Interview with a Model-Bad Charlotte (aka Vampireleniore)

I am so excited that I got a chance to start my Interview series. I've been wanting to do this for awhile. My first victim interviewee is the lovely Bad Charlotte aka Vampireleniore I am very grateful to her for taking the time to participate. Now, on to the interview.

Glitch-Chaos

Lets start by having you introduce yourself, who you are, what you do, and where you live.

Bad Charlotte

My name is actually Amanda. I use the name "Bad Charlotte" as my modeling alias because it is both the nickname someone I loved very much gave me and it was the name of my grandmother, the person I admired most in my life, save maybe one person at a time.

My deviant (DeviantArt.com) name is vampireleniore. I got that from a book I wrote a while ago. Yes ^.^ I write books, stories, paint, draw, model, and I'm a student.

Website...well, I'm working on my website right now, but it will definitely be coming out sometime this summer (or so I'm hoping). I'll keep you all updated on. (DeviantArt)

I live in California, United States, but travel all over. I've been to Washington, Oregon, and soon to New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania for my modeling.

You can also find me on (Model Mayhem)

Glitch-Chaos

Why/how did you decide to go into Modeling?

Bad Charlotte

I wanted to since I was five, but my parents strictly forbade it, saying I would not be able to until I turned eighteen.

I originally got the idea because I was freakishly tall when I was little and people would always say I could be a model because of that. I stopped growing at eight years old, though, and now I'm a short model, but I actually enjoy my height more now than I ever did then.

Glitch-Chaos

Most people don’t think about models needing gear to work, they think it’s all provided for you. What do you always bring to a shoot out of need or just in case?

Bad Charlotte

Cell phone, pepper spray (I take that everywhere and have never had to use it on anyone, thankfully), snacks, hairbrush, comb, straightener, curling iron, hair spray, shine serum, biosilk, makeup (all of it), some wardrobe items just in case the stylist flakes, emergency cash, coat always (I usually use it as a robe), Listerine strips, tooth brush, tooth paste, floss, shoes, and the list goes on.

Glitch-Chaos

Have you ever wanted, or actually have punched a photographer? Why?

Bad Charlotte

Oh, I've wanted to.

I had a photographer have me come to him on the train for a paid gig (it wasn't very much either. At the time, I was desperate, so I settled for way less than my rates) and when I got there, he said, "You know, I am tired after driving around and working, but you're really beautiful, so please let me know when you're in the area again."

Another photographer was doing a suicide girls photoshoot with me (yes, I almost became a suicide girl. They recruited me, but then I did research and wasn't pleased) and he kept telling me I should do spreadshots for the site.

One, I don't do spreadshots. EVER. and two, he was trying to convince me that I had to in order to be a successful suicide girl.

I HAD A FREE SUBSCRIPTION to the site for a year and saw that some of the most successful suicide girls were also some of the most classy, so no, I didn't have to.

A few photographers would be too touchy. I don't allow it, unless it is a female.

Some would even try to brush a hair off my chest and I would brush their hand away and let them know that's not cool, or flinch away, or whatever.

Nothing pisses me off like someone trying to cop a cheap feel.

Glitch-Chaos

What is the worst and best thing about modeling?

Bad Charlotte

Best thing? Feeling beautiful and artistic all at once. Having fans. Getting to express yourself in many different ways, meeting new people, going new places. There's a lot of good.

Worst thing? The occasional psychopath or pervert (not that I have anything against perverts unless they make me uncomfortable).

Glitch-Chaos First nude/implied nude shoot. What was it like? Did you make it all the way through?

Bad Charlotte

It was very comfortable. The photographer was actually a close friend, so I was with people I trusted and it brought out the creativity in me.

However, it took a while for the, "Is this sluttish?" feeling to go away because I was raised Christian and, in my own convictions, a very modest dressing person (still am). I've only owned one miniskirt my whole life and it was an anniversary present (BUT this doesn't mean I'm judging people who do).

I've decided after much thought about the subject that nudity is not in itself corrupt, or pornographic. It's the poses or intention (or a combination of the two) that makes it, so I usually tell photographers that I typically like to be very "un" sexy in photoshoots with nudity. I like to act like I'm dancing in front of the camera. Sometimes, I do pinup nudes, which I think are playful and innocent, but also very sexy in a sophisticated sort of way.

Glitch-Chaos

What Model do you wish you could imitate?

Bad Charlotte

Imitate? I think I prefer to do my own thing. Adding a bit of individuality to what you do is what brings you to your goals.

No one wants 8 Audrey Kitchings or 90 Mosh's.

they want them. Why have a copy of them?

By the way, if I HAD to imitate, it would probably be Rabid Girl Scout or Mosh. Mosh has the most amazing poses and Rabid Girl Scout has the most amazing style. She's so much like me, except with more hair and makeup skills.

I also love Ulorin Vex's poses and style. I have a thing for "Blindingly bright" stuff.

Glitch-Chaos

What is your dream modeling job and you dream “normal” job?

Bad Charlotte

Dream modeling job? Hmmm...getting paid to do things I love with people I like to work with.

If Raven's Laughter and I were hired by a client, or Debbi, Shandra Jade, and I, or Mosh and I. Porcelain Poet and I. Donald Holman and I. I would die of excitement! There's others, of course.

Normal job? Painting. Writing books. I plan to do them both anyways, but if I struck a gold mine in either field, I would take on modeling for the sheer pleasure of it instead of a career.

Glitch-Chaos

Do you like to look at the pictures afterwards? Or would you rather just move on to the next job?

Bad Charlotte

I love looking at pictures!

It's not a vanity thing. You can compare it to having a child and going, "SHIT! That's a beautiful baby! Look what we made!"

Glitch-Chaos

Have you ever been in a modeling situation that scared you?

Bad Charlotte

Yeah. A photographer mislead me on the location of a shoot in Portland, or I misheard him. Not sure which. I was in this new place and I was supposed to crash on his couch that night, so I was scared I would be stranded without a place to sleep.

Bleh. Then, I couldn't get a hold of him on my phone because I ran out of minutes (pay as you go phone).

Glitch-Chaos

Do you have a question you’ve always wanted someone to ask you just so you could answer it? What’s the question? What’s the answer?

Bad Charlotte

Only a million.

Hmmm...What's one random fact about you, Miss Charlotte, that very few people know?

Answer: I LOVE bright colors and I love working with other models, but only if I like them a lot. If not, I'll still enjoy myself, but working with someone you admire is inspiring and a great experience.

Bonus question: (because I really want to know). Have you ever used your model status as a pick up line?

Bad Charlotte

lol. I haven't had to. I've been in two relationships since I started and one of those relationships was with someone I was with way before I started.

On occasion, he would joke about how awesome it was to date a model. Come to think of it, they both did.

Glitch-Chaos

Thank you so much for your time! I am truly more grateful than you could ever know!

Feed the Monsters!

When I have kids someday, I’m going to tell them when they’re afraid at night of monsters under the bed or in a closet to feed the monsters. They can feed them by sneezing out their fear and worry, so that the monsters can eat it without having to pull it from them first. I’ll explain to them that Monsters are good creatures who like to eat human fear and worry to help us out. They don’t ever want to eat humans because their sharp teeth are magically designed only to bite and snag negative energy not human flesh. The fear they feel that tells them a monster is around isn’t really fear they’re feeling, but the panic that their fear and worries are feeling knowing they’re about to get caught and eaten.

My View on & of Guns, Control, and Education

We all hear about guns, killing, and gun control all the time and everyone has a different view on it. Here is mine.

First my back ground, I was raised in a family with guns. I hunt, I clean, and I cook. I am not a great hunter and I have no Taxidermy in the house and never have (not for lack of want.) This said my view on guns, use, and control is: There will always be guns! They made drugs illegal and their still around what makes anyone think it would work for guns? Therefore based on the reality of this simple fact I suggest instead of banning guns or making them more popular by discouraging their use, that we force training about them in all schools. Yep, that’s right I want a class in school called gun education. In this class (held every year from K-12) students would be given information relevant to age about gun use and safety. Yes, even kindergartners would have a gun class where they learn what a gun is and that they should not handle one without supervision and the expressed permission of the adult owner. I believe this will aid in the reduction of accidental deaths greatly. As students age they will receive additional information about guns as they reach the age at which they can realistically fire that particular weapon based on demographics. A first grader can easily fire a BB gun but would likely be injured simply from the recoil of a 12 gauge shotgun. Students would be trained along the way not only in safety but in proper use, target practice, gun cleaning and maintenance, and in both local and federal laws related to carrying, hunting, threatening, and murder.

I believe that taking the mystique out of guns will greatly reduce accidental shootings. Let’s face it, items seen every day are less enticing to both kids and adults than ones only seen on TV or at a friend’s house. With this simple act gun safety will become routine to future generations and the number of accidental incidents will decrease.

Training in use of fire arms will also decrease the accidental death rate. If you know how to properly use a gun and learn proper habits regarding safety accidents such as unintentional discharging of the weapon resulting in injury or death will decrease. Proper target practice will also decrease accidents by ensuring that a fired weapon hits its target rather than missing and striking something or someone else. The other side effect of knowing how to shoot and hit a target is that if a person (gang member, road rager, or psychotic) does choose to take a life, only that one life will be taken. I know this isn’t a real bright side, but check out some statistics from your home town before you disagree. How many bystanders’ accidental deaths happen each year because the shooter was a bad shot? If these social deviants are going to kill no matter what (and we all know, for now, they will) why not try to limit the so called collateral damage?

The additional training in the use of guns for hunting should be incorporated into these lessons as well. Not to encourage hunting, but to ensure that the lesson of “guns do kill living things” gets across to the students. I for one will always remember the lessons related to that fact from my hunters education class and how thoroughly it improved my caution in regards to all firearms.

An education in the laws related to guns and gun related crimes should assist in getting across that there are penalties for improper, unethical, and illegal use of firearms. This will not only attach consequences but will remove the ability to claim ignorance of the law.

This is my suggestion for the post Columbine, 9/11, “postal”, “road rage” world. With mystique removed, proper training, legality, consequences, and most importantly safety taught. I honestly believe that accidental deaths due to improper handling, ignorance in handling, random firing, disregard to consequence, and lack of comprehension to consequence will decrease dramatically. I know after each lesson I learn about firearms and how each works. I feel a greater sense of appreciation for the power a gun holds and I walk away with a greater desire to ensure proper safety is taken the next time I am in possession or presence of a gun.

Lastly for those of you out there who insist that all guns can be taken away from society with “a little work” A lethal weapon of gun design can be made using PVC pipe, any aerosol spray, a potato, and a lighter. All found at your local hardware store. (Commonly called a Potato Cannon) So please don’t bother telling me otherwise.

Thank you

G-C

Something fun and hopefully funny

Employer IQ test, have the employer take any online IQ test and then remove the furthest left non-place holder digit. If the new number is below 20 there’s hope.

Employee IQ test, Have employee take any online IQ test. Then multiply it by two. If the new number is over 100 give them a pay raise and keep them around whatever the cost.

Simplified IQ test, tell the person to catch the tennis ball you are about to throw. Then gently with an under hand toss send it towards their nose. If they catch it they’re smart. If they dodge it they’re trouble. If it hits them in their nose proceed to alternate test.

Alternate IQ test if Simplified IQ test results in a hit on the person’s nose. Tell them to catch the next object you send their way. Point a loaded .45 caliber pistol at their nose and pull the trigger. If that person dies the test is finished. If the gun does not fire, switch the gun safety to “off” then test the pistol by putting the barrel in your ear and pull the trigger listening for the click and boom of a successful shot.

Hey you! Yes, you! The dumbass over there. The Alternate IQ test is a JOKE! Do not try this at home or at all!

Thank you

G-C

Sony PRS-505 E-Reader

I purchased my Sony PRS-505 Personal Reader System for around $300 U.S. to use with the PDF text books I receive as part of my online college classes. I, like many people in the world, only have a desktop PC. So the hours of reading I was doing, sitting in my computer room at home, were really hampering my ability to have a life. It was also making me feel quite closed in a trapped at my desk. Therefore I started my research into getting an E-Reader with the focus on getting my text books out of my computer without having to print the hundreds of pages (I tried printing for one eight week course and had a stack of paper about two and a half inches thick and empty ink cartridges.) My search turned up only two possible companies to buy from, one was Sony the other was Amazon. With that found, the functionality and cross checking of abilities began. Sony’s Personal Reader System (PRS) had the list I expected to find on both machines BBeB Book, TXT, RTF, PDF, and Converted MS Word documents. Plus, it turns out, it can also display JPEG, GIF, PNG, and BMP images (which it converts to black and white within its 8 level gray scale display capabilities), and can play MP3 and AAC audio files. The Amazon Kindle list showed PDF and all other file types but, it stated they have to be converted over and that PDF was not guaranteed to work. Well, seeing as how all my course text books come only in PDF this killed the option of using Kindle.

Now anyone who reads a lot on a monitor learns that eye strain can also be an issue and those with laptop computers know all too well how hard it is to read a back lit screen outside on a sunny day, so the next part of my research sent me looking for the closest store where I could test drive the E-Reader. Thankfully the Sony site had a store finder and the Borders book store about five minutes away from my home was listed. A short time later I was talking to the Sony rep who comes most weekends to answer questions and help sell the product… I was amazed at this thing! At first glance I thought that the print on the screen was one of those decals that stores use on display products, but no it was the actual screen. It turns out that E-Readers use “electronic ink” (E-Ink) no backlit screens here, just the E-Ink displayed on what they also call “electronic paper.” This stuff is astonishing to see for the first time because it really does look like something printed out onto paper. The best part though is that with no backlighting you can stand outside with the sun over your shoulder and it’s still readable! Those of you with less than 20/20 vision will find it important to know that the reader can also change between small, medium, and large font sizes. The Sony PRS-505 system comes with an attractive soft case, USB cable, quick start guide and CD-Rom and with the charging adapters (sold separately) you can charge the Sony PRS-505 while reading. The battery life can last for up to 7,500 page turns or, in English, about a week of “average reader” use. It also has expansion slots for an SD card and a Pro duo card for increased storage capacity as well as a headphone jack for listening to those music files.

Since I purchased my Sony PRS-505, my productivity in course work has tripled and my stress levels are way down. Not having to sit at my desk to read my text books has also freed up my life. During hunting season I was able to read my book while my hunting partner (dad) drove us two hours out to the leased blind we had. The first few trips out I was so excited that I could go and not feel as though I was “playing hooky” that I spent half the drive just repeating to my dad how cool it was to be able to do this. I have also been using the reader around the house bouncing from room to room as I feel and on trips for fun and/or education related reading. The fun books came from the Sony E-book store where you can buy and download for (on average) less than paperback price. The only obvious exclusion to the low prices is on new releases but that’s also worthwhile as you know that they won’t sell out and you won’t have to leave the house to get it.

All in all I’d say the cost of Sony’s PRS-505 is well worth the price. My work efficiency is up, my stress levels are down, and my over all eye strain has been greatly reduced. Now I just have to learn a little restraint on buying books off of the site. (It’s so easy to do I tend to hit the purchase button before thinking about the fact that I’m actually spending money.) So to anyone who does a lot of reading and wishes to get away from their desk or computer, I suggest you look into a Sony Portable Reader System. Trust me it’s worth the time and money, especially if it helps save you even more time and money down the road.

Link to Sony's PRS site

Sony

Now open to requests

I am opening my little blog here to requests of reviews on products (Either ones that I already own or can be provided for testing) and for any Sci-Fi/Fantasy Books.

Yes, this is a little blog but people do find it and some of them even comment too. So if you are looking for a way to get free publicity just leave a comment here or you can contact me through Twitter (link box on right side of the main page)

If you would like to see an example of my reviews Read the entries here titled "MyScribe Equals Fail" or "My review of the book Twilight" Note: I am currently working on positive reviews of my Sony PRS-505 E-Reader and of the Book "Storm Front" by Jim Butcher. All of my reviews are and will be honest and in parts and title blunt. That is all the warning I give, so as long as your request is for a quality product you have nothing to worry about ;)

Thanks for reading :)

My review of the book Twilight

Let me begin with why I read Twilight. My sister who does not like “vampire books” at all has been eating up this series and loving it. So I decided to see what it was that made her like it. I picked up the book off of the Sony Ebook store for $9.89, threw it onto my Ereader and started reading. One third of the way through, I noticed that I was still in “character development land” and still no real plot twists outside of a tween drama. The characters were introduced to me now though and hints of the greater plot were evident. I kept reading and waiting patiently because the potential was there. As I reached the unveiling of the vampire (Edward Cullen) to the female lead (Bella Swan) it was a slow reveal with little blood or dramatics. More of an “oh duh” moment if you will. Now she knows and their fondness for each other grows. At this point we are past the halfway mark in the book and I’m wondering where the exciting plot that everyone eludes to is. Well it turns out it’s at the end. Almost literally the last quarter or less of the book is the exciting vampire related part. And it borders on the ridicules.

*****For those of you who are spoiler sensitive this is where they may start*****

Okay so Bella knows about Edward and his “family” so of course she gets invited out to a family outing where all the vampires get to play and use their abilities. This of course draws in some “evil” vampires who are passing through. They of course (<-- once again) find Bella too inviting a treat to leave her be, and start hunting her. Blah blah blah, she goes on the run after destroying her father’s self-esteem as “it’s the only way to escape in time” and winds up in more danger, almost gets eaten, but is rescued just in time. I know this comes across as a snarky review on my part here’s why. The name Bella translates to beautiful, which no one picks up on and she thinks herself to be ugly (Oiy has this been done to death!). The vampires in this story break a cardinal rule of vampire lore, in allowing the undead to walk in the sun. No one mentions steaks through the heart and the family has a cross in their house.

All in all I give this book a C- because it does keep the reader interested so long as they don’t stop to think too much about the actual subject material and how long the development takes. I do see why Hollywood made it into a movie. The book is written just like all their recent efforts they’ve put out if you ignore the epilogue in the book.

As for my initial question of “why my sister liked it?” I would say she liked it because it was a tame plot with slow build up and minimal violence yet, somehow; still interesting thanks to Bella’s drama.

The “Guy” guy’s would likely call this a “chick” story due to the high level of personal drama and minimal action.

C-