Question meme...

[fajrdrako]

From becky_h:

Ask me seven questions. Not just any seven questions though. No, to keep it interesting, use the seven questions as per below - just copy and paste the following, replace the blanks with something you want to know/ask (e.g. 3. Donkeys or sandcastles and why?), anything you want, personal, silly, surreal or deep, comment away and I'll answer honestly as I can!

1. What do you think of _____________ ?
2. When did you last ____________?
3. __________ or ___________ and why?
4. What did you ______________?
5. What's your favorite ______________?
6. How would you ______________?
7. Who would you most like to ________ ?

Comments

[rosiespark.livejournal.com]

Can I make them all MCR-themed? Pleeease? :)

[rosiespark.livejournal.com]

Am off to bed, so posting these without waiting for you to say yes. *g*

1. What do you think of Gerard’s blond phase – love or hate it?
2. When did you last listen to The Black Parade?
3. Bullets or Revenge and why?
4. What did you like most about Apocalypse Suite?
5. What is/are your favourite line/s from any of their songs?
6. How would you describe Gerard’s stage persona?
7. Who would you most like to spend a day with and what would you do?

PS I cheated a bit with no. 4, but it’s a question I really wanted to ask!
PPS Illustrated answers are allowed. In fact, they will be probably be greeted with exclamations of joy. *g*

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

1. What do you think of Gerard’s blond phase – love or hate it?

Totally love it, especially when he wore a black jacket with frogs. Like this (http://www.buzzgrinder.com/images/gerard-way-mcr.jpeg).

2. When did you last listen to The Black Parade?

Yesterday evening, while cooking supper for maaseru and maaboroshi. Hmm, not a bad idea... [goes to turn it on again]

3. Bullets or Revenge and why?

Bullets. Not sure why. Gut response, because it's always hard for me to choose and either/or. More nuanced, maybe?

4. What did you like most about Apocalypse Suite?

1. The title. No, really. It's brilliant. Musical and comic-booky at the same time. Dramatic with punch and gravitas and a touch of whimsy all at once.
   
2. The quirky shape of the word balloons.
   
3. The sense of scope.
   
4. The cover, which is gorgeous, though I thought the interior art more mixed. No, not the art itself - the layouts. Sometimes spiffy, sometimes iffy.
   
5. Gabriel Ba made the Eiffel Tower look like the TARDIS. Hilarious.
   
6. The sharp dialogue.
   
7. Maybe you should have asked what I didn't like about it. Shorter list.

5. What is/are your favourite line/s from any of their songs?

1. you must keep your soul like a secret in your throat
   
2. We'll shoot back holy water like cheap whiskey
   
3. We've only got one chance to put this at an end
   and cross the patron saint of switchblade fights
   
4. A light to burn all the empires
   So bright the sun is ashamed to rise
   
5. A world that sends you reeling from decimated dreams
   
6. Tell me I'm an angel,
   Take this to my grave.
   Tell me I'm a bad man,
   Kick me like a stray.
   
7. You're just a sad song with nothing to say
   
8. promise me that when I'm gone you'll kill my enemies
   
9. It isn't that much fun, staring down a loaded gun
   So I won't stop dying, won't stop lying (are you there at all?)

6. How would you describe Gerard’s stage persona?

Expressive. Endearing. Theatrically sincere.

7. Who would you most like to spend a day with and what would you do?

Well, if you're asking this as a MCR question, Gerard. We'd walk and talk about words.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Yes of course! Go for it!

[xinef.livejournal.com]

Andrew was at our local Liberal meeting on Tuesday and met Ignatieff. I saw him on Rick Mercer, same evening. So you can tell what's on my mind!

1. What do you think of the Ignatieff as potential PM?
2. When did you last vote?
3. To vote or not to vote and why?
4. What did you think of the GG's decision re prorogating parliament?
5. What's your favorite politician (alive or dead)?
6. How would you fix Canadian parliament? (*g*)
7. Who would you most like to kick out of parliament?

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

1. What do you think of the Ignatieff as potential PM?

That's a terrifying question. I don't know. I really don't know. Every once in a while I hear him say something I really like. But I don't like what I hear people say about him. Mixed feelings about his track record. I mistrust his Americanism, but I think his arrogance is something the country needs. I like it that he's an academic. I like it that he's a thinker, a writer and a historian. Of all our political names these days, he may be one I can most relate to. In a way I fear I like his policies too much: and I'm afraid to trust him. He is too pragmatic.

Let's say the jury is still out.

2. When did you last vote?

In October.

3. To vote or not to vote and why?

I always, always vote. I've never not voted, if there's been an election in my riding or area. On any political level. I have mixed feelings - I like to call myself an anarchist, so why do I vote? Because I always have opinions, and strong feelings about what I think my country (or city or province or world) should be like. Because the system we have is the system we have, and I might as well do my bit for the people whose principles I like and respect.

4. What did you think of the GG's decision re prorogating parliament?

I was surprised, and wondered why she made that choice. I expect she thought it the best thing for stability in the country. I thought it the wrong decision - I wanted to see a Coalition Government, because I have no respect or love for Harper. But he was legally elected.... See why I have such mixed feelings about democracy?

5. What's your favorite politician (alive or dead)?

Hmm. Define "politician". Do medieval kings count? [g]

Okay, that's a frivolous answer.... Mostly my favourite people are writers, poets, artists, musicians, occasionally philosophers, but not policians. Hmm. Shall I restrict myself to Canadians?

- Trudeau
- Sir John A. MacDonald
- Tommy Douglas
- Flora MacDonald

6. How would you fix Canadian parliament? (*g*)

Eeek! I'd find a leader who believed in issues and ideals and had the charisma to fire Canadians with enthusiasm for a worthwhile goal; preferably something related to world peace, environmental improvement, internationalism, and/or human rights. I think the thing we've been most lacking is strong and inspirational leadership. (Their lack of moral integrity tends to shine through.)

That's not exactly "Parliament", though, is it? It's governance in general. The thing about Parliament... well, I'd want a leader (and Speaker) who would encourage and enforce civility and reason, with an emphasis on discourse and presuasion (with facts) rather than confrontation and mudslinging.

7. Who would you most like to kick out of parliament?

At the moment: Steven Harper.

[xinef.livejournal.com]

1. I pretty much agree with you. I worry that I think he's quite a bit like Stanfield ("The best PM Canada never had") - academic, wry sense of humour, and probably won't go over all that well with the "masses".

2. Me too.

3. Me to. I also think that you shouldn't complain if you didn't vote.

4. I think the aim was for stability and tending to support status quo rather than something different. But agree with you for the most part.

5. Couldn't stand Trudeau at the time, but at least have respect for him - he had his own vision of Canada and was faithful to that. Agree with the rest. In some ways, I'd add Bob Rae to that list. I thought he did a pretty good job when handing a surprise basket full of lemons when he was ON premier.

6. Ok, sure, but does such an animal exist and would he/she be foolish enough to run for parliament? What I'd like to see are some serious changes to the rules of decorum and behaviour in the House. I think that any action that would result in a detention in public school should result in some punitive action from the House. I think it is absolutely appalling the way they behave. Worse than a bunch of toddlers. And maybe being forced to actually listen and not catcall would result in more respect and cooperation. Oh so I'm dreaming here.

7. You and me both, sister, and Flaherty to follow right behind.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

I worry that I think he's quite a bit like Stanfield ("The best PM Canada never had") - academic, wry sense of humour, and probably won't go over all that well with the "masses".

I hadn't thought of that, but I think you're right. I don't usually like the politicians with popular appeal as much as the elitists.

Couldn't stand Trudeau at the time, but at least have respect for him

I loved his federalism. I am very much a federalist, and I feel that too many Canadian politicians foster the divisions within the country instead of focussing on our unities.

Yes, I'd add Bob Rae too. I keep wanting to see him reach new successes. I thought he made good decisions as Premier, albeit difficult ones, and got attacked for them.

Ok, sure, but does such an animal exist and would he/she be foolish enough to run for parliament?

Sigh. Probably not. And: probably not.

Let's say then that I'd like to see more idealism and less self-serving among politicians and political parties, and, like you, a far greater degree of civility in Parliament.

You and me both, sister, and Flaherty to follow right behind.

[g] Yes.

[xinef.livejournal.com]

Agreed re Trudeau. And that is one reason I don't despise him as much as I did at the time! And I think that Harper is particularly bad at fostering divisions rather than what makes us all Canadian. Really really bad.

Agreed re Bob Rae, completely.

I mostly agree re idealism. Need a careful mix of idealism and pragmatism. What I'd like to see is more mutual respect, less governing for sound bites, more cooperation. Folks, this world is not black and white. No party has 100% of the great ideas. Learn from each other dammit. LISTEN to each other.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Learn from each other dammit. LISTEN to each other.

Do you think Ignatieff might be good at that?

[xinef.livejournal.com]

Dunno. Will be hard to go against the flow - the entire system works so "anti" listening to each other. My fingers are crossed.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Yes. I think Ignatieff is good at thinking for himself, which is good, and might mean he's good at listening to others. But he may not be flexible that way.

Definitely hoping for the best.

[filkferengi]

What y'all want [especially you ;)] is Aral Vorkosigan. Good hunting!

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Aral? Is he up and coming in our Parliament? Suddenly my tolerance level for politics goes up - !

[filkferengi]

What you *want* is Aral; best case, you'd be lucky to get Galeni & hope he doesn't go all Haroche on you.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Hmmph.

Too many idiots already.

Wouldn't mind Gregor as Emperor of Canada.

[lunacy-gal.livejournal.com]

1. What do you think of winter?
2. When did you last cry?
3. Dark or light chocolate, and why?
4. What did you eat for breakfast?
5. What's your favorite flavour of ice cream?
6. How would you react if you met John Barrowman?
7. Who would you most like to hug?

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

1. What do you think of winter?

Beautiful but cruel. Part lover, part enemy. A challenge to civilization, social and personal. A challenge to my personal courage and strength.

2. When did you last cry?

While watching Wall-E, I think. Weekend before last. Though there was a moment on page 145 of the book I'm currently reading that made me choke up.

3. Dark or light chocolate, and why?

Light chocolate. Really light milk chocolate. I even like white chocolate. I don't like dark chocolate at all. Occasionally I will taste it thinking it can't be as bad as I remember and it always is, and I usually can't even finish a small square of it.

4. What did you eat for breakfast?

Really delicious chicken soup with rosemary and green beans. I made it overnight in the slow cooker. Also orange juice (because I think I might have cold coming on and I want to nip it in the bud) and a small container of prune yogurt.

5. What's your favorite flavour of ice cream?

... Vanilla.

That answer surprised me. I normally say butterscotch, and I do like pralines and cream, and maple walnut. Even though I don't usually like walnuts. But right now? I've come to love vanilla more and more.

6. How would you react if you met John Barrowman?

With aplomb. With wit and charm and intelligence. Yes, really. I hope.

Or maybe I'd just jibber adoringly.

7. Who would you most like to hug?

Sydney Newman, or maybe Verity Lambert.

[gillo]

1. What do you think of Angel leaving Sunnydale?
2. When did you last Re-read Dunnett?
3. Francis Crawford or Niccolo and why?
4. What did you think of the new Dr Who (11)?
5. What's your favorite

Buffy

episode to date?
6. How would you like to spend an all-expenses-paid month-long vacation?
7. Who would you most like to interview, from any of your fandoms ? (Character and, separately, actor.)

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

1. What do you think of Angel leaving Sunnydale?

Worst thing that has happened on the show so far. He was brilliant as UST-filled lover/enemy of Buffy. The strength of their relationship was a great counterpoint to the general lightness of the show, and gave it structure and pathos at the same time. Moreover, in internal story terms, I don't think his departure made sense: I wasn't convinced.

2. When did you last Re-read Dunnett?

Unbelievably, I think it must be... two or three years now since I last re-read the Lymond series in any quantity, and possibly ten years since I've done a full read-through. I did reread the first section of King Hereafter a few months ago.

3. Francis Crawford or Niccolo and why?

Francis Crawford because he is the greatest hero I have ever loved, in every way. I have mixed feelings about Nicholas.

4. What did you think of the new Dr Who (11)?

Initially, surprise. Followed by delight. Not because it was Matt Smith, whose name I didn't even recognize, but because it was a relative unknown. Best possible thing.

Then I realized I had already seen him (in Secret Diary of a Call Girl) and then I saw him in The Ruby in the Smoke and liked him. Personable, expressive, with a certain charm - yes. I am really quite thrilled with him.

Won't really know what he's like till after the Regeneration, of course, but I am quite delighted, especially since I have reservations about Ten as written (not about David Tennant, but about his persona as the Doctor) and look forward to the change.

5. What's your favorite Buffy episode to date?

Ooh, you don't ask easy questions, do you? I am having a hard time deciding between "Amends" and "Lover's Walk". Flip a coin.

6. How would you like to spend an all-expenses-paid month-long vacation?

Cruising the Mediterranean with a number of Dunnett fans, retracing Lymond's (and Nicholas') Mediterranean travels.

7. Who would you most like to interview, from any of your fandoms ? (Character and, separately, actor.)

Character: Captain Cairo Azarcon. I'd say Captain Jack Harkness (just for the pleasure of his company), but I know he'd never answer any of my real questions, not substantially. He doesn't even tell Ianto about himself, so why would he tell me?

Actor: Christopher Eccleston. I've seen very few interviews with him and I'd like to hear more about his thoughts about acting, about life, and so on.

[gillo]

Worst thing that has happened on the show so far.

Yet I don't really see where else they could have taken the character - the UST is much more convincing at a distance. And there are a lot of things which couldn't really have happened if he'd stayed around which I would bitterly regret the loss of.

Francis Crawford because he is the greatest hero I have ever loved, in every way. I have mixed feelings about Nicholas.

Me too. Somehow I don't quite feel so engaged by him, and much less ready to trust his choices.

I'm glad you're positive about Matt Smith. I'm not sure about the giant chin and emo hair, but it's clear he is a very talented actor with a lot to bring to the role. By the time we see him onscreen he will be very little younger than Five was.

I am having a hard time deciding between "Amends" and "Lover's Walk". Flip a coin.

Both good episodes, but not quite in my top ten. (Well, possibly

Lovers' Walk

just makes it in.) I'm not sure I buy in to the concept of the First in

Amends

, though the ending is pure beauty.

Cruising the Mediterranean with a number of Dunnett fans, retracing Lymond's (and Nicholas') Mediterranean travels.

Oh yes. Malta and Istanbul with people who know what to squee about in a chequered tiled floor!

Your last reply slightly surprised me - I thought Aral Vorkosigan would be in with a chance. *g*

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Yet I don't really see where else they could have taken the character - the UST is much more convincing at a distance.

I thought Buffy and Angel were pretty hot together, close-up and personal.

there are a lot of things which couldn't really have happened if he'd stayed around which I would bitterly regret the loss of.

Probably stuff I haven't got to yet? SO far in season three, I don't like Riley much, comparatively, and Buffy's relationship with Riley is not only disappointing to me, it makes me care less about Buffy, for forgetting her love of Angel so easily. It's anti-romantic.

Somehow I don't quite feel so engaged by him, and much less ready to trust his choices.

I quite loved Nicholas at first, in Niccolo Rising, but as the series continued, I liked him less, and felt him less convincing and less clear to me as a human being - he seemed to change from chapter to chapter and novel to novel. I lost track of who and what he was, the interior Nicholas.

Added to this, I liked Dorothy Dunnett's writing style less as she changed with time. So Francis Crawford is still to me my favourite hero of all time, and Nicholas is a good character in a good series that isn't the same.

By the time we see him onscreen he will be very little younger than Five was.

Age doesn't bother me either way. The Doctor is nine-hundred-and-mumble. Doesn't matter what age the actor playing him is. (I'd rather he wasn't nine or ninety, though.)

<>i>Malta and Istanbul with people who know what to squee about in a chequered tiled floor!

Wouldn't that be wonderful? And Venice. And Dubrovnik, because of Nanny Bird. Rome, because of Thorfinn.

I thought Aral Vorkosigan would be in with a chance. *g*

I considered Aral, of course. But I don't feel his life is shrouded in mystery. This isn't to say I don't want a dozen novels that follow his every move, but I don't have things I feel compelled to ask him because I don't know the answers. I know how he feels about life, his planet, his family. I also considered interviewing Cordelia, in terms of "what's life like with Aral Vorkosigan", but that seems unnecessary, too.

Cairo is full of personal mystery - I know who he is and how he got that way, sort of, but we've never heard his personal comments on his life with Falcone or the Admiral, or anything about his personal feelings about Ryan or Jos, or, in the end, Yuri - though we can guess. Or about his marriage, or his relationship with Warchild, and the political situation, and so on. I hope we get many more novels to explain these things. Meanwhile it would be fun to ask him. (Especially the difficult questions: "Why did you leave Falcone?" and "Do you feel you have betrayed the people of Earth by collaborating with the enemy?")

Anyway, I'm glad I could surprise you! I'd hate to be entirely predictable.

[wijsgeer.livejournal.com]

1. What do you think of flexible laws of nature?
2. When did you last fall in love?
3. curiosity or wisdom and why?
4. What did you do before internet?
5. What's your favorite fashion style ?
6. How would you demonstrate someone that you love them ?
7. Who would you most like to cast as the next companion of the Docter?

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

1. What do you think of flexible laws of nature?

Natural laws are always flexible and fluid - intuitive and mysterious. We tend to think of things in terms of black and white, or right and wrong, but in nature, it's all spectrums. As humans - the more flexible we can be, the healthier we are, both physically and figuratively.

2. When did you last fall in love?

The day I met maaseru. Unless you count Captain Jack Harkness.

3. curiosity or wisdom and why?

Both. You can't have one without the other. Wisdom is curious. Curiosity is wise. And the path of wisdom is not the same as the path of safety.

4. What did you do before internet?

Read. Wrote. Wrote letters - I had all sorts of pen-pals. I was a comic book letterhack. Really, I did what I do now, only on paper, not on the Net.

5. What's your favorite fashion style?

Oh, good question! Regency/Empire is my very favourite. Second favourite would be Cirque du Soleil-type theatrical. And Théâtre noir - the kind of sleek lines with black that RSC likes to use, and accents of white, with flowing coats.

6. How would you demonstrate someone that you love them ?

Tell them. And do things for them, that would be helpful and make things easier for them. Make them laugh, if I can.

7. Who would you most like to cast as the next companion of the Doctor?

John Barrowman as Captain Jack Harkness. Failing that - yeah, yeah, I know he has his own show - someone young and relatively unknown, and female. Perhaps Chipo Chung, who impressed me as Chanto and the Fortune Teller. She has potential. Emma Watson might be fun as a companion. Or just for seomthing different, with a young-appearing Doctor - how about Judi Dench?