Hi again! Used-Goods is now back online after a nasty attack earlier this month that took faaar too much work to fix, as well as to get security upped again afterwards.
Website work is a hobby for me, done out of both interest in the subject and necessity – the site my last publisher set up for me was poorly done and probably expensive, and I wanted to 1-up it. :P So I learnt basic coding, then design, and while my sites have always had good security I’m still learning the more advanced tricks.
Nairn has been busy lately – a new Nickel & Dime store has put some life into the labouring high-street, and stirred up public and commercial spirit. The river has tried to flood us all at least once since my last post, but it’s settled down to a low flow lately.
As Doctor Who warned us last night: Water is patient. Water waits.
I’ve been reading Neuromancer, which managed to entirely confuse me as I tried to read it on and off in the quiet moments and lost my place in the plot entirely. I’m onto the climatic scenes, now, and enjoying it much more now that the plot is up in my face refusing to be ignored.
After struggling with too much writers block lately, I picked up a notebook at Nairn’s new store and have started using it to write away from the draining powers of the blank screen. It’s been working well, though finding the time to give it due attention is as difficult as ever.
Needless to say, given my lack of time this month I’m glad I didn’t enter NaNoWriMo – and a little jealous of the fantastic few who are managing to keep up with it.
Speaking of Doctor Who – ‘The Waters Of Mars’ was something else on Sunday night. The first half was very slow, and frustrating in that the Doctor did so little it felt almost like a cameo appearance.
However, it really kicked into high gear for the second half. It was smarter and darker, echoing both Stephen Moffat and Russel T Davies at their best. I admit to getting a bit teary-eyed in the more emotional moments.
The Tenth Doctor had a big character change throughout the episode – from uncharacteristically conflicted and hesitant to a confident, daredevil attitude that was definitely ‘The Timelord Victorious’. Then it switched to something much darker and far less likeable – a mood that, as much as I hated it, I hope to see continued into the Christmas special because it really summed up a lot about the Doctor’s dangerous personality without a companion to tell him when to stop.
All in all, I’m really looking forward to the Christmas special, especially now they’re bringing together my three favourite characters – the Tenth Doctor, Donna and John Simm’s Master. =D
I also finally got round to seeing the 2009 Star Trek movie. First impressions weren’t so great – all the cast have suddenly become beautifully groomed, pretty men and women. I like pretty as much as the next girl, but a pretty Spock? That’s a bit weird.
Once you get settled into that uncanny valley, though, you’re treated to a stunning display of expert cinematography, great acting, and memorable audio effects.
Not only does it have the eery silence of space, but the Vulcan mind meld has some effective dialogue distortion that adds a lot to the scene. Examples of good cinematography are everywhere as well – the film is loaded with expensive special effects.
The plot can seem a bit like well-written fanfiction – an alternative universe where a young, good-looking Captain Kirk and Spock are enemies? Really?
Yes, really – and it works.
It’s a good year for science fiction.
E.Maree
xoxo