Reviews and other things..
Mar. 2nd, 2024 05:54 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
shadowkat1. Watched the Marvels on Disney + finally. I can see why it had issues in the box office. Also, I'm not positive, but I think Brie Larson may be on the autism spectrum? She kind of plays the same removed, socially awkward role in every movie or television series that's she is in - emotionally remote. It's kind of jarring in some roles and not in others.
I think it worked in Lessons in Chemistry and The Room, but I'm not so sure it works in Captain Marvel films?
The plus side - is the focus of the film is really Kamala Khan, not Captain Marvel. It's kind of similar to other Marvel films in that regard. Which is unfortunately a double-edged sword? The problem with the hero/sidekick (with huge crush on hero) trope - is it can be annoying as hell. It kind of worked with Iron Man and Spiderman - but mainly because Spiderman wasn't really in Iron Man's movie - Iron Man was making guest appearances in Spiderman's flick, same with Doctor Strange who made guest appearances in Spiderman's flick. That worked better - because they were in and out. It was only about ten or fifteen minutes of the film. It did not work in Doctor Strange & the Multi-verse of Madness, Ten Rings, or Marvels. In all three - the lead gets a bit lost. The reason they did it here - is the lead isn't strong enough to hold the movie. And they didn't have enough faith in Monica Rambeau to do so - so they brought in Ms. Marvel.
The difficulty with that? Is you really have to have watched Ms. Marvel and WandaVision to understand either Monica or Ms. Marvel's existence in this film - otherwise I think you might be a little lost? The other problem is that Ms. Marvel isn't strong enough to hold the film either. Monica Rambeau however is - and they really should have gone with that. That actress pulled me in. Just as she had in WandaVision. (She was actually the best thing in WandaVision.) But Monica is basically playing straight woman and supporting the other two through most of the film.
The other problem is it's too busy, and hard to follow in places. It jumps around a lot. With a lot of video game action sequences - which I got bored by.
What worked? The comradery between the three women, the fluerkeks or "cats who can basically eat anything and throw it up again" (a hold over surprise from the first film), the by-play between Kamala and her family, and everyone else. Also following up on the dangling plot line from the first film regarding what Carol did to Hala, in her desire to fix things. It also explains what Carol has been doing all this time and why. Also, what happened to the other bracelet that Kamala owns, and what the bracelets truly are, and that Kamala's power functions without them. That all kind of works.
And the film is rather funny in places. It's among the few that I laughed during.
2. Mother's birthday gift arrived today. (Birthday is next weekend, but it was nice to get it a week early, means I can play with it.) She got me a "Ninja Creameri NC301 - which I'd been lusting after. Now, I just have to figure out how to use it. Good news? It's like the Nutribullet - self-explanatory for the most part, and not like the Instapot which isn't.
What's so cool about this thing, outside of the fact that it makes ice cream, sorbet, smoothies, gelato, and milkshakes?
I can control the sugar levels. I'm going to try to make ice cream that is low in sugar. So far - I have a plain greek yogurt, blueberry, and mango in the freezer, and a pumpkin puree, cinammon/nutmeg, coconut/almond milk, with vanilla abstract and some honey the freezer. In about 24 hours I can attempt the Ninja Creameri.
My difficulty with ice cream is: 1) the cream or milk content often gives me gas and other issues, and 2) the sugar content sends my blood sugar sky-rocketing. I'm thinking this will allow me to have it - without the pain or health issues?
Mother bought me the cook book that goes with it as well - so I have some recipes and instructions on how to use it.
I have the nutri-bullet and a blender and cuisinart to ensure the items are well blended together first. It's not a blender, it's an ice cream maker.
Although I'm confused on how it does milkshakes and smoothies.
I may use the cuisanart to make avocado chocolate mousse at some point though.
3. Here are the reasons why I despise NYC cyclists:
* They ride on sidewalks, pedestrian pathways, hiking trails, often without any regard for the safety of the people walking, whether the individual is walking with groceries, a can, a walker or what not. (Say what you will about cars - but they don't do this - well except for that one time, but that was an anomaly.)
* They don't stop at stop signs or traffic lights run right through them, and towards pedestrians on cross walks. A car is likely to stop, honk or slow down, not a cyclist.
* They operate bicycle repair shops out of their apartments, and leave parts in the hallway (Shared space). They also do it on the sidewalk.
* They blast their music on their bikes, and keep their apartment doors open and blast it there as well.
* They leave bikes parked in hallways of their buildings and take up elevator space.
* They carry bikes onto subways and trains, taking up space. (And the city has had issues with lithium explosions and fires).
In short, the rules don't apply to them so they can be assholes. (Which is why whenever I'm told a cyclist has been killed - I think another Darwin Award to a Selfish Asshole.) Note this is specific to NYC cyclists - I don't know what they are like elsewhere.
Ugh, this rant is courtesy of the annoying next door neighbor who was blasting music out of his apartment, with his door open, on a Saturday morning, with bike parts out in the hallway. I'd been hand-waving the assorted bike parts in assorted levels of repair for about six months now? Also with the damn music blasting. Finally got fed up and asked him to close his door or lower the music, since everyone could hear him. He was rude and stubbornly refused. I had no rights. He had the right to blast his music and do whatever he wanted, since it was perfectly legal.
So fed up? I took a picture of the bike parts in the hallway - sent it to the super and the management company, and told them he was running a bike repair shop out of his apartment with the music blasting and was it permissible? (It's not - the apartment isn't zoned as a business, and he's in violation of various safety clauses, and business zoning laws.)
This is the same asshole who wouldn't let the cops in during a custody issue. Left carts in the hall for weeks after a move. Takes out his garbage and throws it down the shut at 2 am at night - not considerate of those who live near it. Does laundry at 2 or 4am in the morning - without thinking of the basement apartment. And hasn't paid his rent in three months.
I was nice to this nitwit. I found his cat. Don't know what happened to it.
Or to his kid for that matter. I think he's mentally ill? At any rate - the super did come up and attempt to get him to close his door and turn down his music. They could hear it in their apartment and in the lobby. And they told me that this asshole hasn't renewed his lease for two years, doesn't pay regularly, and is abusive to them. Also refused to clear the hallway of his bikes when the fire department requested it. And doesn't pay for the bike storage that he's using. He doesn't believe the rules apply to him, and is an entitled asshole. Bad parents. Has two kids for a small one-bedroom apartment with visitation. And he's sneaky. Ugh. I told them they need to stop complaining and evict his skanky ass.
Apartment living requires courtesy of others space. And the acknowledgement that shared space should be clear of safety hazards. I'm willing to tolerate a lot, but he was pushing the limits of my patience.
4. ME & the CPAP Machine...
I tried it last night. I'm not sure it works? The humidifier tank was full in the morning. I could barely breath with it on. And ended up breathing through my mouth, causing a leak.
The main issue - is I can't breath through it well. And having something attached to my face is disruptive - since I do not lie on my back but on my side with face pressed towards the pillow.
The machine itself is quiet. No noise. And I'm not sure it works - because no air is pushed through the tube, and after a bit I found I was breathing heavily and hyperventilating, so gave up. Or I just let myself breath through my mouth. It says no events, no obstruction. But only 25 usage.
I'm trying again tonight. But it took me about four hours to get to sleep.
And I woke up. Took it off, and went back to sleep without it.
I really don't want to talk to anyone else about it. It's frustrating. They aren't here with me. They aren't working with it. It's frigging easy to give advice over the phone. And when I was in person? They acted as if it was on the phone, and I was being an idiot.
Between the political situation, Gaza, CPAP mask, work, and the next door neighbor - I'm feeling misanthropic of late. I want to retreat to a mountain cabin somewhere, with no people, just a pottery wheel, food supplies, a kiln, my paints, my sketchpads, my lap-top, television, books, music, and trees and mountains.
5. Been watching The Great Pottery Throw-Down - S5. It's good. But it only has five seasons on MAX. I know there's seven, plus a Canadian version but not where to find them.
I adore this show - favorite reality show. I like the hosts, and judges, and the contestants. And it focuses on the pottery above all else. And unlike baking - I've actually done pottery and ceramics - so know what they are talking about?
I think it worked in Lessons in Chemistry and The Room, but I'm not so sure it works in Captain Marvel films?
The plus side - is the focus of the film is really Kamala Khan, not Captain Marvel. It's kind of similar to other Marvel films in that regard. Which is unfortunately a double-edged sword? The problem with the hero/sidekick (with huge crush on hero) trope - is it can be annoying as hell. It kind of worked with Iron Man and Spiderman - but mainly because Spiderman wasn't really in Iron Man's movie - Iron Man was making guest appearances in Spiderman's flick, same with Doctor Strange who made guest appearances in Spiderman's flick. That worked better - because they were in and out. It was only about ten or fifteen minutes of the film. It did not work in Doctor Strange & the Multi-verse of Madness, Ten Rings, or Marvels. In all three - the lead gets a bit lost. The reason they did it here - is the lead isn't strong enough to hold the movie. And they didn't have enough faith in Monica Rambeau to do so - so they brought in Ms. Marvel.
The difficulty with that? Is you really have to have watched Ms. Marvel and WandaVision to understand either Monica or Ms. Marvel's existence in this film - otherwise I think you might be a little lost? The other problem is that Ms. Marvel isn't strong enough to hold the film either. Monica Rambeau however is - and they really should have gone with that. That actress pulled me in. Just as she had in WandaVision. (She was actually the best thing in WandaVision.) But Monica is basically playing straight woman and supporting the other two through most of the film.
The other problem is it's too busy, and hard to follow in places. It jumps around a lot. With a lot of video game action sequences - which I got bored by.
What worked? The comradery between the three women, the fluerkeks or "cats who can basically eat anything and throw it up again" (a hold over surprise from the first film), the by-play between Kamala and her family, and everyone else. Also following up on the dangling plot line from the first film regarding what Carol did to Hala, in her desire to fix things. It also explains what Carol has been doing all this time and why. Also, what happened to the other bracelet that Kamala owns, and what the bracelets truly are, and that Kamala's power functions without them. That all kind of works.
And the film is rather funny in places. It's among the few that I laughed during.
2. Mother's birthday gift arrived today. (Birthday is next weekend, but it was nice to get it a week early, means I can play with it.) She got me a "Ninja Creameri NC301 - which I'd been lusting after. Now, I just have to figure out how to use it. Good news? It's like the Nutribullet - self-explanatory for the most part, and not like the Instapot which isn't.
What's so cool about this thing, outside of the fact that it makes ice cream, sorbet, smoothies, gelato, and milkshakes?
I can control the sugar levels. I'm going to try to make ice cream that is low in sugar. So far - I have a plain greek yogurt, blueberry, and mango in the freezer, and a pumpkin puree, cinammon/nutmeg, coconut/almond milk, with vanilla abstract and some honey the freezer. In about 24 hours I can attempt the Ninja Creameri.
My difficulty with ice cream is: 1) the cream or milk content often gives me gas and other issues, and 2) the sugar content sends my blood sugar sky-rocketing. I'm thinking this will allow me to have it - without the pain or health issues?
Mother bought me the cook book that goes with it as well - so I have some recipes and instructions on how to use it.
I have the nutri-bullet and a blender and cuisinart to ensure the items are well blended together first. It's not a blender, it's an ice cream maker.
Although I'm confused on how it does milkshakes and smoothies.
I may use the cuisanart to make avocado chocolate mousse at some point though.
3. Here are the reasons why I despise NYC cyclists:
* They ride on sidewalks, pedestrian pathways, hiking trails, often without any regard for the safety of the people walking, whether the individual is walking with groceries, a can, a walker or what not. (Say what you will about cars - but they don't do this - well except for that one time, but that was an anomaly.)
* They don't stop at stop signs or traffic lights run right through them, and towards pedestrians on cross walks. A car is likely to stop, honk or slow down, not a cyclist.
* They operate bicycle repair shops out of their apartments, and leave parts in the hallway (Shared space). They also do it on the sidewalk.
* They blast their music on their bikes, and keep their apartment doors open and blast it there as well.
* They leave bikes parked in hallways of their buildings and take up elevator space.
* They carry bikes onto subways and trains, taking up space. (And the city has had issues with lithium explosions and fires).
In short, the rules don't apply to them so they can be assholes. (Which is why whenever I'm told a cyclist has been killed - I think another Darwin Award to a Selfish Asshole.) Note this is specific to NYC cyclists - I don't know what they are like elsewhere.
Ugh, this rant is courtesy of the annoying next door neighbor who was blasting music out of his apartment, with his door open, on a Saturday morning, with bike parts out in the hallway. I'd been hand-waving the assorted bike parts in assorted levels of repair for about six months now? Also with the damn music blasting. Finally got fed up and asked him to close his door or lower the music, since everyone could hear him. He was rude and stubbornly refused. I had no rights. He had the right to blast his music and do whatever he wanted, since it was perfectly legal.
So fed up? I took a picture of the bike parts in the hallway - sent it to the super and the management company, and told them he was running a bike repair shop out of his apartment with the music blasting and was it permissible? (It's not - the apartment isn't zoned as a business, and he's in violation of various safety clauses, and business zoning laws.)
This is the same asshole who wouldn't let the cops in during a custody issue. Left carts in the hall for weeks after a move. Takes out his garbage and throws it down the shut at 2 am at night - not considerate of those who live near it. Does laundry at 2 or 4am in the morning - without thinking of the basement apartment. And hasn't paid his rent in three months.
I was nice to this nitwit. I found his cat. Don't know what happened to it.
Or to his kid for that matter. I think he's mentally ill? At any rate - the super did come up and attempt to get him to close his door and turn down his music. They could hear it in their apartment and in the lobby. And they told me that this asshole hasn't renewed his lease for two years, doesn't pay regularly, and is abusive to them. Also refused to clear the hallway of his bikes when the fire department requested it. And doesn't pay for the bike storage that he's using. He doesn't believe the rules apply to him, and is an entitled asshole. Bad parents. Has two kids for a small one-bedroom apartment with visitation. And he's sneaky. Ugh. I told them they need to stop complaining and evict his skanky ass.
Apartment living requires courtesy of others space. And the acknowledgement that shared space should be clear of safety hazards. I'm willing to tolerate a lot, but he was pushing the limits of my patience.
4. ME & the CPAP Machine...
I tried it last night. I'm not sure it works? The humidifier tank was full in the morning. I could barely breath with it on. And ended up breathing through my mouth, causing a leak.
The main issue - is I can't breath through it well. And having something attached to my face is disruptive - since I do not lie on my back but on my side with face pressed towards the pillow.
The machine itself is quiet. No noise. And I'm not sure it works - because no air is pushed through the tube, and after a bit I found I was breathing heavily and hyperventilating, so gave up. Or I just let myself breath through my mouth. It says no events, no obstruction. But only 25 usage.
I'm trying again tonight. But it took me about four hours to get to sleep.
And I woke up. Took it off, and went back to sleep without it.
I really don't want to talk to anyone else about it. It's frustrating. They aren't here with me. They aren't working with it. It's frigging easy to give advice over the phone. And when I was in person? They acted as if it was on the phone, and I was being an idiot.
Between the political situation, Gaza, CPAP mask, work, and the next door neighbor - I'm feeling misanthropic of late. I want to retreat to a mountain cabin somewhere, with no people, just a pottery wheel, food supplies, a kiln, my paints, my sketchpads, my lap-top, television, books, music, and trees and mountains.
5. Been watching The Great Pottery Throw-Down - S5. It's good. But it only has five seasons on MAX. I know there's seven, plus a Canadian version but not where to find them.
I adore this show - favorite reality show. I like the hosts, and judges, and the contestants. And it focuses on the pottery above all else. And unlike baking - I've actually done pottery and ceramics - so know what they are talking about?
no subject
Date: 2024-03-03 02:12 am (UTC)Yeah, I tend to sleep on my side too, which would seem to impede the mask. And that does seem like it wasn't providing enough pressure to get the air through.
no subject
Date: 2024-03-03 03:20 am (UTC)This is night two of my attempt to use the mask. Hopefully it will be better - but I don't think I can get past the sleeping on the side issue.
no subject
Date: 2024-03-03 03:54 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2024-03-03 05:09 pm (UTC)But thanks for the reminder of 311 - I was trying to remember how to even call them.
no subject
Date: 2024-03-03 06:14 pm (UTC)If you're not sure the noise will do it then you can use that or a similar online form about the fire hazard. Because it does sound like a nuisance and a hazard.
no subject
Date: 2024-03-03 10:03 pm (UTC)Wonder if it can be anonymous? I think the guy may be mentally unstable? So I'm trying not to get on his radar.
no subject
Date: 2024-03-03 10:21 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2024-03-03 10:57 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2024-03-06 12:15 am (UTC)The Great Pottery Throw-Down is definitely on my list. It looks like fun!