This blog displays book/movie reviews, current events, anything that has to do with fairytales and fantasy art. Or things I'm thinking about in general. I am a paranormal romance writer who loves stories about wizards and witches, magic and nymphs.
Too far apart to bridge the distance But something keeps us hanging on and on Pretending not to know the difference Denying what we had is gone... ~Mariah Carey~
Do any of you remember the story of Hansel and Gretel? Well I'm sure you do. It's a very old fairy tale. I loved reading these books when I was little. But I really loved this story because I wanted the witches house to be my house. Can you imagine a house made of cake and windows of sugar? That is a child's dream. I always wanted to live in a world where tree blossomed with lollipops and bubblegum. Umm... yummie !
In the past few years, the science of Internet trollology has made some strides. Last year, for instance, we learned that by hurling insults and inciting discord in online comment sections, so-called Internet trolls (who are frequently anonymous) have a polarizing effect on audiences, leading to politicization, rather than deeper understanding of scientific topics.
That’s bad, but it’s nothing compared with what a new psychology paper has to say about the personalities of trolls themselves. The research, conducted by Erin Buckels of the University of Manitoba and two colleagues, sought to directly investigate whether people who engage in trolling are characterized by personality traits that fall in the so-called Dark Tetrad: Machiavellianism (willingness to manipulate and deceive others), narcissism (egotism and self-obsession), psychopathy (the lack of remorse and empathy), and sadism (pleasure in the suffering of others).
It is hard to overplay the results: The study found correlations, sometimes quite significant, between these traits and trolling behavior. What’s more, it also found a relationship between all Dark Tetrad traits (except for narcissism) and the overall time that an individual spent, per day, commenting on the Internet.
In the study, trolls were identified in a variety of ways. One was by simply asking survey participants what they “enjoyed doing most” when on online comment sites, offering five options: “debating issues that are important to you,” “chatting with others,” “making new friends,” “trolling others,” and “other.” Here’s how different responses about these Internet commenting preferences matched up with responses to questions designed to identify Dark Tetrad traits:
E.E. Buckels et al, "Trolls just want to have fun," Personality and Individual Differences, 2014.
To be sure, only 5.6 percent of survey respondents actually specified that they enjoyed “trolling.” By contrast, 41.3 percent of Internet users were “non-commenters,” meaning they didn’t like engaging online at all. So trolls are, as has often been suspected, a minority of online commenters, and an even smaller minority of overall Internet users.
The researchers conducted multiple studies, using samples from Amazon’s Mechanical Turk but also of college students, to try to understand why the act of trolling seems to attract this type of personality. They even constructed their own survey instrument, which they dubbed the Global Assessment of Internet Trolling, or GAIT, containing the following items:
I have sent people to shock websites for the lulz.
I like to troll people in forums or the comments section of websites.
I enjoy griefing other players in multiplayer games.
The more beautiful and pure a thing is, the more satisfying it is to corrupt.
Yes, some people actually say they agree with such statements. And again, doing so was correlated with sadism in its various forms, with psychopathy, and with Machiavellianism. Overall, the authors found that the relationship between sadism and trolling was the strongest, and that indeed, sadists appear to troll because they find it pleasurable. “Both trolls and sadists feel sadistic glee at the distress of others,” they wrote. “Sadists just want to have fun ... and the Internet is their playground!”
The study comes as websites, particularly at major media outlets, are increasingly weighing steps to rein in trollish behavior. Last year Popular Science did away with its comments sections completely, citing research on the deleterious effects of trolling, and YouTube also took measures to rein in trolling.
But study author Buckels actually isn’t sure that fix is a realistic one. “Because the behaviors are intrinsically motivating for sadists, comment moderators will likely have a difficult time curbing trolling with punishments (e.g., banning users),” she said by email. “Ultimately, the allure of trolling may be too strong for sadists, who presumably have limited opportunities to express their sadistic interests in a socially-desirable manner.”
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I totally agree with this post. There was a blog that I frequented just to read what other people were saying. Well one day I finally got the nerve to join in on the conversation. My post had not been up 5 minutes before someone had already decided to attack me!! What the freak??
And I didn't say anything bad about anybody. It was so crazy! I immediately emailed the blog master and ask them to delete my screen name. I was out of there so fast; no one had time to blink.
Strangely enough, I always knew something was wrong with a lot of these crazy bloggers/commenters/reviewers because with a normal human being, if you tell that person they have done something that hurts you, they stop. If you are dealing with a psychopath/sadist, they don't; they simply argue that you are too sensitive...etc.
And in reality, that is the farthest thing from the truth. Some of these folks really do need psychiatrist and mood stabilizers!!
Ya'll aint no way !!! The photos are beautiful, but I wouldn't die for it.
Models Dive 25 Meters To An Underwater Shipwreck In Bali For A Literally Breathtaking Photoshoot
EARTH PORM
Montreal-based photographer Benjamin Von Wong is known for his complex productions and very stunning powerful images.
He has a track record of using drama in his photographs, turning models into seemingly otherworldly creatures that can make the viewer’s jaw drop in an instant.
It really shouldn’t come as any surprise, then, that he successfully managed an amazing and incredibly difficult underwater photoshoot.
Yet the results are completely out of this world.
On his blog, Von Wong claimed that he had been dreaming of doing another underwater shoot since his first one, but wanted to take it to a completely different level.
Instead of shooting in a pool, he planned to take photos in a shipwreck. He was by no means a trained diver and didn’t have a dive certification, but he felt he was a strong enough swimmer and had enough underwater photography experience to make the production work.
So, while on a vacation in Bali, he picked out a crew of experienced divers, underwater photographers, and free divers and set up a photoshoot 25 meters under the ocean in an old sunken shipwreck off the coast.
Even before you know about all the intricate and crucial details that went into the shoot, you have to admit that the photos themselves are incredibly impressive.
The gorgeous ocean scenes are whimsical, even haunting, the beautiful models draped in flowery white dresses as they pose in a stunning underwater landscape. The decaying ruins and floating, light-weight poses make the scene look otherworldly, the women like sea goddesses in a craggy, fantastical ocean terrain.
From just a glance at the spectacular photos, you may already be pointing your finger and denouncing Photoshop. However, that’s not the case. Aside from the typical post-production retouching, there was no photoshopping involved.
The women really were posing underwater.
The models were required to be experienced freedivers, with plenty of practice and knowledge of diving without oxygen tanks. They weren’t just any average models, but knew what they were doing under the ocean, able to hold their breath for about 3-4 minutes at a time. They posed on site, underwater, and within the old ship wreck, donning dresses graciously provided by designer Ali Charisma.
Von Wong made sure to find the perfect team of people to assist him on the photo shoot. He stressed that teamwork was one of the important factors, stating, “Assembling a competent team is critical to the success or failure of most shoots and this time was no exception…Normal assistants wouldn’t work, specially trained safety divers were going to be necessary to ensure a smooth photoshoot.”
He reached out to his many connections in the community and managed to compile a fantastic team of people. Instead of photo assistants, he had trained safety divers who provided the freediver models with breaths of air from oxygen tanks.
Being under water, he also couldn’t use studio luxuries like lighting. Instead he had to rely on camera strobes and natural lighting. To produce the amazing poses, the models were tied down to the shipwreck. This daring decision meant that any minor miscommunication could have resulted in disaster.
Yet, despite the obstacles and dangers, the shoot seemed to turn out as great as planned. The end results are stunning, and there are several neat behind the scene photos as well. Additionally, Von Wong filmed a video where he goes into detail about his shoot for those who want to learn more about the impressive production.
Little girls it seems to say Never stop upon your way Never trust a stranger friend No one knows how it will end As you're pretty, so be wise Wolves may lurk in every guise Now as then tis simple truth Sweetest tongue has sharpest tooth~
Is it possible for me to not speak to God?? Hmm... well let's say I've tried and in so doing, I find myself in conversation with him anyway. And how is that? Well take a look at this. Even if I try to ignore him, he's here...
or here...
or here...
And why wouldn't I want to talk to God you might ask? Well for many reasons. Too many reasons to list on this board. And besides, some of them are personal. I can't tell anybody! But the funny thing is, when I decide that I'm done petitioning with heaven, I'll usually turn my attention to his many creations and in these creations, I still see him! Funny huh? Yeah I thought so too when this idea popped in my head earlier today. It is impossible for me to ignore him!! Whenever I think I am looking away from him, I'm still staring at him in a different form. And that form may be, the sunset, trees, a beautiful landscape, another person... ut hum... (clearing my throat) !!
It could be anything. Zora Neale Hurston wrote a novel called 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' I had to read this novel in school and guys I'm telling you. I just couldn't get in to it. It's funny because if someone makes me read something I have a hard time doing it. If I am on my own, I'm OK. Well years later, this novel was adapted into a movie starring Halle Berry and it was at this time that I took notice of the film. But the funny thing about the story was I always wondered what the title meant. And to be honest, to this day; I'm still not sure. I can only guess and it brings me to this point. If 'their eyes were watching God', who were the characters in the story looking at each other?? I mean that's all I saw. The novel was basically a love story about a younger man and a older woman falling in love. So that brings me to this point. Although, I try to ignore God because things are just not going in a way I'd like, I still find myself turning to him for comfort. Whether it be in someone else's art, or a stranger on the street smiling or someone just being kind to me. It's like where ever I go. He's there. So I have decided to just talk to him on my level. And that's in the sunset or the moonlight, or clouds, or birds or whatever... Just thinking out loud ya'll. Have a great one!!
photos courtesy of pinterest
First of all, in the words of the lovely Scarlett O'hara I am... 'Pea green with envy!!' LOL... I would give anything to be in E.L James shoes right now!! I don't know how she feels about the trailer but I think she's pretty darn lucky to have her imaginary world brought to life! That is most author's dream! Well at least its my dream. It's the only reason why I wrote my novel in the first place. I want to see my story on the big screen!! The truth of the matter is, I'm not a reader at all. To me, motion pictures are everything! I love watching people and looking at colors and listening to the sound of their voices. It's amazing. It's mesmerizing! It's captivating! I read all the stories up to the middle of Book 3 and based on the trailer, it looks like they were spot on. I loved the view of Christian's office. It was just like the author described it. White and spacious with a gorgeous view of the city. I was impressed!! Like I said, EL James is lucky!! Wish it was me. xoxo
photo courtesy of pinterest
Sleep paralysis is one of the most horrifying stages a person can experience during the sleep cycle. I am guaranteed this type of traumatizing experience if I sleep on my back; which I have not done in years by the way. (In addition to that, sleeping on my back reeks havoc on my sinuses!)
The majority of the time, I sleep with my head elevated to be sure I don't have a overflow of blood rushing to my head, however, there are nights when it doesn't matter what I do, my body is trapped between a dream world and this one.
For those of you who don't know what it is, let me explain. Sleep paralysis occurs when your brain is awake and the rest of your body is asleep. The bad thing about this is, you can't move but you are totally conscious of everything around you. You can see around a room. You will hear everything that is happening around you but you won't be able to move or respond. Your body is paralyzed.
Most of the time, to get out of this stage I will count to three and with all my might, try to wiggle a toe or a finger. If I can move a body part a little bit, I can get out of that stage. But it is extremely hard.
Its a horrible feeling to want to move your body but can't. It's terrifying and debilitating. But wait it gets worse!
Most of the time, when I fall into this state, I get strange visitors wandering around me. Creepy huh?? Yeah I know, but I've been dealing with this crap for years.
Sometimes when I'm in that stage, sinister spirits will crawl on top of me or lay down on the bed beside me whispering things into my ear.
And what were they whispering?
Obscenities or swearing. Nothing worth repeating in other words. But yeah, dealing with sleep paralysis on its own is horrible, now try adding strange entities to that mix; that makes it even worse.
Nevertheless, when the entities come, I'll usually just sing a praise and worship song usually that annoys them so much they just leave and by that time I'm usually able to move a toe or something. Also, I've been doing some online research on this subject and some articles suggest this happens when a person's sleep cycle is disturbed.
I try to keep this in mind and make a habit of sleeping when I'm suppose to, but on the weekends this never happens. I'm always up late. You'd think by now I'd learn my lesson. Go to sleep at a descent time or fight off spirits..LOL
15 Reasons Why Scotland Must Be On Your Bucket List
EARTH PORM
Scotland has got way more going for it than just kilts and bagpipes.
The country is seeping in history and has miles upon miles of gorgeous landscapes.
It’s home to a relatively diverse terrain, complete with tall mountains, several islands, sea-side cliffs, and lush forests.
The geography makes for an absolutely stunning country and a perfect setting for photos, as you can clearly see below. 1. The Quiraing
The Quiraing is a landslip on the Eastern face of Meall na Suirmach on the northernmost summit of the Trotternish Ridge. It’s the only part of the slip that is still moving.
2. The West Highland Line train passing the Glenfinnan Viaduct
This legendry train is also known as the Hogwarts Express Train, as it was used in the Harry Potter movies. The line winds through gorgeous settings, including highland valleys and besides lochs.
3. Kilchurn Castle, Loch Awe, Scotland
Kilchurn castle sits on a rocky peninsula on the northeastern end of Loch Awe. During periods of higher than usual levels of water, the site becomes an island.
4. Rannoch Moor in the valley of Glen Coe
This large expanse of boggy moorland, west of Loch Rannoch, is notable for its wildlife.
5. Trotternish Ridge
As one of the finest ridge traverses in Britain, Trotternish Ridge offers some unsurpassable views.
6. Fingal’s Cave
This sea cave can be found on the uninhabited island of Staffa. Its unique structure is formed by hexagonally jointed basalt.
7. Bluebell Path in Perthshire
A stunning bluebell path can be found in Perthshire. In the spring, the woodland floor turns into a carpet of blue.
8. Isle of Skye
The Isle of Sky is the largest island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. Its rocky slopes provide some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the country.
9. Dunnottar Castle
This ruined medieval fortress lies on a rocky headland on the north east coast of Scotland. The ruins span over 3.5 acres and are surrounded by steep cliffs that drop into the North Sea.
10. Finnich Glen
Also known as the Devil’s Pulpit, Finnich Glen is about 30 minutes away from Glasgow. According to local lore, the gorge used to be used by druids as a secret meeting place.
11. Loch Chon
This freshwater loch lies to the West of the village of Aberfoyle. It’s fed by several small streams.
12. Kilt Rock
Kilt rock is sea cliff in east Trotternish that, as its name suggests, is said to resemble a kilt.
13. Fall in the Scottish highlands
Gorgeous fall hues color the land in the autumn, tinging the Scottish highlands with oranges, yellows, and reds.
14. Scenic bridges straight out of a fairy tail
There are many rustic-looking bridges in Scotland that seem like they jumped straight out of the pages of a fairy tale.
15. Rock formations on the island of Staffa
6 miles west of Isle of Mull lies the breathtaking island of Staffa, which features great basalt columns and deep caves.
This review is long over due. But hey better late than never. But it has always been at the fore front of my brain. I just never actually got around to ever doing anything about it. But anyway here goes. The first time I saw the previews for 'Interview With the Vampire' I was mesmerized. And no, I'm not just saying that. I'm totally telling the truth. Well why? Because Brad Pitt was the most unusually gorgeous human being I had ever seen. And he was a vampire!! A beautiful Vampire. Who knew the two could mix? I didn't. I didn't know the rules allowed that. After all, most of the vampires I'd seen looked like the ones from Salem's Lot. And that stuff was so scary, it would keep you awake at night. However, Interview With the Vampire, aided in reshaping my view of the dark or darkness. Because if creatures like Louis was in the dark, well leave me in shadows. LOL !! My next door neighbor saw the movie before I did. It's not that I wasn't going to, I just hadn't gotten around to it. Now this is the strange thing. When she saw it she said 'You are going to like it.' I smiled and replied "really?" "Yes, really" she said. Well she was right! And how did she know this? I mean I had never told her I loved vampires or Brad Pitt or even Tom Cruise. As a matter of fact, the only one I'd seen before in the entire movie was Tom. I didn't know any of the other cast. The first time I saw the movie. I can't say I was paying a lot of attention to what the story was about because I was so hypnotized by Brad, I couldn't think of much else. Well after watching the movie years later, I had a vhs tape of Anne Rice giving a brief synopsis of the film. And it was at that time that I finally decided to pay attention to the story line. And when I did, this is what I saw. The first thing to jump out at me was Louis' sadness. He had a heavy heart most of the time and I could totally relate to that.
Louis felt bad about killing people. Lestat didn't. As far as Lestat was concerned the more the merrier. But Louis was more beautiful because he had a heart. And that was one of the things Armand (Antonio Banderas) admired about him.
Well, Armand wasn't the only one admiring Louis' heart because I did too. Which brings me to the part of the film that stood out the most. Armand told Louis he was beautiful because he reflected the vampires broken heart and that the other vampires in the theatre were unable to reflect anything. (I'm paraphrasing. Can't remember the exact wording)
But the words he spoke really grabbed my attention. They pierced me. Because I totally relate to that. I feel the same way most days. I feel like there is no one around me that reflects anything sincere loving or kind. And its down right frustrating! If someone talks to me, most of the time I feel like its out of courtesy but not sincerity. It's like if some catastrophe erupts in some remote part of the universe, no one is interested except me. I mean sure some people will just go along for the sake of the conversation but for the most part, its like they're numb. Maybe its just me. Maybe I'm just sensitive because I'm a pices. I'm not sure. But it sure would be nice to be around other people who are like me. OK so let me stop whining and complaining as Lestat would say.
On to my next point. There is another scene in the film when Louis is made a vampire in the cemetery and he looks at the statue of an angel and the angel opens her eyes!! (watch this she will open her eyes in a few seconds)
This was another mesmerizing moment! When I saw her open her eyes a million goose bumps ran up my spine but not out of fear as one might think; but awe. I wanted her to speak!! After all, she represented heaven and heaven's thoughts about Louis and Lestat! But unfortunately, all she did was look at them and not say a word. Just closed her eyes again like it wasn't her place to speak. But the look on her face was disappointment. (Well at least that's the way it looked to me) Any who, that's my take on Interview With the Vampire. I can't remember if I've given a review about this movie before or not. But on this review I decided to add visuals. I love pictures and special effects. xoxo ~~~
OK so I have officially given up on the dating scene. Where are all the cute nice guys? Did they all jump on a spaceship and leave the planet?? And what about the old saying 'You have to kiss a whole lot of frogs before you get to the prince?' Who has that kind of time?? Do ya'll see how the princess is looking at the frog? That's me!! That's how I feel about the dating scene. Well some folks would argue you're just too picky. Find someone nice and just go on. But maybe I don't want to do that. Maybe all I've done my whole life is settled. And now that time is over. NO MORE SETTLING !! There is no way in the world, I am going to stroll around town with the frog pretending to be happy. What kind of life is that? And more than that, its not fair to the other person. I came across a girl's Vlog and let's just say, she was with someone who if other people saw her, they'd take a second look. They'd totally do a double take. I'm not judging but I am saying, I couldn't do it. No way, no how. It's not happening captain !! I just can't deal with the frogs ya'll; even though the one in the pic down below is "pretty cute" !! I'd be friends with him..LOL
"If only I could get out of this dreadful place..." Sometimes I feel so trapped. Like I'm locked in a tower high in the sky; looking down at the rest of the world. And all I have is the horizon. Look into the horizon everyone says. But maybe I'm tired of doing that. I'm tired of wishing, hoping and dreaming. I need to get out of here. Some way, some how...
Well this isn't exactly about the big bad wolf, but it was disturbing just the same. When I was little, I always slept with my grandma when I stayed at her house. That was our routine. That's the way it was and I loved it. Remember I had a huge fear of the dark and there was no way I was going to sleep in a room by myself. Heaven forbid !!! But anyway, one particular night, my mom did not let me spend the night with my grandma. Why? I don't know. I think she was mad at her. So my mom took me to one of her friends house so they could go out to the club. I thought something weird was going on because the entire time we were at my mom's friends house, I kept telling my mom I wanted to go home. And she wouldn't say anything. Well the clock kept ticking. And before I knew it, the sun was setting. Later on I found out my mom was going to the club with her friend and I had to stay with my mom's friends mother. Man I was so mad !!! Why not just let me stay with my own grandma? Oh gosh. Every time I think about it now, I get mad. But hey that's what happens when grown ups feud and the kids are caught in the middle. Well after my mom left, we stayed up for a while and watched TV and then later on the old lady decided she was sleepy and wanted to go to bed. Man, here we go. I wasn't use to sleeping with nobody but my own grandma!! We finally went to bed and that lady had a gallon of blankets on the bed. It was heavy as heck. I didn't sleep the entire night. The room was dark and unfamiliar. I was in complete misery. Beside's when I was with my grandma, she'd always open the curtain to let a little light from the street lamp in the room. Right now I can't remember if this lady did that or not. Either way it didn't matter because nothing was going to soothe my misery. I just wanted to leave. Do you see how this kid is looking at the wolf, posing as her grandma? That's how I felt. LOL...
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Scotland has got way more going for it than just kilts and bagpipes.
