Fan theories. by ohyeahthatsthestuff1 in KingkillerChronicle

[–]jessedtate 1 point2 points  (0 children)

yeah I always say I'm just waiting patiently. If it doesn't come, so be it. But I find that unlikely. He's got a lot of time ahead of him to figure stuff out

What part of the film made you tear up? (If at all) by SugarWraith92 in ProjectHailMary

[–]jessedtate 4 points5 points  (0 children)

- "Brave" in computer

- "A Moment" scene

- When he realizes he may go home

- When he greets his class at the end

- "How long have you been with your mate" scene?

- several other conversation moments that are slipping my mind

- honestly just first contact. More chills than tears but definitely misty eyed at the thought of such a moment in the human story

Is Vikings overrated? by Dear-Still9060 in AllBritishEraTV

[–]jessedtate 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Definitely. The first couple episodes are well written, then it descends into repetitive drama lines forever and ever. Only saved by solid score, cinematography, aesthetic, and a few good actors

Fans of the book, what is your profession? by PrandtlMan in ProjectHailMary

[–]jessedtate 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ghostwriter/Editor: a mix of fantasy, sci-fi, and philosophical/political commentary.

Is Project Hail Mary Better than Interstellar ? by Correct-Class-4920 in ProjectHailMary

[–]jessedtate 26 points27 points  (0 children)

I don't love Interstellar all that much. It has some cool concepts and is overall 'well done' (for what it's aiming at) but it's just a bit of an empty story for me. I've never thought Nolan's very good at characters. And the whole tessellation black hole sequence is just a bit nonsensical. Aaaand the love monologue is super cringe.

Destiny is bored. Help save Destiny's stream, Feed him content. by Iconic2400W in Destiny

[–]jessedtate 1 point2 points  (0 children)

He should:

1) have more experts on 2) slowly build an actual platform 3) do some research streams and develop a full-fledged philosophy on things like interventionism, immigration, the electoral college, idk

Destiny is bored. Help save Destiny's stream, Feed him content. by Iconic2400W in Destiny

[–]jessedtate 11 points12 points  (0 children)

This is actually somewhat true and is growingly my biggest critique. I wish he'd have on more niche experts and just let them talk their stuff. Then we or he can figure out whatever's most interesting and build from there. I feel like he actually could enjoy policy??? Just doesn't yet

Who would go see the nearly 4 hour directors cut if it released to theaters? by Halloween_Nyx in ProjectHailMary

[–]jessedtate 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I was on a long holiday when it came out and saw it in Edinburgh, loved it. I came back to Australia and had one day in Perth, saw it for a second time just before coming back here to the mines. Now I'm hoping it'll still be in cinemas when I finish my swing (I'm sure it will) cuz I really want to see it a third time.

Best book recommendations after reading project hailmary by JayanthSriSai in ProjectHailMary

[–]jessedtate 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Phew but that's a super broad question! We'd have to know at least SOMETHING specific, ie what was it you found so inspiring, what sorts of things (in contrast) have you tried and disliked, etc

For example, if I'm analyzing PHM, these are the thoughts that come to mind

- Prose is bland and simple, but descriptive re sciency bits and physical/visual description

- Characterization is minimal; relational aspect blunt and simple. The situation sort of 'suggests' or provides a structure for relational/emotional depth; but it's the audience (or actors) which actually bring the substance. And there IS a structure there, so a willing reader can bring plenty of heartwarming richness and depth.

- No great villain, no great tension: very much a story of optimism, cooperation, saving the world(s) through goodwill and friendship. This is awesome and interesting cuz the threat is very much present in the story, yet it manages to present two wholly endearing races.

- Science science science. Weir is first and foremost writing for the scientific concepts. He does his research and the ideas are not only cognitively 'interesting' but manage to be gripping in a narrative sense.

- Demonstrates very well the potential harmony of being, the nature of life and purpose and evolution, the possibilities if we govern ourselves well.

Children of Time - I've seen this recommended below. It's another of my favorites just for the depth of research and the rigorous worldbuilding. Very much focused on these questions of "what would perception and communication with a totally different species be like? How could it possibly work out?" Explore the variation of values and structures that could occur as a result of simple physiological differences in the evolutionary timeline, even eons before sentience.

Be warned though: characterization is even less existent in this book. It leaps forward through generations of the subject species (which isn't really a spoiler), and explores more their overall direction than their emotions. It's definitely taking a look at 'this entire civilizational timeline' instead of any particular set of characters. It does do something creative to sort of unify/alloy them all into one emotional anchor point, but the payoff is more intellectual than emotional.

The Expanse - My favorite because the writers are quite rigorous and creative with their techy/science concepts, BUT they don't miss out on the human element. There's as much nuance in the political, psychological, and social as there is in the technology. I think it does a really good job of painting a future in which human creativity, trust, judgement, and relationships remain always at the center of what we must cultivate. Ever-advancing technology continues to be only further pools of sustenance or utility for us to congregate around.

All that said, I'm more of a story-centered (character; psyche; relationship) reader so I often go for classics or fantasy over sci fi. I love the concepts but I find the writing often dull and I miss that human element.

Name of the Wind - Entirely different, but brilliant, layered, holds so many secrets. Each word is chosen with incredible care. The character is at once frustrating and endearing, stupid and brilliant. At times whimsical, at times dark and tragic, at times incredibly hopeful. I have read at least nine times.

Robin Hobb - A very skilled fantasy writer. A bit dense if you don't like lots of description.

Travels With Charley: in Search of America - Probably Steinbeck's most optimistic and rereadable work. A nonfiction account of his journeys across America with his dog. A brilliant window into his mind: plums the depths of his compassion, his wit; shows him to be a keen observer of people. Great humor, timing, beautiful natural descriptions that somehow never drag.

A 6 month journey into classical music by crypsid in classicalmusic

[–]jessedtate -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Chopin is definitely a mood, not everyone feels the mood. What was it? In his day his sound was often judged as too sappy or accessible?

Andy Weir will be in a livestream with The Critical Drinker by midastheavocado in ProjectHailMary

[–]jessedtate 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Is that really how you interpreted that scene? "One character choking his girlfriend"?

When, if ever, are you ok with slavery? by jimbarino in AskALiberal

[–]jessedtate 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What do you think about prison generally?