Monthly Archives: January 2009
Meanwhile, in China
Posted on January 8, 2009 31 Comments
In the mail today, copies of the Chinese versions of Old Man’s War and The Ghost Brigades, both of which appear to include an introduction from me, which first struck me as a bit odd, since I didn’t remember writing an introduction. But then I remembered that a version of OMW appeared a couple of […]
A Trip to the Vet
Posted on January 8, 2009 45 Comments
Ghlaghghee and Zeus went to the vet today, and while it’s probably not accurate to say a good time was had by all, because cats are strangely resistant to calling getting a set of shots a “good time,” nevertheless a necessary time was had by some, namely, the cats. Those of you expecting bloodletting on […]
Pseudo Science Fiction
Posted on January 8, 2009
This week’s AMC column is about science fiction films that aren’t — that is, films that are arguably science fictional but which, for whatever reason, might not be considered science fiction films (for example, the latest Indiana Jones flick). We had a lot of these films last year, and some of them were the biggest […]
Mii, Myself and I
Posted on January 7, 2009 43 Comments
Having now lived with the game system for a couple of weeks now, some thoughts on the Wii: 1. It genuinely disturbs me how much my “mii” (which people here and otherwheres insist I should call “Scalzii”) looks like me. One should not closely resemble a basic polygon map, and that’s all there is to […]
You Are Getting Sleepy; Also Smoky and Tasty
Posted on January 7, 2009 45 Comments
Sent to me by my good friend Mary Robinette Kowal, from the streets of New York City: Mmmm… the suggestive power of bacon. It compels you. Fortunately, just to eat bacon. And possibly hash browns. Oh, and waffles. And maybe some eggs, too. Damn it, now I need to go down to the kitchen. Curse […]
The Big Idea: Jim C. Hines
Posted on January 6, 2009 48 Comments
And here we are, with the first Big Idea piece of 2009. And who better to start us off than Jim C. Hines, who having already rehabbed cowardly green fantasy creatures in his Goblin trilogy, now turns his attention to rebooting the stories of three of the most popular fairly tale princesses in The Stepsister […]
January Whateveresque
Posted on January 6, 2009 1 Comment
Today’s the day to register for Whateveresque, the Whatever reader forum for the month of January: Registration is open until 10pm or so. Remember that you’ll be approved faster if I don’t think you’re a spambot; here’s how to avoid looking like one of those. And be sure to introduce yourself to others in the […]
Today’s Deep Thought
Posted on January 6, 2009 27 Comments
If you ever want to be reminded that sometimes in life it’s better to take things slow and easy, and maybe not be in such an all-fired rush, I suggest driving on icy black rural backroads with a minivan full of kids, while pelting fragments of ice congeal on your front windshield. You’re welcome.
On Link Requests: Here’s a Thread
Posted on January 6, 2009 40 Comments
While I was on my two week semi-hiatus, I got what I figure is a metric butt-load of requests for links to various things. Seriously, tons. Rather than try to pluck them out of the my 2008 mail archive, the thought of which fills me wth crushing ennui, how about I do this: If you […]
And Now, Cats
Posted on January 5, 2009 39 Comments
Because there will be riots otherwise. I will note, however, that these picture were not taken by me, but by my friend Anne KG Murphy, who over the Christmas holidays became one of the few people I know who has actually visited my house. Yes, the Scalzi Compound does exist; it’s not just CGI and […]
The 2009 Award Pimpage Post
Posted on January 5, 2009 12 Comments
It’s time for my annual unseemly reminder to people thinking about voting for science fiction writing awards that, indeed, I have stuff available for them to nominate. What’s available for consideration this year? I’m glad you asked. The following are listed in the categories for the Hugo Awards: Best Novel Zoe’s Tale Best Novella “Utere […]
January’s Obligatories, Re: Mail and Whateveresque
Posted on January 5, 2009 1 Comment
About mail: I’ve pretty much answered all the December mail I plan to, so if you sent me something hoping for a reply and didn’t get one, it may have slipped between the cracks (indeed, since I got an unspeakable amount of mail in December, it’s more likely than in most months). Sorry. Feel free […]
2008, 2009
Posted on January 5, 2009 36 Comments
2008 was a horrible year for most humans, as I understand it, but it was pretty good for me. My family and I were happy and healthy, I won a Hugo and got on the New York Times bestseller list, the guy I voted for got elected president, and for the 39th consecutive year, I […]
What I Want to Watch in 2009
Posted on January 1, 2009
I don’t think it counts against the two-week hiatus here to let you know my new AMC column is up, and it’s on some of the science fiction (and science fiction-esque) films I’m looking forward to in 2009, and a couple I’m not so much. Watchmen is in the first of these categories — that […]
Whatever Everyone Else is Saying