Some of you know I'm into slash (in short: dirty stories about hot men on scifi shows). Well, slash is a subset of a genre called fanfiction, itself a subset of something dubbed "transformative works" - original works based on existent materials. For example, Gregory Maguire's Wicked ("The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West") falls into this category, as it is an original piece of writing that used L. Frank Baum's Oz stories as a springboard.
Really, though, the Organization for Transformative Works can explain it better than I can, which is the point of this post: go check it out if you're into that sort of thing. The OTW seems like a really great idea and can use your support.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Stargate Continuum trailer
Though I've watched the first Stargate straight-to-DVD flick, The Ark of Truth, I haven't posted about it yet and I'm not sure I will. I just don't have that much to say; it was a decent episode, on par with anything else from seasons 9 & 10. The movie I'm looking forward to, though, comes out this July - Stargate Continuum.
If you're impatient like I am, and can tolerate terrible quality, check out the trailer that was shown last weekend at the Stargate con in Vancouver. Be warned, it's a fan recording of the showing, so it really looks awful. Also, I wouldn't expect it to be available for very long. Hopefully, an official trailer will be online soon.
No surprise here, but I squeed along with the rest of the audience when Jack O'Neill showed up onscreen.
If you're impatient like I am, and can tolerate terrible quality, check out the trailer that was shown last weekend at the Stargate con in Vancouver. Be warned, it's a fan recording of the showing, so it really looks awful. Also, I wouldn't expect it to be available for very long. Hopefully, an official trailer will be online soon.
No surprise here, but I squeed along with the rest of the audience when Jack O'Neill showed up onscreen.
Geeks who can kick your ass
Q. What's the difference between people with tattoos and people without?
A. People with tattoos are cooler than you are and can kick your ass.
I just love that joke :) While I've seen lots of cool tat sites, a friend pointed me to Carl Zimmer's Science Tattoo Emporium, which is among the coolest, featuring a huge variety of ink from all geekly disciplines. It's definitely worth a look-see!
A. People with tattoos are cooler than you are and can kick your ass.
I just love that joke :) While I've seen lots of cool tat sites, a friend pointed me to Carl Zimmer's Science Tattoo Emporium, which is among the coolest, featuring a huge variety of ink from all geekly disciplines. It's definitely worth a look-see!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Holy shit, that was cool!
For a few days, that's about as far as I was able to get in my thoughts about the Battlestar Galactica season 4 opener. I'll try to expand on that a bit now, though. It wasn't the best episode ever (that was season 3's "Exodus pt. 2"), but it definitely did not suck. That said, I'll start with the things I wasn't so fond of. I won't say I exactly disliked Tigh's murderous little trip to Imaginationland in the beginning, but I wasn't crazy about how it was done, all heavy-handed and something between too weird and not weird enough. I'm also not sure at all what I think of Roslin. Yes, I've been saying that for awhile now, but I continue to wonder. She's a great character and super hot, but she's also pretty damn frightening as the president, and I have big issues with her being so damn close to the military commander of the fleet. Of course, the part of me that's a sqeeing fangirl loves that she's staying in Adama's quarters while she's on the Gallactica.
Well, on to something I feel much more clear about - Anders getting scanned? activated?...at least recognized by the cylon raider, was fantastic. Though when that was finally discussed by the four - Anders, Tigh, the chief & Tory - I was a little confused by what the hell their agreement was about. We're not going to do anything bad because we don't want to? I appreciate their determination, but good luck with that, ya toasters! And that's not even saying I think any of them is going to get activated by the cylons and try to do something to endanger the fleet. I just think that scene was a little ridiculous, because there's no reason to think they'll have a choice should that, in fact, be part of their programming. But regardless of all that, I don't think these four pose the same kind of threat to the humans that the other seven do; they are markedly different and the fact that they've been in the fleet all this time just scratches the surface of those differences.
Later, though, when Starbuck told Anders she'd put a bullet between his eyes if she found out he was a cylon, that scene made me happy. How wonderfully in character of her.
Which brings us to the big questions - where the hell has Starbuck been for the past couple months? What happened to her Viper? Did she actually find Earth? Was she with her cylon boyfriend, Leoben, being programmed? Clearly, something big happened to her while she was gone, because she's having a hell of a reaction every time they jump farther away from what she believes is the path to Earth. Is she right? I suspect we won't get any real answers for a good long time.
And finally, there's Baltar and his cadre of worshipful hippie chicks. Not even sure what to say about that. He was funny and so very himself, and as much as I don't like all the religious BS, I can't wait to see where that goes.
I'll close with a pointer to a great pic from a GQ shoot, featuring Grace Park, Tricia Helfer and Katee Sackhoff in full Barbarella regalia. Scifi is all about the hot chicks!
Well, on to something I feel much more clear about - Anders getting scanned? activated?...at least recognized by the cylon raider, was fantastic. Though when that was finally discussed by the four - Anders, Tigh, the chief & Tory - I was a little confused by what the hell their agreement was about. We're not going to do anything bad because we don't want to? I appreciate their determination, but good luck with that, ya toasters! And that's not even saying I think any of them is going to get activated by the cylons and try to do something to endanger the fleet. I just think that scene was a little ridiculous, because there's no reason to think they'll have a choice should that, in fact, be part of their programming. But regardless of all that, I don't think these four pose the same kind of threat to the humans that the other seven do; they are markedly different and the fact that they've been in the fleet all this time just scratches the surface of those differences.
Later, though, when Starbuck told Anders she'd put a bullet between his eyes if she found out he was a cylon, that scene made me happy. How wonderfully in character of her.
Which brings us to the big questions - where the hell has Starbuck been for the past couple months? What happened to her Viper? Did she actually find Earth? Was she with her cylon boyfriend, Leoben, being programmed? Clearly, something big happened to her while she was gone, because she's having a hell of a reaction every time they jump farther away from what she believes is the path to Earth. Is she right? I suspect we won't get any real answers for a good long time.
And finally, there's Baltar and his cadre of worshipful hippie chicks. Not even sure what to say about that. He was funny and so very himself, and as much as I don't like all the religious BS, I can't wait to see where that goes.
I'll close with a pointer to a great pic from a GQ shoot, featuring Grace Park, Tricia Helfer and Katee Sackhoff in full Barbarella regalia. Scifi is all about the hot chicks!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
If only number 5 was true...
If you're not sure about watching the fourth & final season of Battlestar Galactica, which starts next Friday, April 4, this Top 10 list on David Letterman should clear up your uncertainty.
Also, don't forget the two half-hour specials this Friday, starting with the story-thus-far recap, followed by "The Phenomenon," wherein cool people talk about how cool BSG is. Apparently, it's very cool. If you can't catch the specials on TV, they are available at the SciFi website without the irritation of commercial interruption. If you're too impatient to sit through 22 minutes of video, there's also an 8-minute recap available on the site.
My next post probably won't happen 'til after the season 4 kick-off episode at the end of next week, as I'm heading out on vacation to a town in the Colorado Rockies that has yet to achieve 21st century technology. Have a great week!
Also, don't forget the two half-hour specials this Friday, starting with the story-thus-far recap, followed by "The Phenomenon," wherein cool people talk about how cool BSG is. Apparently, it's very cool. If you can't catch the specials on TV, they are available at the SciFi website without the irritation of commercial interruption. If you're too impatient to sit through 22 minutes of video, there's also an 8-minute recap available on the site.
My next post probably won't happen 'til after the season 4 kick-off episode at the end of next week, as I'm heading out on vacation to a town in the Colorado Rockies that has yet to achieve 21st century technology. Have a great week!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Arthur C. Clarke, 1917 - 2008
Just a few months after celebrating his 90th birthday, Arthur C. Clarke died in Sri Lanka a couple days ago. There's no way I can adequately describe his contributions to science and scifi, but I'm a big believer in celebrating life rather than lamenting death, so I'll just say the loss is overshadowed by his amazing legacy.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Catching up with a classic
Contrary to how things seem around here, I have not forgotten about my blog! Life's been busy lately, and will be busy for a few weeks to come, but I'll try to slip in a thing or two as I get the chance. That same picture of Jason Momoa has been up for Show & Tell for something like a month now, mostly because I haven't made the time to find something new to put there. At least he's hot. Oh! also, happy St. Patrick's Day! Wear green, drink beer, molest a leprechaun!
So, on to some geekery. This past Friday I finally saw Blade Runner - the Final Cut. As awesome bonuses, it was on a Blu-ray disc, played through a friend's projector. Holy shit, is it pretty! I've rambled before about how nice some things look, but the quality of this was just stunning. On top of that, the sound system was excellent as well, so every note of Vangelis' awesome music sounded amazing. Really, a top-notch experience.
I can't say I missed the voice-over of the theatrical version, but it's been so long since I've seen it that it's hard to say. However, I do know that one of the things that captivates me about this movie is the visual impact of it, so not having the v.o. did not seem like a loss. In fact, I think I could have been very happy if there'd been less dialogue, as well. Did I mention how pretty it was? Fuckin' gorgeous.
As far as Deckard being a replicant, I'm entirely happy to speculate either way and don't feel any particular pull towards either theory. The romantic in me likes to think he is, and that he & Rachael are fleeing off into the sunset together, to die in a year or two. But, I also like the notion that he's just a simple damaged human who's been a blade runner for too long and needs to get out of the business. Damaged humans are interesting.
Anyway, a big "fuck yeah!" to The Final Cut. Well worth the watch, especially on Blu-ray. So very, very pretty.
So, on to some geekery. This past Friday I finally saw Blade Runner - the Final Cut. As awesome bonuses, it was on a Blu-ray disc, played through a friend's projector. Holy shit, is it pretty! I've rambled before about how nice some things look, but the quality of this was just stunning. On top of that, the sound system was excellent as well, so every note of Vangelis' awesome music sounded amazing. Really, a top-notch experience.
I can't say I missed the voice-over of the theatrical version, but it's been so long since I've seen it that it's hard to say. However, I do know that one of the things that captivates me about this movie is the visual impact of it, so not having the v.o. did not seem like a loss. In fact, I think I could have been very happy if there'd been less dialogue, as well. Did I mention how pretty it was? Fuckin' gorgeous.
As far as Deckard being a replicant, I'm entirely happy to speculate either way and don't feel any particular pull towards either theory. The romantic in me likes to think he is, and that he & Rachael are fleeing off into the sunset together, to die in a year or two. But, I also like the notion that he's just a simple damaged human who's been a blade runner for too long and needs to get out of the business. Damaged humans are interesting.
Anyway, a big "fuck yeah!" to The Final Cut. Well worth the watch, especially on Blu-ray. So very, very pretty.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Now what will I do with my Friday nights?
Stargate Atlantis ended its 4th season tonight with a painful cliffhanger. Teyla is still missing and a couple weeks closer to giving birth, the rest of the team apparently got squashed, Michael's plans for galactic domination seem to be moving along very nicely, and the future doesn't look any better off than before Sheppard caught a ride back in time on a solar flare. Wow, are they fucked!
Watching the end of humankind in the Pegasus galaxy was pretty cool, and it was quite a pleasure to see everyone's demise. Teyla's end was a great deal more ignoble than she deserved, but not everyone can go down fighting. And hey, her child certainly went on to have a damn significant impact on history. Ronon, on the other hand, went out as I'd expect him to, with a hell of a bang, and it gave me a warm feeling inside that Todd the Wraith was there alongside him. Carter's kamikaze maneuver was definitely very excellent. Of course, I have to give props to Michael and his amazing evilness. Man, did he wreak some havoc.
I have to voice a little gripe about McKay & Keller, but it's just a fangirl gripe so it doesn't really mean shit. Even I can't take me seriously when I get like this. Anyway, GET YOUR HANDS OFF HIM, YOU HUSSY!
*Ahem*
My only complaint about tonight's season ender was how reminiscent it was of SG-1's series finale, "Unending." But really, I'm not complaining too much, and I certainly enjoyed it well enough.
As a whole, I liked this season quite a bit, but I'm pretty easy that way. For someone who didn't even like this show not that long ago, I've gotten roped in hard.
Now, let the withdrawal begin! Gateworld is speculating on when season 5 will start up, citing a TV Guide claim that it will probably come back in July. That would certainly be better than having to wait until fall, but, as I say far, far too often, we'll just have to wait and see.
On an unrelated note, in that same article they mention that SciFi might split BSG season 4 between 2008 & '09, due to the WGA strike, but that rumour has been around since at least a couple months before the strike started. Perhaps this was a plan in anticipation of a strike, but I'm skeptical...SciFi has not shown much wisdom in how it's treated BSG thus far, so regardless of other factors involved, I wouldn't expect them to make a wise decision on this front.
Watching the end of humankind in the Pegasus galaxy was pretty cool, and it was quite a pleasure to see everyone's demise. Teyla's end was a great deal more ignoble than she deserved, but not everyone can go down fighting. And hey, her child certainly went on to have a damn significant impact on history. Ronon, on the other hand, went out as I'd expect him to, with a hell of a bang, and it gave me a warm feeling inside that Todd the Wraith was there alongside him. Carter's kamikaze maneuver was definitely very excellent. Of course, I have to give props to Michael and his amazing evilness. Man, did he wreak some havoc.
I have to voice a little gripe about McKay & Keller, but it's just a fangirl gripe so it doesn't really mean shit. Even I can't take me seriously when I get like this. Anyway, GET YOUR HANDS OFF HIM, YOU HUSSY!
*Ahem*
My only complaint about tonight's season ender was how reminiscent it was of SG-1's series finale, "Unending." But really, I'm not complaining too much, and I certainly enjoyed it well enough.
As a whole, I liked this season quite a bit, but I'm pretty easy that way. For someone who didn't even like this show not that long ago, I've gotten roped in hard.
Now, let the withdrawal begin! Gateworld is speculating on when season 5 will start up, citing a TV Guide claim that it will probably come back in July. That would certainly be better than having to wait until fall, but, as I say far, far too often, we'll just have to wait and see.
On an unrelated note, in that same article they mention that SciFi might split BSG season 4 between 2008 & '09, due to the WGA strike, but that rumour has been around since at least a couple months before the strike started. Perhaps this was a plan in anticipation of a strike, but I'm skeptical...SciFi has not shown much wisdom in how it's treated BSG thus far, so regardless of other factors involved, I wouldn't expect them to make a wise decision on this front.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Is it comix? Is it art?
This afternoon a friend and I checked out the current exhibition at the Adam Baumgold Gallery in Manhattan, which features some works by comic artist Chris Ware. Ware might be familiar to folks for his work in any number of publications, including RAW, The New York Times and The New Yorker. His work is quirky, mature, sometimes a little grim, and consistently captivating.
For me, the most interesting works were the images from the series Building Stories, which chronicles the hour-by-hour happenings in a Chicago apartment building over the course of a day. My favourite in the series, Introduction 3, shows a statistical view of the history of the building, noting the number of occurences of various elements - 11,627 lost childhood memories, 4 criminals, 61 broken dinner plates, 6 suicide notes, 617 dead plants, to name but a few.
Definitely worth a trip into the city. The exhibit runs through March 15, if you're inclined to check it out.
For me, the most interesting works were the images from the series Building Stories, which chronicles the hour-by-hour happenings in a Chicago apartment building over the course of a day. My favourite in the series, Introduction 3, shows a statistical view of the history of the building, noting the number of occurences of various elements - 11,627 lost childhood memories, 4 criminals, 61 broken dinner plates, 6 suicide notes, 617 dead plants, to name but a few.
Definitely worth a trip into the city. The exhibit runs through March 15, if you're inclined to check it out.
New Watchmen pictures up
I've been following Zack Snyder's Watchmen blog for a little while now and yesterday's post is possibly the most exciting yet. It features pictures of five of the principles, and they look pretty damn awesome. It's too early yet and I'm too skeptical to say I'm very excited about this film, but from what I've seen so far, it looks like it could kick some serious ass.
"Tales of the Black Freighter," the comic-within-a-comic, apparently will not be featured in the film, which is quite a disappointment. For me, the Black Freighter segments in Watchmen were some of the best parts of the entire comic, so knowing its story will only make it onto the DVD as an extra is a bit disheartening. Well, I guess I should be glad it'll be represented at all.
The release date for Watchmen is March 6, 2009, so we've got a year yet before it hits theaters. Here's wishing Snyder, et al., a good post-production process!
"Tales of the Black Freighter," the comic-within-a-comic, apparently will not be featured in the film, which is quite a disappointment. For me, the Black Freighter segments in Watchmen were some of the best parts of the entire comic, so knowing its story will only make it onto the DVD as an extra is a bit disheartening. Well, I guess I should be glad it'll be represented at all.
The release date for Watchmen is March 6, 2009, so we've got a year yet before it hits theaters. Here's wishing Snyder, et al., a good post-production process!
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