Friday, December 26, 2008 @ 3:39 PM
My dad gave me the DVD The Golden Compass. It has several big names in it, but as a children's movie - I wasn't impressed.
Setting: An alternative universe where every person has a demon that is their soul, and is an animal. Demons can shape-shift when people are kids, but they stay one shape for adults. Lyra is an orphan raised by her uncle who is an rebellious scientists/philosopher.
Plot: Lyra meets a lady named Mrs. C. (Nicole Kidman), who promises to take her up north. Before she leaves, Lyra is given a Golden Compass by one of her professors. She hides it from Kidman, and figures out that she is the head of an organization that has been stealing children. She runs away, and is rescued by Gyptians (sp?). They travel to the North, add a aeronaught and polar bear to their team, and try to rescue all of the children.
The movie was complicated, and borderline boring at times. The action was almost not worth waiting for, and I wouldn't think many boys would like the movie at all. The most interesting part was the landscapes and graphics. Lyra wasn't that likable and a few of the plot twists were unbelievably cliche.
I would say its worth watching if you can borrow it from someone for free and are in a relaxed mood. Teenage girls who like fantasy books like Lord of the Rings would like it quite a lot I bet.
Labels: Movie Reviews
~Amy
Thursday, December 25, 2008 @ 4:00 PM
When I called my mom to ask about Christmas, I was told that I was now a responsible adult and was supposed to take care of all my own Christmas gifts for family members. Basically I was supposed to have them bought, wrapped, and in my trunk for when I arrived home. Fat chance.
It took me ages to figure out gifts. I got my mom Tales of Beetle the Bard and a sweater. I got my dad the new Warren Buffet book and the Settlers of Catan game, and I got my grandpa a coffee maker. Not bad? But now I am supposed to figure out a generic gift for the family gathering next week. I have no ideas.
According to sites like Best Christmas Presents and Ezine Articles the most popular gifts are ipods and video game systems + games. Well, that won't quite work for my family. Here is my own list of ideas...
BOOKS
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell (business)
The Shack by William P. Young (spiritual)
Marley & Me by John Grogan (sentimental)
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch (intellectual)
I Can Has Cheezburder? by Professor Happycat and icanhascheezbuger.com (hilarious!)
HOME PRODUCTS
Ikea Candlesticks or Vase
FOOD
Or how about a nice scarf?
Labels: General/Misc.
~Amy
Wednesday, December 24, 2008 @ 11:33 PM
I just took an hour trying to figure out a name for my blog. I tried all sorts of generators, and playing with all sorts of versions of my name. And then this idea slowly came together. I want my blog to be resourceful for people, but I didn't really use much of a source for figuring out the name. I just thought it was clever because its "Beautiful Friend", but Ami and close to my name Amy. So there you go! Its my New Years resolution to blog for an entire year. I have tons of ideas all the time, and I should record them and share them with the world. If I keep steady with this blog for several months, I'll buy myself a domain name. :) I plan to start writing meaningful posts very soon, but it is past midnight -- Christmas, and I should sleep. So goodnight!
Labels: General/Misc.
~Amy