Random Creative Musings

Posted on Tue 30 November 2004 by alex in general

I watched the second episode of the second 3 part Enterpise story thread in a row. They seem to be attempting to move to something like I remember Doctor Who was a series of short stories. Of course they do get to do it this with the benefit of the large mythos of the 'Trek universe. A few weeks ago the show added a load of background the "clone" wars over genetics that was originally alluded to in the original series. The even managed a little parody (I hope that is what they intended ;-) of the Wrath of Khan. Now they get to play with the background of the Vulcan's and the formation of the Federation. Epic Stuff!

Of course this could just be symptomatic of the show being funded in 3 episode blocks whilst they fight to get their href="http://www.ece.ucdavis.edu/~mvrojo/entratings.htm">ratings

up. I hope they succeed because for all its faults its still quite enjoyable to watch. The early release of the series four DVD may indicate they are trying move to different distribution approaches. Using href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nielsen_Ratings">ratings seems to quite an inexact science compared to counting the DVD's you have sold to fans? Shape of things to come?

I finished the last of the Greg Mandel trilogy last night. The ending was a bit weird but it was generally a fun read. I'm pondering over starting an Iian M. Banks book ("The State of the Art") or the Bruce Sterling ("The Artificial Kid"). I don't think I've read any Sterling before but I know I like Banks. Any suggestions?

As Christmas approaches I'm finding people making subtle references to presents for ideas. It also signals the point where I have to start thinking of presents for other people - a process I find hard (apparently I lack empathy or something). At least one group is doing a "secret href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Claus">santa" which I think is a great idea. I don't like the commercialism of Christmas that encourages conspicuous consumption but I do like the spirit of friendliness giving presents represents. But no one should feel obligated to get me anything, because if I really wanted something I would of brought it myself. However should anyone happen to wonder on
the 'net I wouldn't object :-)