Wednesday, October 8, 2014
New Name
Felt in the mood for a change. I think the new name probably represents me a bit more. Especially when I've been so haphazard with this thing. Hopefully I'll start posting better again, but don't expect any sort of rhyme or reason to the subjects. . .
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Star Trek: The Next Generation, Season One
I recently decided to finally sign up for Netflix, mainly because I wanted to watch Star Trek. I watched some of the Next Generation when I was younger, but I never really caught it on a weekly basis. I always had an affinity for the technology on the show, and any character who was part technology really piqued my interest. I guess you could imagine that Data was my favorite character.
At any rate, I've been watching through the episodes more avidly even than when I could see them on Spike TV. I knew I had episodes that I loved, but I had forgotten that there were so many that were so capable of being the favorite of any viewer. Some episodes weren't my favorites, but not because of the writing or characters, simply because my favorites were just that: my favorites. Just about every story had valid philosophical goals or exciting interaction with the unknown. Still, I wanted to share my favorites, curious as to the favorites of others.
Encounter at Farpoint
The series kicks off in a purposeful exposure of just what to expect in the series: You're introduced to the new crew of the enterprise, making it clear that times have changed since the original series. While you can expect all your favorite pieces of technology in the Star Trek universe, they have all received their own upgrades since you last saw them. And while some things are quite familiar, others are new. This new captain is bald and less reckless than the one we remember. There's a Klingon back there! This episode also introduced one of my favorite characters in all of Star Trek: Q. His type is nothing new to Star Trek; the original crew had come across omnipotent creatures who would force them to play sadistic games. Hey! Look: philosophical questions and diplomatic dealings with alien races. So, this new Star Trek may look a bit different, but I feel nice and at home here. I can't wait to see what comes of this series.
The Naked Now
This episode goes to show that Star Trek can have a sense of humor and a grown-up sensibility. It's only two episodes in, and we learn that Data can have sex, plus he's programmed with multiple techniques. A character is explored who we never dreamt that we would see the end of. A disease is being spread by touch that makes everyone drunk and horny. Who isn't infected by the end of the show? Worf, the Klingon that no one wants to have sex with. Re-watching this episode becomes poignant when you later learn the fate of Tasha Yar and the effect of her encounter with Data.
11001001
This episode introduces us to a race very peculiar to us. They are literally integrated with their computers, and there is no individual in the species, rather pairs who live their lives together in an inseparable fashion. They are here to upgrade the Enterprise's computer system, and the crew is given some time off for the duration of the procedure. Riker becomes entranced with a simulated woman on the Holodeck, and Picard is lured there to see the sight for himself. The only thing is, it's a trap to distract the two while their ship is hijacked. Learning just what it is that these aliens want and why they needed Picard and Riker is a fun mystery, and you also learn that some threats aren't always what they seem.
Home Soil
A group of scientists is terraforming a lifeless planet when the crew of the Enterprise is sent to check in on the progress. In this episode we learn that our preconceived notions about life aren't correct. There is in fact life on this planet, albeit existing in a way that we never knew possible. When the terraforming efforts come close to eradicating the species, the crystaline creatures declare war on the ship and its crew. Picard is forced to come to peaceful terms with a race that doesn't understand us and is unwilling to listen.
Conspiracy
It's what you would imagine to be the season finale. There have been rumors so far of an unknown threat infiltrating the Federation, now it is clear that a true threat exists. Still, what is it? This episode has the right mix of build-up, action, fear, and alien creepiness to serve as the ultimate installment of the first year with this crew. However, there is one more show to go before the end, and it serves as a cliff-hanger for things to come. While Conspiracy is higher in my favor than the next episode The Neutral Zone, I do admire the effect of the giant climax followed by the ominous final episode leading into the return of the Romulans for future seasons.
There are definitely many more moments in this season that are dear to my heart. I never would have guessed that Tasha Yar's death would have such an impact on me, for one. Seeing that the slightest miscalculation in the creation of a being like Data could have terrible consequences. Plus, another of my favorite characters is introduced: Lwaxana Troi. Something about characters that test Picard's nerves with eccentricities makes me smile. Still, these have got to be my favorite episodes from the first season. What are yours?
At any rate, I've been watching through the episodes more avidly even than when I could see them on Spike TV. I knew I had episodes that I loved, but I had forgotten that there were so many that were so capable of being the favorite of any viewer. Some episodes weren't my favorites, but not because of the writing or characters, simply because my favorites were just that: my favorites. Just about every story had valid philosophical goals or exciting interaction with the unknown. Still, I wanted to share my favorites, curious as to the favorites of others.
Encounter at Farpoint
The series kicks off in a purposeful exposure of just what to expect in the series: You're introduced to the new crew of the enterprise, making it clear that times have changed since the original series. While you can expect all your favorite pieces of technology in the Star Trek universe, they have all received their own upgrades since you last saw them. And while some things are quite familiar, others are new. This new captain is bald and less reckless than the one we remember. There's a Klingon back there! This episode also introduced one of my favorite characters in all of Star Trek: Q. His type is nothing new to Star Trek; the original crew had come across omnipotent creatures who would force them to play sadistic games. Hey! Look: philosophical questions and diplomatic dealings with alien races. So, this new Star Trek may look a bit different, but I feel nice and at home here. I can't wait to see what comes of this series.
The Naked Now
This episode goes to show that Star Trek can have a sense of humor and a grown-up sensibility. It's only two episodes in, and we learn that Data can have sex, plus he's programmed with multiple techniques. A character is explored who we never dreamt that we would see the end of. A disease is being spread by touch that makes everyone drunk and horny. Who isn't infected by the end of the show? Worf, the Klingon that no one wants to have sex with. Re-watching this episode becomes poignant when you later learn the fate of Tasha Yar and the effect of her encounter with Data.
11001001
This episode introduces us to a race very peculiar to us. They are literally integrated with their computers, and there is no individual in the species, rather pairs who live their lives together in an inseparable fashion. They are here to upgrade the Enterprise's computer system, and the crew is given some time off for the duration of the procedure. Riker becomes entranced with a simulated woman on the Holodeck, and Picard is lured there to see the sight for himself. The only thing is, it's a trap to distract the two while their ship is hijacked. Learning just what it is that these aliens want and why they needed Picard and Riker is a fun mystery, and you also learn that some threats aren't always what they seem.
Home Soil
A group of scientists is terraforming a lifeless planet when the crew of the Enterprise is sent to check in on the progress. In this episode we learn that our preconceived notions about life aren't correct. There is in fact life on this planet, albeit existing in a way that we never knew possible. When the terraforming efforts come close to eradicating the species, the crystaline creatures declare war on the ship and its crew. Picard is forced to come to peaceful terms with a race that doesn't understand us and is unwilling to listen.
Conspiracy
It's what you would imagine to be the season finale. There have been rumors so far of an unknown threat infiltrating the Federation, now it is clear that a true threat exists. Still, what is it? This episode has the right mix of build-up, action, fear, and alien creepiness to serve as the ultimate installment of the first year with this crew. However, there is one more show to go before the end, and it serves as a cliff-hanger for things to come. While Conspiracy is higher in my favor than the next episode The Neutral Zone, I do admire the effect of the giant climax followed by the ominous final episode leading into the return of the Romulans for future seasons.
There are definitely many more moments in this season that are dear to my heart. I never would have guessed that Tasha Yar's death would have such an impact on me, for one. Seeing that the slightest miscalculation in the creation of a being like Data could have terrible consequences. Plus, another of my favorite characters is introduced: Lwaxana Troi. Something about characters that test Picard's nerves with eccentricities makes me smile. Still, these have got to be my favorite episodes from the first season. What are yours?
Monday, June 3, 2013
How did I get my blog title?
Every great work of art has two faces, one toward its own time and one toward the future, toward eternity.
DANIEL BARENBOIM
Stephen A. Grilliot
Steve Grilliot is an author who has a particular affinity for macabre horror, touches of gore, and stories to remind you of the atmospheric terror in the tales of Edgar Allan Poe. He is a native of southern Ohio and grew up on mainstream horror movies since a young age. When he was old enough (although not old enough for most households), he started reading Stephen King and the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. He has many more horror tales coming, and plans to add science-fiction to his oeuvre. His paramount aspirations in his writing consist of dynamic, concise storytelling, vivid imagery, and engaging characters with whom the reader can develop a sincere bond. When he isn’t writing he enjoys spending time with his blonde boxador Mr. Picklefeather.
Immolation Finale
The news reports in New Orleans have been quite grim for the past two weeks with stories of what have become known as the Red Lake Murders, a series of killings taking place in the heart of the city. Rumors have spread throughout the city that the victims were all disposed of in a particularly gruesome fashion and that a witch is behind the killings, more specifically, a practitioner of Voodoo. Whether he likes it or not, a paranormal investigator named Dirk is about to be dragged into a daunting series of events that may very well bring him face to face with a killer who abducts his victims off of the streets and murders them in the most horrible ways.
http://www.amazon.com/Immolation-Finale-Volume-Stephen-Grilliot/dp/1482778947/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_pap?ie=UTF8&qid=1370303304&sr=8-1&keywords=immolation+finale
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/immolation-finale-stephen-a-grilliot/1114895487?ean=9781482778946
A Brand New Blog in Light of the Growth of my Career
I'm new to blogging in every way, shape and form, but I wanted to start this page on a high note. I've recently published my first novel Immolation Finale with the help of the services at Createspace.com, and just today I received my first professional review of my life from Kirkus Reviews.
I was waiting a little less then ten weeks for my review, and in that time I had plenty of opportunity to begin doubting myself as to how well the review would turn out for me. Would they say that my work was worth reading, or would I hear horribly that my novel was a steaming pile of crap that no one in their right mind should ever touch it? On some brave occasions, I managed to ask myself if they would actually praise my work. Would they possibly have amazingly terrific things to say about my writing?
Well, waiting brought my nerves into places where I assumed the worst at times. I knew it wouldn't be the end of the world, but I worried less that the reviewer would tear my work to shreds and more so that they would simply be unimpressed. "Blah," they might say.
Stewing in that fear, I was supported by the people who were buying copies of my novel. People (even if only a few at first) were reading my book, reading my work. I was waiting to see what anyone had to say, and this waiting also made me nervous. What would be the first words to me from a reader who had finished my novel?
That answer took a brief eternity to receive, but it was worth the wait. The only complaint was that it had a last page! Could this be true? Could someone have thought of my work, not only as entertaining but, as exhilarating? Then the next two customer reviews appeared, each with their own version of promising and heart-pounding good news.
So, what of my professional review? Something still had me on edge in the continuing weeks until I got my results. I have no real words to lead up to this, so I will let the review speak for itself:
Kirkus Reviews
A dark, magical tale of murder and suspense in the mysterious city of New Orleans.
Grilliot’s debut novel takes readers deep into the shadowy corners of New Orleans, where a string of murders has been ravaging the town. Known as the Red Lake Murders, these crimes, committed mostly in the woods, smack of something supernatural and are suspected to be the result of voodoo. This draws Michael “Dirk” Geist to the scene; he’s a demonologist who lures in clients seemingly through magic, as if he were a “fool being guarded by some magical force and good luck.” Though he’s initially reluctant, doubting that his psychic powers could actually benefit an official police investigation, he eventually has a moment of clairvoyance that convinces him to seek answers. As Dirk teams up with friend and police officer Susan to solve the case, his dreams become nightmares, and something inside of him warns him that danger lurks in every corner. He combs through the town, seeing voodoo priests, fortunetellers and frightful creatures along the way. Dirk’s own safety becomes compromised when he inches closer to the truth and the supernatural world lurking behind New Orleans’ facade throws shadows over the people Dirk thinks he can trust. The case grows even more complicated when his beautiful old-flame Sabrina returns to town. Grilliot expertly weaves a tale of horror that plays upon fantasy, intermingled with terrifying images and mysterious, magical characters. Set against the murky backdrop of a paranormal underworld, this thrilling murder mystery takes steps beyond being a plot-driven nail-biter to comment on the role of good and evil in the world. New Orleans becomes a character itself, and the story pulsates with action and tension. Fans of the occult will enjoy the vanishing line drawn between reality and the supernatural.
A highly original, intriguing story of murder, betrayal and deception.
So, I think it goes without saying that my fears were nothing more than a crucible to be endured. I couldn't be happier with the beginning of my career, and this excitement has gotten me motivated to create this blog, so that anyone out there with any questions about me may have a place to look.
The full review will not be published to their site until sometime within the week, but I will add a proper link when the time comes. Until next time, I want to thank anyone who has read this far.
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/ UPDATE:http://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/stephen-grilliot/immolation-finale-SegewbaH/
Immolation Finale is available through Amazon, Kindle, and Barnes and Noble:
http://www.amazon.com/Immolation-Finale-Volume-Stephen-Grilliot/dp/1482778947/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_pap?ie=UTF8&qid=1370301620&sr=8-1&keywords=immolation+finale
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