I've Been Watching a lot of Buffy

Thank you Kristina Horner for posting this survey so that I could copy it and write up my own answers. Kristina’s blog is italktosnakes.blogspot.com, it's very good and people actually read it.

1. The first character I fell in love with: Angel. Have you seen him? And he was tortured and dark and had issues and loved our heroine. I just love a man who loves a strong woman.

2. The character I never expected to love as much as I do now: Dawn. I didn’t really even like Dawn until I read Geektastic. See Cynthia & Greg Leitich Smith’s story about a girl named Dawn who realizes at a screening of the Buffy musical episode that we are all a little more Dawn than we might have previously accepted. Of course it’s still tough to watch seasons 5 & 6 with her, but in 7, I think she gets it together. More importantly I want to know where I can attend a screening of the Buffy musical episode.

3. The character everyone else loves that I don’t: I don’t think that I have an answer for this, I kind of love everyone. And I’m not “in” enough to know who everyone else loves and doesn’t love. Except that I can’t stand Buffy’s mom… but I’m not the only one, right?

4. The character I love that everyone else hates: Riley. I know he’s a little boring compared to Buffy’s other guys (well, except maybe Scott) and that things took a weird turn, but I think that for the circumstances of his character, he was a good person and he fought against evil, but was able to see the complexities of the demon world in a way that only the true Scoobies could. Also, Wesley, but I think anyone who watched Angel agrees that Wesleys improves and becomes worthy of Fred's love... and then... tears... sadness, I can't even deal with it.

5. The character I used to love but don’t any longer: I liked Faith, then didn’t, then loved her on Angel, and liked her well enough in season 7. But I don’t think I really dislike anyone too much, except Jocye, but I never loved her.

6. The character I would shag anytime: Spike.

7. The character I’d want to be like: Willow.

8. The character I’d slap: Cordelia in season 1 when she is awful. I would say listen, I know that someday you’ll move to L.A. and work for and fall in love with Angel and gain some insight into what it is like to suffer and be human and you will become a better person, but in the meantime quit being such a bitch.

9. A pairing that I love: Spike & Druscilla. Don’t get me wrong, I love Spike & Buffy, especially in season 7, but the Spike & Dru relationship in all its evilness is brilliant. The villains never fail to disappoint in Buffy except that none are as brilliant as Spike & Dru.

10. A pairing that I despise: Willow & Xander. I buy it happening, and I understand its place as the story progressed, but the scene where Oz & Cordelia find them together is heartbreaking. You knew it was coming, but it still hurt as much as if you were Cordelia falling on that rod.

11. Favorite male character (add a quote or favorite line): Spike.

“I may be love’s bitch, but at least I’m man enough to admit it”

12. Favorite female character (add a quote or favorite line): Willow.

“I think I’m kind of gay”

13. My five favorite characters: Spike. That’s it Spike is my favorite character. Spike is one of the best characters ever created in the history of television. I also love Willow, Giles, Buffy, and then there is a tie for about a dozen others…

14. My five least favorite characters: Joyce, and well, that’s really it. If Joss Whedon & co do one thing brilliantly, it’s write characters. They do a lot of things brilliantly, but the character development is the best.

15. Which character I am most like: I don't know that I am really like any characters, but I hope I am a little bit Willow, a little bit Buffy, a little bit Giles, and a little bit Jenny Calendar.

16. My deep, dark fandom secret: I missed a lot of episodes due to college and only caught up on them (and other now cancelled Whedon creations post-college). I am sorry, but that doesn’t mean I love them any less.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1 (Spoilers)

I am going to cry so much when Fred dies. I'm serious. I don't know if even my massive purse can hold the amount of tissue I am going to need. This is, of course, assuming that part 2 keeps my emotions going the way the part 1 did.

After 6 entertaining and aesthetically pleasing films, the filmmakers have finally figured out how to make an emotional connection. Nothing highlights this more than the top trending topic on Twitter the weekend the film was released (and I think even the second weekend): Dobby. Whether it was "I cried when Dobby died" or simply "RIP Dobby" the viewers of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 felt something. They laughed and cheered, and then they, okay we, cried. They were able to pull a character that movie watchers had not seen since the second film out of nowhere and make you connect with him. I enjoy all the movies, but I did not cry when Cedric, Sirius, or even Dumbledore died. The films just did not offer the same connection to the characters and what was happening as the books did. Obviously the same level of connection is incredibly difficult if not impossible, but I cry at movies all the time and with characters that I meet at the start of the film, not those that I have known for years. I know that some people had some issues with Dobby's impassioned speech, but I thought it was a perfect movie moment. Well, at least a solid lead to the following scene where a tiny Dobby dies in Harry's arms. I can't think about it without a few sniffles.

And then it ends (to steal from Dante in Clerks) on such a down note. Dobby dies, we still don't know where the last couple horcruxes are and to top it off, Voldemort has an unbeatable wand. It is the Empire Strikes Back, but with wizards. There is more, we know there is more because our hero's have to triumph. But that doesn't mean it's not a long, hard battle. It's what makes the story epic, that there are so many things to overcome that we end the second to last movie on this low point. Have I mentioned that Empire Strikes Back is my favorite Star Wars movie?

I have talked a lot about the end, so I will say that I did love this movie all the way through. The "adult" actors continue to be incredible with every moment they are on the screen. I cannot say enough for Jason Issacs' brilliant performance as a post-Azkaban Luscious Malfoy. And it was a treat to see Imelda Staunton back in all her evil fluffy pink. The scene with the seven Harrys and all things Fred & George that followed briefly were excellent (again, I am going to sob when Fred dies). And all three main actors continue to improve and impress. I think that Daniel Radcliffe is a fine lead, Rupert Grint took the audience on his complete emotional journey, and Emma Watson makes you feel whatever is happening. Her scene with the incredible Helena Bonham Carter was painful to watch in the way it should have been. And I cannot wrap up this random paragraph of likes without mentioning the Tale of the Three Brothers, which was unique and beautiful.

That doesn't even cover it. I'm sure I might have changed a few things, but most of what I might have liked to see or not see is in movies past. I think this movie exceeded expectations, especially given the set-up that it has had. I don't mean to say that I do not enjoy all the previous films. I love them, I own them. But this film finally achieve what all the books and a few wizard rock songs had before it, it made me cry.

Now I'm ready for Part 2 and more Neville.

Best Christmas Present Ever

My 2011 resolution is to write more here. I have lots to say (I mean, I haven't even posted an HP7 part 1 review, that's pretty much a huge nerd-fail). But for now, I have to share the following:

Once upon a time I read a book called Let it Snow, which is a collection of three stories. One by Maureen Johnson, one by Lauren Myracle, and one by John Green. Upon finishing this book I declared to my roommate that my ideal guy was who a John Green character grew up to be. In addition to this short story, see also Looking for Alaska, An Abundance of Katherines, Paper Towns, and Will Grayson Will Grayson... and watch any and all vlogbrothers videos. She immediately began singing Cool Rider from Grease 2, but working in the lyrics "looking for a man created by John Green" instead of "looking for a man on a mean machine." She pledged to re-work the entire song, and without my knowledge has been working away at this for months. Tonight we exchanged Christmas presents and I opened the lyrics. It is quite literally the most amazing Christmas present ever. And I am sharing them with you:

Cool Rider Revisted

If you really want to know
What I want in a guy
Well, I'm looking for a man created by John Green
Who's grown up and wise
I want a big nerdfighter
who watches Syfy
And one fine night I'll be looking right...

Chorus
(at) a John Green character, a John Green charcter
When he's old enough he can
burn me through and through
Whhoa ahhh
If it takes forever
Then Ill wait forever
No ordinary boy
No ordinary boy is gonna do
I want a dork who's out of school

That's the way it's gonna be
And tht's the way that I feel
I don't need ore than the boy next door
I want Quentin Jacobsen
So outta my way Margo Speigelman
Just let him grow up fine and stay king
Then move aside cause I'm gonna string up to a

Repeat Chorus

I don't want no fraternity guys
Comin' on strong to me
They don't know what I'm lookin for
They don't know what I need
They're gonna know when he gets here
Cause the library will be shakin'
I'll do anything to let him know
That I'm his, his for the takin'

I want a neerrrrd fighter
A nerd nerd nerd fighter
I want a nerrrd fighter
A nerd nerd nerd fighter
I want a N-E-R-D F-I-G-H-T-E-R
I want a N-E-R-D F-I-G-H-T-E-R
(Repeat)


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An Open Letter to Twilght fans Re: Graceling

**Hopefully this can be used as an argument for more than just Twilight fans to read Kristin Cashmore's beautiful, adventurous, and amazing novel, Graceling. But I figure if the Twilight fans get into it, that is a pretty big audience to start with.

So you've read Twilight, which is why I am talking to you. I know that not all Twilight fans are the same. Maybe you love everything that Stephanie Meyer creates, or maybe you hate Breaking Dawn (full disclosure, it's ridiculousness and Bella's character changes make it my favorite, maybe that makes me less credible). You've seen all the movies. Maybe you love every time Robert Pattinson walks on screen. Perhaps you're a New Moon fan and can't get enough Taylor Lautner. You may love Kristen Stewart and you may still be wondering my Summit did not cast you. Maybe James is still your favorite villain, but perhaps you can't get enough of the Volturi.

Now that I've accepted your many differences, I am going to make a couple of generalizations. You love the romance and the struggle and (even if you wished there had been a battle first) the happy ending. You love that this story includes supernatural elements, something beyond everyday life. My hope is that you kind of wished that Bella could have gotten it together enough to maintain some sanity without Edward. Because true love is great, but there is a little more to life. And you wish that Edward would loosen up a little. And be less of a creeper. But not too much.

I want you to read Graceling, by Kristin Cashmore. Because Bella & Edward's story (flawed as I think it was, and as perfect as you might think it was) is done and you need that kind of page turning romance and adventure. But I think you should go with a heroine like Graceling's Katsa, who is fiercely independent and does not lose that, even when she falls madly in love. Love shouldn't drag people down, it should lift them up. Katsa's love, which is written in a way that makes it near impossible to put down, is beautiful and passionate and powerful, but it is not the whole story. She is complex and her life is complicated. Sometime after her birth she developed a grace (which anyone can tell by looking at her two different colored eyes, the sign of a grace) that could be manipulated by her uncle the king. Katsa's grace is killing, but she comes to realize that she is so much more than just this one thing.

Everyone else is telling you to read The Hunger Games, and you should, because it's wonderful. But for those who really want that intense romantic element, I say give Graceling chance. And it's got plenty of action and adventure and independent chick power for everyone else.

No pare, sigue, sigue...

Paciencia y fe!

Paciencia - I've patiently waited over three years since first seeing a performance from this show on the Tony's until In the Heights finally came to Seattle.
Fe - I had faith that despite my high expectations I would be entertained and moved.

Well, as Abuela Claudia made clear, you will not go wrong with paciencia y fe. I left the theatre convinced that I would be happy to see this show every night of its three week run. I had to settle for twice, although I do have a few days to try and get one more in. Not since I saw Rent at 17 years old had I anticipated a show so much. I had the soundtrack memorized, and that soundtrack could move me to tears. My expectations were so high that I was terrified the show or the performers would leave me disappointed. Sometimes when you listen to a soundtrack from the original, brilliant Broadway performance, the touring cast comes up short. This was absolutely not the case. Even those performers who fell short of the originals still brought enough talent and heart to their rolls, and all of my favorite characters were exhuberant. Sonny was funny and endearing, Nina's pain was real and relatable and her voice was outstanding, Camila was a force, and Abuela Claudia was the glue that held the neighborhood together. Benny was ripped and talented, Graffiti Pete's moves stood out, Daniela was sassy, Carla was ditzy, and we fell in love with Usnavi right along with Vanessa. I'm missing a few, but I maintain, no one disappointed.
With themes of home and family and love, and a soundtrack that takes classic broadway and adds some latin hip hop you absolutely cannot go wrong, and they don't. Go see this show, wherever you are, whenever it comes your way.

And then raise your flag.

Can you grok this?

When I started Stranger in a Strange Land I was instantly fascinated. I had to move past the fact that it's now 2010 and we know there is no one on Mars and that for a senario similar to this book to exist it would have to involve not Martians, but a life form on a planet much farther away. It has its moments of sexism and homophobia, but so did the majority of the population in the 60s. In my interpretation highlighting these, and many other, flaws in our society was a big part of the book's purpose. Getting beyond that the story is instantly gripping and written in a way that is very accessible, most of the time. A human, born off planet and raised by Martians has now returned to Earth. There is government scandal, a great escape, and apparently this guy can "discorporate" people and things. We learn right along with Mike, the Man from Mars, all the things that humans take for granted and what elements of our society are a little difficult to comprehend.
We move along as Mike learns from Jubal, Jill, and all his other water brothers (Martian appreciation for water would make activists incredibly proud). And then he tries to comprehend the most bizaare concept of our society, religion. He studies and attends services. He talks to people and tries to understand why there are all these different understandings of the world. Ultimately Mike creates his own "church" which is part 60s love cult and part, well, kind of what I imagine Scientology to be. I must admit that I don't know all that much about Scientology, but I do know that the "founder" (L. Ron Hubbard) of this celebrity-loved religion is a science fiction writer and a contemporary of Heinlein. A quick internet search told me that the rumors surrounding the legend that Hubbard made up Scientology, just to see if he could, actually involved a bet between Heinlein and Hubbard to see who could get more money from a relgion they created. Well, Hubbard won, but I probably still won't read Dian3tics anytime soon. That said, Mike's "religion" in Stranger in a Strange Land is not exactly a religion and is supposedly compatable with all the world's major relgions, which ever you prefer. As I understand it, this is also true of Scientology. I would have to do more research on the topic to better grasp all of this, but I did think it was very interesting.
Regardless of Heinlein's intentions with regard to creating a religion, his critique, or more, analysis of society is riveting. I think that while looking at how Mike must see our world is enlightening, my favorite insights come from Jubal. This is a character who is constantly changing up his arguments to play devil's advocates, seeming to talk in circles at times. However it seems his true purpose is to make whoever he is talking to, and the reader, see all sides of an issue and to comprehend that nothing is as simple as it first seems. Through Jubal Heinlein highlights to complexities of our world, and is occaisionally able to boil them down to the simplest, most important elements at the same time.

And then it ends, with (spoiler) the new icon sacrificing himself for his cause, which seems to be bringing people to a higher understanding about themselves and the world.

Science Fiction is so intense. Double Rainbow intense. I'm still trying to grok it all, but Heinlein's most famous novel is definitely worth a read.

Geektastic was... well... geektastic!

I have been using the library lately. A lot. My stack of books is a little overwhelming and I may end up paying a couple bucks in late fees because I got a few too many books at a time. But that's okay, I mean the library could use some additional funds right now.
Anyhow, I'm almost done with the incredible Stranger in a Strange Land and promise to tell all about water brothers and grokking once I finish and grok that, but first I wanted to tell you how amazing Geektastic: Stories from the Nerd Herd - edited by Holly Black and Cecil Castellucci - was. This young adult (although appreciated by geeks and nerds of all ages) anthology is brilliantly written and covers a huge range of nerdy topics. Even when the subject was cosplay or something else that I have very limited knowledge of, the themes were universal. These talented geeky authors will have any reader ready to fly their geek flag, no matter what is on it. Each one taught a slightly different lesson, so here's the short version of what I got from each:

From Holly Black & Cecil Castellucci we learn that it is possible for a Jedi and a Klingon to find love.
From Tracy Lynn we learn that given the correct training and the willingness to open her mind, even the head cheerleader can appreciate geeks.
From Scott Westerfeld we learn about the good/evil, law/chaos scale, and contemplated where we might fall on it.
From Cassandra Clare we learn that the guy online may not be what you expect, but that doesn't mean that you won't still find something amazing.
From M.T. Anderson we learn that parents are more complicated than generally given credit for.
From Cynthia & Greg Leitich Smith we learn to give Dawn Summers a little more credit, and to see that we probably relate more to her than we realize.
From David Levithan we learn that Quiz Bowl varsity jackets are incredibly contentious.
From Garth Nix we learn we really love the strong silent knight type, but it's even better if he speaks now and then, no matter what his voice may sound like.
From Lisa Yee we learn that when using baton twirling to make friends you may want to add some fire.
From Kelly Link we learn that lying online causes complicated trips to NYC and should probably not be encouraged.
From John Green we learn that bullies only have bullying, and nerds have all kinds of awesome nerdy stuff.
From Barry Lyga we learn that you should not mess with Dino girl.
From Sara Zarr we learn that sometimes you have to take risks to stand out, but that it may not be the healthiest form of therapy.
From Wendy Mass we learn that competition can be healthy, but you also have to know when to step back and just look at the stars.
And from Libba Bray we learned that it's the pelvic thrust that really drives you insane.

Okay, so if you read it you'll get a whole lot more than that out of it, but you have to read it first.
Seriously.
Stop what you're doing and go to the bookstore or the library and get it.


You're still here?
I'm done with you now.