Batman!

   Make up, fake teeth, masks, wigs, candy, and hayrides: these are just a few things that are associated with Halloween. This holiday, celebrated on October 31st, is one of my favorite holidays. Every year I anticipate the coming day and prepare to celebrate in various ways.

   One of the most anticipated activities of the Halloween season is trick-or-treating. Every year millions of people dress up in various costumes. Anybody can wear anything; such as masks, make up, dresses, or capes, and nobody will think differently of them. One of the things I most like to wear is a mask because nobody knows who is behind it. A person can act like anybody or be anybody and they will not be judged because you can not tell who they are. The ultimate prize or reward you receive at the end is the candy.

   A scarier aspect of the season is the haunted house. However, it is not always in a house. People decorate a variety of buildings like barns, houses, factories, and garages. Within these places there are terrifying things displayed to instill fear in the customers. For example, there may be mad scientists, beheaded bodies, victims screaming, chainsaws, clowns, spiders, and flashing lights. Some houses even offer a haunted hayride which contain similar ideas for scaring people. However, if you survive the frightening experience, customers often receive apple cider and cinnamon donuts as a reward.

   Furthermore, a fun activity for people of all ages that has been going on for many years is pumpkin carving. The first step involves cutting out a hole in the top and scooping out the guts. The inside of a pumpkin is cold and slimy. Some people even keep the pumpkin seeds and roast them for eating. Once the pumpkin is cleaned out, the carver may cut out any shape or design they wish. For example, some carve a face, a scene, or an animal. A pumpkin can be decorated any way you wish. Sometimes a candle is even placed inside to make it more eerie, give it more effect, or give the illusion of movement.
  
   Over the years I have been a variety of characters. When I was little I was always a princess. I have been Little Red Riding Hood, Scream, and a bloody skeleton. This year I am going to be Batman!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOG1EYbp90k&feature=rec-LGOUT-exp_fresh+div-1r-3-HM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqUDr6pTkfY

Clash of the Titans

The movie "Clash of the Titans" is about a war that has been brewing between man and the Greek gods and goddesses. As a declaration of war, a band of soldiers from Argos topple a statue of Zeus. Consequently, Hades appears and attacks the soldiers. Unfortunately, he also kills the innocent family of an unknown demigod. Because the demigod Perseus doesn’t die in the accident, he is left alone in misery and swears vengeance. Perseus is then taken to Argos by soldiers. While he is there, Hades appears again to inform the people of Argos that their city will be destroyed in 10 days unless they sacrifice Princess Andromeda to the Kraken. With the help of a group of soldiers and 2 monster- hunters, Perseus sets out on a perilous adventure to discover a way to kill the Kraken.

Without the group's knowledge, Hades sends out his own secret weapon to challenge their effort. The only wish of the fallen king Acrisius is to get revenge on Zeus for the corruption and subsequent death of his wife. Hades uses Acrisius' dark thoughts to convince him to set out and kill Perseus. However, Acrisius isn’t the only obstacle standing in the way of their mission. As they embark upon their journey, they encounter challenges such as giant scorpions, crossing into the Underworld, and fighting Medusa, Acrisius, and the Kraken. Thankfully, they also receive assistance from the gods. Perseus is given the sword of Zeus and a Pegasus to help him on his journey. Furthermore, they receive clues from witches, and when they are battling the terrifying scorpions, a group of sorcerers called the Djinn arrive to save them. However, I will not explain how all of these things connect because you should watch this spectacular movie.

Travis Beacham and Phil Hay are the writers of this fantastic movie. It was directed by Louis Leterrier. Though "Clash of the Titans" is mostly mythological, it could also be considered an action-adventure. The entire movie is based upon mythological creatures, such as the Greek gods, Medusa, and the Kraken. However, it is an adventure that is action packed. Perseus sees a lot of action on his journey. He fights against many opponents and triumphs. Although it may seem like the movie is only about Perseus setting out to save the day, it is also about him finding out about himself and who he is as a man, not as a demigod.


In the movie, there are many action scenes with Perseus as the main fighter. He fights against King Acrisius, which leads to the attack of the scorpions because the King's blood creates them. While the men are distracted, the King escapes to come back into the storyline later. Later, another conflict arises between Perseus and Medusa. The witches informed the group that the head of Medusa would be helpful if they want to defeat the Kraken. After he beheads her, he gets in another skirmish with Acrisius outside the cave. He defeats the King and flies off to Argos on a Pegasus to battle the Kraken and Hades. Much of the movie is centered around fights and battles.

However, this movie is not just about the fighting,  it is also about mythology. Two of the main characters within the movie are Zeus and Hades. Furthermore, there are multiple mythological creatures that are crucial to the movie, such as Pegasus, witches, the Kraken, and Medusa. In reality, there are no such things as the Kraken, a woman being transformed into a snake, or a horse with wings, but in ancient times these things were believed to be true. Greek gods who knew all and ruled all were a fact of life.

Although I don’t have the beliefs that the ancient Greeks did, this movie illustrated the ideas effectively. It was interesting, suspenseful, and the effects were spectacular. For example, the Kraken and Medusa looked realistic, not like they were completely digitalized. “Clash of the Titans” wouldn’t be suitable for young children because of the violence. However, I would highly recommend this movie to anybody who likes action or mythology.

Movie trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpZ5D_Wc4cA

Serenity

The stars sparkle, crickets chirp, and the moon glows brightly in the night sky. When I take out my dogs at night, if there are clear skies, I gaze up at the sky and think about a variety of things. This simple action brings me great pleasure because it is so peaceful, beautiful, and there is nothing else like it.

            One of the things I find so amazing about the sky is that the stars are as different as the people of the world. No two stars are alike and no star will be created the same again. The night sky is one of the natural wonders of the world, but many do not look up and realize it. People are too busy or preoccupied by their lives that they do not even think to stop and gaze at the stars for just a second. However, people from big cities may not be able to see the sky because of light pollution. If a person has never left a city with many lights, then they may not realize what an amazing sight it can be. Though I enjoy going to the city, I am glad I live in a rural area because I can observe the sky and it is quiet. However, even in the country there are negative aspects.

            Though the sky is a large expanse, there are obstructions, like trees or buildings, which prevent one from really appreciating its size. I have always wanted to go to the desert, or far out on the ocean, so that I could take in the whole view. Being an astronaut has never interested me, but the view from above Earth’s surface must be spectacular. Though the experience would be incredible, I do not think I will ever go to space.

            I do not believe in astrological signs or the positions of the planets having different meanings. The only constellation I can ever find is the Big Dipper. Although I love to see shooting stars, I do not believe wishing on one will make it come true. However, I find the night sky a beautiful inspiration. When I look up at the sky, I think about my life and where I want it to go. As I am taking my dogs back inside, I wonder if anyone else in the world is looking at the sky and thinking about life, too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kn6-c223DUU&ob=av2e
(The chorus and parts of the song suit this blog.)