2009 September

Music: Just for the record …

09/30/2009 By ptskahill Leave a Comment

I liked these guys before it was cool.
/indiestreetcred.

Filed Under: a brief history of love, dominoes, music, the big pink

Music: Didn’t see this one coming …

09/29/2009 By ptskahill Leave a Comment

But I’m pretty darned psyched about it.

Filed Under: music, radiohead, red hot chili peppers

TV: Some quick thoughts on the new season

09/29/2009 By ptskahill Leave a Comment

Here’s the thing about TV right now – Lost hasn’t started and Battlestar Galactica is a distant memory.
And that is really harshing my television buzz, man.

Otherwise, am I liking the new season? Well … yeah, I guess.
I’m vaguely intrigued by FlashForward, but I can’t get past how they are repackaging Lost’s mosaic storytelling into an urban environment with more guns (and star tattoos).
Still, the premise seems pretty tight. I’ll stay tuned. And I’m hopeful that this time around, the writers have a solid endgame. Please write to that. Nobody wants a million “Hatch Tangents” like Darlton & Co. did in Lost season two.
Dollhouse‘s season two pilot was fun (and satisfied by fanboism by featuring two former BSG cast members – Jamie Bamber & Tahmoh Penikett). How was the story? Well, it dragged a bit and and hinged way too much on Bamber’s obscenely sluggish trigger finger, but the ending set up what I hope is going to be a great second season. Too bad it looked like the ratings were some of the worst ever.
Fringe is also back. And yes, John Noble remains the only reason to watch.
The Office also returned recently and remains one of my favorite shows on television. Dwight continued his streak of manly superiority in the premiere (parkour!) and after much deliberation I’ve decided I’m starting to warm up to the whole Pam/Jim thing.
Hey, it only took me 3 seasons …

Other shows to check out: ABC’s Modern Family (It’s got Ed O’Neill, which is reason enough). And maybe Community on NBC, although I’m still kind of neutral on that one.

Filed Under: community, dollhouse, flash forward, fringe, LOST, modern family, random blatherations, tv, whatever

Horses: That’s Your Big Boy …

09/29/2009 By ptskahill Leave a Comment

Canadian Clydesdale Poe stands 10 feet tall with his head upright.
Yikes.
Two things -
1. Can anyone ride something so large? If so … kudos. You’ve officially earned the title of beastmaster. And I’m intimidated by you.
2. Someone slap a 5’1” jockey on that thing ASAP. Because, you know, the contrast would be golden.

Filed Under: a horse of course, big boy, canada, incredible pictures, picture of the day

Music: How can you NOT be excited these guys are on tour?

09/28/2009 By ptskahill Leave a Comment

Filed Under: dinosaur jr., farm, music

Books: Monday Musings

09/28/2009 By ptskahill Leave a Comment

I know, “Monday Musings” doesn’t have the same cowboy vibe as “Friday Roundup.”
But go with me here … I’m performing a public service, after all.

“To Climb A Flat Mountain,” G. David Nordley - Analog, November 2009 – Starts off as your typical crash survivor on a mysterious world story, before changing into your typical crash survivor on a really mysterious world story.
It’s a decent (if overplayed) premise, but Nordley does a commendable job at building a freaky world that’s pretty darn engaging. And the mystery for the first few chapters is really well parsed out. It’s a page turner.
Then Nordley introduces our hero to a bunch of other survivors and it gets … well … I’ll let you be the judge.
Give the story a try. It’s the first section of a two part serial, the conclusion to be released in December.

“Joan,” John G. Henry - Analog, November 2009 – Ever looked up to someone in history? Wondered what it would be like to meet with them? Would you make a new BFF or just another frenemy?
Being a history nerd, I think a lot about this stuff.
In “Joan” we get to live out that fantasy, traveling back in time as Kate, a young woman obsessed with the legend of Joan of Arc.
The story goes something like this: girl meets girl. Girl saves girl from death at the stake by tossing a few flashbangs. Girl takes girl on ride through countryside whilst killing the British.
You know, it’s your basic medieval romance.
Bottom line: It’s a bit long, but the ending (kinda) makes it all worth it. The conclusion of “Joan” was one of those “well I feel pretty good for having read all of this” kind of moments.
And that’s never a bad thing. Check it out.

Filed Under: analog, books, good reads, short stories

A mea culpa …

09/28/2009 By ptskahill Leave a Comment

I was doing really well for a couple months.
Consistent posts, decent content and even a fair amount of unique hits.
But I like destroying everything good in my life, so (in typical fashion) I managed to pitch it all down the river with nary a goodbye by taking the last several weeks off.
Sorry about that.
And thanks if you’ve actually been visiting here daily in the hopes that I’d actually post something.
I … you know … appreciate it.
Anyway, I’m pretty much back on a normal schedule now. Don’t expect great things, but I should at least get the short fiction reviews coming more or less consistently.
And as always … I’m open for story submissions and review suggestions.

Filed Under: i still don't know what the means, stuff your sorries in a sack mister, whatever