Reading list & some thoughts on Stargate Atlantis’ AU Vegas ep
January 6, 2009 | Books, Science Fiction, TV/Film
For some reason, I read more when we are at our home in Vermont or when I am travelling on business. I can actually start and finish a book, or two, in the same week. When we are “home-home,” other things always seem to intervene, and I’m lucky if I can read 10-15 minutes every night.
I highly recommend the two books I read over the Christmas holidays: Madame de Stael: The First Modern Woman
What have you been reading? I’m loathe to start a meme, but I’d love some new books for my reading list.
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On another note, I finally watched last Friday’s “Vegas” alternate universe episode of Stargate Atlantis. Warning: SPOILERS AHEAD.
It wasn’t a bad episode all in all. It was nice to see Joe Flanigan (Sheppard) for more than a few minutes loading a tray in a cafeteria, which seems to have been his lot for the last few McKay-Keller centric episodes. I like David Hewlett and Jewel Staite well enough but they aren’t why I started watching the show. Flanigan and Torri Higginson, who played the “late?” much lamented, Elizabeth Weir, are. Their chemistry as actors — forget about whether you “ship” them — was so good, it made the show for many viewers.
Something the producers either didn’t see, or just didn’t want to see, but the show has not been the same since Higginson left, and while still good, neither has Flanigan. According to the interwebs, he asked for less, not more, screen time, and I’ve read that in the latest issue of Stargate Magazine, he has this to say about his character
Q: Is there anything that John didn’t get to do, in your eyes?
JF: I wish that I’d had a leading female romantic interest who was, like, my boss. I was thinking we could get some of that Moonlighting quality into the show, where it’s not gratuitous nonsense and romantic excess, it’s just under the surface, hidden, and consequently incredibly frustrating. You have a job to do, and you have to push your feelings aside. That makes for some of the best movies and television around.
Emphasis mine. Many — myself included — have interpreted this as a subtle dig at the producers for not capitalizing on Flanigan and Higginson’s acting chemistry and doing more with the relationship. Instead of quasi-killing her off.
Anyway, the AU episode (the show’s 100th by the way) had a decent storyline, and not too much Keller, which was refreshing because lately it has seemed a bit like the perils of Jennifer. It also had what seemed to many John/Elizabeth shippers a nod to the importance of the Weir character to the Sheppard character, the reference to the medic AU Sheppard couldn’t save.
What I hated? Initially it was the end, with AU Sheppard bleeding to death in the desert after saving the Earth from certain destruction, and The Powers That Be not lifting a finger to save him. It seemed such an unfair ending for such a heroic character.
Then I realized that it was perfectly fitting, and pretty much summed up how Flanigan has been served by the show he served so well.
No matter what any of the other actors did, for the producers, it was always the Rodney McKay show. McKay was the only character allowed a family more than in passing or as a one episode plot device. Nerdy science guy, he had two girlfriends on the show, while NONE of the other men or women — no matter how hot or hunky — ever had sustained, long-term relationships. The plot device of Teyla’s pregnancy does not count.
So no matter what they do on this Friday’s season finale, I think I’ll consider Vegas the final word on Stargate Atlantis as a series. Sheppard left hanging, Rodney safe warm and happy, and most of the other characters completely irrelevant to the storyline.
It could have been so much better. In fact, it was in the early years. Here’s hoping all the actors land in good vehicles.
So looking forward to new eps of Fringe, Burn Notice and Battlestar Galactica this month…
SciFi Snapshot: Doctor Who? and the imminent return of Battlestar Galactica
January 4, 2009 | Science Fiction, TV/Film
The big science fiction news of the week is of course the announcement that the role of the 11th Doctor will be played by relative unknown Matt Smith.
Matt Smith, publicity photo
He has an interesting look about him, and I look forward to seeing what he does with the role. I loved Christopher Eccleston (Doctor 9) in the role, but never warmed up to David Tennant (10). He just didn’t have that look of danger that Eccleston did. Smith seems to have that potential.
Christopher Eccleston, from the Doctor Who website
There will be four specials this year featuring Tennant, and Smith will take over in 2010.
While I am sure that Smith’s debut in the role will be much anticipated by Who fans, I doubt that any scifi series in recent memory has been as been as anticipated, and for as long a time, as the final episodes of Battlestar Galactica. Maybe the Farscape wrap-up movie Peacekeeper Wars few years ago…
Battlestar returns January 16th, and to whet our appetites, the producers have offered up a 10-part webiseries called The Face of the Enemy starring Grace Park (8) and Alessandro Juliani (Gaeta). This series is far more interesting than the somewhat depressing one that preceded season three, but the story does drag in places. I suspect they could have told the story in 6 or 8 pieces, but wanted to run out an extra week or two to build the anticipation.
From the Battlestar Galactica website
Worth watching for the character exposition of Gaeta; he has been put forward as a candidate for the final Cylon yet we have had very little information about him.
That was the year that was
December 30, 2008 | Funny
I can think of no better way to wrap up the rollercoaster year that was 2008 than with the music of Tom Lehrer. Written more than 30 years ago, his satire, sadly, is still relevant.
And still funny as hell.
More clips from this concert on YouTube.
Happy New Year!
Do you believe in Santa Claus?
December 22, 2008 | Holiday
cross-posted to Marketing Roadmaps
As we were driving up to our house in Vermont last Friday, my eight year-old son asked me if I believed in Santa Claus. It’s been a couple years since he last asked me this question, and I responded the same way this year as I did then: Do you believe in Santa Claus?
He assured me that he still believed, and I in turn assured him that that was what really mattered.
This exchange however reminded me of the timeless words of newsman Francis Pharcellus Church when he replied, “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.”
In this time of economic uncertainty, and no matter what religion we practice or holiday we observe, I think it would do us all some good to carry a little bit of Mr. Church’s Santa in our hearts.
“DEAR EDITOR: I am 8 years old.
“Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.
“Papa says, ‘If you see it in THE SUN it’s so.’
“Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?“VIRGINIA O’HANLON.
“115 WEST NINETY-FIFTH STREET.”
VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except [what] they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.
Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.
Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.
You may tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.
No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.
- source, Newseum
Do you believe in Santa Claus?
I do, and I will forever.
Happy Fringemas
December 17, 2008 | Science Fiction, TV/Film
Brilliant holiday promo for Fringe.
And a partridge in a pear tree
December 13, 2008 | Family, Holiday
I love Christmas. Decorating the house. The Christmas tree. Sending Christmas cards. Baking Christmas cookies and making the holiday dinner. Even buying gifts, although I always aim to be done by Thanksgiving.
All of that is pretty normal, more or less.
Here’s the twisted part, at least if you ask my mother. Call it my dirty little Christmas secret. Some people like romance novels. Others enjoy reality tv. I like Christmas music. A lot.
So much so that I even buy it. Lots of it. Classical. Jazz. Pop. Oldies. This year’s addition is an album by the a cappella group Straight No Chaser. You may have seen their version of the 12 Days of Christmas on YouTube:
By the way, even though she doesn’t understand my obsession with Christmas music, my mom is a good sport about it. She’s the one who sent me the YouTube link in the first place.
She’s also part of some of my best Christmas memories, including the ones evoked by the ornaments featured at the top of this post. We made these more than 20 years ago. Every weekend, we would spend one day at my grandparents’ house. In the spring and summer we’d help with the gardening, in the fall we’d rake and in November and December, we did Christmas things.
I can still see my grandfather, who died in 1989, sitting at the table watching us make the ornaments. He got tremendous amusement from the fact that I managed to make one for every six or so my mom made. Mine had to be perfect, you see. [As I've gotten older, and especially since I had Douglas eight years ago, I have somewhat relaxed my attitude toward perfection. A little.]
Back to the story. I think he got as much pleasure from watching us joke and laugh as we made the ornaments as he did from any of the more formal holiday hoopla. It’s been nearly 20 years, and every year when I place those ornaments on the tree, I miss him all over again.
And remember how lucky I am that he was my grandfather.
My best wishes to all of you for a safe and happy holiday and a wonder-filled new year. I’ve created a Jacquie Lawson holiday card just for you, which can be viewed at this link.
I’ll leave you with the lyrics to one of my all-time favorite holiday songs, May Every Day Be Christmas by Louis Jordan.
“May every day be Christmas
And every day be blessed
Let the end of every day be filled with happiness
And may the Lord be good to you with every rising sun
All through the day have a smile for everyone
At night time comes a longing to be with ones you love
To sit around the fireside and dream of stars above
So may God bless you and keep you, come what may
Then every day will be a happy day
May good times come to you every day”
Posted by Susan Getgood @ 12:01 pm | 2 Comments
Why I hope the Obamas get a purebred dog
November 25, 2008 | Animals, Election 08
The day after the election, before the real political transition was really underway, among the top news was the Obama family’s future pet. Speculation, opinions and advice from all corners — the American Kennel Club, the Humane Society of the US, pet owners, dog breeders and fanciers, newspaper columnists and bloggers.
Everyone wanted to know: what sort of dog would the Obama family bring to the White House? A purebred puppy? A shelter dog? Or perhaps a rescue? One of the daughters has an allergy, so that needed to be taken under consideration.
I hope they get a purebred, and here’s why.
Purebred dogs are the most predictable choice. This is very important for families with children. The more we know about the dog’s general behavior, the easier it is to pick one that fits our lifestyle.
Each dog breed was developed to do specific work. Herding dogs like shepherds and collies herd. Anything they can. Hounds and sporting breeds are hunting dogs. Some track, some retrieve. Terriers are largely earth dogs. Their job is to get the vermin out of the hole for the farmer. And so on.
As a result, we know with some certainty what their behavior and exercise requirements will be. We know how big they’ll get. We know about diseases that affect the breed because responsible breeders contribute to the growing body of knowledge about canine health through dog clubs, health trusts and central bodies like OFA and CHIC. If you are interested, here’s the OFA record of Ch. Blueberry’s Attitude Dancing HOF ROMX (Carly), featured here earlier this fall.
The allergy issue. No dog is completely hypoallergenic. That said, some breeds are far less likely to cause reactions. What type of coat does the dog have? Does the dog shed? Poodles, many terriers, Samoyeds. These are all breeds that allergic people can live with. I know. I am allergic to dogs and live with four Scottish Terriers. The best test? Visit the breeder of your chosen breed and spend an afternoon or more with the dogs. And don’t let the dog sleep in your bed. Please. Not good for you, not good for the dog.
I do not think so-called designer breeds like goldendoodles and labradoodles are a good choice. For one thing, genetically, you don’t know what you are getting. Each puppy gets half of its genetic material from one parent, and half from the other. Umm. Which half? Some of these mixed breed dogs look like one parent, others like the other. In a single litter. Hypoallergenic? No more so than the pure breeds with the right coat qualities. Even if you get the most lovely puppy, there is no way you can reproduce it with genetic predictability.
A popular myth is that mixed breeds, whether deliberate or accidental, are less susceptible to diseases. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, they are just as likely to inherit the susceptibility to genetic diseases from all breeds in the mix. If you decide to adopt a mixed breed, it is important to educate yourself on the issues of both, or all, breeds represented in your dog because you just don’t know what might manifest.
A mixed breed or shelter dog may be a good choice for some people, but please, please, educate yourself on the breeds that make up your dog. Know how big she’ll get. Understand the behavior implications. So many animals end up in shelters and rescue because people didn’t understand that the cute puppy from the shelter or pet store would become a dog.
A responsible breeder will make sure that you know what you are getting, and quite frankly, if she has any doubts about YOU, you won’t be getting one of her puppies. We’ve spent years building our lines, creating the best possible dogs we can. We want to be sure you will take as good care of your dog as we do of ours.
DO NOT BUY A PUPPY AT A PET STORE. Commercial breeders who sell to pet stores do not have the same standards as responsible hobby breeders. Full stop. Do not confuse the two. Breeders, like me, who show their dogs to their championships, have one or two litters per year. At most. Our goal is to continually improve our breed. And we vet YOU just as carefully as you select US.
Dog overpopulation is an issue in some parts of the US but not everywhere. In many states, like Massachusetts, shelters have to import dogs from the south and Puerto Rico to meet demand. I find this so bizarre. Why not buy a locally-bred purebred, where you can visit the home, see the dam, and have a bit more predictability about your pet and its behavior?
For the Obamas, with young children with allergies, the best family solution is a purebred.
But that may not be the political choice. And here’s my plea to president-elect Obama. Choose what’s best for the family and the dog. Screw politics. Please.
Dog. Family. Important.
Politics. In this? Not so much.
HSUS wants you to adopt a shelter dog. They are PUSHING for you to adopt a shelter dog. If you could find the right shelter dog, great. But the chances for success for a family with young children are much better with a purebred puppy that can bond with your family from an early age AND has predictable behavior characteristics.
I know you are enamored with the doodles. Understand that it is a genetic crap shoot. Not necessarily hypoallergenic. Definitely not a pure breed.
Please add the right dog to your family. One that fits. So many of your decisions as President will be political. Give your kids, your family, and the dog the best chance for success. Do NOT let politics make this important decision for you.
How about the rest of us? What should we do? The same principles apply, and I would also ask you to think carefully about the animal charities you support. Make sure that the charity actually cares about animal welfare, and is more than just a lobbying group. Does it contribute to the actual WELFARE of animals? Is it trying to improve the health of our dogs and cats? Does it really care about you as a pet owner or are you just the financial means to an end?
Just ask.
Finally, the other post-election dog news was from a dog already living in the White House. In defense of Barney, and not just because the Scottish Terrier is my breed, I just want to go on record that I would have bit the reporter too. What a dope, waving papers near the dog’s face and coming down on his head like that.
Posted by Susan Getgood @ 8:03 pm | 6 Comments
America the Beautiful
November 5, 2008 | Election 08
O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
- Katharine Lee Bates, 1893
Technorati Tags: presidential election, Barack Obama
Meet MY Indiana Jones; Capital One/Newsweek Photo Contest
November 1, 2008 | Animals, Douglas, Holiday, Photo Contests
Halloween 2008
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Twitter friends may recall my tweets yesterday morning about a PR pitch I received that was actually relevant. It wasn’t perfect by any means; it was still clearly a mass e-mail, a bit too long and promo-speaky, and had a press release attached. BUT… it was for a photo contest from Capital One and Newsweek. I do occasionally write about photo contests on Snapshot Chronicles.
I have no idea whether the agency who sent the pitch just got lucky or did a decent job of blog targeting. After all, the volume game in PR counts on the fact that if you send enough pitches, you are bound to hit on a few. I also have seen a fair share of not-so-great pitches from the same agency over the past few years. However, I will give them the benefit of the doubt.
And tell you all about the photo contest. The theme for the contest is American Life, and the angle is that Capital One lets consumers personalize the image for their credit card. Online consumer votes from January 6 to February 6, 2009 will determine 50 semi-finalists and Newsweek Photo Editor Simon Barnett will pick the winners. The prizes are reasonable, but not excessive, and you can enter up to five photos per day. More details on the contest page.
Chances of winning? Pretty slim unless you really work at it, tag your photos properly and get out the vote. But is it pretty simple to enter; I did it quickly through the contest page and you can also enter through a Flickr group, which should make it dead easy.
Here are the photos I entered:
All the pictures were taken during our vacation in San Diego last April. The beach pictures were taken on Coronado Island and the water slide was at the resort. The giraffe is Ivan the 19 year old male at the San Diego Wild Animal Park. We went on one of the photo safaris where you actually go into the enclosures and feed the giraffes. It was tremendously special at the time, but even more so when we learned that Ivan died of old age about a week after our visit. More pictures from that day on Flickr.
Technorati Tags: halloween, Indiana Jones, photo contest, san diego, beach
Getting down to the wire on our country’s future
October 29, 2008 | Election 08, Politics
Only a few more days until the election.
It’s no secret where I fall on the political spectrum, but no matter who you intend to vote for this Tuesday, you have to appreciate this anecdote from mom blogger Goon Squad Sarah recounting how her daughter tells the difference between the two presidential candidates:
She pointed at the man on the left “This is Narack Ofama” (meh, close enough for a four year old) “and this is John McCain. You know how I can tell?”
I asked her how.
“They have different color hair.”
And don’t miss this week’s posts on BlogHer by Jill Biden and Michelle Obama.
Technorati Tags: presidential election
