So much for 2010. A curious year for me, really. Quiet, compared with the turbulent 2008, and the dreadful 2009. 2010 began as a stalemate, transitioned to something better. Kind of odd, the passage of these past few years, relative to the long slog of the years before them.
I'm ready for you, 2011. Bring it!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Shouting Match
Last night, way early, maybe 3 a.m. (?) I overheard a couple arguing somewhere in the building. They were really going at it. From their voices, it sounded like a couple of 20-somethings arguing. The guy said at one point, referencing the fire escape "There's a real quick elevator for you, right there." The gal said some stuff, but I couldn't hear it, and then later, I heard the guy yell "Stop striking me!" Which seemed kind of a prissy way of putting it. "Striking?" I think some cops came at some point, because I heard a third voice there, and the guy calmed down, and the gal quieted down. My sense was that the guy was the primary asshole in the confrontation, although they were both probably drunk (since usually the 3-4 a.m. loud confrontations like that are when the bars close, and folks head home).
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wow.
It's amazing that the year's almost over. What a year it's been, too. I'm thinking 2011 will be a much better year, across the board. I'm certainly working to make it so.
It's around 41 degrees right now. That's also kind of amazing, since we're nearly into January. WTF?!
B1's 9th birthday is coming up, too. I got him some great presents. I'm excited for him to get them, as I think he'll dig'em.
It's around 41 degrees right now. That's also kind of amazing, since we're nearly into January. WTF?!
B1's 9th birthday is coming up, too. I got him some great presents. I'm excited for him to get them, as I think he'll dig'em.
Monday, December 27, 2010
This and that
I mailed out the Fantasy novel this morning. Yay! Hopefully something'll come of it. One of the liabilities of my current printer is the thing has dinky inkjet cartridges. I think the next time I print out something substantive, I'll go to Kinko's. I didn't want to have to do that this go'round, however.
I picked up the boys this afternoon, and they're chilling out with me.
Made spaghetti with a homemade marinara sauce tonight. Yum! My boys won't touch the stuff. Some day, they'll actually try what I cook, and they'll realize that I'm a good cook!
I picked up the boys this afternoon, and they're chilling out with me.
Made spaghetti with a homemade marinara sauce tonight. Yum! My boys won't touch the stuff. Some day, they'll actually try what I cook, and they'll realize that I'm a good cook!
Companionship
Aww, Weighted Companion Cube. So sweet. I hardly knew ye...
PORTAL was a fun, funny, demented game. The sequel comes out next year, near my birthday. I can hardly wait! See GLaDOS watching in the background? Her camera? She hates the Weighted Companion Cube.
PORTAL was a fun, funny, demented game. The sequel comes out next year, near my birthday. I can hardly wait! See GLaDOS watching in the background? Her camera? She hates the Weighted Companion Cube.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Not a creature was stirring...
...except for me, naturally. I woke up around 10:45 last night, and felt like I'd been asleep a long time. I think I'd just conked so quickly that it felt like that. Got up early, as ever.
The boys enjoyed their Christmas; B1 said "I wish today would never end." which was sweet and sad. I told him he'd have many more good Christmases to come. B1 still believes in Santa Claus. B2 wanted there to be more presents under my tree, but I'd stuck with getting the boys three presents each, with three that were shared between them, too, for a total of nine gifts. I thought that was plenty. But I can't compete by myself with Exene's family, who pile on the giftage -- I mean, it's 5:1 odds against me, there, peoplewise! I'm sure Exene's sister and mom went over the top on gifting. I got a glimpse when I picked up the boys. The boys enjoyed what I got'em, but I just didn't get'em as much as their relatives did, I guess.
We had a white Christmas, which was pretty. Not as idyllic as the snow of the other day, which was very picturesque. But it was nice enough.
I took advantage of Exene having the boys Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning to finish the editing of the third book I'm trying to sell. I'm going to get that out the door this week. All part of increasing the odds, getting the product out the door! After that, not sure what I'll work on next. I have to take stock, see what I should work on next. It's all about getting the books out that I can get out the quickest, rather than the drafts that require more massaging to get finalized. It's nice to have that much material to fall back on, however, to be in the position of having to choose what to send out the door, and having more, rather than less material.
Some SF ideas that I've had in my head awhile are bouncing around in there, and I may indulge them sooner or later. I'm trying to eat my broccoli, writing-wise, and handle the business side of things, instead of diving into the fun of working on a new piece.
The boys enjoyed their Christmas; B1 said "I wish today would never end." which was sweet and sad. I told him he'd have many more good Christmases to come. B1 still believes in Santa Claus. B2 wanted there to be more presents under my tree, but I'd stuck with getting the boys three presents each, with three that were shared between them, too, for a total of nine gifts. I thought that was plenty. But I can't compete by myself with Exene's family, who pile on the giftage -- I mean, it's 5:1 odds against me, there, peoplewise! I'm sure Exene's sister and mom went over the top on gifting. I got a glimpse when I picked up the boys. The boys enjoyed what I got'em, but I just didn't get'em as much as their relatives did, I guess.
We had a white Christmas, which was pretty. Not as idyllic as the snow of the other day, which was very picturesque. But it was nice enough.
I took advantage of Exene having the boys Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning to finish the editing of the third book I'm trying to sell. I'm going to get that out the door this week. All part of increasing the odds, getting the product out the door! After that, not sure what I'll work on next. I have to take stock, see what I should work on next. It's all about getting the books out that I can get out the quickest, rather than the drafts that require more massaging to get finalized. It's nice to have that much material to fall back on, however, to be in the position of having to choose what to send out the door, and having more, rather than less material.
Some SF ideas that I've had in my head awhile are bouncing around in there, and I may indulge them sooner or later. I'm trying to eat my broccoli, writing-wise, and handle the business side of things, instead of diving into the fun of working on a new piece.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Magno
On a whim, playing HALF-LIFE 2, I took Dog's toy, a defused magnetic mine, along with me, just to see how far I could take it. The magnetic mines are kind of cute, bouncing along, pursuing you. This one, which I dubbed "Magno," became a kind of pet and/or sidekick for me on the game for awhile, bringing unanticipated benefits -- sure, Magno could be used as a deadly projectile by the zero point energy projector (aka, "Gravity Gun"), and would wander back to you in its bumbling way.
It served as a great headcrab-squisher, as if you weren't in the area (since it always tries to come back to you), it'll track after anything else moving in an area, and it proved excellent at chasing down and squishing headcrabs.
What's more, lobbing Magno into a zombie area worked like hotcakes, as the zombies would fixate on Magno, trying futilely to pummel it, leaving you alone -- basic zombiebait. I'd lob Magno at them, and it'd roll right up to the zombies, fully occupying them.
Then I'd just snipe at the zombies until they were gone, then pick Magno back up again and move on. The one liability with Magno is that if it got anywhere near fire or explosions, it would blow up, too. Otherwise, Magno was very useful, and it was great fun watching it go after enemies.
I managed to take it through Ravenholm, where it was a huge help, and even (after some effort) found a way to get it to Father Grigori, who didn't know what to make of Magno, and would shoot at it. The Ravenholm linkup was a bit of a challenge, as there was some kind of programming firewall that kept Magno from accompanying me all the way in the gondola -- it would be repelled by something midway through. However, I was able to launch Magno into Father Grigori's "parish" (hahah, "perish") and know it got there successfully by Grigori shooting at it with his shotgun.
Magno was a huge asset against the mass of cemetery zombies, as they just dogpiled the chirpy mine. I had to move Magno to the fenced-off area that advances you to the next level, just because of all the fire and explosions that occur in the main area. But with Magno happily bouncing behind the fencing, the zombies just piled up there, trying to get at it, making them prime targets.
I took Magno with me down into the mine, actually dropping it ahead of time, since that mine is packed with all types of headcrabs. It's normally a pretty horrifying place to be, but with Magno chasing after irate headcrabs, "Benny Hill"-style, it was amusing. The fast headcrabs would gesture in irritation, too, clearly trying to come to terms with their tormentor.
Sadly, I couldn't take Magno with me the entire way, because magnetic mines explode when they come into contact with water, and there's an area in the mine where you have to swim through a flooded part of the mine in order to escape, and if Magno goes beneath the water, it detonates. I couldn't find a way around that, so I left Magno in the main part of the mine, to chase down headcrabs and squish'em.
At least other Lambda operatives could find aid from Magno, if they got down there. I hated to leave it behind, since I wanted to ultimately return it to Dog, hadn't counted on it being so useful in the game.
Magno had no problem squishing even the big toxic headcrabs.
It served as a great headcrab-squisher, as if you weren't in the area (since it always tries to come back to you), it'll track after anything else moving in an area, and it proved excellent at chasing down and squishing headcrabs.
See? Zombies that would normally
be going after me are busy with Magno!
be going after me are busy with Magno!
What's more, lobbing Magno into a zombie area worked like hotcakes, as the zombies would fixate on Magno, trying futilely to pummel it, leaving you alone -- basic zombiebait. I'd lob Magno at them, and it'd roll right up to the zombies, fully occupying them.
Magno fucking up a toxic headcrab.
Then I'd just snipe at the zombies until they were gone, then pick Magno back up again and move on. The one liability with Magno is that if it got anywhere near fire or explosions, it would blow up, too. Otherwise, Magno was very useful, and it was great fun watching it go after enemies.
You can just make out Magno in this mass of zombies.
I managed to take it through Ravenholm, where it was a huge help, and even (after some effort) found a way to get it to Father Grigori, who didn't know what to make of Magno, and would shoot at it. The Ravenholm linkup was a bit of a challenge, as there was some kind of programming firewall that kept Magno from accompanying me all the way in the gondola -- it would be repelled by something midway through. However, I was able to launch Magno into Father Grigori's "parish" (hahah, "perish") and know it got there successfully by Grigori shooting at it with his shotgun.
Father Grigori (l) clearly flummoxed by Magno.
Magno was a huge asset against the mass of cemetery zombies, as they just dogpiled the chirpy mine. I had to move Magno to the fenced-off area that advances you to the next level, just because of all the fire and explosions that occur in the main area. But with Magno happily bouncing behind the fencing, the zombies just piled up there, trying to get at it, making them prime targets.
A moment in the gondola, before Magno gets repelled.
I took Magno with me down into the mine, actually dropping it ahead of time, since that mine is packed with all types of headcrabs. It's normally a pretty horrifying place to be, but with Magno chasing after irate headcrabs, "Benny Hill"-style, it was amusing. The fast headcrabs would gesture in irritation, too, clearly trying to come to terms with their tormentor.
Magno, last seen in the mine at Ravenholm.
Note the dead headcrabs (r).
Note the dead headcrabs (r).
Sadly, I couldn't take Magno with me the entire way, because magnetic mines explode when they come into contact with water, and there's an area in the mine where you have to swim through a flooded part of the mine in order to escape, and if Magno goes beneath the water, it detonates. I couldn't find a way around that, so I left Magno in the main part of the mine, to chase down headcrabs and squish'em.
Magno gets in a Fast Zombie scrum, driving'em bananas.
At least other Lambda operatives could find aid from Magno, if they got down there. I hated to leave it behind, since I wanted to ultimately return it to Dog, hadn't counted on it being so useful in the game.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Snow Globe
It snowed last night, like a proper snowstorm, and looked lovely. We didn't get too much snow -- maybe three inches fell? But it was idyllic, the big, fluffy flakes. Lovely stuff. I asked the boys if they wanted to go to Zoo Lights last night, but they both balked -- B2 even ran and put his PJs on, and said "See? I'm in my jammies!"
I'm revising one of the fantasy novels, which was around 82,000 words long; while doing so, I compared it with another draft of it that was 113,000 words long, and I decided to mine that larger version and put that stuff into the draft I'm working on, so I added around 27,000 more words to the book, making it around 108,000 words long, which is a nicely-sized fantasy novel. I think it'll work better at that length. I think I had dropped the size of it in the past because one character in the story kind of upstages the hero of it, and I didn't want that to happen, but there were a lot of good sections in that longer draft that I decided to incorporate, anyway. I'll make those work.
The boys are definitely psyched about Christmas, of course. And B1's birthday is right after the new year starts, so I always have double duty, giftwise. After that, things should settle down markedly. It's kind of amazing to think that Christmas is nearly here, and 2010 is nearly over. Lordy, it went by quickly.
I'm revising one of the fantasy novels, which was around 82,000 words long; while doing so, I compared it with another draft of it that was 113,000 words long, and I decided to mine that larger version and put that stuff into the draft I'm working on, so I added around 27,000 more words to the book, making it around 108,000 words long, which is a nicely-sized fantasy novel. I think it'll work better at that length. I think I had dropped the size of it in the past because one character in the story kind of upstages the hero of it, and I didn't want that to happen, but there were a lot of good sections in that longer draft that I decided to incorporate, anyway. I'll make those work.
The boys are definitely psyched about Christmas, of course. And B1's birthday is right after the new year starts, so I always have double duty, giftwise. After that, things should settle down markedly. It's kind of amazing to think that Christmas is nearly here, and 2010 is nearly over. Lordy, it went by quickly.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Leggo, Lego!
Lego's Minifigures are super-cute, but it's such a ripoff. I like this one...
The license plate is a nice touch. And this one is great, too, and comes with two additional mime heads, with different expressions, like a happy mime head, sad mime head, frantic mime head...
They're great, but Lego's got them way, way overpriced, the Danish bastards! So, I won't be getting any anytime soon, but they are cute.
The license plate is a nice touch. And this one is great, too, and comes with two additional mime heads, with different expressions, like a happy mime head, sad mime head, frantic mime head...
They're great, but Lego's got them way, way overpriced, the Danish bastards! So, I won't be getting any anytime soon, but they are cute.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Christmas Commando
I am a Christmas commando. Exene hadn't had the boys since, what, Tuesday of last week (she'd had stomach flu Friday, and balked at having the boys over, which I can't blame her for that), so I had been minding the boys since Wednesday, and so today is one of the only days I have this week to actually do any proper Christmas-stuff. I'd already gotten the boys their gifts, by and large, although I'd wanted to get a few more things, just for coverage. I don't believe in overgifting for Christmas -- in my view 3-4 gifts each is plenty for the kids (not counting stockings). So, I had four gifts for B1, three gifts for B2, and three "combo" gifts for both of the boys. That'll do'em just fine (especially since Exene's family is trekking to the city once again to dutifully drop presents off -- tough gig, I know. Were I still in the yoke, I'd be driving to the Outlaws with Exene snoozing in the car. But I'm not -- YAY!) Anyway, everything's wrapped and hidden away -- I love that I have a perfect hiding place in the closet for the gifts, and the boys never would even think to look there -- B1 because it'd violate his sense of fair play to even look for presents, and B2 because he doesn't realize that there's a perfectly good cubby in the master closet for gifts -- muahaha!)
Anyway, glad to have that all locked down, well in advance of the holiday. I never do last-minute shopping; not my style. But not having to worry about that stuff makes it even better. Especially since, with B1 on vacation, now, I only had a window of opportunity today/tonight to get that stuff all handled, because the boys would immediately suss out any Christmas stuff, if they saw it! Bahah!
Mission accomplished. Now I can relax, coast right up to Christmas. Exene's got Christmas Eve this year, since her family's in town; I'm getting Christmas Day. Important to note that, since next year, I'm sooo getting Christmas Eve.
Anyway, glad to have that all locked down, well in advance of the holiday. I never do last-minute shopping; not my style. But not having to worry about that stuff makes it even better. Especially since, with B1 on vacation, now, I only had a window of opportunity today/tonight to get that stuff all handled, because the boys would immediately suss out any Christmas stuff, if they saw it! Bahah!
Mission accomplished. Now I can relax, coast right up to Christmas. Exene's got Christmas Eve this year, since her family's in town; I'm getting Christmas Day. Important to note that, since next year, I'm sooo getting Christmas Eve.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Vae Victis
I was amused by some of these Overwatch chaps I dispatched in "Half-Life 2" -- their poses...
Nice stretch, right? Flexible fellow.
This fellow I managed to pin to the billboard with a crossbow shot to the neck, and was amused to see him hanging there, since I'd only expected him to fall, not to hang there.
This guy could make the Rockettes envious.
Nice stretch, right? Flexible fellow.
This fellow I managed to pin to the billboard with a crossbow shot to the neck, and was amused to see him hanging there, since I'd only expected him to fall, not to hang there.
This guy could make the Rockettes envious.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Days of Future Past
This piece irks me, for many reasons...
http://www.salon.com/books/fiction/index.html?story=/books/feature/2010/12/16/21st_century_science_fiction
SF didn't run out of things to say; it's just that people stopped paying attention to it.
http://www.salon.com/books/fiction/index.html?story=/books/feature/2010/12/16/21st_century_science_fiction
SF didn't run out of things to say; it's just that people stopped paying attention to it.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Sickies
B1 is sick with stomach flu; I got a call from Exene this morning, asking to come get B1, that he'd been up sick most of the night with stomach flu. Poor guy. I called him in sick from school. I've got the boys for the next few days, so that'll at least give'em a fighting chance, TLC-wise.
B2 hasn't shown any signs, yet (or he may have had it the other day, since Exene told me that he'd been sick the other day). So, hopefully he's over it, since I'd not like to have two sick boys at the same time. I'll handle it, whatever comes along.
B2 hasn't shown any signs, yet (or he may have had it the other day, since Exene told me that he'd been sick the other day). So, hopefully he's over it, since I'd not like to have two sick boys at the same time. I'll handle it, whatever comes along.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Birch Barking
C-c-cold
Way cold today, although, thankfully, not windy. But still, chilly, Chicago-style.
Worked hard this morning, crafting synopses and outlines for one of the books.
Mostly what I was up to today, just because it was a hunker-down chilly kind of day.
Worked hard this morning, crafting synopses and outlines for one of the books.
Mostly what I was up to today, just because it was a hunker-down chilly kind of day.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Writing Machine
I woke up super-early for some reason. Annoying, but I'll make it work for me at the moment. I finished the edits to the book I was working on. I like it well enough -- I remember why I never proceeded further on that one: namely, because it ends on a cliffhanger, fairly demanding a sequel, and, at least at the time, I didn't want to jump right into a sequel for that one. I had originally wanted that one to be a stand-alone Fantasy novel, not the prelude to an epic, since Fantasy novels have "epicitis," basically. And since the marketing of that one will require me to likely pitch it as a lead-in to an epic, which implies that I'd have the entire thing planned out to the end, which isn't the case with something like an epic. But I'm still hopeful that I can market it, even as I'm wary of the larger implications of it. I have a "sequel" of sorts for it I could adapt, and may have to do that. And/or, I may write Fantasy books that are set in the world I created and advance the story I set up in Book 1 with a big brush, without necessarily jumping right into where I left off in the first book. Not entirely sure at the moment.
What I'm not going to do right now is write something cold, right out of the blue; at the moment, I'm occupied with finalizing every book draft I have on file -- three down, nine to go. Just working my way through the stack.
This week'll be primarily occupied with marketing those three books, although I'm also thinking about which book to finalize next. Based purely on word count, I may do Book 2 of the Fantasy (I know, after the brooding above, I'm somewhat ambivalent about that, but if I'm working my way down from longest/most finished book drafts to the shortest, least-finalized ones, it'll be the choice that compels itself). I may bite the bullet (heh, or the crossbow bolt, as it were) and just press on with that, having the first two of the epic finalized, hoping that it'll be enough to entice a publisher, without having to be on the hook for Book 3. We'll see.
Otherwise, it'll be one of the Young Adult/New Adult novels, one of which requires a major revision/rewrite I've been putting off for a month or two. I'm being very disciplined, at least for the moment.
I saw "Black Swan" yesterday, and found I enjoyed it (had "Swan Lake" in my head for the rest of the day). I thought the casting of it was near-perfect, despite not being a fan of Natalie Portman's acting -- but in this movie, it worked, she worked. The director shot it in a style that made me think of a documentary, like the use of film, which added, despite the oddness in it, a kind of reality vibe to it. The movie was laughably over the top in a number of parts -- almost operatically so, amusingly enough, for a ballet movie. There was a little missing in the characterizations, and an unreliable "narrator" kind of thing that made it somewhat disorienting, but there were some good scenes in it, too. Winona Ryder's casting as a discarded ballet star was fascinating, given her also-ran status in Hollywood, anymore -- it was hard to see her in a fairly small role as the unhinged ballet casualty and not think of how her acting life has gone the last decade or more.
And that was something in the movie that was curious -- between Mila Kunis (as the young rival to Portman), Portman herself (as the ingenue ballet star), Ryder (as the fallen star), and Barbara Hershey (as the never-was/wannabe star/mom from hell), there was a curious unity between all of these women. Like past, present, and future all contending with one another and/or represented in one movie. Again, the casting director earns props for their choices, because they resonate.
The Black Swan dance was the standout moment of the movie for me, just visually striking and dazzling to behold, a literal whirlwind of sensation. Anyway, I enjoyed the movie far more than I thought I would, even with the dramatic limitations of Portman in evidence -- the directory adroitly moved around and through them, a kind of ballet of its own, I suppose.
What I'm not going to do right now is write something cold, right out of the blue; at the moment, I'm occupied with finalizing every book draft I have on file -- three down, nine to go. Just working my way through the stack.
This week'll be primarily occupied with marketing those three books, although I'm also thinking about which book to finalize next. Based purely on word count, I may do Book 2 of the Fantasy (I know, after the brooding above, I'm somewhat ambivalent about that, but if I'm working my way down from longest/most finished book drafts to the shortest, least-finalized ones, it'll be the choice that compels itself). I may bite the bullet (heh, or the crossbow bolt, as it were) and just press on with that, having the first two of the epic finalized, hoping that it'll be enough to entice a publisher, without having to be on the hook for Book 3. We'll see.
Otherwise, it'll be one of the Young Adult/New Adult novels, one of which requires a major revision/rewrite I've been putting off for a month or two. I'm being very disciplined, at least for the moment.
I saw "Black Swan" yesterday, and found I enjoyed it (had "Swan Lake" in my head for the rest of the day). I thought the casting of it was near-perfect, despite not being a fan of Natalie Portman's acting -- but in this movie, it worked, she worked. The director shot it in a style that made me think of a documentary, like the use of film, which added, despite the oddness in it, a kind of reality vibe to it. The movie was laughably over the top in a number of parts -- almost operatically so, amusingly enough, for a ballet movie. There was a little missing in the characterizations, and an unreliable "narrator" kind of thing that made it somewhat disorienting, but there were some good scenes in it, too. Winona Ryder's casting as a discarded ballet star was fascinating, given her also-ran status in Hollywood, anymore -- it was hard to see her in a fairly small role as the unhinged ballet casualty and not think of how her acting life has gone the last decade or more.
And that was something in the movie that was curious -- between Mila Kunis (as the young rival to Portman), Portman herself (as the ingenue ballet star), Ryder (as the fallen star), and Barbara Hershey (as the never-was/wannabe star/mom from hell), there was a curious unity between all of these women. Like past, present, and future all contending with one another and/or represented in one movie. Again, the casting director earns props for their choices, because they resonate.
The Black Swan dance was the standout moment of the movie for me, just visually striking and dazzling to behold, a literal whirlwind of sensation. Anyway, I enjoyed the movie far more than I thought I would, even with the dramatic limitations of Portman in evidence -- the directory adroitly moved around and through them, a kind of ballet of its own, I suppose.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Huh
Firefox has a new update, this one with personalization of the browser, blah blah blah. I went with "Yakuza Paint," which caught my eye, although at the moment it keeps drawing my gaze to the upper-right corner of the browser, as my eyes are not yet used to the layout, keeping going "Huh? Huh?"
This morning, I saw a silverfish face a moment of indecision -- I saw it on the floor, was going to stomp it, and the thing was about to zig, then hesitated, contemplating a zag. It really was a moment, like "Do this! No, wait, do THAT!" I'm no fan of silverfish, but it was a charmingly mortal moment, and I actually spared the lil' stinker because of it.
I've got about one-third of the third to-be-finalized book edited, and looking to finish that up today. Then I might catch "Black Swan," which I'm still guardedly curious about. Beyond that, nothing fancier than folding the laundry I did yesterday, and minding the boys, who'll be here later today.
This morning, I saw a silverfish face a moment of indecision -- I saw it on the floor, was going to stomp it, and the thing was about to zig, then hesitated, contemplating a zag. It really was a moment, like "Do this! No, wait, do THAT!" I'm no fan of silverfish, but it was a charmingly mortal moment, and I actually spared the lil' stinker because of it.
I've got about one-third of the third to-be-finalized book edited, and looking to finish that up today. Then I might catch "Black Swan," which I'm still guardedly curious about. Beyond that, nothing fancier than folding the laundry I did yesterday, and minding the boys, who'll be here later today.
Friday, December 10, 2010
HL2
I played through Half-Life 2 in about 34 hours. I'm on HL2: Episode 2 at the moment (having nearly completed HL2: Episode 1 already). Have to hand it to Valve -- they made a sweet sequel to the original Half-Life. Vastly entertaining, marvelously rendered, devastating effort. Loved it.
Can't complain about the addition of the character, Alyx, to the story, either, although she can sometimes be...hmmm...distracting...
Saw a goddamned gnome statue in HL2: Episode 2. I tried destroying the thing, but it was impervious to harm. I toted it along for awhile, but ultimately had to get rid of the lil' fucker...
Mmmmm, Alyx, I'd never leave you behind...
Her face and personality are nice, too... ; )
I liked this writeup of Alyx in Wikipedia...
I found myself while playing the games talking to Alyx. Bahah! They designed her program well, as she does help you out.
Can't complain about the addition of the character, Alyx, to the story, either, although she can sometimes be...hmmm...distracting...
Saw a goddamned gnome statue in HL2: Episode 2. I tried destroying the thing, but it was impervious to harm. I toted it along for awhile, but ultimately had to get rid of the lil' fucker...
Mmmmm, Alyx, I'd never leave you behind...
Her face and personality are nice, too... ; )
I liked this writeup of Alyx in Wikipedia...
Since she first appeared in Half-Life 2, she has received very positive reception. She has received her reception for both her intelligence and her beauty amongst other factors. Play magazine listed her as their favorite computer game female character in their sixth "Girls of Gaming" special, calling her "the best partner Gordon Freeman could ask for."[4] UGO.com rated Alyx thirty-third in their "Top 50 Videogame Hotties" article, stating "Now here's a girl that you could actually take home to Momma. Alyx has it all: brains, good looks, and a stinging personality that can keep the comers at bay."[5] They later listed her at number eight in their "Top 11 Girls of Gaming" article, stating "there's just something about her that makes her unforgettable", noting her bond with the player and describing her as a "cute post-apocalyptic chick with short hair and a take-no-crap attitude, a rarity in this age of eye candy and cheeseball characterization."[6] Bit-tech rated her as the number one PC game NPC of all time, saying, "What makes Alyx such a popular supporting character is how believable she manages to be even in the utterly sci-fi world of Half-Life. The brilliant animation of the character combines with the fabulous voice acting and witty script to create one of the most important characters in a computer game, ever." [7]
GameDaily included her in a list of "Ten Babes Who Should and 10 Babes Who Shouldn't Meet Your Mom", citing her loyalty, her proficiency with electronics, and her sensible choice of clothing.[8] They also included her in their "Babe of the Week: Brunettes" piece, describing her as one of the best sidekicks in video games.[9] GamesRadar ranked her second in their list of the top seven tasteful game heroines, describing her as the "go-to girl for female leads", describing her as one of the most human female video game characters.[10] The Game Reviews editor Mark Fujii listed Alyx as one of their "top 10 video game women who don't use sex to sell", stating that she is as fantastic as video game characters get. He describes her as "smart, funny, belligerent, charming, and cute even with her grungy attire and boyish haircut", adding that gamers grew to love her due to her personality, not looks, citing the negative reaction to a mod that gave her a sexier appearance.[11] Topless Robot named her one of the "11 Most Dignified Videogame Heroines", citing that while she was a secondary character she was still very prominent, though despite her strengths she fulfilled the cliche of a "summer movie heroine".[12] GamesRadar named her "Miss 2004" in their article on the sexiest new characters of the decade, stating that giving her the award required no debate amongst the staff. She was described as brainy and strong-willed, as well as "relentlessly up-beat, funny, and friendly" in the face of peril.[13] They also listed her as one of the top 25 best new characters of the decade, again citing her head-strong attitude and pleasant personality. They described her as one of the first non-playable characters to deviate from the standard.[14]
Alyx was featured in a series of promotional images released by Valve Corporation spoofing an Apple Inc. commercial.[15]
I found myself while playing the games talking to Alyx. Bahah! They designed her program well, as she does help you out.
Winterland
It snowed again last night; not a lot, but a pleasant dusting that left the city looking all winter-sweet.
I'm about one-third done with the editing/revision of one of the fantasy novels. I should have this "finalized" by week's end, and on from there. With that one done, I'm likely to do another fantasy novel, same finalizing treatment for it, and then on to one of the "Contemporary" ones.
I'm about one-third done with the editing/revision of one of the fantasy novels. I should have this "finalized" by week's end, and on from there. With that one done, I'm likely to do another fantasy novel, same finalizing treatment for it, and then on to one of the "Contemporary" ones.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Scenes from the day...
New Volvo sedan, parked in the 'hood. Owner appeared to be sleeping in it/living in it (all their stuff in the back, cardboard screens up on the windows).
Very bright sun dogs today, dazzling.
Very bright sun dogs today, dazzling.
Mending
Getting better; the cold was pretty mild. The past few years, the colds that have struck me have been pretty weak, fortunately. I am not complaining, since before then, the strain of cold virus had been pretty robust.
It's been frickin' cold over here, but it's winter, so I don't dwell on it much. Good writing weather, as I call it.
I love this monologue by Keith Olbermann -- gotta love pissed-off liberals. Our country needs far more of them...
No Peace Through Appeasement
I bought the boys' Christmas presents -- now the challenge will be sneaking them into the apartment -- B2 in particular is eagle-eyed, always on the lookout for things. I am a holiday ninja, with a great track record of non-discovery of presents, but I'll have to bring my A-game with B2 out and about. B1 is usually more concerned about computer games than incoming packages. My hiding place is in the master closet, which is cavernous. There's an area to the side of it where I can secret presents, and it's perfectly screened by clothes. Muahaha!
On the writing front, I keep working on final revisions of books that are nearly ready to go. I want as many of them finalized as possible, to get'em out the door to publishers, just to play the odds. For me, it's purely about word counts -- those with the highest word count are getting consideration first, and I'm working my way down from there.
So, that means tackling a pair of Fantasy novels, then a Young Adult/New Adult novel. After that, another Horror novel (that'll bring my total to three Horror novels, although two of them could perhaps be marketed as Supernatural Thrillers -- that's something I wrestle with a lot, like the genre marketing of such things). After that, not sure what I'll do, next. I'll let you know when I get there.
It's been frickin' cold over here, but it's winter, so I don't dwell on it much. Good writing weather, as I call it.
I love this monologue by Keith Olbermann -- gotta love pissed-off liberals. Our country needs far more of them...
No Peace Through Appeasement
I bought the boys' Christmas presents -- now the challenge will be sneaking them into the apartment -- B2 in particular is eagle-eyed, always on the lookout for things. I am a holiday ninja, with a great track record of non-discovery of presents, but I'll have to bring my A-game with B2 out and about. B1 is usually more concerned about computer games than incoming packages. My hiding place is in the master closet, which is cavernous. There's an area to the side of it where I can secret presents, and it's perfectly screened by clothes. Muahaha!
On the writing front, I keep working on final revisions of books that are nearly ready to go. I want as many of them finalized as possible, to get'em out the door to publishers, just to play the odds. For me, it's purely about word counts -- those with the highest word count are getting consideration first, and I'm working my way down from there.
So, that means tackling a pair of Fantasy novels, then a Young Adult/New Adult novel. After that, another Horror novel (that'll bring my total to three Horror novels, although two of them could perhaps be marketed as Supernatural Thrillers -- that's something I wrestle with a lot, like the genre marketing of such things). After that, not sure what I'll do, next. I'll let you know when I get there.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
*KOFF KOFF KOFF*
Finally got a cold. I was wondering if I'd be able to make it through the winter season without one, but no dice. Nothing too major, fortunately, but it's still irritating, and is lounging in my lungs, wearing me out. I just need some rest.
Had odd dreams last night; one had me walking in at some employer and talking up my good points with an employee there, a kind of ad hoc interview. I'm sure that's just some part of my brain trying to deal with the logistics of this bad economy.
It's supposed to be supercold in the city today. The high is only going to be 23 degrees. Brrr. I lost one of my superwarm polartec gloves. Not sure where the stinker went. Hate that.
I have to craft a new query letter for the next book that's ready to go out the door this month. Query letters are the worst; everything hinges on those handful of words. So much depends on so little.
Had odd dreams last night; one had me walking in at some employer and talking up my good points with an employee there, a kind of ad hoc interview. I'm sure that's just some part of my brain trying to deal with the logistics of this bad economy.
It's supposed to be supercold in the city today. The high is only going to be 23 degrees. Brrr. I lost one of my superwarm polartec gloves. Not sure where the stinker went. Hate that.
I have to craft a new query letter for the next book that's ready to go out the door this month. Query letters are the worst; everything hinges on those handful of words. So much depends on so little.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Word Up!
In preparation for my latest round of fiction-flinging (that is, trying to get publishers to take my stuff), I did a bit of an audit of my work, and was pleased with the numbers, all the stuff I've written from 2002 to present.
Calculating everything, I've written over 1,000,000 words in that span of time! Woo hoo! There's nearly 700,000 words stretched over 12 novels, and over 313,000 words in 32 short stories -- this doesn't even factor in various fragments and false starts, but actual completed drafts. That makes me very happy. I'm a publisher's dream, if they'd only take note. Even working full-time, with Exene in the mix for nearly all of those years, I was able to be both productive and prolific. Of the books, there are six Fantasy novels, three Young Adult, one Science Fiction, two Horror.
I'm well pleased with my results. I haven't even gotten started, truly. Plenty more stuff to write, things to do, all of that good stuff.
Calculating everything, I've written over 1,000,000 words in that span of time! Woo hoo! There's nearly 700,000 words stretched over 12 novels, and over 313,000 words in 32 short stories -- this doesn't even factor in various fragments and false starts, but actual completed drafts. That makes me very happy. I'm a publisher's dream, if they'd only take note. Even working full-time, with Exene in the mix for nearly all of those years, I was able to be both productive and prolific. Of the books, there are six Fantasy novels, three Young Adult, one Science Fiction, two Horror.
I'm well pleased with my results. I haven't even gotten started, truly. Plenty more stuff to write, things to do, all of that good stuff.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Swan Song
For some reason, I keep waking up around 2:30 a.m. -- I've done so the past few days. No idea why, but it's irksome, as it futzes with my sleep cycle a bit.
I'm thinking I might catch "Black Swan" tomorrow. The notion of a "ballet thriller" seems kind of amusing to me, and while Natalie Portman has never impressed me as an actress, the concept of the movie seems intriguing enough to give it a go. I just might catch it.
Black Swan
But I might also resist that temptation and NOT catch it, too. I mean, Portman, Winona Ryder AND Mila Kunis in one movie? Acting powerhouses like that? *SCOFF*
NYT seemed to like it well enough, a kind of guarded praise. SLATE's Dana Stevens didn't like it, and SALON's Andrew O'Hehir gushed about it. SALON's film reviewers are usually full of shit; they have a film aesthetic that is far from mine. I'll see what Ebert thought of it, and maybe check the READER, too. I may simply hold out for TRON. ; )
(looking up the other reviews)
Here's a fairly useful review...
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/12/03/MVPA1GJG6L.DTL
Ebert gave it 3.5 stars, while viewers gave it 3 stars. Hmm. Maybe I'll wait another week and decide. Or not.
I'm thinking I might catch "Black Swan" tomorrow. The notion of a "ballet thriller" seems kind of amusing to me, and while Natalie Portman has never impressed me as an actress, the concept of the movie seems intriguing enough to give it a go. I just might catch it.
Black Swan
But I might also resist that temptation and NOT catch it, too. I mean, Portman, Winona Ryder AND Mila Kunis in one movie? Acting powerhouses like that? *SCOFF*
NYT seemed to like it well enough, a kind of guarded praise. SLATE's Dana Stevens didn't like it, and SALON's Andrew O'Hehir gushed about it. SALON's film reviewers are usually full of shit; they have a film aesthetic that is far from mine. I'll see what Ebert thought of it, and maybe check the READER, too. I may simply hold out for TRON. ; )
(looking up the other reviews)
Here's a fairly useful review...
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/12/03/MVPA1GJG6L.DTL
Ebert gave it 3.5 stars, while viewers gave it 3 stars. Hmm. Maybe I'll wait another week and decide. Or not.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Decembrist
We got our first snow yesterday; nothing major, just blustery and cold, no real accumulation. But the boys were thrilled, and it was fun to see their joy.
I finished the draft of another book, and am now going through it for a speedy review, rewrite, and revision (R3). I'm pretty happy with it. I'd call it a "supernatural thriller" for lack of a better term.
Once that one and its sister are out the door, I'll go to work on finishing a third, one which is nearly done. Same R3 treatment for that one, get that one out there, too. That one is a magic realism kind of book.
After that, I'm not sure what I'll work on, next. I have several prospective book ideas. I might work on some short stories and sling those out while I'm deciding.
I finished the draft of another book, and am now going through it for a speedy review, rewrite, and revision (R3). I'm pretty happy with it. I'd call it a "supernatural thriller" for lack of a better term.
Once that one and its sister are out the door, I'll go to work on finishing a third, one which is nearly done. Same R3 treatment for that one, get that one out there, too. That one is a magic realism kind of book.
After that, I'm not sure what I'll work on, next. I have several prospective book ideas. I might work on some short stories and sling those out while I'm deciding.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
The Most Boring Day?
Saw this blurb on NPR's website, was amused by it...
Is April 11, 1954 the most boring day?
That makes me snicker.
Is April 11, 1954 the most boring day?
That makes me snicker.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Brrrrrrr
I took the boys out to get haircuts this morning. It's frickin' blustery-cold today. Strong winds and chilly temps. They were, as ever, good for their haircuts, and I was pleased to see the ace stylist at the place we usually go to in; she did a great job. I had the boys get lil' Britpop shags, so they're looking very sharp.
We also broke ice on the ground, where we came across it, various petrified puddles. I showed the boys how a good axe kick could break the ice, and they went at it, which amused me -- made me feel like we were doing a pint-sized "Goodfellas" kickathon on the ice. B2 said, after we finished, "Ice versus People!"
Now I have'em back inside and we're toasty, and I put out a lunch tray for them to nosh upon, while watching their favorite show of the moment, "Samurai Jack."
I've been blazing away on fiction -- after all, the cold months are my prime writing times. Love when winter sets in, and this winter stands to be my most productive, ever. Psyched about that.
Thanksgiving went well, although the boys didn't eat much of the menu, as I figured -- they nibbled on the bread and the chicken tenders, ate some carrots. Picky as ever, although I did what I could, and they had a lot of fun.
Again, I love holiday times in the city, when so many people leave. It just makes it nice and peaceful. I love not having to travel on the holidays.
We also broke ice on the ground, where we came across it, various petrified puddles. I showed the boys how a good axe kick could break the ice, and they went at it, which amused me -- made me feel like we were doing a pint-sized "Goodfellas" kickathon on the ice. B2 said, after we finished, "Ice versus People!"
Now I have'em back inside and we're toasty, and I put out a lunch tray for them to nosh upon, while watching their favorite show of the moment, "Samurai Jack."
I've been blazing away on fiction -- after all, the cold months are my prime writing times. Love when winter sets in, and this winter stands to be my most productive, ever. Psyched about that.
Thanksgiving went well, although the boys didn't eat much of the menu, as I figured -- they nibbled on the bread and the chicken tenders, ate some carrots. Picky as ever, although I did what I could, and they had a lot of fun.
Again, I love holiday times in the city, when so many people leave. It just makes it nice and peaceful. I love not having to travel on the holidays.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Thankful
Happy Thanksgiving! I have the boys today and tomorrow; I think Exene is running the Turkey Trot 8K today (I'm almost positive she is), which is fine by me, since the boys'll have fun with me as I cook'em a nice lil' meal. The game plan is (this is obviously geared toward the boys)...
Turkey with gravy
Chicken tenders with sweet BBQ sauce
Macaroni and cheese
Mashed potatoes
Steamed broccoli
Tossed salad
Sliced Honeycrisp apples
Crusty bread
Gingerbread cookies
Plum pudding with hard sauce
Apple cider
Calvados (for me -- haha)
I was going to bake some pumpkin muffins, but discovered that the pumpkin I thought I had in the cupboard wasn't there, after all.
I'm setting up shop in the living room, around a little table I'm going to cover with an Indian blanket we have. The boys should enjoy at least some of it, anyway.
Interesting piece on Thanksgiving.
It's all nice and toasty in the apartment, and with the Christmas tree up, it looks extra holiday-homey.
Turkey with gravy
Chicken tenders with sweet BBQ sauce
Macaroni and cheese
Mashed potatoes
Steamed broccoli
Tossed salad
Sliced Honeycrisp apples
Crusty bread
Gingerbread cookies
Plum pudding with hard sauce
Apple cider
Calvados (for me -- haha)
I was going to bake some pumpkin muffins, but discovered that the pumpkin I thought I had in the cupboard wasn't there, after all.
I'm setting up shop in the living room, around a little table I'm going to cover with an Indian blanket we have. The boys should enjoy at least some of it, anyway.
Interesting piece on Thanksgiving.
It's all nice and toasty in the apartment, and with the Christmas tree up, it looks extra holiday-homey.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Light-Hearted
Sure, tomorrow's Thanksgiving, but I had to jump the gun a little; the boys were clamoring for Christmas stuff, so I set things up, got the tree up, all of that good stuff. I told them the lights around the window would help Santa navigate. B2 said that Santa would use magic to open our window and get the presents inside. He's got it all figured out.
The city should be quiet the rest of the week; so many people travel, it's actually really nice for folks who stay in town, like me, for example. No travel stress, and the city is peaceful and nice. I love it.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Things that go THUMP in the night
Thumper, the ghost I don't believe in, has been more active of late. The other night, in a cold apartment, I laid down and felt a throw pillow with my foot that was warm to the touch. Odd, because it wasn't anywhere near any heat source, but it was tangibly warmer.
A few nights, the computer switched on. It actually turned on, waking up from sleep mode. That's happened a couple of times, now.
Two nights ago, I went to sit in my favorite chair, and heard a creak of the cushion on the futon, like somebody was sitting down in it.
The other night, I woke with a start and slugged the wall beside the bed. I don't know what made me jolt like that, can't remember the dream context of it, but it hurt like hell, since I really nailed the wall -- and then, while rubbing my sore hand, I saw that the computer was on.
And just last night, in my left ear, I heard a woman's voice whisper "Daddy," right in my ear. Clear as can be. It was extra-weird, because B1 had been asking me questions earlier, saying "Daddy?" and then asking me his question. And then came that whisper in my left ear, even though I knew B1 was to my right, and I said "[B1], did you just say 'Daddy?'" and he said "No, why?" and I said "I thought I heard you."
We'll see what, if anything, Thumper does next.
I put up the Christmas tree tonight. It looks nice.
Two-Step
The Chicago late autumn two-step has commenced -- we had a blast of unseasonable warmth and a pile of rain (and thunderstorms), and then the temperature crashed 40 degrees and now it's blustery and cold, howling winds. Very typical Chicago fare.
I took advantage of the mild weather to bike out to the grocery store, load up on supplies, and get back before the storms rolled in and the temperatures dropped.
As ever, very grateful for steam heat in this building.
I took advantage of the mild weather to bike out to the grocery store, load up on supplies, and get back before the storms rolled in and the temperatures dropped.
As ever, very grateful for steam heat in this building.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Sonday
Man, I woke up around 1:30 a.m., and couldn't go back to sleep for a bit. Just worrying about stuff. I took a shower and went back to bed, and eventually conked out and had odd dreams. One had this group of WWII-era OSS types, kind of like the A Team set to WWII, on these missions. Very "Guns of Navarone" in scope and presentation in my brain. That's "Guns of Navarone," NOT "Force 10 from Navarone," mind you!
I've got the boys today. They were very glad. Exene dropped them off with me a few hours earlier yesterday, said the boys were "clamoring" for me, so I took'em, and we watched episodes of "Samurai Jack" and I read stories to'em. We had a good time.
I've got the boys today. They were very glad. Exene dropped them off with me a few hours earlier yesterday, said the boys were "clamoring" for me, so I took'em, and we watched episodes of "Samurai Jack" and I read stories to'em. We had a good time.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Trophies
Before I forget, I saw a junk truck that had a bunch of trophies in the back. It was such a great image, like all this detritus, and then a pile of gold sports trophies (like baseball, etc.) piled in this crate in the back. Sadly, it went by too quickly, before I could snap a shot of it, but it looked neat.
I mailed a book query to a publisher today. Hope something comes of it. In likelihood, nothing will, but we'll see.
I mailed a book query to a publisher today. Hope something comes of it. In likelihood, nothing will, but we'll see.
Fast Forward
I can't believe November's nearly over. After that last six months kind of grinding along, this month has been hurtling toward conclusion. Man.
There hasn't been too much of interest that's jumped out at me, or that I've remembered enough to post and blog about of late. Part of the battening down of autumn, I guess. My boys keep asking whether Santa's dropped off gifts, yet, and I'm like "It's not even Thanksgiving yet, Guys; there's no tree up, either! It's too early!" But each day, they ask.
I'm sending a book query packet to a publisher today. I'm tightly targeting it to a particular publishing house, hoping they'll at least give me the benefit of a doubt. We'll see how it goes.
I'm going to have three books I'm a'pimping to publishers this year, if I can find suitable homes for them. Always the big IF in the mix. But I have to try, have to persist.
There hasn't been too much of interest that's jumped out at me, or that I've remembered enough to post and blog about of late. Part of the battening down of autumn, I guess. My boys keep asking whether Santa's dropped off gifts, yet, and I'm like "It's not even Thanksgiving yet, Guys; there's no tree up, either! It's too early!" But each day, they ask.
I'm sending a book query packet to a publisher today. I'm tightly targeting it to a particular publishing house, hoping they'll at least give me the benefit of a doubt. We'll see how it goes.
I'm going to have three books I'm a'pimping to publishers this year, if I can find suitable homes for them. Always the big IF in the mix. But I have to try, have to persist.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Argh!
Slow commute yesterday. Drives me bananas! Get me where I'm going! Argh!
I still keep waking up a bit too early (and going to bed a bit too late). Also Argh!
The radiators are kicking into gear. I always love that, their rattle and clatter and the wonderful warmth they bring.
I had a lot of odd dreams last night, although I remember only bits of them. Sometimes my dreams unfold in a documentary style, like I'm watching a movie. This one was about an intentional community for the rich somewhere, living in these Green eco-mansions, while the narrator was talking about the community. And I was trying to read some article about it, while these preppy brats were trying to take the magazine from me (which turned out to be SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN except printed on very high quality paper, very thick -- to the extent that I was musing while reading it "Is this a special issue or something? Must cost a fortune to produce this.") There was some section about composting, and some eco-wags had written a message like "Over here, Grandmother!" in some kind of stuff that drew honeybees, because that message was written in bees on the ground! That was particularly dream-weird, had me almost waking up from my dream. Then, at some point, I was in a cavernous building like McCormick Place and was talking with Obama, trying to set him straight, saying he needed to take moves from LBJ's political playbook and really play some political hardball if he had a hope of getting things done. He didn't appear to be listening, but I pressed on, at least until Michelle Obama turned up and some staffers of his. Then I just went my own way. That's about all I remember.
I still keep waking up a bit too early (and going to bed a bit too late). Also Argh!
The radiators are kicking into gear. I always love that, their rattle and clatter and the wonderful warmth they bring.
I had a lot of odd dreams last night, although I remember only bits of them. Sometimes my dreams unfold in a documentary style, like I'm watching a movie. This one was about an intentional community for the rich somewhere, living in these Green eco-mansions, while the narrator was talking about the community. And I was trying to read some article about it, while these preppy brats were trying to take the magazine from me (which turned out to be SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN except printed on very high quality paper, very thick -- to the extent that I was musing while reading it "Is this a special issue or something? Must cost a fortune to produce this.") There was some section about composting, and some eco-wags had written a message like "Over here, Grandmother!" in some kind of stuff that drew honeybees, because that message was written in bees on the ground! That was particularly dream-weird, had me almost waking up from my dream. Then, at some point, I was in a cavernous building like McCormick Place and was talking with Obama, trying to set him straight, saying he needed to take moves from LBJ's political playbook and really play some political hardball if he had a hope of getting things done. He didn't appear to be listening, but I pressed on, at least until Michelle Obama turned up and some staffers of his. Then I just went my own way. That's about all I remember.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Going Ape
Another anti-Halloween dildo in action. And, of course, a faked story...
Gorilla Suit Attack a Fraud
Gorilla Suit Attack a Fraud
Yawn
Winterish weather finally has arrived, although no snow, yet; that all appears to be north of here for now. But the blustery, rainy-cold thing is going on, now. Glad for steam heat, that's for sure!
I keep waking up around 3:30-40, legacy of daylight savings. I wake up early, anyway, so roll that clock back and it's super-early for me. Gonna take a bit to get back to waking up only crazy-early, instead of obscenely early.
I keep waking up around 3:30-40, legacy of daylight savings. I wake up early, anyway, so roll that clock back and it's super-early for me. Gonna take a bit to get back to waking up only crazy-early, instead of obscenely early.
Dino is extinct
Aw, Dino De Laurentiis died. The man who gave us "Conan the Barbarian!"
I loved that movie as a kid (which I first saw at a drive-in with my family, long ago). The above clip amuses me. *snicker*
I loved that movie as a kid (which I first saw at a drive-in with my family, long ago). The above clip amuses me. *snicker*
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Misfit?
Looks like Glenn Danzig pitched a diva fit.
The line in the above about him being little taller than the average dwarf made me snicker.
http://blogs.citypages.com/gimmenoise/2010/11/danzigs_cancele.php
And the line in the above about maybe the room not being big enough for his ego made me laugh out loud.
Oh, Glenn, what happened to you? You were amusing, once, long, long ago...
Misfits, "All Hell Breaks Loose"
The line in the above about him being little taller than the average dwarf made me snicker.
http://blogs.citypages.com/gimmenoise/2010/11/danzigs_cancele.php
And the line in the above about maybe the room not being big enough for his ego made me laugh out loud.
Oh, Glenn, what happened to you? You were amusing, once, long, long ago...
Misfits, "All Hell Breaks Loose"
Making Plans for Nigel
It's Nigel Tufnel Day, 11/11!
Make today go to an 11!
Big Bottom
Next year'll be a particularly Taptastic time, since it'll be 11/11/11!
; )
Make today go to an 11!
Big Bottom
Next year'll be a particularly Taptastic time, since it'll be 11/11/11!
; )
Monday, November 8, 2010
Trippy
Ever have a day like this...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcUi6UEQh00
Of course not. Nobody ever does. Bahahah! The babe at :34 is my favorite, busting some serious moves! That was from way back in 1972. Trippy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcUi6UEQh00
Of course not. Nobody ever does. Bahahah! The babe at :34 is my favorite, busting some serious moves! That was from way back in 1972. Trippy!
Red Balloons
A moment on my commute that was odd and pleasantly so -- the light fading thanks to Daylight Savings and such, the lights at the display at Old Navy were vivid downtown. Lots of shoppers milling in the half-light, skyscraper shadows looming large, crazy constant black preacherman at the curb in a suit, like always, with his portable PA system, haranguing the shoppers as he always does, and as my bus turned, two gals in cranberry red outfits -- like slacks and sweatshirts, each holding a red balloon on a red bit of line, giving each other a hug as the bus rolled by, the lights a blur. It was a cool kind of snapshot moment, something I wish I could have filmed. The combination of the angle of the bus as it turned, and the tiny curbside tableau, it just momentarily mesmerized me, and then there was a feast of display lights, big and white, shaped like arrows, pointing back at the scene.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
What the Fawke?
Chillin'
Man, Winter's here for sure. It's autumn-sunny, but frickin' cold over here. Chicagoans hunkering down as Winter looms. *brrrrrr* Glad for free steam heat in the building. Makes all the difference in the chilly months, but makes it hard to go out and about, just because the contrast between balmy and brisk is so great!
I need to do a grocery run of some fashion sooner than later; supplies are diminishing! I got used to using my bike for those runs, but as the weather gets colder, I'm less-inclined to do that, just because the PITA factor is that much higher for that.
Finished the first draft of the book I was working on, although it's somewhat bittersweet because I know that I have to revise it straightaway. Revision and rewriting is always a pain in the ass; it's easier to write a story out of nothingness than it is to wend your way through your words and rewrite scenes and so on. That'll keep me busy this month. Meantime, short stories beckon. I just log them in my journal and keep to the main project for now.
The boys are good, looking forward to Christmas and snow and sledding, all of that good stuff.
I need to do a grocery run of some fashion sooner than later; supplies are diminishing! I got used to using my bike for those runs, but as the weather gets colder, I'm less-inclined to do that, just because the PITA factor is that much higher for that.
Finished the first draft of the book I was working on, although it's somewhat bittersweet because I know that I have to revise it straightaway. Revision and rewriting is always a pain in the ass; it's easier to write a story out of nothingness than it is to wend your way through your words and rewrite scenes and so on. That'll keep me busy this month. Meantime, short stories beckon. I just log them in my journal and keep to the main project for now.
The boys are good, looking forward to Christmas and snow and sledding, all of that good stuff.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Sniper at the Gates of Dawn
Curious transit day. Gorgeous sunrise, just stunning. I tried to capture it, holding my breath with each shot, sniper-like.
And, counting my commute home, I saw three urban primitives today -- not together, yet all with the ear disc thing going (two men, one woman). All with nose piercings, all of them white. All with their urban primitive tats going, too. Tribe. Word. Beautiful sunset tonight, too. Wanna see?
Pretty. While on the El, I heard one of the urban primitives talking to a gay woman who sounded kind of like young Ralph Macchio, and had a Ramones-era Punkish look going (peacock-tousled hair, black Doc Martens, black leather jacket). She had apparently just lost her job working for one of the Chicago mayoral candidates, who dropped out. Then the urban primitive guy asked if he could photograph her, and she hesitated, then said "Sure." It was supposedly for some class the guy had (I was walking away, missed the rest). Then I went to the grocery store for some stuff, had a petitioner ask me to sign for a mayoral candidate's run. Then, while heading home, I saw Exene heading out to get the boys. She didn't see me, and I didn't say anything. There were other amusements on the commute, but I can't recall them all, now. The confluence of the ear discs on one day was kind of odd. Oh, I remember -- the gal urban primitive (from Portland, Oregon, I gathered) was loudly marveling about Chicago's skyline, and then talking about how geographically clueless some gal was (while her hipster guy friend was pointing out buildings to her as the El went on its way). Anyway, the guy said "The lake's that way." and she's like "What lake?" and he said "Lake Michigan." Then she went on about how geographically clueless that gal was. Irony dies a hundred thousand deaths in America.
And, counting my commute home, I saw three urban primitives today -- not together, yet all with the ear disc thing going (two men, one woman). All with nose piercings, all of them white. All with their urban primitive tats going, too. Tribe. Word. Beautiful sunset tonight, too. Wanna see?
Pretty. While on the El, I heard one of the urban primitives talking to a gay woman who sounded kind of like young Ralph Macchio, and had a Ramones-era Punkish look going (peacock-tousled hair, black Doc Martens, black leather jacket). She had apparently just lost her job working for one of the Chicago mayoral candidates, who dropped out. Then the urban primitive guy asked if he could photograph her, and she hesitated, then said "Sure." It was supposedly for some class the guy had (I was walking away, missed the rest). Then I went to the grocery store for some stuff, had a petitioner ask me to sign for a mayoral candidate's run. Then, while heading home, I saw Exene heading out to get the boys. She didn't see me, and I didn't say anything. There were other amusements on the commute, but I can't recall them all, now. The confluence of the ear discs on one day was kind of odd. Oh, I remember -- the gal urban primitive (from Portland, Oregon, I gathered) was loudly marveling about Chicago's skyline, and then talking about how geographically clueless some gal was (while her hipster guy friend was pointing out buildings to her as the El went on its way). Anyway, the guy said "The lake's that way." and she's like "What lake?" and he said "Lake Michigan." Then she went on about how geographically clueless that gal was. Irony dies a hundred thousand deaths in America.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Punkin
Another Halloween has come and gone. The boys enjoyed their trick-or-treat throughout our neighborhood. Chicago's often characterized as a city of neighborhoods, and that's always most in evidence during Halloween, which is always wonderful in our area, since there are so many homes there, and lots of Halloween enthusiasts (and who are of the socioeconomic group likely least-affected by the Great Recession). Anyway, it was, as ever, a good showing, and tons of great costumes and nicely tricked-out houses. The boys got a good amount of candy. As ever, Exene and I (her sister was in town, too -- she made a marvelous old-school Bumblebee Autobot costume for B2), anyway, we bring a diehard 1970s trick-or-treat drive to the mix -- I always joke that trick-or-treating is like a commando operation: you don't dawdle; you do good recon and you get to your objectives quickly, with a minimum of fuss. The boys are not particularly adroit trick-or-treaters -- we have to kind of prompt them until they get the hang of it. And, of course, part of that is living in the city -- you don't just walk up to somebody's house begging treats. Not in the city. So, they usually have to kind of be walked through that at first. But, it's a nice spectacle, the neighborhood looks delightful, and the kids all have fun. I didn't dress up this year, as B2 gets a little spooked by some of the costumes (he wouldn't go to some of the spookier houses unless I held his hand), so I was just Daddy this year. B1 enjoyed himself, and his rather unique costume (he was a ghost ship -- I'd made him a ghost ship hat he could wear) got him accolades and instant recognition from classmates. That's his fourth year running with an offbeat and memorable costume. Lord knows what he'll want to be next year. It's always a manifestation of him saying "I want to be X" and me trying to figure out how to make that happen.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Halloweenies
I'm irked at the new incarnations of the ongoing (yet unreported) War on Halloween -- namely, the fundies going after sex offenders with legislation under the pretense of them supposedly using Halloween as an excuse to lure children with candy (basically, a cure to a phantom problem). I am confident that the real target of these efforts is Halloween, itself. The fundies know they can't directly go after Halloween without tipping their hand, so (not unlike the spiked candy myth that has haunted us for, what, 30 years?), they have crafted a new hypothetical Halloween bogeyman, the sex offender, as a roundabout way of targeting Halloween itself. Dicks.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Sunshine
Here are some of the sunrise shots from this morning. Even though it kind of looks like the Sun has already risen, it was still beneath the horizon when I took these...
So far, so good...
The day has had its share of joys already...a young Lab pup carrying a too-big stick (really, a glorified tree branch), dragging it along happily, ignoring its owner's urge for it to drop it. And then passed by a Great Dane carrying a tennis ball in its cavernous maw, looking at the pup like "Wow, you playing with DAT?" (gave the Dane a South Side Chicago accent, just for fun).
Then I saw a very cool sunrise that I captured with my camera; actually, before the sun broke the horizon, but seemed linger just beneath it overlong, creating a beautiful tangerine spectacle in the distance, over a calmish lake. It was wonderful, and I caught it in a dozen shots. Today is a Good Light Day, the sun being particularly generous with its luminescence, lending a golden glow to everything it touched, and I took a bunch of shots I can't wait to upload this evening.
The clouds were also pretty, just because so many different cloud shapes were evident at once, along with ample blue skies. It was wonderful.
I forgot to mention the amusing bus driver yesterday, who did a "chop-chop" clap every time passengers were too slow to board. That amused me. The pissed-off bus drivers are the most amusing, always. They also tend to drive quickly, which makes for a speedy commute!
I have to put the finishing touches on B1's Halloween costume, which I'll do the next few days. It should look pretty sharp, if all goes well.
Then I saw a very cool sunrise that I captured with my camera; actually, before the sun broke the horizon, but seemed linger just beneath it overlong, creating a beautiful tangerine spectacle in the distance, over a calmish lake. It was wonderful, and I caught it in a dozen shots. Today is a Good Light Day, the sun being particularly generous with its luminescence, lending a golden glow to everything it touched, and I took a bunch of shots I can't wait to upload this evening.
The clouds were also pretty, just because so many different cloud shapes were evident at once, along with ample blue skies. It was wonderful.
I forgot to mention the amusing bus driver yesterday, who did a "chop-chop" clap every time passengers were too slow to board. That amused me. The pissed-off bus drivers are the most amusing, always. They also tend to drive quickly, which makes for a speedy commute!
I have to put the finishing touches on B1's Halloween costume, which I'll do the next few days. It should look pretty sharp, if all goes well.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Monsoon Season?
Today was a day of wonders. We got hit by what I'd call a monsoon this morning -- 50 mph winds and driving rain. I was taking the boys to their sitter, and we had rain gear on and still got soaked! I went back home, got changed, brought clothes for the boys, returned to their sitter's with the dry gear after the front wave of it had passed.
I found a 1955 dime among some change I had in my desk. Silver! Nice! I could tell from the look of it, the clink it made with the others. I put it in my wallet for safekeeping.
Saw a gal on the bus who looked like a cross between Kelly Bundy and Lita Ford or the singer for Warlock -- she was in all black, with either leather or faux leather black leggings, black ankle booties, a black leather jacket, and some skull rings.
The wind is kicking up something fierce tonight -- really, really strong. I saw this ivory scarf get yanked skyward by the wind, and wrapped in the branches of a tree -- wish I'd had a camcorder to capture that moment!
Also, on the way home, I saw something kind of surreal -- the skies were lovely, storm-clouded, with swathes of slate-blue clouds and white and gray, and, looking downtown, I saw a couple of skyscrapers that were catching the distant sunlight around the margins of the horizon, so they were these reflective pillars of silver and blue that were embedded in this mass of gray, and for a moment, gazing in that direction, I had this impression of gazing into another place -- figure and ground reversed and the buildings looked like gateways, just because they were reflecting that distant light, not the stormclouds near them, and it was disorienting for a split second, before I reassembled the image mentally. It was beautiful and uncanny.
The sunset was absolutely beautiful. I tried to snap some shots of it with my camera, which wasn't being cooperative, kept autofocusing, so I didn't get the clear shot I wanted, but the colors were amazing...
I found a 1955 dime among some change I had in my desk. Silver! Nice! I could tell from the look of it, the clink it made with the others. I put it in my wallet for safekeeping.
Saw a gal on the bus who looked like a cross between Kelly Bundy and Lita Ford or the singer for Warlock -- she was in all black, with either leather or faux leather black leggings, black ankle booties, a black leather jacket, and some skull rings.
The wind is kicking up something fierce tonight -- really, really strong. I saw this ivory scarf get yanked skyward by the wind, and wrapped in the branches of a tree -- wish I'd had a camcorder to capture that moment!
Also, on the way home, I saw something kind of surreal -- the skies were lovely, storm-clouded, with swathes of slate-blue clouds and white and gray, and, looking downtown, I saw a couple of skyscrapers that were catching the distant sunlight around the margins of the horizon, so they were these reflective pillars of silver and blue that were embedded in this mass of gray, and for a moment, gazing in that direction, I had this impression of gazing into another place -- figure and ground reversed and the buildings looked like gateways, just because they were reflecting that distant light, not the stormclouds near them, and it was disorienting for a split second, before I reassembled the image mentally. It was beautiful and uncanny.
The sunset was absolutely beautiful. I tried to snap some shots of it with my camera, which wasn't being cooperative, kept autofocusing, so I didn't get the clear shot I wanted, but the colors were amazing...
Sleepless
Urg. I woke up too early. Gonna try to go to sleep again in a few. I rarely ever get insomnia. The wind is howling some outside, so I'm guessing our interlude of unseasonable warmth is fast fading.
Got an interview Friday. Can't get my hopes up, but I'm certainly going to try my best. In this dire economy, it's all one can do!
The boys are in a treehouse kind of frame of mind lately -- they're all about treehouses. Obviously, with an apartment, I can't do that, but then I thought I could craft a kind of set piece treehouse using their bunk beds -- I'm going to deck out their bunks and make it look like a treehouse kind of fort (including season-appropriate construction paper leaves). They loved that idea, were enthusiastic about it. I told them I'd do it if they cleaned their room. It should be cool, if I do it right. Not a treehouse proper, but not a bad compromise, given the circumstances. I might sneak glow in the dark paint on some of the cardboard tree branches I affix to the bunk, so they'll coolly glow. They won't expect that. Muahah!
Alright, gonna try to crash again in a few....
Got an interview Friday. Can't get my hopes up, but I'm certainly going to try my best. In this dire economy, it's all one can do!
The boys are in a treehouse kind of frame of mind lately -- they're all about treehouses. Obviously, with an apartment, I can't do that, but then I thought I could craft a kind of set piece treehouse using their bunk beds -- I'm going to deck out their bunks and make it look like a treehouse kind of fort (including season-appropriate construction paper leaves). They loved that idea, were enthusiastic about it. I told them I'd do it if they cleaned their room. It should be cool, if I do it right. Not a treehouse proper, but not a bad compromise, given the circumstances. I might sneak glow in the dark paint on some of the cardboard tree branches I affix to the bunk, so they'll coolly glow. They won't expect that. Muahah!
Alright, gonna try to crash again in a few....
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Mamma Mia!
This is an outrage, I tellya! What the hell?! What are they thinking?! The Times of India reports...
Italy going prude? Town to fine women over skimpy outfits
IANS, Oct 23, 2010, 06.17am IST
LONDON: In a move that appears to be an act of moral policing , authorities in a small Italian town have decided to fine women who wear miniskirts or show too much cleavage , a media report said.
The fair sex will face fines of up to $695 under new rules to be introduced in an Italian town, the Daily Telegraph reported . In a move sharply at odds with a country which produced the likes of Monica Bellucci and Sophia Loren, the town of Castellammare di Stabia, near Naples, intends to prohibit women from wearing provocative clothing.
The town's council also wants to ban men and women from wearing low-slung jeans as part of a list of 41 new rules that "every good citizen must respect" , the report said. Luigi Bobbio, the mayor, said it was all part of an effort to "restore urban decorum and improve coexistence" by targeting people who were "rowdy, unruly or simply badly behaved" .
Playing football in parks and gardens and swearing in public will also be banned under new laws which will be put forward for approval at a council meeting on Monday. Italy has become entangled in a web of petty rules and regulations in the last two years after the government of Silvio Berlusconi gave councils extra powers to tailor laws to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.
Across the nation, towns have banned a range of seemingly innocuous activities such as building sandcastles on the beach, kissing in cars and feeding stray cats.
Read more: Italy going prude? Town to fine women over skimpy outfits - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/6796687.cms?prtpage=1#ixzz13BhskGmH
The article didn't include a picture, btw. I just did that for fun, googling "Italian woman" with "miniskirt."
Italy going prude? Town to fine women over skimpy outfits
IANS, Oct 23, 2010, 06.17am IST
LONDON: In a move that appears to be an act of moral policing , authorities in a small Italian town have decided to fine women who wear miniskirts or show too much cleavage , a media report said.
The fair sex will face fines of up to $695 under new rules to be introduced in an Italian town, the Daily Telegraph reported . In a move sharply at odds with a country which produced the likes of Monica Bellucci and Sophia Loren, the town of Castellammare di Stabia, near Naples, intends to prohibit women from wearing provocative clothing.
The town's council also wants to ban men and women from wearing low-slung jeans as part of a list of 41 new rules that "every good citizen must respect" , the report said. Luigi Bobbio, the mayor, said it was all part of an effort to "restore urban decorum and improve coexistence" by targeting people who were "rowdy, unruly or simply badly behaved" .
Playing football in parks and gardens and swearing in public will also be banned under new laws which will be put forward for approval at a council meeting on Monday. Italy has become entangled in a web of petty rules and regulations in the last two years after the government of Silvio Berlusconi gave councils extra powers to tailor laws to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.
Across the nation, towns have banned a range of seemingly innocuous activities such as building sandcastles on the beach, kissing in cars and feeding stray cats.
Read more: Italy going prude? Town to fine women over skimpy outfits - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/6796687.cms?prtpage=1#ixzz13BhskGmH
The article didn't include a picture, btw. I just did that for fun, googling "Italian woman" with "miniskirt."
Ahoy, Mateys!
So, B2's birthday went without a hitch. He loved his volcano cake and the pirate presents I got for him; he's allll about pirates lately. I made him (by request) a fake hook (using an old plastic clothes hanger I modified), since he wanted to be like Captain Hook. It was cute, watching him run around and say "Arrr, Matey!" Although he's quick to point out that he's a good-guy pirate.
Exene has the boys all day (and night) today; she's taking them to some friends who have an annual pumpkin-carving party. I wonder how that'll go. Hopefully without incident.
I'm going to take advantage of the peace-n-quiet to get a ton of writing done today. Beyond that, nothing more exciting than folding laundry and getting some groceries, as needed.
Exene has the boys all day (and night) today; she's taking them to some friends who have an annual pumpkin-carving party. I wonder how that'll go. Hopefully without incident.
I'm going to take advantage of the peace-n-quiet to get a ton of writing done today. Beyond that, nothing more exciting than folding laundry and getting some groceries, as needed.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Shot
There's a plastic surgery business downtown that has these prominent window displays that amuse me, particularly these two windows...
The scale of those props in the display windows are particularly amusing -- that liposuction one (and what's with that, anyway? That looks like a syringe, not one of those ghastly liposuction wands) -- anyway, that thing is huge, looks like the kind of thing you'd stick King Kong with, so having that in the window is just surreal.
And the neoclassical/fascist bust in the other window is also amusing -- "You can look like someone Wagner would write an opera about!"
The scale of those props in the display windows are particularly amusing -- that liposuction one (and what's with that, anyway? That looks like a syringe, not one of those ghastly liposuction wands) -- anyway, that thing is huge, looks like the kind of thing you'd stick King Kong with, so having that in the window is just surreal.
And the neoclassical/fascist bust in the other window is also amusing -- "You can look like someone Wagner would write an opera about!"
Bahaha...
This picture and headline had me laughing. It's somehow ONION-worthy, just this dreadfully abject photograph of this guy paired with that headline...
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Well Blow Me Down!
Wow, it's way windy in Chicago today! Feels like 40 mph winds blowing through the city tonight. I wonder if it's about to get either cold or warm. No idea, but sheesh, it's frickin' windy. Hard to believe October's nearly over.
I've got the boys tonight; they're stoked. B2 told me he gets sad at Mommy's place because he wants to be with me. Tomorrow's his 5th birthday! My little guy! I'm making him a cake shaped like a volcano (his request), and have a couple of cute gifts for him that he should enjoy. No party this year -- next year I'll do a proper party for him, since he'll be in kindergarten, then, and'll have school friends (versus preschool buddies).
I've got the boys tonight; they're stoked. B2 told me he gets sad at Mommy's place because he wants to be with me. Tomorrow's his 5th birthday! My little guy! I'm making him a cake shaped like a volcano (his request), and have a couple of cute gifts for him that he should enjoy. No party this year -- next year I'll do a proper party for him, since he'll be in kindergarten, then, and'll have school friends (versus preschool buddies).
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Magnetic
I was amused the other day -- B2 accidentally learned about mag-lev the other day. The boys have some Magnetix toys, and B2 had put a couple of the little pieces into a plastic tube (really, a kind of plastic flask from one of B1's science kits -- the kind that can stand and you can put a cap on the other end)...
Anyway, the boys were delighted by the discovery, so I explained magnetic attraction and repulsion to them. It's fun, because it seems like magic, and I loved that B2 was the one who stumbled upon it.
Yesterday, I saw a guy on the bus traveling with an upright bass! I was really surprised to see that -- both from a perspective of it being unwieldy, but also, super-expensive -- why risk traveling with that on public transit? Ah, well.
Anyway, the boys were delighted by the discovery, so I explained magnetic attraction and repulsion to them. It's fun, because it seems like magic, and I loved that B2 was the one who stumbled upon it.
Yesterday, I saw a guy on the bus traveling with an upright bass! I was really surprised to see that -- both from a perspective of it being unwieldy, but also, super-expensive -- why risk traveling with that on public transit? Ah, well.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Monkeyboy
Alright, so I'm watching "Monkey Shines" tonight, and I'm reminded of the trailer for it...
Monkey Shines Trailer
Which masterfully chooses that cymbal-banging chimp as an image for it....
Who in their right mind ever thought those were fun? Was it some wicked toymaker who crafted them? Was it simply the novelty of the automaton ape banging the cymbals that sold it? Or were kids so fun-starved back then that they'd take any toy, even one as creepy as this. I remember a cousin having one of those, and he skinned it, which made it look even creepier. But seriously, who would give that to their kid?
"Here ya go, Scout!" (tousles hair) "Have FUN! Daddy's going out drinking tonight!"
Kid sits in room, gazing in terror at the cymbal chimp...
Jolly Chimp
Monkey Shines Trailer
Which masterfully chooses that cymbal-banging chimp as an image for it....
Who in their right mind ever thought those were fun? Was it some wicked toymaker who crafted them? Was it simply the novelty of the automaton ape banging the cymbals that sold it? Or were kids so fun-starved back then that they'd take any toy, even one as creepy as this. I remember a cousin having one of those, and he skinned it, which made it look even creepier. But seriously, who would give that to their kid?
"Here ya go, Scout!" (tousles hair) "Have FUN! Daddy's going out drinking tonight!"
Kid sits in room, gazing in terror at the cymbal chimp...
Jolly Chimp
This & That
I woke up too early. Couldn't go back to sleep. Gonna be one of those lonnnng days.
On the bright side, I've had a handful of great short story ideas that I'm going to write once I'm done with the book draft. That's kind of my "reward" for finishing a book -- I'll dive into some short stories. That's always my private joke about that: the reward for writing is more writing! That's how it goes. The four short stories just jumped into my head, two days in a row. I liked the ideas well enough to commit to them.
I grabbed the Cronenberg "The Fly" (1986) and Romero's "Monkey Shines" (1988) on DVD -- those are movies I hadn't seen in a long time, and with Halloween coming, I wanted to indulge in some Horror-type movies. I enjoyed "The Fly" -- it really is very old-school Horror, in many ways. Funny to see Geena Davis in it, too -- she dresses SO 80s in it, it's very amusing. I can actually remember classmates in high school dressing just like that. Jeff Goldblum did a good job in that role as Seth Brundle. I read that he's an accomplished jazz pianist, which doesn't surprise me, since he plays the piano a bit in "The Fly" and I thought "Wow, he can actually play." I'm sure it's one of those actorly details he wanted to include, just to fill out his character a bit. I'm gonna watch "Monkey Shines" tonight. I haven't seen that one since it first came out, but I remembered liking it back then.
A coworker of mine didn't get the job he was hoping to get, and it really rattled him. It was kind of rattling to see him so rattled -- I mean, he's a fretful type, anyway, but seeing him visibly unsettled by that failure was kind of alarming. What's he got to worry about? His wife works full-time, so even losing his job, he'll still have that. Sure, they'll take a financial hit, but he's got her as a partner to help him out. I should be stressed out about the job situation, but I'm just not. Maybe it's just because of the stressload I've had to deal with for the past three+ years, I just take this stuff in stride, anymore, and don't get upset about it. I don't know. The coworker is 10 years younger than me, has a PhD -- he's got nothing to worry about, truly. He'll find something. As I said, I should be the one worrying, but I'm just not, and it's hard to really explain why. Something'll work out. I'll just make it happen.
On the bright side, I've had a handful of great short story ideas that I'm going to write once I'm done with the book draft. That's kind of my "reward" for finishing a book -- I'll dive into some short stories. That's always my private joke about that: the reward for writing is more writing! That's how it goes. The four short stories just jumped into my head, two days in a row. I liked the ideas well enough to commit to them.
I grabbed the Cronenberg "The Fly" (1986) and Romero's "Monkey Shines" (1988) on DVD -- those are movies I hadn't seen in a long time, and with Halloween coming, I wanted to indulge in some Horror-type movies. I enjoyed "The Fly" -- it really is very old-school Horror, in many ways. Funny to see Geena Davis in it, too -- she dresses SO 80s in it, it's very amusing. I can actually remember classmates in high school dressing just like that. Jeff Goldblum did a good job in that role as Seth Brundle. I read that he's an accomplished jazz pianist, which doesn't surprise me, since he plays the piano a bit in "The Fly" and I thought "Wow, he can actually play." I'm sure it's one of those actorly details he wanted to include, just to fill out his character a bit. I'm gonna watch "Monkey Shines" tonight. I haven't seen that one since it first came out, but I remembered liking it back then.
A coworker of mine didn't get the job he was hoping to get, and it really rattled him. It was kind of rattling to see him so rattled -- I mean, he's a fretful type, anyway, but seeing him visibly unsettled by that failure was kind of alarming. What's he got to worry about? His wife works full-time, so even losing his job, he'll still have that. Sure, they'll take a financial hit, but he's got her as a partner to help him out. I should be stressed out about the job situation, but I'm just not. Maybe it's just because of the stressload I've had to deal with for the past three+ years, I just take this stuff in stride, anymore, and don't get upset about it. I don't know. The coworker is 10 years younger than me, has a PhD -- he's got nothing to worry about, truly. He'll find something. As I said, I should be the one worrying, but I'm just not, and it's hard to really explain why. Something'll work out. I'll just make it happen.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Dance
Interesting piece, "Is Ballet Over?" I've kind of wondered. Relative to other forms of dance, it sort of seems to be, unfortunately for it.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Busin'
Trippy ride home. Just lots of stuff to see -- four different guys sporting different lavender shirts (two button-downs, one gingham, and one golf shirt). That amused me, since the guys weren't together, were totally independent of one another, and all converged in roughly the same area of the bus, despite getting on at different times.
The Shrew Sisters -- this duo I saw: 1) chinless, skinny-thighed gal with black-dyed hair and faded denim jean shorts, silver nose ring in her ear, kind of dissatisfied look on her face, looked like a thirsty drunk, wearing Indian mocs with Thunderbird on them in beads. 2) burgundy-dyed hair, black-lined eyes, bad complexion, constantly had her hand to her face, absently chewing on her fingers. Orange socks and untied, laceless black ankle boots, tongues lolling out, gray blouse and gray and black striped sweater, mom jean shorts. They were together, and bore a sort of rat girl resemblance to one another. One kept leaning on the side door to the bus, triggering the alarm bell.
Sharp-shoed, shiny-booted babe in black, black cardigan and slacks, hard face, strong jaw, small eyes dusted black, flatly blonde, shoulder length hair, long and lean, stern gaze periodically broken with straight-edge smile while playing on her iPhone. Next to her, prim-lipped Pole and/or English gal with acid eyes and dark jeans and silver ballet flats that were bowed and ribbed, wearing short beige raincoat and black blouse with beige lozenges on it, patterned, and rectangular silver watch. Hair was lapsed blonde, furtive gaze that sussed out all the other chicks who passed her, what they were wearing.
Gal on the phone saying she needs to have a "friend cleanse" then added to the friend she was talking to "No, you're safe."
Hipster guys wearing hats -- a couple of fedoras (one black, one straw), and a guy in a baseball cap, of course. Little girl waving to everybody, calling out "HI!" in an overloud voice that made me smirk, while she did the little kid curled finger wave.
The Shrew Sisters -- this duo I saw: 1) chinless, skinny-thighed gal with black-dyed hair and faded denim jean shorts, silver nose ring in her ear, kind of dissatisfied look on her face, looked like a thirsty drunk, wearing Indian mocs with Thunderbird on them in beads. 2) burgundy-dyed hair, black-lined eyes, bad complexion, constantly had her hand to her face, absently chewing on her fingers. Orange socks and untied, laceless black ankle boots, tongues lolling out, gray blouse and gray and black striped sweater, mom jean shorts. They were together, and bore a sort of rat girl resemblance to one another. One kept leaning on the side door to the bus, triggering the alarm bell.
Sharp-shoed, shiny-booted babe in black, black cardigan and slacks, hard face, strong jaw, small eyes dusted black, flatly blonde, shoulder length hair, long and lean, stern gaze periodically broken with straight-edge smile while playing on her iPhone. Next to her, prim-lipped Pole and/or English gal with acid eyes and dark jeans and silver ballet flats that were bowed and ribbed, wearing short beige raincoat and black blouse with beige lozenges on it, patterned, and rectangular silver watch. Hair was lapsed blonde, furtive gaze that sussed out all the other chicks who passed her, what they were wearing.
Gal on the phone saying she needs to have a "friend cleanse" then added to the friend she was talking to "No, you're safe."
Hipster guys wearing hats -- a couple of fedoras (one black, one straw), and a guy in a baseball cap, of course. Little girl waving to everybody, calling out "HI!" in an overloud voice that made me smirk, while she did the little kid curled finger wave.
Monday, October 11, 2010
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSure
This story is predicated on people's historical ignorance...
Waffen-SS reenactors
Sorry, but these d-bags playing soldier are going for something very specific in reenaacting the Waffen-SS.
Not the Wehrmacht, mind you -- that is, the standard German Army. But, rather, the Waffen-SS, who were the fullest expression of Nazi ideological aims. Hitler was displeased with his dependence on the Wehrmacht in WWII, and, particularly with the reluctance and political unreliability of the German generals -- he wanted soldiers who were politicized, fully Nazified, and willing to carry out the atrocities required of them without question.
What he'd originally relied upon was the Wehrmacht to conquer an area, and then the SS would come in behind the regular army and start butchering civilians. And sometimes the SS would cross paths with the Wehrmacht. Hitler and Himmler crafted the Waffen-SS (literally, "Weapon SS") as the ultimate Nazi soldier -- and that's the important distinction: not every soldier in the German Army was a committed Nazi -- and that was the "problem" in Hitler's view: he wanted a whole army of fucking Nazis, and the Waffen-SS served that role.
So, these paramilitary goons who play "Waffen-SS" aren't just innocent history buffs; they are creeps who actually fondly want to play Nazi in a way that they can get away with, so they come in under the war reenactment aegis as a cover for this clear fondness for Nazism. The Waffen-SS weren't better soldiers than the Wehrmacht, the professional class of soldiers -- they were more prone to fighting to the death and to committing war crimes, but, again, it's because of they were political soldiers and weapon-toting goons who were put in that role because they were hitmen for Hitler. Basically, death squads writ large. They were never part of the professional German Army, and Hitler wanted them to remain independent of them because he wanted them to remain "politically pure." They were responsible for any number of massacres and war crimes during WWII. That these creeps in this country are reenacting battles as Waffen-SS men is disgusting.
But then, these are the same brand of creepos who are fond of doing Civil War reenactments, likely wishing everybody could be on the side of Confederacy! I highly doubt these same freaks do Red Army reenactments, even though there were plenty of battles where the Red Army routed their beloved Nazis. No, these guys are very specifically honoring a criminal, politicized, blood-soaked, and disgraced paramilitary army, and are, thereby, disgracing themselves in the process.
Oh, and I'm sure they play innocent and claim that they're only "honoring" the conscript-dominated Waffen-SS of 1943 and beyond, but I highly doubt that. The whole organization was a criminal enterprise, the warhammer of Nazi Germany.
Waffen-SS reenactors
Sorry, but these d-bags playing soldier are going for something very specific in reenaacting the Waffen-SS.
Not the Wehrmacht, mind you -- that is, the standard German Army. But, rather, the Waffen-SS, who were the fullest expression of Nazi ideological aims. Hitler was displeased with his dependence on the Wehrmacht in WWII, and, particularly with the reluctance and political unreliability of the German generals -- he wanted soldiers who were politicized, fully Nazified, and willing to carry out the atrocities required of them without question.
What he'd originally relied upon was the Wehrmacht to conquer an area, and then the SS would come in behind the regular army and start butchering civilians. And sometimes the SS would cross paths with the Wehrmacht. Hitler and Himmler crafted the Waffen-SS (literally, "Weapon SS") as the ultimate Nazi soldier -- and that's the important distinction: not every soldier in the German Army was a committed Nazi -- and that was the "problem" in Hitler's view: he wanted a whole army of fucking Nazis, and the Waffen-SS served that role.
So, these paramilitary goons who play "Waffen-SS" aren't just innocent history buffs; they are creeps who actually fondly want to play Nazi in a way that they can get away with, so they come in under the war reenactment aegis as a cover for this clear fondness for Nazism. The Waffen-SS weren't better soldiers than the Wehrmacht, the professional class of soldiers -- they were more prone to fighting to the death and to committing war crimes, but, again, it's because of they were political soldiers and weapon-toting goons who were put in that role because they were hitmen for Hitler. Basically, death squads writ large. They were never part of the professional German Army, and Hitler wanted them to remain independent of them because he wanted them to remain "politically pure." They were responsible for any number of massacres and war crimes during WWII. That these creeps in this country are reenacting battles as Waffen-SS men is disgusting.
But then, these are the same brand of creepos who are fond of doing Civil War reenactments, likely wishing everybody could be on the side of Confederacy! I highly doubt these same freaks do Red Army reenactments, even though there were plenty of battles where the Red Army routed their beloved Nazis. No, these guys are very specifically honoring a criminal, politicized, blood-soaked, and disgraced paramilitary army, and are, thereby, disgracing themselves in the process.
Oh, and I'm sure they play innocent and claim that they're only "honoring" the conscript-dominated Waffen-SS of 1943 and beyond, but I highly doubt that. The whole organization was a criminal enterprise, the warhammer of Nazi Germany.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
The Creation
Today was the Chicago Marathon. Great weather for it. Yawn. Great weather all around -- it feels like a summer day, although quieter and milder. Good stuff. I had the boys out at a playground, where they were busy climbing trees. Very cute.
Nearly 40,000 words on the current book. I'm on track to finish the first draft by month's end, which'll be cool. Then a few weeks of revision, and then the slog of trying to find a home for it, which is always rough. Writing is like talking -- everybody thinks they can do it, but few people actually can. Sort of like this...
Very clear and obvious sentiment, right? Anybody could say that. That's where most people are at, when they say "Oh, I can write."
Some people are maybe at that level, allowing for a little more complexity to the mix.
Still more can maybe get that far. Maybe not even that well, but they can at least string a few notions together.
And so on. And on, and on. The above paragraph is only 376 words, and it's a simple memoir-style narrative, nothing even fancy. A novel is at least 80,000 words.
Most people don't write not only because they can't write (let alone write well, or convey ideas evocatively), but they don't have the stomach for it -- the raw thanklessness of it, the endless call of the words, to say nothing of the nature of characterization, plot, description, storytelling, exposition, narration, theme, metaphor, revision, rewriting, etc. -- most people have better things to do with their lives than write -- like watching paint dry, like getting root canals, driving off cliffs -- any number of worthwhile things.
It's comforting from an ego perspective to think "Oh, I could write a novel if I wanted to." Any time somebody says that, I say "Go for it." It's so much harder than you know. And only people who really, really love it will put themselves through it. The same goes for all creative endeavors -- even though creative things make our lives worth living, make them meaningful and rich and fun -- most creatives are not well-valued or even well-compensated. But all human progress flows through them, whether it's realized or not. Human progress flows from the visionary, and the creatives express their visions through their works, benefiting humanity at large.
It's like the anonymous caveman who made the sculpture of the pretty girl, the Venus of Brassempouy. One of the earliest renditions of a human face...
Now, I can almost hear Anonymous Caveman's buds going "Gronk? Why you sit there stare at Ooona? Why you make THING with your scraping stick? We busy throwing rocks in gorge. You come! You throw, too!" And Gronk shrugs, hides it from them, or else flaunts it. But Gronk made it, and it survived (they estimate it was made ~25,000 years ago).
Ooona must have been a paleolithic hottie, or at the very least, had bitchin' hair, since Gronk lavished attention on those plaits and/or braids she was sporting (or else the hood she was wearing -- it impressed him). All of Gronk's aesthetic choices are curious to me, how he marked her eyes and nose very clearly, but gave her no apparent mouth, and took great care with her hair, which must've really impressed him. Some cavebabe inspired Gronk, and Gronk did her justice in his creation. Maybe he thought it would give him magic powers over Ooona, or maybe he wanted to flatter her with the piece.
The very human, very wonderful nature of that moment, captured in a bit of mammoth tusk, communicates the delightful power of art, and how the seeming pointlessness of it is precisely its magic -- both of them -- creator and subject -- are long, long gone, but that creation endures and survives them. And, yes, I think it was a guy who made it, like many of those early Venus sculptures.
Not everything that's created is worthwhile, but that drive to create something beautiful, however it is done (and however it is defined) is a vital (if thankless) human process that is necessary for our betterment as a species. If art dies, humanity's soul dies with it.
Anyway, end of the month, I should be done. And then my usual cure when I'm done with a piece -- more writing. Hahah!
Nearly 40,000 words on the current book. I'm on track to finish the first draft by month's end, which'll be cool. Then a few weeks of revision, and then the slog of trying to find a home for it, which is always rough. Writing is like talking -- everybody thinks they can do it, but few people actually can. Sort of like this...
Dogs are nice.
Very clear and obvious sentiment, right? Anybody could say that. That's where most people are at, when they say "Oh, I can write."
Dogs are nice. Well, maybe not all dogs.
Some people are maybe at that level, allowing for a little more complexity to the mix.
Dogs are nice. Well, maybe not all dogs. Like Moose, the dog that lived in my neighborhood where I grew up. He was a Yellow Lab, a big dog with baleful brown eyes and a bad habit of chasing kids down the street, bellow-barking at them as he went.
Still more can maybe get that far. Maybe not even that well, but they can at least string a few notions together.
Dogs are nice. Well, maybe not all dogs. Like Moose, the dog that lived in my neighborhood where I grew up. He was a Yellow Lab, a big dog with baleful brown eyes and a bad habit of chasing kids down the street, bellow-barking at them as he went. He ruled the block, was the baron of the boulevard, this braying hell hound. The problem was that he lived at the corner of my bus stop, where I would have to catch the school bus. And every morning, I'd have Moose chasing me down the street, scaring the hell out of me. Then, one day, Moose caught me on a bad day, something had pissed me off at school, and Moose came running at me, barking like he always did, and I saw him and I roared at him in rage, arms held out. Moose froze in his tracks -- the look on his face was priceless, like this blend of surprise and horror, a body-wide spasm of terror as he realized that his bluff had been called. For a split-second, we faced off, and then I began to chase Moose down the street, not entirely sure if the dog was going to go at me or whether he was going to run away, and, on that day, not caring (and I don't quite remember why I was so mad). I was gratified to see Moose take off, running away from me -- for the first time in my childhood, great big Moose the Mutt was on the run. He took off, periodically turning to see if I was still chasing him. And I still was. I was completely going after that goddamned dog. I pursued him all the way to his yard, before leaving him alone, breathless, pleased as could be. Fucking dog. He left me alone after that. In fact, Moose wanted to be my friend after that, with the ineffable dog logic going on -- the same dog that had hounded me day after day, once he realized that I would absolutely go after him if he fucked with me again, THEN he wants to be my buddy. I was the only kid on the block who got on Moose's good side. We were pals.
And so on. And on, and on. The above paragraph is only 376 words, and it's a simple memoir-style narrative, nothing even fancy. A novel is at least 80,000 words.
Most people don't write not only because they can't write (let alone write well, or convey ideas evocatively), but they don't have the stomach for it -- the raw thanklessness of it, the endless call of the words, to say nothing of the nature of characterization, plot, description, storytelling, exposition, narration, theme, metaphor, revision, rewriting, etc. -- most people have better things to do with their lives than write -- like watching paint dry, like getting root canals, driving off cliffs -- any number of worthwhile things.
It's comforting from an ego perspective to think "Oh, I could write a novel if I wanted to." Any time somebody says that, I say "Go for it." It's so much harder than you know. And only people who really, really love it will put themselves through it. The same goes for all creative endeavors -- even though creative things make our lives worth living, make them meaningful and rich and fun -- most creatives are not well-valued or even well-compensated. But all human progress flows through them, whether it's realized or not. Human progress flows from the visionary, and the creatives express their visions through their works, benefiting humanity at large.
It's like the anonymous caveman who made the sculpture of the pretty girl, the Venus of Brassempouy. One of the earliest renditions of a human face...
Now, I can almost hear Anonymous Caveman's buds going "Gronk? Why you sit there stare at Ooona? Why you make THING with your scraping stick? We busy throwing rocks in gorge. You come! You throw, too!" And Gronk shrugs, hides it from them, or else flaunts it. But Gronk made it, and it survived (they estimate it was made ~25,000 years ago).
Ooona must have been a paleolithic hottie, or at the very least, had bitchin' hair, since Gronk lavished attention on those plaits and/or braids she was sporting (or else the hood she was wearing -- it impressed him). All of Gronk's aesthetic choices are curious to me, how he marked her eyes and nose very clearly, but gave her no apparent mouth, and took great care with her hair, which must've really impressed him. Some cavebabe inspired Gronk, and Gronk did her justice in his creation. Maybe he thought it would give him magic powers over Ooona, or maybe he wanted to flatter her with the piece.
The very human, very wonderful nature of that moment, captured in a bit of mammoth tusk, communicates the delightful power of art, and how the seeming pointlessness of it is precisely its magic -- both of them -- creator and subject -- are long, long gone, but that creation endures and survives them. And, yes, I think it was a guy who made it, like many of those early Venus sculptures.
Not everything that's created is worthwhile, but that drive to create something beautiful, however it is done (and however it is defined) is a vital (if thankless) human process that is necessary for our betterment as a species. If art dies, humanity's soul dies with it.
Anyway, end of the month, I should be done. And then my usual cure when I'm done with a piece -- more writing. Hahah!
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