One Hour Books: The Eternal Smile
Feb 20, 2012 Uncategorized
Have we mentioned what giant comic book nerds we are here at Things We Love? If not, then let’s let the cat out of the bag for once and for all… because it turns out that is animal torture, and PETA is hot on our tails. Okay, we weren’t talking about a literal cat, that thing can stay in the bag. We’re allergic and they’re awful creatures. Bring on the red paint PETA.
We’re only releasing the metaphorical cat. And our metaphorical cat is comic books. How did this get confusing this early in the post?
If we’re in a library, you best bet we’re going to side step that whole classic literature aisle and dive right into the teen fiction or comic books section. That might make us losers and not extremely well read, but hey, it’s what we love.
There’s nothing that we love more than comic books (except for writing in the first person plural, of course). Today, we came across a little number by Gene Luen Yang and Derek Kirk Kim, called The Eternal Smile and figured that we could take a quick break and read one of the stories. It was such a quick read that we got the whole thing down in a half an hour.
It gave us the idea for a new series called the hour long read. Because there’s nothing that we love more here at Things We Love than squeezing an entire work of fiction into an hour. Sure, most of these are going to be graphic novels. Nothing reads quicker while packing the same artistic and creative punch.
This was a fantastic hour long read. It’s perfect for a lunch break, study break, or applying-for-scholarships break. Gene Yang is the genius behind The Prinz award winning graphic novel American Born Chinese. The other dude wrote something that I added to my reading list called Same Difference and Other Stories. They got together to create three brilliant little stories that focus on the themes of delusion, imagination, reality and the broadening of perspective.
Like Yang’s other works, the style is sharp and playful and the language fits that bill as well. Since it’s technically a teen book, the language was simple and easy to speed through without making the stories simplistic. Don’t get scared off by the fact that it’s shelved in the young adult section. There are plenty of themes that adults can relate to.
Do you have any one hour reads that you’d like to share?
Our Mom… Or Better Yet… “Your Mom”
Feb 10, 2012 Uncategorized
Comic: xkcd
Welcome to this week’s addition of things we love where we will be talking about our mom and “your mom”!
Even though Mother’s Day is still three months away, there’s no better day than today to talk about having some mama love. But first, let’s talk about your mom.
There’s nothing better than when a stupid joke is told too much, becomes adored by Bro’s and Duchebags for several years, and then finally dies, never to be told again. “Wassssssssssup!?!” Case in point.
Well, we just lied. There totally is something better than that. There’s that magical time, after a joke that has been told so much that your ears bleed on hearing it, dies a slow and painful death. You begin hearing it less and less and then you hear that it was last spoken by some punk middle school turds in the early 2000′s. But then, seemingly out of nowhere, it is magically resurrected. Like a phoenix, the joke is reborn to live anew. Suddenly, this stupid quip has transformed into something both ironic and nostalgic. “Your mom” is that joke.
“Your mom” has never been a flawless comeback. As a matter of fact, it was commonly used by folks that weren’t clever enough to come up with a quick comeback. However, now it has become a throwback to a time and place when comebacks and smack talking were common place. It brings you right back to your K-12 experience.
“Your mom” commonly known as the “suburban ‘Yo mama’” was used in response to all sorts of high school teasing. But now that you’re in your twenties, no one seems to tease anymore. Now you can throw “Your mom” in wherever you please. It’s a glorious time we live in.
For example:
Boss: “Do you want some coffee?”
You: “Your mom wants some coffee.”
Boss: “Hahahhaha! You’re a genius!”
Now, we’d like to give a shout out to our moms, who we love and adore. Even if there aren’t any silly cards out there, with glitter glued in the shape of a heart around the word MOM, it’s the perfect time of year to say it.
Have you told your mom that you loved her lately? Have you told a “Your mom” joke lately?
TWL: Peep Show
Feb 5, 2012 Uncategorized
Hello Lovers!
Welcome to/back to Things We Love. The blog where we (I) talk about things we (I) love, in first person plural! Perhaps this post should be titled “TWL: Netflix Suggestions.” That’s how Peep Show landed in our lap… laps? I/We only have one lap (first person plural gone wrong). Or perhaps it should be called, “TWL: The Dude I’m House Sitting For, Because He Likes Nerdy British Comedies and Netflix Knows It.” Or maybe, we’ll just stick with Peep Show, because that is the love-worthy thing that we want to share with you today.
Peep Show is this great, addictive, nerdy British comedy filled with great characters and an interesting perspective. I flew through seven seasons in a few weeks. It’s given me a nice little fake British accent. I’ve been thinking in it, dreaming in it and sometimes letting it slip out when I’m talking. It’s pretty embarrassing. I mean, if Madonna can’t pull it off and she at least lived in the country, explaining it away by saying that I just watched too much of a Brit com is quite lame.
At first, I didn’t really think it was going to be my thing. The first person camera angles (this blog post is going full circle) seemed pretty campy. I thought it might end up being one of those cheesy sh*t coms with a cheesier twist. A few minutes into it, I realized that the characters looked pretty familiar. ZOMG! It’s Mitchell and Webb from that Mitchell and Webb Look. If you’ve never seen that show, do it! It’s sketch comedy done the way only the Brits can do it.
Once I saw that those guys were behind Peep Show, I was ready to get invested. And boy howdy, am I glad I did. Seven seasons later, I don’t know anything about anything, but I was pretty amused. Follow the follies of a poorly adjusted office drone and an unsettled, club drug loving, free loading flat mate. Watch them chase love in every form as they fall for an office manager, a posh twat and many, many more. It’s on Netflix, so check it out. We/I declare it to be a thing we/I love!
Improv
Jan 29, 2012 Uncategorized
TJ and Dave: Improv Geniuseses
There are a lot of things that we love here at things we love, but there’s a huge one that we can’t hold in any longer. Improv! We love us some improv in any form. Whether it be a friend-of-a-friend’s free improv show (count us in) or checking out some of the most talented improv performers in Chicago (let’s get tickets!), improv is one of those deep seated loves that gets deeper every day.
There’s a lot more to improv than you would think, and that’s what I’ve been learning at The Second City in Chicago. Even though I was too terrified to leap right into an improv class, I decided to take a comedy writing class there. I’ll work my way up from cheap recipe blog writer to stand up genius. Hey, baby steps, right? Not right. Improv is about leaping in whole-heartedly. It’s also about saying yes. You see, an improv scene only really works if everyone in it says “yes!” An improv scene works really well when everyone in it says, “Yes! And…”
But hey, we don’t have to be improv legends, or even students, for it to be one of those things we love. We can say “yes” to catching an improv show. That counts. Improv is one of the reasons that it’s so great to be in the lovely city of Chicago right now. You’d be hard pressed to go a night without hearing about some new comedy stuff going on around town. There are shows, sets, open mics and comedy clubs everywhere. You can’t throw a rock in this town without hitting some improv.
Last week, a friend and I went to see improv legends TJ and Dave at Improv Olympics. The caliber of comedy you can get for five bucks in this town will knock your little sockies off. These guys put on a flawless one hour improv show that is so well developed and hilarious that you’ll leave thinking, “Wait? That was just two dudes on a stage.” Yes… and no. It’s so much more than that. I’d highly recommend catching one of their shows, at least once, if you’re in the city of Chicago. But make sure to get your tickets ahead of time. All of their shows sell out on a regular basis.
Is improv one of those things you love?
Caprica is Fracking Awesome. So Say We All.
Jan 24, 2012 Uncategorized
If you’re a first wave Battlestar Galactica nerd (don’t be offended, those words just go together), you’ve probably already seen it all, from the 80′s series right down to Caprica. Perhaps you hate the revival that SyFy did and perhaps you didn’t dig Caprica either. I think we all know what it’s like to be a fan of something, and really look forward to the continuation of that thing and when it finally happens, it’s a huge let down (Jar Jar Binks).
But if like many burgeoning BSG fans, you probably came into the game late and caught the new series on Netflix or SyFy. So you might be hitting Caprica about right now, like I am, and I’m sure you’re feelin’ it. Caprica is awesome. I’m only three episodes in, and it’s already weaving in and out of the layers that BSG laid as a foundation without being heavy handed or cheesy. If it’s possible to have a crush on a TV show, I’m shoving perfume scented notes into Caprica’s locker after the fourth period.
The performances are space soap opera quality (I’ve heard BSG called that in the past and think it’s a pretty fitting way to describe it). I don’t mean to imply that the acting is anything short of amazing, but it’s a drama and the acting is full on dramatic. Maybe the phrase ‘space soap opera’ isn’t a good choice if you’ve never seen the show. Don’t worry there’s no plot line involving twin brothers, separated at birth. One doesn’t turn out evil, and the other one, good. But there is one about the birth of the first conscious Cylon, built by a senior software engineer who’s trying to ressurect his daughter from the dead. So it’s got that going for it. Now that I think about it, scratch the whole space soap opera comment, because cinematography and graphics put All My Children to shame.
All in all, if you’ve just finished Battlestar Galactica and you’ve watched The Plan, you’re going to love Caprica. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, you might want to start with BSG so when (spoiler alert) the one dude says “Our last name was Adama,” you can gasp along with every other nerd on this planet.
T’was the Season
Jan 12, 2012 Uncategorized
Everyone who has any interest in video gaming knows the cycle, and Winter is the number one season for new game releases. So, let’s recap some of the best Video game releases this winter thus far.
Modern Warfare 3
The Call of Duty franchise, regardless of the developing company (meaning Treyarch and/or Infinity Ward), has always been a far favorite. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 was no different. Logging in 1.5 million preorders on it’s November 8th release, in addition to sales made with no preorder, this Call of Duty installment was no exception to the franchise’s long lasting success. Though it seems to be the last of the Modern Warfare games, it is positive that Call of Duty will continue to dish out games every winter or two.
Battlefield 3
Military first-person shooters are one of the best selling games on the market today. Battlefield 3, along with the rest of the Battlefield trilogy, has created quite the buzz in the gaming community. It’s reputation as one of the most immersive games around has generated a large following. That large-scale multiplayer and genuine campaign makes it both realistic and creative.
Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The following generated by fiction-fantasy games is somewhat disturbing, especially if the game is called World of Warcraft. Skyrim, however, is quite the intriguing work of art. Chasing Dragons and collecting Battleaxes is not my definition of a good time but, for some, its freakin’ Mardi Gras. The sales for Skyrim, including preorder, proved that fantasy video games will not soon die off. Basement gatherings for dungeons and dragons, on the other hand, probably won’t make a come-back.
Madden 2012
Winter season may be video game season, but it is also football season. For some though, it is a combination of the two: Madden 2012! The NFL has a large gathering of followers and may be the most popular sport in North America. Ever since Madden’s very first endorsement on an NFL game, sales have soared. With every year comes new gameplay, more realistic features, and new players (of course). Madden has always been a fan favorite and is sure to remain that way in the season’s to come; unless we hit another lock-out.
The winter season isn’t over yet! Keep an ear out for new hit games, or just play the ones you got and beat ‘em! I always shoot for 100%.
Becoming a Sumo
Jan 5, 2012 Uncategorized
If you think this article is about becoming a Sumo wrestler than you’re reading the wrong article. But you’ve read this far, so here is a couple tips on how to become a Sumo wrestler: set down the computer, go over to KFC, and invest $450 in some fried chicken.
What this article is actually meant for is to show appreciation for a little website called AppSumo. AppSumo, which works much like Groupon, can hep give you the tools to create a online presence for your company. They offer deals for Search Engine Optimization tactics, Web development, and products/services for pretty much anything. In some cases, you can download entire video-courses which work just like taking an online course at any university.
The trouble with creating an online presence for a company, whether you are starting out or trying to push an existing company, the tools for effectively doing so are not openly available. With deals on AppSumo, you can learn more about what it takes to make it in a digital world.
Even though AppSumo may not give you all the tools to become a full-blown web-developer, you can be sure that you’ll get great deals on some really great packages.
The AppSumo service is one that I find extremely useful, even as an individual without a startup business. Whether you own a business, run a web-marketing website, or like to dabble in the intricacy of SEO or HTML, AppSumo can offer a plethora of goodies.
Boost your online marketing, create a marketing strategy, and learn how to get your foot in the door of social networking; all with the help of AppSumo!
Only one criticism… their tagline: “All your software in one nice, little burrito.” Uhm, I thought Sumo wrestlers were an asian thing? I’ve never eaten an asian burrito.
Batman’s Multiple Personality Disorder
Dec 31, 2011 Uncategorized
Between the films, video games, comics, television shows, and any other application I may be forgetting, Batman is an extremely confusing individual. Well, i shouldn’t really say “Batman”, because no matter how you look at him he’s still a guy in black tights with rippling abs/body armor. The person who is really confused here is Bruce Wayne. That guy has more actors and voice actors playing him than necessary. I want to know why we keep changing the actor who plays Brice Wayne.
See, when I was young, George Clooney played Batman and Pierce Brosnan played 007. And it stayed that way until the Batman series concluded and then Pierce Brosnan got too old for his role. Now, you’ve got Batman Arkham Asylum and Arkham City (video games) and The Dark Knight series. I’m not sure who voices Bruce Wayne in the video games but it sure isn’t Christian Bale (actor who plays Batman in the Dark Knight films).
I feel like they should really chose one personality and stick to it. I can’t imagine the generation of children who adore Batman but are being utterly confused why he has so many faces and voices. Though, I’m sure it doesn’t help that Christian Bale makes weird grunting noises while speaking as Batman… I don’t think anyone understood that character choice.
Heath Ledger’s Joker was perfect, that’s for sure. He did a great job making his character have the impression of multiple personality disorder; mostly because the Joker has that.
I’m not going to stop following DC comics most adored character just because every other interpretation of the character doesn’t settle right with me; but I do feel like I’m not the only person who feels that way. It sure won’t stop me from going to the theaters to see the new “The Dark Knight Rises” in summer 2012.
Finally, The Beginning.
Dec 22, 2011 Uncategorized
J.R.R Tolken’s 1937 novel, after taking much scrutiny upon the initial publishing, has come to be recognized as one of the most popular fantasy novels of it’s time. Now it has made it’s way, after 75 years, to become one of the most anticipated movies of 2012.
Featuring some of the same recognizable characters of the Lord of The Rings film trilogy, as directed by Peter Jackson, it follows the story of Bilbo Baggins, as accompanied by Gandalf the Grey and a merry band of dwarves. As a preface to the story of the Fellowship of the Ring, The Hobbit is a favorite of students, teachers, and literary critics alike. You can check out the trailer for The Hobbit on Youtube.
Though many of the characters return, some do not. Regardless of it being logical (considering The Hobbit is a preface to Tolken’s other fantasies), the absence of some characters is a breath of fresh air. I couldn’t handle another movie featuring Samwise Gamgee following Frodo around like a brown-nosing administrative assistant intern.
Other books that feature adventures through Middle Earth include The Salmarillion, Unfinished Tales, The Children of Hurin, and more; all written by J.R.R. Tolken. There is no word on any of these novels being adapted to film as the Lord of The Rings Trilogy has been (and how The Hobbit currently is). However, what film companies will do to earn the next summer blockbuster is unpredictable. The film community is full of wild-cards!
If you enjoy the works of Tolken, or just like Peter Jackson (Director of 2012′s The Hobbit), you’ll love every installment of Middle Earth. It truly is a very well put-together series.
Check out the previous Lord of the Rings films if you haven’t done that yet to be ready for the upcoming summer blockbuster! Be sure to clear a couple hours, maybe a whole 24, so you can finish the full Lord of the Rings; those things are loooooooong.
Men in Black III?
Dec 13, 2011 Uncategorized
The rumors are true; today I saw the highly anticipated trailer for Men In Black III. Featuring both Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith – re-casted same as the originals – MIB3 is sure to take the prize of TOP MOVIES TO SEE IN MY LIFETIME. (Yes, there is a list. And yes, I carry it in my pocket.)
As it seems, Will Smith’s character manages to travel back through time; forcing him to visit Tommy Lee Jones in his youth. New movie. New world-threat. Same old MIB fun. The dry comedic tones of Tommy Lee and the eccentric personality of Will Smith makes me really want to work in the Alien-business. Too bad that business doesn’t exist… However, I’ve never looked into online courses for that line of work… One minute.
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Google says that type of work doesn’t exist. It just sends me to a whole bunch of conspiracy-theory sites. And, not to doubt the irrefutable truths of the internet (blatant sarcasm), but I’m pretty sure it does. (More sarcasm).
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Anyways! I’m excited for this movie. I think it is a classic series and I’m very happy they are making it a trilogy. I just really hope they keep that talking dog. He’s friggin’ adorable!
I couldn’t catch a release date for the movie, but I’m guessing it’s gonna debut in theaters early summer of 2012. After all, that is movie season. Keep an ear open for more news. If you find anything interesting shoot it my way!