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newnumber6So, today is No Comic Day and No Work Day. Why? Because of
BACK-OUT '98
Yes, I'm well aware it's the year 2007. But for some reason, it's still Back-Out '98. Maybe I'm just generally 9 years behind (or, would that be ahead?). So what's the status? Well, yesterday I woke up virtually unable to move which was worse than even when it first started. However, this must have been due to inflammation or muscle tightness or something, because I eventually got a hot water bottle and that loosened me right up. I still can't bend and there are occasional pains from moving, but I'm not virtually immobile. (However, sitting long periods is a pain, which is why this is being written in small bits, followed by lying down). So I skipped work, and no comics. I'm optimisticly hoping to be okay for work Friday, and then pick up comics after that, but really, who knows? Cross fingers, and send healing vibes through the net if you can. I can walk with decent speed, but I find that I'm Dune Walking. That is, as the title implies, I seem to walk without rhythm. This means that, were I on Arrakis, I would probably be able to cross desert areas without being swallowed by Sandworms. Sadly, I'm on Earth, which just means I look a little odd. Luckily, nobody's watching.
Anyway, what else, besides the back? Well, there are books, I guess. Since I'm lying down a lot I've been doing a bit more reading than I normally do at home - since getting up to check the net is no longer an instant reflex when TV gets boring, having a book is helpful.
So, Book Foo!
Finished: The Neutronium Alchemist by Peter F. Hamilton (2nd part of Night's Dawn series)
Started: The Naked God by Peter F. Hamilton (conclusion)
Quick thoughts, not terribly spoilery, behind cut.
So, I liked this one a bit more than the last one... the number of characters didn't increase too much, and I was growing more familiar with the ones who were there, so I felt lost left often. Also, more focused on the possessed personalities, giving many of them individual motivations (some of which were against those of the majority) was a welcome benefit, and including historical figures was a nice touch. Although one of the big issues so far is that despite the fact that many of them are despicable, the actual plight of the possessed and their general goals aren't all that bad. So I can't entirely find myself sympathizing with efforts to undo the problem, as opposed to finding an equitable solution for everyone. Anyway, now onto the conclusion.
and also
Finished: Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susannah Clarke
Started: Spin, by Robert Charles Wilson
Thoughts, not terribly spoilery, behind cut.
I quite enjoyed JS&MN, more than I thought I would, particularly from a fantasy. It reminded me a bit of American Gods in one sense - the story itself is okay, but the real treasure in it is all the little side stories and footnoted stories that expand on the world and keep you entertained even through parts of the book that are a little dull in fact.
The author also does a good job of setting up a fictional history of English magic that's remarkably believable.
Comparisons to Harry Potter tend to be natural. I think I've liked it better than any of the Potter books so far - it felt fresher and more natural. However, the characters in Harry Potter are more entertaining and relatable, probably. The style of this book makes the characters a little more remote.
Problems? Well, I didn't too much care for the ending, parts of it I'd already figured out, and that which I didn't or couldn't seemed a bit too 'just so' (that is, it worked that way because the author says it does, and since it's magic it works how the author says it does). A common problem in fantasy with magic but without firmly defined rules for it. Also some of the changes to spellings were a little annoying.
I should also state that for some reason, as I was reading, I pictured the two title characters as various incarnations of The Doctor. In my head, Norrell was the curmudgeonly William Hartnell, while Jonathan Strange was played by Christopher Eccleston, younger and a bit more daring (but not as silly as Tennant).
Still, if there was a sequel (and apparently the author is working on one in the
same world but not necessarily the same characters), I'll read it.
Anyway, that leads me down to 3 Hugo-winning novels left to read, and up next is one of those, Spin, about a field which encases the Earth, and outside of which time is apparently passing much more quickly (hence, I guess, the stars spin). Haven't actually started it yet, but I've liked some of the author's other books.
And a 'Who Year In Review' meme, stolen from![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
donna_c_punk... (spoilers for much of S3 who and casting spoilers for S4)
1. Nice and easy to start - what was your favourite episode and why?
Probably Blink. There were others that were good, but Blink was the one that was good with the minimal amount of annoyance. It had a neat premise and was just a lot of fun.
2. Which episode was your least favourite?
Last of the Time Lords, I guess... I hate shows where you know a reset button is coming, and the whole way the Doctor 'won' was lame.
3. Avoid all the spoilers this year? If so, what moment gave you your biggest squeal of surprise?
I didn't particularly avoid them. I also didn't squeal, because that would be unmanly. I was mildly impressed with the linking of the watch from Human Nature to the Master in Utopia.
4. And which bit let you down most?
The resolution of the Master plot. Utopia was a great build up and they never really paid off with a good story.
5. There’s been some pretty ripe science amidst the sci-fi this year - but name the one bit of pseudo-technobollocks that deserves the RTD award for bullshit logic.
Oh, there's so many. The Tinkerbell effect, for one. The idea that 'stopping the Doctor's Regeneration' suddenly turns him into a Gollum. The idea that rejuvenating a human will somehow turn him into a monster that EATS YOUTH (and then the creature returns to normal for a time) makes any kind of sense at all. But most of those were bad science that furthur ruined bad episodes, so I'm going to go with bad science that marred an otherwise good episode: The idea that the Weeping Angels feed off "potential energy" of the years you might have had, by sending you into the past... where you would live those years anyway. Thus that potential energy is used anyway, and so there's nothing to feed off of unless new energy is created. Stupid idea.
6. Two years in and la Tennant is the longest running Doctor since 1989. Love him or loathe him, which was your most huggable David moment this season?
Huggable? I can't think of one. Though I did like him talking wistfully about Gallifrey in Gridlock.
7. And just in case you think I’m getting too soft, which Tenth Doctor bit of mockney, over-enunciating shtick had you most wanting to punch his lights out?
When he suggested that Rose would know just what to say to get him on the right track.
8. What did you think of this years Team TARDIS?
I liked the team of Martha and Doctor, I just wish she didn't have the stupid crush on him.
9. Our Russell, who art in Cardiff…Davies be thy name. But has this last year left you feeling that RTD is still the show’s saviour…or just a false prophet?
Neither, he's just someone I think needs to move on because he'd not making the best decisions, and his actual writing is only ho-hum. Get someone who's got a good plan and is a good writer.
10. And should - as rumour persists - next year see him jump ship, who should be approached to take over the reins?
Stephen Moffatt's a fan favorite, so I'll go with him. Cornell also might be worth a look. Those are the only writers I've particularly 'noticed' as being good.
11. Speaking of next year, if/when Tennant quits, who would you like to see replace him?
I've always thought John Rhys-Davies would make an excellent Doctor, though a bit older than the current fashion dictates. Anthony Stewart Head would also be a great one, but he's already been a villain so it's less likely. Other than that, I don't really have any particular inklings of specific people, but I would like a Doctor who's a little older than the last couple.
12. And while we’re still in 2008, who do you reckon ol’ Rusty’s got in mind for next year’s ‘Big Bad’?
Donna. Just saying. ;)
13. Safe to say the Daleks will probably be in there somewhere - but would you rather they gave Season 4 a miss?
Probably. Best to leave them out of the picture entirely until RTD leaves and someone new is at the reins. Or perhaps if they followed my ideas of how to return the Daleks to a real menace.
14. And after the Daleks, the Cybermen and the Master, what will next year’s ‘kiss to the past’ be?
Hmm... Sontarans, maybe. Ideally I'd like less focus on the present day Earth though, and more alien planets, like the old Who. Time Lords themselves can't keep popping up unless the whole Time War is undone in some way (although I'd like it very much, I don't care for the jettisoning of the whole Gallifreyan realm of stories), but _if they did_, I'd like to see the Meddling Monk - if anyone else could escape the destruction, it'd be him.
Oh, wait, how could I forget? The Brigadier! I want him back, even in a cameo. Failing that, I'd like at least a namecheck for Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart. Maybe have a story set in the 70s and have the Doctor call the Brigadier for help, and just get his voice over the phone.
I also think it'd be cool if for the Tennant-Light episode they traditionally do, they brought back McGann and did a flashback episode to something that happened to the 8th Doctor that bears on the present plot. But if I could only have one, Brigadier Me!
15. Back to this year - and what Season 3 moment made you most proud to be a fan?
Proud? None of them, really. But I liked the Master regenerating and then stealing the Tardis.
16. …and which moment, er, didn't?
Too many to count.
17. Following Bad Wolf and Torchwood, this year gave us ‘Vote Saxon’ as the not-so subtle meme threaded throughout most episodes. But did it do it for you?
It was okay. A little more subtle (since it was a person's name, and one could expect certain people to be referenced repeatedly). Best of the three, I'd say.
18. And whether it be a Cornell masterpiece or an RTD farrago, this season’s been resplendent with some fabulous dialogue. Which bit have you most found yourself quoting in polite company?
I don't think I've quoted anything.
19. What rating would you give this years finale compared to the previous finales?
Hmmm.. I'd give it a 2/5. Last year's I'd give a 3. The year before I'd give a 4. So a disturbing trend here.
20. Finally, sum up Season 3 in just five words (expletives notwithstanding).
Big promises, but bad payoff.
And in the 'weirdness' category? Anyone remember that the window in my room had a crack in it when we moved in, and they said there was a work order? Then after 3 months of keeping the path clear without hearing anything, I rearranged my room?. So today they showed up. With no warning. While my back was hurt. So we had to take down all the coverings in the window and move the bed out of the way. I also stepped on something sharp that was on the ground and hurt my foot a little. All that's not that weird (at least, not for me). The weird thing is, immediately after all that was done? My back got better. Not 100%, but better than it had been since it got hurt. If it improves any more, I think I'd be okay to work (though slowly) Friday.
BACK-OUT '98
Yes, I'm well aware it's the year 2007. But for some reason, it's still Back-Out '98. Maybe I'm just generally 9 years behind (or, would that be ahead?). So what's the status? Well, yesterday I woke up virtually unable to move which was worse than even when it first started. However, this must have been due to inflammation or muscle tightness or something, because I eventually got a hot water bottle and that loosened me right up. I still can't bend and there are occasional pains from moving, but I'm not virtually immobile. (However, sitting long periods is a pain, which is why this is being written in small bits, followed by lying down). So I skipped work, and no comics. I'm optimisticly hoping to be okay for work Friday, and then pick up comics after that, but really, who knows? Cross fingers, and send healing vibes through the net if you can. I can walk with decent speed, but I find that I'm Dune Walking. That is, as the title implies, I seem to walk without rhythm. This means that, were I on Arrakis, I would probably be able to cross desert areas without being swallowed by Sandworms. Sadly, I'm on Earth, which just means I look a little odd. Luckily, nobody's watching.
Anyway, what else, besides the back? Well, there are books, I guess. Since I'm lying down a lot I've been doing a bit more reading than I normally do at home - since getting up to check the net is no longer an instant reflex when TV gets boring, having a book is helpful.
So, Book Foo!
Finished: The Neutronium Alchemist by Peter F. Hamilton (2nd part of Night's Dawn series)
Started: The Naked God by Peter F. Hamilton (conclusion)
Quick thoughts, not terribly spoilery, behind cut.
So, I liked this one a bit more than the last one... the number of characters didn't increase too much, and I was growing more familiar with the ones who were there, so I felt lost left often. Also, more focused on the possessed personalities, giving many of them individual motivations (some of which were against those of the majority) was a welcome benefit, and including historical figures was a nice touch. Although one of the big issues so far is that despite the fact that many of them are despicable, the actual plight of the possessed and their general goals aren't all that bad. So I can't entirely find myself sympathizing with efforts to undo the problem, as opposed to finding an equitable solution for everyone. Anyway, now onto the conclusion.
and also
Finished: Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susannah Clarke
Started: Spin, by Robert Charles Wilson
Thoughts, not terribly spoilery, behind cut.
I quite enjoyed JS&MN, more than I thought I would, particularly from a fantasy. It reminded me a bit of American Gods in one sense - the story itself is okay, but the real treasure in it is all the little side stories and footnoted stories that expand on the world and keep you entertained even through parts of the book that are a little dull in fact.
The author also does a good job of setting up a fictional history of English magic that's remarkably believable.
Comparisons to Harry Potter tend to be natural. I think I've liked it better than any of the Potter books so far - it felt fresher and more natural. However, the characters in Harry Potter are more entertaining and relatable, probably. The style of this book makes the characters a little more remote.
Problems? Well, I didn't too much care for the ending, parts of it I'd already figured out, and that which I didn't or couldn't seemed a bit too 'just so' (that is, it worked that way because the author says it does, and since it's magic it works how the author says it does). A common problem in fantasy with magic but without firmly defined rules for it. Also some of the changes to spellings were a little annoying.
I should also state that for some reason, as I was reading, I pictured the two title characters as various incarnations of The Doctor. In my head, Norrell was the curmudgeonly William Hartnell, while Jonathan Strange was played by Christopher Eccleston, younger and a bit more daring (but not as silly as Tennant).
Still, if there was a sequel (and apparently the author is working on one in the
same world but not necessarily the same characters), I'll read it.
Anyway, that leads me down to 3 Hugo-winning novels left to read, and up next is one of those, Spin, about a field which encases the Earth, and outside of which time is apparently passing much more quickly (hence, I guess, the stars spin). Haven't actually started it yet, but I've liked some of the author's other books.
And a 'Who Year In Review' meme, stolen from
donna_c_punk... (spoilers for much of S3 who and casting spoilers for S4)1. Nice and easy to start - what was your favourite episode and why?
Probably Blink. There were others that were good, but Blink was the one that was good with the minimal amount of annoyance. It had a neat premise and was just a lot of fun.
2. Which episode was your least favourite?
Last of the Time Lords, I guess... I hate shows where you know a reset button is coming, and the whole way the Doctor 'won' was lame.
3. Avoid all the spoilers this year? If so, what moment gave you your biggest squeal of surprise?
I didn't particularly avoid them. I also didn't squeal, because that would be unmanly. I was mildly impressed with the linking of the watch from Human Nature to the Master in Utopia.
4. And which bit let you down most?
The resolution of the Master plot. Utopia was a great build up and they never really paid off with a good story.
5. There’s been some pretty ripe science amidst the sci-fi this year - but name the one bit of pseudo-technobollocks that deserves the RTD award for bullshit logic.
Oh, there's so many. The Tinkerbell effect, for one. The idea that 'stopping the Doctor's Regeneration' suddenly turns him into a Gollum. The idea that rejuvenating a human will somehow turn him into a monster that EATS YOUTH (and then the creature returns to normal for a time) makes any kind of sense at all. But most of those were bad science that furthur ruined bad episodes, so I'm going to go with bad science that marred an otherwise good episode: The idea that the Weeping Angels feed off "potential energy" of the years you might have had, by sending you into the past... where you would live those years anyway. Thus that potential energy is used anyway, and so there's nothing to feed off of unless new energy is created. Stupid idea.
6. Two years in and la Tennant is the longest running Doctor since 1989. Love him or loathe him, which was your most huggable David moment this season?
Huggable? I can't think of one. Though I did like him talking wistfully about Gallifrey in Gridlock.
7. And just in case you think I’m getting too soft, which Tenth Doctor bit of mockney, over-enunciating shtick had you most wanting to punch his lights out?
When he suggested that Rose would know just what to say to get him on the right track.
8. What did you think of this years Team TARDIS?
I liked the team of Martha and Doctor, I just wish she didn't have the stupid crush on him.
9. Our Russell, who art in Cardiff…Davies be thy name. But has this last year left you feeling that RTD is still the show’s saviour…or just a false prophet?
Neither, he's just someone I think needs to move on because he'd not making the best decisions, and his actual writing is only ho-hum. Get someone who's got a good plan and is a good writer.
10. And should - as rumour persists - next year see him jump ship, who should be approached to take over the reins?
Stephen Moffatt's a fan favorite, so I'll go with him. Cornell also might be worth a look. Those are the only writers I've particularly 'noticed' as being good.
11. Speaking of next year, if/when Tennant quits, who would you like to see replace him?
I've always thought John Rhys-Davies would make an excellent Doctor, though a bit older than the current fashion dictates. Anthony Stewart Head would also be a great one, but he's already been a villain so it's less likely. Other than that, I don't really have any particular inklings of specific people, but I would like a Doctor who's a little older than the last couple.
12. And while we’re still in 2008, who do you reckon ol’ Rusty’s got in mind for next year’s ‘Big Bad’?
Donna. Just saying. ;)
13. Safe to say the Daleks will probably be in there somewhere - but would you rather they gave Season 4 a miss?
Probably. Best to leave them out of the picture entirely until RTD leaves and someone new is at the reins. Or perhaps if they followed my ideas of how to return the Daleks to a real menace.
14. And after the Daleks, the Cybermen and the Master, what will next year’s ‘kiss to the past’ be?
Hmm... Sontarans, maybe. Ideally I'd like less focus on the present day Earth though, and more alien planets, like the old Who. Time Lords themselves can't keep popping up unless the whole Time War is undone in some way (although I'd like it very much, I don't care for the jettisoning of the whole Gallifreyan realm of stories), but _if they did_, I'd like to see the Meddling Monk - if anyone else could escape the destruction, it'd be him.
Oh, wait, how could I forget? The Brigadier! I want him back, even in a cameo. Failing that, I'd like at least a namecheck for Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart. Maybe have a story set in the 70s and have the Doctor call the Brigadier for help, and just get his voice over the phone.
I also think it'd be cool if for the Tennant-Light episode they traditionally do, they brought back McGann and did a flashback episode to something that happened to the 8th Doctor that bears on the present plot. But if I could only have one, Brigadier Me!
15. Back to this year - and what Season 3 moment made you most proud to be a fan?
Proud? None of them, really. But I liked the Master regenerating and then stealing the Tardis.
16. …and which moment, er, didn't?
Too many to count.
17. Following Bad Wolf and Torchwood, this year gave us ‘Vote Saxon’ as the not-so subtle meme threaded throughout most episodes. But did it do it for you?
It was okay. A little more subtle (since it was a person's name, and one could expect certain people to be referenced repeatedly). Best of the three, I'd say.
18. And whether it be a Cornell masterpiece or an RTD farrago, this season’s been resplendent with some fabulous dialogue. Which bit have you most found yourself quoting in polite company?
I don't think I've quoted anything.
19. What rating would you give this years finale compared to the previous finales?
Hmmm.. I'd give it a 2/5. Last year's I'd give a 3. The year before I'd give a 4. So a disturbing trend here.
20. Finally, sum up Season 3 in just five words (expletives notwithstanding).
Big promises, but bad payoff.
And in the 'weirdness' category? Anyone remember that the window in my room had a crack in it when we moved in, and they said there was a work order? Then after 3 months of keeping the path clear without hearing anything, I rearranged my room?. So today they showed up. With no warning. While my back was hurt. So we had to take down all the coverings in the window and move the bed out of the way. I also stepped on something sharp that was on the ground and hurt my foot a little. All that's not that weird (at least, not for me). The weird thing is, immediately after all that was done? My back got better. Not 100%, but better than it had been since it got hurt. If it improves any more, I think I'd be okay to work (though slowly) Friday.
