I thought that the Dark Side had cookies, not cupcakes...

It's touching to find out that your co-workers will always take your interests into account when randomly picking up cupcakes.  Thanks to Christi and Wendy!!

- Sid

Tatooine Gothic.

Looking at the display of Sandpeople costumes that were part of the Star Wars and the Power of Costume exhibit at Seattle's EMP, I was irresistibly reminded of the classic painting by Grant Wood.

- Sid

Rebel, Jedi, Princess, Queen.

The Star Wars saga has its flaws: there are issues with dialogue, the science is doubtful, there's the whole unfortunate Phantom Menace/midi-chlorian thing, and really, it's hard to deny that the movies have gone downhill a little bit more with each iteration in the series.*  However, it's impossible to ignore the artistic brilliance of the films, the visual creativity that illuminates and informs George Lucas' epic tale of good and evil.

The Star Wars and the Power of Costume exhibit, currently on display at the EMP in Seattle,  explores and explains the large part of that visual storytelling which dedicated to the costuming for the films.  The exhibit features costumes from all six of the films, and clearly illustrates the crucial role played by the wardrobe department in the creation of the Star Wars universe.

The iconography established in the first film is classic and simple from start to finish.  The faceless Stormtroopers; Darth Vader's black armour and sinister helmet; Luke's simple farmboy garb; Obi-wan's monastic robes; Han Solo's morally ambiguous black-and-white gunslinger outfit; Leia's elegant white costume; each one contributes to a clear visual guide for each character's place in the story.

This fundamental symbolism continues for the next two movies:  Luke never returns to the innocence of his original costume, and over the course of time, his clothing indicates that he may be getting closer and closer to inheriting his father's dark legacy.  Leia's costumes confirm her position as a leader of the rebel forces, she dons an all-concealing disguise in an attempt to rescue Han from Jabba the Hut, is displayed in a degrading slave girl costume to emphasize her role as a captive, then symbolically uses her chains to strangle her captor.

The costumes of the second trilogy are more ornate and decorative, with only the robes of the Jedi retaining their simple design.  We are shown a more developed palette of colours, and it is no longer a simple matter to determine a character's allegiance based purely on their clothing, which enhances the more duplicitous turns of the plot:  Amidala appears as both Princess and handmaiden, Senator Palpatine's true nature is concealed then revealed, and Anakin Skywalker undergoes a slow transition from Jedi to Sith, with the final change to the dark trappings of his new persona as Darth Vader.

I visited the show during a recent weekend trip to Seattle with Karli, and it is fascinating to see the costumes in person - the degree of detail and craft is astonishing, and each display is accompanied by explanations and footnotes regarding various aspects of the costumes, their creation, and the influences behind their design.  It's on display at the Science Fiction section of the EMP until October 4, 2015, and if you're visiting Seattle, I'd say that it would be well worth your time to pay a visit and get a closer look at the costumes of a galaxy far, far away.

- Sid

*  Although I think we all have high hopes for the upcoming seventh film.

An Unearthly Child.

"In England, Doctor Who has always been considered a children's show, at least by children.

Alex Kingston

I noticed that the 10-year old girl who was part of this morning's brunch group was wearing this ring, but I didn't get a chance to ask about favourite episodes - there were too many grownups talking.

- Sid

Valar Morghulis.

Dying is easy. Comedy is hard.

On my very first date with the wonderful and gorgeous Karli, it was established that I enjoy being surprised, and since then she's managed to come up with an interesting selection of enjoyable geek-oriented evenings out.*

The most recent outing was to Throne and Games, a Game of Thrones improv show at the Improv Centre on Granville Island. Hosted by an edgy spot-on Petyr Littlefinger as performed by Graeme Duffy, the show was an entertaining series of riffs off the GOT lineup.**   The show is on until August 1st, and if you're a fan of improv comedy and Game of Thrones, I strongly recommend it.

However, one word of warning:  there's a point in the evening when Littlefinger asks the audience to vote for their favourite character.  No spoilers, but what do you think happens to the audience favourite in a show based around George R.R. Martin's approach to storytelling?

- Sid

* I'm told that this is a daunting challenge, but so far everything has been spot-on - full points to Miss KT.

** With a couple of rough spots, but such is the nature of improv.