Finally a movie I can watch through.

Finally a movie I can watch through.

So tonight it's Chappie

So tonight it's Chappie

Again I'm asking, with my John Wick and Snowpiercer track record, how many y times will I feel the need to jump up and leave lol.
https://youtu.be/lyy7y0QOK-0

The problem with getting older is you recognize the names. Not all went gently into the night after a long life.

The problem with getting older is you recognize the names. Not all went gently into the night after a long life.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/21-stars-who-left-the-stage-in-2015-1.3369679?cmp=rss

Started playing over Christmas. This is fun even though I lost.

Started playing over Christmas. This is fun even though I lost.

I could wait no longer, this is how I spent the afternoon. With Tiffany's last adventure.

I could wait no longer, this is how I spent the afternoon. With Tiffany's last adventure.

There's a lot of media I try to enjoy then don't and maybe it's ages related

There's a lot of media I try to enjoy then don't and maybe it's ages related

Nice post about changing tastes.
http://www.refinery29.com/2015/12/99970/adult-pop-culture-consumption?utm_source=feed&utm_medium=rss

Productivity is a highly subjective thing, but it keeps getting sold like a thing you can hold. Tech companies love the word "productivity." It gives warm fuzzies to people in charge of things who believe it's a measurable thing that means more money, either through faster delivery of something or…

Productivity is a highly subjective thing, but it keeps getting sold like a thing you can hold. Tech companies love the word "productivity." It gives warm fuzzies to people in charge of things who believe it's a measurable thing that means more money, either through faster delivery of something or…
http://www.androidcentral.com/stop-trying-buy-productivity-its-feature

Soooo, tonight it's Snowpiercer. Anything I need to be warned about?

Soooo, tonight it's Snowpiercer. Anything I need to be warned about?

I wanted to watch one of my more fun movies that I got for Christmas but...
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=hQFnVg9eK6Y&u=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DnX5PwfEMBM0%26feature%3Dshare

A bit late but what did you think of the Dr. Who Christmas special?

A bit late but what did you think of the Dr. Who Christmas special?
Perhaps because the season ended so close to the special or because my M-I-L had made her feelings so crystal clear with respect to our dogs and my welcome in her home it was a welcome and enjoyable distraction that only this doctor could have pulled off.

There was a lot of non-verbal stuff going on (in the show) and River was constantly over the top (except at the very end) which was a lot of fun to watch. I enjoyed how the Dr was always present but not central for most of it. Two thumbs up and a rewatch from me.

* Picture from the Dec 1 UK Telegraph article.

Someone, lots of someones, said John Wick was a good movie so I got it for Christmas. The violence was pretty over the top but too realistic for me. The demons were human.

Someone, lots of someones, said John Wick was a good movie so I got it for Christmas. The violence was pretty over the top but too realistic for me. The demons were human.

I got Fred a cardboard to use with my S6. He's walking around the house snorkeling. He says it's pretty cool. I could get him an S6 that comes with a Samsung VR headset.

I got Fred a cardboard to use with my S6. He's walking around the house snorkeling. He says it's pretty cool. I could get him an S6 that comes with a Samsung VR headset.

OMG! I want one, but I'm not sure my cat Wolfie does... (via Deric Hughes)

OMG! I want one, but I'm not sure my cat Wolfie does... (via Deric Hughes)
https://www.thedodo.com/astronaut-cat-backpack-1487058702.html

Do you know how much bandwidth your apps "ADS" using?

Do you know how much bandwidth your apps "ADS" using?
I've started over a week ago to log the data usage of apps that consumes bandwidth because they are "AD" driven or simply features ads. You'd be surprised that within a week or a little over a week I've nearly accumulated 559 Mb of data usage for 19060 ads ...
http://www.androidcoliseum.com/2015/12/do-you-know-how-much-bandwidth-your.html

iFetch Too Interactive Ball Launcher

iFetch Too Interactive Ball Launcher
http://amzn.to/1RDISMN

It’s playtime. Whether you’re at work, at home or on vacation, the iFetch makes everyone happy by bringing a fun, new twist to the familiar game of fetch. Perfect for indoor and outdoor play, the award-winning iFetch launches miniature tennis balls 10, 20, or 30 feet, saving the day (and your arm) when you’re too tired (or too busy) to keep playing. Invented by the Hamill family in Austin, Texas, the idea for the iFetch was born when their toy poodle, Prancer, turned out to be a fetching fanatic. After a few prototypes and an incredibly successful Kickstarter campaign, the iFetch is now a global phenomenon, giving dogs around the world the opportunity to play fetch to their hearts’ content. With the iFetch by your side, your fetch-loving dog will never be bored again.

For an offer from SwiftKey for some seasonal keyboards so I'm back using it. I've adjusted the keyboard to take less screen room and added a theme, really fun. When you tap there is a Christmas tree and swipe to see snow fall and collect. Now to train again. Autocorrect will be boobytrapping me again. Sigh, this really is a tap keyboard not flow.

For an offer from SwiftKey for some seasonal keyboards so I'm back using it. I've adjusted the keyboard to take less screen room and added a theme, really fun. When you tap there is a Christmas tree and swipe to see snow fall and collect. Now to train again. Autocorrect will be boobytrapping me again. Sigh, this really is a tap keyboard not flow.

Top list of Google Now voice commands - AndroidPIT

https://www.androidpit.com/google-now-commands-how-many-do-you-know

Chris Lacy​​ ​does such a great job with action launcher I feel bad not being a supporter.. so I make sure to be one. And my home page doesn't have icons, just a couple widgets.

Chris Lacy​​ ​does such a great job with action launcher I feel bad not being a supporter.. so I make sure to be one. And my home page doesn't have icons, just a couple widgets. 
http://www.androidcentral.com/action-launcher-3-makes-it-easier-ever-customize-your-icons

WinnerGear's reversible MicFlip microUSB cables remove the hassle

WinnerGear's reversible MicFlip microUSB cables remove the hassle
Yes, we know... USB is not ideal.  There's the cantilever issues and then there's the orientation issues. USB-C and lightning have long since fixed some of that issues, but if you're not an iUser and not have one of the few USB-C devices (or not upgrading y...
http://www.androidcoliseum.com/2015/12/winnergears-reversible-micflip-microusb.html

We are old so we have things like CDs, DVDs and books. If you have physical media as well, this is a great app for cataloguing your collection. Very easy to use. Exports to a cavalcade file for backup.

We are old so we have things like CDs, DVDs and books. If you have physical media as well, this is a great app for cataloguing your collection. Very easy to use. Exports to a cavalcade file for backup.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tomreich.mymediacatalog

Wear it proudly!

Wear it proudly!

Paperland Pro makes it a pleasure just to look at your live wallpaper and it doesn't even take a lot of resources.

Paperland Pro makes it a pleasure just to look at your live wallpaper and it doesn't even take a lot of resources.

PayPal's got a deal for your Google Play purchase

PayPal's got a deal for your Google Play purchase
I have to admit, it's hard being an Android (or Google for that matter) user up here in Canada.  We never get to see the good stuff.  Well, not all the good stuff.  Check out  #googlehatescanada  for some suggestions. But, it looks like PayPal has decided t...
http://www.androidcoliseum.com/2015/12/paypals-got-deal-for-your-google-play.html

Hotel California is such a timeless album. It's playing in the basement.

Hotel California is such a timeless album. It's playing in the basement.
http://www.soundhound.com/?t=100004487483296544

My new favourite thing - using the waffle iron for all toasted things

My new favourite thing - using the waffle iron for all toasted things

And Waffles are sweet so it's been a lot of yummy French toast type sandwiches.

L.A. Times wonders if Serena Williams deserves Sportsperson of the Year more than a horse

L.A. Times wonders if Serena Williams deserves Sportsperson of the Year more than a horse

I just have to ask, is there any other time it's been asked if an animal is more worthy to be a_person_? Were the protesters confused by similar lustrous hair colour? Perhaps growing up as Canadian I am used to defining what I'm not in terms of USians. So I have no problem defining what are not people. Animals - not people but they are autonomous mammals; I'm sure they think, just not like people.

I really hope the SI Internet audiences don't think accomplished black women are not people but it is the internet where people who say horrible things don't get the push back (immediate violence or long term shunning) that would deter them. After all, her equivalent would be the jockey - you know the person controlling the horse .
http://www.cbc.ca/news/trending/serena-williams-vs-american-pharoah-the-horse-sportsperson-of-the-year-1.3364829?cmp=rss

Definitely bigger than the last time!

Definitely bigger than the last time!
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=tz3hXeSkIpI&u=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DLbduDRH2m2M%26feature%3Dshare

Watching this show with Fred, it's a British comedy/drama about his hobby.

Watching this show with Fred, it's a British comedy/drama about his hobby.

So the Pope backed up his message about God making humans stewards of His work and cons went ballistic

So the Pope backed up his message about God making humans stewards of His work and cons went ballistic

Got to say, this is a really silly thing to get your knickers in a twist about.

As Rev. Anthony Ruff said
“If images of animals and natural creation are defacing a sacred space … well then the defacement would be all the greater if humans enter sacred spaces since humans are capable of sin and evil in a way that animals and inanimate objects are not...Some folks need to reflect on their theology of Creation and of Incarnation.”

No longer religious but the traditions the Pope espouses are those that inform my humanism.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2015/12/09/see-these-stunning-images-of-animals-on-vatican-walls-that-caused-alarm-for-some/

Ok, one dog is not that bad

Ok, one dog is not that bad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pWYkT1eYMs&feature=share

Watching a show about the Carpenters. She was a great inspiration to me as she wasn't just a vocalist. And playing drums was a man's role. Non traditional roles can come from anywhere. I was shocked when she died so young.

Watching a show about the Carpenters. She was a great inspiration to me as she wasn't just a vocalist. And playing drums was a man's role. Non traditional roles can come from anywhere. I was shocked when she died so young.

Well, hey, look at that. You can get Tapped for FREE right now. (I'm really not sure if I did that or if Amazon is running the sale?) But I just found out so I figured I'd better try promoting some.

Well, hey, look at that. You can get Tapped for FREE right now. (I'm really not sure if I did that or if Amazon is running the sale?) But I just found out so I figured I'd better try promoting some.

Free Kindle Book if you like science fiction!

http://www.amazon.com/Tapped-Zephyr-Chronicles-Book-1-ebook/dp/B00RPTNQB4/ref=sr_1_1_twi_kin_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1449606650&sr=8-1&keywords=Tapped+A.J.+Maguire
http://www.amazon.com/Tapped-Zephyr-Chronicles-Book-1-ebook/dp/B00RPTNQB4/ref=sr_1_1_twi_kin_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1449606650&sr=8-1&keywords=Tapped+A.J.+Maguire

What did you think of the Dr Who season finale?

What did you think of the Dr Who season finale?

For me it tied the season together. All the shows were fine on their own but just were not as good until the theme was pulled together. It allowed closure and forestalls melancholy for the Christmas special. Usually the Xmas special is not close to the season finale.

I loved that Ashildr was not abandoned and the Clara and the Dr took a chance on who lost their memory. I really enjoyed Clara this season, her recklessness and independence were a breath of fresh air unmatched since Donna. I also liked that the white guy re-incarnated as a black woman; emphasizes it's a personality driven show.

I always thought the guitar and glasses were cool but not traditional Dr - I think playing on the stereotypical rock star image. Also, glasses let you see but are not fundamentally a tool for action. When you use a screwdriver you'll be changing something.

Looking for something new to read?

Looking for something new to read?

Goodreads has closed the polls and done the count from its membership. Maybe it's time to try smoething differnt.
http://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards/best-fiction-books-2015

If you enjoy urban fantasy with a London background, give the Matthew Swift series a try.

If you enjoy urban fantasy with a London background, give the Matthew Swift series a try.

I was flipping through my (digital) library and saw the previous story in the series - the Midnight Mayor. The writer, Kate Griffin, has an engaging informal, descriptive style. Even though it's a series, each book stands alone. Great escape from for the extraordinarily early Xmas cheer. 
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8348904-the-neon-court

Tribute to victims of Paris attack

Tribute to victims of Paris attack

FooFighters EP free...even in Canada!
http://www.androidcentral.com/saint-cecilia-latest-ep-foo-fighters-now-available-google-play

This is how to have your dog be part of your wedding

This is how to  have your dog be part of your wedding

I love this, from the music to how many hugs the dog got. Refinery29 had good advice though. No dogs shorter than Ryder or there could be some awkwardness with those wearing not-pants:)

Congrats to the couple too.
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=fy5JwAWZZLw&u=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DSPROD2u7Ulo%26feature%3Dplayer_embedded

Every once in awhile SNL hits one out of the park.

Every once in awhile SNL hits one out of the park.

I may actually purchase this album rather than just hearing it everywhere:)
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=Xp47503CP4M&u=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3De2zyjbH9zzA%26feature%3Dplayer_embedded

Neil Finn performing "One Step Ahead" at Auckland Town Hall, New Zealand, 18th July 2015.

Neil Finn performing "One Step Ahead" at Auckland Town Hall, New Zealand, 18th July 2015.
Listen to RNZ National's recording of the concert at http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/nat-music/audio/201779585/neil-finn-live-at-the-auckland-town-hall
Recorded and mixed by Andre Upston. Video by Kontent, directed by Simon Mark-Brown.
String arrangements by Victoria Kelly.
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=YukUKqmO5rk&u=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DUldU5eyIiEU%26feature%3Dshare

Just watched Dr. Who. Another strong episode

Just watched Dr. Who. Another strong episode
They're really hitting it out of the park this year.

Do you prefer short stories?

Do you prefer short stories?
 
I shall be hitting the couch to read/finish a novel  soon but  many times I feel like just short stories. Here's a free book from Microsoft with stories from great authors like Elizabeth Bear and David Brin to name a few. There's even a graphic novel.
 
Let me know what you think.
http://news.microsoft.com/futurevisions/

Snowpiercer's getting a TV spin-off -- penned by the writer of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles!

Snowpiercer's getting a TV spin-off -- penned by the writer of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles!
http://www.themarysue.com/snowpiercer-tv-show/?utm_content=buffer50926&utm_medium=social&utm_source=plus.google.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Looks like I'll be dipping into some comics this weekend.

Looks like I'll be dipping into some comics this weekend.

Oh no or Oh boy! I'm either accidentally or purposefully annoying depending on whether you think I'm a spy Sith Master.

Oh no or Oh boy! I'm either accidentally or purposefully annoying depending on whether you think I'm a spy Sith Master.

what I originally meant
http://www.bloxi.com/block/SiG56Ullq/brag/Rcatadma8?social=gp

This is a very powerful indictment of the publishing industry. http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2015/11/why-the-literary-world-shouldnt-romanticize-rejection/414229/

This is a very powerful indictment of the publishing industry. http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2015/11/why-the-literary-world-shouldnt-romanticize-rejection/414229/
http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2015/11/why-the-literary-world-shouldnt-romanticize-rejection/414229

I'm a big genre fan. Growing up I read either Sci-fi or mysteries...from the library. My main authors were Christie, Sayers, Norton, and McCafferty. I loved Arthur C. Clarke, Jack Chalker and Ben Bova as well.

I'm a big genre fan. Growing up I read either Sci-fi or mysteries...from the library. My main authors were Christie, Sayers, Norton, and McCafferty. I loved Arthur C. Clarke, Jack Chalker and Ben Bova as well. 

One of my earliest memories is of a sci-fi story that took place in 2000 and the protagonist was a 40 y o scientist. That could be me, I thought, except for being a man:) I don't find as much time to read as I used to. I can't afford to buy as many books as I would like to read and our library doesn't always have the latest e-books to borrow.

What do you read? 
http://whatever.scalzi.com/2015/11/01/no-the-kids-arent-reading-the-classics-and-why-would-they/#comments

Haven't read the Ann Leckie Ancilliary trilogy yet but I may just have to. This story is amazing.

Haven't read the Ann Leckie Ancilliary trilogy yet but I may just have to. This story is amazing.
http://www.electricvelocipede.com/blog/nights-slow-poison-by-ann-leckie/

Not a huge Adele fan. Although I liked her last album well enough I'm probably one of the few people who didn't buy even one song. And I hated the Skyfall yodel-fest. This song is a great release for her new album though.

Not a huge Adele fan. Although I liked her last album well enough I'm probably one of the few people who didn't buy even one song. And I hated the Skyfall yodel-fest. This song is a great release for her new album though.
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=ay7VEZ3354s&u=/watch?v%3DYQHsXMglC9A%26feature%3Dplayer_embedded

Watching the last season of Lost Girl. It's going out with a bang

Watching the last season of Lost Girl. It's going out with a bang

Used to read him a lot.

Used to read him a lot.
http://www.cbc.ca/1.3270823

I donated the amount I would usually pay for a book. It's hard enough to find good sci-fi to read, much less shorter stories and poems.

I donated the amount I would usually pay for a book. It's hard enough to find good sci-fi to read, much less shorter stories and poems.
http://www.strangehorizons.com/fund_drives/2015/main.shtml

Not only did the movie do well with vocabulary but they really did well with extending current trends in science/space exploration. Ridley Scott must not have had too much to actually do with the film...unlike Prometheus.

Not only did the movie do well with vocabulary but they really did well with extending current trends in science/space exploration. Ridley Scott must not have had too much to actually do with the film...unlike Prometheus.
http://nasa.tumblr.com/post/130352836054/the-martian-movie-and-our-real-journey-to-mars

Just got back. Movies with Matt Damon are pretty reliable. This was a great survival movie.

Just got back. Movies with Matt Damon are pretty reliable. This was a great survival movie.  
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=ozfhJ6jMbII&u=/watch?v%3DErkgC-8BfnE%26feature%3Dshare

Inequality for All: Watch it!

Inequality for All: Watch it!
There are some very interesting reveals in this documentary about income in America. One thing struck me: I left the US job market right around the time wages began to stall. My last salaried employment in the uSA was in 1979, I think. (<--That small u is a typo, but it looks better to me and reflects a certain reality.)
In 1981, while I was trying to arrange guitar lessons from Jimmy Raney in Paris, I was offered a job at a laser effects company. Starting over in a new country, my salary began modest, but I got a lot of raises over the next 8 years, was recruited to the mother company, and was making a decent living at my last salaried employment. When I saw what the company was billing customers for my hours, about three times my salary, I figured I could go out on my own and double my income, which I did.
The point is, I was unaware of the pattern of wealth and salaries in the uSA and this excellent film educated me in history. I recommend it highly.

Note: Should you wish to comment here, please watch the documentary first and comment on its content.

#tv  
h/t Jannik Lindquist 
https://youtu.be/pdV1Z_nD1sA

Watching Independance Day, Boy can you tell it was filmed in a different time and not just by the cars. Sure the USA, USA thing was a little much but the military went outside to save the civilians when there was an impending attack and they showed quite the range of allies.

Really enjoying this season. Maybe Missy and Clara should travel together.

Really enjoying this season. Maybe Missy and Clara should travel together.

The Pixel Project proudly presents our live "Read For Pixels" Google Hangout with Jim C. Hines, the award-winning author of MAGIC EX LIBRIS series.

The Pixel Project proudly presents our live "Read For Pixels" Google Hangout with Jim C. Hines, the award-winning author of MAGIC EX LIBRIS series.

Mr Hines will be reading from one of his books, and talking about his support for stopping violence against women and girls, as well as answering questions from fans.

Mr Hines will also be donating some very cool and exclusive goodies to the Read For Pixels 2015 (Fall Edition) fundraiser which will kick off on Indiegogo in September 2015.

The second annual Fall Edition of the “Read For Pixels” 2015 Google Hangouts series features live Google Hangout sessions with award-winning bestselling authors in support of the Celebrity Male Role Model Pixel Reveal campaign (http://reveal.thepixelproject.net), which aims to raise US$1 million in aid of The Pixel Project (http://www.thepixelproject.net) and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (http://www.ncadv.org).

I watched premiere mostly because of Zach Levi. I enjoyed it. I really hope this doesn't follow the same course as the original series - that is, spending the first quarter of the season introducing new characters all the time. That's why I stopped watching., I got tired of waiting for a story to follow.

I watched premiere mostly because of Zach Levi. I enjoyed it. I really hope this doesn't follow the same course as the original series - that is, spending the first quarter of the season introducing new characters all the time. That's why I stopped watching., I got tired of waiting for a story to follow.
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=IxWacS0bdpk&u=/watch?v%3DFgqyS72kvOE%26feature%3Dshare

That's three more movies I don't have to worry about seeing.

That's three more movies I don't have to worry about seeing.
http://io9.com/prometheus-2-wont-connect-to-alien-but-prometheus-4-mi-1732597677

Since it's winter it's time to watch TV again. Season premiere night and out cable was on the fritz. Missed the last 10 minutes of Minority Report and bits and pieces of 3 other shows.

Just read book 2 in the Halcyone series by Lisa Cohen​ . I haven't been this engaged in a series since I started the Chronicals of Elantra by Michelle Sagara​ The sad part is you have to keep waiting for new books to be written.

Just read book 2 in the Halcyone series by Lisa Cohen​ . I haven't been this engaged in a series since I started the Chronicals of Elantra by Michelle Sagara​  The sad part is you have to keep waiting for new books to be written.
http://www.amazon.ca/Ithaka-Rising-Halcyone-Space-book-ebook/dp/B00ZPLCU48/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1442633480&sr=8-2&keywords=LJ+Cohen

Watched last night. It just started in Canada on Showcase. I'm ok with that because it was summer and I had good Friday night viewing. Definitely a show I have to pay attention to while watching.

Watched last night. It just started in Canada on Showcase. I'm ok with that because it was summer and I had good Friday night viewing. Definitely a show I have to pay attention to while watching.

Also caught the first ep for the final season of Lost Girl.
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=liLBZKBFjLc&u=/watch?v%3Di4G5ljs5nX0%26feature%3Dshare

The “Insert Here” Awards, and Trying to Keep SF/F Perpetually 12 Years Old | Everything I do is SO fucking amazing that sparks are going to shoot out of your eyes.

http://www.keffy.com/the-insert-here-awards-and-trying-to-keep-sff-perpetually-12-years-old/

A good story doesn't have to be long, it just has to be well written. Take a minute to read...

A good story doesn't have to be long, it just has to be well written. Take a minute to read...
http://dsf.webfactional.com/science-fiction/future-societies/aline-carriere/the-circle-of-life

https://www.humblebundle.com/books is the Humble Bundle. Rare stuff. Books, comics, even the Duran Duran biography as DRM free ebooks. Pay what you want for them, it supports charities, and it's only up for another two weeks. Then it goes away forever.

https://www.humblebundle.com/books is the Humble Bundle. Rare stuff. Books, comics, even the Duran Duran biography as DRM free ebooks. Pay what you want for them, it supports charities, and it's only up for another two weeks. Then it goes away forever. 
https://www.humblebundle.com/books

Always good for a laugh, they are leaving on a high note.

Always good for a laugh, they are leaving on a high note. 
http://io9.com/the-12-best-nerdy-moments-from-all-five-seasons-of-key-1729511852

Short story for you. I've liked the Paul Cornell novels I've read, I hate that they are e-books different stores. Sigh.

Short story for you. I've liked the Paul Cornell novels I've read, I hate that they are e-books different stores. Sigh.

Anyway, we should all read more short fiction. To me it's a test of a writer.
http://uncannymagazine.com/article/find-a-way-home/

Goodness, I am getting old. All the peeps from my yoot are dying of old age.

Goodness, I am getting old. All the peeps from my yoot are dying of old age.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/dean-jones-disney-love-bug-obit-1.3213701?cmp=rss

One of my favourite books. Can't wait to see this escher-esque world building.

One of my favourite books. Can't wait to see this escher-esque world building.
http://io9.com/we-cant-wait-to-see-how-theyll-manage-to-film-the-city-1727653020

I really hope this movie gets picked up. It's sci-fi/comedy. What could possibly go wrong with men turning into aliens?

I really hope this movie gets picked up. It's sci-fi/comedy. What could possibly go wrong with men turning into aliens?
http://io9.com/anne-hathaway-is-making-a-movie-about-meteors-that-turn-1726738512

Congratulations to Liu Cixin for winning this years HugoAwards for The Three-Body Problem!

Congratulations to Liu Cixin for winning this years HugoAwards for The Three-Body Problem!

http://buff.ly/1EcJN1V

Okay ‪#‎Killjoys‬ fans, we're giving YOU a chance to ask Aaron Ashmore a question! Make it a good one & if possible tweet it to @KilljoysTVF

Okay ‪#‎Killjoys‬ fans, we're giving YOU a chance to ask Aaron Ashmore a question! Make it a good one & if possible tweet it to @KilljoysTVF

https://twitter.com/KilljoysTVF

Turning off the internet and slipping into an alternate reality.

Turning off the internet and slipping into an alternate reality.
http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00SEPVPAW?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_d_detailpage_o00_

Fun and stylish. Not too violent. I'm not unbiased though, I loved this show a a kid.

Fun and stylish. Not too violent. I'm not unbiased though, I loved this show a a kid.
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=to0_CuEMOoc&u=/watch?v%3D4K4Iv_N9Nno%26feature%3Dshare

Be careful what you wish for.

Be careful what you wish for.
http://uncannymagazine.com/article/catcall/

Very well done - truly awkward. For women. To be interviewed. Every time. Except this one.

Very well done - truly awkward. For women. To be interviewed. Every time. Except this one.
http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/ea20db28f8/kristen-stewart-jesse-eisenberg-interview-each-other?_cc=__dbng&_ccid=fshfey.nsshv9

I have this on my wish list.

I have this on my wish list.

I've always wanted to love Mieville and searched out Perdido Street Station thinking I would love it. Barely made it past the first few pages. Fast forward a decade or so and I borrowed The City & The City from the library. L-O-V-E-D it. Then read Kraken, Embassy Town, and Railsea. Did he mellow or did I my tastes change? Don't know but I love short stories by good writers so how could I pass this up.
http://www.tor.com/2015/08/03/the-way-we-walk-getting-started-with-the-short-stories-of-china-mieville/

Only 6 hours to wrap up that big cliffhanger from last season

Only 6 hours to wrap up that big cliffhanger from last season
Syfy is wrapping up Continuum this year with a final, 6 episode fourth season. It’ll start in Canada on September 4th, and will air in the United States on Syfy on September 11th.
https://youtu.be/vx_iYHer9hA

Went to Jurassic World today. Used my 2 free SCENE tickets.

Went to Jurassic World today. Used my 2 free SCENE tickets.

High heels - I used to sprint around in platform loafers in the 70s so it worked for me. She never stumbled or needed help because of them.

Click training dinosaurs - not as lame as expected.

Was much better than I expected. Ending was ok although felt kind of sad for Blue.
https://youtu.be/xhQKwJFRL1g

Molly Beauchemin on how unequal the treatment of male and female artists truly is, even in death.

Molly Beauchemin on how unequal the treatment of male and female artists truly is, even in death.
http://pitchfork.com/thepitch/808-amy-winehouse-kurt-cobain-and-the-gendering-of-martyrdom/

Duffy loves the couch at my dad's house. So loungy. When he's sleeping he can hang his head over the edge. At least it's cooled off.

Duffy loves the couch at my dad's house. So loungy. When he's sleeping he can hang his head over the edge. At least it's cooled off.

Do you enjoy unreliable narrators? How about open endings? It's summer and time for reading. I haven't had much time yet on this holiday but I have at least 2 new releases on my list. (Stross & Scalzi)

Do you enjoy unreliable narrators? How about open endings? It's summer and time for reading. I haven't had much time yet on this holiday but I have at least 2 new releases on my list. (Stross & Scalzi)
http://www.tor.com/2015/07/20/five-books-featuring-unreliable-narrators/

I have some reading to do! Just bought A Murder of Mages because it sounds good, am in the middle of Unexpected Rain and have City and Thrones which is a follow up to The Buried Life. I love a mix of Sci-fi and Mystery as you can tell.

I have some reading to do! Just bought A Murder of Mages because it sounds good, am in the middle of Unexpected Rain and have City and Thrones which is a follow up to The Buried Life. I love a mix of Sci-fi and Mystery as you can tell.
http://www.amazon.ca/Murder-Mages-Novel-Maradaine-Constabulary-ebook/dp/B00PT4J12K/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr&qid

"Set to follow the awesome comics written by our favorite Keith R.A. DeCandido, the film would follow John and Aeryn's son, D'Argo (or Little D, as we will always refer to him). Because their baby was exhibiting a set of interesting powers that made him a magnet for galactic villains, we find that John and Aeryn hide their son on Earth to grow up. Now the kid is 19 and ready to go into space with his parents."

"Set to follow the awesome comics written by our favorite Keith R.A. DeCandido, the film would follow John and Aeryn's son, D'Argo (or Little D, as we will always refer to him). Because their baby was exhibiting a set of interesting powers that made him a magnet for galactic villains, we find that John and Aeryn hide their son on Earth to grow up. Now the kid is 19 and ready to go into space with his parents."

Don't play with my emotions like this, O'Bannon. 
http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/AlexsNewsandReviews/news/?a=98494#.VZu6fGYdy84.google_plusone_share

Watching Lie to Me on Netflix. I like that show but could never catch it and forgot to set my PVR with it.

Leeloo! Korben! The Diva!!!

Leeloo! Korben! The Diva!!!
http://www.themarysue.com/funko-luc-besson-fifth-element/?utm_content=buffer14f46&utm_medium=social&utm_source=plus.google.com&utm_campaign=buffer

It's a beautiful morning so relaxing in the back yard and re-reading this before moving on to book 2. The dogs are trying to use mind control to make me take them for a walk but Fred said he would be back at lunch and we would take them together which means more fun for them.

It's a beautiful morning so relaxing in the back yard and re-reading this before moving on to book 2. The dogs are trying to use mind control to make me take them for a walk but Fred said he would be back at lunch and we would take them together which means more fun for them.
https://market.android.com/details?id=book-o4U5AgAAQBAJ

Man, I loved this guy from the time I first saw the Avengers.

Man, I loved this guy from the time I first saw the Avengers.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/patrick-macnee-agent-john-steed-of-tv-s-the-avengers-dead-at-93-1.3127868?cmp=rss

Hilarious. Swift makes a business decision to not have her music on streaming services - is she on any of them? - and advocates for less well off artists and there's no way she could possibly be doing it without being paid.

Hilarious. Swift makes a business decision to not have her music on streaming services - is she on any of them? - and advocates for less well off artists and there's no way she could possibly be doing it without being paid.

I know it's hard for some to believe but one can have enough money. After a point it a) can't all be spent without massively changing life and b) makes more almost on its own.
http://gizmodo.com/meet-the-truthers-who-think-taylor-swift-plotted-with-a-1713491244

Fun short story to wake you up.

Fun short story to wake you up.
http://dailysciencefiction.com/fantasy/modern-fantasy/gerri-leen/hellhound-free-to-good-home

"To Apple, Love Taylor" — @taylorswift13 explains why she won't be streaming on Apple Music. http://ow.ly/OArgb

"To Apple, Love Taylor" — @taylorswift13 explains why she won't be streaming on Apple Music. http://ow.ly/OArgb

how I'm spending my afternoon.

how I'm spending my afternoon.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3322312/

This story was as creepy crawly for me as Handmaiden's Tale. Amazing writing.

This story was as creepy crawly for me as Handmaiden's Tale. Amazing writing.
https://medium.com/@glorioushubris/the-new-mother-9df848da415b

Couple of things about this article.

Couple of things about this article.

I think it overlooks YouTube, Vimeo, Netflix and other new media venues as sources of audiences. Yes, it's hard because the US is so steeped in individualism and the arts are a collective effort but there is Patreon and other fund raising streams available. 

Also - what about the men?

...In just about every TV series in which there’s a young son and a young daughter—Mad Men, Homeland, The Americans, Ray Donovan—the girl’s story line is stronger and deeper than the boy’s, and it’s not hard to figure out why. The girl’s a better actor...

Really? Or is it a no harm no foul situation where you can take more chances with female characters and failure because critics and most people will be happy to excuse women's success as unusual. I know many guys who are emotional, involved with their kids and invested in the same things I am but I rarely see that character development in popular movies. Actors stretch to fill the roles that are written for them. DiCaprio seems to have those roles sewn up.

Like so many things, it seems that problems are being identified but role models aren't plentiful enough.  
http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2015/07/the-decline-of-the-american-actor/395291/?utm_source=SFG%2B

Can't wait to see where this goes.

Can't wait to see where this goes.
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=iumYkNXlx6M&u=/watch?v%3DoE4J2WFzPeI%26feature%3Dshare

Need something fun to read. This sounds like it could fit the bill.

Need something fun to read. This sounds like it could fit the bill.
http://www.amazon.ca/Enter-Janitor-Cleaners-Book-1-ebook/dp/B00X33VZAK/ref=sr_1_1_twi_2_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1433036201&sr=8-1&keywords=enter+the+janitor

If you want some background before going to see Mad Max:Fury Road here's a good synopsis of the first 3 Mad Max movies.

If you want some background before going to see Mad Max:Fury Road here's a good synopsis of the first 3 Mad Max movies.
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=L63rltpeIrw&u=/watch?v%3DmzygYS-vN1E%26feature%3Dshare

One of my favourite authors when I was growing up.

One of my favourite authors when I was growing up.
http://www.tor.com/2015/05/26/tanith-lee-in-remembrance/

There were some really cool elements to this movie but it really is a family movie without the nods to adults you get with animated movies. A bit of a let down after last weeks Mad Max.

There were some really cool elements to this movie but it really is a family movie without the nods to adults you get with animated movies. A bit of a let down after last weeks Mad Max.
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=giNVFRrTLo4&u=/watch?v%3DIqjH-JJknZM%26feature%3Dshare

I don't watch Game of Thrones. The one time I tried reading GRRM I found it tedious. But it is a huge part of pop culture and it takes a strong sense of ethics to take this step.

I don't watch Game of Thrones. The one time I tried reading GRRM I found it tedious. But it is a huge part of pop culture and it takes a strong sense of ethics to take this step.
http://www.themarysue.com/we-will-no-longer-be-promoting-hbos-game-of-thrones/

Yowsa - what a great movie. We didn't even get popcorn or twizzlers. It was a bit of a tough sell because neither of us had been fans of the first 3. The editing was tight, there were no wasted moments on screen.

Yowsa - what a great movie. We didn't even get popcorn or twizzlers. It was a bit of a tough sell because neither of us had been fans of the first 3. The editing was tight, there were no wasted moments on screen.

This one will be a buy when it comes out.
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=UaDH34I-lqo&u=/watch?v%3DhEJnMQG9ev8%26feature%3Dshare

New promo photos.

This is how I'm starting the long weekend, on a mission that starts with finding out where Rama's civilization went. Stayed up late reading, woke up early to read and hope to finish this morning. Stargate, Moya and military sci-fi themes are all there with excellent handling of multiple POVs.

This is how I'm starting the long weekend, on a mission that starts with finding out where Rama's civilization went. Stayed up late reading, woke up early to read and hope to finish this morning. Stargate, Moya and military sci-fi themes are all there with excellent handling of multiple POVs.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24290807-forgotten-suns

Title