The Last Post

Animation, animation, animation. It exists, really. You just don't realize it's there.

For example, in math class the other day, my ears pricked up to the words of peers:

"I have a Dopey shirt at home."

"I'm pretty sure I have a Grumpy one."

Plus 1 to the animation realm.

Or during lunch:

"Remember when my sister (really me) used to be super obsessed with Dora?"

"I KNOW! Remember, the Wiggles? I heard one of them passed away from a heart attack. I was really sad."

Plus 2. I deem The Wiggles animated characters.

And the most beautiful exemplification of the existence of animation is through my BFF, Laura. The following pictures reveal her consciousness to preserve her childhood memories and her zest to simply let loose to unveil her true self. Thanks, Laura, for being a great sport and a wonderful friend.

All photos are credited to either her, Karen or Isha.

Laura smiles in bliss, clutching her jar housing home-made cookies, during Visual Arts class. She dressed up with immense creativity as "The Cookie Monster" from Sesame Street for Halloween; however, unlike the selfish blue, she delightedly shared her cookies with her peers.

Leaping into the air, showing off her kung fu skills, Laura truly skulked into the skin of the character she masqueraded for a day.

Manifesting true friendship, the Cookie Monster stands with Sonya, portraying the crimson, fuzzy bundle of adorableness, Elmo.

During Spirit Week, Laura shows freshman pride and her devotion to The Incredibles by dashing faster than the speed of light.

Coat hangers...I like them, you?

Sally Brown, sister of Charlie Brown, a Peanuts character, questions her artistic abilities. What may seem a jumble a of coat hangers could in reality serve as a beautiful masterpiece in the eyes of another.

I love the arts amongst all my other courses. A passion resides within me for acting, visual art, and, to a smaller degree, music. Sometimes I wonder, however, to what level the arts are subjective.

Acting proves rather difficult to determine quality. The confidence one must bear, the poise, the delivery (relative to speed), breathing, the sheer hard toil of memorizing your piece, and the sound of the very words that escape your lips. But to what degree? To what level of confidence must one possess to not blend into the murky waters of arrogance?

Visual Art marks further difficulty. The analysis of one's composition involves balance, unity, contrast, and simply personal taste, leading to many groans from students. While working devotedly on the current hands-on assignment, I can incessantly hear from my Visual Art peers in the background, "I HATE Mondrian."

To me, I don't hate Mondrian. I appreciate his work really and truly. After working on this project, I can hardly believe the immense foresight a man possessed to define such restrictions to himself. I look at my diamond-shaped canvas, and although a layman would consider it rather similar to Mondrian's creations, it is similar yet different: the juxtaposition of beauty.

Animation captures this struggle in a rather vivid manner. With Neha Sabharwal's (12) spectacular portrayal of Sally Brown in the Student Directed Showcase held in January, these words come alive. Do not shudder this seemingly massive paragraph. It is embedded with the thoughts I myself fail to express with the words of my blog.

Sally: A 'C'? A 'C'? I got a 'C' on my coathanger sculpture? How could anyone get a 'C' in coathanger sculpture? May I ask a question? Was I judged on the piece of sculpture itself? If so, is it not true that time alone can judge a work of art? Or was I judged on my talent? If so, is it fair that I be judged on a part of my life over which I have no control? If I was judged on my effort, then I was judged unfairly, for I tried as hard as I could! Was I judged on what I had learned about this project? If so, then were not you, my teacher, also being judged on your ability to transmit your knowledge to me? Are you willing to share my 'C'? Perhaps I was being judged on the quality of coathanger itself out of which my creation was made...now is this not also unfair? Am I to be judged by the quality of coathangers that are used by the drycleaning establishment that returns our garments? Is that not the responsibility of my parents? Should they not share my 'C'? (SFX: the teachers voice is heard offstage [brief unintelligible squawk voice mixed with electronic static)) Thank you, Miss Othmar. (to audience) The squeaky wheel gets the grease! (exits)

Photo Credit: http://www.tomah.k12.wi.us/schools/ths/musical/Sally_Brown.gif

Sincere apologies...

Sorry folks for my silence yesterday. With teachers cramming tests in every nook and cranny to end quarter three with a bang, I appeared rather melancholy and pensive this whole week...which doesn't quite suite me, I have to admit. BUT NEVER FEAR! L.YAU IS HERE! With the cooperation of said L.Yau, I shall have a super duper amazing post tomorrow to make up for my absence yesterday. Really, it will be quite a treat. And subject to many laughs. L.Yau is a great sport, so it's all good. :)

Bear

http://www.jimhillmedia.com/mb/images/upload/Baloo%27s-%27Death%27-web.jpg

Amidst the jungles of India lies a lone bear, drenched in the rain. Wide awake, his conscience skulks from his slumped body. Flashes of red and orange entangle to produce a fiery beam that penetrate his mind's eye. Through these flames a face appears. Eagerly unveiling its pearl white teeth, a malevolent tiger grins.

The fury subsides. A child floats into the picture. With a blend of curiosity, astonishment, and fear encompassing his eyes, he frowns. He loved him so much that every minute, every heartbeat, every breath he wanted to protect him.

I squirmed into the bear skin and looked through his eyes. I imagined further than my observations. More than ever could I realize the feelings of a bear. Feelings that I could hardly imagine - the complexity of attachment, the beauty of friendship, and the love for another. These qualities of a bear surprised me and taught me a beautiful life lesson.

"Baloo, get up. Oh, please wake up."

The rain pours harder and thumps of droplets confront the sodden ground.

“Greater love hath no one than he who lays down his life for his friend,” Bageera said. “Whenever great deeds are remembered in this jungle, one name will stand above all others… our friend, Baloo the bear.”

Animation is...

the single bud of innocence among bloomed flowers.

a path into the unknown, waiting just waiting to be discovered.

My very OWN animation character

Ta-dah! It's my very sweet and adorable guinea pig, Twinkle. Unfortunately, guinea pigs don't appear very often in animation...well, with the exception of "Wonder Pets" but that's a little too "kiddy" for my blog. Ron from "Kim Possible" did have a naked mole rat. But why not a guinea pig? Their fur, which naked mole rats obviously lack, is so rich and fine and clearly, guinea pigs are far more beautiful. Shall we compare...

VS.

http://www.rochuswolff.de/weblog/archiv/img/kim_possible_nacktmulle_10.jpg

Well, so it's a tough call. The tenacity and gungho of the naked mole rat vs. the pure bliss of innocence of the guinea pig (although she might not be as innocent as the picture portrays).

Conclusion: Rodents are CUTE. I shall blog about rodents and their influence in animation next. Stay tuned!

SiMpLiCiTy

Friday.

That one word produces excessive joy and sheer happiness. Without the avalanche of homework (well, I'll defer it to the weekend), I can truly enjoy television, especially in a peaceful and relaxed manner. After watching the last bit of Oprah in which my beloved Kelly Clarkson appeared, I flipped the channel as usual. People tend to hate watching TV with me since I can never decide on a single channel and always continue the "flipping ritual." But today marked a change. I gravitated towards KQED where I became hooked for a splendid half-hour, watching Arthur.

Yes, you laugh, but I received a chance to remember my childhood first-hand. Today's episode described "Binky," the band, not the crazed ballerina. Remember the "wee-o, wee-o, wee-o, wee-o, wee-o?" Or "Crazy bus"?

Personally, I don't think it's a "kiddy" show. Believe me, It's far from that. Possessing some core principles to govern one's life in a beautiful way, Arthur shows me simplicity in the world, which we make so overwhelmingly complex.

Just now I watched a segment of News with Jim Lehrer. We all think the problems we possess is the worst, right? But a video created by students in South Carolina reveals how students cannot pursue their dreams since they're more concerned about whether they would have food everyday or even sleep in their one-room house, which they consider a blessing.

Think. Just stop and think. Don't we make life complex? We're so fortunate...and yet, it's hard to see, sometimes. And I think Arthur is that marvelous looking glass into who we are and what we believe in.

Rocket Power!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/03/Rocket_Power.jpg/300px-Rocket_Power.jpg

After Beckie mentioned the show, I first wondered, "What's Rocket Power? Have I watched it before?" One Google image, and I remembered it all.

Similar to Dextor's Lab-BORE-a-torrey (sorry, I really want to make sure you pronounce it correctly), Rocket Power provided entertainment but probably did not influence my conscience or beliefs to the degree Arthur did. That's why it is not etched in my memory - it, along with Snow White, lay deep in the back of my mind. But once triggered, the memories poured back.

I remember Otto as quite simply, a cool dude. The typical superstar who matched his athletic prowess with the lack of brains. However, my personal belief is that no "stupid' person exists. If I ever receive a poor grade, I know its due to my lack of preparation or understanding, not due to my IQ. Likewise, I believe Otto didn't really apply himself. And the consequence? He was held back in school.

My favorite character has to be Twister. Good ol' Twister. All his dangerous stunts, stupidity, and cool Latina accent. I do remember shuddering when his brother, Lars, would bully him. In fact, I can see his face right now. What a loser.

Oh yeah, and how can I forget my amazing hero? REGGIE. Yup, she was my hero back in the day. She's the only girl member in their group, and this notion puzzles me. I'm sincerely glad that an article in our next issue will delve into the rationale..but the idea itself puzzles me. Why didn't the creator choose two girls and two boys? What's the reasoning? (These questions are rhetorical by the way.) WHY?

Well, I don't know. Although I wouldn't want them to take Squid out for anything in the world. He's so nerdish and dorky and yet, the show portrays his evolution into a well-rounded personality, showing that you can accomplish anything if you simply put your mind to it. That I believe is what's at the heart of the show. And I LOVE IT! :)

"Get out of my la-BORE-a-torrey"

http://www.madman.com.au/wallpapers/dexters_laboratory_325_1680.jpg

His name: Dexter

Sibling: Dee Dee (he hates her really - probably more like foreign cousin?)

Hero: Major Glory

Description: Boy Genius

Arch Nemesis: Mandark

Dextor's Lab-BORE-a-torrey provided me with many, many, many laughs. Specifically, Dee Dee. Oh how I love her.

Partly because 1. she's freakishly disproportionate 2. she looks like Bubbles from the PowerPuff Girls 3. she's cooler than Dexter since she possesses a different kind of smartness: outwitting Dexter in a rather stupid way because Dexter is stupid in a way 4. she looks like Bubbles from the PowerPuff Girls.

Teehee Mandark has a crush on Dee Dee.

Dee Dee is 5 times taller than Dexter.

Dexter has a weird lip gloss tangerine-colored hair. (English class x] )

I remember feeling bad for Dexter. :'( He appears lonely and friendless due to his supreme intelligence. He's also super duper awkward, and his sister, who can clearly make your IQ points drop, beats him in athletics, common sense, and just life in general. Moreover, his father favors his sister, and his mother incessantly embarrasses him. And his arch nemesis attempts to take credit for all of his creations.

This guy's got it tough. Are kids supposed to feel depressed by this show?

:'(

:'(]

And yet, I STILL LAUGH. x]

I...CAN'T...BREATHE!!!

I hardly can breathe, buried under a massive avalanche of homework. Not really homework per say, but preparation for massive tests! :'( That's EVEN WORSE. Sigh. Imagine what sophomores and juniors go through. Ahhh...the pain...

Usually I overhear people proudly exclaim the time they went to bed. "2:00 A.M. Beat that!" Or how some even pulled all-nighters. Well,11:59 is bad enough for me. I honestly can't fathom sleeping "today" and going to school "today." Creepy.

Sometimes I envy animation characters. And I do sincerly apologize my current inability to provide the memories and reviews I promised. (Thus, I am speaking in a general context.) But, sometimes I wish I could be a Jimmy Neutron or even better, possess "fairly odd parents."

But those are the short-cuts in life. It's that false reality that sometimes provides me irritation when watching these shows. Life isn't always that happy, is it? And the problems they do grapple with are SURREAL and hard to relate to as a teen.

After listening to a particularly interesting physics lecture today (we didn't talk about physics; we talked about the world BEYOND: college), I really felt motivated to work harder, to be the best I can ever be.

Frankly, I never really thought about college. I mean, I have...but not to such a thought-provoking degree. And it's only 3 years away. Yikes!!!! :O The way he described the way we need to work, the way he worked, I feel motivated. He told us how he spent 7 hours solving a proof! But the beauty he mentioned is solving these problems with your friends. And together, enlightening each other.

Sayonara! I've got to study.

The Japanese and animation

http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/0/9116/289298-44730-sailor-moon_large.jpg

"There's millions of them!"

Of course, the anonymous person did not intend the statement to appear racist. And, moreover, we all seemed amazed by the presence of the Japanese orchestra that arrived today to provide a stellar performance.

I think that people view the Japanese differently due to their unique and distinct culture and language. Even their animation, for example, has dominated the world from our beloved Pokemon to Sailor Moon!

Well, okay, Sailor Moon is just plain annoying now. Since manga (the comic books people love to read, almost like an unhealthy addiction) consists of several chapters with gradual plot-building, it's really, really hard to follow.

If I were to watch the show again I'd be more confused than ever. I don't even know how I liked that show when I was little. I mean, all I remember is that Sailor Moon had a black cat and fought evil.

Heh heh. That's a little pathetic considering my rich recounts of other shows.

HOWEVER, Sailor Moon is definately not a good example of all the anime out there. Just last year, I watched some of Vampire Night, which turned out to be AMAZING! But once again, because of the chapters, you have to start from the very beginning, and it progresses rather slowly.

I shall go to my Japanese class tomorrow with gusto. :D

"Hi ho, Hi ho, it's off to work we go"

Ah, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs! My Disney obsession had stemmed from just this one movie along with an intense adoration for Dopey (you know, the cute, clumsy one?). It also generated ideas useful to lead one's life in a better way.

I flipped to the rather innocent KQED one night to find Woody Allen saying the following:

"Even as a kid I always went for the wrong women. When we went to see Snow White, everyone fell in love with Snow White, and I immediately fell for the wicked queen."

HAHAHAHA. Well, in case you were curious, the dialogue that followed swiftly prompted me to grab the remote and change the channel. KQED's innocence could no longer be trusted.

But I appeared amazed that this movie had been hibernating in a dark abyss: the dustiest part of my brain. I nearly forgot its existence and its influence in shaping me as the person I am today.

Little children, like Woody Allen, enjoyed the romantic aspect of the movie. The shining prince, the beautiful Snow White, and the horrendous step-mother. Yup, these three elements, and love is sure to blossom.

Looking back, I think I enjoyed the dwarfs more. They came in all shapes, colors, and flavors with their individual personality shining through. Doc, Grumpy, Sneezy, Happy, Bashful, Sleepy, and DOPEY. They revealed the facets of human personality and the conflictions within each. It manifested how we need to suppress some of these rather negative qualities (like Grumpy), lead life optimistically, and see light at the end of the tunnel.

We possess all these dwarfs within us. Literally. And perhaps, with this notion we can explain the many happenings and mood swings humans experience. Maybe even better than psychology class.

P.S. Weekends = movie time! :D

"Sugar, spice, and everything nice..."

http://www.fadtoys.com/UserFiles/Image/Powerpuff_Girls.jpg

These were the ingredients to create crime-fighting kindergartners? Scary. Although Professor Utonium did accidently add a certain "Chemical X..."

Remember these girls? Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup! Ah, such cuties. Every little child wanted to save Townsville and soar through the air to attack villains, especially Mojo Jojo, the monkey with the visible brain and who in fact possessed a tender heart.

I loved (and STILL love) Bubbles (the blue one)! I loved all their cute, squeaky voices, Mojo Jojo's thick Japanese accent, and the absolutely ADORABLE mayor. And what's hilarious is that certain impediments emerged since they ARE KINDERGARTNERS such as bed-wetting and allures of "the shiny stuff," which induced a universal gleam in children's eyes.

If anyone is a fan of "Pearls Before Swine," one can observe the troubles that Rat experiences to write a "passable" children's story. I believe his struggle is reminiscent of animation producers and writers today. The crime-fighting of "The Powerpuff Girls" proves useful to unveil the stark difference between right and wrong. Moreover, the villain sometimes wears the mask of a sweet, innocent person to convey that wrong is misleading, alluring, and is within all of us. Creepy.

Animation is especially effective in this regard, right? However, the potent punching, killer kicking, and barbaric boxing that ensues can sometimes create children to in fact perform these actions to those they view as a Mojo Jojo, their arch nemesis. The same problem that poor Rat incessantly confronts.

However, animation STILL provides global appeal. Proof? My 60-year-old male English teacher from my prior school once dressed up as BLOSSOM.

YOUR thoughts?

"I'm strong to the finish when I eats me spinach"

http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00483/SNF08POP-280_483090a.jpg

Spinach and animation. Interesting combination, huh? After reading Brian's comment to my post yesterday, I felt inspired to explore the influence of what some consider the most atrocious vegetable on the face of the Earth.

D.W's garnering a hatred for spinach resonated with me, and as this episode, "D.W, The Picky Eater," progressed, I understood the same feelings she possessed. I remember during the prime of my youth that restaurant visits had become a NIGHTMARE. Due to my fuss, my parent's embarrassment ensued and the gawking from other customers.

Agreeing with the comment, I felt awed after observing D.W.'s miraculous transformation. "[She showed] the world that you will get to love food if you just try it," Brian said. The episode did urge me to give this dreaded green one last chance. Which FAILED.

I know these animated shows aim for the well-being of children. Examine Popeye's mighty statement: "I'm strong to the finish when I eats me spinach." After gulping the slimy green, he gained an excessively muscular body, which probably inspired NOT ONLY little children but also adults to eat spinach to become the handsome superheros they secretly admire and worship. According to Paul Wells, author of Understanding Animation, Popeye raised spinach consumption in the U.S. by 33% between 1931 to 1936.

Well, I'm sure I can never view spinach in the same light again. Maybe at least with a less resounding "BLEGH."

To Beckie: Rocket Powers will come up soon! :)

"Hey, what a wonderful kind of day!"

http://www-tc.pbs.org/parents/parties/arthur/images/theme-index.gif

HEY IT'S ARTHUR! I love its theme song to death. And just writing this blog produces several tears since I hardly (euphemism for NEVER) watch these shows anymore. :'( It's sad, but I'm glad this blog-writing project gives me an opportunity to remember those great times!

I think my title says it all: the optimism, the sense of right and wrong one can learn by reveling in the protagonist's mistakes, and the sheer passion these adorable adolescents exhibit towards life in general HAS REALLY, REALLY built my conscience to a degree where I can make firm decisions and "be my own person" as Mr. D would say.

Even to this day I can still remember the episode when Arthur apprehensively attends the Spelling Bee, and the word he receives is *dramatic pause* AARDVARK. Surprise, surprise for fanatics of the show! I can never ever forget the song he crafts:

AA-RA-VARK!

By being an only child (which really, REALLY SUCKS), I was intrigued whenever I vicariously watched the intense confrontations between D.W. and Arthur. And who could ever forget the obnoxious, bullying Francine? Need I mention Buster, the crazy rabbit who stores "antique food" and believes in aliens? Muffy, the affluent fashionista (who ironically wears the same clothes everyday)? Binky, the bully with a tender heart and who loves ballet? George, the ventriloquist?

The surprising thing is I STILL REMEMBER ALL THIS. It's a part of who I am, really. I don't have to look up online, "Oh what was his friend's name again?"

And to me, that's the power of ANIMATION: to dream, to wish, to believe.

How has animation changed YOUR life?

"And I would have gotten away with it if it wasn't for you meddling kids!"

http://www.argos.co.uk/wcsstore/argos/images/333-3838073SPA69UC458015M.jpg

Remember those days when the world seemed to end

if

you

did

not

get

that

PLUSHIE?

Yeah, I wonder how my parents put up with me back then. I mean, I can still remember a vivid trip to Great America at the age of 8.

I held the lethal hammer in my wimpy hands. And though my goal disgusted me (to hammer the bobbing heads of Scooby Doos), I knew the reward, the beautiful shining reward: the ultimate Scooby Doo plushie pictured above.

I tried and TRIED but failed. (Seriously, what do you expect from an 8-year-old?) Hoping, praying that she wouldn't let me down, I passed the mighty hammer to my mother. I'd be extra special, extra duper polite if she won.

But..dun dun dun...she didn't. And I cried, cried, AND cried. And, I know you're wondering, "Okay, why don't you talk about Scooby Doo, the show now?" But, I think this IS the crux of the show. Scooby Doo and his fellow musketeers are ALWAYS on the whiff of a mystery with Shaggy and Scooby ALWAYS missing the supposed culprit by this much. Literally, this much. Like me.

I remember falling off my chair and building anxiety by simply watching their stupidity. "No, Shaggy! Stop eating that 'mean' pizza (note that 'stupid' wasn't a part of my vocabulary...yet). HE'S RIGHT THERE."

To refresh your dusty memory since "Gossip Girl" has probably taken over, the mystery gang would always discover some phantom, some menace, penetrating the city. By placing the clues together, bit by bit, piece by piece, and after an inordinate amount of chasing (due to Scooby and Shaggy's slacking off), they would finally unveil the identity of the culprit.

I loved the show, I loved the chasing, and I loved imagining that I was one of them! Oh, the good old days. :'(

This post is getting super duper long, so I'll leave you with that...FOR NOW. More fun stuff to come!!! FOLLOW ME.

a warm welcome from the blogger

There's a child in everyone. With our intense lives encompassed with homework, night-marish tests, and, for those lucky few, college applications, we seem to forget that little being within us.

And that's exactly where "I used to watch that?" comes in.

Every SINGLE day (of course, with a few days off for the weary blogger to relax those tired fingers), I will select an animated show that we used to watch as eight-year-olds (or at least what I did) and provide personal commentary and anecdotes in a review-like format! Oh yes, and a "What happened to it now?" section in case you were especially curious.

My goal is for you to have several laughs and resurface those feelings of a child and, especially, to see life simplistically amidst the tumultuous times of our world today.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy! :D