Samantha Oehley is a 20 year old undergraduate at the Wanganui School of Design in New Zealand. Her interests include the 1960s and 1910s, the Beatles, politics, reading, music and drawing. She has a thing for Priests and Authority figures, and has the habit of always exaggerating things to a more dramatic scale read more_
I am working! I decided to pick up advanced digital photography for my final semester elective. Which is pointless actually. I can’t really use it for my teaching career seeing as film photography (a true art) teachers are what high schools are looking for. But there were no other electives I wanted to take. Here’s some of my work for the first assignment on lighting. You can see the rest here.
The last two were a selection of my polaroid shots [Iona is in the middle]. They weren’t really lighting—although I was experimenting with lighting to create the look of polaroid and old-school photography—but I really wanted to do something like this! So I did.
What do you think?
BUT! … Before you go…
I wrote a manifesto for one of my classes. I’ve designed it for viewing online. Check it out! [Please note— the display is designed for larger screens. Apologies if you are viewing on a laptop or similar-sized screen!]
Read on to the next post about my brothers book…..
Just a quick update to let everyone know where I’ve been!
I’ve recently moved to Wanganui for my final year of university. My course starts in a matter of days so I’ve been focusing all my attention to the move and settling in the flat. I had to drive 5 hours straight yesterday so I’m very tired. But everything’s good, and it’s good to be back in lil old Wanganui. But I’m missing Hamilton already!
Thanks for people’s feedback on my illustrations. Hopefully I’ll get some more stuff up shortly. Time is just the issue here.
But before I do go, I want to put a spotlight onto Canadian-Kiwi Anna Paquin. I like her fashion because it’s simple and elegant but not boring. My unwritten rule for fashion is that fashion isn’t about being different or crazy (unless you’re Lady Gaga), it’s about what works for you. and all these outfits work for Anna!
Welcome to twenty-ten and good riddance to those hideous 2000-and-somethings! Looking back over the decade: the schooling years and the decade holding my teenage era, it was well… uneventful. I had my memorable moments of course, and the last two years were the best of them all but well, I was ten when I entered, so I hadn’t had much life experience. The 2010’s hold more experience and excitement for me I should hope. Here’s to a new era!
In New Zealand, the first to celebrate the new year
My best mate Kelly and I decided last minute to go out. There we bumped into some of our other friends by chance. Too bad the countdown was in a crappy nightclub instead of somewhere more beautiful.
The New Zealand Herald listed the top “in” and “out” things for the 2000’s:
Frankly, our “in” list wasn’t that exciting, despite our “futuristic” achievements, and our “out” list was just as mediocre. I was a bit disappointed that letter-writing was on the out list. But really, 3 things the last decade predicted never turned out: No significant terror attack in the west, no killer pandemic and no economic depression. I suppose that’s a good thing, but it’s almost..well.. disappointing. Who’s really going to remember these years anyway? We’ll remember these years as the Years of paranoia.
Anyway, 100 years ago it was the 1910’s and 50 years ago the 1960’s. My nostalic-despite-never-having-experienced-them-years. So I’m assuming this decade will be the one for me. It’s my fourth decade, despite me being only 20. Then again, can you count the 3 months of the 80’s I “experienced”?
And what about the “celebrity” deaths this year? It was rather significant actually. Who were the memorable ones?:
Michael Jackson
Farrah Fawcett
Patrick Swayze
DJ AM
Brittany Murphy
Jade Goody
Jett Travolta
Ted Kennedy
Natasha Richardson
I had to google this list. And these mentioned are only a small percentage. Celebrities.. we’ve got too many of them. Three on the list died from Cancer. Two from Heart Attacks (presumed drug-related). One age, one drugs, one a sporting accident and one an epileptic-induced accident (right?). Sad though. Life happens. Or happened, in their case. (maytheyrestinpeace ¬_¬)
So I’ve drifted off from a design related blog but I did want to share one thing. Most holiday bloggers are taking their time off so I haven’t spotted many interior and home designs online recently, apart from this one:
Absolutely. Breathtaking. I love it. It’s so me. Click on the image to see more.
I’m currently reading The Glass Lake by Maeve Binchy. It’s interesting, and I wonder where I’m heading with it.
And if anyone cares to know what else I am up to these days? Two words: Jobless and sunburnt. Bring it on 2010!
Like Star Trek before it, Harry Potter is inspiring inventors to created new media technologies that reflect those in the book. Of course, we can’t create magic, but we can create techno-magic! (Haha shout outs to Michael for that one!)
Potter meets real world: moving pictures in print!
We all know that there have been numerous attempts at a real life invisibility cloak in the Muggle world, but here’s a new one: in the next issue of Entertainment Weekly, CBS will be publishing video ads within the printed magazine itself! Daily Prophet and/or moving portraits much? From the Financial Times:
The cost of the full-motion video ad was not disclosed, but it will be far more expensive than traditional print ads, according to executives familiar with the technology, developed by a US company called Americhip.
The willingness to spend on such a promotion highlights the radical means marketers are employing to reach consumers at a time when a growing number of people are using new technologies such as digital video recorders to avoid ads.
“It’s part of the future—a way to engage consumers in new and surprising ways,” said George Schweitzer, president of CBS marketing group. “How do you sample a drink? You give them a taste.”
Unfortunately, the ads will only be issues delivered to New York and Los Angeles residents.
Paving the way for the future! Go fiction!
Now onto my personal life… Please don’t read on if you’re from my class! Haha
Scholastic had a look at the illustration I did for my brother’s novel, and they said it was brilliant, however they were already looking into members of their illustration crew and all that. They wanted a professional with industry experience. Which is fair enough, but why say they want to see some of my work? I mean, I guess they were being courteous to Michael, which was decent of them because Michael shouldn’t have asked (though yey, my brother rocks) but still it kinda wasted my time… Ah well. Michael liked the drawings so that’s fine.
I noticed I haven’t updated in a month. Why? Just imagine school work is like a piled up closet, and I open the door…
Yes.
That, and I haven’t been bothered blogging in a while. That scam thing was all sorted—I got me moneh back! Yey!
Oh I had the most bizarre dream last night (I hope it continues tonight). I had a dream that someone was meant to get married but it ended up it was MY marriage to some guy (perhaps the first couple canceled so we didn’t want to waste a good ceremony?). Now half of me was my dream self, where everything made perfect sense, the other half was my wake self, who was thinking “wait.. I’m only 19! Wait.. who IS this guy I’m marrying, I’m single!” So I was half freaking out and not wanting to go through with it and half thinking that this was all so so exciting.
Obviously in dreams it takes forever and a day to get to the wedding. Make up took forever to get on, I myself took until nightfall before I finally left the building (the wedding was outside) and I kept getting held up. I wasn’t even in a white dress (one of my nice dresses, but still) and my best friends weren’t there. Like two of my high school friends (WHO?? I can’t put a finger on it) were my bridesmaids and they weren’t even in matching dresses. Which made me think this really all WAS a sudden idea. My DAD even came into the building (when I was taking forever to get out) to tell me that I should go through with it…My DAD supporting me getting MARRIED at MY AGE! Yeah right!.. (In my dream everyone thought I was having cold feet, but I just kept getting held up). So eventually I got out and walked down the aisle. It was dark though. And I “saw” who it was I was getting married to, but not really. Some tall guy with brown hair who was a bit older than me—about 10 years? And I sensed he was good looking, although I couldn’t see the face. And I got a name too—although I don’t know anyone called that. So if I meet someone with that name I’ll completely freak! (Though I searched it up on google and it turned out to be some british actor—fitted the description too! Too bad he’s married haha).
I woke up feeling I had not slept a wink. And I went online to find out the interpretation and Dreammoods.com said this: “To dream that you are planning your own wedding to someone you never met, is a metaphor symbolizing the union of your masculine and feminine side. It represents a transitional phase where you are seeking some sort of balance between your aggressive side and emotional side. Two previously conflicting aspects are merging together as one.”
What aggressive side? I know I’m a man*, but really, the most aggressive I get is watching Dragonball Z politics.
Hmm. Well Kelly had a dream I gave this guy I used to think liked me a chance. So hey, I might marry this gorgeous guy but before I have to date this other boy I don’t even like. But we all know dreams don’t come true. If so, I would be pashing Ralph Fiennes any day now! (That was the raunchiest dream I’ve ever had. It was great! Hahahahaha..?)
*I say I’m a man coz I’m surrounded by too many guys and it’s probably affected my DNA in some way.
My brother Michael’s book—which he has been working on for the last 5+ years, is going to be published! By none other than Scholastic!
Ok, so it IS only in New Zealand at the moment, possibly Australia, but that’s still amazing. I’ve been supporting him for so long you should have seen me jump up and down when I heard him on the phone. He just got the news and told me. Thanks to facebook, many others close to him know too. It’s great! I can’t wait to see in in print and the best part is, now I can share my love for in with other people instead of being all hush hush about it for copyright reasons etc.
YEY!
So this holiday has been extremely good for me, what with this great news, my scholarship—hopefully I’ll add the “passed full license test” on the list—because that would be awesome too. I can’t be greedy now, but I did lose when it came to a boy this holiday (what’s new in that area?) so all’s fair! You can only be successful in love OR work at the moment it seems. I’m choosing work. Obviously.
Anywho. I’m trying to write an essay on the media/Obama/marketing etc. It’s so hard! So much to write about and not enough motivation. It should be easy for me, but I’m kinda over Obama atm. Well, the hype. I still love Obama and support him, but enoughs enough thanks.
Firstly, read my disclaimer on the navigation. Secondly, I write this because I’m in the mood to write something a little less superficial and dumb like most of the blogs out there. Who cares where you went on friday night. Will it have a big impact on you when you’re old and boring? No! I can’t figure out if human intelligence is rapidly going up or rapidly going down. Paris Hilton, you’re a bad role model.
Anyway, onto my rant. I’ve had yet another interesting conversation with my older brother about many things, starting with how lucky the world is. And I’m not talking about people like us who can afford food and shelter everyday, I’m talking about earth.
A planet needs a lot of things in order to sustain life. In fact, I’m almost led to believe that it’s not just down to luck—this is where I think a God does play a role. Anyway, back to my point. The most important things earth has are:
- An atmosphere
- Water
- A tilt of the axis.
The last one is very important. Without the axis, the earth literally cannot sustain life. We would have no seasons and no distribution of heat on the planet. These things are crucial in the evolutionary process of the creatures it holds. Without it, we would not exist. I mean, what are the odds of one planet in this universe being able to have all the criterias in order to meet the standard to hold life. It’s unbelieveable. And so many people just don’t care about science and how we.. exist. It’s not just a spiritual thing—it’s science, and it’s amazing. I mean, I can’t talk—I can be superficial and think too much about things of material worth rather than more intellectual things, but sometimes I wonder why people can go about their lives and not want to learn about all this. Not want to use their brains. Here’s where I get snobby and think that people who don’t care aren’t worthy of being human. My dog deserves a better life to live… I also got onto the topic of how white people are always scorned at. I mean, it’s discriminatory if you say anything against a darker skinned race, or whatever, but white people can be dissed all the time. (Here I put a disclaimer saying that I don’t think all non-white people are bad and a waste of space, this is just a generalization of today’s society). I mean, sure, we’ve had it lucky and we have been awful to other races over history (point: haven’t they all), but we have been good too. White people get scorned at because we’re the wealthy creed and we’re “selfish” and “rich”. I don’t defend a lot of us—there are a lot of asses who are wastes of space. What I don’t like however, is the fact that we’ve earnt our status today, and people get angry because of OUR work? (Well, past generations work mainly). We’ve built the technology, the medicines, the art, the architecture, we’ve brought it to other countries to help them. It’s like here in NZ, the very staunch Maori claim that the Pakeha (White people) “stole” their land and we have to give it back! (Which our ex PM happily did). Actually, you ungrateful prats, we bought it off you, and if you don’t like what european society has given you, well you can drop your healthcare benefits, leave your jobs and go live (with a life expectancy of forty) in a mud hut in grass skirts again. And international people using our country as a getaway and then criticizing our ways of life or our people? That’s not on. I mean, I know the native people don’t “own” the country (we should share this planet) and I know what it’s like in a hard country and needing to move—I come from South Africa of all places—but you don’t use the countries people and resources and then treat them as if you’re better than them. I’m extemeley grateful of kiwis for giving my family a better life. I will give back to NZ everything they’ve offered me. And so should every other immigrant. And it’s not just a race thing. I mean, everyday everyone is just ME ME ME. Nobody cares about anyone else or anything else. I swear, when I have enough money and a debit or credit card—I’m going to fully support a charity (for instance, “Love Earth”—see the link to the side) and I’m going to make it my life mission to travel the earth—appreciate the hardworking people who have helped society along (scientists, mathematicians etc)—experience the diversity and see what every nation has to offer—help people do something better with their lives instead of just playing computer games or whatever their entire life—…aaand in between learn more about the earth and why we are so special.
Did you know that the human race was nearly extinct? No, you probably didn’t. In the Ice Age, it is estimated that the human race dropped down to 5000. Today, the tiger (please stop killing them you greedy poachers) has dropped to around the same number and scientists believe that it’s not enough to stop them from becoming extinct in the near future. Humans survived. I mean, clearly it explains how we have problems like down syndrome or whatever, because we’re all from the same original group of people and are inbred (some more than others it seems. I admit I’m not naturally blonde out of a sheer freak of nature). But anyway, see how advanced humans are? We are amazing. We are great. So why aren’t we living up to our full potential? I talked to my brother and asked him if we’d ever develop to a point that we’re so advanced, we’re up against God. He said that we’d probably destroy ourselves before anything like that would ever happen (I mean, c’mon, look at the world now—we ARE destroying ourselves) but he doesn’t reckon we’d ever evolve to God like status. I agree to disagree. I think if we can come from single celled animals, and us humans, the pick of the crop, have come this far (and we’re the leading race—you don’t see anything near our intellectual level—dolphins, dogs, whatever) who says we can’t .. become more.
I mean, if you believe in spiritual things too—like ghosts, or seeing into the future—why not? I’m open to believe that we have psychic abilities and things like that. I’m Christian, I believe there’s a God. I’m just slowly starting to believe that it’s just.. God, not a religious god. Because religion is fucked up, Muslim terrorists and Christian extremists, and judgmental Buddhists or crazy Hindus. You are all weird. And I don’t want to be a part of that weirdness. I think I’ll believe in my own God. He’ll be more Christian inclined, but still.
No human is perfect, I certainly am not and I am aware that I may have been a bit hypocritical or selfish or inconsiderate, today and over my lifetime. But I, more than ever, want to make an impact on this world—use the brain that I was blessed to be born with—and I encourage people to step back from the drone of their everyday, pointless and empty lives and think. Is this all? What can I do with my life to make it worth it. Do you want to look back on your life the day you die and think “God, what did I do of any significance? What did I learn?”. I mean, go ahead and wear makeup and buy nice clothes. Go ahead and chase that boy or girl, that’s natural. Just don’t forget that this is not just all, and your life doesn’t have to be meaningless.
We’re an intelligent species. Reproduction is not our only aim in life. Let’s all be Alexander the Greats and Isaac Newtons, Christopher Columbus’ and Elizabeth the firsts. Mozarts and Shakespeares. Joan of Arcs and George Washingtons, Jesus Christs (in a non blasphemous way) and Einsteins, JK Rowlings and Obamas. Just avoid the Napoleon and Hilter path….
Just a quick entry today. I just came back from the doco film Earth, and while I’m not really into documentaries, this is one I fully encourage people to see. It’s filming is spectacular, the shots of all the animals and the planet are fantastic. It really made me think about how humans are selfish and cruel, and lead lives where we don’t pay attention to serious things like the world ending because of us. I mean, we’re on the top of the food chain and have the power to help the creatures we share the planet with, but thanks to Global Warming and this Brown Cloud that is starting to cover the earth, we’re killing every creature on it—including ourselves. I’ve put a link to the side for Love Earth—please go visit the website. And if you can, watch the Earth movie. It’ll make you want to support the cause. I’m definitely going to start supporting Snow Leopards and Cheetahs once I get a debit card. I love cats, and here’s my chance to do something. So can you.
Official? Not really, these are just online ones. I’ve gotten 141 and 142 on other tests. Apparently that makes me a genius. Well DURRH!
I tried to add an entry before about Sarah Palin but I think this program is rigged so you can’t say some things against American politicians or something. Coz if I delete it but write something else, it’ll work. Jeez, even my personal blog stops me from saying what I like. It’s ridiculous! Read it here though! (or read this one).
I’ll try more whinging on the stupidity of America later. Read my next blog entry for latest in other news. You can skip this next ramble if you want haha
[EDIT]So apparently it’s the end of the world on the 10th? Yeah, Michael scared me too. Scientists are trying to recreate the big-bang and there are rumours circulating that this could create a black hole that will eat the world up so fast that none up us will know we’re all dead. If this is true, well, it’s good to know you all. I didn’t have much of a life and was looking to so much more, but as a Christian, I have nothing to fear about death.
Anyway, that genius Stephen Hawkings thinks that if one does happen it’ll eat ITSELF up in milliseconds and not effect the world. Then again, aren’t they trying to reCREATE the big bang, as in BIG KA-BOW!? I’m not so convinced everything will be fine and dandy. But I guess I’ll have to trust him, and surely no smart scientist will do an experiment knowing that it’s very likely it’ll destroy the world? Hmm.
But hey, if it’s all successful and they prove the big bang occured, then I can go to church and tell people that evolution is real. They’re so convinced that it’s just a man-made plot to cancel out God that they don’t see that there is a middle section of belief—like me—I believe in the bible metaphorically. Like, the world was NOT created in literally seven days but it was explained in that was so those idiotic bronzed-aged tribesmen in Moses’ time would understand it all. And they say I can’t believe in the Bible… pfft. Some people these days just have no brains. Anyway, no one, including me, should argue about the beginning of the world. ‘Coz God created it and that’s that. I mean, who can say it came out of nothing? That’s just stupid. I respect atheists as people, but how can they look out into the sky and think that it was all an accident of nature? Even scientists like Albert Einstein believed there had to be some greater being—Stephen Hawkings, whose agnostic says that he’s certainly not an atheist and not even very sympathetic to atheism. I think it’s just human pride and arrogance to think that we’re all that’s out there. I think Christianity is about admitting we’re weak, believing and trusting in a bigger thing, learning about the right way of living and becoming better people by God’s word (isn’t that better than living with no morals or ethics?). Anyway. I’ve rambled on too much. Continue….[/EDIT]
Let me get one thing straight. Until Obama came along and wooed me with his amazing oratorical skills and genuine gracefulness, I had no interest in American politics let alone America itself. America is a country that is full of selfish people who consider themselves the center of the universe with no one outside of it.
Ok, that sounded rather harsh. Not everyone is THAT bad—I don’t deny there are good Americans, no doubt about it, and I like American’s TV, movies and music in general I guess. (Though I’m more of a British person really). But in General, America doesn’t always handle their problems well which effects the rest of us.
Until…. Barack Obama came along and I fell in love with him (so too with anyone who heard him speak). I’m following the Democratic and Republican state results at the moment… It’s quite exciting. I haven’t got any thing against Hillary Clinton[until she had to cry in order to get donations and I heard about certain crook behaviour in order to win more states], but if she becomes president it’s telling the world that only money and name influence gives you power. I mean, for the last what—20 years It’s been either a Bush or a Clinton in the White House. And if Hillary wins the next 8 years, make that 28 years!!! Are only 2 families allowed to rule the US—and influentially the Whole World??!?!?!
This is one reason Obama should win. His father, as a child lived barefooted in Kenya.
Barack didn’t rely on last name or other aquaintances to help him get to where he is today. He relied on donations and support from the public. Help from Black and White, Male and Female, Young and Old. Now that’s what brings a tear to my eye. If America can help this great man—the Martin Luther King of our generation—to become President, my faith in humankind will be so lifted, I think that I’d support America[n politics] for the first time in my life.
VOTE CHANGE—Be the change you want to see in the world. No more war. No more racial intolerance.
Isn’t it moving? Its the first time I’ve felt so touched by an American. I don’t think I could forgive America if someone else became President (especially McCain or anyone who wants to continue the war). This is the only chance America has to make a good impact on the World. I don’t think Americans realise this, but their choice in President effects the WHOLE world. We NEED to think about global and environmental issues (YES, THE WAR IS EFFECTING OTHER COUNTRIES ENVIRONMENTS AND ECONOMIES!). We NEED to think about racial and religious intolerance. We NEED to think about the war and all the damage it’s causing. And we NEED to change it.
Please, Please, PLEASE America, I ask, as a simple teenage girl on behalf of a world of desperate people. PLEASE make the BEST decision. Who would make the better change? Republican or Democratic, Male or Female, Black or White…. who would be the BEST leader of the free world…
Samantha Oehley is a 20 year old undergraduate at the Wanganui School of Design in New Zealand. Her interests include the 1960s and 1910s, the Beatles, politics, reading, music and drawing. She has a thing for Priests and Authority figures, and has the habit of always exaggerating things to a more dramatic scale 
