Random Thoughts and Spam - Mmmm Spam
Mar. 16th, 2009 04:44 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
orikesThis is more than just picspam. This is spam. I've been meaning to talk about a few different things, but fighting off the plague last week really sapped most of my brain power. So, for your edification, here are some random things from me.
THE PLAGUE
I am feeling better finally. The hacking cough and laryngitis is hanging on, but I survived a full night of work last night. Even though I could use it to get caught up on things and for monetary reasons, I will not be asking for overtime this week. I'm still sleeping nine to ten hours a night, so overtime would probably just set me back health wise.
Ultimately, the doctor decided it was a virus, so there really wasn't much they could do for me other than tell me to get lots of rest and drink lots of fluids. It was all sinus and upper respiratory stuff which was not fun. What's worse is that it was spreading. One of my roommates got it and some people at work got it. Not sure who started it, but it was definitely not fun.
WATCHMEN
Before I got sick, I did get to go see this in the theater. It was pretty amazing. I loved the casting of pretty much all the characters (though I expected Ozymandias to be prettier, the actor still pulled it off very well) and I was delighted with how faithful they were to the original graphic novel.
Some things were changed, but most of it was either very minor or in the case of the one big thing they changed, kinda important. To be completely vague and avoid spoilers, things happen at the end that are world changing. In the comic, what happens is tied to many subplots and minor characters that couldn't possibly fit in the movie. Not to mention what happens is barely plausible in the comics and I never believed that the general public would buy it if they stuck with it. What they did to change it fit seamlessly with the movie and made sense. It also didn't change any of the results which was key.
It's definitely an R-rated movie with all the sex and violence that should suggest. Don't go expecting Iron Man or X-men. That's not what this story is about. It's still a damn good movie, though.
LOST
Since I was sick, there reached a point where I couldn't sit in front of the computer anymore. I couldn't concentrate enough to play or write, so I finally gave up and lugged my DVD player into my bedroom and settled in to watch some television.
I've loved Lost since I first started watching it. It's got a lot I love about serialized storytelling and ensemble casts. For some reason, though, I was dragging my feet watching Season Four.
The first season was fantastic. The second season struggled a bit as they introduced the tailies, some of whom worked better than others, but ultimately just confused things more. Third season was better, but still had some rough spots, especially with the Paulo and Nikki addition. Talk about a mistake. With the fourth season, though, you could tell things had changed. The writers and producers had finally hammered out a deal with ABC where they have an end date.
In some ways, I find it interesting comparing Babylon 5 and Lost. The two are very different shows with different feels, but they're both excellent examples of serialized storytelling with an ensemble cast. Babylon 5 was able to build slowly into its story arc, but then ran into trouble when they weren't sure they would have enough time to finish everything. As a result, the pace of the fourth season and then the unexpected addition of a fifth season feel forced. The show still worked, but you could see where the producers and the writers had to struggle to adapt.
With Lost, it's almost the exact opposite issue. Being a prime network show, the producers and writers hedged their bets in the first couple of seasons. They tried to keep their mind trippy storyline moving forward, but tried not to give too much away. They were a successful show, but they still had the network's headsman axe hanging over their heads. By the time they were finishing up the third season, though, they managed to wrangle a deal out of ABC that gives them an end point to actually END the show. It also gave them freedom to start going whole hog with some of their plotlines without worry about the network freaking out. This showed in Season Four.
Admittedly, Season Four is short because of the writer's strike, but there wasn't a single episode that didn't completely grab me. I also really liked most of the new characters they introduced into the story. Miles was especially intriguing, and I hope they do more with him in Season Five. I also really liked Keamy, despite his sadistic nature. Something about the big scary man with the laid back voice and boyish smile just grabbed me.
Anyway, if you enjoyed Lost, but hesitated at following it because it seemed like it was getting nowhere, I think you'll be pleased with the fourth season.
SUPERNATURAL
Okay, so I'm a little slow. De and Jamie and Doc and Stacie have all been telling me to watch Supernatural. I kept saying I would, but had dragged my feet picking up the DVDs. Being sick was finally the excuse I needed to have someone get me the first season so I could lay in bed and watch it.
I'm hooked.
It was pretty cool seeing where Dean's original inspiration came from as well as finally getting to see what everyone was talking about. I love the chemistry between the actors playing Dean and Sam. You can totally buy that they're brothers and would do anything for each other, even if they'll constantly rib one another.
There are a couple of minor issues I have with it, but they're all pretty minor.
- Vancouver can look like a lot of places, but Colorado, Oklahoma and Kansas really aren't some of them. Every time they say they're someplace specific, I generally look at the scenery and go, "Yep. Pacific Northwest." Part of this is probably my own geographic snobbery since my job lets me actually SEE these places on a pretty thorough basis. The wilderness in Colorado doesn't really look all that much like the wilderness in the Pacific Northwest. It's not nearly that WET.
- If the boys are traveling around the country, why does it always look like they're staying in the same seventies decorated motel room? I know the budget was probably limited, but I started recognizing features of their standard hotel room.
- SHUT YOUR CAR WINDOWS! I mean, dudes. You've got a trunk full of more weapons and spiritual paraphernalia than you can shake a stick at and you're walking away from your car with the windows left open? You're just asking for someone to steal your car. Your sexy, vintage car with a perfect paint job. DUDES. Use a little common sense.
Like I said, these are really minor issues. They haven't stopped me from loving many of the episodes and loving the dialogue. I'm really looking forward to seeing where the show is going and how they're going to ramp up the storylines.
SIM STUFF (INCLUDING PICSPAM)
I feel like I'm so behind. I've been sitting on 4.11 for weeks now. I tried writing last week while I was sick, but that wasn't happening. I've tried picking it up again now, but it's still not happening. I think I may need to skip the scene I'm on and get to something else to get some forward movement on the story. I'm not making any promises as to when it will be done, but I'm not giving up.
Anyway, here's some picspam.
Of course, Cecil wouldn't actually have facial hair since that would show a lack of hygienic responsibility and would certain be unsanitary during meal times.
So, I was thinking about this. The Newson kids have a house to themselves with no parental figures around. If these were real kids, that would leads to all sorts of trouble.
Trouble like their friends showing up when they want a place to hang out without parental supervision.
For example, showing up with their new girlfriend.
Not that Caleb and Savannah did all that much other than shy flirt with one another. It still killed me that the two dating teens showed up together all on their own. Even if they didn't do anything their parents would disapprove of, I'm sure they appreciated not having their own siblings constantly teasing them.
While I didn't get much playing in, I did get the Toyanaga/Thompson/Parker house through winter. I mostly played Adrian and Adrian's business up to level ten, then let Comet have her birthday.
Of course, I never mind a chance to play Kyle and Chastity. In many ways, it's like father, like daughter.
So, Comet's birthday. While she's never been one of my absolute favorites, I've always had a soft spot for Comet. She was such a surprise, I was never quite sure what to do with her. It didn't help that she rolled such an inappropriate aspiration for her. I mean, the girl had no outgoing points and she rolled popularity?!? Somehow she survived and when I got Freetime she quickly got a knowledge secondary and became much more content.
I feel bad that she and Andrew never had a very good relationship, but I had to pair her with someone. She just wouldn't leave Brody and Micah alone. I even caught her doing a booty call with Micah once. Still, even if Andrew wasn't perfect, she always was good with her boys and the rest of her family.
Has anyone else experienced this? I have Pescado's clothing hack on this lot. When each adult has aged to elder, it's automatically gone into the outfit picker mode and let me completely dress them before the confetti finished falling. I'm not sure if this is something special I set up on this lot or if it's just something unusual.
Alpha and Beta were both there, of course. I've been kinda holding off on playing them too much. Even though they're technically part of Elijah's generation, I figure I can hold them back and see if they pair off with anyone from Louise's generation. I like college, but I think I'd rather get it all done at once than always having it staggered out.
I think the two boys are sophomores now.
One thing I have to decide is who's coming back to this house when they graduate. I wouldn't mind bringing both boys back, but there would be no room for them and their potential spouses. I'm loathe to push time too much and have the elders all go too quickly.
<3 for Adrian and Adrian.
I present you, the Head of Hugh.
One problem with putting a grand piano on a 45 degree angle is that sims don't always acknowledge that it's there. Hugh especially seems to like standing in the piano while talking to other people. He's odd like that.
And finally, I leave you with the cuteness that is Zephyr.
So how are you all doing today?
THE PLAGUE
I am feeling better finally. The hacking cough and laryngitis is hanging on, but I survived a full night of work last night. Even though I could use it to get caught up on things and for monetary reasons, I will not be asking for overtime this week. I'm still sleeping nine to ten hours a night, so overtime would probably just set me back health wise.
Ultimately, the doctor decided it was a virus, so there really wasn't much they could do for me other than tell me to get lots of rest and drink lots of fluids. It was all sinus and upper respiratory stuff which was not fun. What's worse is that it was spreading. One of my roommates got it and some people at work got it. Not sure who started it, but it was definitely not fun.
WATCHMEN
Before I got sick, I did get to go see this in the theater. It was pretty amazing. I loved the casting of pretty much all the characters (though I expected Ozymandias to be prettier, the actor still pulled it off very well) and I was delighted with how faithful they were to the original graphic novel.
Some things were changed, but most of it was either very minor or in the case of the one big thing they changed, kinda important. To be completely vague and avoid spoilers, things happen at the end that are world changing. In the comic, what happens is tied to many subplots and minor characters that couldn't possibly fit in the movie. Not to mention what happens is barely plausible in the comics and I never believed that the general public would buy it if they stuck with it. What they did to change it fit seamlessly with the movie and made sense. It also didn't change any of the results which was key.
It's definitely an R-rated movie with all the sex and violence that should suggest. Don't go expecting Iron Man or X-men. That's not what this story is about. It's still a damn good movie, though.
LOST
Since I was sick, there reached a point where I couldn't sit in front of the computer anymore. I couldn't concentrate enough to play or write, so I finally gave up and lugged my DVD player into my bedroom and settled in to watch some television.
I've loved Lost since I first started watching it. It's got a lot I love about serialized storytelling and ensemble casts. For some reason, though, I was dragging my feet watching Season Four.
The first season was fantastic. The second season struggled a bit as they introduced the tailies, some of whom worked better than others, but ultimately just confused things more. Third season was better, but still had some rough spots, especially with the Paulo and Nikki addition. Talk about a mistake. With the fourth season, though, you could tell things had changed. The writers and producers had finally hammered out a deal with ABC where they have an end date.
In some ways, I find it interesting comparing Babylon 5 and Lost. The two are very different shows with different feels, but they're both excellent examples of serialized storytelling with an ensemble cast. Babylon 5 was able to build slowly into its story arc, but then ran into trouble when they weren't sure they would have enough time to finish everything. As a result, the pace of the fourth season and then the unexpected addition of a fifth season feel forced. The show still worked, but you could see where the producers and the writers had to struggle to adapt.
With Lost, it's almost the exact opposite issue. Being a prime network show, the producers and writers hedged their bets in the first couple of seasons. They tried to keep their mind trippy storyline moving forward, but tried not to give too much away. They were a successful show, but they still had the network's headsman axe hanging over their heads. By the time they were finishing up the third season, though, they managed to wrangle a deal out of ABC that gives them an end point to actually END the show. It also gave them freedom to start going whole hog with some of their plotlines without worry about the network freaking out. This showed in Season Four.
Admittedly, Season Four is short because of the writer's strike, but there wasn't a single episode that didn't completely grab me. I also really liked most of the new characters they introduced into the story. Miles was especially intriguing, and I hope they do more with him in Season Five. I also really liked Keamy, despite his sadistic nature. Something about the big scary man with the laid back voice and boyish smile just grabbed me.
Anyway, if you enjoyed Lost, but hesitated at following it because it seemed like it was getting nowhere, I think you'll be pleased with the fourth season.
SUPERNATURAL
Okay, so I'm a little slow. De and Jamie and Doc and Stacie have all been telling me to watch Supernatural. I kept saying I would, but had dragged my feet picking up the DVDs. Being sick was finally the excuse I needed to have someone get me the first season so I could lay in bed and watch it.
I'm hooked.
It was pretty cool seeing where Dean's original inspiration came from as well as finally getting to see what everyone was talking about. I love the chemistry between the actors playing Dean and Sam. You can totally buy that they're brothers and would do anything for each other, even if they'll constantly rib one another.
There are a couple of minor issues I have with it, but they're all pretty minor.
- Vancouver can look like a lot of places, but Colorado, Oklahoma and Kansas really aren't some of them. Every time they say they're someplace specific, I generally look at the scenery and go, "Yep. Pacific Northwest." Part of this is probably my own geographic snobbery since my job lets me actually SEE these places on a pretty thorough basis. The wilderness in Colorado doesn't really look all that much like the wilderness in the Pacific Northwest. It's not nearly that WET.
- If the boys are traveling around the country, why does it always look like they're staying in the same seventies decorated motel room? I know the budget was probably limited, but I started recognizing features of their standard hotel room.
- SHUT YOUR CAR WINDOWS! I mean, dudes. You've got a trunk full of more weapons and spiritual paraphernalia than you can shake a stick at and you're walking away from your car with the windows left open? You're just asking for someone to steal your car. Your sexy, vintage car with a perfect paint job. DUDES. Use a little common sense.
Like I said, these are really minor issues. They haven't stopped me from loving many of the episodes and loving the dialogue. I'm really looking forward to seeing where the show is going and how they're going to ramp up the storylines.
SIM STUFF (INCLUDING PICSPAM)
I feel like I'm so behind. I've been sitting on 4.11 for weeks now. I tried writing last week while I was sick, but that wasn't happening. I've tried picking it up again now, but it's still not happening. I think I may need to skip the scene I'm on and get to something else to get some forward movement on the story. I'm not making any promises as to when it will be done, but I'm not giving up.
Anyway, here's some picspam.
Of course, Cecil wouldn't actually have facial hair since that would show a lack of hygienic responsibility and would certain be unsanitary during meal times.
So, I was thinking about this. The Newson kids have a house to themselves with no parental figures around. If these were real kids, that would leads to all sorts of trouble.
Trouble like their friends showing up when they want a place to hang out without parental supervision.
For example, showing up with their new girlfriend.
Not that Caleb and Savannah did all that much other than shy flirt with one another. It still killed me that the two dating teens showed up together all on their own. Even if they didn't do anything their parents would disapprove of, I'm sure they appreciated not having their own siblings constantly teasing them.
While I didn't get much playing in, I did get the Toyanaga/Thompson/Parker house through winter. I mostly played Adrian and Adrian's business up to level ten, then let Comet have her birthday.
Of course, I never mind a chance to play Kyle and Chastity. In many ways, it's like father, like daughter.
So, Comet's birthday. While she's never been one of my absolute favorites, I've always had a soft spot for Comet. She was such a surprise, I was never quite sure what to do with her. It didn't help that she rolled such an inappropriate aspiration for her. I mean, the girl had no outgoing points and she rolled popularity?!? Somehow she survived and when I got Freetime she quickly got a knowledge secondary and became much more content.
I feel bad that she and Andrew never had a very good relationship, but I had to pair her with someone. She just wouldn't leave Brody and Micah alone. I even caught her doing a booty call with Micah once. Still, even if Andrew wasn't perfect, she always was good with her boys and the rest of her family.
Has anyone else experienced this? I have Pescado's clothing hack on this lot. When each adult has aged to elder, it's automatically gone into the outfit picker mode and let me completely dress them before the confetti finished falling. I'm not sure if this is something special I set up on this lot or if it's just something unusual.
Alpha and Beta were both there, of course. I've been kinda holding off on playing them too much. Even though they're technically part of Elijah's generation, I figure I can hold them back and see if they pair off with anyone from Louise's generation. I like college, but I think I'd rather get it all done at once than always having it staggered out.
I think the two boys are sophomores now.
One thing I have to decide is who's coming back to this house when they graduate. I wouldn't mind bringing both boys back, but there would be no room for them and their potential spouses. I'm loathe to push time too much and have the elders all go too quickly.
<3 for Adrian and Adrian.
I present you, the Head of Hugh.
One problem with putting a grand piano on a 45 degree angle is that sims don't always acknowledge that it's there. Hugh especially seems to like standing in the piano while talking to other people. He's odd like that.
And finally, I leave you with the cuteness that is Zephyr.
So how are you all doing today?
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
(no subject)
Date: 2009-03-16 09:58 pm (UTC)Yay Picspam! Awww look at the cute!
Hugh's head looks like something out of a horror film. Or a modern art museum.
Hehe, I hadn't really thought about the Newsons that way. But you're right, it's a bit like the Brady Bunch meets home alone I guess.
Glad to hear you're feeling better.
(no subject)
Date: 2009-03-17 01:36 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2009-03-16 10:39 pm (UTC)I figure you've probably already tried writing just the bits that come easy? I've sometimes jumped way ahead and written the bits I liked or that I knew in advance and then filled in the middle later.
Logic kicking in when you're watching TV. What are you going to do? That happens. But you're right. They should lock their car!
Hugh's head reminds me of *Young Frankenstein.*
PB
(no subject)
Date: 2009-03-17 01:38 am (UTC)I was trying to write it in order, but that didn't exactly work. I've stalled out at a birthday party. I'll probably skip the party and get to the next stuff which I know more or less what needs to be said.
They so should lock the car. It kills me when they get out with the windows open. :)
(no subject)
Date: 2009-03-17 12:24 am (UTC)I recently went back to Lost and started watching it again. I watched the first season when it first aired, and thought BAH. But then I saw some of the third season and got hooked. So I likies! lol
I always liked Comet. :)
Zephyr! Yea! Sooo cute.
(no subject)
Date: 2009-03-17 01:40 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2009-03-17 01:05 am (UTC)OK, enough talk of TV - the picspam is as great as usual. I love getting to see your Sims this way, and the Head of Hugh is just brilliant!
(no subject)
Date: 2009-03-17 01:41 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2009-03-17 02:45 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2009-03-17 01:06 am (UTC)Re: Watchmen, I didn't really enjoy the movie. First of all, we took our kids thinking it would be more like X-men and Ironman and whatnot, and were really taken off guard. I had no idea it had been based on a graphic novel. If I had, I wouldn't have taken the kids. All the gore and violence and sexual situations came as quite a shock.
I haven't watched Supernatural yet. Jamie and Doc and everyone got me hooked on Dr. Who though. I record it and watch it at a later time, and my son is now hooked too. I wish there were new episodes. :(
Oh, and Zephyr is adorable.
(no subject)
Date: 2009-03-17 01:42 am (UTC)Jamie keeps pushing me towards Who. I'll probably get there eventually. :)
(no subject)
Date: 2009-03-17 01:22 am (UTC)Not to mention that Cecil would never show up anywhere in a grass skirt since that would be indecent ^_^
Yay for picspam! Now I'm hoping you'll include the Newsons in a subplot because that would be an interesting meeting place for teen shenanigans.
(no subject)
Date: 2009-03-17 01:43 am (UTC)Hmmm. I may have to try and work that in on the Newsons. :)
(no subject)
Date: 2009-03-17 01:56 am (UTC)I'm hooked.
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA NEW FAN YAY. Okay, now that I have spazzed that people awesomer than I have gotten you into the coolest show ever....
Dude... car. Theft. I think I need to write fanfic now, since they haven't dealt with the possibility on the show (afaik, I admittedly missed more episodes than I'd like). The hotel room thing has spawned a thousand fanfic lines though, usually with one or the other of the boys saying something about all hotel rooms apparently looking the same.
Awesome picspam. Zephyr is adorable and Hugh-in-the-piano is highly amusing.
Also glad you're feeling a bit better, being sick sucks.
(no subject)
Date: 2009-03-17 07:27 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2009-03-17 05:35 am (UTC)I just watched an episode of Supernatural the other night. It was on while my husband and I were flipping through the channels. When I told him that it came highly recommended from a few internet sims players, he jumped right on it. Well, actually I just told him that I heard it was good. I liked it, but I wouldn't call myself hooked. I'll watch again though and see if I get to that point.
Oh, and hey, your piano has turned into a cute kid, there.
(no subject)
Date: 2009-03-17 07:29 am (UTC)Hugh kills me with that piano. It's the second time I've caught him standing inside of it. It's not even his house and he's always in that spot.
(no subject)
Date: 2009-03-17 11:20 pm (UTC)I was most surprised to see a copy of Watchmen in Smith's today actually, and since I've not read a graphic novel in about 14 years and have heard good things about it, I picked it up.
*snort* over Hugh standing in the piano.
Anyway I'm glad to hear you're feeling better now. Being ill is sucky.
(no subject)
Date: 2009-03-18 07:58 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2009-03-19 05:38 pm (UTC)Yay picspam! Aww at Caleb and Savannah showing up to shy flirt each other without teasing siblings. And hehe at Hugh. He must like that spot very much. With the piano and all.
(no subject)
Date: 2009-03-21 09:23 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2009-03-22 07:16 am (UTC)I'm attributing the tightness and orchestration to the fact that they have an end date. They know when the series is ending and they know how they want to get it there. I think that's pretty damn cool.