funny

A book and a show

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First the book: The Bone Garden by Tess Gerritsen.

For the first time ever, I was sitting on a bus reading this book, I looked over at the reader next to me (I’m an incorrigible book snoop) and she was reading the exact same book. I consider this scientific proof that the book is a bestseller.

And it deserves to be. It’s a historical thriller, and like a lot of genre books with a historical setting, it spends a lot of time establishing the time period before the story kicks in. But kick in it does. The two lead characters are more admirable than interesting, but some of the supporting cast get POV chapters.

The most interesting character here is the setting, ‘natch. The rough conditions in the maternity ward, the medical school classes, the filthy rooms where the poor had to live–yeah, it’s gross. But it was fascinating, too. And once the plot picked up speed, I couldn’t put it down.

And I hereby declare my book grouch period to be over.

Next is the show. Here is the trailer to the CGI anime series CatShitOne

and OMG, do not let your kids see that.

Well, *that’s* a relief!

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School headmaster insists that there are no vampires infesting the Boston Latin School.

Aren’t you glad that’s settled? I am.

ETA: Remember that “legs like quills” book I linked to a while back? Making Light does a thorough link farm on it.

Heh. “… her neck was a bottle of wine covered in dew and otters.”

Links and Galleys

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First the links:

Writers, Do not call a publisher, even if you’re “calling on behalf of an agent”. ::Rolls eyes::

And, here’s a list you didn’t know you absolutely had to read: Twenty Ridiculous Complaints Made By Tourists. The first one, about the aroused elephant, is priceless.

From Failblog.org: Child safety: You’re doing it wrong.

From Failblog.org part 2: Is this really a bag of Doritos?

I love the serene look on the yellow guy’s face. Crotch-stomp=bliss.

Finally, Former Project Runway contestant charged with Assault for throwing a cat (among other things) at her sleeping boyfriend.

And now, galleys: I’m told that Del Rey will be printing over 500 bound galleys for Child of Fire, and 300 of them will be given away at San Diego Comic Con. They’ll also be the only fiction advance reader edition they’ll be giving away at the event. Pretty cool, thinks me.

The Writer’s Life

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Can I be CASTLE? Seriously?

I don’t know if any of you watched that show, but Nathan Fillion plays a filthy rich bestselling novelist with the mayor on speed dial. Now, I realize that, fundamentally, TV is not real, but I still love the fantasy life–as long as I don’t have to become a divorced, irresponsible boy-child who drinks and gambles too much. I’d rather keep my wife, and I’m happy to accept all that money, too.

As a show, it’s fine. The two stars have a bit of chemistry and the mystery was fun. Too bad it’s on so late.

Next: here’s a NSFW review of some time-traveling erotica. Um, yeah. Has to be seen to be believed.

Also, some folks are very happy that Warren Lapine has bought Realms of Fantasy, and will continue publishing it. I admit to being more skeptical that things will turn out well.

Finally, I finished the minor revisions for Everyone Loves Blue Dog during the wee hours of the morning. Being sick and sleepless has advantages. There’s still more work to do, since the ending needs work. Not coincidentally, I also read this interview. The author being interviewed at that link has a refreshingly practical attitude, but I’m not sure it would suit me.

If I’m still sick tomorrow, I’ll stay home for work and try to finish the whole thing.

Hope everyone is having a good day.

I’m just jealous that I didn’t think of it first

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Via Writer Beware:

Stuck for a gripping opening to your latest opus? The Avocado Papers want to help aspiring writers by selling them opening paragraphs for their stories at the low, low rate of $1.75 a word.

Here’s a sample paragraph:

The President was in a pensive mood as he wondered what sort of arc his second term would follow, and idly surveyed what he believed to be the Washington Monument (but which was, in fact, the Capitol) through the tinted, bullet-proof windows. It had been a tough day, but as his motorcade sped along the edge of the Mall some minutes later, his body tensed as he thought about how lucky he was to have a Secretary of Defense who was so good at sucking cock.

For only $152.25! For non-exclusive rights!

Which is hilarious.

And yeah, this site is from last July. Also, they seem to specialize in satire. I wonder if they’ve actually managed to get money out of this?

We learn more from failure than success

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That ten-day fast I was on? It turned out to be a one and a half day fast. Excuse-making, rationalizations and other specious pseudo-arguments will be made later. Meanwhile… Look! People who are crazy about cats!

For all you MST3K fans out there…

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And fans of Rifftrax, too, might want to bow your heads for a moment of silence.

Show favorite Mike Nelson has decided to end his life, a rasher at a time.

Oh, and if anyone plays the game I mentioned in my earlier post, lemme know what you think. Okay?

Two embedded videos on the same day

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I must be losing my mind.

First, in the “I do not think it means what you think it means” category:

“OMG! Was that live? Terri! Terri, come here, please. About that word you used when you were describing the President’s love life…

And here’s another video courtesy of Amy Sheldon’s sff.net newsgroup: A Cause Worth Fighting For. A very fun animation that’s also beautifully done. It’s about 8 minutes long, but it’s probably the best show you’ll see today.

The TV is on, and I’m sooooo excited

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Special Unit 2 marathon on Sci-Fi Channel today!