all back in my face. I am starting to think that because she isn't getting my sympathy anymore she has shown her true colors. But seriously, I tried my best and I just can't do it anymore. I am going to uni in 9 days time and I can't be dragged down like that. Not again, not after the state I was in during sixth form worrying about her. I am not going to be like that again. I am doing something with my life and I am finally going to be happy and doing something that interests me and what I love to do. If she wants to give up on life and live the rest of her days at her mum and dads house sat being depressed everyday and not doing anything with her life then I am going to leave her be. She can't call me pathetic after everything she has said to me. I'm done with her now. I can't go back. I don't want any harm to come to her. But I tried to help and you can not help someone that doesn't want to be helped and won't help themselves. Some people just can't be helped. xXx
The story is that I had a friend with a few "issues". I have known this for so long and I have tried to be there for her and do things for her. God knows how much money all together I have spent on this girl. I thought of her as my best friend, so, of course I didn't want anything bad to happen to her and I wanted to help her out of the state she was in. I met her only about 2-3 years ago now I think. She seemed alright, she lived into the next town away from mine and it was cool having someone that seemed happy and fun around. At first she was the one cheering me up. After a few months I didn't see her a lot because I had sixth form. She would have been in college but due to some apparent health issues, which I think are connected to her depression (so, all in her head) she couldn't get out of bed. But somehow managed to go out drinking and able to not go home for days. Again, all down to her depression but if you cant go to college but you can roam the streets everyday and night??? c'mon!
After the few months not really talking to her she suddenly drops it on me that she tried to commit suicide. Now, I did worry for a while. I didn't know what to do. This was all new to me. I was really worried about her and wanted to know she was going to be ok. She told me she tried to drown herself but a stranger dragged her out the river and she hated that she survived because no one helped her and she was just put in a police cell for the night. I am not entirely sure, but I don't think that is how it works. To be honest, with everything she has told me over the years...she would have been locked up by now if all of them were true. I do not know what to believe anymore. She has told me about many suicide attempts and all of them conveniently fail. I have held my tongue about this for a while but today she has pushed me to my limits of understanding.
After all the depression and suicide stories I have tried to be there for her and gave her all the support I can give. I tried to encourage her and try make her look on good sides of things. Nothing works with her. But the other day she said she was going back to college and was really happy about it and looking forward to actually doing something with her life rather than sitting in the house doing nothing all day everyday going deeper and deeper into her dark hole of depression. So I was happy for her and if I am honest I was proud that she finally had pulled herself out of this dark mindset she had been in for so long. All I wanted was for her to live life to the full and do everything with the full capability that she has. She isn't stupid and she isn't a waste. But she was wasting her life doing nothing for so long.
So I didn't text her on her first day, obviously because she would be doing work or something.......so I thought. I text her in the evening and she told me it had been hell and she had a breakdown because it was too hard and everyone thought she was a freak. She took Drama, it was the first day, they wouldn't exactly been doing much. But I did care about her so I tried to help her stay positive and even offered to go see her. She just went on about she didn't want to be alive. I think I talked her round and calmed her down a bit, I had faith in her and believed she would overcome it if she put her mind to it. She was calm until today. She took a day off yesturday so I asked how today went. She said she had given up and staying home from now on. WTF! seriously! ONE day...ONE!!!
I just gave up. I had spent days crying over her worrying about if she was ok. I have had sleepless nights thinking about her. So I didn't want to sugarcoat it. I just said I gave up and there was nothing I could do for her anymore because she is just sinking deeper into her own depressive mind. You know what she said to me? I will tell you. "Shut up you pathetic fat bitch. Leave me alone" So to this point I just fucking flipped out. I offered her help, she wouldn't take it. I tried being there for her only for her to tell me I don't get it and I don't understand because I have no mental issues. She acts like I've never had to go through bad times in my life and I've never felt bad about anything and never been depressed. She is 19, soon to be 20. She hasn't lived long enough to know how shit life can really get so she is pretty much fucked. I tried telling her that she meant too much to me for me to watch her destroy herself with all that is in her head and that was exactly what it was...IN HER HEAD! I siad I will still be her friend but I can not watch her be like this. Guess what she said..."I hope you die!".
That is the thanks I get. I have tried to help her for years and worried about her for so long. I have spent so much money on her. I took her on holiday, I bought her thinks. Got gig tickets and band t-shirts and everything. I did everything I could think of to make her happy. But because I gave up and didn't want to watch her suffer anymore she goes and throws it all back in my face. I am starting to think that because she isn't getting my sympathy anymore she has shown her true colors. But seriously, I tried my best and I just can't do it anymore. I am going to uni in 9 days time and I can't be dragged down like that. Not again, not after the state I was in during sixth form worrying about her. I am not going to be like that again. I am doing something with my life and I am finally going to be happy and doing something that interests me and what I love to do. If she wants to give up on life and live the rest of her days at her mum and dads house sat being depressed everyday and not doing anything with her life then I am going to leave her be. She can't call me pathetic after everything she has said to me. I'm done with her now. I can't go back. I don't want any harm to come to her. But I tried to help and you can not help someone that doesn't want to be helped and won't help themselves. Some people just can't be helped. xXx
Friday 6 September 2013
WTF POKEMON?!?!?!?!?!
Not only that, but they have mega evolve forms too!
Mega Venusaur. This one hasn't really changed much. I think it learns a move it couldn't learn before to raise defence against fire and ice type moves. But appearance-wise not much difference at all. There is a flower on it's head and the flower on it's back is bigger. Not very impressive. Why does didn't they put more effort into this one? They made the others cooler and more awesome and didn't make much of a change for poor Venusaur??? I am sure there are grass type fans that love this Pokemon. But everyone I have talked about Pokemon games with, it is usually the water or fire types taking all the glory. Mainly because they are stronger and look more impressive.
There is even a new mega evolution for MewTwo. To be honest I don't like it. MewTwo was already supposed to be the greatest, most perfect Pokemon in existence. So why does it need a new form? I liked the original design better anyway. This design to me is not that impressive. Especially since MewTwo was already the most impressive Pokemon anyway.
That is enough of the Pokemon for now. I am still unsure about getting the game and trying it out. May give it a go just to see if they bring back some of the value it had to me in the good old days. But who knows.
Tuesday 3 September 2013
New Sims 4!
Yes, it is true. The new version of the Sims is on it's way. I have to be honest, I am not that excited about it. When I was a child it was the time when the first Sims came out. I wasn't that much into computer gaming and was spending most of my time playing Scarface and The Godfather on PS2. My friend who lived next door to me actually introduced me to the game. I played it with her for a while and I instantly got hooked. I remember buying the first game for my computer from Woolworths and loving everything about it.
I borrowed the other expansion packs from my friend and expanded my tiny empire. At the time I didn't use any cheats as I wasn't aware of them. So it was fun honest gaming. I loved controlling all these little Sims and planning lives for them.
But it always bugged me that they never grew older and even with expansion packs it is very limited to what the Sims can actually achieve.
So, you can guess my excitement when the Sims 2 came out. I remember seeing it advertised on TV and going nuts. But at the time I hadn't played Sims in a while after my computer broke. I had been playing the Sims games on PS2 and had already completed both The Sims and The Sims Bustin' Out. Ah, I loved my childhood...So back on track. I borrowed the 4 Disc Sims 2 pack from my friend as she usually was the first person to get any of the Sims games and used it on my Aunties laptop until I got my own. Even though the base games are very...well, ya know...basic...I had a lot of fun. You had more choice with everything. You can actually make your family related, You could get teenagers, You had more choice of clothing and they got older over time.
The graphics was so much better and you can view things from different angles when you are playing a family. You could choose the neighbourhood layout and put houses where ever you want (as long as it is on a road).
You also had more choice in build mode and it was nice to have a few houses already built for you.
Then after every expansion pack it just got better. The seasons changed, you could have pets, go on vacation and live in apartments! It was like having a real little town and I loved everything about it.
Then Sims 3 came along and I thought it would be cool. By then I couldn't play The Sims 2 anymore. My old laptop broke and had to wait a while before buying a new one...which had Windows 8. Now all the Sims fans reading this will know about this issue. The Sims 2 will always crash if you have a Windows 8 operating system. Its shiny new graphics for the present day gaming out-dates The Sims and The Sims 2 causing it to crash, mostly when you try and create a family. Some people have even said it will not even install on their Windows 8 laptops. So of course being away from the game for so long I decided to buy The Sims 3, along with The Sims 3 Pets. I had to admit, I did not like it. The town was already set up for you so there were no houses to put in place unless you wanted to make a new one, which I will say was still fun. The graphics were great and the Sim themselves were more accurate to real people...well...closer than the original game anyway. There was even more variety to make them even more human-like than before by using sliders to choose skin colour, body size etc etc.
The pets looked cool too and actually looked like the breeds they are supposed to be. I loved that you can finally have a horse, which made my fantasy farm come true...almost, because I still want farmyard animals. But it was one step closer. The things I did not like was that when you leave one family and play another, all families you have made continue their lives. This didn't work for me at all as I had plans for each family and when left to free will that all messed up and nothing went as planned. Playing as a teen you can be arrested for staying out late and your pets always run off where ever they want unless you lock them in the house or you build a fence. It was just so annoying every time I was playing a family, the horse from my previous family I played is just trotting around the streets. I like to keep things organised and this game just wouldn't let it happen. I got bored of it and it tried my patience so much I didn't even bother getting the other expansion packs for it. It didn't help that the game would crash. Maybe it was the same problem with Windows 8, but it didn't do it as much as on The Sims 2 game. I just had to keep saving every 5 minutes.
But now they are bringing out a Sims 4! I am not sure if I can handle it again. Apparently the graphics are even better and the Sims are more lifelike than ever as the creators have given them emotions. For example, Sims can feel depressed when listening to a sad song or getting dumped by another Sim. Yes, real emotions. So not only do you have to keep up with motives, but you have to watch out for your Sims emotions.
The creators have made building a lot easier too by making it so you build your house room by room. You can easily change shape of a room and link it to other rooms and if you get sick of what you have made you can simply just grab a room and move it somewhere new. I admit, I like the sound of that. But it is not the building I have a problem with. I like to pick a layout for my town and decide where each house is going to go. I do not want to be restricted. For the create a Sim, they have got rid of the sliders.
All you have to do is click on a body part and move/shape it to whatever you want your Sim to look like. So, just like making a clay model. I might buy the base game when it comes out as I am curious as to if I would like it and what other changes they have made to my most loved game. But, for me, The Sims 2 will always be the best.
The Sims 4 Official Gameplay Trailer
The Sims 4 Official Arrival Trailer
So, you can guess my excitement when the Sims 2 came out. I remember seeing it advertised on TV and going nuts. But at the time I hadn't played Sims in a while after my computer broke. I had been playing the Sims games on PS2 and had already completed both The Sims and The Sims Bustin' Out. Ah, I loved my childhood...So back on track. I borrowed the 4 Disc Sims 2 pack from my friend as she usually was the first person to get any of the Sims games and used it on my Aunties laptop until I got my own. Even though the base games are very...well, ya know...basic...I had a lot of fun. You had more choice with everything. You can actually make your family related, You could get teenagers, You had more choice of clothing and they got older over time.
Then after every expansion pack it just got better. The seasons changed, you could have pets, go on vacation and live in apartments! It was like having a real little town and I loved everything about it.
Then Sims 3 came along and I thought it would be cool. By then I couldn't play The Sims 2 anymore. My old laptop broke and had to wait a while before buying a new one...which had Windows 8. Now all the Sims fans reading this will know about this issue. The Sims 2 will always crash if you have a Windows 8 operating system. Its shiny new graphics for the present day gaming out-dates The Sims and The Sims 2 causing it to crash, mostly when you try and create a family. Some people have even said it will not even install on their Windows 8 laptops. So of course being away from the game for so long I decided to buy The Sims 3, along with The Sims 3 Pets. I had to admit, I did not like it. The town was already set up for you so there were no houses to put in place unless you wanted to make a new one, which I will say was still fun. The graphics were great and the Sim themselves were more accurate to real people...well...closer than the original game anyway. There was even more variety to make them even more human-like than before by using sliders to choose skin colour, body size etc etc.
But now they are bringing out a Sims 4! I am not sure if I can handle it again. Apparently the graphics are even better and the Sims are more lifelike than ever as the creators have given them emotions. For example, Sims can feel depressed when listening to a sad song or getting dumped by another Sim. Yes, real emotions. So not only do you have to keep up with motives, but you have to watch out for your Sims emotions.
The creators have made building a lot easier too by making it so you build your house room by room. You can easily change shape of a room and link it to other rooms and if you get sick of what you have made you can simply just grab a room and move it somewhere new. I admit, I like the sound of that. But it is not the building I have a problem with. I like to pick a layout for my town and decide where each house is going to go. I do not want to be restricted. For the create a Sim, they have got rid of the sliders.
The Sims 4 Official Gameplay Trailer
The Sims 4 Official Arrival Trailer
Sunday 25 August 2013
Music Review: Lady Gaga - Applause
Click For Lady Gaga - Applause Video
I watched this video the other day and first of all I must say...I love Lady Gaga. She is weird and wonderful which has always been inspiring to me. I love weird and wonderful people, for example Marilyn Manson.
This video is creative, Gaga really went all out on her outfits and dance routine. Gaga has not done a video or a song in a while and I was looking forward to it. The video lay out was cool and it was so random and really grabs attention. The only thing I am unsure about is the style. I know it is good for an artist to change styles to keep up with audiences. With her other hit songs it was simple to sing a long and understand what she is saying. With this song it is more of a dance song than something you can sing along to. That is not a bad thing but personally I like to sing along to the songs I like (even though I can not sing at all). The part with Gaga's head on a black swan is kind of creepy, yet creative. I love her costume designs and how she puts everything she has into her music. She has so much energy and focus. How she has put everything together is amazing as always. That is all have have to say about it because it is another Gaga hit with a change to style with a lot more energy. I love Gaga and hope she continues to share her creativity xXx
I watched this video the other day and first of all I must say...I love Lady Gaga. She is weird and wonderful which has always been inspiring to me. I love weird and wonderful people, for example Marilyn Manson.
This video is creative, Gaga really went all out on her outfits and dance routine. Gaga has not done a video or a song in a while and I was looking forward to it. The video lay out was cool and it was so random and really grabs attention. The only thing I am unsure about is the style. I know it is good for an artist to change styles to keep up with audiences. With her other hit songs it was simple to sing a long and understand what she is saying. With this song it is more of a dance song than something you can sing along to. That is not a bad thing but personally I like to sing along to the songs I like (even though I can not sing at all). The part with Gaga's head on a black swan is kind of creepy, yet creative. I love her costume designs and how she puts everything she has into her music. She has so much energy and focus. How she has put everything together is amazing as always. That is all have have to say about it because it is another Gaga hit with a change to style with a lot more energy. I love Gaga and hope she continues to share her creativity xXx
University: DON'T PANIC!
I have not posted anything in a while, so I thought I would talk a bit about the scare we all get at some point in our lives..."What am I going to do with my life?!". Some of us worry about this later rather than later, but there a lot of teenagers that worry about what they are aiming for in life and what happens after they finish school. Some may just leave school and get a job, others go off to University/College.
I don't know how it works in America and other countries, but in the UK we have two years in Sixth Form where we chose four subjects to take for AS/A levels. Most student find this time stressful because they want to get the best grades to get the UCAS points required for the University they want to go to. It does depend on what University they want to go to because all Universities have different expectations and standards when it comes to grades and UCAS points. The two years of Sixth Form is different for each individual. Some take their work more seriously than others and some may work better in some of their subjects than the rest. I personally preferred my more creative subjects. I had originally chosen History, Drama, Media Studies and Philosophy. I dropped History after three months because I could not keep up with everyone else and I knew I would not be able to do well in the exams. Media Studies was interesting and I found it more fun because I can be creative and do what I want while improving my skills. Drama was fun although I was shy. It helped me be more confident a little bit. Philosophy was interesting to begin with, but in my second year it got too much as the work doubled and was going through personal things at the time which effected my attendance. So I had to drop it in my second year or I would lose my B that I had from my first year. From my other two subjects I had Cs. I did my media coursework again for a higher grade. I only started to worry towards the end of my second year. I was only doing two subjects and I did not think I would get enough UCAS points to get into Aberystwyth University because it was asking for 300-320 points. My second Uni choice was Camarthen University which only asked for 180 points. But I didn't even think I would get that so I was worried. When I had my results I had C's from Media and Drama and still had last years B from Philosophy. All together it was 210 points. As I was getting my result I had a text message from Aberystwyth University saying I was accepted. The Universities were accepting people on lower grades because the exam marks have gotten tighter and it was becoming harder to get high grades.
So, the point is, do not worry too much about Universities and if you are going to get in and if you ware good enough. I have to admit, I was worried before my results because I did not even think I was good enough for my second choice Uni that had a lower standard. Now I have been accepted 100 points off the required points and I will be joining one of the best Universities in the UK. I will be doing what I love and getting the qualifications I need to get a job I will enjoy. Do not worry so much about results because everything works out if you have tried. It is true if you don't do the work and don't bother with anything then you won't be fit for University. For those who care about their future and want to get into Uni just stay calm, do the work, revise for the exams and wait for results. Do not over-think things and wait patiently for the time to come when you get the result then sort out what you are going to do. If you have tried and done the work then everything will work out as it is meant to be. DON'T PANIC LIKE I DID! Because you will see in the end you spent all the time worried about nothing. xXx
I don't know how it works in America and other countries, but in the UK we have two years in Sixth Form where we chose four subjects to take for AS/A levels. Most student find this time stressful because they want to get the best grades to get the UCAS points required for the University they want to go to. It does depend on what University they want to go to because all Universities have different expectations and standards when it comes to grades and UCAS points. The two years of Sixth Form is different for each individual. Some take their work more seriously than others and some may work better in some of their subjects than the rest. I personally preferred my more creative subjects. I had originally chosen History, Drama, Media Studies and Philosophy. I dropped History after three months because I could not keep up with everyone else and I knew I would not be able to do well in the exams. Media Studies was interesting and I found it more fun because I can be creative and do what I want while improving my skills. Drama was fun although I was shy. It helped me be more confident a little bit. Philosophy was interesting to begin with, but in my second year it got too much as the work doubled and was going through personal things at the time which effected my attendance. So I had to drop it in my second year or I would lose my B that I had from my first year. From my other two subjects I had Cs. I did my media coursework again for a higher grade. I only started to worry towards the end of my second year. I was only doing two subjects and I did not think I would get enough UCAS points to get into Aberystwyth University because it was asking for 300-320 points. My second Uni choice was Camarthen University which only asked for 180 points. But I didn't even think I would get that so I was worried. When I had my results I had C's from Media and Drama and still had last years B from Philosophy. All together it was 210 points. As I was getting my result I had a text message from Aberystwyth University saying I was accepted. The Universities were accepting people on lower grades because the exam marks have gotten tighter and it was becoming harder to get high grades.
So, the point is, do not worry too much about Universities and if you are going to get in and if you ware good enough. I have to admit, I was worried before my results because I did not even think I was good enough for my second choice Uni that had a lower standard. Now I have been accepted 100 points off the required points and I will be joining one of the best Universities in the UK. I will be doing what I love and getting the qualifications I need to get a job I will enjoy. Do not worry so much about results because everything works out if you have tried. It is true if you don't do the work and don't bother with anything then you won't be fit for University. For those who care about their future and want to get into Uni just stay calm, do the work, revise for the exams and wait for results. Do not over-think things and wait patiently for the time to come when you get the result then sort out what you are going to do. If you have tried and done the work then everything will work out as it is meant to be. DON'T PANIC LIKE I DID! Because you will see in the end you spent all the time worried about nothing. xXx
Wednesday 22 May 2013
An analysis of the representation of Andy Biersack in the genre of metal/screamo music
The
term “representation” means how media language and its
conventions are used to represent certain things to an audience.
Genres are formed by conventions that change over time as new genres
are invented and the uses of older ones are discontinued. Often,
works fit into multiple genres by the way of borrowing and
recombining these conventions. Metal is genre of rock music that
developed in the late 1960’s and the early 1970’s, mainly in the
United Kingdom and the United States. The bands that created metal
developed a thick, massive sound, characterised by highly amplified
distortion, extended guitar solos and overall loudness. Metal lyric
and performance styles are generally associated with masculinity.
The
first metal bands such as Led Zeplin and Black Sabbath attracted
large audiences, though they were often critically reviled a status
common throughout the history of the genre. For certain artists and
bands, visual imagery plays a large role in heavy metal. Some heavy
metal acts such as Alice Cooper and Kiss have outrageous performance
personas and stage shows.
Screamo
is a sub-genre of hardcore punk, which predominantly evolved from
emo, among other genres, in the early 1990’s. The genre experienced
a popularity boost in the late 1990’s and 2000’s, and by
mid-2000’s the over-saturation of the scene encouraged bands such
as Alexonfire to incorporate more experimental elements.
When
the word “Rock Star” is said it often conjures up images of drug
taking, drinking, rebellious, powerful people who smash up
instruments and act extreme. There are four things needed for bands
to achieve the stereotypical rock star image. First of all they need
a look. The look has always been a trashy “I don't care” type of
look. The stereotypical rock star does not bother spending thousands
on one outfit which proves to be popular because it shows that it
does not matter what you look like it is all about the music. This is
not always the case. Some rock stars in the world today are based
more on image. Secondly what bands need is attitude to go with the
look. A rock stars attitude is supposed to be crazy-portraying that
they don't care what people think and they can do what they want. The
third things bands need is the lifestyle. A rock stars lifestyle is
meant to be extreme, hence the slogan “sex, drugs and rock 'n'
roll”. Because of the rebelliousness within the lifestyle it
appeals to teenage fans. Last but not least, bands need the music to
fit their image and the attitude. It has to be crazy and the band
needs to show this in their movements on stage. If they don't, the
audience would get bored.
The
general impression of “rock star” can vary from person to person.
Although the stereotype most commonly shown in the media is that of
the long haired, drug taking, vast amount of alcohol drinking party
animal. But this image has seemed to change and develop throughout
the years.
Black
Veil Brides are an American band who formed originally in Cincinnati,
Ohio, But was reformed in 2009 in Hollywood, California. They were
inspired by the likes of Motley Crue, Kiss, Marilyn Manson and many
more. They are known for their distinct appearance. Andy Beirsack,
The lead vocals of the band, is a main focus of this representation.
In 2009 Andy was known as a stereotypical “emo” although at the
time he did not know what an emo was and never heard of the
stereotype. He had long, black hair just above shoulder length and
piercings in his bottom lip. He wore black skinny jeans and either
dark or a specific styled clothing which is classed as “emo”. He
also put on black make up around his eyes. He was only eighteen and
represented as a teenager who was “different” to other teenagers.
Andy Biersack around the time of the "Knives and Pens" video.
In
2010 his image progressed as he wore dark clothing, had long shoulder
length, black straightened hair, Lip piercings and tattoos with more
extreme black make up around his eyes and his own design of stitching
across the side of his face from his lip. This representation had
evolved from the band changing their music style towards metalcore
and hard rock sound. Andy’s style had become more towards gothic
than what was previously seen as emo.
When
the band started to get more famous and popular, his image still
remained the main focus as it progressed. In 2011 he wore more black
make up, more body paint, more tattoos, tight studded clothing,
leather jackets, leather fingerless gloves, black boots and bigger
styled long black hair. This image suits his band genre of
rock/metal/screamo as the music is seen as dark and heavy just as his
image suggests. If someone was to look at him it would be impossible
to come to the conclusion he performs pop or rap music. Even someone
who did not know who he was would think he must be in a metal/rock
band because he has a strong stereotypical American rocker image. He
could not be anything but a rock star. One thing that has been widely
accepted by the public about the rock star image is just how
effeminate they can be. It is acceptable for a male rock star to with
long hair in tight trousers shaking their hips, and still be
considered “sexy” to thousands of fans. Andy won sexiest male of
the 2012 Kerrang! Readers poll and nominated for hottest mail for the
Kerrang! Awards three years in a row.
In
2012 he cut his hair and had a more denim rocker look. On the back
of each band members jackets were their nicknames. This gave them
more of a biker gang look rather than the stereotypical studded
leather rock star style. It was unique for the band and very original
whereas the previous styles where inspired by other bands of the
past, such as Motley Crue, Kiss and Alice Cooper.
Andy Biersack at Download Festival 2012.
In
2013 Andy changed his style yet again. He went back to wearing
leather but had his own unique style. He wore less make up and grew
his hair out again. But it had a new style. The look made them look
like rock stars but less stereotypical as they mix up old leather
styles with their own new unique styles. He is still represented by
the media as a singer who loves what he does and is working hard to
get where he is. Yet sometimes he can be seen as “up himself” as
he talks about his high ambitions and what he wants to achieve. In
the Legion Of The Black film which Black Veil Brides made he is
represented as a hero saving those who are not understood by society.
This is sometimes the case in real life for most of his fans. He is
still shown as the dedicated rock star who does not take advantage of
his fame and money.
Andy Biersack 2013
Andy Beirsack is stereotypical
due to the image, although in the old days rock stars didn't look
like they spent thousands on clothing while Black Veil Brides do not
wear clothing that is available cheaply. They do however have the
typical hair, tattoos, piercings and make up, which has been the main
part of a rock star image for many years. Andy does have the rock
star lifestyle but he does not take drugs like the rock star stereotype,
although he does drink a lot. He has the rock star attitude and he
certainly shows it on stage which means the audience never gets bored.
The music is straight up rock metal, so Andy and the rest of his band
have all of the four major things linking to the rock star
stereotype.
The representation of rock
star is made out like they are incredibly extreme, violent and raging
alcoholics. However, the majority of modern rock stars are not like
that, the majority of them care more about their music and their fans
rather than the rock star image. Andy Biersack thinks more of
the music and his fans while looking his best to what suits his music genre. Andy does not have an “extreme” lifestyle like some rock stars today e.g Oli Sykes. Most rock stars now have
settled down, and aren't groupie grabbing rebels. Andy and most of the members
of his band are settled down with girlfriends/wives yet they are
still rebels. They rebel against what society thinks of them and
their fans. It is true some rock stars take advantage of the
representation and consider it acceptable to “play up” to the
image and act differently just because it is how they are portrayed.
So that is what I did for my A level coursework essay. If anyone actually got to the end of this without getting bored and exiting then thanks for reading this. All together my teacher said my work is a B so I am pretty pleased. If you want to comment the feel free.
NightshadexXx
Tuesday 14 May 2013
Music Review: Falling In Reverse - Alone
Sorry there is no sound on the video here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcbOfVKSMkA
I have recently watched this music video about 10 times now. It was hard to review this because I love Ronnie Radke and the band as a whole. The Drug In Me Is You is one of my top 10. I love most of their songs but this one is...different.
I can see what Ronnie tried to achieve, mixing the music he already makes with rap with a use of a robot voice (I don't know the actual term for it). He tried to mix it up to widen the audience and make a new kind of sound. It is always risky to mix different kinds of music together, so it can either be a masterpiece or...failure.
While I can see what the band tried to achieve and I understand the idea and the message behind it, I have to say they made a risk that didn't go so well. The message itself is Ronnie telling the haters "fuck you I can do what I want, I don't care what you say". But he says it in a more abusive way. This is due to Ronnie's aggressive attitude. I do agree with fans that Ronnie has changed from the way he used to be back in Escape The Fate. But he still shows the aggressive behavior, maybe without noticing it...but I can't be sure. I can see why he is pissed off about what his haters say but that's all part of the music industry. Some will love you and others won't.
I can see the message they are trying to put across. I think the idea of mixing it up was good but risky. The risk didn't turn out to be in their favor and I think it certainly failed. The one thing that is good about it is the chorus. The video itself wasn't up to the usual Falling In Reverse standards of their last videos. This video was very disappointing and not as good as their earlier work. I personally didn't like the the rest of the band in white and the glittery guitars. The video also didn't show as much of the other members of the band as earlier videos. Ronnie shows his age more with his new style in the video. I agree with changing image within a band like Black Veil Brides or Asking Alexandria, but Ronnie's new image does not suit him.
To sum up, this video is full of risky changes that did not work well. Some may like the video and the song, but I personally think it does not work. But comment and share your opinion if you want :-)
NightshadexXx
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)