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How to Spot a Zombie Company
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Friday, October 30, 2009
NO ZOMBIES
Monday, July 27, 2009
Orphan: The case for breaking your kids of their goth habits early
Orphan: The case for breaking your kids of their goth habits early
By Bradley Ouellette
July 24
Much like “The Shining” before it, “Orphan” is one of those horror movies that really messes with your head by playing on our perceptions of innocence and trust, only in this case instead of a loving, trustworthy father who goes batshit insane, it’s the sweet, innocent little girl that no one would suspect could be so evil.
“Orphan” is surprisingly entertaining, with plenty of suspense to get you on the edge of your seat, as well as shocks and frights to make you jump for cover. Esther (Isabelle Fuhrman) is creepy enough to give us nightmares for a few nights to come at least.
Torn apart by the recent loss of their baby, John (Peter Sarsgaard) and Kate Coleman (Vera Farmiga) decide to adopt to fill the void. When they encounter the seemingly special, angelic Esther at the orphanage, it looks to be a perfect match. However, as the movie’s tag line goes, “there’s something wrong with Esther,” and when they bring their little bundle of joy home, things begin to change.
Directed by: Jaume Collet-Serra
Written by: David Johnson (screenplay), Alex Mace (story)
Starring: Vera Farmiga, Peter Sarsgaard
Rating: R
Running time: 123 mins
Seen at: Oak Tree Cinema, SeattleFarmiga portrays Kate brilliantly, displaying enough craziness to hint at her troubled past, and she shines in this film, especially when supported by the three children. Sarsgaard, on the other hand, plays an unconvincing John, though to be fair he is just playing the role he was given. Throughout the film, John is presented with the choice of who to believe as strange things keep happening, and Esther’s false innocence gets the best of him every time, despite some situations that make the viewer wonder how he could be so myopic. Of course, one must suspend disbelief for a movie of this nature, but one still wants believable characters.
Without doubt, the toughest role, and best filled, was that of Fuhrman’s Esther. Switching between being the perfect little Victorian princess to the brilliant yet deranged monster is done with an impressive talent for someone of her age, complemented by the old-fashioned clothes she wears. The mannerisms and the way she speaks, and even the way that she carries herself, show off the abilities of this young actress, and the lack of sound and use of subtitles at times really draws you into her world as a deaf child.
Once again referring to that old classic, the setting of the story also reminds one of “The Shining.” It’s winter time, in a house that’s off the beaten path, which gives a sense of seclusion and entrapment. The film doesn’t simply rely on blood and gore or cheap tricks to achieve its thrills. It starts building suspense and momentum early on, slowly revealing more of the story, and the histories, of both Esther and the mother.
If you’re up for a good horror movie, this is definitely one to check out, and it has something for fans of all sub-genres. It may not be a masterpiece, but it’s worth the cash to get the adrenaline pumping, especially if you’re one of those people who enjoys a sleepless night or two. If you’re thinking of adopting a child any time soon, though, you may want to hold off.
(Blast doesn’t have anything against orphans in general, just this one.)
Bradley Ouellette is a Blast staff writer who's been with us since the bitter beginnings when we were an attic and basement operation on Mission Hill.
By Bradley Ouellette
July 24
Much like “The Shining” before it, “Orphan” is one of those horror movies that really messes with your head by playing on our perceptions of innocence and trust, only in this case instead of a loving, trustworthy father who goes batshit insane, it’s the sweet, innocent little girl that no one would suspect could be so evil.
“Orphan” is surprisingly entertaining, with plenty of suspense to get you on the edge of your seat, as well as shocks and frights to make you jump for cover. Esther (Isabelle Fuhrman) is creepy enough to give us nightmares for a few nights to come at least.
Torn apart by the recent loss of their baby, John (Peter Sarsgaard) and Kate Coleman (Vera Farmiga) decide to adopt to fill the void. When they encounter the seemingly special, angelic Esther at the orphanage, it looks to be a perfect match. However, as the movie’s tag line goes, “there’s something wrong with Esther,” and when they bring their little bundle of joy home, things begin to change.
Directed by: Jaume Collet-Serra
Written by: David Johnson (screenplay), Alex Mace (story)
Starring: Vera Farmiga, Peter Sarsgaard
Rating: R
Running time: 123 mins
Seen at: Oak Tree Cinema, SeattleFarmiga portrays Kate brilliantly, displaying enough craziness to hint at her troubled past, and she shines in this film, especially when supported by the three children. Sarsgaard, on the other hand, plays an unconvincing John, though to be fair he is just playing the role he was given. Throughout the film, John is presented with the choice of who to believe as strange things keep happening, and Esther’s false innocence gets the best of him every time, despite some situations that make the viewer wonder how he could be so myopic. Of course, one must suspend disbelief for a movie of this nature, but one still wants believable characters.
Without doubt, the toughest role, and best filled, was that of Fuhrman’s Esther. Switching between being the perfect little Victorian princess to the brilliant yet deranged monster is done with an impressive talent for someone of her age, complemented by the old-fashioned clothes she wears. The mannerisms and the way she speaks, and even the way that she carries herself, show off the abilities of this young actress, and the lack of sound and use of subtitles at times really draws you into her world as a deaf child.
Once again referring to that old classic, the setting of the story also reminds one of “The Shining.” It’s winter time, in a house that’s off the beaten path, which gives a sense of seclusion and entrapment. The film doesn’t simply rely on blood and gore or cheap tricks to achieve its thrills. It starts building suspense and momentum early on, slowly revealing more of the story, and the histories, of both Esther and the mother.
If you’re up for a good horror movie, this is definitely one to check out, and it has something for fans of all sub-genres. It may not be a masterpiece, but it’s worth the cash to get the adrenaline pumping, especially if you’re one of those people who enjoys a sleepless night or two. If you’re thinking of adopting a child any time soon, though, you may want to hold off.
(Blast doesn’t have anything against orphans in general, just this one.)
Bradley Ouellette is a Blast staff writer who's been with us since the bitter beginnings when we were an attic and basement operation on Mission Hill.
border=0>Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Sinthyia Darkness Wants to Be Miami's First Goth Mayor
Sinthyia Darkness Wants to Be Miami's First Goth Mayor
By Kyle Munzenrieder in News
Monday, Apr. 13 2009 @ 11:34AM
via Sinthyia's Youtube
We wanted to find a better picture, but this one is quite paranormal and fitting, no?
Last week, a new candidate entered Miami's mayoral race on a platform of health-care reform and mosquito control. Riptide isn't sure if running on those issues alone will win a mayoral race, but they're pretty standard political fair. The lady behind the ideas, though, isn't your standard politician.
Coconut Grove resident Sinthyia R. Darkness is a paranormal activity expert, founder of the Miami Center for Paranormal Research, horror author, and now 2009 mayoral candidate, according to an announcement on her official website.
Considering talk show host Enrique Santos won 26 percent of the vote in the last mayoral race in the city, and frequent school board meeting audience member Helen Williams won 35 percent of the vote in the past race for county mayor, we're not sure if we should totally write her off just yet.
By Kyle Munzenrieder in News
Monday, Apr. 13 2009 @ 11:34AM
via Sinthyia's Youtube
We wanted to find a better picture, but this one is quite paranormal and fitting, no?
Last week, a new candidate entered Miami's mayoral race on a platform of health-care reform and mosquito control. Riptide isn't sure if running on those issues alone will win a mayoral race, but they're pretty standard political fair. The lady behind the ideas, though, isn't your standard politician.
Coconut Grove resident Sinthyia R. Darkness is a paranormal activity expert, founder of the Miami Center for Paranormal Research, horror author, and now 2009 mayoral candidate, according to an announcement on her official website.
Considering talk show host Enrique Santos won 26 percent of the vote in the last mayoral race in the city, and frequent school board meeting audience member Helen Williams won 35 percent of the vote in the past race for county mayor, we're not sure if we should totally write her off just yet.
New Granny style combat Boots
These boots are great. They're kinda Victorian and kinda steampunk and kinda combat
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Turbinia Steampunk Skirt in black
This polular skirt style is now available in black/gray. Wool blend. Grommet Belt included. S-L $24.95
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Cashcrate
I am a member of pinecone surveys. Pinecone is a good survey co- they pay $3.00 per survey but you only get a couple per month and it's only open by invitation. I am trying out Cashcrate now. You get 2 surveys everyday- they pay .80 ea. But they are kinda long- like 5 min long. 10 min at $1.60 =9.60 an hr -not horrible for free- I'm not doing anything else- money. There are other ways to make $- offers- which I usually avoid, an affiliate program and contests
Swagbucks
Remember that internet advertising program from the last century- it put a toolbar thingy on the bottom of your screen and you got paid per ad? It ended up being a ponzi scheme and died. Since then there have been several -make money doing X things to come and go- here's a newish one called swagbucks- you use it to search and earn "bucks" you can redeem for junk- including Amazon gift certificates.
I found it listed on a coupon blog- so far I have 6 swagbucks- you need 45 to get a $5 amazon gc. Kinda lame but we'll see. It has a firefox plugin and uses google search so...who knows.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Goth is in- prepare to be popular
Fashion turns to gothic in sign of the times
Article from: The Courier-Mail
Jasmin Lill
February 22, 2009 11:00pm
BLACK really is the new black.
It's the gothic trend sweeping shopfloors from chainstores to boutiques and is destined to infiltrate our wardrobes in months to come.
Soft or romantic goth might be mostly black but it's not complete without lashings of opulent trimmings.
And it seems we have the gothic subculture to thank for the haunting look that's skulked into the mainstream for the winter.
Goth is something Violet Vex has channelled from a very young age, and she hoped to source more of her wardrobe from conventional stores for a while at least.
"For as long as I can remember, my parents gave me white tu-tu skirts and little pink tops, and I've gone out of my way to go find some black velvet and lace," she said.
"It's a little bit frightening seeing this become mainstream when it's always been something I've been an outcast for."
Ms Vex said colour wasn't a complete no-no, provided it was restricted to tiny pops of purple, red or green with silver accents and lace.
Brisbane boutique Bessie Head already is stocking key winter pieces including a Morticia Addams-inspired floor-length creation by Manning Cartell.
Store buyer Marnie Byrnes said she believed the global economic gloom was driving fashion back to basics.
"If people want to go goth, look for chains, corset-style, frills, tulle and obviously a lot of black," she said.
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,25093264-5013173,00.html
Article from: The Courier-Mail
Jasmin Lill
February 22, 2009 11:00pm
BLACK really is the new black.
It's the gothic trend sweeping shopfloors from chainstores to boutiques and is destined to infiltrate our wardrobes in months to come.
Soft or romantic goth might be mostly black but it's not complete without lashings of opulent trimmings.
And it seems we have the gothic subculture to thank for the haunting look that's skulked into the mainstream for the winter.
Goth is something Violet Vex has channelled from a very young age, and she hoped to source more of her wardrobe from conventional stores for a while at least.
"For as long as I can remember, my parents gave me white tu-tu skirts and little pink tops, and I've gone out of my way to go find some black velvet and lace," she said.
"It's a little bit frightening seeing this become mainstream when it's always been something I've been an outcast for."
Ms Vex said colour wasn't a complete no-no, provided it was restricted to tiny pops of purple, red or green with silver accents and lace.
Brisbane boutique Bessie Head already is stocking key winter pieces including a Morticia Addams-inspired floor-length creation by Manning Cartell.
Store buyer Marnie Byrnes said she believed the global economic gloom was driving fashion back to basics.
"If people want to go goth, look for chains, corset-style, frills, tulle and obviously a lot of black," she said.
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,25093264-5013173,00.html
Gothic Kittens
Woman accused of piercing 'gothic' kittens will face charges in county court 1:47 p.m.
By Bob Kalinowski
Staff Writer
Published: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 1:48 PM EST
A woman accused of animal cruelty for piercing the ears of kittens, cutting off their tails, and marketing them as gothic will face the charges in Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas.
Holly Crawford, 34, of Sweet Valley, was in Luzerne County Central Court today for a preliminary hearing.
“This was tying a rubber band around a cat’s tail so tight that it falls off,” said Deputy District Attorney David Pedri. “She caused the cats pain. She did this to sell them to make money.”
Crawford’s defense attorney, Demetrius Fannick, argued state law “goes on and on” about specific acts of animal cruelty, but nothing about piercing cats and docking their tails.
Prosecutors said a part of the cruelty included Crawford tying rubber bands around the tails of the cats so they would fall off. She’d then pierce the nub.
“There’s nothing in the statute that expressly says you can’t pierce your cat’s ears or necks, or even crop their tails,” Fannick said. “It’s a case that you will be for or against as an animal owner. Let the legislature say you can’t pierce or tattoo your animal, and it will be different.”
Magisterial District Judge Paul Hadzick said the case was a gray area in the law and predicted it might one day cause for a clarification in the law. At the very least, he said it’s a case that should be decided by a jury or a higher judge.
“I don’t think that the decision is for me to be made here,” Hadzick said.
Charges were dropped against co-defendant William Blansett, 37, after Crawford admitted she was solely responsible for piercing the cats. The charges stem from a search warrant executed Dec. 17 at Crawford’s 71 Dobson Road home, where the business was based.
Animal control officers and state police located three pierced kittens and two others. The kittens had their ears pierced with 14-gauge jewelry, a standard size for eyebrow and belly piercings in humans. It caused their ears to flop. Their necks were pierced with submission rings. One cat’s tail had fallen off and another had a rubber band tied tightly around its tail.
Arrest papers say Crawford and Blansett bragged they would put “a rubber band tightly around the base of the tail to stop circulation to the tail, which eventually falls off.” Blansett, of 188 Gordon Road, Sweet Valley, described it as a “castrating band,” police said.
Crawford told the official “the kittens cried when she pierced them, but seemed fine afterward,” arrest papers say.
Members of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals brought the case to the attention of local investigators after seeing an advertisement for “Gothic kittens” on the online auction site eBay. One PETA official, acting as a possible buyer, visited the home on Dec. 16. The suspects displayed the mutilated kittens and told the official about how they planned to obtain and disfigure more of the cats to sell, arrest papers say.
http://www.citizensvoice.com/articles/2009/02/17/news/doc499b064a67cd3862028437.txt
By Bob Kalinowski
Staff Writer
Published: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 1:48 PM EST
A woman accused of animal cruelty for piercing the ears of kittens, cutting off their tails, and marketing them as gothic will face the charges in Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas.
Holly Crawford, 34, of Sweet Valley, was in Luzerne County Central Court today for a preliminary hearing.
“This was tying a rubber band around a cat’s tail so tight that it falls off,” said Deputy District Attorney David Pedri. “She caused the cats pain. She did this to sell them to make money.”
Crawford’s defense attorney, Demetrius Fannick, argued state law “goes on and on” about specific acts of animal cruelty, but nothing about piercing cats and docking their tails.
Prosecutors said a part of the cruelty included Crawford tying rubber bands around the tails of the cats so they would fall off. She’d then pierce the nub.
“There’s nothing in the statute that expressly says you can’t pierce your cat’s ears or necks, or even crop their tails,” Fannick said. “It’s a case that you will be for or against as an animal owner. Let the legislature say you can’t pierce or tattoo your animal, and it will be different.”
Magisterial District Judge Paul Hadzick said the case was a gray area in the law and predicted it might one day cause for a clarification in the law. At the very least, he said it’s a case that should be decided by a jury or a higher judge.
“I don’t think that the decision is for me to be made here,” Hadzick said.
Charges were dropped against co-defendant William Blansett, 37, after Crawford admitted she was solely responsible for piercing the cats. The charges stem from a search warrant executed Dec. 17 at Crawford’s 71 Dobson Road home, where the business was based.
Animal control officers and state police located three pierced kittens and two others. The kittens had their ears pierced with 14-gauge jewelry, a standard size for eyebrow and belly piercings in humans. It caused their ears to flop. Their necks were pierced with submission rings. One cat’s tail had fallen off and another had a rubber band tied tightly around its tail.
Arrest papers say Crawford and Blansett bragged they would put “a rubber band tightly around the base of the tail to stop circulation to the tail, which eventually falls off.” Blansett, of 188 Gordon Road, Sweet Valley, described it as a “castrating band,” police said.
Crawford told the official “the kittens cried when she pierced them, but seemed fine afterward,” arrest papers say.
Members of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals brought the case to the attention of local investigators after seeing an advertisement for “Gothic kittens” on the online auction site eBay. One PETA official, acting as a possible buyer, visited the home on Dec. 16. The suspects displayed the mutilated kittens and told the official about how they planned to obtain and disfigure more of the cats to sell, arrest papers say.
http://www.citizensvoice.com/articles/2009/02/17/news/doc499b064a67cd3862028437.txt
Gothic Fashion sparks Brawl
Gothic fashion sparks brawl
12:00a.m. 3rd February 2009
| By Rae Wilson
Gothic fashion sparks brawl
Kelly Owen was injured after a brawl on the Sunshine Coast.
Gothic clothing has been revealed as the spark for a brawl near a Mooloolaba coffee shop on a Sunday night last July.
Gregory Paul Gallagher, 37, and Stacey Louise Hober, 34, both from Parrearra pleaded guilty in Caloundra Magistrates Court on Monday to common assault.
The couple were expected to face a summary trial but changed their plea after charges were downgraded from assault occasioning bodily harm.
Kelly Owen, who had been celebrating her 21st birthday, received a cut under her eye and facial bruising in the assault about 10pm on July 6, 2008. Her 14-year-old friend had a lump to the left side of her forehead and bruising to her face.
The young women, who were out for a quiet dinner and coffee on the tourist strip, did not know the couple who attacked them.
Police prosecutor Stephen Winstanley told Caloundra Magistrates Court the couple had made slurs about the girls’ clothing and then made threats to hit them.
He said the situation became an all-in brawl where Ms Hober hit one of the girls in the forehead and then jumped on top her.
The girl received two further punches to the temple and jaw.
Sergeant Winstanley said another girl tried to pull Ms Hober away but she was overpowered and had several punches thrown at her. It was not suggested those punches made contact.
Sgt Winstanley said the girl pulled Ms Hober’s hair in retaliation and then Mr Gallagher punched her in the face.
He said ambulance and police were called and the girls were treated at the hospital.
The couple’s defence team submitted the whole incident could have been handled better.
Ms Hober was fined $250 for two counts of common assault.
Mr Gallagher was fined $200 for one count of assault.
http://www.thedaily.com.au/news/2009/feb/03/gothic-fashion-sparks-brawl/
12:00a.m. 3rd February 2009
| By Rae Wilson
Gothic fashion sparks brawl
Kelly Owen was injured after a brawl on the Sunshine Coast.
Gothic clothing has been revealed as the spark for a brawl near a Mooloolaba coffee shop on a Sunday night last July.
Gregory Paul Gallagher, 37, and Stacey Louise Hober, 34, both from Parrearra pleaded guilty in Caloundra Magistrates Court on Monday to common assault.
The couple were expected to face a summary trial but changed their plea after charges were downgraded from assault occasioning bodily harm.
Kelly Owen, who had been celebrating her 21st birthday, received a cut under her eye and facial bruising in the assault about 10pm on July 6, 2008. Her 14-year-old friend had a lump to the left side of her forehead and bruising to her face.
The young women, who were out for a quiet dinner and coffee on the tourist strip, did not know the couple who attacked them.
Police prosecutor Stephen Winstanley told Caloundra Magistrates Court the couple had made slurs about the girls’ clothing and then made threats to hit them.
He said the situation became an all-in brawl where Ms Hober hit one of the girls in the forehead and then jumped on top her.
The girl received two further punches to the temple and jaw.
Sergeant Winstanley said another girl tried to pull Ms Hober away but she was overpowered and had several punches thrown at her. It was not suggested those punches made contact.
Sgt Winstanley said the girl pulled Ms Hober’s hair in retaliation and then Mr Gallagher punched her in the face.
He said ambulance and police were called and the girls were treated at the hospital.
The couple’s defence team submitted the whole incident could have been handled better.
Ms Hober was fined $250 for two counts of common assault.
Mr Gallagher was fined $200 for one count of assault.
http://www.thedaily.com.au/news/2009/feb/03/gothic-fashion-sparks-brawl/
Friday, January 9, 2009
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