Posted by barb on May 24, 2005 in
Books Edited by Gardner Dozois
This is a collection of pieces published in Isaac Asimov’s Science Fiction Magazine during the 80s. A few notable stories:
- “The Peacemaker” by Gardner Dozois: The editor apologized for including one of his own works in this collection, but I was glad he did. It was a powerful story about a post-catastrophe US. We learn about the catastrophe through a young boy, and about what a community will do to stay prosperous.
- “Fire Watch” by Connie Willis: In this story, historians travel back in time to observe history as it happens. We follow a historian as he joins the fire watch at St. Paul’s cathedral during WWII.
- “Her Furry Face” by Leigh Kennedy: This one was just disturbing. The story is about an orangutan researcher working with orangutans who have learned to communicate. The researcher falls for one of the orangutans…’nuff said.
- “Hardfought” by Greg Bear: This is one of those stories that starts long before it needed to and includes far more than it needed to tell the story that was there. I was bored before the real story even began.
The other stories were good. Overall a decent book, but not one I’d go out of my way to find.
Tags: reviews
Posted by barb on May 19, 2005 in
Movies 4/5 stars
Yes, I’m one of the millions of Americans who took time off from work to see this on the first day. It was worth it! I wanted to be a “virgin” going in — I avoided all of the previews and tv promos (much to Andrew’s annoyance). Why? Well, going in, we already know the major plot points: Anakin turns into Darth Vader, Luke and Leia are born, the Jedi are decimated, Yoda and Obi-Wan go into exile, Palpatine takes over the republic and declares himself emporer. Since I already knew what the major plot points had to be, I wanted the “how” of them to be a complete surprise.
I really enjoyed this last installment of Star Wars. It was far better than Episode I, and better even than Episode II. I can’t compare it to A New Hope, Empire Strikes Back, or Return of the Jedi — those were so integral to my growing-up years, that nothing will ever compare to them. However, it was a very strong finale for the series.
< Spoilers Ahead >
Read more…
Tags: reviews
Posted by barb on May 18, 2005 in
Memes, Etc. The “3” meme, via Cheeky Prof.
3 names you go by:
* Barb
* Barbara
* Snuggles (that’s Andrew’s name for me — if you’re not him, don’t try it)
3 screennames you’ve had (besides blog pseudonym):
* rhombitruncated
* astrowoman
* cubeoctahedron
3 physical things you like about yourself:
* smile
* eyes
* hair
Read more…
Tags: dumb fun
Posted by barb on May 17, 2005 in
TV I can’t be the only person who enjoyed Enterprise, because it did stay on the air for four seasons, and I was a bit sad to see it go. I was more sad to see it go with such a sucky finale.
< Possible spoilers ahead >
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Tags: reviews
Posted by barb on May 15, 2005 in
Movies 3/5 stars
I never said I only watched intelligent movies. I loved The Brady Bunch growing up, and really liked the first movie. This one was fun too.
Tags: reviews
Posted by barb on May 14, 2005 in
Movies 4/5 stars
With reviews of this movie all over the place, Andrew and I didn’t know if we’d enjoy it or not. Turns out I loved it; he hated it. I have read the book, several times, but not for many, many years, so I’m not burdoned by remembering the exact story. Not all of the “funny moments” worked, but there were enough that I had a lot of fun.
Tags: reviews
Posted by barb on May 13, 2005 in
Movies 2/5 stars
This film noir parody just didn’t do it for me. There were many moments where I could tell that something was supposed to be funny, but it wasn’t. I did laugh a couple times, but more often I rolled my eyes.
Tags: reviews
Posted by barb on May 12, 2005 in
Memes, Etc. You are a Brainy Girl!
Whether you’re an official student or a casual learner, you enjoy hitting the books.
You know a little bit about everything, and you’re always dying to know more.
For a guy to win your heart, he’s got to share some of your intellectual interests.
A awesome book collection of his own doesn’t hurt either!
What Kind of Girl Are You? Take This Quiz 🙂
(Blame the Red-headed Stepchild)
Posted by barb on May 12, 2005 in
Memes, Etc.
You Are 20 Years Old |
20
20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what’s to come… love, work, and new experiences.
|
(Blame Mushi)
Tags: dumb fun
Posted by barb on May 10, 2005 in
Memes, Etc.
Which Website are You?
(Blame Mushi)
Tags: dumb fun