Tuesday, February 22, 2005

7:49 PM - nothing to see here

This is just a quick update-- mostly it's a test of the new comments system. My thought is that it will be much prettier and more well-integrated (since it is through Blogger) but it might cause a few hiccups in the meantime, and my old comments will disappear. Such is the nature of progress, I guess.

My computer has been dead for a week. It just came back from the shop. Once I get them to fix the 'S' key (grrr!!) I will show you a screenshot of what it was doing before. Amazing that I could even capture it on a screenshot. Everything else about the computer is fixed for the moment. Yay!

Edit: Comments are down until at least tomorrow. Yay, technology!

Historical Note: I decided not to use the Blogger comment system. Eat that.

Wednesday, February 09, 2005

1:16 PM - fang-toothed dandelion temptresses

this is for children??

Last night I celebrated the Lunar New Year with a screening of Doggy Poo, and a yummy vegetarian meal featuring Doggy Poo-themed falafel. Nummies.

Spoiler Alert!
The idea is that even this ultra-cute, animated Doggy Poo has a purpose in our big, complicated world. Unfortunately, the moral of the story seems to be: you can achieve self-actualization and find your place in the world by submissively entering into a (creepily sexual) relationship with a vampish, controlling dandelion who wants to consume "all of you" to further her own needs. And I was hoping for a more empowering message for children.

  
In most other ways, the resolution with the dandelion was subtle and beautiful, which made a nice contrast to the theologizing and whining that had been dominating the narrative. It's very interesting to see what we make for children; it's even more interesting to see what children actually like.

Happy New Year!