177: Joy to the Worlds

[thefourthvine]

Thank you for the joy! Both the specific joy - the virtual gifts and compliments and wonderful things from today - and the general joy, because all of you are wonderful all year round.

This is my (other - first one here) attempt to spread joy, and I'm doing it by recommending things that make me happy. (AUs that make me happy, actually. Because apparently that is just what today calls for: joy in as many universes as possible.)

The One That Proves That, No Matter Where They Start, Ray and Fraser Are Destined for a Canadian Shack. (I Am So Going on a Shack Tour in Canada Someday.) Bell, Book and Mountie, by lamardeuse. Due South, Benton Fraser/Ray Kowalski.

I read this story when it first came out, and enjoyed it greatly, but I also spent most of it profoundly confused. "Where are the displaced children?" I asked myself. "Shouldn't someone be learning magic via correspondence course?" And, of course, "At what point do the animated suits of armor show up?" None of these things happened. It was very weird. Almost like...like it wasn't based on that movie at all.

Astute people will already have figured out that it was not, in fact, based on that movie at all, and that I had two movies confused. Bedknobs and Broomsticks, as it turns out, is totally not Bell, Book and Candle. I have seen the former. I have not seen the latter, mostly because Best Beloved has a serious, lifelong hate for that movie. (Ask her about it, and she'll just start muttering hostile things about florists, and she is not normally a floristphobe. And so I reassure her, and also anyone else who has a similar problem with the movie, that there are no florists in this story that I noticed.)

So, in case you're like me and very easily confused, I will spare you the two and a half bewildered (but fun) readings it took me to realize why my expectations were seriously awry: at no time in the course of this story does anyone animate suits of armor, and that is as it should be. And, in case you're like me and haven't seen Bell, Book and Candle (Side note: Oh my god, typing that so many times without the serial comma is killing my soul, but this story is worth it, and that's saying something, since I don't often put - well, basically anything ahead of the serial comma. Judge if you must.), rest assured that you don't need to have seen it to enjoy this story, and in fact you might be better off, since you won't be starting out with florist-related issues.

I love the switches and changes to the canon that lamardeuse has made here. This many major adjustments to a canon - like switching up Dief and Stella (people, don't try that at home) - can totally destroy an AU, but here, it works, and works so very well that the story's worth reading just as a perfect example of a transmogrification AU, even if you for some strange reason have no interest in dS on magic. (Although, really, is there anyone who doesn't want to see Ray Kowalski casting spells? I didn't think so.) Plus, you get Ray Vecchio in a jazz band. What more joy could you possibly want?

The One That Made Sexbots Legitimate. And Isn't It Past Time? The Soul and the Company Store, by Leah, one half of leahwoof. Stargate: Atlantis, Rodney McKay/John Sheppard.

This is one of the stories that has been recommended everywhere, and deservedly so. And so, as usual, I had to have my internal recommender's struggle (it's very angsty and tense, you wouldn't even believe it) - on the one hand, everyone will have already read it! But, on the other, what if someone has not read it? What if perhaps you, specifically, are thinking you don't really need to read a nice, long, plotty AU in which John Sheppard is a robot? (No, really, he's an actual robot - this is not one of those Shepbot jokes.)

The conclusion, as always: I will lend my voice to the multitudes. It is my duty. Because, honestly, you so need to read about robo-Sheppard. Which is not really like - actually, you know, I can't say that. I have never seen Robo-Cop and only have the vaguest idea what it might be about. (My guess: he's a robot! And a cop! Am I close? Also, I bet he doesn't spend a lot of time filling out reports or giving speeding tickets.) But, in any case, this is its very own thing, and deeply awesome, and I admit I never really had much desire to see an actual robot Sheppard, but now I totally do.

(And now I really need to interrupt this recs set to complain about a certain salesman. Salesman, when I tell you "no, I'm sorry," I mean NO - the "sorry" is just a little social lube, and you shouldn't take it to mean that I actually care. What it really means is no money for you. You have a range of appropriate responses to this - a time-honored one is calling me a bitch when I can't hear you - but, really. Do not whine, "Whyyyyy nawwwwwwt?" like you're eight and I just told you you couldn't have any more candy. And certainly do not spend a further five minutes whining at me, wasting my time and yours and instilling in me a violent hatred of a) you b) the company that employs you and c) the "service" said company provides. It's doubtful I could, at this point, bring myself to purchase that service if it was the only thing that could save my life. I could, however, totally bring myself to complain to your manager. Just, you know, FYI.)

Sorry. I needed to get that out. We now return to the recs set already in progress.

Except, hey. I might as well use this space to write further complaints, because here is what I need to say about this story: it is AWESOME. There are ROBOTS. And PLOT. Also, SEX. If those elements do not entice you, I have no help to offer you. (But I can refer you to a whining salesman - like a singing telegram except infinitely more annoying! - if that's more your speed.)

The One That Proves That One Universe Really Isn't Big Enough for Lex. Unless It's the Wrong Universe, in Which Case of Course He's Totally Happy. Looking Glass Country, by astolat. Smallville, Lex Luthors/Clark Kents. Yes, the plurals are deliberate.

astolat seems to have asked herself, "What is better than Lex Luthor?" and then answered, "TWO Lex Luthors," which is obviously the entirely correct answer. (I will give half a point to anyone who thought the right answer was, "Naked Lex Luthor," though. And, hey, this story has something for you, too!) In this story, she's masterfully reconciled the various editions of Lex (because, let's face it, even in a canon not precisely known for its slavish dedication to continuity, the many faces of Lex are, at best, a wee bit confusing) by, um, not really reconciling them at all. Here, they're really and truly different people. And, wow, they totally hate each other's lives. But, being Lexes, they can fix that.

And it is awesome and brilliant. And also there is what I consider to be a wholly appropriate treatment of Gorilla Grodd, who I have never liked. (I'm not a fan of the higher primates, for one thing.) And confusion to - well, to Lexes' enemies (let me just note here that I wholly support stories that require me to consider the various plurals of a character's name - I mean, I want to have to figure out if it should be Rononi or Diefenbachia or whatever! This is the sort of problem that makes life worth living! - but I feel that the truly considerate author will weigh in with an opinion on that in the story notes), but also to his co-workers, his minions, and, eventually, his friends.

I also think this is a brilliant extrapolation of Lex's personality (however it manifests): he actually does better at living someone else's life. Well, of course he does. It's more of a challenge, for one thing, and it's pretty much what he was raised to do, for another.

In short, I love this story. It gives me all the Lex a girl could want, exposes the inner workings of two universes, and makes my continuity-loving heart so very happy.

The One That Proves That Whoever Said Hell Was Looking in the Mirror Was Obviously Looking in the Wrong Mirror. Another Fine Universe You've Gotten Us Into, by tafkarfanfic. Stargate: SG-1, Daniel Jackson/Jack O'Neill.

This one brings me joy through sheer fun. I mean, haven't we all wanted to see the slapstick side of quantum mirror use? Okay. Probably most of us didn't even suspect there was a slapstick side of the quantum mirror. I know I didn't. But in retrospect, it makes so much sense. I mean, you have multiples of various people. (You know, when I put this one side-by-side with Looking Glass Country, I start to wonder if perhaps I get too much joy from characters meeting themselves, or traveling to alternate universes, or, as in this case, both. And then I think a) this is fan fiction, so I'm allowed and b) is there really such a thing as too much joy?) You have wacky interdimensional hijinks. In short, you have the opportunity for mix-ups on a scale that the Marx Brothers could only dream of. (Although let me say here and now that I think those guys could do awesome things with a few extra Harpos. Or a few extra Daniels, even. Oh, ow, now I have crossover brain freeze.)

Anyway. My point is that this is a whirlwind tour through many universes, as Daniel tries to find the right one and mostly ends up with shrimp and other assorted badnesses, which is unsurprising, since apparently the quantum mirror's purpose is to prove Leibniz right - sure, SG-1's universe may be a little fucked up, but apparently it's the best one on offer. And it's not like this story disproves that. It just proves that Jack and Daniel are past the point of being thrown by anything. If you'd been on SG-1 all these years, you would be, too.

It's rare that we get humorous fan fiction in SG1, but when we do, it's totally worth the wait. (And totally joyous, too.)

Comments

[melpemone.livejournal.com]

Another serial comma fan! I love you! *smish*

...oh, and thanks for the recs. There's a couple there I haven't read, and that brings me unstoppable joy. :)

[thefourthvine.livejournal.com]

We should form a society! I'd suggest serial_fans, but that's probably already taken.

*smishes you in return, for serial commaites have to stick together*

[laughingacademy.livejournal.com]

This is one of the stories that has been recommended everywhere, and deservedly so.

And yet I had never heard of it. So, there you go.

[laughingacademy.livejournal.com]

(My guess: he's a robot! And a cop! Am I close? Also, I bet he doesn't spend a lot of time filling out reports or giving speeding tickets.)

Strictly speaking he’s a cyborg — specifically, a policeman (played by Peter “Buckaroo Banzai” Weller) who, after dying in the line of duty, is turned into a prototype law enforcement unit by a weapons manufacturer. Plenty o’ carnage, very little paperwork.

And because I cannot pass up an opportunity to proselytize, have you see Hot Fuzz (http://imdb.com/title/tt0425112/)? There are a couple of scenes that will probably require a squeezable dog to sit through but it is funny as hell. And lots of stuff blows up real good.

[dine.livejournal.com]

*smishes your recs*

you always introduce me to fabulous stuff - I'd only read the Shepbot story previously and am totally in love with it. I'm now anticipating more wonderfulness as I dive into the others you listed - I can see nothing but happy happy joy joy here

[thefourthvine.livejournal.com]

It is indeed a set of joy, and I'm glad it could bring you some!

*smishes you, just because*

[girly-curl-3.livejournal.com]

FYI, your recs always bring joy.

Also, I seem to have somehow escaped reading Robot!Shep, which is Not Right and shall be remedied immediately. So, see?! Just in case, you should always give us your recs. There may be some poor deprived soul who's missing out.

[thefourthvine.livejournal.com]

I seem to have somehow escaped reading Robot!Shep

This is very sad. *weeps for all fankind* But at least you've been linked to it now!

Just in case, you should always give us your recs. There may be some poor deprived soul who's missing out.

See, I always remind myself of comments like these when I'm pondering whether or not to rec.

I suppose the ultimate test would be to rec Written by the Victors or Freedom's Just Another Word for Nothing Left to Lose and see if I got any "I hadn't read this!" comments. I suspect I would not, but who can say?

[darthfox.livejournal.com]

Okay, I've only read the first rec and haven't actually followed any of the links yet (and will have to take my contacts out before I do, because I was wrong to think I could hold off taking them out until I go to bed, urgh), but can I just say, OMFG I think I adore you for your serial-comma esteem. People just don't understand, do they? Aiea. (In short: I do judge, but I judge quite favorably.)

(I hardly ever get to use this icon.)

[fanofall.livejournal.com]

The serial comma is the only kind of comma. All other commas are wrong and bad.

[aynatonal.livejournal.com]

I have not read the sexbot story! But now I will! And there will be great rejoicing!

Yay!

[thefourthvine.livejournal.com]

I am increasingly joyful that I recommended that story. I had no idea there were so many poor souls whose lives had not been enlivened by Shepbot!

[tricksterquinn.livejournal.com]

I feel you should realize how hard a time I had not laughing fit to wake up the household at Diefenbachia.

Just sayin'.

[thefourthvine.livejournal.com]

*beams*

Thank you!

[fanofall.livejournal.com]

I've never read Bell, Book and Mountie, but it's been in my bookmarks forEVER. And now I have no excuse not to read it. I ... don't think that makes me sad, but then again, I like having excuses for things. :-D

[thefourthvine.livejournal.com]

*eyes you sternly*

You now have NO EXCUSE. You have to read, not just Bell, Book and Mountie, but all four of these. (It will bring you joy. I promise. Also, if you don't, there will be sorrow in the house of TFV, with wailing and gnashing of teeth. But, hey, no pressure.)

*hugs you tight, just because*

[suchthefangirl.livejournal.com]

I love Bell, Book and Candle. It's Jimmy Stewart, and Kim Novak and Jack Lemmon, and Ernie Kovaks, and Elsa Lanchester, and OMG it is so wonderful. I wanted to name my first child Gillian because of that movie (and play, I love both). I always wanted to be a witch and Gillian was one of my favorites. In fact, I wanted to name my other daughter Angelique after the witch in Dark Shadows, (and if I had a son his name was to be Byron) but then I got married and, surprise surprise, my husband wanted a say in the names, so instead my children have much weirder names.

But still. I love the movie. Ok, now that I've got that out of my system I am off to read the story.

Thank you for the recs, they have definitely brought joy into my life.

[thefourthvine.livejournal.com]

I love Bell, Book and Candle.

Good to know! Also, now I'm very curious about what you'll think of the story; I'm wondering if it will work as well for someone who really loves the movie. If you get a chance, I'd love to hear back about your reaction.

then I got married and, surprise surprise, my husband wanted a say in the names, so instead my children have much weirder names.

...I collect and love names (no, really - the oldest file on my computer is one featuring lists of names; I started it when I was 9, and have been transferring it from program to program and computer to computer ever since), and I am now dying to know what names your kids got.

[notpoetry.livejournal.com]

but this story is worth it, and that's saying something, since I don't often put - well, basically anything ahead of the serial comma.

Except two nouns. BA DUM CHING.

[thefourthvine.livejournal.com]

*groans*

I expect a written apology for that one, young lady.

[vass]

I tend to agree with you about the serial comma.

The Times once published a description of a Peter Ustinov documentary: "highlights of his global tour include encounters with Nelson Mandela, an 800-year-old demigod and a dildo collector." "Planet Ustinov", Nov 22, 1998

And in fact I have not read 'The Soul and the Company Store'. *goes to rectify this*

[thefourthvine.livejournal.com]

The Times once published a description of a Peter Ustinov documentary: "highlights of his global tour include encounters with Nelson Mandela, an 800-year-old demigod and a dildo collector."

Well. That's put an image in my head that's going to linger. *shudders*

WHY do people not understand the importance of the serial comma? It's a tiny little curl that can prevent tragedies (much like the one you cited)! I weep for humanity.

[laura47.livejournal.com]

since I don't often put - well, basically anything ahead of the serial comma. Judge if you must.

I judge and find you utterly correct! The serial comma is The Way And The Light.

(I Am So Going on a Shack Tour in Canada Someday.) really cracked me up.

*goes to read about Canadian shacks*

[thefourthvine.livejournal.com]

I judge and find you utterly correct! The serial comma is The Way And The Light.

Sister! *embraces you vigorously*

*goes to read about Canadian shacks*

Excellent. Everyone needs a Canadian shack - I mean, didn't Speranza's Shack Project prove that? I tell you, I am disappointed in the Canadian tourism industry for failing to provide shack tour packages. I will just have to create my own, I guess.

[kyuuketsukirui.livejournal.com]

I so hear you on the serial comma! It brings me joy to find another serial-comma lover! :D

[thefourthvine.livejournal.com]

It has made me happier than I can say that so many people have come out in these comments as serialists. I am filled with love for all fankind, I tell you. (Especially those who really get the importance of serial commas.)

Yay!

[labellementeuse.livejournal.com]

I start to wonder if perhaps I get too much joy from characters meeting themselves, or traveling to alternate universes, or, as in this case, both. And then I think a) this is fan fiction, so I'm allowed and b) is there really such a thing as too much joy?

And c), in Stargate fandom, it's possible that even the joy you get from it is not as great as the joy the show's writers and other creatives get from it. Duplicate Episodes: One In Every Season*, Sometimes Two.

*nearly.

[thefourthvine.livejournal.com]

Duplicate Episodes: One In Every Season*, Sometimes Two.

Really? For the first time, I'm kind of regretting that I haven't seen any SG1 or much SGA. Canonical duplicates are love!

[gwynevere1.livejournal.com]

The One That Proves That, No Matter Where They Start, Ray and Fraser Are Destined for a Canadian Shack.

Why must you keep saying things I need to have on a t-shirt?

[thefourthvine.livejournal.com]

I'm a shill for the t-shirt industry. (Um, that's a secret. Don't tell anyone!)

And thank you! *beams*

[giandujakiss.livejournal.com]

I'm so with you on the serial comma, you have no idea.

Also, Bell, Book, and Candle (see? I have less strength) is highly entertaining and takes such a horrifically, painfully, agonizingly sexist turn at the end that it becomes almost unwatchable - even when you make mental adjustments for the era in which it was made.

[thefourthvine.livejournal.com]

ANOTHER serial comma fan. I am thrilled to my bones. *beams*

Also, Bell, Book, and Candle (see? I have less strength) is highly entertaining and takes such a horrifically, painfully, agonizingly sexist turn at the end that it becomes almost unwatchable - even when you make mental adjustments for the era in which it was made.

Yeah, that seems to be the essence of Best Beloved's problem with the movie. (And she watched it when she was small, so she feels, you know, personally betrayed. The resentment is very strong.)

[(Anonymous)]

Hi, you don't know me, I just surfed in here from some link or other, but I wanted to tell you that your writing style in this post has brought me lots of joy--never did I think I'd meet someone who can so nearly match me for parenthetical statements and random tangents--so yay for spreading of More Joy in unusual ways!

And also, what looks like really awesome fic (Ray K? Casting spells? I am all over that!), so thanks again!

--travels_in_time, who can't log in at work for reasons that don't need exploring at this juncture

[thefourthvine.livejournal.com]

Hi!

And I totally agree - yay for More Joy and yay for parenthetical remarks and tangents. (I sometimes think my brain consists of nothing else. It's all trivia and blathering in there.)

And also, what looks like really awesome fic (Ray K? Casting spells? I am all over that!), so thanks again!

My thesis is supported: everyone does indeed want a spell-casting Ray K. (Although now I'm thinking of Ray(s) and Fraser at Hogwarts. Okay. Bad thought. Must go do something constructive before I start actually writing that down.)

[imkalena.livejournal.com]

I can haz robot story! It sounds really kewl!

[thefourthvine.livejournal.com]

It is! (Did you read it yet? Didja didja didja?)

[phnelt.livejournal.com]

Firstly, I just have to say that I feel the serial comma pain, my worst experience with it has been with the band Peter Bjorn and John (which I just mentally confused with Peter, Paul, and Mary, which is honestly something I could have lived a happy life without)--where was I? Right. They eschew the comma altogether! I mean, what did the poor comma ever do to them?

The one thing that bothers me more than the lack of serial commahood is the incorrect placement in God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen. Those Gentlemen aren't necessarily merry! The song already discriminates against women and the poor, why make mental state another platform for prejudice? Why the hate, is what I'm really asking.

I wasn't aware that sexbots still needed to be legitimized. Thank you for that PSA about sexbot issues. (I feel safe admitting here in the privacy of parentheses that deep in my soul I have always believed Sheppard to be a robot)

I want to have to figure out if it should be Rononi or Diefenbachia or whatever! This, right here, is why you win the internet, full stop.

To conclude: thanks for bringing serious (seriously awesome!) joy to my day, no, to my entire life. Even without knowing you, I think I can safely say 'never change'.

[thefourthvine.livejournal.com]

Peter Bjorn and John

Are you sure this isn't a band of just two guys, one named Peter Bjorn (possibly by parents who could not agree on a name) and the other named John? Because if it's actually a band of three guys, I think I am forced to hate all of them.

God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

See, I have a theory about that: the song is inviting all gentlemen to rest merry, not just merry gentlemen to rest. That way, the comma makes sense. My issue with it, then, is that the comma isn't voiced - when you sing it, you sing "God rest ye merry gentlemen" with no pause at all to indicate that there's punctuation there.

What can I say? I'm a pedant. *points to icon*

I wasn't aware that sexbots still needed to be legitimized.

*nods*

A lot of people are surprised to hear that sexbots are still marginalized in our society, but it's true. Join the fight! Support sexbots today!

I feel safe admitting here in the privacy of parentheses that deep in my soul I have always believed Sheppard to be a robot

You are not alone in this. Possibly people feel there has to be some explanation for his, you know, personality and behavior and general existence. (But if he's a robot, he's a robot that I like a lot!)

Even without knowing you, I think I can safely say 'never change'.

*blushes*

Thank you!

[boniblithe.livejournal.com]

*I* have never read that SGA story, so you brought me joy with this rec :D

[thefourthvine.livejournal.com]

Yay! (And I'm glad I rec'd it. Who doesn't need some Shepbot in her life?)

Here's my joy

[dormouse-in-tea.livejournal.com]

Hi! *waves* I was re-reading the saga of the Sweet Potato Dog, and followed your backtrail, and friended you, because I love reading you. I hope that's okay.

You've already given my HOURS of happiness with your recommendations. I don't read a lot of fic unless people rec it, and I don't normally do vids, but my head has exploded with pure glee after watching this vid, and so I thought I'd offer it to you.

Fandom: Firefly/Serenity
Song: Defying Gravity -- Wicked soundtrack (the musical)
Vidder: YFish42

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdXkGXD7gDc

(sorry about the youtube, it's the only link I know of...the quality isn't too bad. Er, for youtube)

I don't know if you're at all familiar with the musical Wicked, but they did a FABULOUS job.

[mari-redstar.livejournal.com]

Word on the Oxford comma. (I'd like to thank my parents, Ayn Rand and God...)

Bell, Book and Candle

[lknomad.livejournal.com]

You did see Bell, Book and Candle in play form as a child. It was at at the same theater where you were a blue being. It stared Lorraine Newman and she was terrible. It was a long time ago and you probably wont remember it..Well it is obvious you don't. I don't even remember the plot but we did see it.

[blottingtheink.livejournal.com]

I know I am late in the joy-giving--and as well, a completely unknown quantity--but I would like to say something. To you. And after hours of deliberating (and, alas! I am not exaggerating) I have decided to go ahead and risk it. What I am risking, I am not quite sure. So! Full speed ahead!

After--uh, let's see--eight plus years stalking (I don't even qualify as a lurker, I think. It's best to just own up to my stalker-dom.) various branches of the great fandom-entity that is like an octupus (only with, you know, more legs) stretching its space-creature body that is slightly ponderous but still ultimately wonderful across the internet, I finally found my way to your LJ. So: I'm new here.

But so, so glad to be here. I have spent days working my way through your backlog of postings--and, can I just say, I have hardly ever laughed so hard and so often? I have been going through them all more (at this point) for the sheer delight of reading what you have to say than for the recs themselves. (Although, major props, I've enjoyed every single one I've read so far. I am also on the verge of diving into new fandoms, simply to be able to read what you enjoy.) You have an amazing voice; your writing is incredibly personable, friendly and approachable, as well as clearly your own. I love the tics of your writing; the whole combination makes it just really goddamn hilarious. It's as if you notice--or think of--something funny, and then can't help inviting other people to laugh with you.

In addition, you extend this sense of camaraderie to everyone who visits your journal, inviting comments, holding polls, asking for and listening to feedback. It's wonderful. You seem something like a fandom older sister--I love that you invite people to respond and comment in your LJ--welcoming people into fandom, helping direct them, and pushing them to new, exciting avenues. Okay, or a drug pusher. You know, whatever. And beyond my joy at simply reading your journal, I love that you--with all your idiosyncrasies, friendliness, and great taste--simply exist. It's kinda like how I feel about ice skating or hobby stores--I love that they're there, even though I will never, ever ice skate again, and can't paste things together to save my life. It seems to make life just, well, better. So, slightly embarrassed at this effusion, but hoping to wish you the best, this is where I bow out. Happy 2008.

[retrofit88.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the recs - hadn't read three of these, and _really_ enjoyed them. Had already seen Robot!Shep (enjoyed that, too) - sort of reminded me (though with more sex) of "My Robot Buddy (http://www.amazon.com/My-Robot-Buddy-Alfred-Slote/dp/0064401650)". But you know, not quite.

Also, I totally agree with giandujakiss about Bell, Book, and Candle - saw an unfinished multipart Orlando-Bloom-in-Legolas-mode-as-Gil fic a couple years ago that was good enough to get me interested to see the movie, and when I did, I was torn between enjoying it and being irritated by it most of the way through. By the end, it was just _SOO_ unsatisfying and benighted that I was annoyed for having seen it at all. But I do still like to say "Pyewacket".

Didn't know the technical name of the serial comma, but I am with you all the way. My fourth grade teacher preferred the other style, and I spent a whole year getting little red marks on every writing assignment I turned in. She didn't get that I totally _understood_ how to do it her way, but thought it looked dorky.