Notes From a Mystery Novelist

Firefly/Serenity Fic: Dona Nobis Pacem

2009-09-05T04:02:34Z

Tittle: Dona Nobis Pacem
Fandom: Firefly/Serenity (after the last battle of the BDM, but before the end of the film)
Author: galindaxxxx
Characters: River, Kaylee, Simon
Pairings: Simon/Kaylee
Rating: G
Warnings: Only for River. Just kidding.
Summary: It's River's turn again.
Word Count: 922
Disclaimer: Sadly, I don't own Firefly or Serenity. They belong to the beyond-awesome Joss Whedon
A/N: Just a little "missing scene" that popped into my head late last night. Comments are love.

Dona Nobis Pacem

“No, you can’t come in here. You were already here once and you took Wash away with you. But you can’t come in again. You have to go away now.” River Tam stood her ground in the doorway leading into the infirmary. She’d spread her arms wide, hands flat on either side of the door casing, and she shook her head decisively. “I know it’s just your job but you can’t come in again. I like your axe. Can I touch it? I have an axe, too. But the Captain took it. He locked it up somewhere. I’ll find it, though.”

The rest of Serenity’s crew, exhausted, emotionally drained, most wounded, some of them already dead, another one dying, didn’t pay River’s ramblings any attention. To them, it meant simply that she was still a bit off of her proverbial rocker (and after what she’d seen, none of them…Miranda explained a lot), standing there athwart the doorway, talking animatedly to thin air.

But, to River, the conversation, or argument, really, made perfect sense. She was talking to the big scary stranger with the flowing black robes and the shiny weapon (she’d called it an axe, but she knew she was wrong it was more of a…scythe. Like a reaper would carry; regardless, it was pretty. She wanted to play with it) and the skull for a face who’d come for her brother.

She shook her head again, harder this time, more resolute. “No. You can’t have him. No. He’s mine.” She shrugged indifferently and jerked a thumb over her shoulder at Kaylee, who was holding a cool rag to Simon’s pale forehead. The flush of a prolonged fever had settled upon his cheeks during the night. “And hers. I guess. So go away. Bye bye.”

I HAVE MY ORDERS, said Death; I AM TO TAKE THE BOY. KINDLY MOVE ASIDE.

“No.”

Death would have blinked at her a few times, vainly trying to understand her, if Death’d had eyes and not just sockets where eyes should have been.

HE SUFFERS, RIVER TAM. IT IS HIS TIME.

“No, its not.”

YES IT IS.

“No its not.”

YES IT IS.

“No, its not. Do you always talk so strangely?”

I DO NOT TALK STRANGELY.

“Yes you do. You sound like the ship. Like the engine. Whirring.”

Death, for a split second, faltered. I’M NOT SURE WHAT YOU MEAN. BUT DO NOT CHANGE THE SUBJECT, RIVER TAM.

(Kaylee was staring at Simon worriedly. He’d lost so much blood, he was so weak.)

I AM HERE TO COLLECT WHAT IS RIGHTFULLY MINE. I CANNOT BE DENIED WHAT IS RIGHTFULLY MINE.

(There was no doctor to tend to him. He was the doctor. Zoe did the best she could, but was it good enough?)

SO STEP ASIDE, RIVER TAM, AND ALLOW ME TO BRING AN END TO YOUR BROTHER’S PAIN.

(And the fever. Kaylee knew, deep down, than an infection had taken hold. That Death waited just outside the door to rip Simon away from them with his cold, bony hands. If only she knew…)

“I said you can’t have him.” River crossed her arms resolutely over her chest and actually stamped her foot. Death winced, withdrew an inch. Kaylee never even looked up.

(She’d done all she could for him and he was still going to leave her. All this time they danced around each other and then they finally make some sort of confession and he goes and gets shot by the gorram Reavers and now he was going to die. She could fix Serenity, why couldn’t she fix Simon?)

“Now go away.” River said finally. “Don’t make me do something violent.”

(Kaylee stroked his hair. “I love you.” She breathed)

I CANNOT BE DEFEATED, RIVER TAM. NOW MOVE ASIDE AND I WILL BE SURE THAT YOUR BROTHER’S DEATH IS QUICK AND PAINLESS. HE WILL FEEL NOTHING BUT RELIEF. Death took a giant stride forward.

(Simon’s breathing was getting shallower, more labored. His pulse weaker. Had it not been for the uneven rise and fall of his chest, his cold hand would have convinced Kaylee that he was already gone.

ALLOW ME TO DO WHAT IS NESSECARY. DO NOT BE SELFISH, RIVER TAM.

“I can kill you.” River laughed, “With my brain. Poof. Make it like you never existed. I can do it.”

THAT IS IMPOSSIBLE. I AM EVERYWHERE. IN EVERY LIVING THING. IN EVERY PLANET, ON EVERY MOON. IN THIS VERY SHIP. I CANNOT BE DESTROYED. TO DESTROY ME WOULD BE TO DESTROY THE ENTIRE VERSE. YOU WOULD NOT DO SUCH A THING, RIVER TAM. EVEN IF DOING SO COULD SOMEHOW SPARE YOUR BROTHER MY TOUCH. YOU WOULD NOT.

River blinked once. Twice. Three times. Her face became impassive. “How do you know?”

(Kaylee began to cry.)

Death would have swallowed audibly is Death hadn’t been just a skeletal specter.

“I know what you’re thinking.” River said quietly. “I can hear the other souls screaming. You’re wasting time. I’ll wait.”

(Even Kaylee felt the air shift.)

“I win.” Said River.

Death could ignore his calling no longer. FOR NOW, RIVER TAM, FOR NOW.

With that, it seemed that time opened and Death took his leave from Serenity.

(Simon’s pulse began to pick up. The blue-green tinge of Death’s imminent presence seemed to fade away. His fever was breaking. Kaylee choked on a happy sob, tears of sudden joy. She kissed the back of his hand, his cheeks, his nose, his lips. His eyes fluttered open. “Kaylee?” he said meekly. “River?”)

River smiled.

“I win.”

The End

Writer's Block: Birthday Shout-out

2009-07-31T20:06:21Z

Happy birthday, J.K. Rowling! Which of her seven Harry Potter novels do you think is the most satisfying read?

View 509 Answers

Prisoner of Azkaban is my "traditional" favourite, hands down. But, Goblet of Fire, Order of the Phoenix and Half-Blood Prince (mostly for all of the Harry/Ginny moments) have a special place in my heart, too. Not that I don't love all of the books. ;)

Video of The Day: 8th May 2009

2009-05-08T17:10:19Z

So, here's something that I find hilarious, especially as I'm sitting here trying to decide if it would make me bad daughter for checking football (read: soccer) scores on Mother's Day. Warning: There's a bit of language in this one. he he

Writer's Block: End of the World as We Know It

2009-05-01T19:26:41Z

Robert Frost speculated about the world ending in fire or in ice. Which do you think is likely to end us all: meteorite, global warming, nuclear weapons, zombies, or the superflu?

View 501 Answers

Zombies, for sure. I doubt the metorite, don't want to think about global warming, and, disregarding the swine flu, the superflu doesn't terrify me. And, of course, I have to be irreverant and say the zombie invasion. I'm not sure how, but I think I'll be keeping my cricket bat nearby, just in case. LOL! .

Je suis tres heureux!

2009-04-29T03:24:52Z

Well, I have never been happier to speak French, really * swoons * (and its subtitled for non-Francophones -- from 3xcusemyfrench ):

</div>
CAUTION! MAJOR BSG Series finale spoilers!

Writer's Block: Musical Affliction

2009-04-29T02:52:14Z

Have you had an earworm lately? Exorcise it by inflicting it on your friendslist. Post the lyrics or - even better - a video.

View 500 Answers

So, instead of just one "earworm", here's my lucky number seven "stuck in my head" playlist -- I've included lyrics/videos/both for some! (Comments from me are italicized)

Comment and let me know what you think. Perchance some of my "earworms" are some of yours, too?

1. “The Stowaway” – The BBC National Orchestra featuring Yamit Mamo, Dr. Who Series Three OST

Lyrics:

Once I found a stowaway

Upon my ship on Christmas Day

I was fair so I gave him a chance

"You shouldn't be here,

What's your tale?

I ought to throw you to the whale."

He just smiled and said,

"Come here, let's dance."

[Chorus]

He said, "Borrow or steal,

I'll find a way

To be with my lover upon Christmas Day

And I'll run and I'll roam

I'll cover the ground

This Christmas I'll see you

I'll be around."

He told me 'bout his girl back home

Waiting patient, all alone

While we danced I shed a little tear

He closed his eyes, all out at sea,

I think he danced with her not me

I'll just have to wait another year.

[Chorus]

He said, "Borrow or steal,

I'll find a way

To be with my lover upon Christmas Day

And I'll run and I'll roam

I'll cover the ground

This Christmas I'll see you

I'll be around."

I think of him now and again

I wonder how his journey ends

As I sail by on my lonesome sea

That stranger with the haunting face

Here then gone without a trace

Lying with his love, that's where he'll be.

[Chorus x4]

"Beg, borrow or steal

I'll find a way

To be with my lover next Christmas Day

And I'll run and I'll roam

I'll cover the ground

Next Christmas I'll see you

I'll be around."

I know this is a Christmas song, and rather obscure, but it just gets stuck in my head ALL THE TIME.

2. “The Show” – Lenka, Lenka

Lyrics:

I'm just a little bit caught in the middle

Life is a maze and love is a riddle

I don't know where to go I can't do it alone I've tried

And I don't know why

Slow it down

Make it stop

Or else my heart is going to pop

'Cause it's too much

Yeah, it's a lot

To be something I'm not

I'm a fool

Out of love

'Cause I just can't get enough

I'm just a little bit caught in the middle

Life is a maze and love is a riddle

I don't know where to go I can't do it alone I've tried

And I don't know why

I'm just a little girl lost in the moment

I'm so scared but I don't show it

I can't figure it out

It's bringing me down I know

I've got to let it go

And just enjoy the show

The sun is hot

In the sky

Just like a giant spotlight

The people follow the sign

And synchronize in time

It's a joke

Nobody knows

They've got a ticket to that show

Yeah

I'm just a little bit caught in the middle

Life is a maze and love is a riddle

I dont know where to go I can't do it alone I've tried

And I don't know why

I'm just a little girl lost in the moment

I'm so scared but I don't show it

I can't figure it out

It's bringing me down I know

I've got to let it go

And just enjoy the show

Just enjoy the show

I'm just a little bit caught in the middle

Life is a maze and love is a riddle

I dont know where to go I can't do it alone I've tried

And I don't know why

I'm just a little girl lost in the moment

I'm so scared but I don't show it

I can't figure it out

It's bringing me down I know

I've got to let it go

And just enjoy the show

dum de dum

dudum de dum

Just enjoy the show

dum de dum

dudum de dum

Just enjoy the show

I want my money back

Just enjoy the show

I want my money back

Just enjoy the show

My theme song. Lol. I just love Lenka’s voice, and the entire sound of the song altogether.

3. “Here (In Your Arms)” – Hellogoodbye, Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs!

Lyrics:

I like,

Where we are,

When we drive,

In your car.

I like,

Where we are;

here.

Cause our lips,

Can touch,

And our cheeks,

Can brush.

Our lips,

Can touch;

here.

Well you are the one, the one that lies close to me.

Whispers "Hello, I've missed you quite terribly."

I fell in love, in love with you suddenly.

Now there's no place else I could be but here in your arms.

I like,

Where you sleep,

When you sleep,

Next to me.

I like,

Where you sleep;

Here.

Our lips,

Can touch,

And our cheeks,

Can brush.

Cause our lips,

Can touch;

here

Well you are the one, the one that lies close to me.

Whispers "Hello, I've missed you quite terribly."

I fell in love, in love with you suddenly.

Now there's no place else I could be but here in your arms.

Our lips,

Can touch...

Our lips,

Can touch;

here.

Well you are the one, the one that lies close to me.

Whispers "Hello, I’ve missed you quite terribly."

I fell in love, in love with you suddenly.

Now there's no place else I could be but here in your...

Well you are the one, the one that lies close to me.

Whispers "Hello, I´ve missed you quite... missed you quite."

I fell in love, in love with you suddenly.

Now there's no place else I could be but here in your arms

Here in your arms

Than here in your arms

My other theme song, lol. And, as of yesterday, my ringtone. This song puts an instant smile on my face, and, for some reason, makes me think of clubbing! ;)

4. “Oscar Wilde” – Band of Thieves, Ordinary Riches

Lyrics:

Episodes and parallels

And don’t you want the invitation

Big bright accent, catty smile

Oscar Wilde confrontation

Oh, live like it’s the style

Whoa, waltz on your front porch

We are all our own devil

And we make this world our hell

We are all our own devil

And we make this world our hell

Porcelain teacups decorate

Tables and the conversation

Beauty pageants, all the time

It’s running out, the time is running out

Oh, live like it’s the style

Whoa, waltz on your front porch

We are all our own devil

And we make this world our hell

We are all our own devil

And we make this world

We make this world our hell

Time keeps on ticking away

It’s always running away

Always running from time

Time keeps on ticking away

Always running away

We’re always running in time

Time keeps on ticking away

Always running away

We’re always running from time

Time keeps on ticking away

Always running away

We’re always running in time

Time keeps on ticking away

Always running away

Always running from time

Time keeps on ticking away

Always running away

We’re always running from time

Time keeps on ticking away

Always running away

We’re always running in time

Time keeps on ticking away

It’s always running away

We are all our own devil

And we make this world our hell

We are all our own devil

And we make this world

We make this world our hell

Oh,

We make it our hell

A devilishly clever song named for one of my favorite playwrights.

5. “Don’t Stop Me Now” – Queen, Shaun of the Dead OST

Lyrics:

Tonight I'm gonna have myself a real good time

I feel alive and the world it's turning inside out Yeah!

I'm floating around in ecstasy

So don't stop me now don't stop me

'Cause I'm having a good time having a good time

I'm a shooting star leaping through the skies

Like a tiger defying the laws of gravity

I'm a racing car passing by like Lady Godiva

I'm gonna go go go

There's no stopping me

I'm burning through the skies Yeah!

Two hundred degrees

That's why they call me Mister Fahrenheit

I'm trav'ling at the speed of light

I wanna make a supersonic man of you

Don't stop me now I'm having such a good time

I'm having a ball don't stop me now

If you wanna have a good time just give me a call

Don't stop me now ('Cause I'm having a good time)

Don't stop me now (Yes I'm having a good time)

I don't want to stop at all

I'm a rocket ship on my way to Mars

On a collision course

I am a satellite I'm out of control

I am a sex machine ready to reload

Like an atom bomb about to

Oh oh oh oh oh explode

I'm burning through the skies Yeah!

Two hundred degrees

That's why they call me Mister Fahrenheit

I'm trav'ling at the speed of light

I wanna make a supersonic woman out of you

Don't stop me don't stop me don't stop me

Hey hey hey!

Don't stop me don't stop me

Ooh ooh ooh (I like it)

Don't stop me have a good time good time

Don't stop me don't stop me

Ooh ooh Alright

I'm burning through the skies Yeah!

Two hundred degrees

That's why they call me Mister Fahrenheit

I'm trav'ling at the speed of light

I wanna make a supersonic woman of you

Don't stop me now I'm having such a good time

I'm having a ball don't stop me now

If you wanna have a good time

Just give me a call

Don't stop me now ('Cause I'm having a good time)

Don't stop me now (Yes I'm having a good time)

I don't wanna stop at all

La la la la laaaa

La la la la

La la laa laa laa laaa

La la laa la la la la la laaa hey!!....

So damn catchy! And from the synchronized zombie-swatting scene!

6. “Baby Fratelli” – The Fratellis, Hot Fuzz OST

Lyrics:

She said oh my, I don't know why

I was just busy watching everyone go by

Outside the shite bar, and you're a red car

Me and your girlfriend and your sister with the big scar

I said oh Christ, I told you twice

It's just not easy going through all these things thrice

What's this I wonder, you drive a bluebird

You got no money for the petrol, that's what I heard

And it's all right, she'll be sucking fingers all night

Wearing those shoes, oh any excuse to go to the gang fight

And oh she's alright, everybody says she's uptight

Sick in the head, first in the bed

So easy to be Friday's nightmare

I said oh no, oh please just go

You got no eyelids and sweet ella loves me so

She got my number, though I can't stand her

I can't help diggin her a hope I guess I wonder

And oh it's clear, you want me dear

It would be easier if I was never here

You got the money, and I got the reason,

I'll stick around with you for just another season

And it's alright, she'll be sucking fingers all night

Wearing those shoes, oh any excuse to go to the gang fight

And oh she's alright, everybody says she's uptight

Sick in the head, first in the bed

So easy to be Friday's nightmare

She's just getting along,

So don't tell me she's yours

Oh please tell me I'm wrong again

It's all in a daze/day,

So what can you say

Just; sleep in yer shoes

With the winterbox blues

Any time you choose, Oh yeah

She said oh my, I don't know why

I was just busy watching everyone go by

Outside the shite bar, and you're a red car

Me and your girlfriend and your sister with the big scar

She said oh Christ, I told you twice

It's just not easy going through all these things thrice

What's this I wonder, you drive a bluebird

You got no money for the petrol, that's what I heard

And it's alright, she'll be sucking fingers all night

Wearing those shoes, oh any excuse to go to the gang fight

And oh she's alright, everybody says she's uptight

Sick in the head, first in the bed

So easy to be Friday's wonder

Okay, this song is made of the awesome. And, the actual ‘offical’ video for it IS Hot Fuzz themed – my new favourite song, and my favourite movie! Gotta love that!

.

VIDEO BONUS!

(Because there never can be enough Pegg/Frost/Wright goodness!)

"Baby Fratelli"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_LJ2mtLfY0

"Don't Stop Me Now"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YWXNHAvG6E

Hot Fuzz Drabble

2009-04-22T21:23:03Z

Just a quick little one while I'm working on school stuff.
Nicholas/Doris
115 Words

"I've been around the station a few times myself." Doris hasn't really -- she just wanted to see the new bloke blush.

Oh. He says without speaking.

Later that night, at the pub, Doris spies Angel again. She buys him a beer. He's kind of cute when he refuses, and she buys him a cranberry juice instead. He's even cuter when she's had a few and he offers to walk her home.

She giggles the whole way -- like a bloody schoolgirl! "Thisisme." She laughs. "ThanksNicholas."

"Well, goodnight, then." He turns to leave and she grabs him by the back of his jacket before kissing him. Perhaps the new sergeant isn't so bad, after all.

My New Hair and The (Short) Fictional Character Meme

2009-04-17T20:41:10Z

So, take a good long look at that profile pic -- it's not what I look like anymore. LOL. I cut about five inches off of my hair, and I LOVE IT. I'll post pics soon.

The Meme's below the cut:

Directions: Fill out all of the questions in this meme using fictional characters of any sort, from books, movies, tv, anything. Then when you're done, tag ten people to do this meme, and remember, tag whoever tagged you!

Q. I would like to see ______ and ______ duke it out.

A. Edward Cullen and Shawn Spencer. Mainly because I'd like to see Shawn outsmart the great sparkling oaf.

Q. If I was having a dinner party, I would invite________, _________, __________, _________, and _______.

A. 1) Hamlet (Hamlet), just because I've always wanted to know if he really is crazy, 2) Sgt. Angel and Const. Butterman (Hot Fuzz), because they're awesome 3) Mary Shannon and Marshall Mann(In Plain Sight) for the same reasons, 4) Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley (Harry Potter) and 5) Capt. Jack Aubrey (Master and Commander).

Q. I would marry_______, murder_______ and go for drinks with________.

A. Tough one...either Archie Kennedy(Hornblower) or Lee (Battlestar) lol, Boq (Wicked), Shaun (Shaun of the Dead)

Q. I would want to travel with_________.

A. The 10th Doctor (Dr. Who). Durh. Or Maybe Starbuck (Battlestar), if she wouldn't get us killed.

Q. I wouldn't ever get into a battle of wits with__________, because___________.

A. Beatrice (Much Ado About Nothing); she'd kick my ass.

I Tag:

eightiswild
fierceexxx
greenleofiend
leiamoody
moogsthewriter
oc_pixie
tunes84
zombiexfreakxx</div>

My Declaration on The Rights of Women

2009-03-24T16:50:03Z

Another essay from school that I really enjoyed --

Women’s Suffrage:

The Struggle for Full Equality

On November 5^th, 1872, Susan B. Anthony strode to the polls with every intention of casting her vote – its something that millions of women do at each election in our modern times; for example, women were considered one of the key demographics that the political campaigns of the 2008 election fought for. But, when Susan B. Anthony cast her vote for the Republican ticket in 1872, it was technically an illegal act. Although the recently ratified Fifteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution had, in theory, given all persons in the United States who were “citizens” the right to vote, or suffrage, and stated that:

“No states shall make or enforce and law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty or property, without due process of law, nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. (US Const., amend. XV)”

And the 14^th Amendment to the United States Constitution described citizens as thus:

“All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. (US Const., amend. XIV)”

Yet, women were excluded from casting their votes. Two weeks later, in accordance with the law, Susan B. Anthony was arrested by a US Deputy Marshall (Anthony demanded that she receive the same treatment as a man who had voted illegally), tried and convicted. Her sentence was a fine, but no imprisonment, and she swore never to pay said fine. Male chauvinism, such as that that refused Susan B. Anthony and almost all other American women enfranchisement, has its basis through the centuries in the observation that women were not a physical equal to a man, needed a man’s physical protection and due to the emotional demand for the presence of the mother during the sound raising of children in their first decade, women had been relegated to “second place” individuals over the centuries. The women’s suffrage movement in the United States, the land of the free, was the first step toward not only modern feminism, but also long-coveted equality.

The Women’s Suffrage movement in American began as early as 1756, when a woman named Lydia Chaplin Taft, who, widowed from her husband and bereft of her eldest son, and therefore left without a male heir, was granted the right to vote by the town meeting of Uxbridge, Massachusetts. And, as soon as the movement began in earnest in the late 1830’s and the early 1840s with advocates such as Lucretia Mott, Ernestine Rose and Margaret Fuller, there became a push for the cause of women’s suffrage to be combined with the cause of African-American civil rights and suffrage, which added another dimension to the importance of the movement, but also another point for the movement’s critics to draw upon. However, many of those critics were silenced, or at least quieted by Margaret Fuller’s landmark works The Great Lawsuit: Man versus Woman and Women in the Nineteenth Century, both eloquent declarations of the intents and the purposes of the movement.

However, the entire Women’s Suffrage Movement took its most momentous step (at the time) forward with the famous Seneca Falls Convention that convened in Seneca Falls, New York, on the 19^th and 20^th of July, 1848. One of the major proceedings of the convention was the creation of The Declaration of Sentiments, sometimes also known as The Declaration of the Rights of Women, which was The Declaration of Independence rewritten and reworked for the suffragette cause. The preamble to The Declaration of Independence was reworked as such:

“When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one portion of the family of man to assume among the people of the earth a position different from that which they have hitherto occupied, but one to which the laws of nature and of nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes that impel them to such a absolution.

We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men and women are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights governments are instituted, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of those who suffer from it to refuse allegiance to it, and to insist upon the institution of a new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.

Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and, accordingly, all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they were accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a designed despotism, it is their duty to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of the women under this government, and such is now the necessity which constrains them to demand the equal station to which they are entitled.

The history of mankind is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations on the part of man toward woman, having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over her. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world.” ("The Declaration of Sentiments" 1)

The Declaration was signed by 68 women and 32 men (attendance at the convention had originally been intended to be strictly female, but men were not denied attendance). The reason that all 300 attendees did not sign was the clause in the Declaration that stated that the signees would “use every instrumentality within our power to effect our object”, meaning to some that the signed might possibly resort to violence or other radical pathways from which to derive their rights. Overall, however, the convention was deemed a great success and advancement for the movement, and is historically viewed as one of the most important steps forward for the suffragettes.

The immediacy of The Civil War did much to, not so much slow the movement, as move it to a metaphorical back burner – not much was heard from the suffragettes. However, after the war’s end in 1865, things slowly began to stir up once again. In 1868, Susan B. Anthony began publishing a weekly suffragette journal entitled The Revolution, and in the following year, 1869, Anthony, Carrie Chapman Catt and Elizabeth Cady Stanton formed the NWSA, or National

Women’s Suffrage Association. Not long after, Lucy Stone, another forerunner of the movement, founded the AWSA, or American Women’s Suffrage Association.

In the early 20^th Century, The Movement took another momentous step forward, in the form of a directional shift in the means that the suffragettes were using to obtain their goal. Rather than gaining suffrage state by state, they began to “make a federal case out of it”, and push for a constitutional amendment that granted them enfranchisement. The fight for suffrage in individual states had been of only moderate success, (and New Jersey had even granted women suffrage in 1797, but revoked it in 1807), with the several of the more liberal western parts of the country granting women the vote, as show in the map below:

:

Only in the pink areas were women granted complete suffrage prior to the ratification of the 19^th Amendment in 1920. Also, suffragettes who had been arrested for any number of charges, ranging from public indecency to inciting supposed riots, were being treated horribly in prison, and therefore, became virtual martyrs for their cause, and were known as the “Iron Jawed Angels” or the “Silent Sentinels” (HBO Films released a film based on their experiences entitled “Iron Jawed Angels” in 2004). However, newly enfranchised Illinois women are credited with swinging the 1914 presidential election in Woodrow Wilson’s favor due to Illinois’ high number of electoral votes, and may be one of the deciding factors in President Wilson’s support of the 19^th Amendment, which was narrowly ratified by The House of Representatives, and later by the Senate with the amendment text of:

“The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.” (US Const., amend. XIX)

Women’s suffrage has also long been an international issue. Nations to grant suffrage prior to the United States are: Great Britain (unmarried women who owned property were granted voting rights, in 1894, this was expanded to married women voting in local elections, and full suffrage to women over the age of 30 was granted in 1918), New South Wales (1902), Australia (country-wide in 1902), Finland (1906), Norway (1913), The Provisional Soviet Government (1907 – The Soviet Constitution would later ensure suffrage to all women), Canada (excepting Quebec in 1918), Germany (1918), Austria (1918), Ireland (1918), The Netherlands (1918), Belarus (1919), Luxembourg (1919), Belgium (1919), and the Ukraine (1919). Major nations to grant suffrage after the United States ratified the 19^th Amendment are: Albania (1920), the Czech Republic

(1920), Slovakia (1920), Sweden (with some restrictions in 1921), Armenia (1921), Azerbaijan (1921), Lithuania (1921), Turkey (1930), Spain (1931), Brazil (1934), Cuba (1934), Bulgaria (1944), France (1944), Jamaica (1944), Israel (1948), Iraq (1948), Korea (1948), China (1949), India (1950), Greece (1952), Mexico (1953), Pakistan (1956), Afghanistan (1965), Iran (1980),

Lichtenstein (1984), Kazakhstan (1994) and Kuwait in 2005 (Lewis). However, there are many nations, including Saudi Arabia and The Vatican City, that are still without suffrage for female citizens.

The Modern Women’s Rights and Feminism movements have all been deeply impacted and made possible by The Women’s Suffrage Movement. However, many women’s rights are still impeded, such as “equal day’s pay for an equal day’s work” – on average, women are paid only eighty cents for every dollar that a man makes over their lifetimes. But, there is hope: newly inaugurated President Barack Obama has promised to right this wrong and truly make women equal in the workplace.

In conclusion, the women of the Women’s Suffrage Movement, and the women of the modern feminist movement do not want dominance or special treatment from society, they simply want “Men’s rights and nothing more; women’s rights and nothing less”, as Elizabeth Cady Stanton said, and liberty and justice, for all.

Works Cited

“14^th Amendment.” The United States Constitution. 1870.

"15th Amendment."The United States Constitution. 1870.

“19^th Amendment.” The United States Constitution. 1920.

Iron Jawed Angels. Dir. Katja von Garnier. TeleFilm. HBO Films, 2004.

"History of Women's Suffrage in The United States." Wikipedia. Wikimedia. 19 Mar 2009 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_women%27s_suffrage_in_the_United_States>.

"The Declaration of Sentiments, or The Declaration of the Rights of Women."1848.

"Women's Suffrage." Wikipedia. Wikipedia. 15 Mar 2009 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women's_suffrage>.

Lewis, Jone Johnson. "Women's Suffrage International Timeline." about.com. about.com women's history. 16 Mar 2009 <http://womenshistory.about.com/od/suffrage/a/intl_timeline.htm>.

Anthony, Susan Brownell. 1872 Elections Speech. 1872.

Fuller, Margaret. The Great Lawsuit: Man vs. Woman.

Fuller, Margaret. Women in the Nineteenth Century. 1845.

Purdue OWL. "MLA Formatting and Style Guide." The Online Writing Lab at Purdue. 10 May 2008. Purdue University Writing Lab. 18 March 2009. <http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/557/01/>.

Writer's Block: Multimedia

2009-03-24T16:19:11Z

What is your favorite macro? Why?

View 501 Answers

LOLCats! www.icanhascheezburger.com ftw!

Number Eight...?

2009-03-17T03:19:28Z

Okay, so maybe this is just "The Last Frakkin' Special" weepy-feelings talking, but I saw THIS article on the AOL homepage today and came down with a major case of the wiggins. Battlestar Galactica fans will certainly know why.

She's a Cylon!

Companion Piece to My Last Entry

2009-03-16T18:27:02Z

The same site that did the New Year's Resolutions of Livejournal also did The Twelve Days of [insert your lj username here]. I figured, what the frak, it'll be funny, and got mine. Here it is:

Twelve fiercexxxs drumming
Eleven shinelinestars piping
Ten theonebluegeckos a-leaping
Nine lucylous crocheting
Eight zombiexfreakxxs a-sewing
Seven oc_pixies a-writing
Six buxcurtaincalls a-knitting
Five co-o-o-ostumes
Four mysteries
Three historical costumes
Two writing mysteries
...and a psych in a history.

oy. That's all I'm going to say. he he.

New Year's Resolution: ACCOMPLISHED!

2009-03-16T18:23:35Z

In honor of me stepping on the scale this morning to realize that I have, indeed, accomplised my New Year's Resolution of losing fifteen pounds, there's a Resolution funny behind the cut:

So, online, there's The New Year's Resolutions of Livejournal, where you type in your username, and it creates a funny list of resolutions for you, based, I think, on your interests. Mine were:

Apply for a new primeval.
Lose ten historical costumes by March.
Eat more costumes.
Tell my family about mysteries.
Cut down on my sewing.
Spend less time on hornblower.

Ha Ha! Eat more costumes doesn't sound very appitizing, and Spend less time on Hornblower sounds vaguely dirty. LOL.

The Last Cylon

2009-03-14T01:09:25Z

Cross-posted to battlestar_blog

Okay, so, I have my theories, and, I wanted to post them before tonight's episode airs, just in case we find out the last Cylon's identity -- not likely, but you never know.

Theories behind the cut -- but there's a spoiler from "Someone to Watch Over Me":

I believe that THIS is the face of the last Cylon:

Yep. The mysterious piano player from "Someone to Watch Over Me". Starbuck's father. This would make her a half-human, half-cylon hybrid -- which I believe is somehow her "special destiny". And as for the piano player being in her head, he's an "inner", like Baltar's inner-Six, only in Starbuck's head, which explains why he just, whoosh, disappeared.

Also, here's my list of the who I think lives/dies:

Lives:

Starbuck -- I think she's almost a given. After "Maelstrom", and her supposed death/resurrection, I just don't think she's going to buy it. Again.

Baltar -- he's a survivor. Plain and simple. Also, virtual Six told him that he would one day raise Hera.

Six -- After the rumor of the last scene.

Hera -- she's a given. I just don't believe they're going to kill her, and anyway, virtual Six told Baltar that he would raise her.

The Tighs -- Saul and Ellen -- for some reason I just think they're going to make it.

Tyrol -- No idea. Just a hunch

Doc Cottle -- didn't the actor who play Doc Cottle say he lives?

Dies:

Bill and Laura -- Sadly, I think they're going to get killed, along with Galactica. I get the feeling if one dies, so will the other, and vice versa.

Athena and Helo -- Same thing as with Bill and Laura. If one dies, so does the other. Also, I'm pretty sure they're "marked" because of the theory from virtual Six that Baltar will someday raise Hera.

Boomer -- I just have a feeling

Anders -- but this might just be wishful thinking.

and lastly--

Apollo -- Okay, this one makes me cry because Apollo is my favorite character, and I'm a total Kara/Lee shipper -- I want them to be happy together, but I just don't believe that it's in the card. Lee has assumed many of Laura's presidential responsibilities, and there was the prophecy of the "dying leader". I think this "dying leader" is Apollo. Also, Jamie Bamber, the actor who plays Lee was remarkably coy about his character's fate, saying, when asked if his character dies, "no comment", which I really think is just a synonym for "yes" (and, anyone who's seen the A&E/ITV mini-series, 'Hornblower', knows that Jamie Bamber's characters have a way of dying to protect/help/save someone they care about. I bet that Lee will die saving Starbuck somehow.

I'm still out on anyone else.

What do you guys think?

ttys,
-A.

Apollo's Dog Tags, pt. II

2009-03-11T17:04:40Z

Caution: A bit of fangirl-ing behind the cut.

Holy frak! I opened my mail box today to find that the set of Apollo's (Lee Adama's) Dogtags that I ordered from Quantum Mechanix last Saturday had arrived! After a restrained amount of squeeing, I ran inside and opened them -- not only are the two tags actually bronze-ish, but they came with a dog-tag length chain and a little Apollo biography card. How cute!

Pictures!:

. the tags -- I'll probably shorten the chain and only wear one at a time, because, like I said when I ordered them, clink-y necklaces tend to bug me after a while

The tags on their packaging. You can see the bio card there. The card reads:

Lee "Apollo" Adama

Lee Adama was originally a captain in the Colonial Fleet Reserves at the onset of the Second Cylon War. When Galactica's CAG (Commander, Air Group) was killed, Adama assumed that role. During his tenure as CAG, Adama transformed a misfit group of rookie pilots and obsolete Vipers into a professional fighting unit.

With the unexpected appearance of the Battlestar Pegasus and the subsequent murder of Pegasus's commander, Admiral Helena Cain, Adama was promoted to Commanding Officer of the Pegasus. He served on the pegasus unti lits destruction at the Battle of New Caprica. After this he was reassigned as Galactica's CAG with the rank of Major.

Adama has always had a strained relationship with his father, Admiral William Adama. The younger Adama resigned his commission in protest after a heated argument regarding his decision to join the defense counsel in Gaius Baltar's war crimes trial.

Adama holds his strict code of ethics above all other things. This has resulted in many conflicts in his personal life and has adversely affected his career. However, it has also made him one of the most effective leaders within the fleet.

(bio card text copyright QMx)

The quality of the tags is amazing, although I haven't worn them long enough to tell if they'll discolour my skin a bit like my Rosalie Necklace did. These seem of a better quality, and I doubt that they will. However, I'll update if they do.

Looks like She-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named-in-This-Post is getting a set of Starbuck's tags as a belated birthday gift!

With one final SQUEE! for this post,

Much love,
-A.

One of the Many Reasons Why K.A. Butman Won't Ever Drink and Drive

2009-03-10T21:11:39Z

Sorry for the serious digression here -- I put this together for my psychology class, and am posting it in my journal for my friend zombiexfreakxx (and hopefully, others) can read it.

What Can Be Done to Dissuade Teenage Drinking and Driving?

Why K. A. Butman Won’t Ever Drink and Drive:

A Personal Essay

I was thirteen, wearing my Mamma Mia! National tour t-shirt and also slightly nauseous. The Copley High School band room was covered in blood – my friend Courtney’s older brother, Joe, had a compound fracture – the bone was sticking out of his forearm, and blood was dripping into a trashcan. My friend Lillian’s older boyfriend, James, was tottering around and trying, drunkenly to touch the tip of his nose with his pointer finger. Police were standing around, checking everything out, and Alex was standing in the corner of the room in a three piece suit, looking grim.

“Oh, hi Lexi!” My mother shouted over her shoulder, bent over one of the “victims”. Her make-up sponge dripped a bit on the girl’s dress. “Glad you’re here! I need you to put a bit more of the blood on James.” It was my very first time at a mock accident as assistant make-up artist to my mom, and as I spied all of the fake blood and gore, I debated it being my last. The room spun a little, even though I knew it was all fake.

Every other year, Copley High School held a mock accident, orchestrated by the local police departments, the local MADD Chapter, the student council, and of course, my mother, the lead make-up artist – but the kind of make-up mom does for the bi-yearly event isn’t to make people look good; she does moulage, which is defined as the art of simulated injury, and her objective is to accurately portray what students involved in a head on collision (the scenario playing out in two actually crashed cars that have been towed to the CHS parking lot), after supposedly drinking and driving after prom and colliding with a family of four in their mini-van. In short, it isn’t pretty, and its not supposed to be. It’s supposed to be bloody and gory and terrifying; Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showed that, over nine consecutive weekends (just over two months) during the spring season (which is graduation/prom season), between 58% and 70% of all traffic fatalities were alcohol-related. And in 2006, to be a little more recent, 13,470 fatalities (a whopping 32% -- pretty much one in every three fatalities) in traffic collisions were alcohol related. This means that one alcohol related fatality occurs about every forty minutes. This is unacceptable. And, for all of the things that Copley High School was when I was in the Copley School System, good or bad, they were certainly good about spurring advocacy amongst their students. They put together such a shocking display to try and dissuade drinking and driving among their students.

And guess what. It worked.

Copley High School hasn’t had an alcohol-related traffic collision fatality since the inception of the mock accident program, and I for one, know that I will never drink and drive. I’ve seen what driving under the influence can do – even though I was one of the make-up artists, the sheer amount of blood (even though it was fake) made me nauseated. I’m not ashamed to admit that, after that first mock accident, my lunch didn’t stay where I’d put it for very long – the mere thought of that being a real situation was too real. And every mock accident since, I’ve had to work to keep whatever I’ve eaten last down. It tells me that we’re all doing our jobs.

As of today, March 10^th, 2008, there have already been 2,445 alcohol related traffic-collision fatalities. We’re only three months into the year. Drunk driving is a serious problem that needs to be dealt with effectively, with programs such as Copley High’s mock accidents. If more students were reached in such a way, like I was, then maybe, our society wouldn’t be plagued with the deaths of students that we hear about every year from DUIs. This is a serious problem that requires a serious answer, and there are people out there, such as Copley High’s mock accident crew, that are ready, willing and able to be serious.

Works Cited

Prom Night and Prevention: http://www.co.stearns.mn.us/documents/ParentWiseSpring03.pdf

Alcohol Alert.com: http://www.alcoholalert.com/drunk-driving-statistics.html

Funny of the Day -- 03/09/2009

2009-03-10T01:12:39Z

Larger pic and LOLcaptions below the cut:

Here's the lol captioned picture Just thought it was funny -- there are analysis of this photo ALL over the internet, and, in lieu of posting my own ideas, I thought this was a bit more entertaining!

Apollo looks so thoughtful -- all of them on one side of the table must really bother him! LOL.

TTYS,
-A.
.

The Cullen Family Crest Bag Saga, pt. I

2009-03-08T21:47:03Z

Cross-posted to twilight_crafts

It's no secret that I paint and sew -- most of the time, I'll do the two (kind of) together and make a purse or a totebag. Right now, I'm working on a "Twilight" series of designs, and I've started the first one, The Cullen Family Crest bag. Pictures and description below the cut.

The first bag I've started is the Cullen Family crest bag -- I plan to cut out around the crest that I handpainted  (from the reference image below)on a white cotton rayon blend that I just ADORE (I used it as an inner lining for a set of faux-panniers [side hoops] that I made to go with my eighteenth-century style gown for Halloween this year and have a TON left over)  and stitch it to a black microfiber bag I saw at Michael's -- I'm going back for it tomorrow. Anyway, right now, I just have the actual crest painted.

Anyway, pictures:

. (reference image from TwilightGuide.com      (my crest -- I apologize for my dreaful photography.    (Another view.)

Anyway, I'll put up the second part of this as soon as I get the bag and actually have the time to stitch it all together!

TTYS,
-A.

Apollo's Dogtags

2009-03-08T03:49:03Z

Entry behind the cut (Updated 03/08/09):

Okay, okay, so, I'm a late bloomer when it comes to television; I always seem to "come into" shows just as they're going off -- I did it with Buffy/Angel, and with Six Feet Under, and now, Battlestar Galactica. I've been watching the show for a few weeks now, and I love it! My friend, who shall not be named in this post (see below for reasons why) turned me on to it after I made her rent the Horatio Hornblower series from A&E/ITV. She just happened to mention that Jamie Bamber, the actor who plays my favourite in the Hornblower series, Archie Kennedy, plays Lee "Apollo" Adama on BSG, that show that's been trying to get me to watch for FOREVER -- I watched the next episode that aired, and the rest is history.

Anyway, Best-Friend-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named-In-This-Post (although, if she's reading this, she probably already knows I'm talking about her)'s birthday was a few weeks ago, and, guess what -- I missed it. I feel terrible, and when I found these

I knew what to do. Each set of BSG-screen accurate "dog tags" from Quantum Mechanix comes with two tags, like a real set of dog tags -- however, I have an aversion to "clink-y" necklaces (or anything outwardly too "fannish" to wear regularly -- these look subtle enough to just pass for a pretty antique necklace! Bonus points!), and wearing the two seemed a little much for me, so, lightbulb moment, get another dog tag chain and pop one of the tags on it to ship off to She-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named-In-This-Post as the coolest belated birthday present ever. At least, I think it'll be the coolest belated birthday present ever -- it's like an updated, gritter version of those Best Friend Necklaces that everyone had as a kid, the ones with two pieces (one that said "Best" and one taht said "Friends" that fit/went together somehow. And it has to do with Lee Adama, the coolest tv character Ever. With a capital E.
Quantum Mechanix also offers a customizable set of BSG tags, as well as character sets for:

Lee Adama, Callsign Apollo (the ones I've ordered)
Kara "Starbuck" Thrace (which is a little creepy in light of the last few episodes)
Admiral Adama, Callsign Husker
Sharon Agathon, Callsign Athena
Karl Agathon, Callsign Helo
Colonel Saul Tigh
and Chief Tyrol

As soon as they arrive, I'll chit-chat about the quality and whatnot -- they're guaranteed screen accurate, and look amazing in the photos, like the one above, and here (the latter two of which came from the amazon.com listing for the item -- it's cheaper to order directly from QmX):

I can't wait until they arrive! Also, if you're She-Who-Will-Not-Be-Named-in-This-Post and you're reading this (and I'm 99.9% sure that you are!) forget everything that I just said here. And watch your mail. LOL!

TTYS, Much Love, So Say We All and All That Jazz,
-A.

UPDATE: I had no idea that She-Who-Will-Not-Be-Named-In-This-Post HATED Apollo, she said he's too "whiney" -- she'd never mentioned it before. So, in lieu of splitting up the Apollo set of tags when the arrive, if the tags are of the quality I think they are, I'm just going to order her Starbuck (her favorite character)'s set and call it a day. Chalk up another ditz moment for me!
-A.

Writer's Block: More Island Time

2009-03-05T18:09:54Z

You're packing your bag for that other desert island—the one with no electricity—what 5 books do you take with you?

Submitted By mika_uriah

View 501 Answers

I'm a, as you who know me no doubt know, vicious reader. Always have my nose in some book or another. These are the precious five

1. Pride and Prejudice -- Jane Austen
2. The Far Side of the World -- Patrick O'Brian
3. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix -- J.K. Rowling
4. The Murder of Roger Ackyrod -- Agatha Christie
5. Good Omens -- Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett

BONUS: The sixth and seventh books that I hide somewhere in my luggage

6. The Masque of the Black Tulip -- Lauren Willig
7. The Scarlet Pimpernel -- Baroness Orczy.

Writer's Block: Deal or No Deal

2009-03-05T18:06:44Z

What's on your list of dealbreakers when it comes to romantic relationships?

View 501 Answers

So, I'm a picky girl -- probably why I'm single at the moment ;). Here's my (abrdiged to the top five) list of deal breakers.

1.Smoker -- big no no.
2. Drinker
3. A die-hard devotee of ANY religion -- I wouldn't go with anyone who I had to "change" my beliefs for
4. Dirty fingernails -- I know this sounds weird, but, seriously. Eww. I'm so serious I'll say it again. Eww.
5. Chauvanisim -- duh. This is ME we're talking about.

More later, once I finish these journalisim assignments that seem to have it in for me. TTYS!
-A.

Writer's Block: Department of Stereotypes

2008-11-16T21:32:55Z

One of the most popular gender stereotypes is that women ask for directions while men would rather be lost than ask for help. In your personal experience, does this stereotype hold true?

View 500 Answers

Oh my God, no. My father is the kind of man who never leaves to go anywhere unfamiliar without directions from Mapquest, a map wit our intedned route and an alternate route highlighted (usually in pink highlighter becuse he's probably taken the highlighter off of my desk, whereas my mother will just drive, and drive and drive around (sometimes even for hours!) in lieu of asking for directions. My asnwer is just use GPS. Seriously. But, then again, I got lost between Steak and Shake (which is like, two minutes away) and my house. To be fair, the friend of mine who was driving thought he knew where he was going. In short: he didn't :P.

Fic from The Autumn 2008 Primeval Ficathon ("Nick Cutter's Guide to the Strange and Unusual")

2008-11-16T18:57:56Z

I signed up for this ficathon (my first!) in September, and the stories were due yesterday. I'll tell you, it was a ton of fun, and totally exhilarating; I felt awesome after I'd posted a story that was so 'hard-won', and the comments that I got were wonderful! So, without further ado, here it is! (Click the cut)

Title: Nick Cutter's Guide to the Strange and Unusal
Author: </a></font></b></a>galindaxxxx
Recipient: Isellersfic (lsellersfic.livejournal.com/)
Prompt: Something inherently cracky comes through an anomaly and Nick has to
cope with it - Lester too, if you like, since he can be snarky while
Nick is all ruffled and disbelieving - actually you can have whoever you
like, I just think Nick would be funniest. Cracky things that spring to
mind include (but are not limited to): oompa-loompas, a talking T-Rex
who wants to star in musical theatre and Worzel Gummidge
Pairings: None
Rating: PG
Summary: Professor Nick Cutter hasn't slept in two weeks...
Disclaimer: I do not own Primeval, and the original idea belongs to Isellersfic
Dedication: To Ashley, who helped me write my first Primeval fic, ever, and who assured me that Dorothy Gale is, in fact, funnier than Glinda the Good Witch; and to Isellersfic for the idea! :)

.Professor Nick Cutter hadn’t slept in a week.

Every time that he closed his eyes, he saw what he’d seen through that tiny, round window -- Stephen and those creatures -- Stephen being --

Professor Nick Cutter hadn’t slept in a week.

He’d just put his head down on his desk when the anomaly detector’s alarms went off. Nick relinquished the driving to Connor Temple, the grad student who had a penchant for grey fedoras and fingerless gloves, and tried to lay his head back for the ten-thousandth time; the most he accomplished was awaking with a start when the van slid to a halt. Apparently, he was never to sleep again, and there was nothing he could do but set to readying the team for whatever was coming toward them.

“Ummm…Professor?”

Nick peered around from the back of the van, “Yes, Connor?”

“Umm…Professor, there’s something you should see.”

Hefting a bag of equipment up on his shoulder, Nick joined the rush of the anomaly scene, half-expecting too see one of the bat-like, leathery future predators or a raging Gorgonopsid. Instead, before him stood a petite, dark-haired girl in a blue and white checked gingham gown carrying a basket that contained a yipping Cairn Terrier. Ruby-red slippers glowed on her tiny feet in the setting sun. “Oh my goodness, Toto!” She cried, “I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore!”

“What the--” It had to be a trick of the light, or a hoax, or a lost trick-or-treater.

“It’s Dorothy.” Dr. Abby Maitland, the blonde pixie of a zoologist, breathed her heavily-lined eyes wide and twinkling. “It’s Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz.”

“Can’t be.” Nick blinked rapidly, hoping that the girl would vanish, or maybe he would open his eyes and find something less frightening (another predatory cat, perhaps), but no matter how many times he closed his eyes or shook his head, Dorothy, or whoever she was, was still there.

“But Dorothy Gale is a fictional character--” Connor leaned in closely and whispered

“How do you know her last name, Connor?” Abby asked with a smirk.

Connor went on, uninterrupted, “Professor, fictional characters can’t come through anomalies.” His brown eyes darted back and forth, “Can they?”

“Anything can happen Connor.”

“If you told me a year ago that one of the future evolutions of man was going to swipe me out of the reservoir and keep me around for a midnight snack, I wouldn’t have believed it.” Abby offered with a shrug.

“Someone should probably go talk to her.”

“Are you volunteering, Connor?”

“Not, necessarily, I just--” But Nick, with traces of a smile brewing, was already stepping forward himself.

“Hello there.”

“Why, hello.” Her little dog began growling as the professor approached. Then, Dorothy screwed her features close together in thought for a moment, trying to remember something. “Oh! Yes!” She exclaimed, “Are you a good witch, or a bad witch?”

“Witch?” Nick stopped.

“Yes. Good or bad? Are you a good witch, or a bad witch, mister? Are you even a witch? I’ve never met a witch that was a man before.”

“Sink me! What exactly is going on here?” Shouted a completely different voice altogether. An extremely tall, blonde man wearing a peach-colored waistcoat and culottes stepped gracefully through the swirling glass of the anomaly and peered at the scene around him through a quizzing glass.

“And who the hell are you?” Nick groaned.

The man with the quizzing glass bowed at the waist. “I am Sir Percival Blakeney, Baronet, monsieur.” The quizzing glass was suddenly magnifying one large blue eye again as he spoke in lazy, droll tones. “But, the question is, just who -- are you?”

“Wait, wait, wait.” Abby interjected, “You’re The Scarlet Pimpernel?”

Sir Percy was next to her in a moment, covering her mouth with a large hand; his voice deepened, his dulcet accent nearly disappeared. “Good God, woman.” He whispered urgently, “Do not shout my identity so freely!”

“Hello?” Dorothy called from behind them, “No one gave me an answer. Are there any witches here at all?”

“No.” Nick and Connor both answered flatly.

“You, good sir,” Sir Percy gestured to Nick with his quizzing glass, “tell me where I am.”

“Great Britain. Not far outside of the Forest of Dean.”

“Sink me! I was on my way to France. However did I end up here?”

“It’s a long story, actually…” Abby began.

“Odd’s fish, m’dear, I can find my way back to my manor from here, is someone will kindly point in the north-most direction.”

“I’m afraid we can’t let you leave just yet,” Nick said slowly, trying to comprehend what exactly was before him, “Or you, Miss Dorothy.”

“But why ever not? My friends are expecting me in Oz! There’s ”

Nick scrubbed a hand over his face just as the ground began to shake. With a roar, a Tyrannosaurus Rex came barreling through the glittering anomaly. It stopped and roar again before dissolving into a series of far too human coughs. “Oh my gawd!” The T. Rex spouted in a high-pitched voice. “I am in the worst voice today! I just cannot get this frog out of my throat!” The thing proceeded to sing an arpeggio in B minor. “I cannot perform like this!”

“Are you a good witch or a --” Dorothy began.

“Sink me!” Sir Percy shouted for the third time, “Is that a dinosaur?”

“We prefer to be called by our species name.” The T. Rex retorted. “I’m a --”

“Tyrannosaurus Rex, the Late Cretaceous period.” Nick finished.

“Oh my gawd! Somebody knows! Thank you!” The T. Rex reached a hand out to Nick. “I have an audition for Gypsy uptown in a few hours, and listen to this-- I sound like somebody’s skinning a cat!” The T. Rex then launched into a rousing chorus of “The Sound of Music”

“The hills are alive with the sound of music…”

Dorothy supplied the obligatory “Ahh ahh ahhs.”

“It looks to me, monsieur,” Sir Percy diagnosed, “As if you have a rather interesting situation on your hands.”

“I think that’s the understatement of the year.” Nick resigned to say, already hearing Lester’s sardonic voice in the back of his head: What Cutter, no Harry Potter?

The T. Rex moved into a stirring rendition of Oklahoma! which sounded remarkably like the ARC’s anomaly detector’s alarms.

Suddenly, Nick Cutter was back at his desk. He sat up straight with a start and glanced around nervously, reaffirming that he was, indeed, not standing in front of a T. Rex with musical theatre ambitions or next to The Scarlet Pimpernel and Dorothy Gale. It had all been a dream.

For the first time in two weeks, Nick Cutter had slept, and the world went on.

He laughed inwardly, if a singing T. Rex was all it took, then so be it. But that damned anomaly detector was still barking, and who knows, he surmised as he grabbed his jacket and stepped out his office door, maybe we’ll get a Shakespearean Raptor this time.

galindaxxxx @ 2007-08-02T01:22:00

2007-08-02T05:25:54Z

Oh my god...two weeks! Anyway...I'm still here...just knitting too much for my own good! (Damn you Harry Potter! I love the Gryffindor colours too much because of you!)

So, check this out!

They're awesome, and check out the book, too! My friend Andi has a pattern published in there! It's the one for Errol the owl!

galindaxxxx @ 2007-07-09T21:54:00

2007-07-10T03:29:31Z

I'm Still Here and Cloverfield

Yes, I'm stiil alive! Where I've been, what I've been up to and a movie trailer that just plain gives me the wiggins.

Life gets crazy, theater groups need your attention, Bruce Wills puts out a new 'Die Hard' movie with Justin Long, and the usa network shows us a Monk marathon on the Fourth of July. Which was a big holiday. Fireworks and Katie joining us for dinner and everything. And then Dad needed help painting his office. I got zippo writing done, including any fics, or even my journal, as all of you can tell. And now, I'm tired. Yay.

Things I've been up to in no particular order:

1) Mounting the new show. BtVS: High School Horror -- a kind of "Once More, With Feeling", but it's set in high school, and it contains music from the 90's and now...

2) We helped repaint dad's office. I crawled around on my knees repaint the bottom of doorways and scraping up paint drips with a spay bottle of goo-gone and a putty knife. Ha ha. Fun.

3)Big fourth of July. My best friend Katie came to our house for dinner, and we spent the night goofing off and eating macaroni salad. We skipped the fireworks. Good decision, since we'd already missed them. They were going on when mom, dad and I went to see 'Live Free or Die Hard'. Also, once again opted to watch the Boston Pops' big Patrotic presentation instead of going to the parade. Memories of my bike riding escapade in the parade are still to fresh, lol. No, in all seriousness, I would have liked to go...it was just too darn hot.

4) Saw 'Live Free or Die Hard'. See it. It freaking rocks!

5) and, saw THIS (it's a grainy "trailer" that supposedly plays on the big screen before 'Transformers'): "http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=6632106530694809056&hl=en". It gave me, as Buffy once said, a major case of the wiggins. I even checked out www.ethanhaaswasright.com, a site somehow connected to the movie. I'm freaked. It all seems so weird, and even worse, some sources (aol.com, primairly), are saying that it may be connected in someway, yet I can't figure it out. Also, I've read (video.google.com), that the website www.parasitemovie.com that is also supposedly connected to the film from producer J.J Abrams (of LOST and Mission Impossible III fame), is, apparently, a fraud. I have no idea whatsoever about the truth of the claims, although ethanhaas seems legit, but don't quote me on ANY of that. Please. I like NOT being sued by Paramount. Anyway, it freaks me out, the whole no title thing (unless maybe 1-18-08 is the title and not the release date), and I really don't like seeing New York City under attack, especially the whole part with Lady Liberty's head being flung across what looks like 46th Street in flames. I'll say it again, I am wiggined, freaked, and generally weirded out.

Avec amour,
Alexandra