Media is very important in my life. And I mean that, the many content creators in the world definitely aren't funding me. No, this is absolutely my true, not-influenced-at-all opinion. In reality, though, I am constantly surrounded by the media. I use my TV as an alarm clock - I like waking up to Pokemon, I watch a lot of TV during the day, too. I don't usually pay attention; I use the TV as background noise while I'm watching shows on the Internet, where I can block all of the ads. I see advertisements all over the place; on people's clothes, signs, I hear about all sorts of things. It doesn't bother me, though; I welcome media into my life.
If you're curious, adblock extensions can be found here.
You should use Google Chrome while you're at it.
The most important types of media to me are the Internet and video games, I'm very much a geek. I enjoy a good narrative, whether it be a movie, a book, or a video game. Video games in particular can tell a story in a way that movies or TV are unable to. I enjoy their stories because of the immersion that they can provide. I think that the goal of any story is to get the audience to feel that it's real, and video games can provide that. For example, when you're watching a horror movie, the movie's makers want you to feel for the characters, and fear for their safety. I have a hard time empathizing for characters in movies, I know that I'm watching a movie, and the outlandish scenarios don't help, either. But in a video game, you are the character. You have to be careful, you're afraid that the character will die because, in a way, you're afraid that you will die. Because you're controlling the character, you create the character's thoughts and emotions, and the story feels more real as a result. No other form of narrative can provide that.
The Internet, though, is where I spend the majority of my time. The Internet holds every type of media; you can find every movie, show, or book online. Where the Internet really shines, however, is its original content.
As mentioned previously, the Internet has all traditional forms of media. You can watch the exact same shows that you would on TV. Instead of watching TV shows, though, you could watch shows made for the Internet. Like my favourite, The Guild. I like the content on the Internet more than TV because of the freedom that the Internet provides. Shows, news articles, stories, none have to be censored to be distributed.Creators are able to take on a wider variety of topics and are free to use any language they choose. Media on the Internet isn't usually for profit, people on the Internet are often more savvy and know how to avoid paying, so the main driving factor behind it is fun. There are fewer restrictions, so people can be more imaginative in their creations. There are even some forms of media that have moved to the Internet, like the poor man's Mad Magazine, Cracked.
I don't like to think that today's media is worse than it has been at any other point. Lots of people enjoy music from 10 or twenty years before they were born because they think it's better. I don't think that the music is any worse than it was twenty years ago, just as much of it is good as any other time. We remember the best music from previous generations; the bad stuff wasn't worth remembering, so it's not played anymore.This applies to every form of media, not just music.
I use media for entertainment purposes mostly. That's not to say I don't use it for informative purposes, though. I do, but most media is for entertainment. I'd have to avoid it all to say that information gets the majority of my time.
I'm an epicurean. I don't care if it doesn't apply here. My tastes, in media and food, are quite varied. I enjoy and action-packed video game, a thought-provoking novel, and musicals. So, I had a difficult time choosing my favourite of each. I think I have a good list here, though.
Video Game: The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
Shocker I know. If you're a fan of the series, you're probably surprised that I chose this over the much more acclaimed Ocarina of Time. It was a difficult choice to make, but one that was well deserved.
The Internet, though, is where I spend the majority of my time. The Internet holds every type of media; you can find every movie, show, or book online. Where the Internet really shines, however, is its original content.
As mentioned previously, the Internet has all traditional forms of media. You can watch the exact same shows that you would on TV. Instead of watching TV shows, though, you could watch shows made for the Internet. Like my favourite, The Guild. I like the content on the Internet more than TV because of the freedom that the Internet provides. Shows, news articles, stories, none have to be censored to be distributed.Creators are able to take on a wider variety of topics and are free to use any language they choose. Media on the Internet isn't usually for profit, people on the Internet are often more savvy and know how to avoid paying, so the main driving factor behind it is fun. There are fewer restrictions, so people can be more imaginative in their creations. There are even some forms of media that have moved to the Internet, like the poor man's Mad Magazine, Cracked.
First episode of The Guild
Watch the first three seasons here.
I don't like to think that today's media is worse than it has been at any other point. Lots of people enjoy music from 10 or twenty years before they were born because they think it's better. I don't think that the music is any worse than it was twenty years ago, just as much of it is good as any other time. We remember the best music from previous generations; the bad stuff wasn't worth remembering, so it's not played anymore.This applies to every form of media, not just music.
I'm an epicurean. I don't care if it doesn't apply here. My tastes, in media and food, are quite varied. I enjoy and action-packed video game, a thought-provoking novel, and musicals. So, I had a difficult time choosing my favourite of each. I think I have a good list here, though.
Video Game: The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
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| Credit to Nintendo |
As a kid, I didn't get out a lot. I played a lot of video games with my sisters and cousins, and Zelda was our favourite. We played them all. So all of the Zelda games have a sentimental aspect to them. I chose Majora's Mask above the rest for one reason: you can transform.
There are a myriad of redeemable qualities to found in Majora's Mask. It looks nicer than Ocarina of Time, it runs more smoothly than Ocarina of Time, it has a darker storyline. They're all valid points, and I agree with all of them. The reminder of my childhood is greater in Majora's Mask, though. After we were done playing the game, I would pretend to run around as Link (the main character), and transform into the various creatures that he does (a Deku Scrub, a Goron, a Zora, and Fierce Deity Link), and pretend to fight evil and be a hero. Unfortunately, I still haven't grown up too much, and still do sometimes.
Book: Flowers for Algernon
I'm going to come right out and say this. Flowers for Algernon is the greatest book ever. No contest. If you haven't read it, go do that now, and I'm going to spoil it for you.
Flowers for Algernon is about a man named Charlie Gordon. In the book, Charlie is mentally challenged, with an IQ of 68, and lives what he thinks is a normal life. He goes to an special school for challenged adults, has friends, and a job. To improve his intelligence, Charlie undergoes an experimental surgery that will allow him to learn at an incredible rate, and withhold the information. Before testing the surgery on Charlie, the doctors introduce him to Algernon, the rat that they had tested it on previously. The surgery worked on Algernon, so the doctors are confident that it will work on Charlie.
The surgery is a success and Charlie starts learning. He starts to date his teacher. His intelligence eventually reaches the point where it surpasses hers. He realizes the friends he thought he had were only making fun of him and using him for jokes. Charlie remembers his childhood vividly, his mother was abusive and he had visited many doctors to try and fix his brain.
Later in the book, Algernon's intelligence starts to deteriorate. I don't want to spoil the ending. I'm sure you can guess what happens, though. I will say this, it was the only time I have ever cried because of a story; I have never become so emotionally involved with the plot and characters. The book just felt so real. Buy it, it's only $8.99.
Movie: Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog
Ah, Dr. Horrible, you are my favourite movie. Fun to watch, fun songs, great actors, I could go on. I can't, though, there are only so many positive adjectives. I've seen this movie at least fifty times, and watched three times in a row once; just so I could listen to all of the songs. It's an Internet thing, too, which makes it so much more awesome.
The songs in a musical are just as important as the story, in my opinion. And the songs in Dr. Horrible are absolutely fantastic. Not only do I know all of the words to all of the songs, but I know most of the words in the movie, sad I know. Every time I watch the movie, I sing along. When I'm walking around, I sing the songs in my head. I'm a huge fan.
I've thought about the story in detail, and even dressed up as the titular character for Halloween. The actors are all great, and Penny is played by the actress who plays the main character from The Guild. Go watch it, you won't be disappointed.
TL;DR
I like the media, mostly the Internet and video games. I like Majora's Mask, Flowers for Algernon, and Dr. Horrible. I'm also an evil genius and will eventually take over the world, just you wait, everybody.
Links:
Adblock Plus for Chrome
Adblock Plus for Firefox
The Guild
Cracked
The Guild's YouTube Channel
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
Flowers for Algernon
Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog
All images are property of their creators, I take no credit for them.
There are a myriad of redeemable qualities to found in Majora's Mask. It looks nicer than Ocarina of Time, it runs more smoothly than Ocarina of Time, it has a darker storyline. They're all valid points, and I agree with all of them. The reminder of my childhood is greater in Majora's Mask, though. After we were done playing the game, I would pretend to run around as Link (the main character), and transform into the various creatures that he does (a Deku Scrub, a Goron, a Zora, and Fierce Deity Link), and pretend to fight evil and be a hero. Unfortunately, I still haven't grown up too much, and still do sometimes.
Book: Flowers for Algernon
 |
| Credit to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt |
Flowers for Algernon is about a man named Charlie Gordon. In the book, Charlie is mentally challenged, with an IQ of 68, and lives what he thinks is a normal life. He goes to an special school for challenged adults, has friends, and a job. To improve his intelligence, Charlie undergoes an experimental surgery that will allow him to learn at an incredible rate, and withhold the information. Before testing the surgery on Charlie, the doctors introduce him to Algernon, the rat that they had tested it on previously. The surgery worked on Algernon, so the doctors are confident that it will work on Charlie.
The surgery is a success and Charlie starts learning. He starts to date his teacher. His intelligence eventually reaches the point where it surpasses hers. He realizes the friends he thought he had were only making fun of him and using him for jokes. Charlie remembers his childhood vividly, his mother was abusive and he had visited many doctors to try and fix his brain.
Later in the book, Algernon's intelligence starts to deteriorate. I don't want to spoil the ending. I'm sure you can guess what happens, though. I will say this, it was the only time I have ever cried because of a story; I have never become so emotionally involved with the plot and characters. The book just felt so real. Buy it, it's only $8.99.
Movie: Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog
The songs in a musical are just as important as the story, in my opinion. And the songs in Dr. Horrible are absolutely fantastic. Not only do I know all of the words to all of the songs, but I know most of the words in the movie, sad I know. Every time I watch the movie, I sing along. When I'm walking around, I sing the songs in my head. I'm a huge fan.
I've thought about the story in detail, and even dressed up as the titular character for Halloween. The actors are all great, and Penny is played by the actress who plays the main character from The Guild. Go watch it, you won't be disappointed.
TL;DR
I like the media, mostly the Internet and video games. I like Majora's Mask, Flowers for Algernon, and Dr. Horrible. I'm also an evil genius and will eventually take over the world, just you wait, everybody.
Links:
Adblock Plus for Chrome
Adblock Plus for Firefox
The Guild
Cracked
The Guild's YouTube Channel
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
Flowers for Algernon
Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog
All images are property of their creators, I take no credit for them.
