Sci Fi Jungle

Shrimp on a Treadmill

Don't we all just feel like a shrimp on a treadmill some days?  I'm actually on vacation this week and enjoying a step off of the treadmill.

Before we left we watched Fringe from last week - it was interesting.  I like the way they are developing Walter's character a bit, having him become just a little more sane.  I think he's more sane than he lets on some of the time.

Sanctuary is actually getting a bit better.  I really did not like it the first episode I saw.  I think its too dark, too comic-booky, and Amanda Tapping has a terrible English accent.  But it is warming up a bit so I will give it a chance.  The episode I just saw was the one with the autistic kid who shoots fire out of his eyes.  Cool.

Anyway, Cowgirl Marianne is going to go rustle up some grub or gather cattle supplies now so I will catch you laterz.

xkcd - A webcomic of romance, sarcasm, math, and language

My daily check of Google Trends led me to wonder why tons of people were googling "Wolfram's rule 34."

Turns out the popular geeky webcomic xkcd this morning mentions this mathematical rule.  Its way beyond my comprehension - seems to relate to the theory of computing in some way.  Hey - I can barely understand binary number theory, I think Wolfram's rules are beyond my capabilities.  I have lost too many brain cells.

But today's xkcd comic, which is sort of about God creating the universe, is pretty witty.

I like their disclaimer:

Warning: this comic occasionally contains strong language (which may be unsuitable for children), unusual humor (which may be unsuitable for adults), and advanced mathematics (which may be unsuitable for liberal-arts majors).

Hey -as a former liberal arts major I represent that remark.

Batman: The Brave and the Bold.

Batman: The Brave and the Bold debuted on the Cartoon Network  last Friday at 8:00pm.  The show is a kid-friendly animated Batman.  According to Wikipedia, the show will not feature alter ego Bruce Wayne, instead focusing on Batman working with other super-heroes.

This looks like a good candidate for me to Tivo for my kids who are 3 and 5.  They have enjoyed watching old classic Batman shows and Superfriends as well so I think they are ready to be indoctrinated into the Comic Book world.

Here is a list of the heroes and villains slated to make an appearance in future episodes.

Heroes

    * Adam Strange
    * Aquaman
    * The Atom
    * Bat-Mite
    * Black Canary
    * Blue Beetle
    * Booster Gold & Skeets
    * Deadman
    * The Demon
    * Doctor Fate
    * Fire
    * Firestorm
    * The Flash
    * Green Arrow
    * Green Lanterns Guy Gardner & Hal Jordan
    * Huntress
    * Jonah Hex
    * Kamandi
    * Katana
    * Metamorpho
    * Plastic Man
    * Red Tornado
    * Robin
    * Wildcat

Villains

    * Black Manta
    * Bronze Tiger
    * Calendar Man
    * Cavalier
    * Clock King
    * Despero
    * Felix Faust
    * Gentleman Ghost
    * Gorilla Grodd
    * Kanjar Ro
    * Kite Man
    * Ocean Master
    * Sportsmaster
    * Zebra-Man

Bailout Rant

Never mind what I think - what do YOU think about the government's bailout packages for the financial markets, insurance companies, banks, and possibly the auto makers?

Check out this website where you can call a telephone number - 1-800-BAILOUT - and record your message to be put up on their website.  In your own voice you can let everyone know your rant or rave about the bailout plans.

Bailout Plan, Voice Your Opinion, Be Heard

Oh - you wanted to know what I think?  Well...I sure think its ironic that with so many people having their homes forclosed. (Some states are reporting greater than 6% of homeowners delinquent on their mortgages according to mortgagebankers.org) , the government is putting so many resources towards bailing out the banks and mortgage financing companies and very little towards helping actual people whose homes are in danger.  Its like people are opening their wallets up to the corprations but God forbid we give a "handout" to a family.

Heroes It's Coming Sneak Peek

The guy at Heroes Fanatic reports this new Youtube video - Heroes Sneak Peek.

Come give your dad a hug. - Arthur to Nathan in "It's Coming" In the following clip from this Monday's Heroes episode, Nathan discovers the same secret that Peter learned two weeks ago: his father is alive. But will Nathan suffer the same fate as his brother? Check out the video now for a preview: It's Coming: Sneak Peek

oDesk Jobs - global marketplace for technical freelancers

For technical types looking for freelance work, I have learned about a new web based service called oDesk.   I hear that one of their hot areas right now is Apple iPhone app developers. 

My brother is doing some freelance application development work around the social networking field right now so I know that this niche is growing.  Employers are looking for flexibility and immidiate staffing, and technical experts are finding themselves in need of immediate bread for the table if you know what I mean.  A service like oDesk is the perfect middleman for these two.

From Associated Content Press Release:

oDesk is a global marketplace for freelancers, where certified professionals can pick up real jobs with guaranteed payment - and do it all from the comfort of home. oDesk provides services to create an 'on-demand global workforce', making it easy for technology professionals to network with companies in need of their services. The recent economic upheaval is making sites like oDesk a tremendously valuable resource for technology professionals who are now desperately hunting for legitimate jobs online.

Sci Fi and Fantasy Book Deals

I have an affiliate relationship with Amazon.com  where if people click on my link and end up buying items from the site, I receive a small commission.  So far I have made about $10 bucks and change from this so its not exactly making me rich or anything, but its a fun little add on to my regular paycheck.  They pay me in a gift certificate actually and I have been trying to decide what to buy with it.  I really should buy something for my Dad since he is the main reason I made any money from Amazon.  He buys his opera CDs and DVDs through my link.  Its nice to know you can depend on Pops when you need a little commission in life, right?

So I got an email from Amazon telling me about a new widget they have that will list items them have on sale for specific categories.  I thought this was a great idea as this blog is dedicated to Sci Fi I could like any Sci Fi and Fantasy books they currently have a deal on.  So here is the widget I cooked up from the Amazon affiliate site:  It looks like they really do have some good prices.  If you get a big enought order together you can get free shipping too!

The Xtacles debuts on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim

Some people were still in their home theater seating long after I went to bed last night. While I was in a Nyquil induced sleep (yep, I have a cold) apparently a lot of people were still up at midnight to watch the premiere of Cartoon Network's new show The Xtacles. 

The show comes from Matt Thompson the creator of SeaLab 2021 and Frisky Dingo. 

According to this informative article from BuddyTV.com:

The humor of the show comes from its parody of superhero and action movie clichés.  It's here that we first get to know The Xtacles, a private army led by Awesome X's alter ego, Xander Crews.

Like I said, I personally missed the first episode, but I want to check it out.  Here's a clip from youtube.

Grilling with Beer

Even though I am of the feminine persuasion, I think Sci Fi is in general a masculine subject.  (Of course it really isn't but there is a preponderance of guys in the fandom)

So in honor of the macho grilling types, lets discuss that most honerable method of cooking we call grilling out. Healthy grilling is a wonderful way to get the guys cooking some good fresh food, and enjoy the outdoors.  This recipe is good for fall grilling I think.  Pork chops are a good solid meal in the cool months.  And what better way to grill than add some beer.  Don't forget to save one for the chef.

Pork Chops in Beer Teriyaki Marinade

Gourmet |  October 1993 FROM Epicurious.com

After being tenderized by a beer marinade, these chops require only a quick turn on the grill or under the broiler to form the centerpiece of a hearty meal.

Yield: Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup mirin (syrupy rice wine, available at Asian markets and some supermarkets) or sweet sherry
• 1/4 cup cider vinegar
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh gingerroot
• 2/3 cup beer (not dark)
• six 1-inch-thick rib or loin pork chops

Preparation

In a saucepan combine the soy sauce, the mirin, the vinegar, the sugar, the gingerroot, and the beer, simmer the mixture until it is reduced to about 1 1/3 cups, and let the marinade cool until it is room temperature. In a shallow baking dish large enough to hold the pork chops in one layer combine the pork chops and the marinade, turning the chops to coat them thoroughly, and let the chops marinate, covered and chilled, turning them several times, overnight.

Pour the marinade into a saucepan and boil it for 5 minutes. Grill the pork chops on an oiled rack set about 4 inches over glowing coals, basting them with the marinade during the last 5 minutes of the cooking time, for 8 minutes on each side, or until they are just cooked through. Alternatively the pork chops may be broiled on the rack of a broiler pan under a preheated broiler in the same manner.

 

Random Cool Stuff and News

1.  Check out the Classic Tales Podcast.  Character actor "BJ" reads classics, inclusing The Strange Case of Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde, by Robert Louis Stevenson and Dracula's Guest by Bram Stoker.  Yes, its after Halloween but these are timeless.

http://classictales.libsyn.com/

2.  Also, from Podcastle we have Edgar Allen Poe's Cask of Amontillado

http://podcastle.org/2008/10/31/cask-of-amontillado/

3.  A picture from the upcoming Star Trek movie.  Just because I want to see it.

4.  I hear that David Tennent is packing up his Samsonite luggage and leaving Dr. Who at the end of the current season.