One day I'll be a real boy

i_kender — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 20:57:05 GMT

The Ignoble Fall of Joss Whedon:

https://www.vulture.com/article/joss-whedon-allegations.html?

This entry was originally posted at https://i-kender.dreamwidth.org/194733.html. Please comment there using OpenID.

Best Trilogy Ever?

i_kender — Fri, 17 Dec 2021 08:38:42 GMT

This LOTR rap video FEATURING THE CAST is one of my joyous things on the internet at the moment. Enjoy!

https://gizmodo.com/the-lord-of-the-rings-cast-reunites-for-a-clever-annive-1848229056

This entry was originally posted at https://i-kender.dreamwidth.org/194418.html. Please comment there using OpenID.

i_kender — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 14:52:14 GMT

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/15/londoners-with-cold-symptoms-more-likely-to-have-covid-expert-omicron

This entry was originally posted at https://i-kender.dreamwidth.org/194254.html. Please comment there using OpenID.

The future is already here

i_kender — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 14:37:26 GMT

I for one welcome our dystopian cyberpunk future present.

https://www.demobaza.com/blogs/lookbook/man-aw17-transition

Especially with fashions like these!

This entry was originally posted at https://i-kender.dreamwidth.org/193992.html. Please comment there using OpenID.

i_kender — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 09:00:40 GMT

Newly released behind-the-scenes footage from The Empire Strikes Back.

https://gizmodo.com/this-new-empire-strikes-back-set-footage-is-the-best-th-1845897191

My princesses have always been feisty <3

This entry was originally posted at https://i-kender.dreamwidth.org/193670.html. Please comment there using OpenID.

i_kender — Sat, 23 Oct 2021 11:10:13 GMT

This Twitter thread is giving me joy this morning. I mean... I'm equal parts mortified don't get me wrong. But if you need a swift chuckle, here you go:

Who’s your favorite character from the UK Extended Universe?

https://twitter.com/merrittk/status/1450923975626801154

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World Mental Health Day

i_kender — Sun, 10 Oct 2021 14:35:38 GMT

It's World Mental Health Day. In the past, I've asked people to be more aware of mental health and stigma. Today, I simply ask that you look after yourself, and your own mental health. You are responsible for your own mental health. Nobody else. #mentalhealth #MentalHealthDay

This entry was originally posted at https://i-kender.dreamwidth.org/193151.html. Please comment there using OpenID.

Humblebrag

i_kender — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 10:03:08 GMT

For the second year running, I am taking part in Clarion West's annual six week Write-A-Thon,,, I'm not looking for donations this time round but if you want to follow my progress and/or leave me an encouraging comment, this is my profile page there.

I'll also be posting my writing progress on Twitter (@ikender)

I aim to write six short stories and a novella. Well, that's the goal! We'll see how much I manage.

In related news, I'm excited to say I got my first short story published in a magazine online - look! That's my name on the cover! (link good for June only)

This entry was originally posted at https://i-kender.dreamwidth.org/192860.html. Please comment there using OpenID.

i_kender — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 10:41:45 GMT

Amazingly snow is forecast for Monday, followed by four days of heavy rain. Ah, it must be a bank holiday! LOL

I'm working on a short story about Nazis and werewolves, it's currently kicking my ass. Trying to get on top of it, but I've been feeling a little discouraged by my writing recently. It's the lack of a sale if I'm being honest, and also I'm missing my writing group/community, it's making me feel a bit disconnected. I should really try that alternative group I've found but been too shy to join properly...

Meanwhile I've taken a break from playing The Last of Us on a borrowed PS4 (borrowed solely so I could play that game and its sequel) because I'm distracted by the superb Spider-man game that came out on the PS4 in 2018. It's delightful, reminiscent of the Arkham Asylum Batman games, with challenges and collectables. Also, it's just gosh darned fun to websling through a city and thwipp bad guys with web shooters.

I've been doing what I normally do in the run up to the Oscars, trying to watch as many of the nominated films as I can (or at least the ones that sound interesting)... seen some good ones so far.

MANK is a great black and white film about the writer of Citizen Kane, it's that kind of story that Hollywood loves so much, about the faded glamour of a bygone era etc etc starring Gary Oldman and Amanda Seyfried.

PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN was astonishing, a revenge thriller starring Carey Mulligan, it's this year's Gone Girl. Less spoiled the better.

TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7 was a lot of fun, it's an Aaron Sorkin flick about a trial against some Vietnam war protestors, cracking script and some great performances.

THE ASSISTANT, MINARI and NEWS OF THE WORLD were also watched but I have nothing to say about them.

These things make a post. This is the way.

This entry was originally posted at https://i-kender.dreamwidth.org/192734.html. Please comment there using OpenID.

Signs you might be in a bad mood #391734

i_kender — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 11:25:58 GMT

Reading the ENTER key on your keyboard as ENFER and thinking 'this is fine'...

This entry was originally posted at https://i-kender.dreamwidth.org/192420.html. Please comment there using OpenID.

Three things make a post

i_kender — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 13:01:01 GMT

- I am enjoying my adventures in online dating, having been trying it for a month or so by now. I've had many text conversations and a few video dates. In fact, I've found someone really nice. I asked her if she would mind if I continue dating other women, and she said no I don't want you to do that (did that get a laugh? It should, laugh at my misadventures) But at least she didn't call me an idiot and we are still dating.

- I signed up to the Neil Gaiman Masterclass on Storytelling, which I've had my eye on for ages. As well as being incredibly comforted by his soothing voice and kind gaze, I hope it will garner me some useful writing tips.

- I'm still writing... currently working on a story about Nazis who may turn out to be vampires, and/or might meet a nasty end. Cathartic much?

- Disturbed and upset by the Sarah Everard murder in London, it's been a hell of a week watching the media and the internet's love/hate seesaw about women and feminism and misogyny. Next time I'm at Clapham Common, I will be taking along a candle to light.

That'll do, pig.

My dating profile

i_kender — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 13:24:12 GMT

I've decided to try dating again, after a long break. What do you think of my profile?

Hi :) I used to work in University administration but I’ve given that up now and I’m trying to make a living writing fiction, we’ll see how that goes. So I’m either British or International depending on how I’m feeling that day - I grew up abroad and moved here when I was 16. This means my accent is mid-Atlantic. But I don’t believe in countries and boundaries, just people. I went to university in Brighton and my heart still aches for the sea.

I’m a liberal and a leftie and totally a hedonist and a geek. I don’t fit easily into any boxes and I have tried - so clearly I am not a cat ;) I’m not yet tired of learning new things, meeting new people, or acting on a whim and going on adventures. I’d say I was an introvert who enjoys socialising immensely (INsomethingsomething) as long as I can be alone sometimes to recover (shhh I’m watching Netflix now)...

I’m hilarious and gregarious and also all heart, an enigma wrapped in a mystery, sprinkled with glitter, and dipped in chocolate (mmm chocolate)... a warm roaring fireball of enthusiasm and creativity, bright and witty and honest and charismatic, thoughtful but also someone who finds the laughter in everything. Easy to like, great smile, smouldering eyes, sexy voice, and a great friend. Great legs ;) tall dark handsome... wait who were we talking about again? I’m very serious about a lot of things... but most importantly about having FUN and not being at all solemn.

I’m very non-judgemental and easy-going. I can’t stand racism, sexism, fascism, classism, any other -isms, and bullies. Kindness is a massively underrated virtue. I believe in the kindness of strangers. Also I’m a dreamer and a romantic and a writer and an artist and full of hope. So I run into invisible walls and smack my head on reality all the time ;) The universe and I are totally still friends though.

I have acted on stage (fun), read my poetry to a room full of people (terrifying), spoken at weddings and funerals (weird), been to Glastonbury, Mount Etna, the Tree of Life, a dusty motel room in Houston, and Mecca, and otherwise travelled widely, which I love and would like to do more of post-covid. I have two degrees and can speak four languages, three of them badly - I write poetry and short stories but want to write novels, like cats, but also dogs and all animals, and like kids too. I do want children of my own someday. I have a cat called Leon. He’s pretty but dumb :) and yes, you can play with him.

Coffee and cheese are both very important to me. I’m an okay cook. I like snogging and hot make-outs and cuddling. I’m a great big spoon and in-bed hot water bottle. I’m a night owl and not at my best first thing in the morning, hence the coffee. I like dancing. I like being the last person to leave the party even though I know nothing good usually happens after 2 am ;)

I know a little bit about a lot of things but specialise in movie trivia and comic book characters (go figure). I totally have a plan in case the zombie apocalypse ever happens. I love books and movies and boardgames, computer games, roleplaying games (D&D) and geekery and comics and popular culture and grammar and drinking and dancing - “and lists” - and I have a lot of hobbies but I am not at all into sports. I’m ‘that guy’ who looks up all the cool new stuff coming out, watches it first, and then enthusiastically recommends it to everyone else (But no spoilers. Never spoilers.) If you tell me what you’re into, I can recommend something you might like – tv, books, whatever.

I’m a feminist and looking for an independent equal. I’m used to monogamy but I’m open to polyamory as long as it’s open and ethical - no lies/no cheating/no mind games please. What am I looking for? Ideally someone who will make a great life partner. But I realise it’s a journey and it has to be the right match. I want to find out by meeting some lovely people, and having interesting conversations, and making new friends, and ending up on some weird random dates in places I never would have picked myself that will make for a great story later...

I prefer my women to be, in no particular order: intelligent, opinionated, independent, alive, funny, kind, honest, warm. We don’t have to share all the same hobbies as long as you don’t try and force change me and vice versa. I’d much rather we learn new things from each other. Surprise me. Share your world. I’ll share mine. I talk a lot but I prefer listening, I don’t really like small talk or arguments (but debates are encouraged!). Mostly I’d love it if you are passionate about your opinions and what you love! I could listen to someone talking about something they love all day.

I love thunderstorms, long walks, going to the cinema, and swimming. I hate hot weather (but enjoy being outdoors... I just overheat easily), bullies, Tories, cruelty, and small talk. Also: boredom is the enemy. Aaand I’ve wittered on for way too long.

Look: you’ll know as soon as you see my photo whether you fancy me or not, right? And vice versa. That’s just the way that people work :) If you did, and you took the time to check out all these words, and you read some things that you maybe liked? Then drop me a message and we can flirtext or meet on Zoom, and maybe even meet up for a coffee/wine/cocktail/socially distanced long quiet walk. If there’s a spark, then we can take it from there :) ...and if there isn’t then that’s cool too, and maybe we’ve each made a new friend instead. It’s all good :)

Yes, I’d totally like to buy you a drink.

Yes! You should definitely text me.

Yes yes yes

Ps. #notarobot

This entry was originally posted at https://i-kender.dreamwidth.org/191768.html. Please comment there using OpenID.

good luck!

i_kender — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 10:01:11 GMT

Dear America, fingers crossed. This entry was originally posted at https://i-kender.dreamwidth.org/191558.html. Please comment there using OpenID.

i_kender — Sun, 18 Oct 2020 18:24:53 GMT

I miss Iain Banks.

https://www.tor.com/2020/10/16/the-difference-is-entirely-one-of-setting-iain-banks-the-crow-road/

This entry was originally posted at https://i-kender.dreamwidth.org/191484.html. Please comment there using OpenID.

On tv stuff

i_kender — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 08:36:43 GMT

I am royally disappoint by the news that Netflix has cancelled Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. It was definitely one of my favourite tv shows last year, and I thought it was magnificently done. Very surprised to hear it wasn't renewed, but hopefully some other network will realise what a prize it was and pick it up.

Currently really enjoying The Boys, Raised By Wolves, and Lovecraft Country. It's a glut of good tv. Oh, and the Star Trek cartoon Lower Decks is pretty good too, odd to have a light comedy show that is also canon!

Next up: The Mandalorian Season 2! This entry was originally posted at https://i-kender.dreamwidth.org/191194.html. Please comment there using OpenID.

i_kender — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 09:46:07 GMT

Byronic

(after Wendy Cope)

25/08/2020 MBaluch

I used to think all writers were Byronic – and it’s true

Plotted lives are altered when they roam a room

Madness, life and magic alike flicker in their eyes

They bend the rules, and snap them into new shapes

They amuse. They alarm. And sometimes they disarm

With sudden tendernesses.

Alcoholics, junkies, hedonists, philanderers, lacking sanity and stableness

Nonetheless their table manners are impeccable, polite.

Dance til dawners, last to leave a party, fond rememberers.

I used to think all writers were Byronic – and it’s so

They complicate the characters they encounter and they know

Secret things they’re not supposed to know

Sometimes they are more like starlings, sometimes crows

Whither they wander, you will notice, it will show

In stories left behind them on the lips of those they knew.

I used to think all writers were Byronic - and it’s true. 

This entry was originally posted at https://i-kender.dreamwidth.org/190852.html. Please comment there using OpenID.

Strange horizons

i_kender — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 15:43:34 GMT

Our weird pressure cooker weather is finally coming to an end. First, there was the week long heatwave (I hated that). Then, there was the week of grey hot muggy days (like going for a stroll through an armpit). Now, today, is a weird mixture of blue skies and sunshine... and sudden storm clouds and downpours. 'Interesting' weather. Still, I prefer it... and hopefully that means the end of the heat for now! This entry was originally posted at https://i-kender.dreamwidth.org/190474.html. Please comment there using OpenID.

The legend that is SCP

i_kender — Sun, 23 Aug 2020 08:02:46 GMT

SO if any of you have not experienced the fucked up surreal horror X-files clone wikipedia that is SCP, you're in for a terrifying and unsettling treat:

(Warning: scary shit)

https://www.tor.com/2020/08/20/the-unsung-muse-of-speculative-fiction-is-a-wikipedia-community/ This entry was originally posted at https://i-kender.dreamwidth.org/190212.html. Please comment there using OpenID.

Shame

i_kender — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 16:18:58 GMT

Epic essay SHAME by Pam Noles on what it means to be a Black/POC fan in genre fandom....

http://www.infinitematrix.net/faq/essays/noles.html This entry was originally posted at https://i-kender.dreamwidth.org/190128.html. Please comment there using OpenID.

i_kender — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 14:58:07 GMT

thanks to @andrewducker

I found this article really interesting, on the different nouns and adjectives used to describe male and female in novels:

Sweet & Slim, Greasy & Grim: The Physical Traits that Define Men and Women in Literature

https://pudding.cool/2020/07/gendered-descriptions/ This entry was originally posted at https://i-kender.dreamwidth.org/189914.html. Please comment there using OpenID.

Doomscrolling

i_kender — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 16:28:55 GMT

https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/what-is-doomscrolling This entry was originally posted at https://i-kender.dreamwidth.org/189461.html. Please comment there using OpenID.

i_kender — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 12:00:22 GMT

Think you understand food poverty in the UK? Not until you've read this piece by Jack Monroe.

https://cookingonabootstrap.com/…/the-price-of-potatoes-an…/

Fuck austerity measures, and fuck the system that produced them and continues to tell poor people they're doing it wrong. Get angry, stay angry.

This entry was originally posted at https://i-kender.dreamwidth.org/189360.html. Please comment there using OpenID.

Scientists for the win.

i_kender — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 11:11:32 GMT

Now you can cloak your photos from facial recognition software...

http://sandlab.cs.uchicago.edu/fawkes/

From andrewducker This entry was originally posted at https://i-kender.dreamwidth.org/188999.html. Please comment there using OpenID.

i_kender — Fri, 24 Jul 2020 01:18:36 GMT

Huzzah! I have now submitted four stories to Clarion West Write-A-Thon. #clarionwest Whoop whoop! You can still sponsor me, if you would like to help fund the excellent work Clarion do, by visiting: https://www.clarionwest.org/members/mb21guru/ This entry was originally posted at https://i-kender.dreamwidth.org/188923.html. Please comment there using OpenID.

The Wonderful Power of Storytelling by Bruce Sterling

i_kender — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 18:24:15 GMT

https://smecers2.appspot.com/note/Literatura/STERLINGB/story.html

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