#3 Is Buffy on drugs?

    After watching a few episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, I have noticed one possible connection to a real world problem.   There are plenty of examples to suggest that slaying vampires could be a reference to doing drugs.
    Buffy the Vampire Slayer could be using fighting vampires as a metaphor for a person’s fight against drugs.   Vampire hunting, just like drug addiction, I’m sure would not be a popular discussion topic.   I’m guessing Buffy realized this and, just like most people that use drugs, decided not to inform her parents about her new hobby.
    Vampire slaying would take time away from doing schoolwork, could cause her to miss class, and possibly cause her grades to fall.   Also, in the third season, the show points out that Buffy has been expelled form school.   A common punishment for students convicted of drug use.  
    Buffy’s mom eventually finds out that she has been hunting vampires, and does not approve.   An argument between the two of them insures, resulting in Buffy running away from home.
    Running away from home could represent going through rehab or trying to give up drugs.   Buffy runs away and starts a new life, free of vampire hunting.   However, she ends up getting captured by a group of vampires, and has to fight her way out of trouble.   All the things she went through to give up slaying was for nothing (has a relapse).
    All of these examples of what happened in the show can be related to drugs or are consequences of drug use.   It is just something to keep in mind and look for if you ever watch the show.

#2 Buffy's takes on Hollywood

    I couldn’t help but notice the satirical references to the film industry in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.   Even the opening scene is poking fun at Hollywood.   In the scene, one of the main characters mutters, “That's right big boy, come and get it,” just before fighting with a vampire.   The killing of the vampire is unsuccessful due to poor coordination, clumsiness and the characters’ apparent lack of experience at monster killing.   However, the novice vampire hunters go on to talk about how the kill was butchered, not because of their low ability levels, but because of the lack of a better pun or a clever one-liner.   It actually makes reference as to how Buffy, the character the show is based on (and exponentially more skilled at these types of tasks than the rookies in the scene), always makes a witty remark before taking out one of her foes.
    Another stab at popular cinema, was a typical Hollywood action scene gone wrong.   The bad guy is getting away, but wait! The protagonist has a way of stopping the villain.   Everyone already knows what’s going to happen.   The creature will be on his way to sweet freedom, when a perfectly thrown stake ends his escape.   In Buffy, as the vampire breaks free and takes off running, the camera zooms in on the protagonist.   His eyes focus as he lines up the shot.   The music climaxes just as he releases the stake and...fail.   The stake crashes harmlessly into a nearby rock, not even coming close to it’s intended target.   Meanwhile, the vampire runs off into the darkness unharmed.
    I thought Buffy’s spin on these elements from popular media was creative and entertaining.   Most action movies have a protagonist that will either taunt an enemy before fighting, or mock them after they are victorious.   Of those movies, some do have very memorable punch lines or catchphrases.   Clint Eastwood in Dirty Harry, and Bruce Willis in the Die Hard movies are the first examples of this that come to mind.   Not all movies have the same success with this kind of humor, and the one-liner seems forced or unnecessary.  Did you hear that Arnold?   This episode of Buffy was unique because it acknowledged this trend and even called itself out on it.

“Anne.” Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Season 3. Writ. Joss Whedon. Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. 1999. Online. Hulu. 30 March 2011.

#1 Getting to know Reece

    I’m from a small town about 30 minutes south of Toledo.   I graduated from Anthony Wayne High School.   I played football and basketball during my time there.   I’m loving Columbus and having a great freshman year at The Ohio State University.   I am an easy-going guy and am really easy to get along with.
    Sports are a huge part of my life.   My favorite sport by far is football.   The Browns are my favorite professional football team.   As soon as the lockout ends, we are going to shock the world by winning the Superbowl!   The Buckeyes are my favorite college team for every sport (our sports teams are some of the many reasons I came to OSU).   Most people think it’s odd that the Oklahoma City Thunder is my favorite pro basketball team, but I think they are the most exciting team in the NBA.   I watch hockey when its on TV, and have gone to a few of the OSU hockey and Columbus Blue Jackets games.   OSU’s hockey season is over, but I highly recommend going to either an OSU game or a Blue Jackets game some time.   Fall quarter I played intramural flag football, and am playing intramural soccer this spring.   I still play basketball, but it’s usually just pickup games at the RPAC a couple times a week.
    I spend a lot of time listening to music and watching movies.   I listen to just about every type of music, and like most genres of movies.   I listen to everything from classic rock to rap to country.   If anyone would like to put some recommendations for new music or movies that you think I would like in your comments I would appreciate it.