Today in History: Notes of WWI and Nolan Ryan

Though I am not a big fan of Harry Potter, I wish a Happy Birthday to author of the Harry Potter series, Joanne Rowling, aka J.K. Rowling!

17th President,
Andrew Johnson

Today also marks the death of 17th President of the United States, Andrew Johnson. Johnson became president after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. In Feburary of 1868, Congress charged Johnson with 11 articles of impeachment, which were vaguely described as "high crimes and misdemeanors." Johnson, along with Bill Clinton, are two U.S. Presidents who have been impeached.

Yesterday, I mentioned the Battle of Hooge, one battle in the Second Battle of Ypres that introduced the flamethrower. Today in history, on July 31st, 1917, began the Third Battle of Ypres, also another battle in World War I. This battle was also known as the Battle of Passchendaele because of the village of Passchendale where much of the battle was fought. This battle lasted three months, when the Canadians took Passchendale. Total casualties for this battle was reported to be over 250,000.

Nolan Ryan pitching in
his 300th win game

200 wins is a milestone for pitchers in Major League Baseball today. 300 wins is a club of its own with only twenty-four pitchers who have reached this milestone including Hall of Famers, Cy Young, Christy Mathewson, and Warren Spahn. On this day in 1990, MLB career strikeout and no-hitting leader, Nolan Ryan, wins his 300th game of his career as he goes 7 2/3 innings, allowing three runs (one earned) and striking out 8 Milwaukee Brewers for a 11-3 Texas Rangers win. Brad Arnsberg relieved Ryan, working 1 1/3 innings of scoreless ball to obtain his third save of the season. Ryan was induced into the Baseball Hall of Fame with a 98.79% vote on the first ballot in 1999.

Today in History: Burning Money and Destroying Beetles?

The first portable flamethrower

Many battles throughout history introduce new weapons into the world. For example, on this day in 1915, the First World War saw the Battle of Hooge, where a flammenwerfer, German for flamethrower, was first truly introduced into the world. The flamethrower, along with other weapons such as machine guns, hand grenades, and trench mortars, allowed for the Germans to reclaim their positions after being captured by British infantry eleven days before. Originally, these flamethrowers were stationary, however, later converted into smaller, portable versions. The flamethrower continued to advance even after World War I, including its deadly role in World War II.

the back of this
US $1 bill can be seen with
"In God We Trust" above the
written "One"

If you grab an American dollar bill, you can find the phrase "In God We Trust" on it. Dwight D. Eisenhower once again in my Today in History post, as on this day in 1956, he signs a law to officially declare that "In God We Trust" will be the official motto of the United States. Only two years before, he also pushed to add "under God" in the pledge of allegiance. Eisenhower encouraged religion, however did not forcefully pressure beliefs onto anyone. Though this motto did come to effect in 1956, it did not become printed onto paper money until 1957.

This day in 1966 was the first televised broadcast of a World Cup soccer match! Hosting Germany, England fights in over time to win 4-2. This was England's first World Cup title, though controversy arouse when film suggested that England's Geoff Hurst's second of three goals did not cross the goal line.

This baby blue Volkswagen Beetle
was the last of the classic model

The Volkswagen Beetle is a cute, iconic car that was produced before World War II. The classic vehicle was also used in movies like Herby Fully Loaded and Love Bug. This iconic classic became discontinued on this day in 2003, though a "New Beetle" model was introduced. The final classic Beetle was a baby blue, now in a Wolfsburg, Germany museum where Volkswagen is headquartered. This Beetle model was banned in America in 1977 due to failing its safety standard, though was still widely popular in Germany and other parts of the world.

Today in History: Back Once Again!

Hello readers! I'm back from vacation and still have a slight bit of jet lag, but I have decided to come back to blogging!

An image of Belle Boyd

First off on this day in 1862 was when 19 year old Marie Isabella "Belle" Boyd, a Confederate spy in the American Civil War, was captured and detained by Union troops. Boyd was from a slaveholding family in Martinsburg, Virginia. She shot  and killed a Union soldier a year before in 1861, but authorities justified this shooting because the Union solider insulted her mother and threatened to search their house. Boyd became a Confederate spy soon after this shooting incident. Her capture on this day in 1862 was the first of her three captures. For this capture, she was brought to Old Capitol Prison in Washington D.C., but released a month later on August 29th.

Today Cadillac is a luxurious American car in General Motors, however, it did not always belong to GM. The Cadillac Automobile Company was America's leading luxury automaker, founded in 1902. Only seven years later, on this day in 1909, it was bought by General Motors Corporation for $4.5 million. Henry Ford was a backbone for the Cadillac, as he left this company with Murphy, who renamed the Cadillac Automobile Company after brining in consultant Henry Leland.  Leland was persuaded by William C. Durant, founder of GM, to sell Cadillac to him for $4.5 million. Cadillac is still maintains its reputation as a luxurious American Classic.

Images of Cadillac logos,
including the original 1902 logo

The NASA seal 

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, aka NASA, was created on this day in 1958 when Congress passed legislation for establishment and President Dwight D. Eisenhower authorizes it. This was response to the Soviet Union's satellite launching the Sputnik I on October 4th, 1957. The Soviet Union also sent another satellite, the Sputnik II, a two months later on November 3rd. Attempting its first satellite, the Unites States sent out Vanguard that quickly exploded after launch. The United States feared the Soviets may send missiles with nuclear weapons to America, but also prided itself with advance, forefront technology. On January 1st, 1958, the U.S. once again tried to send out another satilite, the Explorer I, which had a successful orbit around the earth.The space race between the U.S, and Soviet Union had began.

 

ParaNOmal Activity

Nope, this isn't a movie review on Paranormal Activity, it's a little bit of a follow up to my previous Today in History update. I am still on vacation and will get back to consistent blogging in about a week! Meanwhile, I hope you as a reader enjoy this random picture of two sets of math problems! (Feel free to figure them out if you wish!)

Today in History: Whoops!

I'm back for Today in History! For readers, this will be posted on July 19th, though the date is noted as July 18th. I was looking for events on July 19th, but accidentally typed a few paragraphs for events that occurred on July 18th! Instead of deleting it all, I just kept it for a published Today in History. To clarify, this is Today in Hiostry: July 18th. 

A portrait of 32nd United States
President, Franklin D. Roosevelt

As stated in the Twenty-Second Amendment of the United States Constitution,"Section 1. No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of President more than once." Though this Amendment is currently in effect, there was one president who was elected for a third term, Franklin D. Roosevelt. On this day in 1940, FDR was nominated for his third term. Controversy surfaced when many found out that Roosevelt was running for a third term, as it was an unwritten rule for presidents not the run for a third term (mainly due to George Washington stepping down after being nominated for a third term). Even through controversy, considered on of the best presidents in the history of the United States, Roosevelt defeated Republican corporate lawyer Wendell L. Willkie in a landslide nearly a year later in the 1941 election.

David Cone celebrating after he throws the
16th perfect game in Major League history

A few post ago on July 7th, I noted that China has agreed to award Hanoi economic aid for the Vietnam War in 1955. Twelve days later, today in 1955, the Soviet Union, known as Russia now, grants Hanoi 400 million rubles (approx. $100 million at the time) in economic aid. These grants from both China and the Soviet Union allowed for industrialization programs to initiate in Hanoi, creating items South Vietnam did not have within ten years. North Vietnam saw victory of this war after twenty years in the Fall of Saigon on April 30th, 1975.

As an avid San Francisco Giants fan, it felt amazing when I saw Matt Cain threw a perfect game and Tim Lincecum no hitting the San Diego Padres. On this day in 1999, former MLB pitcher, David Cone, threw the 16th perfect game in Major League history. Cone retired 27 straight Montreal Expo hitters, 10 down on strikes, to lead the New York Yankees to a 6-0 win. Cone only threw 88 pitches, the second least in a perfect game behind Addie Joss' 74 pitches in his 1908 perfect game.

One thing I couldn't resist omitting was an event that occurred today in 2008, the release of the Dark Knight. The Dark Knight was the highest-grossing movie for three years before Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 premiered on July 15th, 2011. With a $158,411,483 box office opening weekend, The Dark Knight surpassed previous leader, Spider-Man 3, which raked in $151,116,516. Currently, the Dark Knight is the 16th most highest-grossing movie all time at $1,004,558,444. The Dark Knight virtually crushed its predecessor, Batman Begins. Its sequel, The Dark Knight Rises, however, surpassed it in not only opening weekend box office, but also all time highest-grossing movie, currently at ninth.

Today in History Announcement

Hello readers of my blog! I'm currently on vacation, currently in Macau! That is the reason there is not Today in History post today. Here in Macau the internet is pretty limited, so there may be no Today in History post for the next few days! I'll get back to blogging Today in History in a few days along with a movie review and Passport Experience blog!

Today in History: Crusading for the MP3

Lincecum and his San Francisco Giants
teammates celebrating his no-hitter

I have to congratulate Big Time Timmy Jim on his no-hitter on July 13th, 2013! Though it was a 148 pitch effort, you can add a "no-hitter" to your list of magnificent achievements! In other baseball news, Braves Hall of Famers, Hank Aaron, also hit his milestone 500th home run today in 1968.

Knights from the First Crusade 

Today's "Today in History" can be dated back to 1099, when Jerusalem is captured in the First Crusade. The crusades were religious conflicts in the Middle Ages between Catholics in Europe and Muslims and other minor religions. Jerusalem began to see many Christians persecuted by the Islamic rulers in the 11th century, sparking rage in Europe. Pope Urband II called for a crusade in 1095. The first crusaders who marched to Constantinople (who later were annihilated by Turks) were French and German peasants. The main crusading force actually included over 25,000 with as many as 4,000 mcalvary. The crusaders sieged Antioch in 1098 then took a six moth rest until setting off to their goal: Jerusalem. The once large army was nearly cut down over half its forces to about 1,200 mounted knights and 12,000 on foot. Finally obtaining Jerusalem on July 14th, 1099, the crusaders soon found that they faced Egyptians who challenged their actions.



The Egyptians defatted the Christians in August, temporarily ending the Muslim resistance.

A Drawing of 38th US President, Gerald Ford

On this day in 1913, Leslie Lynch King Jr. is born in Omaha Nebraska. You don't know who Leslie Lynch King Jr. is? Even though, Leslie may seem like a girl's name, this is really 38th United States President, Gerald Ford! Gerald Ford was really born Leslie Lynch King Jr., but legally changed his name on December 3rd, 1935, named after his step father, Gerald Rudolff Ford. 

Large audio files could suddenly be
compressed easily
with the ".mp3" extention

Today, many people use a special thing called a "smartphone" not only to call others, but to text, surf the web, and listen to music, but on this day in 1995, a revolutionary new technology called the "MP3" changed the way we all listening music. Engineers found a way to make one's favorite audio into a small, compressed file. This was known as the MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3, released to the public with the famous file extension, ".mp3." This was important for compressing data, allowing a 32MB file to be stored in only 2-3MB. It was magic at the time, but now, it seems like a way of life for technology today.

Today in History: A Short Little Note

Today's post will be a little bit short, as I was out the whole day, but tomorrow's post will be a longer post!

40th U.S President,
Ronald Reagan 

The final ball used in
the 1930 World Cup Finals.

With many World Cup news in the past couple of days, I think it would be important to note that the first World Cup was hosted on this day in Montevideo, Uruguay, in 1930. Two matches occurred with France defeating Mexico 4-1, and the United States shutting out Belgium 3-0. The first World Cup final was between two of the favored teams to win the World Cup, Argentina and Uruguay. Uruguay ended up defeating Argentina 4-2.

Twenty-eight years ago today in 1985, Ronald Reagan was undergoing surgery in Maryland, trying to remove a benign polyp in his large intestine. During the surgery, doctors found what seemed to be a cancerous colon polyp. Reagan and his wife Nancy agreed to remove the polyp the following week, which proved to be successful  Reagan announced that he was "glad that's all out," and planned to live a long time after the surgery. Reagan lived to 93 years old, dying on June 5th, 2004 of Pneumonia.

Today in History: A Bit of Death, Treaties, and First!

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie
with their children, Knox
(Left) and Vivienne (right)

Happy Birthday to Bill Cosby who turns 76! Also, the man who voices Spongebob, Tom Kenny, turn 53 today. US Olympic gymnast Jordyn Wieber turns 18 today too! It is also twins Vivienne and Knox
Jolie-Pitt's 5th birthday. They are the natural born children of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt who were born on this day in 2008.

After a fierce duel with rival politician Aaron Burr the day before, United States Founding Father and first Secretary of treasury, Alexander Hamilton dies of his gunshot wounds on this day in 1804. It is unconfirmed what age Hamilton was when he died, but historians speculate that he died at either age 47 or 49. His murderer, the vice president of Thomas Jefferson, Aaron Burr, was not charged with man slaughter after he returned to office in Washington D.C. Hamilton was fighting a wound caused by a bullet into the stomach that lodged near his spine. He died in the afternoon in New York City, New York.

Albert Pike

Albert Pike, special commissioner of the Confederate States of America, signs a treaty with the Choctaw and Chickasaw Native American tribes on this day in 1861. Pike opposed secession, but sided with the South because his adopted state, Arkansas, succeeded. The tribes also sent representatives into the Confederate Congress. Their native land was also protected by the treaty as long as annual payments were made from them to the Confederate Government. Some of Confederate troops were Native Americans, including Stand Watie, a Cherokee, who became a brigadier general.

34th President Dwight D. Eisenhower

President Dwight D. Eisenhower becomes the first president to ride in a helicopter on this day in 1957. Eisenhower, 34th United States President in office from 1953-1961, suggested to the Secret Service to use helicopters for short flights around the White House and surrounding areas. The Secret Service approved of this new form of transportation which was more efficient that then traditional presidential limousine. Marine One is the president's helicopter, just as a presidential airplane is Air Force One. Currently, presidents have 19 helicopters available for their use.

Frank S. Reasoner
was killed in action
in an airbase near
Da Nang, Vietnam
during the Vietnam War

The Medal of Honor was also introduced on this day in 1862 with President Abraham Lincoln signing a measure to award the Army Medal of Honor. This honor, described by Congress to give this award, "to such noncommissioned officers and privates as shall most distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action, and other soldier-like qualities during the present insurrection," was first given to six members of the Union Army who raided into Confederate territory. These six soldiers destroyed the bridges and railroad tracks that connected Chattanooga, Tennessee  and Atlanta, Georgia.  Though this was created for the Army in 1862, exactly 103 years later, on this day in 1965, the first Marine also received the Medal of Honor. Lt. Frank S. Reasoner was killed in action on this day in 1965 when he exposed himself to enemy machine gun fire, trying to rally his men. For his actions, Reasoner's wife and son were presented the medal by Navy Secretary Paul H. Nitze.

Today in History: The Great Piggy Bambino?

"Charlotte's Web" author E.B. White was born today in 1899.
"Charlotte's Web" was made into a movie in 2006.

Happy Birthday to United States President, John Quincy Adams! He was born on July 11th, 1767. Also, E.B. White is born today in 1899. E.B. White is the author of "Charlotte's Web."

Today marks the day Alexander Hamilton was shot by rival politian Aaron Burr in 1804. There were different accounts on what had happend in the battle, but one thing was for sure, Aaron Burr shot a bullet right though Hamilton's stomach that lodged into his spine. Burr claimed that Hamilton had shot first, but missed, though Hamilton's assistant claims that Hamilton did not believe that battle was necessary. Burr was charged with murder in New York and New Jersey, but he finished his vice president term in Washington D.C., where he was proteced from any prosecution.

A depiction of the duel
between Burr and Hamilton

Under General George McClellan, the Union found victory over the Conferates on this day in 1861 in the Battle of Rich Mountain. Part of McClellan's force led by General William Rosecrans blocked Southern Colonial Pegram from escaping, forcing the Confederate troops to surrender. Though McClellan was known as the victor of this battle, many agree that Rosecrans was the fuel to winning this battle and deserves credit for it.

Babe Ruth was on the Red
Sox from 1914-1920

Future Baseball Hall of Famer and the man credited to save baseball, made his Major Leauge debut today in 1914. The Sultan of Swat pitched seven strong innings for the Boston Red Sox, leading them to a 4-3 victory over teh Cleveland Indians. Babe Ruth was originily a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, but also developed as a hitter. Before the 1920 season, Red Sox owner Harry Frazee sold Ruth's contract to the New York Yankees so that he could fund his own musical production. This trade was known as the "Curse of the Bambino" because many believed it has caused the Red Sox' 85 year World Series drought. The Bambino went on to hit more homeruns than entire teams after converting to an outfielder for the Yankees. With the Yankees, Babe won four World Series titles while the Red Sox did not win a World Series until 2004.

Today in History: Fillmore and Soccer

Upon the death of the 12th President of the United States, Zachary Taylor, former Vice President Millard Fillmore is sworn in as president on this day in 1850. Fillmore is only one of two presidents to inherit the position after a previous president's death; the first was John Tyler in 1841, who assumed the position after William Harrison died after 30 days in office.

Millard Fillmore, 13th
President of the United States

On this day, July 10th, 1940, Germans begin a long series of bombings against Great Britain. This is known as the Battle of Britain, which was a battle in World War II. After Germany occupies France, the British understood that the Germans would turn across the channel to attack. In the wake of the war, Britain was desperate for aluminum and a collective stiff upper lip. The government turned all available aluminum into Spitfires and Hurricanes. Though the Germans seemed to be defeating the British, poor intelligence and British attack on Berlin eventually forced Hitler to suspend the Battle of Britain after three and a half months.

The famous picture of Brandi
Chastain celebrating after
scoring the winning goal

In sporting news, 14 years ago today in 1999, the U.S. women's soccer team comprising of Briana Scurry, Mia Hamm, and Joy Fawcett, beat China to win the 1999 FIFAWomen's World Cup. The score was 0-0, though the United States won 5-4 on penalties. After the second half, forward/ midfielder Michelle Akers leaves that came after a collision with goalkeeper Brianna Scurry. The score was tied into overtime. In the final shootout, Brianna Scurry dove to save a goal from China's Liu Ying. Brandi Chastain was up, with one kick, the ball went flying into the upper right portion of the goal, allowing the United States to win the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Today in History: Tennis and Politics?!?!

IT'S A HAPPY UNICORN BIRTHDAY! Happy Birthday to the, engrossing and zany, CINDY HO.

First New York Governor, George Clinton

In about a year after the United States adopts the Declaration of Independence, the state of New York elects their first governor, Brigadier General George Clinton, on this day in 1777. Clinton is currently the longest serving governor in New York and the entire United States, serving 18 years from 1777-1795, and another 3 years from 1801 to 1804. He also became vice president of the United States in 1805, serving until his death in 1812. Clinton was in the Continental Congress and favored the Declaration, however, did not endorse the U.S Constitution until the Bill of Rights was added.

President Zachary Taylor was a wartime hero, but considered to be one of the worst presidents in American history. On this day in 1850, President Taylor dies unexpectedly after only 16 months in office at the age of 65. Taylor suffered through many symptoms leading to his death including severe cramping, diarrhea, nausea, and dehydration. Physicians concluded that Taylor had cholera morbus, infection of the small intestine. Taylor's vice president, Millard Fillmore, filled his position the next day.

12th President of the United
States, Zachary Taylor

A depiction of Spencer Gore,
the first Wimbledon Champion

Over the weekend, the world's oldest and renowned tennis match, Wimbledon, ended with Andy Murray becoming the first British men's single champion since Fred Perry in 1936. Though 77 years of this drought seems very long, the history of Wimbledon dates back even longer into 1877. On this day in 1877, twenty-one amateur tennis players show up in a small suburb outside of London, Wimbledon, to play in a Gentlemen's Singles tournament. The Gentlemen's Singles was the only event at the first Wimbledon, with the winner of this event winning a 25-guinea trophy. Twenty-two men registered for this tournament  though only twenty-one showed up. The final winner of the first Wimbledon was a cricket player, Spencer Gore. Ladies Singles was introduced into Wimbledon into Wimbledon in 1884 with Maud Watson winning the first Ladies event. 

Today in History: Liberty for All!

The Liberty Bell,
now residing in
Liberty Bell Center,
Philadelphia

The year 1776 is a special year in American history. In the midst of the American Revolutionary War, the United Colonies soon became the United States, declaring its independence on July 4th. Soon after, on this day in 1776, the Liberty Bell in the Pennsylvania State House (Independence Hall) rings citizens to hear the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. The bell was moved and hidden in Allentown in 1777 due to the British attempting to melt it and use it for cannons. The famous crack in the Liberty Bell is up for historical debate, as there are many different accounts on how the famous bell got its crack.

The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France

Today is a special birthday for Paris. It's not the birthday of Paris Hilton, nor is it of Michael Jackson's daughter, Paris Jackson, but the "City of Light," Paris, France. July 8th, 1951 marks the city turning 2,000 years old. Many speculated that the city was founded around 250 B.C., however. Today, July 8th, 2013, marks Paris' 2062nd birthday. Paris, the capital of France, is currently a home to about 2 million residences. Over 42 million tourist visit Paris annually. Happy Birthday, Paris, France!

Retired NBA Hall of Famer Dennis Rodmen visited North Korea in late Febuary to visit Kim Il Sung's grandson, Kim Jong Un. On this day in 1994, Kim Il Sung, dictator of North Korea for 46 years, dies of a heart attack at the age of 82.

Today in History: Dam it!

Jude Law as Dr. Watson in the
modern Sherlock Holmes movie

Happy Birthday to (fictional) Dr. John H. Watson, sidekick of the famous Sherlock Holmes! Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the author of the fictional Sherlock Holmes stories, coincidentally also died on this day.

On this day in 1955, months before wake of the Vietnam War, China announces that they will provide approximately 800 million yuan (approx. $200 USD) in aid to Hanoi. Some consider November 1st later that year to be the start of the war when the military and political situation in South Vietnam fell apart.

Construction of Hoover Dam in the 1930s

If you visited the Black Canyon along the Colorado River in the border of Arizona and Nevada in the 1930s, you would see construction workers building a massive dam. Fast forward to present day in the exact same location, you would be looking at the massive Hoover Dam. In five years, Hoover Dam saw over 21,000 men working on the largest dam at that time. The dam opened in 1936, and officially opened for tours in 1937. It closed from 1941 to 1945, the duration of World War II. Arthur Powell Davis, the man who constructed the thought of Hoover Dam, did not formally document his plans for the dam until 1922, though the concept was already thought of in 1902. Today Hoover Dam is a famous landmark in the Black Canyon with millions of visitors each year.

Despicable Me 2 Review!

It's time. It's here. 

Bubbles. It makes me happy. Bubbles while watching Despicable Me 2: AMAZING. Well, really, there wasn't any bubbles in the theater, but watching the movie in RealD made me feel like it did. I watched Despicable Me 2 on Wednesday, July 2nd, the day it premiered, but this review is posted on the weekend because I traveled to Hong Kong (yayy!). Enough with this random nonsense, its time for the review!

(Please skip the spoiler section if you don't like spoilers!!!!!)

~~~~~~~~~~~~SPOILER SECTION~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Unlike some of my other reviews, I'm going to just give a quick, yet informational summary.

Much of the basic, earlier plot of the movie is explained in the trailer. Though initially Gru was back in the business to go undercover to find the mutating chemical, PX-41, he ends up trying to find out if Eduardo Perez, owner of Salsa & Salsa, is really El Macho, a former villain that was said to have died when he hurled into an erupting volcano strapped to dynamite and a shark. As this mission also starts, a new mission to find out what is happening to the minions, as many were disappearing and mutating into crazy, purple indestructible balls of terror.  Gru doesn't only face hero-villain like troubles, he also faces personal and family problems like falling in love with Lucy, his partner-in-crime, Margo falling for boys, and Agnes' trouble with a Mother's Day speech.

The plot and much of the multiple subplots connect together at the end, including Agnes finally confidentially giving a Mother's Day speech at Gru and Lucy's wedding. Also this is extra filling sentence for anyone who does not was to know the big spoiler at the end. Though most movies end with everything coming together and making sense, I loved how Despicable Me 2 incorporated them into each other and still made it flow very well. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~END SPOILERS~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

One of the official posters for the movie

This was definitely a movie that I enjoyed a lot. The purple mutated minions legitimately scared me because when they jump out of the flat screen, you can't help but wonder if the hundreds of them will eat you...

But then again....I learned to never mess with Agnes and her unicorn.....

As I watched the movie, I noticed differences from the first film. With much of character development already established in the first movie, it was not a heavy factor in the sequel. However, you still find newly introduced characters like Lucy and  and original members like Gru, Margo, and even Dr. Nefario, continue to develop even further. Instead on focusing on much of character development, there were many goofy gaffes throughout the film that all seemed to involve the minions. I enjoyed watching these gaffes, as they were quite random, but enjoyable and what makes this movie the blockbuster that it is.

It's true!

Though I throughly enjoyed the movie, I did not like the structure of the plot very much. The beginning of the movie was very random, but an understandable addition to add more gaffes. Throughout the entire movie, I felt like there were multiple subplots that would be interrupted and reiterated at different times of the movie, a little bit like ASDFmovies on Youtube. I can't complain too much about this structure though, because in the end, I understood each one and it all connected very well to end the movie.

Applaud or Veto?

I feel like my movie reviews are getting quite predictable, but an applaud from me! It's a cute, goofy family movie that can take your mind off the pressures of life. It's a pretty random movie, but I put it on my "must watch again" list because of a) the minions, b) I loved the first Despicable Me and I loved this, and c) the joy and laughter it brought me for an hour and thirty-eight minutes.

Today in History: Life is Like a Box of Chocolates!

Happy Birthday Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama!

The first American League All Stars in 1933

With the 2013 MLB All Star Game coming up on July 16th, I will bring this post back to 1933, where the first MLB All Star Game was played in Comiskey Park, Chicago. The premise of this game was to lighten the mood and improve the reputation of baseball during the dark times of the Great Depression. In the 1920s, attendance at major league baseball games was high and mighty, but as the early 1930s rolled by, attendance fell over 40 percent. Fans would vote for their favorite players, with popular players such as Lefty Grove  Lou Gehrig and the Great Bambino, Babe Ruth in the first MLB All Star Game. On July 6th, over 47,000 fans scurried into Comiskey Park watching the first All Star Game ending in a 4-2 American League victory.

The famous quote from Forrest Gump

Is like really like a box of chocolates? Well, in hindsight I guess it would be, after watching  Forrest Gump, staring Tom Hanks, which was released on this day in 1994. The movie with a $55 million budget was a huge box office success, brining in over $677.3 million. Forrest Gump is actually based off a novel of the same name by Winston Groom. This movie was nominated for 13 Oscars, taking home six. With this movie, Tom Hanks won his second Academy Award for Best Actor, a year after he won his first for his lead role in the 1993 film, Philadelphia. 

Today in History: Things are Started!

The Olive Branch Petition

Yesterday was July 4th, the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted. One year before the United States declared independence in 1775, the Continental Congress adopted the Olive Branch Petition. The petition, which protested of King George's harsh governing, was to prevent any further large-scale war between the colonies and Great Britain. Congress sent this letter to King George on July 8th, only to have it to be rejected by him. The rejection allowed for many figures, such as John Adams, to push harder for independence. Adversely, the American Revolution continued to rage until American independence.

The Salvation Army, a large worldwide charitable organization, was founded on this day in 1865. Originally named the Christian Mission, founders William Booth and his wife Catherine founded this organization in London dedicated to strike down poverty while also being as efficient as the military. The Salvation Army is still based in London today along with more branches in over seventy five countries.

Micheline Bernardini poses in
the world's first bikini

In 1919, the Chicago White Sox were involved in one of the most devious scandals in baseball history, the Black Sox Scandal. Three years later, on this day in 1921, the Chicago White Sox were thoroughly accused of intentionally loosing games to receive money from gamblers. Eight players, Eddie Cicotte, Oscar Felsch, Arnold Gandil, Fred McMullin, Charles Risberg, George Weaver, Claude Williams, and "Shoeless" Joe Jackson, were banned from Major League Baseball.

The potential Hall of Famer, "Shoeless"
Joe Jackson, was banned from Major
League Ball due to the Black Sox Scandal

Imagine, it is a hot summer day at a beautiful warm beach with the breeze in your face and the sound of the ocean surrounds you. Many people on a beach are probably wearing bikinis, which were introduced on this day in 1946 by French designer Louis Reard. Many two piece bathing suits appeared around the 1930s, leading to Reard's designs. When finding a model to model the new design in its debut, Reard had a hard time finding someone who would model in this very skimpy design, but found exotic dancer Micheline Bernardini to model for him. The bikini became an instant hit. Reard even got over 50,000 fan letters. Today, the bikini is a popular swimsuits worldwide that can be seen in places from the beach to even athletes (track and field events, beach volleyball, etc).

In sci-fi movies, cloning seems like a breeze, but in reality, really is not as simple as it looks. On this day in 1996, scientist at the Roslin Institute in Scotland successfully clone the first mammal ever, a sheep named Dolly, from an adult cell. Though this occurred in 1997, Dolly was not publicly announced until February 1997. During Dolly's short lifespan, she gave birth to four lambs. Preceding her death, Dolly was found to have arthritis in her hind legs and had progressive lung disease. Scientist put Dolly down to rest on February 14th, 2003. Her body was stuffed and can be seen at the National Museum of Scotland.

Today in History: Happy American Independence Day!

July 4th is a special day for the United States of America, as it is Independence Day, the death of two Founding Fathers, and the 15th birthday of Malia Obama, daughter of the 44th President of the United States.

Thomas Jefferson was a
very important figure
in American History

John Adams was also
a very important
figure in American History

The main elephant in the room is the U.S. declaring independence on this day in 1776. The American Revolutionary War broke out 1775, and though the United States declared independence on this day in 1776, the war lasted until September 3rd, 1783. It started out in Philadelphia  Pennsylvania, where the Continental Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence, which proclaims that the United States of America are independent from Great Britain. Soon, many things changed, as America became its own country. Today, many celebrate Independence Day by having a leisurely barbecue with friends and family and watch fireworks at night.

Interestingly, two men known as Founding Fathers who helped structure this new country, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, died on the 50th anniversary of adopting the Declaration of Independence. John Adams was the second president of the United States while Thomas Jefferson succeeded him as the third president. On this day in 1826, John Adams last words were, "Thomas Jefferson still survives," unaware that his old friend Thomas Jefferson had died only hours before.

Monsters University Review!

Pixar brings Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan back in Monsters University (MU), but it's not the new happy Monsters Inc., they bring us back to the basics where the duo learn their scaring! I just watched Monsters University yesterday (Sunday, June 30th), and the movie is still fresh in my mind!

~~~~SPOILERS ALERTTTTT~~~~~~~~~

Since Monsters University is still a very new movie that is in theaters worldwide, I'll try to keep most of the spoilers to a minimum (unlike my Les Miserables review). However, I will have a quite lengthy summary anyway.

Before the movie even starts, there is an adorable six-minute animated clip about a blue umbrella falling in love with a red umbrella. At first you see the blue umbrella happily blocking its owner from the heavy storm in a crowd of unhappy grey umbrellas. Soon, you find another happy umbrella approach it, a red feminine umbrella. You feel the romance between these two umbrellas as they walk down the road. However, the two umbrellas take a separate turn. Desperately wanting to be with the red umbrella, the blue umbrella breaks away from its owner and flies to the red umbrella. The blue umbrella falls slightly short of the red umbrella and falls to the wet road tattered and nearly destroyed. After a cut to black, the blue umbrella's owner sees his broken umbrella and picks it up. Aiding the blue umbrella's owner is the owner of the red umbrella. We see the two talking and  having a good time at a nearby cafe, where the blue and red umbrellas are joined together, happily ever after.

A young Mike Wazowski

Then the movie really begins, as we see a school bus full of young, exited monsters. As they leave the bus, one monster kid seems to be missing, Mike Wazowski. After Mike is found still stuck in the car, we find out that the class is going on a field trip to the famous, Monsters Inc. When partnering up, Mike doesn't have a partner and is left to partner with the teacher. Inside Monsters Inc., the class meets a scarer, Frank McCay. Frank heads into the floor to demonstrate scaring, with the class standing behind a safety line. As Frank heads into his door, Mike crosses the line and walks into the door into the human world. When Frank is done scaring his child and comes back into the monster world, he realizes Mike was in there with him. After scolding Mike of the dangers in the human world, Frank praises Mike of how quiet he was inside the door and gives him his Monsters University hat. Mike is inspired by Frank and wants to pursue his career in scaring.

Mike as he steps into Monsters University 

Years later, we see Mike enrolled in Monsters University in a scare major. He meets roommate Randall Boggs, who is a geeky monsters who desires to be popular. On the first day of class, Dean Hardscrabble drops in to inform the students that those who do not pass the scaring final will be kicked out of the scare program. Mike studies very hard, making sure that he will pass the scare final. One day while Mike was in his room studying, a blue, arrogant monster that Mike saw in class breaks through his window. The monster was James P. "Sulley" Sullivan, who was revealed to be in the famous scaring Sullivan family. Sulley was trying to smuggle a pig from a rival college to prove his worthiness of MU's most elite fraternity, Roar Omega Roar.  When the pig steals Mike's treasured MU hat, Mike also joins Sulley in capturing the pig. As the two near a fraternity party outside, Mike throws a football to capture the pig in a trashcan. Sulley is invited into the fraternity, while Mike, who wishes to join, is denied because he is considered "not scary enough."

Oozma Kappa, Mike and Sulley's
fraternity that help them compete
in the MU Scare Games

One of the elite fraternities at MU, RΩR

Finally, on the day of the finals, Mike continues to study as he waits for his turn in the scaring final. Mike and Sulley begin to fight, they knock over Dean Hardscrabble's prized record-breaking-bottle of scream. Dean Hardscrabble takes the accident very lightly, but questions Mike and Sulley on what type of scare to use. Mike answers the question correctly, but is kicked out of the scaring major because he is "not scary enough." Sulley does not answer a question at all, simply roaring to attempt to impress Hardscrabble. Sulley is also kicked out of the major because he does not understand the different types of scaring used on children.

Dean Hardscrabble

Angered by his new major, Mike joins the Scare Games, which the winner would be known as the best scarers on campus. With a very soft and not-very-scary fraternity, Oozma Kappa, the entire schools laughs at them. Mike wagers with Dean Hardscrabble that if Oozma Kappa won the Scare Games, that all the monsters in the fraternity will return to the scaring major. Hardscrabble accepts, however, Oozma Kappa only had five contestants, one short of the required amount for the game. Sulley volunteers to join Oozma Kappa, allowing Oozma Kappa in the games.

I will not explain any further because a) this summary is getting very long and b)this is a major story line of the plot. This was simply a "preview"or a "reminder" of what happens in the movie.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~END SPOILERS~~~BEGIN REVIEW~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As a big fan of the first Monsters Inc. movie, I've got to say, this prequel of the original movie was amazing. I found myself paying attention to the music a lot in this movie because it was very similar to the soundtrack in the first movie. Though the music was very similar, music in MU added a college-like ensemble that gave it a college vibe.

Many characters and miscellaneous monsters
from the prequel, Monsters University

The plot of this movie was much more complex than I expected, as when I thought it was the climax of one problem, a new problem arose. Interestingly, I was actually startled at some points of the movie, such as moments where Dean Hardscrabble was introduced or when scares were taking place. This may have been because of my huge excitement for this movie. Being a prequel, I also looked at many hints or information that may help character development for the original Monsters Inc. Randal's grudge at Sulley is slightly explained and characters from the first movie also make a cameo.

Applaud or Veto? 

Definitely an applaud for me! If you are a fan of the first movie, this is definitely a movie on top of your list for the next coming weeks (for me, Despicable Me 2 is also on the top!). I thought the plot of the movie was also structured very well, as the events flowed one after another. Watching the movie also gave me a lot of childhood memories, and writing this blog made me realize how fast time goes by! Fun little fact: the original Monsters Inc. came out 12 years ago in 2001!

2013 is another big year for the film industry, as big blockbusters like Iron Man 3, Man of Steel, and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire are huge attention grabbers, but between these large action-packed films, it feels amazing to relive childhood and catch a fun cartoon like Despicable Me 2 or Monsters University.