| — | Tyrion Lannister, A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin |
Apple files patent for phone with wrap-around display | Engadget
The patent involves building a device from an open-ended transparent body (of glass, for example) that becomes a full wrap-around display when a flexible AMOLED screen is unfurled within it. It doesn’t imagine all that real-estate will necessarily be used at once, though, and includes details of a “detection mechanism,” such as a camera and facial recognition software, which would determine how much of the screen you can see, so that power is only sent to the parts that are in view.
Apple Insider notes that the patent was first filed for in 2011.
That actually looks really sweet.
When I was a kid, I assumed that all adults were mature. Now that I AM an adult, I realize that most of us aren’t.
Dear Prospective Les Miserables Viewers:
Les Miserables, a classic tragedy written by Victor Hugo, has recently been transformed from a musical masterpiece on stage to a beautifully executed film in the movie theatre. The piece deals with serious topics such as prostitution and revolution. I have heard mixed comments concerning the piece, and, being a Les Mis fanatic, thought I would address each of the major themes.
The first major theme of the piece is prostitution. The film is placed directly before the French Revolution—a time when prostitution was an issue that frequented the country. One of the stars of Les Mis, Fantine, involves herself in the sexual sin of prostitution after losing her job at the factory due to gossip among her coworkers (which I will not discuss to avoid presenting spoilers within this review). As she left her job at the factory, she sold her beautiful hair and two front teeth in order to provide for herself and her daughter. In despair, she found a way to make “easy money: lying on a bed” (“Lovely Ladies”).
Although prostitution is a major theme of the film, the sin is not looked upon lightly. Fantine resorted to prostitution in order to save her daughter from dying, however, the film in no way advocates prostitution as a method of income. As Fantine comes out of intercourse, she looks upon the viewer with eyes that pierce into the soul of the viewers, crying “I dreamed a dream of days gone by, when hopes were high and life worth living.” As Fantine lies on her deathbed, she cries that Valjean will protect Cosette (her daughter) and that her death would not be in vain.
The second major theme of Les Mis is that of revolution. Because the film concerns events that precedent the French Revolution, the film (namely the second half) revolves around the theme of revolution a great deal. However, the cruelty that is inflicted upon those who participate in revolutions is quite vivid as blood stains the streets and several young men lose their lives.
My prayer is that this insight will help those who have heard that the film is “all about prostitution” to understand that the film is much more than a film full of sex. The film is a glorious masterpiece that provides insight and understanding of France during the French Revolution and the horror the country endured. The film does have serious themes, but each time they are considered, the piece is quick to make sure the audience understands that the sins are not being advocated. The movie is not a film for children, but is a movie that any adult should view.
If you go into a movie entitled Les Miserables (French for “the suffering”) and expect to come out smiling, you’re going to have a hard time. But if you go into the movie prepared to be wowed by musical numbers, amazed by the glorious acting, and disgusted (as Victor Higo intended) by the multitude of sins, you will enjoy this film as much as nearly every other person who has stepped into the theatre doors.
I am a *huge* fan of the *Les Miserables* novel and, upon reading about the Thernardies, began to grow an unnatural hate for them.
My point:
* They lied to Fantine *several* times about Cosette, saying that she was ill, a burden, had no clothes, etc.
* They, in effect, caused Fantine to lose her hair, her two front teeth, and her job.
* As a result of their actions, Fantine was killed.
*The one thing I hate about both the movie and the musical is the song “Master of the house.”*
I understand that the main supportive comment concerning the gaeity of the song is the fact that since the rest of the musical had such a dark, deep tone to it there needed to be a sort of comical relief. I, on the other hand, feel that the song takes away from the seriousness of the piece. The Thernardiers were *horrible, evil people* that *killed* Fantine. The comedy that the song provides seems to take away that hatred that Victor Hugo intended.
