Monday, August 13, 2007

The new sci-fi

"Fantasy is the impossible made probable. Science fiction is the improbable made possible." - Rod Serling, creator, The Twilight Zone

This article in The Guardian discusses the reversal of fortune for sci-fi since the days of classic Star Trek, Doctor Who and Star Wars, to today's prime-time network hits: Lost, Heroes, Battlestar Galactica. Here's what it says about this (r)evolution:
For starters, the advances in CGI and the relative inexpense of creating it for the small screen has meant that sci-fi and fantasy have become more believable and spectacular.... Meanwhile, in a world in peril, we look to the fantastic for succour. The fin de siècle feeling that pervaded culture at the end of the 19th century, when the end was thought to be nigh, produced a burst of enduring science fiction and fantasy literature.... [Heroes' Tim] Kring points out that heroes emerge in popular culture at times of crisis in the real world: Superman, for example, was born from the depths of the Depression. As Doctor Who supremo Russell T Davies notes, albeit while emphasising the optimism of his own show: "We live in a time of terror." [BSG's Ron] Moore says: "The show is a prism through which we explore themes and situations that are relevant now."
Of course, for fans, sci-fi and fantasy were never genres that we "grew out" of but rather stuff that the rest of the world has finally learnt to appreciate. About time!

What SF&F shows am I watching? Check them out here.

Sunday, August 05, 2007

You are the weakest tooth - goodbye!

Saw the dentist this weekend as I'd been meaning to check on my wisdom teeth. I'd been operating on the "if it's not bothering you, don't bother it" motto but alas, the good doctor informed me that one of them was impacted and the time has come for it to go. Of course since then, the hubby's been terrifying me with wisdom tooth horror stories: Extractions gone wrong that turned into mini operations, multiple anaesthetic injections to the gums when the first ones didn't work, and other unspeakable anecdotes that I'm fairly sure are completely made up. Thanks, hon. Just what I needed! *snark*

Anyways, let me know of any GOOD wisdom tooth stories, yes? Meanwhile, I'll do my research (aka wikipedia), eat all I want from now till Wednesday, and stack up on comfort food and entertainment for my (hopefully short) "recovery" time. Wish me luck!

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

Nokia Nseries presents ....

Want a Nokia Nseries device? A chance to meet the Heroes?!

Take part in this "I am Nokia Nseries" contest by sharing and/or voting for photos. Also, check out this exclusive behind-the-scenes photo blog onsite in Australia on the Nokia Nseries ad campaign that will blitz the region this July.

If you're a fan of the TV show Heroes, join the Heroes World Tour contest, sponsored by Star World Asia and Nokia Nseries. Fans in Singapore can look forward to welcoming Masi Oka, Ali Larter, Greg Grunberg, Sendhil Ramamurthy and Tim Kring on Thursday, 30 August. On 31 August, our Heroes will attend a press conference and make a public appearance at Vivocity. Details will be updated here. Hope to see some of you there!

Meanwhile, keep an eye on this site for an upcoming BIG LAUNCH and enjoy this transforming N93i - it's more than meets the eye! ;)