2012/03/31

[Whimsey] The Severus Snape and Tyrion Lannister Problem



Alan Rickman is a spectacular actor, a master at his craft, and an incredibly hansom man.


Severus Snape is a wonderful character.  My original copy of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone has little hearts around his name throughout the book.  Part of Professor Snape's character is tied to the fact that he is a particular unattractive.


I understand that in films, attractive people are usually cast for all roles, and I have nothing but respect and adoration for Alan Rickman, but a little part of me grieves for a little part of Severus Snape that just cannot be when played by Rickman. Of course he does play the part brilliantly, doesn't he?


Peter Dinklage is also a magnificent actor.  Though not all of his roles have been worth an artist like him, he's really done something great with the serious parts he has played.  He is also a fantastically attractive man.

Tyrion Lannister is my favorite character in the Song of Ice and Fire books.  Most of the series' characters are multidimensional, but Tyrion is a level beyond.  He sees the world through a very relatable lens, and if I was reading the series from a physical book like I did Harry Potter, Tyrion's name would have little hearts around it as well.  A part of what makes this wonderful character is the fact, of course, that he is extremely unattractive (and soon to become even moreso).

Peter Dinkage plays Tyrion amazingly.  No surprise.  The problem here is the same, though.  This is a very hot man playing a character who's personality and experience are partially derived from walking through the world as an unsightly person.

This is not the end of the world, grant you, but I have a love-hate relationship with these casting jobs of actors I love who don't really fit physically in these roles that I love.

Note: All the images on this post are hyper-linked to their sources.

2012/01/30

[Mini Wine Review] 2007 Monticello Black Rock Red Reserve - Wintergreen Winery

Color: Deep Red
Aroma: Red Wine and Oak
Taste: Dry, but not crisp.  Light warming oak.

I don't really like oaky wines, but this one is subtle enough to be enjoyable.  This is a gentle, warm, wine for a dark, dry, red.
Their Description:
2007 BLACK ROCK RED RESERVE
Limited release. Our vintner's well-structured, unfiltered blend of 64% Cabernet Franc, 31% Merlot and 5% Chambourcin spent 31 months in American oak. Black cherry notes abound in both the nose and the palate. Full bodied with a nice smokiness which complements the fruit. Peppery finish with a hint of cocoa powder. Recommended pairings: beef, lamb and game dishes. Cheeses: aged cheddars, sheep’s milk cheeses, younger washed rind cow’s milk cheeses and mild blues.

http://www.wintergreenwinery.com/

2012/01/18

[Issues] SOPA Non-Post


This is a very very important issue.  I do not have enough time in my life to properly read the whole thing, study the background and criticisms, and make evaluations.  Unfortunately one must sometimes hang up their polymath dreams for an evening and just do their job, wash their dishes, and continue their regular skills training in other areas. When a time like this arises, I always try to keep in mind that nearly 30 years of life has provided me acquaintance with relative experts in many fields.

And so, instead of a real blog post of my own, I point you toward some excellent ones by the "tech boss by day, nerd hero by night" author of technical fowl:

(Updates in Red)
[2011 12 16] The House Judiciary Hearing on SOPA was a Messy Show
[2011 12 27] December SOPA Update: GoDaddy.com
[2012 01 18] The Day the Web Went Dark
[2012 01 18] 3-Part Harmony: Web Blackout slaps SOPA, MPAA Slaps the Web Blackout, Technical [2012 01 21] Fowl Slaps the MPAA
Vox Populi: SOPA and PIPA Put on the Shelf


Visit http://sopastrike.com/ for more information about today's strike and write congress here (it's an easy form).

Update: Check out this awesome TED talk about SOPA/PIPA