Monthly Archives: January 2011
Oy, Monday
Posted on January 31, 2011 43 Comments
Because I know you were wondering, Monday is my busiest work day, generally speaking. There’s the book quota, which will may or my not take me up to noon, and then when I’m done with that I shift to the filmcritic.com column, which needs to be finished by five pm. In between that I’m fielding […]
Sunset, 1/30/11
Posted on January 30, 2011 18 Comments
I’m not generally a fan of contrails in my sunset pictures, but tonight I think they worked quite well.
Crimes of Education
Posted on January 30, 2011 126 Comments
I’ve been getting a lot of e-mail asking for my thoughts about Kelley Williams-Bolar, the woman here in Ohio who was recently sentenced to to ten days in prison (of which apparently she served nine) and now has a felony record because she and her father listed the father’s residence as the primary residence of […]
Being Fictional
Posted on January 30, 2011 113 Comments
The other day in the Whateverettes sidebar I linked to Elizabeth Bear’s discussion about being fictional — or, less pithily, her dealing with that fact that lots of people who read her books and/or her blog have an image of her in her head which is a construct, based on that writing, which may or […]
Brain Not Working; Have Some Music
Posted on January 29, 2011 10 Comments
Steve Burns (yes, parents, that Steve Burns), “What I Do On Saturday” [vodpod id=Video.5324647&w=425&h=350&fv=docId%3D-6259233830042316596%26playerMode%3Dsimple%26hl%3Den] Enjoy your Saturday. See you tomorrow.
Hey, I’m Touring Germany in October
Posted on January 28, 2011 87 Comments
Dear Germany: I love you guys. You are my bestselling market outside of the United States and you’ve given me awards — but even before then I’ve always had an interest in you. Did you know I took seven years of German in high school and college? It’s true, I did. Yes I was terrible […]
Professing My Ignorance About Egypt
Posted on January 28, 2011 108 Comments
To the person who demanded “write something about Egypt!” — uh, okay: I have nothing useful to say about the situation in Egypt whatsoever. I suspect I am more aware of the recent history of Egypt than most Americans, but this means I am just aware enough to know that any attempt at substantive opining […]
Convention Announcement
Posted on January 27, 2011 24 Comments
Charlie’s mentioned it on his own Web site now, so I’ll mention it here: I will be a substitute Guest of Honor at Minicon 46, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, April 22 – 24. I’m stepping in for Charles Stross, who is bowing out because of “medical issues affecting a close family member.” I hope you’ll all […]
Just Arrived, 1/27/11
Posted on January 27, 2011 21 Comments
Catching up on some of the books that have come to my door recently: * Pale Demon, Kim Harrison (Harper Voyager): Witch Rachel Morgan has to get all the way across the country in order to appear at a witches convention to defend her life, in three days, without flying, supernaturally or otherwise. Needless to […]
The Big Idea: Matt Forbeck
Posted on January 27, 2011 11 Comments
In the annals of the dreaded author question “where do you get your ideas?” It’s entirely possible that Matt Forbeck has got the most interesting response, at least when it comes to his novel Amortals. I’d go on further about it, but I think I should just let Forbeck jump right in and take this […]
Oscar Predictions, 2011
Posted on January 26, 2011 46 Comments
In my capacity as a professional film commentator of two decades standing — seriously, I started my job as a film critic in 1991, MAN I AM OLD — it’s time for my annual Oscar predictions. This is the first stab, and then a couple days before the actual ceremony I’ll make any adjustments and […]
Oscars and Science Fiction, 2011
Posted on January 26, 2011
This year’s Academy Award nominations are out, and is there anything in them for science fiction fans to be happy about — or outraged about? As I point out in this week’s FilmCritic.com column, there’s a little bit of both. Go check out my sci-fi Oscar roundup and share your own thoughts over on the […]
Super Instant State of the Union Reaction Post GO!
Posted on January 25, 2011 107 Comments
Eh, it was fine. Obama said a bunch of stuff that I find generally reasonable and unobjectionable, and cast it in such a way to imply that it could be done in a manner that would satisfy both Democrats and Republicans, and everyone in the chamber seemed to be on good behavior still, so, yeah. […]
Tonight’s Musical Contribution
Posted on January 25, 2011 4 Comments
Comes from Daniel Lanois. Enjoy.
Agent to the Stars French Cover
Posted on January 25, 2011 31 Comments
My writing day is a little turned upside-down today because the Oscar nominations come out and I have to write my Filmcritic.com column about them before noon, so today I’ll be hiding from the Internets in the afternoon. Which gives me an excellent excuse to show you this right now: The French cover to Agent […]
Some Late Night Music For You
Posted on January 25, 2011 15 Comments
“Over the Hillside” from The Blue Nile, off Hats. Man, I love that album. Good night. See you tomorrow.
Monday (Barely Still) Morning Update
Posted on January 24, 2011 27 Comments
Hope you survived the weekend without me. And if you didn’t, I don’t suppose you’re reading this anyway. And now, some quick updates of things and stuff: * First, hey look at this: At the moment, the German version of Metatropolis is the #1 science fiction book on Amazon Germany, and their #26 book overall. […]
Consider This Picture of an Empty Chair a Metaphor For My Presence Here This Weekend
Posted on January 21, 2011 24 Comments
Because I’m traveling this weekend and will be away until late Sunday afternoon at the earliest. I’ll be here, and probably also on Twitter. Otherwise, see you in a couple of days.
Gaaaah, I Can’t Choose The Haiku Contest Finalists Because There Are Too Many Good Ones, So Here’s Just The Winner
Posted on January 20, 2011 49 Comments
It’s from E.J., who wrote, in the haiku of his demise: I did always hope My last moments would be spent Somewhat coherent. That’s a laser reference, there. And a very good one. And with that, Lieutenant Merkel is now Lieutenant Fischer. Additionally, E.J. will get an acknowledgment in the book, and a signed copy […]
Dogs and Cats Living Together: The Continuing Saga
Posted on January 20, 2011 31 Comments
Ghlaghghee has decided that it’s probably fine to lie about with the new dog. Zeus is not so sure.
Whatever Everyone Else is Saying