The film Illusions was produced in 1982. It follows the day of Melinda Prey, an executive assistant at a production studio known as National Studios, who is trying to make a difference. The soundtrack of the film is highly jazz music which is similar to elevator music. This creates a relaxing feeling with the exception of when someone is singing or when there was a more thrilling part of the film. Whenever there were conflict or shocking information was shared there were more saxophones to create a louder and more intrusive sound. This at times made the words difficult to hear. The camera usually had wide angles to display facial expressions and movements. There was a scene where they filmed the closed door to the telephone to symbolize the secrets being shared on the phone. This was excellent craftsmanship. The characterization of Melinda, Ester, Luis, and the Lieutenant give a lot to the main problem in the film. Melinda is tough and sacrifices a lot to make progress for not only women but African Americans as well. Ester acts as a sort of foil for Melinda. While Melinda can hide her race to get ahead Ester cannot, but Ester is s thankful for the opportunities she is given and wants more. However, she is willing to wait for the change while Melinda is fighting for the rights and trying to enact the change. Luis, the secretary, is supposed to represent the way the masses feel with her racist comment to Melinda about Ester. She does not seem to say it maliciously, however, she simply sees African Americans as different and thinks they need to be treated differently. The Lieutenant also is racist, but his is malicious and cruel. Luis and the Lieutenant are meant to show the two sides of the population and how that makes it so difficult for racism to be overcome. With this characterization there were also several plot points that help form these characters and show the theme. The Lieutenant was originally hitting on Melinda in the beginning, but then at the end of the film there is a huge conflict when he learns that she is mixed. He is embarrassed and annoyed that she has the position she holds. There was also the scene in the beginning where Melinda was talking to her boss, CJ Forester, about filming more truths about the war and her possibly becoming a producer. This shows how she is fighting for more and trying to make a difference. Additionally, there is a scene where Ester is brought in to fix an issue with a film at National Studios. This allows for a scene where Melinda and Ester create a connection. This is followed by an effect that seems like Melinda talking to Ester but in reality it is Melinda talking to the colored part inside of her. The film has a good message, but due to the time and technology it was creating in the film is a little confusing. There were points where it was hard to understand and certain parts of the message get lost due to the order in which information is shared with the viewer. Despite the important message that is being shared, the film was subpar in its approach and convoluted details.

The Kindle Fire is an electronic library. It allows you to buy or download books that are on Amazon or other online websites. The Fire, however, allows so much more. There is the option to download games and there is the kid’s corner. This is a special app where other apps can be downloaded into it and a time limit can be set. After the allotted time has passed the Kindle will close out and your children will know it is time to do something else. The available library is extensive and has many different genres. There is always something to e done with this device. It also has access to the internet, unlike previous models, and different lighting issues and the ability to download music. This is a very versatile product that would be good for any book lover, mother, or technology enthusiast.

 

 

That’s the thing about books. They let you travel without moving your feet.  -Jhumpa Lahiri

The HP Stream Laptop is a fun device that comes in a wide variety of colors. It can be found in blue, pink, green, or traditional colors. It is a slim and compact design so it can easily be slid into a tote or backpack. It has a fun ombre effect and dot design to leave anyone pleased with the design. The computer was made shortly after its convertible tablet counterpart. The laptop is much better than the tablet counterpart because it allows the user to do things that a traditional computer can while the tablet cannot. It is equipped with the very brief Windows 10 format so it is different than any other HP. It does take time to adjust to such a change, but the fun and new design is something that will be enviable. It has the page of apps that is traditional with a tablet and it is a fun combination of the devices. The computer does work very well even after age has started to slow it down and possibly start losing lines on the screen. It is a fun gift, but I would only suggest it for younger kids or possibly a first laptop. It may make the transition easier. It does not have a very long lifespan but it is a joy to have until it’s time for an upgrade.

 

With color, one obtains an energy that seems to stem from witchcraft     -Henri Matisse

The Chromebook is not a bad product. It is partnered with Google so Google Chrome and the other programs such as docs, spreadsheet, and forums come automatically on the laptop. These programs are very nice because they are simply formatted and they automatically save as work in completed. There may be some complications, however, if Microsoft is a necessary program for you. The Google programs cannot be uninstalled from the device, so if Microsoft is installed then they will both have to be present on the computer. The Chromebook is not a bad product, but the company from which it is bought is very important. The Lenovo brand is by far the worst that I have encountered. The device itself is more compact and the hinge is shaped in a way to always have the user backward, however, the screen is the same size as those of other brands. The computer has terrible connectivity issues and when it does finally connect it constantly gets kicked out. This is, in fact, the Chromebook and not my connection because I have attempted to use it on multiple networks over the course of several months. In addition to the computer itself, the charging port is also a rectangle as opposed to a circle which is a much more durable set up. This can cause issues with charging and the port going bad quicker than other brands. All in all the Chromebook is not a bad product, but the brand is very important. It is definitely something to consider when next shopping for a computer.

 

Design is where science and art break even       – unknown