Monthly Archives: December 2011
Science Fiction Films and Flying Snowmen
Posted on December 14, 2011
Over at FilmCritic.com this week, I follow on to the discussion here earlier this week on the subject of “Flying Snowmen,” and ask how the phenomenon extends to science fiction films in particular. That’s right! I’m recycling an idea I had here! And getting paid for it! God bless America, man. Aaaaaanyway, go over there […]
Penny Arcade Guest Strip Auction to Benefit Child’s Play
Posted on December 14, 2011 36 Comments
As I noted in the previous entry, today I (with artist Jeff Zugale) contributed a guest panel to the estimable Penny Arcade Web comic. The guys at Penny Arcade also run a charity called Child’s Play, which donates toy and games to children who endure hospital stays for treatment of their illnesses. I think this […]
My Penny Arcade Guest Strip is Up
Posted on December 14, 2011 35 Comments
And it’s full of nerdy parental goodness, if I do say so myself. The full strip is here. I figure most people who are nerds who spend any time online will get the punchline, but if you don’t, this link will give you context. For those of you wondering if I drew the comic as […]
Question for Republican/Conservative Readers
Posted on December 13, 2011 158 Comments
You all know my thoughts on this year’s pack of GOP candidates, but then I’m a known pinko commie socialist and am deeply unlikely to be voting for any of them. So: Can you articulate for me your own honest feelings about this election cycle’s slate of candidates? I am genuinely interested. So that the […]
Amazon, Local Bookstores, Me
Posted on December 13, 2011 91 Comments
The New York Times has a piece today by author Richard Russo about the recent Amazon stunt of encouraging people to go into bookstores, using their cell phones to read the prices of items for sale and then for their efforts receive up to $5 off things they buy at Amazon. Russo and the authors […]
You Don’t Have to Be Murderously Jealous of My Awesome Official Redshirts Red Shirt
Posted on December 13, 2011 40 Comments
First, look upon the awesomeness that is the official Redshirts red shirt, replicating as it does the shirt on the cover of my upcoming novel. Yes, I stand proudly in the knowledge that this shirt is the best shirt that has ever existed in this or any other known universe. As if to make that […]
Sunset, 12/12/11
Posted on December 12, 2011 5 Comments
Not too many of these left, this year. Best to enjoy them while we can.
I Dare You to Find a Weirder Story Today
Posted on December 12, 2011 59 Comments
Anti-gay politician donates sperm to New Zealand lesbians, neglects to tell his wife. Seriously, I don’t even know where to begin with this one. (Hat tip: Talking Points Memo)
Reminder: Last Day For Christmas Delivery of Signed Books
Posted on December 12, 2011 5 Comments
The headline says it all: If you want signed books from me for yourself or loved ones, today is the last day to order them from Jay & Mary’s Book Center to be assured that they will arrive before Christmas day. After today and through the 19th of December I’ll be happy to sign any […]
Another One of My Sekrit Projects, Announced
Posted on December 12, 2011 21 Comments
What is it? Go here to find out. In case you’re wondering: Yes, it’s done, yes, I’ve turned it in, and yes, it’s pretty damn amusing if I do say so myself, and (mostly) based on a event in my real life. It’ll be up on Wednesday, is my understanding. So you don’t have too […]
The Flying Snowman
Posted on December 11, 2011 349 Comments
Over at Metafilter, they’re having a discussion on this Wired piece, which among other things details how the lava in The Return of the King is not quite right and how Gollum shouldn’t sink when he falls into it. I commented: In a film with spiders of physically impossible size, talking trees, ugly warriors birthed […]
Lazy Sunday
Posted on December 11, 2011 45 Comments
Well, not actually, since I am proofing not one but two upcoming books at the moment. Yes, that’s right, two! (Redshirts and 24 Frames Into the Future, respectively.) I am also doing laundry. I am a busy man, I am. So: Not lazy. But mostly not here, either. How is your Sunday coming along? Share! Omit […]
Three Things for Saturday
Posted on December 10, 2011 6 Comments
They are: 1. I’m heading back home, which means a Day O’ Planes. Without wifi, apparently. Life in the modern age is difficult, I tell you. So this post will be it for updating today. Be strong. 2. My thanks to everyone who participated in the Whatever Shopping Guide 2011 this last week. There was […]
The Big Idea: Jennifer Brozek
Posted on December 9, 2011 1 Comment
We all know what it’s like to be human — you’re doing it right now. And having the knowledge could make it difficult to imagine what it’s like to become human — to view that humanity from the outside, as it were. That was the mission of the writers who contributed to the anthology Human […]
Whatever Shopping Guide 2011, Day 5: Charities
Posted on December 9, 2011 104 Comments
For the last four days, the Whatever Shopping Guide 2011 has been about helping you find the perfect gifts for friends and loved ones. But today I’d like to remind folks that the season is also about helping those in need. So this final day is for charities. If you’re looking for a place to […]
The Whatever Shopping Guide 2011, Day 4: Fan Favorites
Posted on December 8, 2011 89 Comments
For the first three days of the Whatever Shopping Guide 2011, I’ve let authors and creators tell you about their work. Today is different: Today is Fan Favorites day, in which fans, admirers and satisfied customers share with you a few of their favorite things — and you can share some of your favorite things […]
High Up There On the List of Things I Can’t Do
Posted on December 7, 2011 75 Comments
Yes, it’s pole dancing. Astounding pole dancing. And at around 3:20, if you’re not impressed with this woman’s athleticism, you’re either lying or blind.
And One More Round of Christmas Reruns
Posted on December 7, 2011 11 Comments
I know, I know, you want new Christmas stuff from me. Hey, maybe in the next couple of weeks. If you’re nice and not naughty. In the meantime, though, why not enjoy my two most popular Christmas reheats? The first, of course, is “The Ten Least Successful Christmas Specials of All Time,” because Christmas isn’t […]
The Whatever Shopping Guide, Day 3: Other Gifts and Crafts
Posted on December 7, 2011 106 Comments
The Whatever 2011 shopping guide continues, and today we move away from books and focus on other gifts and crafts — which you can take to mean just about any other sort of thing a creative person might make: Music, art, knitting, jewelry, artisanal foodstuffs and so on. These can be great, unique gifts for […]
Some Truly Terrible Holiday Specials For You
Posted on December 7, 2011
Today over at FilmCritic.com, I make the argument that the real problem with The Star Wars Holiday special is not that it exists, but that there are no other equally terrible holiday specials based on science fiction films. So of course I suggest some. Because that is what I do. Come find out what perfectly […]
Whatever Everyone Else is Saying