louderback

          I had a slow day today and can't say I feel it undeserved. I spent most of my time watching Farscape on DVD. It ran from 1999 to 2003. I was late in discovering it— 2003. It has been a favorite since then. I find a remarkably small number of people even know of the show.

          Ben Browder and Claudia Black (John and Aryn) migrated to Stargate SG-1 (as Cam and Vala) for that show's last two seasons. The series ended in 2007 after a ten-year run and was followed by a couple of movies. I'm surprised at how forgotten it has already become. Even the spin-off Stargate Atlantis (which ran 5 years) doesn't seem to have much staying power.

          10 points if you caught me riffing on the tag line from The Stuff. It wasn't a particularly scary movie, but it allows me to pose the above scary question.

          In the last few weeks, I was finally able to begin watching movies "instantly" on Netflix. My stubborn adherence to the Opera browser and their adamant refusal to accommodate it finally led me to Firefox and a download of the Silverlight software (Microsoft—yuck!) that enables movie watching on my 'puter.

          When I clicked on the movie —trying to find a way to turn on subtitles— I made the rather disconcerting discovery that my webcam and microphone were on in Silverlight. I was further distressed that there is nothing I can do about this.

          Another instance of Microsoft (Silverlight) trying to rule the world. Are they examining my facial expressions while I watch? Does someone diligently listen for exclamations of delight? Disgust? Or...is this just a cheap way to get pics of me in my underwear for blackmail purposes?

          Any way you look at it, the ick-factor is too high.

          Yesterday was a sad day all around. Nickkie's ashes arrived at the vet. A tiny cube of plastic that I almost had to fight to get. My vet has a new office manager and every time I come to the counter, I'm hit up for a payment on account. Despite having a fixed income I've come up with about $4k for the vet this year. He has no complaints.

          Sis was unable to handle the box herself. I carried it home and gave its current location in the china cabinet with my father's service flag and a few similar items. Ultimate disposition hasn't been decided as yet. I suspect it may be a long time indeed before that decision is made.