Random thoughts about books, television, things, life, whatnot

Life is not whatnot, and it’s none of your business. That was a John Hughes reference. Sixteen Candles, John Hughes? You know that guy? That guy. I think I may have said this before, but I think that John Hughes needs to be part of youth education. He is timeless.

I recently saw a hilarious book review on YouTube. Then it got me thinking what if there is no such thing as a bad book. Wait, hear me out. What if it’s just a matter of preference? Because someone, even if it’s one person, liked the book. Right? (She asked not to confident.) Maybe what I mean by preferences, is maybe since our brains function differently. It’s like when I read a book that I can’t get into, I can’t say that I don’t like the book because that would not be fair since I have not finished the book. And I will try reading the book later because my mind is not in the right frame of mind in a manner of speaking.

I often joke with my husband that I should put out an ad for a work friend. I used to have one, we talked about movies, funny things we’ve read and seen on the internet. While it is stuff that I already talk to my husband about those things first, during breaks I can continue that conversation during the work day. So then I started thinking about what my work ad would say. Would I just list a bunch of things that I like? You know looking for a work friend, must like some or most of the following. Also should know that this list does not include everything that I like, and I’m happy to be lead to read/watch recommendations as well.

Doctor Who

Firefly (not just the show but the actors as well)

Star Trek

Star Wars (Yes, I like both.)

Babylon 5

The Guild

Parks and Rec

Scott Pilgrim (comic series and film)

Battlestar Galatica and Caprica

Defiance (On that note, I also enjoy the music of Bear McCreary.)
Books (While I know that is a broad subject. It’s good to read, discuss and share.)

Speaking of books is there a certain copy of Mockingjay that everyone else read? With all the teasers and movie trailers that I have come out I have to say, I liked the ending of the book.

Speaking of books I recently read Rat Queens, 1-5. While there is some language in the series, it is not said just to be funny, crud, etc. I like that my husband tells me about the comics and books he reads because then I get introduced to series like Rat Queens. For those of you who have not read this series, it about a questing team of misfits who like to have fun as much as they like to fight. And I have say, Gary is my new hero.

Speaking of my better half aka my best friend, I often wonder if people give us a strange looks because he waits for me to get in the building. That needs some context. Since we first started dating, when he would drop me off he would wait until I was in the house before driving away. My husband and I carpool because his work is nor too far away from mine. Now he does the same thing when he drops me off at work. Call me old fashion but I like that he does that. And I like the fact that I can turn around one last time and see him smile before my work day begins. I just realized old fashion is not the right phrase, I think being in love would be more accurate. Just because you’re married does not mean that you should stop being in love. And just because you are a certain age does not mean you’re heart stops leaping when you hear their voice on the other end of the phone.

Love blossoms at the con. –lovely couple from Comic-con: Episode IV – A Fan’s Hope

Just because everyone else is doing it, you should too

Let me explain the title of this blog. I am not talking about the old saying, just because everyone else is doing doesn’t mean you should too. What I am referring to (who talks like that in a blog, referring to …sorry) is television shows.

When my husband and I first went to SDCC, we were baffled (wait does anyone use that word anymore, baffled…sorry about that again) at how many people slept overnight to see the Doctor Who panel.  At that point we were not Whovians yet. When we got home after SDCC, we decided to start watching Doctor Who. And it was like Battlestar Galactica re-imagined all over again. We said to ourselves, dang it this is good!   

I think it is good to be open minded because even if someone says you need to watch this show and it turns out you don’t like it, the people who direct or act in the show may lead you to another show.

It’s like BBC America when I first started watching Doctor Who eventually I discovered In the Flesh. BTW if you are not watching this show you need to. While some may argue, it reminds me of Walking Dead because it is about the people. BDFF!

Besides leading you to another show it can also lead you to a webisode like The Guild. If you have not watched these webisodes yet. You need to! And if you are looking to save on your data plan, you can watch – nay own The Guild on DVD.

One of the things that I love about The Guild is you don’t have to be a gamer to appreciate the charming sense of humor. I always like watching a show in season one, and then seeing how the story line and production changes. Most importantly the best lines ever, which I have fallen in love with again in rewatching The Guild.

My interest in what you are saying is low to moderate. –Vork

Did you borrow my crayon set? And my mind. –Clara

This is a nightmare level. Just control, alt, delete me. –Zaboo

One recent show that I’ve come across because of Felicia Day and thousands of people lined up at SDCC is Supernatural. While I may feel like I am always late to the party, I am glad to be open minded.

There are times when I get kind of sad because the shows that are the best don’t get a fair shot. Almost Human, I am holding my hat off to you. But I think as sad as it is to lose our favorite shows, it gives us that open mind to seek and search for the next favorite show. For example Firefly has led to watching Castle. Nebula 9 lives!  So next time someone says you should watch this, give it a chance. You just might like it.  

Give Me Back My Story

Disclaimer: I am not a prude.

I wanted to write about something that is not necessarily a pet peeve. Perhaps it might be, I am not sure but I will say it is something that I talk about from time to time. (I want to apologize to my husband in advanced for talking about it again.)

I often ask, why does a good movie or television show have to be interrupted with sexual content? Again, I am not a prude. But can I please have my story back? I’ll give an example. A little while ago my husband and I decided to begin watching Game of Thrones, so we placed the series on hold through our local library. (I highly recommend public libraries folks. They have books, magazines, DVDs, Blu-ray, music galore. And they are free!) 

So we begin watching the show, and we are both like hey this story line is pretty good. Then all of a sudden... private regions. I think we spent seasons 1 and 2 fast forwarding through most of the DVDs. I was, I have to admit pleasantly surprised with how we did not fast forward as much through season 3.

My main point of asking for my story back, is I get the idea. I do not need to see two people being fully intimate to understand what is going on. If I were watching a movie and two people are kissing and then fade to black. It does not take a lot of imagination to figure out what happens behind closed doors, or wherever said place is.

Dude seriously, can you imagine how much of the story you can fit into a television show, or how many more action scenes you could have in a movie if you took out sexual content? In my opinion, it would be pretty sweet. I just like it when a movie focusing on the story and character building verses trying to shock people, or gain viewership. 

Bonus, some story lines would not feel as rushed either. Plus there are plenty of shows where there story line can be super awesome without the story having 98% sexual content in each episode. The Walking Dead, BSG, Star Trek, The Guild, Firefly, Doctor Who, just to name a few.

 

Not to mention how it depicts women. I am not trying to get all soap box here. But why does a strong female lead character have to display that strength through sex. (Side note… Yes, I know, Starbuck in Battlestar (side note to side note. Reimagined BSG, not original.) had… What do the kids call it? Oh yeah sex.) But that was a flaw in her character and we didn’t see skin for minutes on end.) Back to my point. Why can’t smart and funny be displayed as strengths? While we are on the subject, when did society be the ones to determine what beautiful is. Whoever is in said “society.” Societal based beauty is the reason why some little girls think they have to dress a certain way, and sadly pretend they are not smart in school by not raising their hand in class.

To say that I just don’t understand it would be an understatement, but it’s all I can ask because sadly it won’t change. All we can do is hit fast forward, or simply turn off the power button.