While visiting my parents in NJ last week, I got to drive around my first car, a Volvo from the 80s. I love that car. Funny to listen to the iPod in such an old car.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Driving My First Car Again
While visiting my parents in NJ last week, I got to drive around my first car, a Volvo from the 80s. I love that car. Funny to listen to the iPod in such an old car.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Androids On Ladders
Science fiction TV and movies need to stop using prophetic plot devices. Lately prophecy and destiny seem to infuse sci-fi. You can trace it back at least to Star Wars, where it worked OK. Luke Skywalker's rise to challenge the Dark Side was "foretold," but it had the Force as a context.
But with something like The Matrix, it would've been enough for Neo to be a hero -- did he have to be "the One," the hero prophesied about by the ancients, too? Smallville, an otherwise good show about Superman as a teen, got so bogged down in Clark's search for ancient clues pointing him toward his destiny that it became unwatchable. Ditto Battlestar Galactica, where by the end it seemed even the characters' lunch menus were foretold in scripture.
The conventional wisdom, I think, is that if an android climbs a ladder, you've got an android on a ladder. But if you mystically foretell of an android one day being on a ladder, when he climbs one, you have a movie.
Only you don't. You still just have an android on a ladder. But an android with no motivation or responsibility, who's only there because he's "supposed" to be there, because this is the path the universe has laid out for him. And the idea that something is exciting or important solely because it happens the way it is "supposed to happen" is a storytelling crutch that needs to die a painful death.
Judging by the trailer the new Transformers movie looks like it's going down the prophecy road haaardcore, coopting Smallville's mystical symbols almost verbatim.
Which made me really glad that Star Trek avoids the destiny angle entirely, even though, as a prequel, it's particularly primed for it. It could oh-so-easily have had a character from the future sneak into the past to leave a trail of clues leading Kirk to the captain's chair. But Star Trek didn't need the crutch. When Kirk finally sits in the chair it's because he's earned it, because he's the best for the job, not because the universe was angling to get him there. He got himself there; and he did it in three years!
You could argue, I guess, that with Star Trek the audience is doing the foretelling. Because true, there's 40 years of pop-culture weight on Kirk's shoulders when he sits down. And the glamor shots of the Enterprise don't make us tingle because they look good, but because that's the Enterprise, baby!
But that isn't acknowledged in the story, and these things have to be judged on story. A story about an alien from Krypton becoming Earth's protector doesn't need to be buttressed by prophecy to be thrilling. A space opera about humans versus machines is exciting enough without any part of their adventure being "foretold."
I hate destiny. Destiny is lazy storytelling. Especially when there are so many good stories to be told about androids climbing ladders.
But with something like The Matrix, it would've been enough for Neo to be a hero -- did he have to be "the One," the hero prophesied about by the ancients, too? Smallville, an otherwise good show about Superman as a teen, got so bogged down in Clark's search for ancient clues pointing him toward his destiny that it became unwatchable. Ditto Battlestar Galactica, where by the end it seemed even the characters' lunch menus were foretold in scripture.
The conventional wisdom, I think, is that if an android climbs a ladder, you've got an android on a ladder. But if you mystically foretell of an android one day being on a ladder, when he climbs one, you have a movie.
Only you don't. You still just have an android on a ladder. But an android with no motivation or responsibility, who's only there because he's "supposed" to be there, because this is the path the universe has laid out for him. And the idea that something is exciting or important solely because it happens the way it is "supposed to happen" is a storytelling crutch that needs to die a painful death.
Judging by the trailer the new Transformers movie looks like it's going down the prophecy road haaardcore, coopting Smallville's mystical symbols almost verbatim.
Which made me really glad that Star Trek avoids the destiny angle entirely, even though, as a prequel, it's particularly primed for it. It could oh-so-easily have had a character from the future sneak into the past to leave a trail of clues leading Kirk to the captain's chair. But Star Trek didn't need the crutch. When Kirk finally sits in the chair it's because he's earned it, because he's the best for the job, not because the universe was angling to get him there. He got himself there; and he did it in three years!
You could argue, I guess, that with Star Trek the audience is doing the foretelling. Because true, there's 40 years of pop-culture weight on Kirk's shoulders when he sits down. And the glamor shots of the Enterprise don't make us tingle because they look good, but because that's the Enterprise, baby!
But that isn't acknowledged in the story, and these things have to be judged on story. A story about an alien from Krypton becoming Earth's protector doesn't need to be buttressed by prophecy to be thrilling. A space opera about humans versus machines is exciting enough without any part of their adventure being "foretold."
I hate destiny. Destiny is lazy storytelling. Especially when there are so many good stories to be told about androids climbing ladders.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Love Train?
I'm sure meeting your future spouse on the commuter rail would make that vehicle from hell more endearing than it was in my experience. But still, getting married on the train?That's liable to be the longest, slowest, most delayed, most frustrating, most uncomfortable, most overpriced, most squished-between-two-fat-peoplest, most obnoxious-guy-watching-Lost-on-his-laptopest, most breakdowniest, most unreliable wedding ceremony ever!
The happy couple will honeymooning at South Station...
It's OK. If you're a gay. In Uruguay.
The little South American nation of Uruguay lifted its ban on gays in its military today. Your turn, President Obama. Don't-Ask-Don't-Tell needs to go.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Acting Advice from Sir Ian
"How did I know what to say? The words were written down for me in the script."
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Dead Until Dark: Sam
Maggie: Do you like Sam? Like Jacob, I find him very likeable but I want Sookie to be with Bill more than I wanted Bella to be with Edward.
Ben: I dislike Sam. I was suspicious of him throughout the whole book. It may be too late for me to like him. Something about his description was missing for me right away, too, and in the absence of whatever details would've made him more of a viable candidate for Sookie's affections, I filled in his looks as being older, overweight, unattractive, and lecherous. A greasy, sketchy bar owner who hit on the waitresses.
Maggie: I pictured Sam exactly as you described him and then had to adjust my image as we learned more about what he looked like. I pictured him much older, short, balding but hair arms and chest, wearing a grease-stained white wife-beater and holding a spatula. But the actor who plays him is young and cute - I guess for a TV show he had to be in order to be a believable love interest.
Ben: First impressions are maybe even more important in books than they are in real life... Once I get an image of a character in my head it's really hard to change it. I feel like when I see the TV show I'll think of that Sam as a prettied-up, bizarro version of the true, greasy spatula-holding Sam. Like a biopic starring a good-looking actor playing a person who was rather homely in real life.
Ben: I dislike Sam. I was suspicious of him throughout the whole book. It may be too late for me to like him. Something about his description was missing for me right away, too, and in the absence of whatever details would've made him more of a viable candidate for Sookie's affections, I filled in his looks as being older, overweight, unattractive, and lecherous. A greasy, sketchy bar owner who hit on the waitresses.
Maggie: I pictured Sam exactly as you described him and then had to adjust my image as we learned more about what he looked like. I pictured him much older, short, balding but hair arms and chest, wearing a grease-stained white wife-beater and holding a spatula. But the actor who plays him is young and cute - I guess for a TV show he had to be in order to be a believable love interest.
Ben: First impressions are maybe even more important in books than they are in real life... Once I get an image of a character in my head it's really hard to change it. I feel like when I see the TV show I'll think of that Sam as a prettied-up, bizarro version of the true, greasy spatula-holding Sam. Like a biopic starring a good-looking actor playing a person who was rather homely in real life.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Dead Until Dark
Maggie: Thank you for loaning me the True Blood book! Should we call the series Dead Until Dark (DUD?)
So, here we go again: let's tawk vampires. Let's start with sex. Then let's talk about how Bill compares with Edward.
Ben: I'm glad you liked the book! Don't you love Sookie? I like when she gets sassy in her Southern way.
The insta-sex was a relief after Twilight. When they were doing-it in the graveyard I was like, "I don't think we're in Forks, anymore, Toto!"
Maggie: The sex scenes were well done. I reread the first one and was impressed that it didn't contain any of the phrases and words typically used in sex scenes. And yet it was incredibly sexy. I love that though Bill is a gentleman and from another time, he is less concerned with Sookie's honor and chastity than Edward was with Bella's.
Aside from the general feeling that Bill and Sookie are more adult (which is in part because they are older and in part that it's an adult book), their relationship is similar to Edward and Bella's in a lot of ways. Do you agree? What else do you feel was stolen from DUD for Twilight? The love triangle, the hearing other people's thoughts except the one you are in love with, the other vampires being scarier.
Ben: I liked how well developed the book was. Even from the first few pages the world of the story felt rich with lots of interesting details. Everything with the synthetic blood, the drainers. It was clear the author spent a lot of time thinking about the implications of being a mind-reader and stuff too. It all seemed fully explored... That's one of the things that bothered me about Twilight, how a lot of things were just shy of being creative. Like, for example, vampire baseball. *Shiver*
So, here we go again: let's tawk vampires. Let's start with sex. Then let's talk about how Bill compares with Edward.
Ben: I'm glad you liked the book! Don't you love Sookie? I like when she gets sassy in her Southern way.
The insta-sex was a relief after Twilight. When they were doing-it in the graveyard I was like, "I don't think we're in Forks, anymore, Toto!"
Maggie: The sex scenes were well done. I reread the first one and was impressed that it didn't contain any of the phrases and words typically used in sex scenes. And yet it was incredibly sexy. I love that though Bill is a gentleman and from another time, he is less concerned with Sookie's honor and chastity than Edward was with Bella's.
Aside from the general feeling that Bill and Sookie are more adult (which is in part because they are older and in part that it's an adult book), their relationship is similar to Edward and Bella's in a lot of ways. Do you agree? What else do you feel was stolen from DUD for Twilight? The love triangle, the hearing other people's thoughts except the one you are in love with, the other vampires being scarier.
Ben: I liked how well developed the book was. Even from the first few pages the world of the story felt rich with lots of interesting details. Everything with the synthetic blood, the drainers. It was clear the author spent a lot of time thinking about the implications of being a mind-reader and stuff too. It all seemed fully explored... That's one of the things that bothered me about Twilight, how a lot of things were just shy of being creative. Like, for example, vampire baseball. *Shiver*
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Trekkie-in-Chief
He did, apparently, request a private White House screening of the new movie. Which makes one wonder if he had this commissioned:
By the way, the movie is a total thrill from start to finish.
By the way, the movie is a total thrill from start to finish.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Lunchtime Arrangments #2
Ben:
Lady Magatha,
--Writing to inquire about our lunch status. Are we still on? What would you like to eat? I am craving the vegan soup but will gladly venture over there if you'd prefer a burrito.
Sir Benedict
Maggie:
S.B.,
I implore your forgiveness for my lack of responsiveness. For shame, my anti-wrinkle cream has burned my skin and I have been distracted all morn.
I too am craving a vegan feast but need to restock my face wash supply in the mall. I am at in impasse. Let me consider for a few moments.
Or, I am happy to have you decide.
Yours, Magatha
Ben:
As one who understands the importance of face-wash, I would never wish to place an obstacle between you and the re-stocking of your supply. Thus I shall meet you around Back Bay at 1:09.
We can then shop and dine.
Maggie:
Forgive my wavering, but I think I might prefer to dine in the quieter vegan establishment, as we have much to discuss. Is that acceptable?
I can meet you at 1 if this plan is to your liking.
Ben:
I delight in your wavering and in your offer to partake of a menu of scrumptious soups and fantasy meats.
I will look for you here at 1:00.
Maggie:
Oh Tortlemain, my dear Torti! You are ever the gentleman.
Thank you for your kindness.
We shall sup on soup!
Magatha
Lady Magatha,
--Writing to inquire about our lunch status. Are we still on? What would you like to eat? I am craving the vegan soup but will gladly venture over there if you'd prefer a burrito.
Sir Benedict
Maggie:
S.B.,
I implore your forgiveness for my lack of responsiveness. For shame, my anti-wrinkle cream has burned my skin and I have been distracted all morn.
I too am craving a vegan feast but need to restock my face wash supply in the mall. I am at in impasse. Let me consider for a few moments.
Or, I am happy to have you decide.
Yours, Magatha
Ben:
As one who understands the importance of face-wash, I would never wish to place an obstacle between you and the re-stocking of your supply. Thus I shall meet you around Back Bay at 1:09.
We can then shop and dine.
Maggie:
Forgive my wavering, but I think I might prefer to dine in the quieter vegan establishment, as we have much to discuss. Is that acceptable?
I can meet you at 1 if this plan is to your liking.
Ben:
I delight in your wavering and in your offer to partake of a menu of scrumptious soups and fantasy meats.
I will look for you here at 1:00.
Maggie:
Oh Tortlemain, my dear Torti! You are ever the gentleman.
Thank you for your kindness.
We shall sup on soup!
Magatha
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Local Art Show
I went to an art show opening reception tonight. The theme was animals - how could I resist?
There were a lot of cat or dog photos, paintings and drawings. An oil-paint snake, a close-up hummingbird, a beautiful pencil drawing of an ape. Only a few had the red dot symbolizing that they'd been sold. Most were more than $300. The snake was $8,000. It was large and in an ornate frame.
My favorite by far was a slightly blurry photo of a dog baring it's teeth, possibly lunging. (Am I reading into that? Perhaps the dog is just hanging its mouth open? But I see attack when I look at it.) It is $200. If I can sell enough of my books on Amazon, I may buy it.
It hadn't won anything. The first prize was an unimpressive painting of a metallic gold sheep. Second prize was a dog painting that I liked more. I wonder what the prizewinners get. I wonder what People's Choice winner gets.
I'm a doctor, not a bricklayer.
In T-minus one day, I will be boldly going (split infinitive and all) where I rarely go anymore: to the movies. DVDs are usually so much more convenient, but something like STAR TREK requires a visit to the theater. Reviews so far have been pretty universally gaga -- I hope it delivers!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Floodgates
I think it's safe to say: they've opened.
Things are starting to move faster than I ever imagined. Iowa and Vermont last month. Maine today. Washington DC (kind of) yesterday. New Hampshire is moments away.
What's most exciting is that this is now being done by the states voluntarily with no court involvement.
Prop 8, as much as it hurt, was a turning point. A final injustice that woke up a lot of people. If you had told me even a year ago that public support nationwide for marriage equality would now be approaching 50%, I would've laughed. But here we are.
I want to do some traveling! There are so many more places I feel like I can go now.
Things are starting to move faster than I ever imagined. Iowa and Vermont last month. Maine today. Washington DC (kind of) yesterday. New Hampshire is moments away.
What's most exciting is that this is now being done by the states voluntarily with no court involvement.
Prop 8, as much as it hurt, was a turning point. A final injustice that woke up a lot of people. If you had told me even a year ago that public support nationwide for marriage equality would now be approaching 50%, I would've laughed. But here we are.
I want to do some traveling! There are so many more places I feel like I can go now.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Timewaster of the Day!
The White House's official Flickr page has lots of cool behind-the-scenes photos.
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