My Top 5 Sci Fi Heroines

My list of heroines will include characters from the movies and television science fiction genres.

My #5 Choice is:

Samantha Carter from Stargate SG-1.
She has a Ph.D in astrophysics, is well versed in quantum mechanics, biology fields of study, and is able to adapt to alien technology and culture. She is an interesting character and very fun to watch.

My #4 Choice is:

Princess Leia from the Star Wars Trilogy.
I remember being so impressed in the late '70s watching Leia in Star Wars being the tough, fearless rebel for her cause. She also had a sense of dry humor that made her character even more loveable.

My Choice #3 is:

Buffy the Vampire Slayer
I realize this ventures more into the fantasy realm, but I had to include her. She was a heroine with a cause to stop the forces of darkness. She was an interesting character with very interesting and groundbreaking story lines.

My Choice #2 is:

Sarah Connor from the Terminator Films.
It is interesting how an average hard working person is suddenly thrust into the role of protecting the human race. I loved the movies and the new television series The Sara Connor Chronicles.

My Choice #1 is:
Ellen Ripley from the Alien Movies.
My favorite of all was the movie "Aliens." Sigourney Weaver was nominated for Best Actress in a leading role in 1987 which is very unusual for a science fiction movie to receive that honor.
Again, I was on the edge of my seat during that entire movie. It was a thrill to see strong women take the lead in this movie that was full of action, deceit, and simply great story telling.

Next stop?

Part 2 of my trip will follow sometime soonish, but this is a photographic clue for those that don't know where I went next.

College Notes for today (September 29th)

From now on I will be sharing the inner workings of my mind whilst in college, its from these that I work out the occasional counselling related post and also use them to actually do some studying. I am not that great at making notes and tend to doodle a lot, so lets see if I can string a few sentences together.

Notes from college: Anger Management! grrrrr. Monday is when we work on the personal development side of our studies, so it s very much based on what I personally would do in a situation relating back to the theory work that we do on a Wednesday. At the moment we are focusing on the CBT style of counselling, CBT stands for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

*Research anger management techniques that work for you and what you think would work for others.This means I get to search the web for relevant sites and ask my readers what works for them.

The main focus of tonight's class was what actually makes you angry, what physical/emotional responses do you have etc. Coping strategies will be discussed in next week's class and then I will post something here.

Question time: Discuss the following questions in pairs (me not thee)

1. What makes you angry?

First a lot of hmmm and haaaa, I don't really get angry at all. No I really am a chilled out person, ask anyone. Well except when I am really annoyed, but that takes a lot honest! Okay I will get back to the point. What makes me angry?Anger ranges from mild irritation to bubbling boiling red mist rage, so it depends on the situation really. Hot topics for me are racism, two-faced people, extreme anti- abortion people, religious zealots, corruption, poverty, ignorance,bigots.

2. Who makes you angry?

Parents, sisters, racists,idiots, religious zealots, extreme right folk, anti pro-choice, myself, extended family, in laws.

3. What are your physical responses?

Raised blood pressure, adrenaline rush, feeling sick (Knot in tummy, sick to the stomach).
4. What are your emotional responses?

Compulsions like: toe tapping, messing with hair, nail biting, 'smile', sigh, quiet, eyebrow raising and eyebrow scrunching, mumbling under breath, flushed. Depression, feeling frustrated most likely to cry then.Obviously not all at once

5. How do you behave when you are angry?

How I behave when I am angry is dependent on the situation and where I am. I would be more likely to something irrational like break a plate in frustration at home, than I ever would out about in public.

6. Do you think there is a difference between healthy anger and unhealthy anger? What are these?

Didn't really cover this so will have to address this next week and will probably add more to the other questions too.

Personal Journal:

First day back for me, so was excited! Also a whole other host of emotions but the over riding one was excitement. Two weeks late is never a good way to start back at college, but hopefully I haven't missed too much. I wasn't drowned in a bucket of new paper work, just reminded that I still have a lot left over from the first year (bleck).

There was a chair shuffle, always amusing to see what happens when someone sits in 'your' chair. As I was away for the first two weeks, my prime location has been taken. Which actually didn't bother me at all (maybe a wee bit), poor Mary is my new victim. Lins use to sit next to Mary but unfortunately she has decided not to carry on this year. I was rather sad to hear that, as I have enjoyed working with her (lins) a lot. Working maybe strecthing it a bit, laughing a lot is probably a more accurate description.Never fear I am more than sure we will be keeping in contact.

Met the new tutor Lee or Leigh, not sure how to spell it. She has taken over from Chrsitine who I am still gutted about leaving, but Lee/leigh seems really cool so far, very direct and looks like she wont take any of my bullshit, always a good sign.

Useful websites found so far:
1. BBC-Health Anger Management.
2. Mind - How to deal with Anger.
3. APA-Controlling Anger.
4. Mental Health Foundation- Anger and Mental Health.
5. BAAM- Anger and Wisdom.


PS: Tweet,Email and facebook responses for future use, thanks guys, twas helpful and will be used in a future post.


Book recommendation: Women who love too much As mentioned in doodle above, even though I wrote the wrong author and title down. I have not read it myself, but when/if I do I will review it on here. My counselling tutor rates it highly so if the title strikes a chord then check it out.

The trip part 1: Airports and Boston.

I am going to cheat and copy what I wrote on triptracker site because I am lazy. (If this is new to you, your lazy because you didn't read what I wrote at the time, heh). I have added a few titbits that never made it to the triptracker site and have included links to other peoples accounts of my trip.

September 2nd

Well I made it to the airport in plenty of time thanks to the dad, there were more security checks than there was back in April when I went to Hamburg. I managed to make it through without having to remove boots and belt, which then usually means flashing my arse as I put boots back on. This time I was lucky!

No delays at all waiting for Amsterdam flight, just took an age for them to announce what gate to go to. I bought some felt tips and colouring pencils to amuse myself, but ended up pacing about instead. You will be happy to know that I only squirted myself with one perfume sample instead of the usual twenty plus. I didn't want anyone having a allergy fit while sat next to me on the plane.

On the plane I scored a window seat and the KLM staff were probably the friendliest aircrew I have ever seen.

Arrived in Amsterdam in good time, but there was still a rush to get to the gate for Boston flight. Also would there be a enough time for my bag to get unloaded from Amsterdam plane and onto Boston plane?

I was asked loads of security questions at this airport, more than at Manchester. It sent me into panic mode, even though I have nothing to panic about (well expect for that donkey stuffed with...... just joking!)

As soon as questions were asked it was time to board flight for Boston. I thought I was going to be lucky and have no one sat next to me, but as it was the girl that eventually turned up didn't speak the whole flight.

Onto Boston! America here I come.

Touchdown in Boston, MA.
Flight was okay, no problems at all, apart from taking hours! The food was nice, we had loads of snacks, drinks and movies. I should of forced myself to go to sleep but was too excited. Not long before it was time for arrival we had to fill in visa and customs forms, which was a pain in the arse but has to be done. I also didn't go the toilet for the whole flight, I apparently have an extreme hardcore bladder.

On arrival you have to go through the added security stuff which frightened me a wee bit, but the bloke was nice (fit lol) and it was just a few simple questions and fingers scanned, photo taken via a webcam like camera. I also got my passport stamped for the first time woot! I got a little but excited over that. The customs bloke gave me the nod and let me go on my way. That was even after I insulted him too, luckily he thought I was funny when I feigned surprised that as an American he had a passport and had left the country (hehe). As soon as I got the luggage carousel my bag appeared woot! how lucky was that.

Mags was there waiting for me, with a bloody camera! but it was lovely getting met at the airport, especially after such a long flight.Then we headed to Mags apartment, I was excited to be in America and taking in all the sights through the window. The part of Boston that mags lives in is lovely, definitely has a university vibe, so we just dumped my bags in the apartment and went to grab a pizza and a beer. Pizza was yum and so was beer!

Then after a wander around the neighborhood we went back to the apartment and chatted till it was sleepy time.I lasted till 11:30 pm Boston time which was 4:30 am Claire time, so after being awake for nearly 24 hours I think I did bloody well.

Other notes: Temperature, hot and humid! thank god I am going clothes shopping.

September 3rd

Okay seriously why didn't anyone tell how hot it would be? Jesus Christ its fucking hot! and humid. Having to sleep with airconditioner on is an alien concept to me! Air conditioning usually means openinig the window over here. I mooched about today doing bugger all while Mags was at work, yes she actually trusted me enough to be left alone in her apartment.

Once she was home from work it was time to go out for a swanky meal, which you can read about here swanky meal. The food was fantastic and the owner thought I was Irish, I said that was near enough.


September 4th
It was another lazy day for me whilst mags was in work, so I became acquianted with the beyond god awful telly advertisements (free credit report man must die, seriously!). Then once the mags was home, it was time for clothes shopping, huzzah! I also picked up a hairdryer and a tracfone, I will post more on the tracfone in a future post.
Once back at the apartment it dawned on me that I hadn't sorted out my coach/bus ticket for onward journey to Philadelphia. After a lot of hassle it was eventually easier to just drive down to bus station and see what they said down there. It turned out that there would be a bus in a few hours so I opted to stay there and wait, even though it was a wee bit scary! Mags wrote a wee bit more here Ticket Confusion.

My tracfone could send text messages and receive calls, but wasn't actually receiving any texts. So did JD actually know I was arriving 4 hours early..............


More whenever!

Original costumes from the Western movie Appaloosa...

These Western movie costumes from the movie Appaloosa were displayed on September 29, 2008 in the ArcLight Hollywood cinema foyer.

Original Appaloosa movie costumes at ArcLight Hollywood

Appaloosa movie poster

Viggo Mortensen, Ed Harris and Renee Zellweger star in this movie set in the late 1880's in a New Mexico town.

Western costumes from Appaloosa

Buy the DVD in the USA: Appaloosa

Heroism in the 21st Century

Image via WikipediaThe third season of the science fiction television show "Heroes" began and as usual caused me to ponder the idea of heroism. I did some research into the meaning of hero/heroine and found that it is a man or woman admired for his/her achievements and noble qualities.
Beginning with Greek mythology and throughout history, there have been military, scientific, political, religious, activist, and athletic heroes. A hero can be accepted worldwide such as Albert Einstein and Mahatma Gandhi, for example, and a hero can be very personal such as a sports hero, actor or activist.
Science Fiction and Fantasy, of course, has taken the idea of the hero and created some of the most interesting and inspiring stories. The characters can be related to such as Spider-Man who was an average person suddenly endowed with unusual powers that he uses for good, or a non-human, such as Superman who can perform unearthly acts such as fly. In the 3rd season of Heroes we have an element that is less than savory and use their powers for less than good. We see this same battle of good vs. evil in the X-Men series of movies where some use their powers for good and others for bad.
So I ponder the question brought to me through the medium of science fiction and fantasy that if we humans were able to utilize super powers would we be inclined to use these powers for selfless or selfish purposes? Real life heroes have worked for the betterment of humanity, in my opinion, so I wonder if I had a super power, would I use that power for the betterment of all people?
I know I enjoy watching or reading about characters like Harry Potter , Batman, The Green Lantern, and Wonder Woman to name a few, and I believe these stories try to work out this question while at the same time entertain us.

Headless in New Hope

Original Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes costumes from The Duchess...

In The Duchess, Keira Knightley plays 'Georgiana Spencer' who became 'The Duchess of Devonshire' in Great Britain when she married 'William Cavendish, The 5th Duke of Devonshire' (played by Ralph Fiennes) in 1774.  

Oscar-Winning 18th century movie costumes from The Duchess

'Georgiana' is spirited aristocrat who lived during a period at the height of fashion, decadence and political change. Did you know that Diana Princess of Wales was a direct descendent of The Duchess, and was born Lady Diana Spencer.

The Duchess movie poster

These two authentic looking and opulent 18th Century movie costumes inspired by the Georgian period were photographed on display at Arclight Hollywood on September 28, 2008.

The Duchess Oscar-Winning movie costumes on 

display at ArcLight Hollywood cinema

In what became a loveless marriage The Duchess fell in love with 'Charles Grey', future Prime Minister, played by Dominic Cooper (who played 'Sky' in Mamma Mia: The Movie).

The actual costumes worn by Ralph Fiennes 

and Keira Knightley in The Duchess

The two costumes on display were designed by Michael O'Connor, for which he won his first Oscar for Best Costume Design at the 81st Annual Academy Awards. 

On the left is the outfit worn by Ralph Fiennes when the Duke discusses the marriage contract with 'Lady Spencer'.

Men's clothing was worn very fitted at the time and the green velvet tailcoat and matching breeches are paired with a steely grey silk waistcoat.

On the right is 'Georgiana's' beautiful Wedding Dress of cream silk, with sack back and diamond decorated stomacher.

The Duchess movie poster

Visit the official website for The Duchess for even more fabulous costumes and even get to see them in 3D.

Visit Jason in Hollywood for a movie review of The Duchess.

Buy the DVD in the USA: The Duchess

Getting Bossed Around by 1003 Household Hints and Work Savers

1948 was fraught with potential perils-- many of them right in your very own home!...

At least, that's the way it seems in this vintage booklet, 1003 Household Hints and Work Savers. From making the most of your vegetables, to dressing on a budget, and cleaning your house, this book tells you how to avert the disaster that lurks around every corner.... And with an excessive amount of exclamation points, so you know they're serious!!!

So come with me today, as we get warned... curtailed... lectured... and overly punctuated...

__________________________________________________________________

• Bulging ends on tin cans signify real danger! The food inside is spoiled and poisonous. Don't open the can!

(Ack! RUN-- that can of creamed corn, it's gonna blow!)

__________________________________________________________________

• Don't you throw that bacon rind away! Clean, then save it for flavoring soups and vegetables.

(Yes, MA'AM!)

__________________________________________________________________

• Can't afford whipped cream? Nonsense! Light cream will whip if you will spend a little time.

(But I've got a thousand-and-three things to do and-- no, no, I'm not arguing with you. Fine, I'll do it.)

__________________________________________________________________

• Don't pour milk or cream down the drain simply because it has turned sour! In the first place, if the cream is just turning, you can restore it to sweetness by adding a pinch of baking soda. If it's really sour, use it as topping for soups, in salad dressings, gravies and in baking.

(It sounds so tempting, doesn't it? Spoiled cream with baking soda in it... yum.)

__________________________________________________________________

• Never-- oh, never, never!-- use soda in cooking green vegetables. It increases loss of vitamins-- and even if the vegetable looks pretty, it won't mean much with important food-value gone.

(So, um, never?)

__________________________________________________________________

• No one need know you scorched those vegetables! Just set the pot in a pan of cold water and let it stand for 15-30 minutes. Don't scrape the bottom of the pot.

(Well, everyone knows now that you put it in your darned book, lady.)

__________________________________________________________________

• Who's too proud for day old bread! It's not only cheaper and just as nourishing, but actually better for the teeth and gums, according to experts.

(Should go so nicely with my spoiled cream and baking soda.)

__________________________________________________________________

• Many of the potato's most valuable vitamins and minerals are in the skin itself. Don't waste it-- eat it!

(Tell me, were you a drill sergeant in the war, by any chance?)

__________________________________________________________________

• Not all in one lump, please! Keep raisins, citrons, currants or other fruits evenly distributed throughout your cakes by dusting them with flour before mixing them in your batter.

(Flour-crusted citrons-- my favorite!)

__________________________________________________________________

• Be smart, be thrifty-- be a wardrobe magician! Plan clothing purchases to get extra service from each item in the ensemble.

(Hocus pocus and... poof!-- Giant shoulderpads!)

__________________________________________________________________

• Wait, lady, wait! Before you buy that new dress, consider the possibilities for later restyling!

(Who are you and how did you get into my dressing room?)

__________________________________________________________________

• If you drive a car, get in on the side nearest the wheel, instead of scraping along the whole seat until you worm your way into position, thus wearing out the seat of your fur coat.

(Yes, but you haven't really lived until you've scooched across the entire front seat in mink, dahling.)

__________________________________________________________________

• Oh, them golden slippers! And the silver ones too! Applying a careful dabbing of gold or silver paint, respectively, will make them glamorously new again.

(I will wear my painted shoes with my rump-worn fur coat.)

__________________________________________________________________

• Don't even think of discarding your tan shoes because you don't like the worn-out color! Give them a coat or two of good black shoe dye and there you are with an extra pair of shoes.

(Am I the only one here who see bad things afoot when the rains come?)

__________________________________________________________________

• Warning! To protect your rubber swim cap, wash it thoroughly, dry, and cover with a little talcum powder or corn starch inside and out. Then store in a cool dry place.

("Beverly, you really need to do something about that dandruff." "Oh, no Marge, that's not dandruff. That's corn starch. I just forgot to rinse my bathing cap.")

__________________________________________________________________

• Be good, sweet maid, and clever, too... by making a snug, warm coat out of a worn blanket... by changing a retired chenille bedspread into a short beach coat or a long house coat.

(Honey?... What happened to the bedspread?... Oh. I see. You're wearing it.)

__________________________________________________________________

• To clean door knobs without injuring the wood finish behind them, cut cardboard shields to fit around the door knob and key plate. Then go to it!

(I guess this isn't one of the "time saver" activities then. "What are you making there, Suzie?" "Oh, I'm just cutting out some shields for around the doorplates...")

__________________________________________________________________

• Don't shake your dust mop out the window of you want your neighbors to love you! Tie a paper bag around the mop head and shake vigorously. Then throw bag and dust away.

(Did you know the famous feud between the Hatfields and the McCoys all began because of a dusty mop?)


Well, I think that's enough hints for today. Anyway, I just got a warning from the Punctuation Police-- I've reached my exclamation point limit for the entire year. (I probably shouldn't have tossed them into the mix in one lump. I really should have separated them with flour.)

• If you have a moment and are interested in checking out last Treasure Box Wednesday, as Halloween sidles across the mantle, click here.

Otherwise, perhaps I will see you again on this Wednesday, when we take a look at some newly thrifted finds.

Getting Bossed Around by 1003 Household Hints and Work Savers

1948 was fraught with potential perils-- many of them right in your very own home!...

At least, that's the way it seems in this vintage booklet, 1003 Household Hints and Work Savers. From making the most of your vegetables, to dressing on a budget, and cleaning your house, this book tells you how to avert the disaster that lurks around every corner.... And with an excessive amount of exclamation points, so you know they're serious!!!

So come with me today, as we get warned... curtailed... lectured... and overly punctuated...

__________________________________________________________________

• Bulging ends on tin cans signify real danger! The food inside is spoiled and poisonous. Don't open the can!

(Ack! RUN-- that can of creamed corn, it's gonna blow!)

__________________________________________________________________

• Don't you throw that bacon rind away! Clean, then save it for flavoring soups and vegetables.

(Yes, MA'AM!)

__________________________________________________________________

• Can't afford whipped cream? Nonsense! Light cream will whip if you will spend a little time.

(But I've got a thousand-and-three things to do and-- no, no, I'm not arguing with you. Fine, I'll do it.)

__________________________________________________________________

• Don't pour milk or cream down the drain simply because it has turned sour! In the first place, if the cream is just turning, you can restore it to sweetness by adding a pinch of baking soda. If it's really sour, use it as topping for soups, in salad dressings, gravies and in baking.

(It sounds so tempting, doesn't it? Spoiled cream with baking soda in it... yum.)

__________________________________________________________________

• Never-- oh, never, never!-- use soda in cooking green vegetables. It increases loss of vitamins-- and even if the vegetable looks pretty, it won't mean much with important food-value gone.

(So, um, never?)

__________________________________________________________________

• No one need know you scorched those vegetables! Just set the pot in a pan of cold water and let it stand for 15-30 minutes. Don't scrape the bottom of the pot.

(Well, everyone knows now that you put it in your darned book, lady.)

__________________________________________________________________

• Who's too proud for day old bread! It's not only cheaper and just as nourishing, but actually better for the teeth and gums, according to experts.

(Should go so nicely with my spoiled cream and baking soda.)

__________________________________________________________________

• Many of the potato's most valuable vitamins and minerals are in the skin itself. Don't waste it-- eat it!

(Tell me, were you a drill sergeant in the war, by any chance?)

__________________________________________________________________

• Not all in one lump, please! Keep raisins, citrons, currants or other fruits evenly distributed throughout your cakes by dusting them with flour before mixing them in your batter.

(Flour-crusted citrons-- my favorite!)

__________________________________________________________________

• Be smart, be thrifty-- be a wardrobe magician! Plan clothing purchases to get extra service from each item in the ensemble.

(Hocus pocus and... poof!-- Giant shoulderpads!)

__________________________________________________________________

• Wait, lady, wait! Before you buy that new dress, consider the possibilities for later restyling!

(Who are you and how did you get into my dressing room?)

__________________________________________________________________

• If you drive a car, get in on the side nearest the wheel, instead of scraping along the whole seat until you worm your way into position, thus wearing out the seat of your fur coat.

(Yes, but you haven't really lived until you've scooched across the entire front seat in mink, dahling.)

__________________________________________________________________

• Oh, them golden slippers! And the silver ones too! Applying a careful dabbing of gold or silver paint, respectively, will make them glamorously new again.

(I will wear my painted shoes with my rump-worn fur coat.)

__________________________________________________________________

• Don't even think of discarding your tan shoes because you don't like the worn-out color! Give them a coat or two of good black shoe dye and there you are with an extra pair of shoes.

(Am I the only one here who see bad things afoot when the rains come?)

__________________________________________________________________

• Warning! To protect your rubber swim cap, wash it thoroughly, dry, and cover with a little talcum powder or corn starch inside and out. Then store in a cool dry place.

("Beverly, you really need to do something about that dandruff." "Oh, no Marge, that's not dandruff. That's corn starch. I just forgot to rinse my bathing cap.")

__________________________________________________________________

• Be good, sweet maid, and clever, too... by making a snug, warm coat out of a worn blanket... by changing a retired chenille bedspread into a short beach coat or a long house coat.

(Honey?... What happened to the bedspread?... Oh. I see. You're wearing it.)

__________________________________________________________________

• To clean door knobs without injuring the wood finish behind them, cut cardboard shields to fit around the door knob and key plate. Then go to it!

(I guess this isn't one of the "time saver" activities then. "What are you making there, Suzie?" "Oh, I'm just cutting out some shields for around the doorplates...")

__________________________________________________________________

• Don't shake your dust mop out the window of you want your neighbors to love you! Tie a paper bag around the mop head and shake vigorously. Then throw bag and dust away.

(Did you know the famous feud between the Hatfields and the McCoys all began because of a dusty mop?)


Well, I think that's enough hints for today. Anyway, I just got a warning from the Punctuation Police-- I've reached my exclamation point limit for the entire year. (I probably shouldn't have tossed them into the mix in one lump. I really should have separated them with flour.)

• If you have a moment and are interested in checking out last Treasure Box Wednesday, as Halloween sidles across the mantle, click here.

Otherwise, perhaps I will see you again on this Wednesday, when we take a look at some newly thrifted finds.

I'm Back! (well not really).

I hath returneth from my wicked awesome trip (American for jolly good holiday) and instead of regaling you with page upon page of tales, I am going to disappoint you. Not that I haven't got pages upon page of tales to regale you with, I just haven't the time or inclination to in fact regale you.

Yes yes I am an ungrateful wretch for those of you that have been waiting patiently with baited breath for me to ruddy post something. I think travelling about without a care in the world has afflicted me with that terrible bug called Cantbearseditis, which really means I have Holyshitloadstodosis, a much much graver condition.

Some folks suggested that I would just post a photo everyday (how did those crazy psychics read my mind!) but for now I am taking my time editing the 800000000000 (slight exaggeration) photographs I took and they will appear as and when.

I will probably change my mind again tomorrow and decide to write something longer, then change it back again and so forth. At the moment I am feeling overwhelmed with all the stuff I have to do, with college work, finding a counselling placement, reading lots and the list goes on.

Somebody call me a whaaaaaaaaaaaambulance, because I appear to whingeing already.

(I lied and included a doodle and photograph in this post, my bad)

Bummer

I was out shopping at Pak N' Save and boy! are we up there with GE plants or what! Check out this tomato's bum!

Why did the tomato blush?
Because he saw the salad dressing.

What did the tomato do after he blushed?
He flashed his bum.

Psychological Issues in Science Fiction

I was thinking about the word lunatic as I was watching a re-run of StarGate SG1. A character in the show was seeing a psychiatrist and labeled as crazy. As the show progressed we learned he was not crazy at all. In fact, he was learning that he was from another planet.I decided to investigate the word lunatic and found out it is derived from the Latin lunaticus which is from the stem luna which refers to the moon. This explains why there is a lot of mythology surrounding full moons and erratic human behavior, wolfmen, etc.
All of the above brings me to my movie pick for the weekend: 12 Monkeys starring Brad Pitt and Bruce Willis and was made in 1995.
The movie takes a close look at the mental health of the characters involved, time travel, and dreams vs. reality.
Throughout the movie, we need to decide if we are indeed watching a man time travel into the past and he gets labeled "nuts" because of the things he is saying about the future of earth, or he is delusional. Another aspect of the story is his strong belief his dreams are real thus re-enforcing his delusional thoughts that he is on a mission to save the earth. It is really left up to the viewer to decide which scenario is true in the context of the movie.
I love movies like this that make me wonder about the thin line of mental disorder vs. sanity and how it affects our world view. People who claim to be on a mission to save earth can either be branded as crazy or become highly revered as leaders of peace and hope. Ultimately, the movie is well acted, intertaining, and thought provoking.

Hello Lisa

My old Biochemistry laboratory went technical when these AKTA Explorers moved in for a one week workshop on protein purification. The chromatography systems were all set up. Just punch in the parameters and off you'd go.Though I think a participant had a go at it and caused one unit a whole lot of beeping. Needless to say, Mr. AKTA froze in silence and got a booting (sounds like someone being caught red-handed doing something naughty).


And those laboratory chairs were horrendous. I almost fell off one of them years ago because they were too high and slippery. Its as if we have to wear velcro to put our butts on those chairs. I'd like to quote the workshop co-ordinator saying "we almost broke our backs several times with those chairs".

PS: That's Lisa in the corner

Prickers

I was about to leave home from the glasshouse the other day and guess what I found. No really, take a proper guess.*anticipates*

Little thorns from some cactus plant (God knows which, don't ask me). They entertained me enough for a good 5 minutes before I decided I should just head home and face battle with my tweezers.

A nuisance, but pretty nonetheless.

Treasure Box Wednesday: Halloween Creeps Along the Mantle

Since it was a low-thrift week, this Treasure Box Wednesday I thought you all might enjoy seeing a decorating work-in-progress, with my dining room mantle. Here, you can get a sense of the long-view (please pay no attention to my streaky, streaky mirror!)...



You'll see some green foam pumpkins courtesy of Michael's, a couple of thrifted candlesticks, my great-aunt's carnival glass bowl, a terrific carnival compote I got for my birthday last year, a little folk art and my beloved little papier mache friend with his pumpkin wheelbarrow.

I was really happy how the red of my mixed media portrait-- "Ellerey," from Audrey Eclectic -- and the little costumed boy seemed to just mesh so well.

Some fresh gourds seemed appropriate, too, in this carnival bowl. I don't know why, but I am particularly fond of the ones that look like teeny pumpkins. And the more petite, the more I seem to adore them...


Here, you can see a cl0se-up of my little Halloween devil. I found him last year at the L&L Fleatique for $6, and I haven't seen his like anywhere yet.


These carnival glass plates will adorn the table, once I get my butt in gear and set it. I have some gold chargers that I think I'll use and-- well, we'll just see what kind of centerpiece moves me this time. I really never know until I play around with it.

Oh, and while I remember-- off the track of Halloween now and on to some minor thrifting-- these luster teacups were a recent thrift find. These were from St Vincent dePaul...

And here-- the small pottery face was a Salvation Army find. The larger vase was from an antique and craft mall in Monroeville. It hasn't been open long, and they seem to have some nice things. I couldn't pass this up because of the great color and the unusual shape...


So, that's Treasure Box Wednesday for this week.

If you didn't get a chance to read all about The Thrift Shop Romantic's trip back in time to the Greater Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival, click here.

Or-- you could get comfy and have yourself a favorite fall beverage of your choice. Can you believe it's autumn already?

Ah, well. I guess that's what happens when you time travel. :)

Treasure Box Wednesday: Halloween Creeps Along the Mantle

Since it was a low-thrift week, this Treasure Box Wednesday I thought you all might enjoy seeing a decorating work-in-progress, with my dining room mantle. Here, you can get a sense of the long-view (please pay no attention to my streaky, streaky mirror!)...



You'll see some green foam pumpkins courtesy of Michael's, a couple of thrifted candlesticks, my great-aunt's carnival glass bowl, a terrific carnival compote I got for my birthday last year, a little folk art and my beloved little papier mache friend with his pumpkin wheelbarrow.

I was really happy how the red of my mixed media portrait-- "Ellerey," from Audrey Eclectic -- and the little costumed boy seemed to just mesh so well.

Some fresh gourds seemed appropriate, too, in this carnival bowl. I don't know why, but I am particularly fond of the ones that look like teeny pumpkins. And the more petite, the more I seem to adore them...


Here, you can see a cl0se-up of my little Halloween devil. I found him last year at the L&L Fleatique for $6, and I haven't seen his like anywhere yet.


These carnival glass plates will adorn the table, once I get my butt in gear and set it. I have some gold chargers that I think I'll use and-- well, we'll just see what kind of centerpiece moves me this time. I really never know until I play around with it.

Oh, and while I remember-- off the track of Halloween now and on to some minor thrifting-- these luster teacups were a recent thrift find. These were from St Vincent dePaul...

And here-- the small pottery face was a Salvation Army find. The larger vase was from an antique and craft mall in Monroeville. It hasn't been open long, and they seem to have some nice things. I couldn't pass this up because of the great color and the unusual shape...


So, that's Treasure Box Wednesday for this week.

If you didn't get a chance to read all about The Thrift Shop Romantic's trip back in time to the Greater Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival, click here.

Or-- you could get comfy and have yourself a favorite fall beverage of your choice. Can you believe it's autumn already?

Ah, well. I guess that's what happens when you time travel. :)

Why do some movies portray scientists as geeks?

Image via WikipediaI was watching my movie pick, Deja Vu, and noticed the scientists who made a special scientific discovery of seeing into the past, were portrayed as nerds, not your everyday person who functions normally in life. This got me thinking about more movies in this genre and how often the smart characters are geeky looking or acting. I could make a long list of movies, like The Day After Tomorrow, The Core, Spider-Man, The Fly, and more that escape me at the moment. Television is not exempt from this stereotype with one example being the TV series The Big Bang Theory, which is not Sci Fi, but depicts these physicists as complete nerds not really capable of functioning in daily life. Even in Jurassic Park, Jeff Goldblum as a brilliant mathematician was seen as an oddity.
I wonder why this stereotype has proliferated in Hollywood? I have known chemists, physicists, and mathematics professors who are anything but nerds, geeks, or unable to function in the "real" world. Some of these professionals I have known have been downright hunky or sexy. Maybe my high school chem teacher was a bit odd, but I believe he did it to fit into the stereotype and keep us interested in what he was saying, he was more like a clown than anything else.
I have noticed the trend is starting to end a bit with certain Sci Fi shows like Star Trek, StarGate, and even Eureka where the impression I get is the Sheriff is the geek and not the scientists. In the theatre, Contact, The Alien series, and X-Men all have the intelligent as less geeky and more heroic and sexy.
I am glad this change is being made and intellectuals will be seen as something to strive for in life instead of the image of nerd that seems to be a put-off to some people.

Chop!Chop!

I've been planning to blog about this for ages! I love chopsticks. I found these at a 3 dollar Japanese store in Auckland. Aren't they just pretty??

Just in case you ever dine with me at my place, ask me which pair of chopsticks are mine. I'm possessive over my eating utensils. And just in case you see this bowl, leave it alone.

A Knight- er, Day- at the Greater Pittsburgh Renaissance Faire

Today we're going back in time. Back... back... way back... no, a little more...

Okay, stop! Stop! Stop here! (screeeeeeech!!!!)

Here. To the middle ages. When kings were kings, and chivalry was alive, and cell phone technology was large and clunky and...

Okay, well. So a little anachronism creeps in now and then.

Yes, folks, today we are going to the Greater Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival! For those who love pageantry, fantasy, romance-- and a certain amount of silliness-- this might just be the place for
you.

If decorating your home, you can actually find some very unique (and even tasteful) handmade items to integrate into your decor. And if decorating your own person, there's no shortage of jewelry and clothing to choose from there, either. This, in addition to exciting jousts, handsome knights, medieval nibblies, and wandering minstrels-- well, it makes a pleasant day out.

So let's enter through the guarded castle walls on this beautiful September day, and see what's in store!...


Welcome to "The Shire," a village of shops, restaurants and performance stages integrated into the landscape of West Newton, PA.


We're grateful today we wore shoes with a little bit of traction on them, because we'll be walking over fields, down glens, and into dappled forests. Starting off, we think a little bit of shopping might be in order. We'll peruse wares today from intricate pewter goblets, light switches, and necklaces, to delicate Celtic-inspired earrings, heavy brocade cloaks, incense, leather-works, forged weaponry, hand-blown glass and more.

Like here at Delight's Fantasy Art tent, we pause and are struck by the artwork's bright colors...


You examine some original tapestries and clever mousepads, while I set my sights on a print that would work well in my William Morris red-and-green livingroom...


We head down the forest path and encounter the Duck Lady. Ah, there are some strange and unusual characters in these dark times! This particular one has a serious duck fetish and a repertoire of about a million duck-inspired puns...

Here she chats with a teeny little princess who is wary of any person with a strong duck fixation.

But as the rest of us quack up, the toll of bells calls to us-- and we find ourselves mystified by a truly remarkable performance...


The instrument is the Carillon, and the artist is "Cast in Bronze." The carillon consists of 35 bells, played by a modified keyboard which uses the hands and feet-- and from what we read, this is the only musical act in the world to feature this four-ton medieval instrument.

The musician, Frank DellaPenna, performs his haunting compositions to the accompaniment of recorded vocals and other supplementary melodies. One of the pieces is an intriguing medley of "Tubular Bells" and the "Phantom of the Opera" theme. We end up mesmerized.


We also end up with some CDs to play in the car. For folks who'd like to learn more about this performance and see Cast in Bronze in action, click here and go to the Media section, to check out the videos.

Appetites whetted with shopping and music, we stop for a bite to eat. Should it be soup in a bread bowl, a giant turkey leg, or...? Ah, there it is! Fish and chips and an ice cold beer-- lovely! Then a bit more wandering before the jousting begins.

This fellow in blue tells us he'll be our wizard for this evening. He basically gives us the run-down of what we can expect from the jousting today, and who our resident Knight of the Realm will be...


And this is our knight-- Sir Roderick. He's pretty dishy, which is probably why we, his people, put up with his less-than-sportsmanly "Cheat to Win" motto. He's also a bloodthirsty sort... but he wears black and gold. Always fashionable here in Pittsburgh. (Er, The Shire.)


These are Sir Roderick's challengers, Sir William in the red, and Sir IDon'tRememberHisName in green and black.


Based on his shield emblem, he may be Sir Drinksalot-- what do you think?...


Here we see the Royal Court...


The king and queen speak, to open today's jousting festivities...


And then on to the main event!


Sir Drinksalot ends up wounded due to dirty dealings by our Sir Roderick. Sir William challenges Sir Roderick to a fight to the death and... Oh wait. The exciting conclusion ends up being the 5pm show. Gosh, this is more complex and dramatic than WWF wrestling!

Well, let's do a bit more wandering.


Need any pence from Ye Olde Money Store?...


We encounter some unexpected pirates...


And in order to be fair to my male readers, we have for you this buxom wench... See, I think of you guys, too!


And in M. Sotherden Art Glass, I become entranced by some beautiful hand-crafted glass and sterling silver necklaces. These two pendants will come home with me! I love the irridecent sparkle!


I notice the owner has a web site (msotherdenartglass.com) as well as an Etsy shop where she sells her work (msotherdenartglass.etsy.com ). Gosh, these Renaissance folks are awfully forward-thinking, in some respects, aren't they? Why, Etsy won't even exist for them for several hundred years!

Well, we take in one last musical act, and then we consider calling it a day.


Need to make a pitstop first?...


Comfy? Then we get back in our time machine and set the dials for 2008. Thanks so much for coming along with me today!

• If you missed last Wednesday's Treasure Box post, click here to see the Fruits of Thrifting.

• And did you seen last Sunday's "Fleaing Lambertville and Discovering New Hope"? If not, click here.

Otherwise, perhaps I'll see you this Wednesday for our next Treasure Box feature.

As they say in Medieval times, "Huzzah!"