30 April 2011
Joanna Russ
Sci Fi author Joanna Russ died recently.
I've read a couple of her books, and, well, hmmm...
My thoughts on her writing are a little schizophrenic.
One the one hand, the stories I read were confusing and weird and dark and I can't really say I liked them.
On the other hand, though, I found myself connecting to them in a strange way. For instance: Way back in 2006 I instituted a "quote of the week" feature, and my inaugural quote was from her book The Female Man.
The two books I read were We Who Are About To... and the aforementioned The Female Man . That tribute article makes me want to read The Adventures of Alyx. I'm pretty sure I have a copy around here somewhere...
I've read a couple of her books, and, well, hmmm...
My thoughts on her writing are a little schizophrenic.
One the one hand, the stories I read were confusing and weird and dark and I can't really say I liked them.
On the other hand, though, I found myself connecting to them in a strange way. For instance: Way back in 2006 I instituted a "quote of the week" feature, and my inaugural quote was from her book The Female Man.
The two books I read were We Who Are About To... and the aforementioned The Female Man . That tribute article makes me want to read The Adventures of Alyx. I'm pretty sure I have a copy around here somewhere...
Labels: books, scifi/fantasy
More on the Katie Smith Trade
From Swish Appeal. This is my big "huh?" of the whole deal:
"The biggest unknown for us outsiders is more financial than anything - part of the difficulty of executing this trade was working out salaries. It's conceivable that Monroe and her sixth pick salary (more than Thomas') won't make the final roster depending on how much Smith signed for and whether the Storm have any other deals to move non-minimum salaries."
The Storm already have Sue Bird, Lauren Jackson, and Swin Cash who are all veterans and stars, and presumably are making the max. The other two starters are younger, but not that much younger. (This will be Camille Little's 5th year and Tanisha Wright's 7th.) Add in Le'Coe Willingham and Ashley Robinson (both 8th year) and that doesn't leave a lot of money left in the pot. The last three players are going to have to be cheap, and I can't imagine that Belinda Snell is cheap enough. She's only really played four years in the league (2005, 2006, 2007, and 2009), but still!
That final roster should be interesting....
"The biggest unknown for us outsiders is more financial than anything - part of the difficulty of executing this trade was working out salaries. It's conceivable that Monroe and her sixth pick salary (more than Thomas') won't make the final roster depending on how much Smith signed for and whether the Storm have any other deals to move non-minimum salaries."
The Storm already have Sue Bird, Lauren Jackson, and Swin Cash who are all veterans and stars, and presumably are making the max. The other two starters are younger, but not that much younger. (This will be Camille Little's 5th year and Tanisha Wright's 7th.) Add in Le'Coe Willingham and Ashley Robinson (both 8th year) and that doesn't leave a lot of money left in the pot. The last three players are going to have to be cheap, and I can't imagine that Belinda Snell is cheap enough. She's only really played four years in the league (2005, 2006, 2007, and 2009), but still!
That final roster should be interesting....
Labels: Seattle Storm
Quote of the Day: Doctor Who
One day I'm going to watch all the River Song episodes in her order -- backwards. I can't wait!
Until then, this is from tonight's episode, "Day of the Moon" (6.02):
[The Doctor and River arrive at the alien HQ to rescue Amy.]
The Doctor: Oh this is my friend River: nice hair, clever, and has her own gun. And unlike me she really doesn't mind shooting people. I shouldn't like that, but I kind of do a bit.
River: Thank you, sweetie.
The Doctor: [to the aliens] I know you're team players and everything but she'll definitely kill the first three of you—
River: Oh, the first seven, easy.
The Doctor: The first seven, really?
River: Oh, eight for you, honey.
The Doctor: Stop it!
River: Make me!
The Doctor: Oh, maybe I will!
Amy: Is this really important flirting? Because I feel like I should be higher up on the list!
Until then, this is from tonight's episode, "Day of the Moon" (6.02):
[The Doctor and River arrive at the alien HQ to rescue Amy.]
The Doctor: Oh this is my friend River: nice hair, clever, and has her own gun. And unlike me she really doesn't mind shooting people. I shouldn't like that, but I kind of do a bit.
River: Thank you, sweetie.
The Doctor: [to the aliens] I know you're team players and everything but she'll definitely kill the first three of you—
River: Oh, the first seven, easy.
The Doctor: The first seven, really?
River: Oh, eight for you, honey.
The Doctor: Stop it!
River: Make me!
The Doctor: Oh, maybe I will!
Amy: Is this really important flirting? Because I feel like I should be higher up on the list!
Labels: Doctor Who
29 April 2011
Loz & Liz
A Sydney (Australia) paper has a nice article where Elizabeth Cambage interviews Lauren Jackson. You can read it here.
There's some interesting insight into Lauren Jackson's personality, like this:
"I [Lauren Jackson] went over when I was 19, it's different. You're so far away from home. Our culture's completely different to American culture. I found that really difficult initially to deal with. Even now I have to take a step back and analyse the situation before I speak because I know that cultural difference is there. For me it was hard, but Lizzie, your personality is so beautiful and out there and open. The most endearing thing about you is you're able to communicate and let people in whereas I was a little bit more standoffish and probably a little bit more shy, and still am. People are going to flock to you because of your personality."
There's some interesting insight into Lauren Jackson's personality, like this:
"I [Lauren Jackson] went over when I was 19, it's different. You're so far away from home. Our culture's completely different to American culture. I found that really difficult initially to deal with. Even now I have to take a step back and analyse the situation before I speak because I know that cultural difference is there. For me it was hard, but Lizzie, your personality is so beautiful and out there and open. The most endearing thing about you is you're able to communicate and let people in whereas I was a little bit more standoffish and probably a little bit more shy, and still am. People are going to flock to you because of your personality."
Labels: Seattle Storm, WNBA
Big News from the Storm!
They managed to get Katie Smith! It took a big, confusing trade that involved two other teams (Washington Mystics and Indiana Fever), but Katie Smith will be joining the Storm for at least one year (there's a good chance she'll retire after this season).
This sentence from her Wikipedia page gives you a glimpse of her awesomeness: "She is the all time leading scorer in women's professional basketball, having notched over 6000 points in both her ABL and WNBA career."
Here's the Storm's official article.
And here's ESPN's Mechelle Voepel's take on it.
Lastly, Jayda Evans' article for the Times.
Basically, it sounds like she's a good replacement for Svetlana Abrosimova (who is playing for her national team this summer). She's a veteran who has always been a starter before this and she's usually a shooting guard, but she can play small forward or point guard, too.
The Storm are also getting a second-year post player named Jacinta Monroe, and they gave up Erin Phillips (a new signee this year) and Jasmine Thomas (their #1 draft pick). They also gave away a bunch of draft picks, but I guess they're figuring they do so well every year that they never get anyone good anyway.
Should be an interesting season!
This sentence from her Wikipedia page gives you a glimpse of her awesomeness: "She is the all time leading scorer in women's professional basketball, having notched over 6000 points in both her ABL and WNBA career."
Here's the Storm's official article.
And here's ESPN's Mechelle Voepel's take on it.
Lastly, Jayda Evans' article for the Times.
Basically, it sounds like she's a good replacement for Svetlana Abrosimova (who is playing for her national team this summer). She's a veteran who has always been a starter before this and she's usually a shooting guard, but she can play small forward or point guard, too.
The Storm are also getting a second-year post player named Jacinta Monroe, and they gave up Erin Phillips (a new signee this year) and Jasmine Thomas (their #1 draft pick). They also gave away a bunch of draft picks, but I guess they're figuring they do so well every year that they never get anyone good anyway.
Should be an interesting season!
Labels: Seattle Storm
Quote of the Day: The O.C.
From "The Escape" (episode 1.07):
Seth: What happens in Mexico, stays in Mexico.
Ryan: What happens in Mexico?
Seth: I don't know, because it stays there. That's why we must go!
Seth: What happens in Mexico, stays in Mexico.
Ryan: What happens in Mexico?
Seth: I don't know, because it stays there. That's why we must go!
Labels: The O.C.
28 April 2011
Mark Sheppard
For years and years I referred to actor Mark Sheppard as "Cecil L'Ively from The X-Files". He showed up everywhere: Burn Notice, Leverage, Dollhouse, Firefly, and many others that I'm sure I've forgotten. I never knew his name, I just remembered him as "Cecil L'Ively from The X-Files".
A couple of years ago, though, he had recurring roles on two of my favorite shows: Battlestar Galactica (Romo) and Supernatural (Crowley) and I finally learned his name. Now he's on Doctor Who (he's even doing the voice-over for the advertisements on BBC America) and io9 has worked up this little tribute to all the scifi/fantasy roles he's had in the last eighteen (!) years. (I was going to embed it, but they don't seem to have a code for it. Blech.)
P.S. His father, William Morgan Sheppard, has a similarly long and varied career, including (ready for this?) playing the older version of the character Mark Sheppard is playing on Doctor Who!
A couple of years ago, though, he had recurring roles on two of my favorite shows: Battlestar Galactica (Romo) and Supernatural (Crowley) and I finally learned his name. Now he's on Doctor Who (he's even doing the voice-over for the advertisements on BBC America) and io9 has worked up this little tribute to all the scifi/fantasy roles he's had in the last eighteen (!) years. (I was going to embed it, but they don't seem to have a code for it. Blech.)
P.S. His father, William Morgan Sheppard, has a similarly long and varied career, including (ready for this?) playing the older version of the character Mark Sheppard is playing on Doctor Who!
Labels: Battlestar Galactica, Doctor Who, scifi/fantasy, Supernatural
Quote of the Day: iCarly
From "iGo Nuclear":
[The kids are in science class....]
Sam: Can I be excused?
Mr. Henning: You need to go to the restroom?
Sam: No, I just hate this.
[The kids are in science class....]
Sam: Can I be excused?
Mr. Henning: You need to go to the restroom?
Sam: No, I just hate this.
Labels: iCarly
27 April 2011
Quote of the Day: Get Fuzzy
From Blueprint for Disaster by Darby Conley:
Bucky: You're saying that you're better looking than me?
Satchel: No, I'm saying that some people have said that.
Bucky: You're better looking than me?
Satchel: That's what they said.
Bucky: That you're better looking?
Satchel: Yes.
Bucky: YOU?
Satchel: YES!
[pause]
Bucky: Well, that's insane. You've obviously been secretly traveling to the enchanted land of nutjobs.
Satchel: Bucky, I don't even know where "Radio Shack" is.
Bucky: You're saying that you're better looking than me?
Satchel: No, I'm saying that some people have said that.
Bucky: You're better looking than me?
Satchel: That's what they said.
Bucky: That you're better looking?
Satchel: Yes.
Bucky: YOU?
Satchel: YES!
[pause]
Bucky: Well, that's insane. You've obviously been secretly traveling to the enchanted land of nutjobs.
Satchel: Bucky, I don't even know where "Radio Shack" is.
Labels: Get Fuzzy
26 April 2011
Team USA
The U.S. Women's National Basketball team is having a training camp in May -- after college and before the WNBA season.
Sue Bird and Swin Cash will attend, of course, along with lots of other stars of the WNBA. (Not Cappie Pondexder, though -- I guess choosing not to go to the World Championships got her kicked off the team!)
Two new players have also been invited: Britney Griner of Baylor (boo, hiss!) and Courtney Vandersloot (yay!!!!). I was hoping she would get an invite!
In other national team news: Lauren Jackson will miss the first half of the 2012 WNBA season to prepare for London. The Australian team is putting a lot of pressure on their players.
Sue Bird and Swin Cash will attend, of course, along with lots of other stars of the WNBA. (Not Cappie Pondexder, though -- I guess choosing not to go to the World Championships got her kicked off the team!)
Two new players have also been invited: Britney Griner of Baylor (boo, hiss!) and Courtney Vandersloot (yay!!!!). I was hoping she would get an invite!
In other national team news: Lauren Jackson will miss the first half of the 2012 WNBA season to prepare for London. The Australian team is putting a lot of pressure on their players.
Labels: Seattle Storm, sports
Quote of the Day: Daria
From "Quinn the Brain":
Daria: Did you just spend two hours dressing up to go the door for one minute and dump your date?
Quinn: Daria, if you look your best when you blow a guy off, it makes them feel like you care.
Daria: Well, that advice should prove very helpful. Sometimes your shallowness is so thorough, it's almost like depth.
Quinn: Thanks.
Daria: Did you just spend two hours dressing up to go the door for one minute and dump your date?
Quinn: Daria, if you look your best when you blow a guy off, it makes them feel like you care.
Daria: Well, that advice should prove very helpful. Sometimes your shallowness is so thorough, it's almost like depth.
Quinn: Thanks.
Labels: Daria
25 April 2011
Fezzes Are Cool
Quote of the Day: John Walters
From The Same River Twice, a quote that amuses me for reasons I can't fully explain:
UConn goes on a 10-0 run in two and half minutes, and BC never gets close again. With four and half minutes remaining, the Huskies lead 66-43. Diana Taurasi, whose high school jersey (23) was retired two nights earlier back in Chino, has the ball in the low post. She is out of position but, like an enthusiastic understudy who knows all of the characters' lines, relishes the opportunity to display her repertoire.
Using her left forearm to hold off her defender, Diana throws a soft hook shot off the backboard and into the basket. There are not 20 college centers who could make that shot so effortlessly. Diana looks at the Boston College defender and says with a swagger, "That's my hook shot."
On the bench Geno turns to [assistant coach] Tonya Cardoza. "What did she say?"
"She said, 'That's my hook shot,'" Tonya replies.
"That's why I thought she said."
UConn goes on a 10-0 run in two and half minutes, and BC never gets close again. With four and half minutes remaining, the Huskies lead 66-43. Diana Taurasi, whose high school jersey (23) was retired two nights earlier back in Chino, has the ball in the low post. She is out of position but, like an enthusiastic understudy who knows all of the characters' lines, relishes the opportunity to display her repertoire.
Using her left forearm to hold off her defender, Diana throws a soft hook shot off the backboard and into the basket. There are not 20 college centers who could make that shot so effortlessly. Diana looks at the Boston College defender and says with a swagger, "That's my hook shot."
On the bench Geno turns to [assistant coach] Tonya Cardoza. "What did she say?"
"She said, 'That's my hook shot,'" Tonya replies.
"That's why I thought she said."
Labels: UConn basketball
24 April 2011
Women's Basketball in Somalia
Quote of the Day: Doctor Who
From the season six premiere, "The Impossible Astronaut":
The Doctor: You realise that this is almost certainly a trap, of course?
River: I noticed the phone, yes.
Amy: What about it?
River: It was cut off. So how did the child phone from here?
Amy: OK. But why would anyone want to trap us?
The Doctor: Don't know. Let's see if someone tries to kill us, and work backwards.
The Doctor: You realise that this is almost certainly a trap, of course?
River: I noticed the phone, yes.
Amy: What about it?
River: It was cut off. So how did the child phone from here?
Amy: OK. But why would anyone want to trap us?
The Doctor: Don't know. Let's see if someone tries to kill us, and work backwards.
Labels: Doctor Who
23 April 2011
Did You Know...?
Did you know that the BBC owns the trademark rights to the "blue police box". Not, as one might expect, the British police. Huh.
Labels: Doctor Who
Quote of the Day: Steven Brust
From "Five Hundred Years After":
Emperor Tortaalik: And what, [Adron], of the reports I am hearing that you have dabbled in the sorcery of the ancients, that which was declared illegal at the beginning of the Empire?
Adron: Sire, anyone who knows me at all could assure Your Majesty that such reports can only be lies.
Emperor Tortaalik: Indeed?
Adron: Yes, Sire. As everyone knows, I never dabble.
Emperor Tortaalik: And what, [Adron], of the reports I am hearing that you have dabbled in the sorcery of the ancients, that which was declared illegal at the beginning of the Empire?
Adron: Sire, anyone who knows me at all could assure Your Majesty that such reports can only be lies.
Emperor Tortaalik: Indeed?
Adron: Yes, Sire. As everyone knows, I never dabble.
Labels: Vlad Taltos
22 April 2011
Yay! Yay!!! YAY!!!!!
I requested that the library order Bird at the Buzzer, and they did! Yay!
Since I'm the one who requested it, I automatically get one put on hold for me. Yay!!!
I figured they'd only order it if multiple people requested it, but the system only shows one hold -- and they still ordered it! YAY!!!!!
Since I'm the one who requested it, I automatically get one put on hold for me. Yay!!!
I figured they'd only order it if multiple people requested it, but the system only shows one hold -- and they still ordered it! YAY!!!!!
Labels: books, Seattle Storm
Unexpected Coolness
As you may or may not know, the soap operas All My Children and One Life To Live have been canceled.
(That's not the cool part.)
Apparently Swin Cash was a fan! I think that's pretty cool.
(That's not the cool part.)
Apparently Swin Cash was a fan! I think that's pretty cool.
Labels: Seattle Storm, TV
Quote of the Day: Doctor Who
I think I'm more excited about the Season 6 premiere than I realized -- I did a mini re-watch of Season 5 today! (Mini = The Eleventh Hour (5.01), The Beast Below (5.02), The Time of Angels (5.04), Flesh and Stone (5.05), The Pandorica Opens (5.12), and The Big Bang (5.13).)
And! Karen Gillan will be on Craig Ferguson tonight!!!
Anyway..... From "Flesh and Stone" (5.05, as mentioned above):
Amy: What if the gravity fails?
The Doctor: I've thought about that.
Amy: And?
The Doctor: We'll all plunge to our deaths. See? I've thought about it! [examines the door] Ah, the security protocols are still live. There's no way to override them; it's impossible!
River: How impossible?
The Doctor: Two minutes.
And! Karen Gillan will be on Craig Ferguson tonight!!!
Anyway..... From "Flesh and Stone" (5.05, as mentioned above):
Amy: What if the gravity fails?
The Doctor: I've thought about that.
Amy: And?
The Doctor: We'll all plunge to our deaths. See? I've thought about it! [examines the door] Ah, the security protocols are still live. There's no way to override them; it's impossible!
River: How impossible?
The Doctor: Two minutes.
Labels: Doctor Who
21 April 2011
Farewell, Jack in the Box
For years, Jack in the Box has been my fast food restaurant-of-choice. Once a month I treat myself to a hamburger and french fries.
Last month they served me cold fries and put cheese (that I didn't ask for) on my Spicy Chicken. I took it back and demanded a refund.
This month I decided to try their new "Americana" burger. I ordered it and my fries and was told my total was $6.02. Then I noticed that the Americana meal was advertised as being $4.99!
When I got to the window, I asked the dude why the meal cost less than the burger and fries. He said that the individual items cost more and there was more tax. (I'm guessing he meant because the subtotal is more?) I asked if I could switch to the meal, and he said yes. When he asked me what drink I wanted, I told him to save the cup -- I didn't want the drink. He said he had to charge me the higher price then.
I left.
I went to Dick's instead. It was ok. I think I'll try Wendy's next month.
I've never before left a drive-through without paying and taking the food I ordered. I feel a little bad about it, but since I never touched the food (he never handed it to me) I'm assuming they can give it to someone else, or even eat it themselves. If I'd saved myself the buck by taking the drink, that definitely would have been wasted, because I just would have thrown it out.
Last month they served me cold fries and put cheese (that I didn't ask for) on my Spicy Chicken. I took it back and demanded a refund.
This month I decided to try their new "Americana" burger. I ordered it and my fries and was told my total was $6.02. Then I noticed that the Americana meal was advertised as being $4.99!
When I got to the window, I asked the dude why the meal cost less than the burger and fries. He said that the individual items cost more and there was more tax. (I'm guessing he meant because the subtotal is more?) I asked if I could switch to the meal, and he said yes. When he asked me what drink I wanted, I told him to save the cup -- I didn't want the drink. He said he had to charge me the higher price then.
I left.
I went to Dick's instead. It was ok. I think I'll try Wendy's next month.
I've never before left a drive-through without paying and taking the food I ordered. I feel a little bad about it, but since I never touched the food (he never handed it to me) I'm assuming they can give it to someone else, or even eat it themselves. If I'd saved myself the buck by taking the drink, that definitely would have been wasted, because I just would have thrown it out.
Labels: food
Quote of the Day: Xena
From "A Day in the Life" (episode 2.15):
[Xena used their frying pan to fight off some bad guys.]
Gabrielle: Xena, this was our only frying pan. Why do you do that? You do have weapons, don't you?
Xena: I like to be creative in a fight. It gets my juices going.
Gabrielle: Can we cook with your juices?
[Xena used their frying pan to fight off some bad guys.]
Gabrielle: Xena, this was our only frying pan. Why do you do that? You do have weapons, don't you?
Xena: I like to be creative in a fight. It gets my juices going.
Gabrielle: Can we cook with your juices?
Labels: Xena
20 April 2011
The Only Reason I'd Watch Baseball
Courtney Vandersloot will be throwing the first pitch for the Mariners/Athletics game on Easter Sunday (1:10 on ROOT -- channel 30 for Comcast).
[h/t Jayda Evans]
[h/t Jayda Evans]
Labels: college basketball, sports, WNBA
Quote of the Day: Due South
From "Burning Down the House" (episode 3.01):
Ray: Routine is the silent killer.
Fraser: I thought that was high blood pressure.
Ray: Nah, they changed that.
Fraser: When?
Ray: You were on vacation.
Ray: Routine is the silent killer.
Fraser: I thought that was high blood pressure.
Ray: Nah, they changed that.
Fraser: When?
Ray: You were on vacation.
Labels: Due South
19 April 2011
Quote of the Day: Doctor Who
Elisabeth Sladen, who played Sarah Jane Smith on Doctor Who and The Sarah Jane Adventures, passed away today.
From "School Reunion" (episode 2.03):
Sarah Jane: It's daft, but I haven't ever thanked you for that time, and like I said, I wouldn't have missed it for the world.
The Doctor: Something to tell the grandkids.
Sarah Jane: Oh, I think it'll be someone else's grandkids now.
The Doctor: [awkwardly] Right. Yes, sorry... I didn't get a chance to ask. You haven't... there hasn't been anyone... ? You know...?
Sarah Jane: Well... there was this one guy. I traveled with him for a while. But he was a tough act to follow. [Sarah and the Doctor laugh softly.] Goodbye, Doctor.
The Doctor: Oh, it's not goodbye—
Sarah Jane: Say it, please. This time. Say it.
The Doctor: Goodbye... my Sarah Jane!
R.I.P. Sarah Jane.
From "School Reunion" (episode 2.03):
Sarah Jane: It's daft, but I haven't ever thanked you for that time, and like I said, I wouldn't have missed it for the world.
The Doctor: Something to tell the grandkids.
Sarah Jane: Oh, I think it'll be someone else's grandkids now.
The Doctor: [awkwardly] Right. Yes, sorry... I didn't get a chance to ask. You haven't... there hasn't been anyone... ? You know...?
Sarah Jane: Well... there was this one guy. I traveled with him for a while. But he was a tough act to follow. [Sarah and the Doctor laugh softly.] Goodbye, Doctor.
The Doctor: Oh, it's not goodbye—
Sarah Jane: Say it, please. This time. Say it.
The Doctor: Goodbye... my Sarah Jane!
R.I.P. Sarah Jane.
Labels: Doctor Who
18 April 2011
Stadiums
Proof that an exciting team is more important than an exciting stadium/arena.
Trust me: when I'm at a Storm game, I couldn't care less about the arena. The seats are comfortable enough, there are bathrooms, and the jumbotron-thingy keeps me appraised of the score and the foul situation. I don't need much more than that!
Trust me: when I'm at a Storm game, I couldn't care less about the arena. The seats are comfortable enough, there are bathrooms, and the jumbotron-thingy keeps me appraised of the score and the foul situation. I don't need much more than that!
Labels: Seattle Storm, sports
This.....is NOT a Surprise
Apparently the (currently airing) TV show with the strongest online fandom is..... Supernatural.
That's not a surprise. At all. That's like Sue-Bird-making-a-clutch-shot-to-win-an-important-game not surprising.
Some others on the list were a little surprising, though, but I noticed that several of the non-scifi/fantasy shows on the list star actors who first became famous on scifi shows.* Maybe that's why their fandoms are so strong?
Anyway, the TV Guide video here is adorable:
At 0:55, Jared Padalecki tells a great story about a "fan" he met in Walmart that turned out to be, well, not who he thought. And at 1:25 Jensen Ackles explains what famous person he gets mistaken for.
Oh! And 1:50 Misha Collins describes Supernatural as "Dukes of Hazard meets Twilight Zone". Ummm..... ok?
*Castle stars Nathan Fillion from Firefly. Bones stars David Boreanaz from Buffy and Angel. Hawaii 5-0 hits the scifi jackpot, with Alex O'Loughlin from Moonlight, Daniel Dae Kim from Lost (and Angel), and Grace Park from Battlestar Galactica.
That's not a surprise. At all. That's like Sue-Bird-making-a-clutch-shot-to-win-an-important-game not surprising.
Some others on the list were a little surprising, though, but I noticed that several of the non-scifi/fantasy shows on the list star actors who first became famous on scifi shows.* Maybe that's why their fandoms are so strong?
Anyway, the TV Guide video here is adorable:
At 0:55, Jared Padalecki tells a great story about a "fan" he met in Walmart that turned out to be, well, not who he thought. And at 1:25 Jensen Ackles explains what famous person he gets mistaken for.
Oh! And 1:50 Misha Collins describes Supernatural as "Dukes of Hazard meets Twilight Zone". Ummm..... ok?
*Castle stars Nathan Fillion from Firefly. Bones stars David Boreanaz from Buffy and Angel. Hawaii 5-0 hits the scifi jackpot, with Alex O'Loughlin from Moonlight, Daniel Dae Kim from Lost (and Angel), and Grace Park from Battlestar Galactica.
Labels: Supernatural
The Eternal Awesomeness of Sue Bird
Over at the WNBA website, Ben York has a list of "15 Reasons to Look Forward to the 15th Season [of the WNBA]". Here's #9:
Sue Bird: Watching her play the point guard position on a nightly basis is a privilege.
Sue Bird: Watching her play the point guard position on a nightly basis is a privilege.
Labels: Seattle Storm
Quote(s) of the Day: Joss Whedon.
I'm not sure I can pick just one quote from this interview.
How about this one:
question: ["Dr. Horrible"] was totally financed out of your own pocket?
Joss Whedon: Mm-hmm. I’m like, hey, you know what? Some mid-life crises are cars. They cost about this much. Mine has songs in it.
But how could I not pick this?
question: When you look at the success of "Glee" do you feel like that couldn’t have happened without things like the “Buffy” musical episode “Once More, With Feeling”?
Joss Whedon: No, but boy am I going to tell people that now. I’m going to run that theory up a flagpole. There’s other things like “High School Musical” that were more influential. However, let’s just say I invented television and leave it at that.
Or this bit, regarding how non-Whedonite fans get cranky when "Serenity" beats out more established scifi movies (like, say, "The Empire Strikes Back") in polls:
question: It’s like being a parent, and letting your child find its way in the world.
Joss Whedon: I can’t control how beautiful and popular my child is. What can I do?
Or (and I promise this is the last one), this gem about the upcoming "Avengers" movie that he's going to direct:
question: Can you say when you start production on “Avengers”?
Joss Whedon: We’re just a hardscrabble bunch. Guerilla filmmaking. I start production a week from Monday. I’m going to get started on the script now. Apparently that’s a thing. I don’t get it. Improv stunts are always way more exciting-looking.
How about this one:
question: ["Dr. Horrible"] was totally financed out of your own pocket?
Joss Whedon: Mm-hmm. I’m like, hey, you know what? Some mid-life crises are cars. They cost about this much. Mine has songs in it.
But how could I not pick this?
question: When you look at the success of "Glee" do you feel like that couldn’t have happened without things like the “Buffy” musical episode “Once More, With Feeling”?
Joss Whedon: No, but boy am I going to tell people that now. I’m going to run that theory up a flagpole. There’s other things like “High School Musical” that were more influential. However, let’s just say I invented television and leave it at that.
Or this bit, regarding how non-Whedonite fans get cranky when "Serenity" beats out more established scifi movies (like, say, "The Empire Strikes Back") in polls:
question: It’s like being a parent, and letting your child find its way in the world.
Joss Whedon: I can’t control how beautiful and popular my child is. What can I do?
Or (and I promise this is the last one), this gem about the upcoming "Avengers" movie that he's going to direct:
question: Can you say when you start production on “Avengers”?
Joss Whedon: We’re just a hardscrabble bunch. Guerilla filmmaking. I start production a week from Monday. I’m going to get started on the script now. Apparently that’s a thing. I don’t get it. Improv stunts are always way more exciting-looking.
Labels: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, Firefly, movies
17 April 2011
Brazilian Volleyball
A gay, male volleyball player in Brazil was harassed by opposing fans during a recent match. The next game, his team wore special pink jerseys, the fans got special pink thundersticks, and an anti-prejudice banner was unfurled. The full story can be found here.
[h/t AfterElton]
[h/t AfterElton]
Labels: GLBT, random niceness
Medicine in Outer Space
It never occurred to me that conditions in space would affect the effectiveness of medicines, but apparently it does.
Labels: random weirdness
Quote of the Day: Supernatural
Supernatural is finally back! Yay!!!
From last night's episode, "My Heart Will Go On" (episode 6.17):
[Dean and Sam are looking for Fate. Sam catches a glimpse of her.]
Dean: What did she look like?
Sam: Kind of like a librarian.
Dean: Your kind of librarian or my kind of librarian?
Sam: Well, she was wearing clothes, if that’s what you mean.
From last night's episode, "My Heart Will Go On" (episode 6.17):
[Dean and Sam are looking for Fate. Sam catches a glimpse of her.]
Dean: What did she look like?
Sam: Kind of like a librarian.
Dean: Your kind of librarian or my kind of librarian?
Sam: Well, she was wearing clothes, if that’s what you mean.
Labels: Supernatural
16 April 2011
Quote of the Day: Red vs. Blue
From season 5:
Simmons: I think there's something wrong with the tank.
Grif: Yeah, I noticed
Simmons: I got an idea.
Grif: Whoa, hold on a second, before you get too deep into this, let me remind you that we don't exactly have a good track record when it comes our plans and that tank.
Simmons: Come on, Grif. I think it's malfunctioning.
Grif: Well, there's only one part that has to function to turn me into a cloud of orange mist.
Simmons: I think there's something wrong with the tank.
Grif: Yeah, I noticed
Simmons: I got an idea.
Grif: Whoa, hold on a second, before you get too deep into this, let me remind you that we don't exactly have a good track record when it comes our plans and that tank.
Simmons: Come on, Grif. I think it's malfunctioning.
Grif: Well, there's only one part that has to function to turn me into a cloud of orange mist.
Labels: Red vs. Blue
15 April 2011
There's a Fly on my Cake!
Usually Cake Wrecks does, well, cakes that are wrecks. This one's just weird -- but awesome!
Labels: random silliness
Quote of the Day: Mechelle Voepel
From a recent chat:
question: Pam Ward said at the draft that the WNBA would name its president "within the next few days or so". Is that a believable timetable?
MV: Personally, I think she was ad-libbing, maybe trying to present it in a more positive light. As opposed to, "We're here at the WNBA draft and there is no president to announce the picks. We have no idea when there will be a president. Supposedly before the season starts in June." That might not sound so good. :) But that's me speculating ... yes, I let out a guffaw of disbelief in the press room when that statement was made on TV. Then again, I don't know when it's going to happen, either.
also:
question: Elizabeth Cambage...best WNBA draft outfit ever?
MV: I have about as much fashion sense as my dog ... and if she knew I said that, she would be insulted. I seriously am bad at such stuff. However, Liz looked terrific ... but I just hope no animal died to create that outfit. I thought everyone looked very nice; Maya Moore gets an A-plus in my book for No. 1 picks ... but since I just told you I don't know anything about fashion, I hope that's not a back-handed compliment. The funny part in person was watching most of the players quickly take off the heels as soon as they could put their flats back on.
question: Pam Ward said at the draft that the WNBA would name its president "within the next few days or so". Is that a believable timetable?
MV: Personally, I think she was ad-libbing, maybe trying to present it in a more positive light. As opposed to, "We're here at the WNBA draft and there is no president to announce the picks. We have no idea when there will be a president. Supposedly before the season starts in June." That might not sound so good. :) But that's me speculating ... yes, I let out a guffaw of disbelief in the press room when that statement was made on TV. Then again, I don't know when it's going to happen, either.
also:
question: Elizabeth Cambage...best WNBA draft outfit ever?
MV: I have about as much fashion sense as my dog ... and if she knew I said that, she would be insulted. I seriously am bad at such stuff. However, Liz looked terrific ... but I just hope no animal died to create that outfit. I thought everyone looked very nice; Maya Moore gets an A-plus in my book for No. 1 picks ... but since I just told you I don't know anything about fashion, I hope that's not a back-handed compliment. The funny part in person was watching most of the players quickly take off the heels as soon as they could put their flats back on.
Labels: WNBA
14 April 2011
Shopping with Mom
The folks over at Jezebel were shocked to hear that most women go shopping for clothes with their moms to get honest opinions.
I thought, "Well, of course! My mom is the perfect person to go clothes-shopping with."
My reasons, however, are different than the ones given in the study. Those ladies apparently have evil friends that deliberately sabotage them. (Which, to me, means they're NOT THEIR FRIENDS! Sheesh!) If I went shopping with a friend, I would be afraid that the friend wouldn't give me their honest opinion -- that they would be too nice.
Mom, on the other hand, genuinely wants me to look good, which means telling me when I'm not. We don't always agree, but I value her opinion.
I thought, "Well, of course! My mom is the perfect person to go clothes-shopping with."
My reasons, however, are different than the ones given in the study. Those ladies apparently have evil friends that deliberately sabotage them. (Which, to me, means they're NOT THEIR FRIENDS! Sheesh!) If I went shopping with a friend, I would be afraid that the friend wouldn't give me their honest opinion -- that they would be too nice.
Mom, on the other hand, genuinely wants me to look good, which means telling me when I'm not. We don't always agree, but I value her opinion.
Quote of the Day: Doctor Who
From "Boom Town" (episode 1.11):
The Doctor: Hello, I've come to see the Lord Mayor.
the mayor's secretary: Have you got an appointment?
The Doctor: No, just an old friend passing by, bit of a surprise. Can't wait to see her face!
the mayor's secretary: Well, she's just having a cup of tea.
The Doctor: Just go in there and tell her "The Doctor" would like to see her.
the mayor's secretary: "The Doctor" who?
The Doctor: Just "The Doctor". Tell her exactly that, "The Doctor".
the mayor's secretary: Hang on a tic.
[The mayor's secretary goes inside. There is the sound of a teacup smashing and then the mayor's secretary returns.]
the mayor's secretary: The Lord Mayor says "Thank you for popping by." She'd love to have a chat, but, um, she's up to her eyes in paperwork. Perhaps you would like to make an appointment for next week?
The Doctor: [happily] She's climbing out the window, isn't she?
the mayor's secretary: Yes, she is.
The Doctor: Hello, I've come to see the Lord Mayor.
the mayor's secretary: Have you got an appointment?
The Doctor: No, just an old friend passing by, bit of a surprise. Can't wait to see her face!
the mayor's secretary: Well, she's just having a cup of tea.
The Doctor: Just go in there and tell her "The Doctor" would like to see her.
the mayor's secretary: "The Doctor" who?
The Doctor: Just "The Doctor". Tell her exactly that, "The Doctor".
the mayor's secretary: Hang on a tic.
[The mayor's secretary goes inside. There is the sound of a teacup smashing and then the mayor's secretary returns.]
the mayor's secretary: The Lord Mayor says "Thank you for popping by." She'd love to have a chat, but, um, she's up to her eyes in paperwork. Perhaps you would like to make an appointment for next week?
The Doctor: [happily] She's climbing out the window, isn't she?
the mayor's secretary: Yes, she is.
Labels: Doctor Who
13 April 2011
Quote of the Day: Stephen Fry
From The Fry Chronicles:
[Stephen Fry can't sing.]
At John Schlesinger's funeral at a synagogue in St John's Wood some years ago the person I stood next to said to me encouragingly, "Come on, Stephen -- you're not singing. Have a go!"
"Believe me, Paul, you don't want me to," I said. Besides, I was having a much better time listening to him.
"No. Go on!"
So I joined in the chorus.
"You're right," Paul McCartney conceded. "You can't sing."
[Stephen Fry can't sing.]
At John Schlesinger's funeral at a synagogue in St John's Wood some years ago the person I stood next to said to me encouragingly, "Come on, Stephen -- you're not singing. Have a go!"
"Believe me, Paul, you don't want me to," I said. Besides, I was having a much better time listening to him.
"No. Go on!"
So I joined in the chorus.
"You're right," Paul McCartney conceded. "You can't sing."
Labels: Stephen Fry
12 April 2011
Best Quote from Draft Day
Teeny-tiny ESPN interviewer Holly Rowe to 6'8" Elizabeth Cambage:
"I would just like to say, first of all, thank you for wearing flat shoes today."
(Seriously, they're standing right next to each other, and Cambage is at least a foot and half taller than Holly Rowe. That would put Holly Rowe at 5'4", but we can assume that she's wearing heels, so 5'1", maybe?)
"I would just like to say, first of all, thank you for wearing flat shoes today."
(Seriously, they're standing right next to each other, and Cambage is at least a foot and half taller than Holly Rowe. That would put Holly Rowe at 5'4", but we can assume that she's wearing heels, so 5'1", maybe?)
Labels: WNBA
Post-Draft Stuff
The WNBA has pictures of the draftees. Here's two of Courtney Vandersloot.
The top three picks.
Here's CV getting picked:
A nice little article from the WNBA website about her surprise at being picked #3.
And her post-pick press conference:
A nice article from the Seattle PI.
Jayda linked to some video from ESPN's Mechelle Voepel, who interviewed CV and Seattle Storm pick Jasmine Thomas.
The top three picks.
Here's CV getting picked:
A nice little article from the WNBA website about her surprise at being picked #3.
And her post-pick press conference:
A nice article from the Seattle PI.
Jayda linked to some video from ESPN's Mechelle Voepel, who interviewed CV and Seattle Storm pick Jasmine Thomas.
Labels: WNBA
Dr. Horrible + My Little Pony = Insanely Awesome
Want more? They've also done Freeze Ray, Bad Horse, and Caring Hands.
[h/t Whedonesque]
Labels: Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, random silliness
Quote of the Day: Jeeves & Wooster
From "Tuppy and the Terrier" (episode 1.2):
Bertie: Tell me, Jeeves, were you always like this, or did it come on suddenly?
Jeeves: Sir?
Bertie: The brain, the gray matter. Were you an outstandingly brilliant child?
Jeeves: My mother thought me intelligent, sir.
Bertie: Well, can't go by that. My mother thought me intelligent.
Bertie: Tell me, Jeeves, were you always like this, or did it come on suddenly?
Jeeves: Sir?
Bertie: The brain, the gray matter. Were you an outstandingly brilliant child?
Jeeves: My mother thought me intelligent, sir.
Bertie: Well, can't go by that. My mother thought me intelligent.
Labels: Jeeves and Wooster
11 April 2011
Draft Day!!!
Courtney Vandersloot went #3!!! That's pretty good, since that means she was first of the "everybody else". She was drafted by the Chicago Sky. The good news is that Chicago's coach is Pokey Chapman, who used to be a point guard, and coaches Sue Bird on her Russian Team (Spartak Moscow).
Here's her draft-day blog. (Includes obligatory picture posing with Chicago "11" jersey!) And here are her sweet tweets.
The Storm picked Jasmine Thomas from Duke. Apparently she was the next-best point guard available (after CV, of course). I watched her play against UConn twice, and don't remember being impressed. Of course, UConn was a bad match-up for Duke -- they won those games by 36 and 35 points.
An "oops!" moment during the draft: The #10 pick wasn't invited! She's from Tacoma (went to Georgia Tech) and in her draft blog-post, Jayda Evans included a video showing her reacting to the first round pick. Awww!
ESPN's Mechelle Voepel on each team's picks: Most Picks Make Sense.
Maya Moore was the #1 pick, of course. Here she is with UConn coach Auriemma right after being drafted by Minnesota:
A quick rewind to before the draft: Courtney Vandersloot named a draft prospect "on the rise". (Ya think?) And a nice article about Elizabeth Cambage that includes lots of mentions of/quotes from Lauren Jackson.
Here's her draft-day blog. (Includes obligatory picture posing with Chicago "11" jersey!) And here are her sweet tweets.
The Storm picked Jasmine Thomas from Duke. Apparently she was the next-best point guard available (after CV, of course). I watched her play against UConn twice, and don't remember being impressed. Of course, UConn was a bad match-up for Duke -- they won those games by 36 and 35 points.
An "oops!" moment during the draft: The #10 pick wasn't invited! She's from Tacoma (went to Georgia Tech) and in her draft blog-post, Jayda Evans included a video showing her reacting to the first round pick. Awww!
ESPN's Mechelle Voepel on each team's picks: Most Picks Make Sense.
Maya Moore was the #1 pick, of course. Here she is with UConn coach Auriemma right after being drafted by Minnesota:
A quick rewind to before the draft: Courtney Vandersloot named a draft prospect "on the rise". (Ya think?) And a nice article about Elizabeth Cambage that includes lots of mentions of/quotes from Lauren Jackson.
Labels: Seattle Storm, WNBA
Brrr....
It does not feel like April out there. I took out the garbage tonight and it was cold, wet, and windy. It felt like February or November out there.
Labels: weather
Quote of the Day: Big Bang Theory
From "The 21-Second Excitation":
[Sheldon wants to hurry dinner so they can get in line to see a movie.]
Leonard: Don't worry, Sheldon, we'll be fine.
Sheldon: What happened to the Leonard Hofstadder who waited in line with me for fourteen hours to see the midnight premiere of Star Trek: Nemesis?
Leonard: Oh! Well, he waited in line for fourteen hours while you napped in a lawn chair, he got in a fight with a Klingon when he stepped out of line to pee and you wouldn't wake up to vouch for him, and -- worst of all -- he saw Star Trek: Nemesis.
[Sheldon wants to hurry dinner so they can get in line to see a movie.]
Leonard: Don't worry, Sheldon, we'll be fine.
Sheldon: What happened to the Leonard Hofstadder who waited in line with me for fourteen hours to see the midnight premiere of Star Trek: Nemesis?
Leonard: Oh! Well, he waited in line for fourteen hours while you napped in a lawn chair, he got in a fight with a Klingon when he stepped out of line to pee and you wouldn't wake up to vouch for him, and -- worst of all -- he saw Star Trek: Nemesis.
10 April 2011
Draft Day's Tomorrow!
Courtney Vandersloot looks forward to the draft:
Seattle, the reigning champion, picks last among the 12 teams and no one expects the 5-foot-8 Kent, Wash., native to be around that long.
"There’s a part of me that always wanted to go to Seattle," Vandersloot said. "I didn’t know how it works, I just figured I could choose Seattle. It would be great to play at home and I idolized Sue Bird. I thought it would be great to play with her."
The WNBA has a Q&A with Maya Moore, and she is predictably humble:
WNBA.com: You played in the Stars at the Sun game last season and the World Championship in September. You went up against a number of WNBA players and perhaps even some incoming WNBA players along the way. How did that help prepare you for what lies ahead?
MM: That was a great experience to see that I got what it takes but there’s still a lot more work to be done. Being able to learn from the greats. Just watching Sue [Bird], Diana [Taurasi], Tamika [Catchings], Swin [Cash], Asjha [Jones], just to go out there and just little by little get that work done against the best talent in the world. I’m really appreciative of that experience and it gives me a lot of excitement to know that if I keep working hard and keep doing what I’m doing I’ll be in the league with them and be a leader for the national team if I keep working hard. If I keep growing and learning and not settling. So I think it did two things: it gave me confidence, and it also made me hungry. It’s a reminder that I have more to do and it’ll keep me hungry for workouts coming up, training camps and anything that involves working and getting better.
The Storm coaching team has to hope that the draft talent pool runs deep this year, since they have the last pick.
"It's the only time you wish you hadn't won so many games," said Storm assistant coach Jenny Boucek, whose team will draft 24th and 36th in the second and third rounds, respectively.
This isn't draft-related, but I need to throw it in because somehow I missed it earlier: 2010: The Year of UConn Has Shined the Brightest:
And the team of the 2010 WNBA season, the Seattle Storm, featured three former UConn teammates that spent four years together in Storrs, Connecticut. Three players all extremely motivated to win a WNBA championship for slightly different reasons after years of frustration. Sue Bird trying to get past five years of first round playoff losses. Swin Cash overcoming injuries and an ugly end to her time in Detroit. And Svetlana Abrosimova returning to win a championship after a year away from a frustrating WNBA career filled with injuries on mostly losing teams. And that's exactly what they did and they did it in UConn style, dominating the WNBA from start to finish.
Seattle, the reigning champion, picks last among the 12 teams and no one expects the 5-foot-8 Kent, Wash., native to be around that long.
"There’s a part of me that always wanted to go to Seattle," Vandersloot said. "I didn’t know how it works, I just figured I could choose Seattle. It would be great to play at home and I idolized Sue Bird. I thought it would be great to play with her."
The WNBA has a Q&A with Maya Moore, and she is predictably humble:
WNBA.com: You played in the Stars at the Sun game last season and the World Championship in September. You went up against a number of WNBA players and perhaps even some incoming WNBA players along the way. How did that help prepare you for what lies ahead?
MM: That was a great experience to see that I got what it takes but there’s still a lot more work to be done. Being able to learn from the greats. Just watching Sue [Bird], Diana [Taurasi], Tamika [Catchings], Swin [Cash], Asjha [Jones], just to go out there and just little by little get that work done against the best talent in the world. I’m really appreciative of that experience and it gives me a lot of excitement to know that if I keep working hard and keep doing what I’m doing I’ll be in the league with them and be a leader for the national team if I keep working hard. If I keep growing and learning and not settling. So I think it did two things: it gave me confidence, and it also made me hungry. It’s a reminder that I have more to do and it’ll keep me hungry for workouts coming up, training camps and anything that involves working and getting better.
The Storm coaching team has to hope that the draft talent pool runs deep this year, since they have the last pick.
"It's the only time you wish you hadn't won so many games," said Storm assistant coach Jenny Boucek, whose team will draft 24th and 36th in the second and third rounds, respectively.
This isn't draft-related, but I need to throw it in because somehow I missed it earlier: 2010: The Year of UConn Has Shined the Brightest:
And the team of the 2010 WNBA season, the Seattle Storm, featured three former UConn teammates that spent four years together in Storrs, Connecticut. Three players all extremely motivated to win a WNBA championship for slightly different reasons after years of frustration. Sue Bird trying to get past five years of first round playoff losses. Swin Cash overcoming injuries and an ugly end to her time in Detroit. And Svetlana Abrosimova returning to win a championship after a year away from a frustrating WNBA career filled with injuries on mostly losing teams. And that's exactly what they did and they did it in UConn style, dominating the WNBA from start to finish.
Labels: college basketball, Seattle Storm, UConn basketball
Candy Problems
A couple of months ago I made peanut brittle for the first time. It turned out pretty good, but the liquid candy didn't pour very well (like the picture in the cookbook implied it should).
I figured I boiled it too long, so this time I took it off the stove earlier. Bad move. Not only was it still not-pourable, but it didn't turn into candy when it cooled. (It's all crumbly.)
I think I'll try a different recipe next time...
I figured I boiled it too long, so this time I took it off the stove earlier. Bad move. Not only was it still not-pourable, but it didn't turn into candy when it cooled. (It's all crumbly.)
I think I'll try a different recipe next time...
Labels: food
Quote of the Day: iCarly
From "iHave My Principals":
Sam: I haven't done one bad thing this week!
Mr. Howard: Oh, please! I know you put that big snapping turtle in the teachers' toilet.
Sam: You got it on video?
Mr. Howard: ...No.
Sam: Then I didn't do it.
Sam: I haven't done one bad thing this week!
Mr. Howard: Oh, please! I know you put that big snapping turtle in the teachers' toilet.
Sam: You got it on video?
Mr. Howard: ...No.
Sam: Then I didn't do it.
Labels: iCarly
09 April 2011
Pretty (and Sad)
The song first appeared in the Dollhouse episode "Epitaph One" (great ep, btw). The writers of the song (and episode), Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen, then made a non-Dollhouse video for the song, that stars Maurissa Tancharoen and Fran Kranz....both of whom appeared on the TV show.
Make sense? Well, it doesn't matter. It's a pretty song, and a lovely -- but sad -- video:
Make sense? Well, it doesn't matter. It's a pretty song, and a lovely -- but sad -- video:
Thursday, June 9th
That's the day of the first Storm game Iris and I have tickets for.
It's soooooooo far awaaaaaaaayyyyyy!!!!!!
Sigh.
It's soooooooo far awaaaaaaaayyyyyy!!!!!!
Sigh.
Labels: Seattle Storm
Quote of the Day: Angel
From "Tomorrow" (episode 3.22):
Angel: I found Holtz.
Cordelia: And?
Angel: I didn't kill him.
Cordelia: Maybe you're growing as a person.
Angel: I found Holtz.
Cordelia: And?
Angel: I didn't kill him.
Cordelia: Maybe you're growing as a person.
Labels: Angel
08 April 2011
Awww....
Quote of the Day: Being Human
From episode 6.1:
[George is visiting his friend Mitchell in the hospital, and the hospital vicar, Mark, comes to Mitchell's room.]
Mark: If you're non-believers that's fine, we can just sit together for a few moments of quiet contemplation.
George: Contemplation about what?
Mark: The fiery oblivion that awaits all atheists?
George: Oh, it's not that. I'm Jewish and... [gestures to Mitchell] he's complicated.
Mark: Jewish people pray, I've seen Yentl.
George: You're very sarcastic for a vicar.
Mark: Yeah, so people tell me. I feel very bad about it, and then I forgive myself.
[George is visiting his friend Mitchell in the hospital, and the hospital vicar, Mark, comes to Mitchell's room.]
Mark: If you're non-believers that's fine, we can just sit together for a few moments of quiet contemplation.
George: Contemplation about what?
Mark: The fiery oblivion that awaits all atheists?
George: Oh, it's not that. I'm Jewish and... [gestures to Mitchell] he's complicated.
Mark: Jewish people pray, I've seen Yentl.
George: You're very sarcastic for a vicar.
Mark: Yeah, so people tell me. I feel very bad about it, and then I forgive myself.
Labels: Being Human
07 April 2011
Draft Stuff
The WNBA draft is on Monday.
Swish Appeal has a mock draft that puts Courtney Vandersloot as #3.
Elizabeth Cambage clears up a few things: 1) The second syllable of her last name rhymes with "beige", and 2) She is perfectly happy to play for Tulsa.
Apparently the WNBA invites top draft picks to the ceremony? I wondered how that worked. Anyway, here's this year's list.
Also: Adidas has designed new jerseys the 2011 season. You can see the Storm's jersey's here. I'm not sure what I think yet. I do like that there's a link to see the history of the jersey's -- that's cool.
Swish Appeal has a mock draft that puts Courtney Vandersloot as #3.
Elizabeth Cambage clears up a few things: 1) The second syllable of her last name rhymes with "beige", and 2) She is perfectly happy to play for Tulsa.
Apparently the WNBA invites top draft picks to the ceremony? I wondered how that worked. Anyway, here's this year's list.
Also: Adidas has designed new jerseys the 2011 season. You can see the Storm's jersey's here. I'm not sure what I think yet. I do like that there's a link to see the history of the jersey's -- that's cool.
Labels: Seattle Storm, WNBA
Photoshopping
(Wait a sec -- when did "photoshop" become a verb? Anyway....)
Follow the link to Jezebel to see a crazy video of pre- and post-photoshopping of pictures of models.
Follow the link to Jezebel to see a crazy video of pre- and post-photoshopping of pictures of models.
Labels: advertisements, random weirdness
Quote of the Day: Torchwood
From "Day One" (episode 1.02):
Jack: All right, usual formation.
Gwen: What's the usual formation?
Owen: Varies.
Gwen: How can the usual formation vary?
Jack: All right, usual formation.
Gwen: What's the usual formation?
Owen: Varies.
Gwen: How can the usual formation vary?
Labels: Torchwood
06 April 2011
Quote of the Day: Red Dwarf
From "The Last Day" (episode 3.6):
Rimmer: I used to be in the Samaritans.
Lister: I know. For one morning.
Rimmer: I couldn't take any more.
Lister: I don't blame you. You spoke to five people and they all committed suicide. I wouldn't mind, but one was a wrong number! He only phoned up for the cricket scores!
Rimmer: I used to be in the Samaritans.
Lister: I know. For one morning.
Rimmer: I couldn't take any more.
Lister: I don't blame you. You spoke to five people and they all committed suicide. I wouldn't mind, but one was a wrong number! He only phoned up for the cricket scores!
Labels: Red Dwarf
05 April 2011
House?
I stopped watching House a season or two ago, so I don't really know what's going on, but apparently Cuddy is ill? And hallucinating? I dunno. But this "Get Happy" dream sequence is awesome:
There's several other cool dreams from that episode on youtube, like this Butch Cassidy parody and this weird little 50's sitcom.
There's several other cool dreams from that episode on youtube, like this Butch Cassidy parody and this weird little 50's sitcom.
Labels: TV
The Last Few Basketball Notes....
(Until the WNBA season starts, of course!)
Mucho thanks to Texas A&M, for making sure Notre Dame didn't win the championship.
The Storm website has an updated mock draft, and now they're predicting Courtney Vandersloot will go 3rd (after Maya Moore and Elizabeth Cambage).
And finally, a very nice article about Maya Moore, thanking her for being everything a college athlete should be.
Mucho thanks to Texas A&M, for making sure Notre Dame didn't win the championship.
The Storm website has an updated mock draft, and now they're predicting Courtney Vandersloot will go 3rd (after Maya Moore and Elizabeth Cambage).
And finally, a very nice article about Maya Moore, thanking her for being everything a college athlete should be.
Labels: college basketball, UConn basketball, WNBA
Quote of the Day: Get Fuzzy
From The Dog Is Not a Toy (House Rule #4) by Darby Conley:
Bucky: But why can't I shoot my slingshot inside?
Rob: Bucky, this is crazy. Nothing so stupid is allowed in this apartment.
Bucky: What about when you filled the tub with goldfish, or slid around the house on sticks of butter, or --
Rob: Bucky, you did those things.
Bucky: So you admit that stupid things are done in the apartment?!?
Rob: OK, this is insane. I am not continuing this discussion.
Bucky: But why can't I shoot my slingshot inside?
Rob: Bucky, this is crazy. Nothing so stupid is allowed in this apartment.
Bucky: What about when you filled the tub with goldfish, or slid around the house on sticks of butter, or --
Rob: Bucky, you did those things.
Bucky: So you admit that stupid things are done in the apartment?!?
Rob: OK, this is insane. I am not continuing this discussion.
Labels: Get Fuzzy
04 April 2011
Quote of the Day: Daria
From "Arts 'n' Crass" (episode 2.01):
[Helen's office phone rings; her assistant answers it.]
Marianne: Helen? It's your daughter's teacher.
Helen: Tell them I'll make sure Quinn turns in the assignment on Monday. Oh! And try to find out what the assignment is, and if you could get started making notes on it.
Marianne: It's your other daughter, I think.
Helen: Daria? Well then, tell them I'll talk to her about her attitude and try to find out who she insulted and what she said.
[Helen's office phone rings; her assistant answers it.]
Marianne: Helen? It's your daughter's teacher.
Helen: Tell them I'll make sure Quinn turns in the assignment on Monday. Oh! And try to find out what the assignment is, and if you could get started making notes on it.
Marianne: It's your other daughter, I think.
Helen: Daria? Well then, tell them I'll talk to her about her attitude and try to find out who she insulted and what she said.
Labels: Daria
03 April 2011
Boo, Hiss! (with a little bit of "Yay!")
UConn lost.
Like Courtney Vandersloot, Maya Moore tried valiantly to will her team to victory, but didn't get enough help from her teammates. To be fair, they had a slight problem with the height-differential, since UConn's only tall player (Stephanie Dolson), had four fouls and had to sit out large chunks of the game. (And some of those fouls didn't seem very foul-like to me.) But their second-leading scorer (Tiffany Hayes) had a dreadful night. Not only didn't she not make shots, she wasn't even taking them. Blech.
So, Notre Dame moves on to the championship game, where they will play... Texas A&M! In a real nail-biter -- the lead changed twice (three times?) in the last 30 seconds -- A&M took out Stanford. Standford is now the only team in in NCAAW history to go to the Final Four four times in a row without coming home with a championship. Ha! That takes a little of the sting away!
It's been ten years since Notre Dame has won a championship, and this is Texas A&M's first trip to the Final Four.
If I watch the game, I'm definitely rooting for Texas!
Like Courtney Vandersloot, Maya Moore tried valiantly to will her team to victory, but didn't get enough help from her teammates. To be fair, they had a slight problem with the height-differential, since UConn's only tall player (Stephanie Dolson), had four fouls and had to sit out large chunks of the game. (And some of those fouls didn't seem very foul-like to me.) But their second-leading scorer (Tiffany Hayes) had a dreadful night. Not only didn't she not make shots, she wasn't even taking them. Blech.
So, Notre Dame moves on to the championship game, where they will play... Texas A&M! In a real nail-biter -- the lead changed twice (three times?) in the last 30 seconds -- A&M took out Stanford. Standford is now the only team in in NCAAW history to go to the Final Four four times in a row without coming home with a championship. Ha! That takes a little of the sting away!
It's been ten years since Notre Dame has won a championship, and this is Texas A&M's first trip to the Final Four.
If I watch the game, I'm definitely rooting for Texas!
Labels: college basketball, UConn basketball
Quote of the Day: Firefly
From "Bushwacked" (episode 1.03):
[Commander Harken questions the crew.]
Harken: You fought with Captain Reynolds in the war?
Zoe: Fought with a lot of people in the war.
Harken: And your husband?
Zoe: Fight with him sometimes, too.
[Commander Harken questions the crew.]
Harken: You fought with Captain Reynolds in the war?
Zoe: Fought with a lot of people in the war.
Harken: And your husband?
Zoe: Fight with him sometimes, too.
Labels: Firefly
02 April 2011
Quote of the Day: Mechelle Voepel
From a chat she did the other day:
Question: What do you expect out of the Skylar Diggins [point guard for Notre Dame] v. Bria Hartley/Lorin Dixon [point guards for UConn] matchup?
Mechelle Voepel: I'm really excited about it, including for what it means potentially down the line in regard to the U.S. national team. Sue Bird can't be the point guard forever, and she needs some youngster(s) to mentor to try to be the next "her" in the decade after she retires. Diggins and Hartley certainly are in the group of people who could do that. And I like how Dixon has kept her chin up and contributed even though she's been through some low periods at UConn. She has a lot to be proud of in how she's stayed a competitor.
[p.s. I know the question was about the Diggins, Hartley, and Dixon, but isn't Courtney Vandersloot an obvious choice to take over "being" Sue Bird on Team USA? I know a lot will depend on what happens when they all get to the WNBA, but based the evidence so far, I think CV's the new Sue!]
Question: What do you expect out of the Skylar Diggins [point guard for Notre Dame] v. Bria Hartley/Lorin Dixon [point guards for UConn] matchup?
Mechelle Voepel: I'm really excited about it, including for what it means potentially down the line in regard to the U.S. national team. Sue Bird can't be the point guard forever, and she needs some youngster(s) to mentor to try to be the next "her" in the decade after she retires. Diggins and Hartley certainly are in the group of people who could do that. And I like how Dixon has kept her chin up and contributed even though she's been through some low periods at UConn. She has a lot to be proud of in how she's stayed a competitor.
[p.s. I know the question was about the Diggins, Hartley, and Dixon, but isn't Courtney Vandersloot an obvious choice to take over "being" Sue Bird on Team USA? I know a lot will depend on what happens when they all get to the WNBA, but based the evidence so far, I think CV's the new Sue!]
Labels: college basketball, UConn basketball
01 April 2011
Point Guard Twitter
In this Swish Appeal article, they quoted Ticha Penicheiro from her Twitter account, saying "Courtney is AMaZInG!! I'm a BIG fan of her game! I think she will do well, but it will also depends on what team she will go 2!"
I was intrigued, so I dug through her Twitter history to find it. I ended up finding a lot of references to Courtney Vandersloot, including some conversations between the two of them. How cool is that? (The answer: VERY!)
(Ticha Penicheiro, in case you're unaware of her, is an excellent "old school" point guard. Think Sue Bird, but a little older, and less likely to score.)
Anyway, here's some of the cool Ticha/Courtney stuff I found:
Someone compares Courtney to Ticha, and Ticha takes that as a compliment.
Then Ticha realizes that Courtney is on Twitter, and congratulates her directly.
Courtney thanks her for the compliment.
And Ticha gives her a congrats on the 2000 points/1000 assists milestone.
Several days later, Ticha tweets about watching Courtney play.
And here, someone asks if she's watching the Gonzaga game, and she replies that she definitely is.
And after the game, she tweets some more congratulations.
During the Stanford game, she calls Courtney Vandersloot a "beast" (in a good way!).
When a Gonzaga fan mentions how awesome it is that Ticha is a fan of Courtney's, Ticha expounds a bit on her fandom.
Later, Courtney Vandersloot jokes with Ticha, and Ticha replies. (Also, right around then, Ticha re-tweets this, which I also liked.)
And here, Ticha replies to someone else's tweet about her and Courtney.
Apparently they've become buddies, because here Ticha is asking Courtney to check her direct messages. Aww!!!!
On a side note, I also found this nice exchange between Notre Dame point guard Skylar Diggins and Courtney Vandersloot.
I was intrigued, so I dug through her Twitter history to find it. I ended up finding a lot of references to Courtney Vandersloot, including some conversations between the two of them. How cool is that? (The answer: VERY!)
(Ticha Penicheiro, in case you're unaware of her, is an excellent "old school" point guard. Think Sue Bird, but a little older, and less likely to score.)
Anyway, here's some of the cool Ticha/Courtney stuff I found:
Someone compares Courtney to Ticha, and Ticha takes that as a compliment.
Then Ticha realizes that Courtney is on Twitter, and congratulates her directly.
Courtney thanks her for the compliment.
And Ticha gives her a congrats on the 2000 points/1000 assists milestone.
Several days later, Ticha tweets about watching Courtney play.
And here, someone asks if she's watching the Gonzaga game, and she replies that she definitely is.
And after the game, she tweets some more congratulations.
During the Stanford game, she calls Courtney Vandersloot a "beast" (in a good way!).
When a Gonzaga fan mentions how awesome it is that Ticha is a fan of Courtney's, Ticha expounds a bit on her fandom.
Later, Courtney Vandersloot jokes with Ticha, and Ticha replies. (Also, right around then, Ticha re-tweets this, which I also liked.)
And here, Ticha replies to someone else's tweet about her and Courtney.
Apparently they've become buddies, because here Ticha is asking Courtney to check her direct messages. Aww!!!!
On a side note, I also found this nice exchange between Notre Dame point guard Skylar Diggins and Courtney Vandersloot.
Labels: college basketball, WNBA
Courtney Vandersloot Wins the Nancy Lieberman Award
Which is the award for the best point guard.
Check out the list of previous winners. Notice a familiar name? A familiar name? A familiar name?
Check out the list of previous winners. Notice a familiar name? A familiar name? A familiar name?
Labels: college basketball, Seattle Storm
Quote of the Day: Leverage
From "The Big Bang Job":
Nate: Let's go steal the department of defense!
Parker: Isn't that treason?
Nate: We'll give it back.
Nate: Let's go steal the department of defense!
Parker: Isn't that treason?
Nate: We'll give it back.
Labels: Leverage
Sportsmanship
