#kxb102

[emmaturely]

Aca-believe it

When you YouTube search ‘the cup song’ there are over 1.2 million results and just about everyone has at least attempted to coordinate their hands to the cup to the music and back. I’m getting pretty close! It’s too bad I can’t sing to save myself or else I might just be tempted to create my own YouTube video.

Anyway, the cup song is obviously best known from the movie Pitch Perfect, which just happens to be one of my favourite movies. Where do I even begin? It’s funny, there’s a love interest, and beautiful synchronised lady dancing. It’s different to typical musical films because there is legitimate reason for the singing, as opposed to the confusing use of story telling through overdramatic solo ballads. Also, the score is perfect. Mash ups were kind of introduced in Glee and I’m not mad that they made an appearance in this film. Also the use of contemporary music as well as some classics just allows for audience jamming of all kinds.

I’ve seen Pitch Perfect at least twenty times and I laugh just as hard each time. The jokes were perfectly executed (with the exception maybe of the (SPOILER ALERT) excessive projectile vomiting). I hadn’t been a huge fan of Rebel Wilson in the past and to be honest she was the reason I was hesitant to even watch the movie, but how funny was she! In my opinion it’s one of those movies that just keeps getting better every time you watch it. I’m not even embarrassed by my less-than-perfect pitch.

P.S. Jesse is dreamy.

[emmaturely]

Why must we play God??

I'm referring of course to the popular computer game, The Sims. Besides weeklong flings with various iPhone apps, The Sims is the only game I really play. I once saw someone suggest that it was like an audition to be the next God, which I thought felt pretty fitting. Basically you can create and command anything you want, be cruel or kind, give the gift of life or basically kill off characters. There are just so many choices!

Yet I pretty much always make the same characters. They are always beautiful with super hot bods. They’re all friendly, charismatic and funny and they all find true love within twenty odd minutes. It’s amazing that you can have a whole other world inside a computer instead of actually going outside but it is strangely addictive. There are just so many options it never feels boring and you can literally play for hours at a time.

I pretty much have all of the expansions and I’ve spent an embarrassing amount of money on the game. How do they convince you to keep buying more things? I had resolutely decided not to spend any more money on anything Sims related, and then they announced The Sims 4! What! Feast your eyes on the newest version. I’m so unsure about what to do. Because I’ve already spent so much on Sims 3 and now there’s a whole new one and there will be more expansion packs and more stuff packs and it’s just never ending! How do gaming companies do it?

I like The Sims because of its flexibility. Pretty much anything is possible, and you can play as often or as infrequently as you like and your family will be there waiting for you, almost like real friends. It seems living vicariously through pixels is the new black. 

[kxb102linz2013]

It is time to change!!!!

Movie World and Dream World give me that relaxation and fun. The only annoying thing is, there haven’t been any new rides etc built since I moved into Australia. I feel disappointed, I’ve been to at least all these same theme parks 5 times or more, it gets boring every time.

I have been to Disneyland in Hong Kong and Universal Studios in Osaka, compared with theme parks in South East Queensland, they are amazing and I reckon ten times better than the ones here. Disneyland is like a fairy tale castle, everything build inside are similar to the Disneyland cartoon and there are many connections between cartoons and real projects hence why people who’s been inside the parks develop that feeling as if they were one of the characters in Disney cartoon shows. Awesome 4D Movie featuring Universal Studios style, the 4D movie are not simple as movie World, they have real people mixed with scenes shows, makes it really awesome, I can’t think of a word to describe it. The movies are classic and famous around the world. Compared with South East Queensland theme Parks, I think the South East Queensaland theme parks are still too monotonous, outdated and boring. I went to Hong Kong Disneyland again in Christmas Holiday and I find out the thicket price is approximately 300 Hong Kong dollar equivalents to 50 or even less Australian dollar it is about 30 Dollars cheaper than Dream World. However, the environment and quality of the project are at much higher level than Dream World and Movie World, there are also a lot of new projects getting built hence why most of my friends are not going to the South East Queensland Theme Parks any more. If Australia Theme Parks industry wants to increase the volume of passengers and push the profit, the only thing is ‘Please, build new rides etc’ and possibly keep the price affordable.

[kxb102jenkink2013-blog]

LONDON'S CALLING

The entertainment industry is of course above all things, audience centred. Acts are produced not solely because artists want to express themselves, but because someone out there wants to watch it (Duncan 2013). With this in mind, it seems strange that some may doubt whether sport can be classed as entertainment. It certainly ticks the box of being something a mass group of people want to watch, as well as being delivered all over the world, along with highlighting different cultures, lifestyles, languages and beliefs (Duncan 2013). It seems however there is no better way to demonstrate this point then by looking at the leading international sporting event,  The Olympics.

While I have not been fortunate enough to attend an Olympic sporting event, I was lucky enough to be in London for the end of the 2012 Olympic Games. It has been said that sport as entertainment is bigger then Hollywood and more global than Bollywood (Duncan 2013), and sitting on top of a double decker bus driving around London there was not a doubt in my mind about whether this was true. Along Oxford Street were the participants countries flags flying, inspirational quotes on buildings, and of course, the symbols placed upon London Bridge; it was porting spirit at its finest.

[Oxford Street: London]

What was also so great was that you didn’t have to attend an event to be apart of it and be entertained by what was going on. In the centre of Trafalgar Square was a giant TV screen showing the sporting events as they were happening live.

[Watching the Paralympics Live at Trafalgar Square]

So while we sat down for lunch on a sunny September day we began watching the Paralympics in real time and became immersed in the sporting event that was occurring; we were being entertained. We were being entertainment by the sport, and we were being entertained by the attractions surrounding the massive event, just like thousands of others from all over the world would be entertained over the course of the games, and the lucky ones who got to attend an opening or closing ceremony:

Sport is entertainment. There are athletes and artists doing what they love in front of people who want to pay to watch them, it brings enjoyment to people’s lives, and brings tourism to nations and cities. Sport will continue to hold its pulling power over people and I feel extremely fortunate I have been around something that brings so much enjoyment to people’s lives and brings people together.

  [Oxford Street: London]

Reference:

Duncan, Barry. 2013. “KXB102 Global Entertainment: Week 4 Lecture Notes.”Accessed August 16, 2013. http://blackboard.qut.edu.au/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_4_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2FcourseMain%3Fcourse_id%3D_103188_1

[emmaturely]

SITG

Last month I went to Splendour in the Grass! Yay! We drove down to Brunswick Heads on Thursday and set up camp there for the weekend. I have a real distaste for sleeping outside on the ground in the middle of winter, but I persevered for the sake of the music.

It was just like music festivals should be. The atmosphere was insane and the bands looked like they enjoyed it even more than we did. You can't really understand how it feels unless you've been there, and I can't really explain it now except to say that for the weekend, all social protocols and propriety are ignored, and everyone seems to be okay with that.

The bands themselves were amazing. I won't go through them all, just some of the better ones (in my opinion). Darwin Deez was really just good for a laugh. They all embraced their lameness and it was very entertaining. I had never seen them live before so I didn't really know what to expect but their choreographed dances and just general 'uncoolness' is what made them entertaining.

Empire of the Sun was just something else. It was more of a performance than a gig in my opinion, but it was a lot of fun to be in that crowd.

Birds of Tokyo were incredible, and the way they performed reminded me a bit of Coldplay. They just have so many classic songs and it was one of the ones I could really scream along to and it's so much more fun when everyone knows the words.

My favourite performance was definitely Mumford & Sons. I love their music and they had a really great stage presence.

The other band that I really enjoyed seeing was Little Green Cars. They're not that well known and the crowd wasn't that big, but there's just something about them that I really like. This music video leaves something to be desired but I just love the music.

Splendour in the Grass was just such a wonderful event. There was so much to see and do and eat and drink and you were never bored. I can't wait to see what they've got planned for next year!

[kxb102baxterl2013]

Gamer's Girlfriend

So I might just be the best girlfriend on the planet. Went and pre-ordered my boyfriend a copy of the limited edition Grand Theft Auto 5 which will hit stores the morning of September 17th.

I'm not much of a gamer myself, however, the GTA franchise has to be one of my favourites. "A period of competition or challenge" (Duncan, 2013) is what I know I will have to put up with every night for I'd say at least 6 weeks come September 17.. depending on when Chris get's the game completed, achievements and all. 

Xbox 360 is his console of choice, and along with this $129.95 limited edition game I've also ordered the limited edition guide setting me back a further $49.95 courtesy of Ebay Games Toombul.

"For the first time the game features not one but three would be hereos" creating one intertwined story line. Rockstar have outdone themselves giving gamers the ultimate experience reconstructing the game world to be "beautiful, massive and diverse" (Rockstar, 2013) with spectacular detail and thought put into the Southern California locations. 

I must admit after watching the trailer, I'm pretty keen to sit in on the action for this one (at least for the first week or so). It was the customization of the cars that really got me in (I'm more of a Forza or Grid kind of girl) Although I'll admit the choice in weaponry has definitely improved.. reminds me a little of COD. To read more about the game click here

There's no surpirse for me that the industry just keeps growing worth over $10 billion in 2009 (Duncan, 2013) what can we expect to see in the future... I'm not sure but I'm definitely excited. 

References:

http://blackboard.qut.edu.au/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_4_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2FcourseMain%3Fcourse_id%3D_103188_1

http://www.igta5.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-xHcvug3WI&oref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DN-xHcvug3WI&has_verified=1

[kxb102bellmb2013]

Bangkok 2012

In December 2011 my girlfriend and I decided to escape the cold Queensland weather and head over to Bangkok.

Our first afternoon/night wasn’t as relaxing as I was expecting being in the midst of the busy city. We rose early not yet used to the three hour time difference and went out for a walk picking up some amazing bargains along the way.

Bangkok is a very large place; it seems to have a lot of shops and a lot of atmosphere, then all of a sudden nothing. If you let your legs wander aimlessly you may eventually find yourself in bareness, dirtiness and poverty. Of course you feel sad for that fact, you almost forget you’re on holiday for a moment, it certainly opens up your eyes.

One aspect of holidaying in places like Thailand, Vietnam, Bali and china is that the cost of living is so low, people don’t have to worry so much about their spending so they relax more. Likewise to the dirtiness and smelliness which strangely also appeals to most tourists, because most people choose to embrace the local culture. Bangkok wasn’t the place to go if you’re looking to relax. Most shopping and costs in general are also dearer in Bangkok compared to mainland Thailand and surrounding places, whilst it still had a cheap aspect it didn’t have the relaxing atmosphere.

Bangkok has a lot to offer in terms of electronics, there is a huge mall full of all things electronic including cd’s, dvd’s, phones, home appliances, music gear and the list goes on. Most things work great and last for many years though it is a shame that there are still stores within trying to rip people off with dodgy gear, you do have to chose wisely. All in all a great place to go for those chasing the busy holiday lifestyle at a much cheaper price.

[kxb102baxterl2013]

TVD - Season 5 new realease date

*OMG* totally fan girling right now with the announcement of season 5 of The Vampire Diaries (my favourite show of all time) starting a week early.

Now to anyone who is reading this and isn't familiar with the show, we as fans are familiar with what seems like a lifetime of waiting between seasons, heck even mid season break is too long. One less week is a little bit of heaven to my ears.

After seasons fours cray cray final I am sooooo excited to see Katherine as a human not to mention DELENA (Damon and Elena Relationship)!!! Thank jesus for that we have been waiting sooo long for it to be real. Julie Plec (writer) pleaseeeee just give us one season of DEX  (you get my drift..) and DELENA goodness before we get back to boring old Stefan (slightly less hot Salvatore Brother).

I must admit though, with the digital revolution and constant evolution for consumption methods and platform (Duncan, 2013) in nowadays I actually watch all my "tv" shows online, because let's face who is actually home at the time they're on... plus I hate waiting for Australia to catch up, online means I get to watch same day as the US.

For anyone who hasn't watched the show you have until October 5th to catch up. Watch below and see what it is all about. Pure entertainment at its finest, a collaboration of teenage love stories, the supernatural and oh so much drama when two brothers are torn between the same girl (CWTV, 2013). Personally I would say this is one TV series where its adaption is a hell of a lot more interesting than the books.

References:

http://www.cwtv.com/shows/the-vampire-diaries

Duncan, B. (2013 KXB 102, Lecture Content

www.youtube.com

all images taken from Google Images