When you're out around town do you ever people watch? Doing your own thing but looking around at the people passing by and sometimes wonder who they are, what they're doing or what their story is. Humans of New York deals with that basic concept. I first came across HONY when my friend shared random posts from the Humans of New York facebook page. I would see these photos of random people outside in New York followed by a short quote from the person.
Seeing these posts was intriguing enough for me to learn more. I found out that this project wasn't strictly a facebook page but there was also a tumblr and twitter page. On top of blowing up over social media websites HONY was made into a book in October of 2013. The book became a best seller and soon after the social media websites grew in followers. The person behind all of this is Brandon Stanton. A 29 year old street photographer. He started street photography when taking a tour of American cities, along the way taking countless amounts of photos.
After taking so many photos and not getting noticed for it he began including the conversation being him and the subject as a caption. You get the first impression of the person from the photo and then when you read the caption you get slight insight on who the person is. The quotes vary between deep and full of wisdom, humorous, simple statements and personal views.
Reading these little snip-its of conversation you realize the diversity of humans. Everyone has a story and something different to say based on a simple conversation.
Here is a couple direct quotes from HONY to give you an idea of the diversity of the caption conversations. I will also leave the link to the website for you go to explore for yourself. It's worth the look and is a small thing to look forward to everyday since it's updated often.
"We were talking every day. Then her replies strted taking longer. Then she stopped replying all together."
"What's the most frightened you've ever been?"
"The first time I smoked weed, I thought a homeless guy was the Grim Reaper. So I started praying."
"Had cancer six times. Beat cancer six times."
"I pretty much only read fantasy because I've had more than enough of reality."
"Se cheated on me."
"Did you know the guy?"
"I introduced them. I invested in the guy's business. He lost my life savings, then he took my wife."
"Put this on Instagram."
www.humansofnewyork.com
Wednesday 26 February 2014
Wednesday 12 February 2014
Top Movies: Part 2
I was originally going to write a top 20 list but as I started writing the list kept getting longer. I had to change the title to "top movies" because I believe this list will just continue to grow. So without too much explanation, here's the next set of 10 ten movies I love.
11. Looper (2012)
Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis and Emily Blunt
Another science fiction action thriller with a complex storyline. Set in the years 2044 and 2074 this movie keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time. Since this movie uses time travel, the director decided to make things slightly hard to follow by using flashbacks and repeats of scenes that leaves you wondering what in the world is going on. Criminals, time travel, telekinetic powers, and the "Rainmaker".
12. Beetlejuice (1988)
Starring Winona Ryder, Micheal Keaton and Geena Davis
If you haven't seen this classic Halloween movie I suggest you watch it immediately. A tradition in my house is to watch beetlejuice every October. Without this movie Halloween just wouldn't be the same. Somehow this movie stays goofy while still being creepy at the same time.
13.The Breakfast Club (1985)
Starring Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson and Antony Micheal Hall
Put a bunch of teens into detention on a Saturday, add a dance scene and see what happens. This is a classic John Hughes film about five very different teens that bond over detention and realise that they have more in common than they think. I like this movie so much that I almost bought a tank top with Judd Nelson thrusting his fist into the air walking through the football field. Simple Minds song, "Don't you forget about me" will forever be my go-to song for an 80's flashback.
14.Ed Wood (1994)
Starring Johnny Depp, Martin Landau and Sarah Jessica Parker
As you maybe can tell by now, I'm quite the fan of Johnny Depp. This movie is a sort of biography about director, screenwriter, producer, actor, author and editor, Ed Wood . The story of Edward Davis Ed Wood, Jr, is quite interesting. He made low budget films in the 50s to 70's. He was award the Golden Turkey Award for Worst Director of All Time. You can tell by some of his movie titles that he probably deserved this award. For example: "Glen or Glenda", "Night of the Gouls" and Orgy of the Dead". This movie directed by Tim Burton focuses of the time in his life when he met the washed up actor, Bela Lugosi, who was famous for playing Dracula in 1927. The movie is strange because the characters are quite kooky but its worth the watch. Did I mention the fact that Ed Wood also cross dressed?
15.Donnie Darko (2001)
Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone and Maggie Gyllenhaal
A dark science fiction drama about a boy that barely escapes death when a turbine from a plane crashes in his room. He also sees a giant apocalyptic rabbit named Frank. I wont go into detail about this storyline because too much weird stuff happens. I myself don't completely understand what happened but I like it. This movie has multiple websites dedicated to understanding the storyline because its that confusing. Something about the Primary Universe, a Tangent Universe and the Philosophy of Time Travel...
16. Wolf of Wallstreet (2013)
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill and Matthew McConaughey
This is a long movie about a New York stock broker. That may sound utterly boring but it's about Leonardo DiCaprio as a New York broker whose involved in fraud. Its actually quite interesting watching somebody start at the bottom of the food chain to becoming a millionaire. The fun part is that its all based on a true story with every little fact, leading down to company names and character names are all based on real life. The only thing that I'm not sure is true is all the drugs used in the movie. Overall good story though.
17. 21 Jumpstreet (2012)
Starring Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill and Dave Franco
Based on the tv series from 1987-1991 this movie is probably one of the funniest movies I've seen since Napoleon Dynamite. Thankfully it's not one of those movies that look hilarious in the previews but then when you go to watch it, you realise that the funny parts in the commercials are the only funny parts in the whole movie. This movie is jam packed with good jokes and scenes throughout. And it doesn't hurt the eyes to have Channing Tatum and Dave Franco both main characters.
18.Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009)
Starring Rhona Mitra, Kate Beckinsale and Micheal Sheen
This movie has pretty terrible reviews. I personally enjoy this movie for the costumes and creature design of the lycans.
19. Lost Boys (1987)
Starring Corey Haim, Corey Feldman and Kiefer Sutherland
I was introduced to this movie by my mom when the first Twilight movie came out. apparently it used to be one of her favourite movies at the time. This shows what the 80's version of a vampire is. According to this movie they were much more brutal than in Twilight. Teenage vampires in the 80's walked around Santa Carla, California like regular teenage delinquents and occasionally requite new members. All together they just kind of look like a hair metal band. Weird things happen and the feel of the movie has an overall fogginess. Ending with a bloodbath.
20. Princess Diaries (2001)
Starring Anne Hathaway, Julie Andrews and Heather Matarazzo
I have to throw a curveball in here. With all these complex dark, cult classics I also enjoy a childhood feel good movie like Princess Dairies to bring back good memories. Anne Hathaway's character Mia Thermopolis is also inspirational since she began as a super awkward, frizzy haired girl and ended up being royalty. No matter how old I get I'll still appreciate the humour in this movie.
11. Looper (2012)
Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis and Emily Blunt
Another science fiction action thriller with a complex storyline. Set in the years 2044 and 2074 this movie keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time. Since this movie uses time travel, the director decided to make things slightly hard to follow by using flashbacks and repeats of scenes that leaves you wondering what in the world is going on. Criminals, time travel, telekinetic powers, and the "Rainmaker".
12. Beetlejuice (1988)
Starring Winona Ryder, Micheal Keaton and Geena Davis
If you haven't seen this classic Halloween movie I suggest you watch it immediately. A tradition in my house is to watch beetlejuice every October. Without this movie Halloween just wouldn't be the same. Somehow this movie stays goofy while still being creepy at the same time.
13.The Breakfast Club (1985)
Starring Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson and Antony Micheal Hall
Put a bunch of teens into detention on a Saturday, add a dance scene and see what happens. This is a classic John Hughes film about five very different teens that bond over detention and realise that they have more in common than they think. I like this movie so much that I almost bought a tank top with Judd Nelson thrusting his fist into the air walking through the football field. Simple Minds song, "Don't you forget about me" will forever be my go-to song for an 80's flashback.
14.Ed Wood (1994)
Starring Johnny Depp, Martin Landau and Sarah Jessica Parker
As you maybe can tell by now, I'm quite the fan of Johnny Depp. This movie is a sort of biography about director, screenwriter, producer, actor, author and editor, Ed Wood . The story of Edward Davis Ed Wood, Jr, is quite interesting. He made low budget films in the 50s to 70's. He was award the Golden Turkey Award for Worst Director of All Time. You can tell by some of his movie titles that he probably deserved this award. For example: "Glen or Glenda", "Night of the Gouls" and Orgy of the Dead". This movie directed by Tim Burton focuses of the time in his life when he met the washed up actor, Bela Lugosi, who was famous for playing Dracula in 1927. The movie is strange because the characters are quite kooky but its worth the watch. Did I mention the fact that Ed Wood also cross dressed?
15.Donnie Darko (2001)
Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone and Maggie Gyllenhaal
A dark science fiction drama about a boy that barely escapes death when a turbine from a plane crashes in his room. He also sees a giant apocalyptic rabbit named Frank. I wont go into detail about this storyline because too much weird stuff happens. I myself don't completely understand what happened but I like it. This movie has multiple websites dedicated to understanding the storyline because its that confusing. Something about the Primary Universe, a Tangent Universe and the Philosophy of Time Travel...
16. Wolf of Wallstreet (2013)
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill and Matthew McConaughey
This is a long movie about a New York stock broker. That may sound utterly boring but it's about Leonardo DiCaprio as a New York broker whose involved in fraud. Its actually quite interesting watching somebody start at the bottom of the food chain to becoming a millionaire. The fun part is that its all based on a true story with every little fact, leading down to company names and character names are all based on real life. The only thing that I'm not sure is true is all the drugs used in the movie. Overall good story though.
17. 21 Jumpstreet (2012)
Starring Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill and Dave Franco
Based on the tv series from 1987-1991 this movie is probably one of the funniest movies I've seen since Napoleon Dynamite. Thankfully it's not one of those movies that look hilarious in the previews but then when you go to watch it, you realise that the funny parts in the commercials are the only funny parts in the whole movie. This movie is jam packed with good jokes and scenes throughout. And it doesn't hurt the eyes to have Channing Tatum and Dave Franco both main characters.
18.Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009)
Starring Rhona Mitra, Kate Beckinsale and Micheal Sheen
This movie has pretty terrible reviews. I personally enjoy this movie for the costumes and creature design of the lycans.
19. Lost Boys (1987)
Starring Corey Haim, Corey Feldman and Kiefer Sutherland
I was introduced to this movie by my mom when the first Twilight movie came out. apparently it used to be one of her favourite movies at the time. This shows what the 80's version of a vampire is. According to this movie they were much more brutal than in Twilight. Teenage vampires in the 80's walked around Santa Carla, California like regular teenage delinquents and occasionally requite new members. All together they just kind of look like a hair metal band. Weird things happen and the feel of the movie has an overall fogginess. Ending with a bloodbath.
20. Princess Diaries (2001)
Starring Anne Hathaway, Julie Andrews and Heather Matarazzo
I have to throw a curveball in here. With all these complex dark, cult classics I also enjoy a childhood feel good movie like Princess Dairies to bring back good memories. Anne Hathaway's character Mia Thermopolis is also inspirational since she began as a super awkward, frizzy haired girl and ended up being royalty. No matter how old I get I'll still appreciate the humour in this movie.
Sunday 9 February 2014
Top Movies: Part1
For this post I will be listing off movies I can watch over and over again and never get tired of them. I'll give you a little insight on the movie without giving any spoilers because, well, no one likes spoilers. Watching a movie for the very first time is one of the best feelings. After the first time it's not quite the same because you don't get the excitement of not knowing what's coming next. I tend to also be one of those people that takes watching movies very seriously. I need complete silence and low lighting with good sound to fully immerse myself in the movie for the first time. If it happens to be a movie I've watched already I don't mind interruptions nearly as much. Now, on with the list! Here's the first 10 (in no particular order)
1.Benny & Joon (1993)
Starring Johnny Depp, Mary Stuart Masterson and Aidan Quinn
This movie is a heartwarming story about a mentally disabled girl. The addition of Johnny Depp's character adds humor at almost every time he's on camera. It's interesting to see Johnny portray this type of young, fun loving, goofy guy; which is a step away from the majority of overly exaggerated characters he usually plays. This movie is great from beginning to end.
2.Harry Potter Series (2001 - 2011)
Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint
I grew up with the Harry Potter franchise and the characters in it. The imagination of this movie matched with an amazing cast made this a multi billion dollar franchise. I enjoy a movie with a complex storyline and the Harry Potter series delivered that. I loved the series so much I actually got a Harry Potter inspired tattoo of Sirius Blacks Azkaban number on my wrist as a reminder of that time in my life and growing up.
3.Pirates of the Caribbean 1,2 & 3 (2003 - 2007)
Starring Johnny Depp, Keira Knightly and Orlando Bloom.
After the third movie is just wasn't the same without Elizabeth Swan and William Turner. "Captain" Jack Sparrow is the kind of character you cant help but love. As the series goes on the story gets darker and heavier. Along with the direction of Gore Verbinski and soundtrack by Hans Zimmer this movie is one of my top favourites. I happened to name my cat after the character Calypso.
4.Planet of the Apes (1968)
Starring Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall and Linda Harrison
Based off of a french novel from 1963, Planet of the Apes is a sci-fi movie about three astronauts that land on a planet earth in the future where apes are superior to humans. I personally also am quite interesting in costume and special effects used in movies. I enjoy seeing movies that use real life costumes instead of using all CGI for the unrealistic elements. The weird sound effects in the background are also quite enjoyable.
5.Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
Starring Jon Heder, Tine Majorino and Aaron Ruell
Set in 2004 in the town of Presto the movie has many elements from the 80's and 90's. This movie is the kind that you either love or hate. The humour is appealing to a certain audience and is probably not everyone's cup of tea. The movie has a very dry humour and the pace of the movie is quite slow which works well with the visual pale, dusty look. The characters are all unique and have their own quirks. The droned out feel makes this movie hilarious along with the script.
"Tina, you fat lard, come get some dinner!"
6.Dale & Tucker vs. Evil (2010)
Starring Tyler Labine, Alan Tudyk and Katrina Bowden
This is a Canadian comedy horror that you probably never heard of and stars actors you've probably never heard of either. Again this is a kind of movie you either love or hate. The humour of this film is borderline "Scary Movie" humour except with a better storyline and no pop culture. The main element of this movie that makes me love it is the fact that the whole thing is just one giant misunderstanding. It uses clichés from horror movies and a lot of gore. I suggest you give this one a chance.
7.Shutter Island (2010)
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo and Ben Kingsley
A psychological thriller with a confusing storyline that I still have questions about. The ending is what got me. Even after watching this movie multiple times I still pick up on little things every time I watch it and have many "Ohhhhhh." moments where I've finally figured something out. The use of flashbacks makes you understand the story but at the same time confuses you even more. Its definitely a movie that will make you think and you can't really have too much Leonardo DiCaprio.
"Which would be worse? To live as a monster or die as a good man."
8.Cry Baby (1990)
Starring Johnny Depp, Amy Locane and Kim McGuire...
Set in the 50s this movie is a musical that mimics and pokes fun of other musicals at the time such as Grease in the most ridiculous way. The story is about the rivalry between the delinquent "drapes" and the preppy "squares". It's also a love story between Cry Baby Walker and Allison who are in opposite social groups. Tis movie is over the top and the characters are all pretty weird; especially Hatchet Face...
9.Making the Grade (1984)
Starring Judd Nelson, Jonna Lee and Andrew Dice Clay
I don't have much to say about this movie other than the fact that it's and 80's movie starring Judd Nelson. That should be enough information to make you watch it.
10.Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011)
Starring Steve Carell, Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling.
This romantic, comedy/drama film has a good mix of all of those genres. It makes you laugh, cry and wonder what's going to happen next. The cast has some of todays most famous actors. I believe that any movie Steve Carrell is in will be brilliant. The plot from the beginning follows different stories that gradually merge into each other, but its not until the end that you realize that they are all connected in one glorious scene.
1.Benny & Joon (1993)
This movie is a heartwarming story about a mentally disabled girl. The addition of Johnny Depp's character adds humor at almost every time he's on camera. It's interesting to see Johnny portray this type of young, fun loving, goofy guy; which is a step away from the majority of overly exaggerated characters he usually plays. This movie is great from beginning to end.
2.Harry Potter Series (2001 - 2011)
Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint
I grew up with the Harry Potter franchise and the characters in it. The imagination of this movie matched with an amazing cast made this a multi billion dollar franchise. I enjoy a movie with a complex storyline and the Harry Potter series delivered that. I loved the series so much I actually got a Harry Potter inspired tattoo of Sirius Blacks Azkaban number on my wrist as a reminder of that time in my life and growing up.
3.Pirates of the Caribbean 1,2 & 3 (2003 - 2007)
Starring Johnny Depp, Keira Knightly and Orlando Bloom.
After the third movie is just wasn't the same without Elizabeth Swan and William Turner. "Captain" Jack Sparrow is the kind of character you cant help but love. As the series goes on the story gets darker and heavier. Along with the direction of Gore Verbinski and soundtrack by Hans Zimmer this movie is one of my top favourites. I happened to name my cat after the character Calypso.
4.Planet of the Apes (1968)
Starring Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall and Linda Harrison
Based off of a french novel from 1963, Planet of the Apes is a sci-fi movie about three astronauts that land on a planet earth in the future where apes are superior to humans. I personally also am quite interesting in costume and special effects used in movies. I enjoy seeing movies that use real life costumes instead of using all CGI for the unrealistic elements. The weird sound effects in the background are also quite enjoyable.
5.Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
Starring Jon Heder, Tine Majorino and Aaron Ruell
Set in 2004 in the town of Presto the movie has many elements from the 80's and 90's. This movie is the kind that you either love or hate. The humour is appealing to a certain audience and is probably not everyone's cup of tea. The movie has a very dry humour and the pace of the movie is quite slow which works well with the visual pale, dusty look. The characters are all unique and have their own quirks. The droned out feel makes this movie hilarious along with the script.
"Tina, you fat lard, come get some dinner!"
6.Dale & Tucker vs. Evil (2010)
Starring Tyler Labine, Alan Tudyk and Katrina Bowden
This is a Canadian comedy horror that you probably never heard of and stars actors you've probably never heard of either. Again this is a kind of movie you either love or hate. The humour of this film is borderline "Scary Movie" humour except with a better storyline and no pop culture. The main element of this movie that makes me love it is the fact that the whole thing is just one giant misunderstanding. It uses clichés from horror movies and a lot of gore. I suggest you give this one a chance.
7.Shutter Island (2010)
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo and Ben Kingsley
A psychological thriller with a confusing storyline that I still have questions about. The ending is what got me. Even after watching this movie multiple times I still pick up on little things every time I watch it and have many "Ohhhhhh." moments where I've finally figured something out. The use of flashbacks makes you understand the story but at the same time confuses you even more. Its definitely a movie that will make you think and you can't really have too much Leonardo DiCaprio.
"Which would be worse? To live as a monster or die as a good man."
8.Cry Baby (1990)
Starring Johnny Depp, Amy Locane and Kim McGuire...
Set in the 50s this movie is a musical that mimics and pokes fun of other musicals at the time such as Grease in the most ridiculous way. The story is about the rivalry between the delinquent "drapes" and the preppy "squares". It's also a love story between Cry Baby Walker and Allison who are in opposite social groups. Tis movie is over the top and the characters are all pretty weird; especially Hatchet Face...
9.Making the Grade (1984)
Starring Judd Nelson, Jonna Lee and Andrew Dice Clay
I don't have much to say about this movie other than the fact that it's and 80's movie starring Judd Nelson. That should be enough information to make you watch it.
10.Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011)
Starring Steve Carell, Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling.
This romantic, comedy/drama film has a good mix of all of those genres. It makes you laugh, cry and wonder what's going to happen next. The cast has some of todays most famous actors. I believe that any movie Steve Carrell is in will be brilliant. The plot from the beginning follows different stories that gradually merge into each other, but its not until the end that you realize that they are all connected in one glorious scene.
Monday 3 February 2014
Ottawa
So this past weekend I planned a road trip to Ottawa with two friends of mine. The whole idea behind the trip was to decide whether or not I want to move there next September for school at the University of Ottawa, or not. This post is going to be all about experiencing my first time in Ottawa and the impression I got from it along with thoughts of the future.
Since I am currently in college and can't afford to take a week off of school to visit; I had to simply go for the weekend. I'm lucky enough to have friends that go to uottawa and live on residence that let me stay in their dorm for free. My very first impression of Ottawa came from the sports bar we went to eat at the Friday night we arrived before even getting to the university. The atmosphere of the restaurant was almost like everyone knew each other. It was loud even for the small amount of people in it and it felt very....Canadian. After the restaurant we went to the residences. The two friends I was staying with shared a room on the 20th floor of their building. Overall the stay was ok but I don't think I could handle living on the top floor and have to share a bathroom with all the other girls on the floor.
The next day we went out shopping and walked around downtown Ottawa. Being in Ottawa compared to my hometown of Sudbury is like being in a different country. People in Ottawa are outside all the time; no matter how cold. Everything is close enough to walk and there's much more things to see and do. Most people around the university dress better than my hometown and also a plus is the fact that Ottawa is very diverse (therefore, many cool accents). The culture is rich and the architecture is amazing.
It took me a long time to make my decision of applying to school in another town. But, I think I've made the choice to just go for it. I get many different opinions when asking if I should move out or not. Some say "What are you going to do with a bachelor of fine arts?", "It's going to be expensive" and "Why aren't you going to Toronto for art?" while on the other hand I get the people that encourage me to follow what I love to do and go out to experience the world. The people on the other hand sound much more interesting to me. Just leaving for the weekend I did think of home and miss certain things about it. This thought scared me because I feel as though if I stay in this town where I grew up any longer I'm going to want to stay here forever. I don't want to be one of those people that never leave, and instead stay in this town looking at the same rocks everyday. No, I don't know what I'm going to do with a bachelor of fine arts. Yes, I know its going to be more expensive than college. And finally YES I am going to take the chance and apply, hopefully I get accepted and won't have to wonder what my life would be like if I would have gone away.
Since I am currently in college and can't afford to take a week off of school to visit; I had to simply go for the weekend. I'm lucky enough to have friends that go to uottawa and live on residence that let me stay in their dorm for free. My very first impression of Ottawa came from the sports bar we went to eat at the Friday night we arrived before even getting to the university. The atmosphere of the restaurant was almost like everyone knew each other. It was loud even for the small amount of people in it and it felt very....Canadian. After the restaurant we went to the residences. The two friends I was staying with shared a room on the 20th floor of their building. Overall the stay was ok but I don't think I could handle living on the top floor and have to share a bathroom with all the other girls on the floor.
The next day we went out shopping and walked around downtown Ottawa. Being in Ottawa compared to my hometown of Sudbury is like being in a different country. People in Ottawa are outside all the time; no matter how cold. Everything is close enough to walk and there's much more things to see and do. Most people around the university dress better than my hometown and also a plus is the fact that Ottawa is very diverse (therefore, many cool accents). The culture is rich and the architecture is amazing.
It took me a long time to make my decision of applying to school in another town. But, I think I've made the choice to just go for it. I get many different opinions when asking if I should move out or not. Some say "What are you going to do with a bachelor of fine arts?", "It's going to be expensive" and "Why aren't you going to Toronto for art?" while on the other hand I get the people that encourage me to follow what I love to do and go out to experience the world. The people on the other hand sound much more interesting to me. Just leaving for the weekend I did think of home and miss certain things about it. This thought scared me because I feel as though if I stay in this town where I grew up any longer I'm going to want to stay here forever. I don't want to be one of those people that never leave, and instead stay in this town looking at the same rocks everyday. No, I don't know what I'm going to do with a bachelor of fine arts. Yes, I know its going to be more expensive than college. And finally YES I am going to take the chance and apply, hopefully I get accepted and won't have to wonder what my life would be like if I would have gone away.
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