29.2.08
Rabbits
I enjoy rabbits, and they have been on my mind as of late. They are one of my favorite animals, and I miss having one, so maybe, just maybe I'll get one. I could use it for the garden I plan to plant, and rabbits are always enjoyable to have out and about in the yard hopping around. I usually like the rex variety of rabbits best, their fur is amazing. It is also the season to get a rabbit, especially with the early Easter coming up. We just will have to see what happens when the time comes.
24.2.08
Movie Picks 2007
In light and in spirit of the academy awards that happened this evening, I've decided to sit down and pick the best and worst movies I saw for the movie year of 2007. So, lets start with what I consider is the worst movie I saw last year:
Suckiest Film - Evan Almighty
For the most part, I like Steve Carrell, and I usually like the films he is in. But for me, this movie was a resounding disaster. I HATED THIS FILM, which is rarity for me. I thought the execution of the movie was wretched, and the story left me wanting. I wish I hadn't seen it. So, with the greatest of respect for the filmmakers who decided to create this utter drivel, I humbly award Evan Almighty with my Suckiest Movie Film of 2007 award.
Runner up: Spiderman 3
Best Fantasy Film - Stardust
For me by far the best fantasy film of 2007 was Stardust hands down. I enjoyed the whole movie. It definitely had its cornier moments, but being a romantic/fantasy/comedy, those will exist and are perfectly tolerable. I recommend this movie, and feel it deserves my Best Fantasy Film acknowledgement.
Runners up: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, The Golden Compass
Best Romantic Comedy - Music and Lyrics
I'm a Hugh Grant fan, and I've liked almost every movie I've seen him in. Music and Lyrics was no exception. I especially enjoyed the fabricated 80's pop featured as background for Hugh's character. I loved this film.
Best Drama - There Will Be Blood
Daniel Day-Lewis always does an amazing job, and he did another amazing job in this movie. But it wasn't only him, the movie was packed with great acting jobs from the entire cast. Visually the movie is stunning, and real depth is created by the Jonny Greenwood score. This film I recommend highly.
Best Sequel - Live Free or Die Hard
Yes, the movie isn't completely realistic, but that isn't why you go to an action movie. You go to an action movie to see action, and this movie had plenty. It was good to see Bruce Willis reprise the role of John McClane. Hopefully there will be another one.
Worst Sequel - Spiderman 3
This was another movie that was a major disappointment. Going into the movie I assumed that it would have held to the same standards as the previous two (the cast and crew remained much the same), but it wasn't so. I left this movie with a bad taste in my mouth. The entire middle portion of the movie was pathetic, and Spiderman's "evil" persona was even more pathetic. I can't believe they're going to make more, let us just hope that they will be better.
Runner up: Evan Almighty
Best Period Piece - Elizabeth the Golden Age
I really enjoyed the first Elizabeth, and it was no different for me for this second helping. The costume designs were superb, the cinematography gorgeous, and the acting most excellent. Go see this one, but watch the first one first.
Runners up: The Wind that Shakes the Barley, Sweeney Todd
Best Musical - Sweeney Todd
I've never partaken of Sweeney Todd on stage, but I rather enjoyed this adaptation by Tim Burton. The movie was visually entertaining, and the dark palette of colors was very suiting to the production. If you enjoy Tim Burton's work, or Johnny Depp's for that matter, see this film.
Best Independent Film - Once
This film came as a surprise to me, and unfortunately I was unable to see it in theaters. Upon its release I purchased the movie, and fell in love with it. I am a great fan of Irish Cinema, and this piece of cinematic poetry should be held in great esteem.
Best Comedy - Hot Fuzz
I loved Hot Fuzz, just like I loved Shaun of the Dead. Peggy, Frost, and Edgar as usual were right on with this film. I feel that it is the perfect infusion of action/comedy, and the timing in this movie to me verged on flawless. I really loved this film.
Best Film - There Will Be Blood
I've pretty much given my praise under the best drama heading, but just to repeat myself, this movie was fantastic.
So, that pretty much somes up my favorite and least favorite films of the past year. If I come up with anymore movie opinions, I'll be pretty sure to throw them down here.
Suckiest Film - Evan Almighty
For the most part, I like Steve Carrell, and I usually like the films he is in. But for me, this movie was a resounding disaster. I HATED THIS FILM, which is rarity for me. I thought the execution of the movie was wretched, and the story left me wanting. I wish I hadn't seen it. So, with the greatest of respect for the filmmakers who decided to create this utter drivel, I humbly award Evan Almighty with my Suckiest Movie Film of 2007 award.
Runner up: Spiderman 3
Best Fantasy Film - Stardust
For me by far the best fantasy film of 2007 was Stardust hands down. I enjoyed the whole movie. It definitely had its cornier moments, but being a romantic/fantasy/comedy, those will exist and are perfectly tolerable. I recommend this movie, and feel it deserves my Best Fantasy Film acknowledgement.
Runners up: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, The Golden Compass
Best Romantic Comedy - Music and Lyrics
I'm a Hugh Grant fan, and I've liked almost every movie I've seen him in. Music and Lyrics was no exception. I especially enjoyed the fabricated 80's pop featured as background for Hugh's character. I loved this film.
Best Drama - There Will Be Blood
Daniel Day-Lewis always does an amazing job, and he did another amazing job in this movie. But it wasn't only him, the movie was packed with great acting jobs from the entire cast. Visually the movie is stunning, and real depth is created by the Jonny Greenwood score. This film I recommend highly.
Best Sequel - Live Free or Die Hard
Yes, the movie isn't completely realistic, but that isn't why you go to an action movie. You go to an action movie to see action, and this movie had plenty. It was good to see Bruce Willis reprise the role of John McClane. Hopefully there will be another one.
Worst Sequel - Spiderman 3
This was another movie that was a major disappointment. Going into the movie I assumed that it would have held to the same standards as the previous two (the cast and crew remained much the same), but it wasn't so. I left this movie with a bad taste in my mouth. The entire middle portion of the movie was pathetic, and Spiderman's "evil" persona was even more pathetic. I can't believe they're going to make more, let us just hope that they will be better.
Runner up: Evan Almighty
Best Period Piece - Elizabeth the Golden Age
I really enjoyed the first Elizabeth, and it was no different for me for this second helping. The costume designs were superb, the cinematography gorgeous, and the acting most excellent. Go see this one, but watch the first one first.
Runners up: The Wind that Shakes the Barley, Sweeney Todd
Best Musical - Sweeney Todd
I've never partaken of Sweeney Todd on stage, but I rather enjoyed this adaptation by Tim Burton. The movie was visually entertaining, and the dark palette of colors was very suiting to the production. If you enjoy Tim Burton's work, or Johnny Depp's for that matter, see this film.
Best Independent Film - Once
This film came as a surprise to me, and unfortunately I was unable to see it in theaters. Upon its release I purchased the movie, and fell in love with it. I am a great fan of Irish Cinema, and this piece of cinematic poetry should be held in great esteem.
Best Comedy - Hot Fuzz
I loved Hot Fuzz, just like I loved Shaun of the Dead. Peggy, Frost, and Edgar as usual were right on with this film. I feel that it is the perfect infusion of action/comedy, and the timing in this movie to me verged on flawless. I really loved this film.
Best Film - There Will Be Blood
I've pretty much given my praise under the best drama heading, but just to repeat myself, this movie was fantastic.
So, that pretty much somes up my favorite and least favorite films of the past year. If I come up with anymore movie opinions, I'll be pretty sure to throw them down here.
21.2.08
RU: The Bell Tower
The Bell tower for my university (the main bell tower at least) is a completely free standing structure located near the center of the campus. There are no doors located at the bottom, all entrances to the bell tower are located underground. There is a visitor entrance that can be accessed, and guided tours are given daily.
The architectural style of the bell tower is predominantly late Gothic, with little or no visual cues from other styles of architecture. The gallery (tunnel) that leads into the base of the tower however, is done with Romanesque style arches and barrel vaults, which gives it a more earthly feel than the tower itself.
The Tower Gallery can be used for a number of things, and can often be seen being utilized for university displays for visitors. The Tower Gallery is 365 feet long representing the Gregorian year, and the binding of modernity to the of the past. There are smaller side galleries that are used primarily for the art of aging cheese, but for the most part these are not accessible by the public.
The tower itself is constructed predominantly of black granite. The exterior will be mostly Korpilahden Musta (from Finland), Hohwald (from Germany), and Lanhelin (from France). Lanhelin granite is of a grey color, and is used less than the other two black granites. The underground gallery that leads into the base of the structure is done primarily in Alberga (from Sweden), which is a reddish grey color of granite. I've included picture samples of all four in order below:
The architectural style of the bell tower is predominantly late Gothic, with little or no visual cues from other styles of architecture. The gallery (tunnel) that leads into the base of the tower however, is done with Romanesque style arches and barrel vaults, which gives it a more earthly feel than the tower itself.
The Tower Gallery can be used for a number of things, and can often be seen being utilized for university displays for visitors. The Tower Gallery is 365 feet long representing the Gregorian year, and the binding of modernity to the of the past. There are smaller side galleries that are used primarily for the art of aging cheese, but for the most part these are not accessible by the public.
The tower itself is constructed predominantly of black granite. The exterior will be mostly Korpilahden Musta (from Finland), Hohwald (from Germany), and Lanhelin (from France). Lanhelin granite is of a grey color, and is used less than the other two black granites. The underground gallery that leads into the base of the structure is done primarily in Alberga (from Sweden), which is a reddish grey color of granite. I've included picture samples of all four in order below:
The tower itself is 377 ft. tall, making it appear as a truly powerful and ethereal looking structure. The height is inspired by the number of days in the average intercalary year in the Julian Calendar. Since the tower is a mostly medieval structure, it seems appropriate to use the intercalary year is a model, vs. the average year in Gregorian time.
The appearance of the tower is inspired from several historic buildings (specifically their bell towers, or front facades). Some of these structures include the Notre Dame de Strasbourg, York Minster, Cologne Cathedral, and the Duomo di Milano.
To reach the top of the tower, there are two narrow spiral staircases built into the stone. When tourists are allowed within the tower, one staircase is used for the ascent and the other is used for descent in order to create an efficient flow of foot traffic. The roof/roof facade is quite similar to that of the bell towers of York Minster. Unlike York Minster, the top of the tower does not have one set of windows, but three on each face (much like Notre Dame de Strasbourg).
The tower has a number of bells. The largest bell weighs in at around 11 tons. There are a number of smaller 3 ton bells, and then a fixture of much smaller chiming bells which are used more for playing music. The smallest of the bells are played using a clavier, while the large bells are done in a more typical fashion.
Tower Dimensions:
-77 ft. wide, each side
-377 ft. tall
The Tower Gallery:
- 365 ft. long
-50 ft. wide
-17.5 ft. tall
The appearance of the tower is inspired from several historic buildings (specifically their bell towers, or front facades). Some of these structures include the Notre Dame de Strasbourg, York Minster, Cologne Cathedral, and the Duomo di Milano.
To reach the top of the tower, there are two narrow spiral staircases built into the stone. When tourists are allowed within the tower, one staircase is used for the ascent and the other is used for descent in order to create an efficient flow of foot traffic. The roof/roof facade is quite similar to that of the bell towers of York Minster. Unlike York Minster, the top of the tower does not have one set of windows, but three on each face (much like Notre Dame de Strasbourg).
The tower has a number of bells. The largest bell weighs in at around 11 tons. There are a number of smaller 3 ton bells, and then a fixture of much smaller chiming bells which are used more for playing music. The smallest of the bells are played using a clavier, while the large bells are done in a more typical fashion.
Tower Dimensions:
-77 ft. wide, each side
-377 ft. tall
The Tower Gallery:
- 365 ft. long
-50 ft. wide
-17.5 ft. tall
RU: Administration Building
For some years now, I've been designing my own University, and I've decided to finally write down some of the ideas so they don't get lost. The first building I thought I'd do a write up on is the University Administration Building, which is located at the central hub of the University (The University grounds are laid out in a perfect circle with a diameter of 2 miles, the Administration Building is located in the very center).
On first glance, when you head for the main doors of the UAB the building appears to be 12 stories high. The front facade is is columned with ionic columns up to the roof which has a slight overhang (no more than a few feet). The general style of the building is Georgian/Baroque, and is meant to evoke a feeling of authority and prestige. The roof has a very gentle slope, and is barely visible above the facade portion of the overhang.
Each floor of the building is roughly 12.5 feet tall (except the ground floor which is taller), and the portion of the building you see visible from the facade overall is roughly 175 feet tall (from floor to ceiling). Upon entering the building you will notice that the floor is done in marble. Above your head the ceiling for the first 30 feet is vaulted to a height of17.5 feet, and then once you are past the initial 30 feet of the building you enter into the truly vaulted expanse. When you enter the main hall portion, the building is vaulted floor to ceiling, a full 175 feet in height. The ceiling is decorated with paintings meant to evoke the grandeur of the sun. Looking up from the ground floor you can see each floor supported with columns and surrounded with railings. Each floor looks out on the expanse of the main hall. Directly across from the main entrance on the other end of the building, there is a series of windows made into one massive glass pane that looks out from the building, it extends to the ceiling as well.
The upper floors are setup in an elongated U shape with squared corners, so that no floor interferes with the view out the grand window, and that all floors do not interfere with the view from the lobby floor to the ceiling. There is a hallway on each upper floor that goes around the inside edge of the floor, which is approximately 10 feet wide, and which opens out to the vaulted chamber. The halls are decorated with columns (both decoration and support) and marble railings around the outer edge, and are done with stone panels on their inner edge of the walls. Since it is an administration building, there are indoor windows on some of the offices, but they are done tastefully and etched in stone. Lighting is recessed in the hallway ceilings, so as to not interfere with the focus on the glory of the building.
The vaulted space of the building is 45 feet wide, and the office space on each floor including the hallway is 30 feet wide (20 feet width for the offices). Windows on the exterior of the building are set between the columns, and are numerous as to provide plenty of light for the offices. For the most part besides the post-modern style glass that encompasses the far end of the building, the rest of the building is truly done in a fairly baroque style of architecture.
For the most part, that encompasses half the building. As I said previously in this note, this is what you see from the front facade. If you are looking from the other side of the building, the picture is much different. The building from the "glassed" side is actually 24 stories tall. When you enter from the front of the building, there are staircases both to the left and right of the entry that go down to another level. The level it goes down to is the "second" building. This part of the building does not have windows on the exterior except for the far end (as that it is mostly underground). The 12th story of the underbuilding is as tall as the first story of the upper building. The first story of the underbuilding is the same height as the twelfth (unlike the upper building, where the 12th is much smaller than the first story).
The underbuilding has the same basic layout as the upper building, and is done in the same style. The ceiling is decorated in a motif that evokes the glory of the moon and stars. The front doors to the underbuilding, are on the very bottom floor built into the glass. They open into the bottom of a great amphitheater which is twelve stories tall. to the left and right of glass facade is a great stone wall, which goes the width of the ampitheater. The amphitheater is there primarily to serve university gatherings, or events. Being 12 stories deep, it holds more than its fare share of people.
The upper building mainly houses administration offices for staff and various departments. The under building is provided mainly for student body administration purposes. Near where the front facade would be on the lower portion of the building is one of the University's underground rail stations, as well as access to the university tunnel system. There is also access located on the twelfth floor.
The dimensions of the building are the following approximations:
- 105 ft. wide
- 240 ft. long
- 360 ft. tall
The dimensions of the amphitheater are the following approximations:
- 315 ft. wide
- 185 ft. deep
For a general reference of the architectural style of the building, here are some images of buildings that usual similar architectural cues (please note, these are just to give a general idea, not all cues are taken):
On first glance, when you head for the main doors of the UAB the building appears to be 12 stories high. The front facade is is columned with ionic columns up to the roof which has a slight overhang (no more than a few feet). The general style of the building is Georgian/Baroque, and is meant to evoke a feeling of authority and prestige. The roof has a very gentle slope, and is barely visible above the facade portion of the overhang.
Each floor of the building is roughly 12.5 feet tall (except the ground floor which is taller), and the portion of the building you see visible from the facade overall is roughly 175 feet tall (from floor to ceiling). Upon entering the building you will notice that the floor is done in marble. Above your head the ceiling for the first 30 feet is vaulted to a height of17.5 feet, and then once you are past the initial 30 feet of the building you enter into the truly vaulted expanse. When you enter the main hall portion, the building is vaulted floor to ceiling, a full 175 feet in height. The ceiling is decorated with paintings meant to evoke the grandeur of the sun. Looking up from the ground floor you can see each floor supported with columns and surrounded with railings. Each floor looks out on the expanse of the main hall. Directly across from the main entrance on the other end of the building, there is a series of windows made into one massive glass pane that looks out from the building, it extends to the ceiling as well.
The upper floors are setup in an elongated U shape with squared corners, so that no floor interferes with the view out the grand window, and that all floors do not interfere with the view from the lobby floor to the ceiling. There is a hallway on each upper floor that goes around the inside edge of the floor, which is approximately 10 feet wide, and which opens out to the vaulted chamber. The halls are decorated with columns (both decoration and support) and marble railings around the outer edge, and are done with stone panels on their inner edge of the walls. Since it is an administration building, there are indoor windows on some of the offices, but they are done tastefully and etched in stone. Lighting is recessed in the hallway ceilings, so as to not interfere with the focus on the glory of the building.
The vaulted space of the building is 45 feet wide, and the office space on each floor including the hallway is 30 feet wide (20 feet width for the offices). Windows on the exterior of the building are set between the columns, and are numerous as to provide plenty of light for the offices. For the most part besides the post-modern style glass that encompasses the far end of the building, the rest of the building is truly done in a fairly baroque style of architecture.
For the most part, that encompasses half the building. As I said previously in this note, this is what you see from the front facade. If you are looking from the other side of the building, the picture is much different. The building from the "glassed" side is actually 24 stories tall. When you enter from the front of the building, there are staircases both to the left and right of the entry that go down to another level. The level it goes down to is the "second" building. This part of the building does not have windows on the exterior except for the far end (as that it is mostly underground). The 12th story of the underbuilding is as tall as the first story of the upper building. The first story of the underbuilding is the same height as the twelfth (unlike the upper building, where the 12th is much smaller than the first story).
The underbuilding has the same basic layout as the upper building, and is done in the same style. The ceiling is decorated in a motif that evokes the glory of the moon and stars. The front doors to the underbuilding, are on the very bottom floor built into the glass. They open into the bottom of a great amphitheater which is twelve stories tall. to the left and right of glass facade is a great stone wall, which goes the width of the ampitheater. The amphitheater is there primarily to serve university gatherings, or events. Being 12 stories deep, it holds more than its fare share of people.
The upper building mainly houses administration offices for staff and various departments. The under building is provided mainly for student body administration purposes. Near where the front facade would be on the lower portion of the building is one of the University's underground rail stations, as well as access to the university tunnel system. There is also access located on the twelfth floor.
The dimensions of the building are the following approximations:
- 105 ft. wide
- 240 ft. long
- 360 ft. tall
The dimensions of the amphitheater are the following approximations:
- 315 ft. wide
- 185 ft. deep
For a general reference of the architectural style of the building, here are some images of buildings that usual similar architectural cues (please note, these are just to give a general idea, not all cues are taken):
17.2.08
Goals
Since I've been meandering away my time far too much, I've decided to put finger to key and write down some goals that I need to achieve. I've been really very lax as far as accomplishing anything as of late, so I'm hoping this will help. Some of these goals will be every day goals, whereas others will be long term (and all should help me in self improvement).
Goals:
1. Read a minimum of 50 pages a day (this should be easy, I waste far too much time on TV).
2. Read at least 1 chapter of scriptures every day.
3. Do cardio for at least 30 minutes, at least 4 times a week.
4. Do calisthenics at least 5 times a week.
5. Eat at least one piece of fruit 5 times a week.
6. Get readmitted to BYU, and go back to school.
6a. Get ecclesiastical endorsement.
6b. Do Academic warning paperwork and submit it.
6c. Meet with counselor at BYU to review paperwork.
NOTE: If for some reason BYU turns out that it is not an option, it is imperative that I go to school. In this instance I need to attempt to get into UVU as my alternative (although I'd much rather return to BYU).
7. Pay a full tithe (so far this year I have done pretty, pretty good I think, I just need to keep it up).
8. Finish my HEPE Independent Study course by the May deadline (07 May 2008).
9. Start writing some of my stories.
10. Return to Europe by 2011 (this one is somewhat iffy, but if I write it down its more likely to happen).
I think this is a reasonable starting place as far as goals are concerned, but I hope to add more as I go. I'll probably post updates on these goals here just to help keep myself on track (which is not something I have a very easy time of doing). I will begin with these as of tomorrow (today rather, but I don't consider it the next day until I've gone to sleep), and I am going to try to plan on being successful. C'est la vie.
Goals:
1. Read a minimum of 50 pages a day (this should be easy, I waste far too much time on TV).
2. Read at least 1 chapter of scriptures every day.
3. Do cardio for at least 30 minutes, at least 4 times a week.
4. Do calisthenics at least 5 times a week.
5. Eat at least one piece of fruit 5 times a week.
6. Get readmitted to BYU, and go back to school.
6a. Get ecclesiastical endorsement.
6b. Do Academic warning paperwork and submit it.
6c. Meet with counselor at BYU to review paperwork.
NOTE: If for some reason BYU turns out that it is not an option, it is imperative that I go to school. In this instance I need to attempt to get into UVU as my alternative (although I'd much rather return to BYU).
7. Pay a full tithe (so far this year I have done pretty, pretty good I think, I just need to keep it up).
8. Finish my HEPE Independent Study course by the May deadline (07 May 2008).
9. Start writing some of my stories.
10. Return to Europe by 2011 (this one is somewhat iffy, but if I write it down its more likely to happen).
I think this is a reasonable starting place as far as goals are concerned, but I hope to add more as I go. I'll probably post updates on these goals here just to help keep myself on track (which is not something I have a very easy time of doing). I will begin with these as of tomorrow (today rather, but I don't consider it the next day until I've gone to sleep), and I am going to try to plan on being successful. C'est la vie.
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